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Paul & Daughter Christine
Salute a Cozumel Sunset |
Welcome to the September issue of Sea-gram, the monthly newsletter for ocean lovers, divers, and "deep-thinkers," from milabooks.com This issue is a bit late due to a busy September, which included my daughter Christine's wedding, postponed from August 28th due to an uninvited intruder named IRENE. However, in some cases Hurricane Irene's punch was more hype than horror, as the alternative video posted by two amateur news hounds, daughter Laura & hubby, Russ, shows; Quick Links, right column. In this issue's Story Behind The Photo, read about diver Lars Rothschild's encounter with a crocodile fish in the Red Sea. If you have a good photo with an interesting story, or would like to share a good dive yarn, let me know at paul@paulmila.com and I'll be happy to include your story in a future issue. Our Conservation Corner this month features several conservation organizations that are making a difference to our oceans. Visit their websites and check them out.
If you know someone who would enjoy reading Sea-gram, please a copy to your buddy, using the link at the end of the newsletter.
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I hope you enjoy Sea-gram !
Sincerely,
Paul J. Mila
MilaBooks.com
516-578-1482 |
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Story Behind The Photo . . .
Red Sea Crocodile Fish
By Lars Rothschild, Denmark | |
This month's photo of a very unusual fish was taken by Lars Rothschild, diving in the Red Sea.
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Croc Fish, Red Sea; Lars Rothschild photo |
Here is Lars' story:
"We were diving on August 20th at Erg Somaya, located in the north of the Red Sea. The local diving instructors discovered this fully grown specimen of the Indian Ocean crocodile fish (approx. 3 feet). The croc fish was resting on the bottom at a depth of 52 feet.
"For an untrained eye it was impossible to distinguish the croc from the sandy bottom. I didn't use my strobe, as the ambient light was very strong. Instead I used a red filter. Compared to the pictures of the same species in the literature, I think that the colors came out well.
"The local guides found them for us as they were almost impossible to discover when resting at the sandy bottom. The croc fish was quite easy to approach so I could focus on keeping a steady buoyancy not stirring up the sand. The croc seemed to be quite satisfied with the photo session and its residence. In any case the divers were the first to leave the place.
Camera Details:
"The photo was shot with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 in an Ikelite housing, red filter, f/2 at 1/60 sec, ISO 80."
PHOTO TIPS:
1. For this photo, Lars was not using a strobe, just ambient light with a red filter to restore natural color.
But when using a strobe very close to your subject, within two feet, or near a white sandy bottom, turn down flash power to avoid over-exposure. Use a flash diffuser if you have one, to soften the shot and obtain richer colors.
2. To get as close as Lars did, stop, relax, and, as Lars said, control your buoyancy to avoid stirring up the sand. Approach, very slowly; no rapid breathing, fast swimming or flailing arms.
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Conservation Corner . . .
Organizations Making A Difference | |
This month's conservation article is devoted to three organizations committed to saving our oceans, and the inhabitants living in them (a fourth organization, Blue Ocean Institute is featured in this month's Guest Link Section, right column.)
PEW Environment Group:
Check out this short video, Deep trouble For The Deep Sea, from PEW, as well as the story about a new shark sanctuary in the South Pacific.
SEA SAVE Foundation:
This organization focuses the energy of committed citizens to make a change.
Their most recent success was helping to pass a bill to ban possession of shark fins in California.
Read the story below:
For more information, contact:
Georgienne Bradley, Executive Director
Sea Save Foundation
Georgienne@seasave.org
(310) 458-0700
Shark Guardians:
Shark Guardians was founded in 2009 by diver and conservation campaigner Rich Clothier, 37, from Rugby in Warwickshire. In an interview with Divernet Online magazine he said, "I was aware many groups focused on the shark fin soup issue, but they had overlooked this other [by-products] threat."
Check out the story and the petition link:
For more information, contact:
Rich Clothier
Shark Consultant,Shark Guardians
Email address: sharkguardians@orangehome.co.uk
Office: (01788) 574604
Mobile: (07595) 470915
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| About MilaBooks.com |
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Click the reading dolphin and swim into our website |
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MilaBooks.com
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Carle Place, New York 11514
516-578-1482
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Featured Article in this month's Conservation Corner: Conservation Organizations Making A Difference.
Check out the links and websites of the PEW Environment Group, the Sea Save Foundation, and Shark Guardians.
In the Guest Links section, visit the Blue Ocean Institute and check out details for their 2011 Gala. | |
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| Quick Links | |
Updates & Miscellaneous Features
Japan Tsunami Revisited
Andy Guiliano sent in this jaw-dropping video of Japan's recent tsunami, from a different perspective. It was shot by a passenger inside a car as the killer wave swepped the vehicle away like a bobbing cork.
The scene begins with tremors, and then the ocean rushes into the streets.
MAX your screen-view to experience the terror of helplessness:
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Two News Hounds
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Scuba Tank Explodes, Kills Diver
Sea-gram reader Jeff Reid sent in this story about a scuba tank explosion, which killed a 23-year old Iraq War Veteran.
* * * * * * * * * New Dolphin Movie If you love dolphins (who doesn't?) you'll love this just-released movie, based on a true story. Click the website and view the trailer:
* * * * * * * * * A fun divesite, where you can rent a beachfront condo, view great dive photos, and more!
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GUEST LINKS
Blue Ocean Institute One of my favorite conservation organizations, the BOI, founded by author and conservationist Carl Safina, is based in Cold Spring Harbor NY. Blue Ocean Institute is honoring Sven-Olof Lindblad at its 2011 Gala Benefit on October 4th at the Lighthouse, Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers in NYC. For details click here: * * * * * * * * * Imagine A World Without Fish! That's the tag line for the film, A Sea Change
The Schoolhouse Theater in association with Niijii Films is proud to announce the screening of this award winning documentary.
For details,Click on:
A Sea Change
Screening and Reception
October 16th @4pm.
Panel discussion to follow.
The Schoolhouse Theater
3 Owens Road, Croton Falls, NY 10519
914-277-847
www.schoolhousetheater.org
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Latest Cozumel News
For the latest goings-on in Cozumel, check out this informative newsletter:
Cozumel-4-You
* * * * * * * * * Available Link! Post a link to your web site here! |
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