You’re Gonna Die Out There

Dwayne ”The Rock” Johnson AKA Maui (I’m sure he’ll fit in the Emergency Preparedness Kit!)

This week's episode, Jen tackles the infamous Bermuda Triangle!
Organization to Support: Conservation International: The Coral Triangle Initiative
https://www.conservation.org/projects/coral-triangle-initiative
As a founding partner of the CTI since its inception in 2007, Conservation International works with governments, communities and other stakeholders to help them achieve sustainable change.
Following the first guiding principle of the CTI — "Support people-centered biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, poverty reduction and equitable benefit sharing" — our focus is on working with people to sustainably manage marine ecosystems so they can support their well-being, now and into the future. Our guidance has been requested by partners, communities and governments, allowing us to work across sectors and at all levels. By connecting the efforts in-country to the wider region, we are ensuring that successes are amplified, creating momentum from the ground-up for changes that last.
Links:
https://www.history.co.uk/articles/five-of-the-most-mysterious-bermuda-triangle-disappearances
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/bermuda-triangle-mystery-disappearance
https://www.history.com/news/what-is-the-bermuda-triangle
https://geographicalanalysis.com/sargasso-sea-bermuda-triangle/
https://www.readingeagle.com/2015/09/09/history-book-fate-of-ex-hotel-owner-remains-unexplained/
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-22806362
https://www.britannica.com/story/what-is-known-and-not-known-about-the-bermuda-triangle
https://www.boaterexam.com/blog/bermuda-triangle-theories/
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/bermudatri.html

Nature Nugget: The Sargassum Blob

This week Jen shares some news about the sargassum blob!
Links:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/heres-the-real-story-behind-the-massive-blob-of-seaweed-heading-toward-florida/
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/07/us/seaweed-blob-florida-sargassum-shrinking.html
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230622-what-is-causing-the-atlantics-seaweed-blobs

Episode 100! A Beacon Implant

For this, the 100th episode, Megan talks creepy cruise ship disapperances. Get your personal flotation device and hop aboard this episode!
Organization to Support: International Cruise Victims Association
https://internationalcruisevictims.org/
Since 2006, International Cruise Victims, Inc. (ICV) has grown to include members around the world. Our all-volunteer staff is made up almost entirely of victims or survivors of tragic events which occurred in the course of a cruise voyage. Our goal is to contribute to growing a cruise industry where passengers and crew are safe from victimization by working with Congress and other agencies and organizations to improve/increase standards, regulations, laws, and justice. ICV also offers victims a community of belonging and a voice with which they might share their stories while providing assistance to other victims as they each in turn seek to recover from the injustices they have experienced.
References:
https://internationalcruisevictims.org/blog/missing-persons/
https://allthatsinteresting.com/cruise-ship-disappearances
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Amy_Lynn_Bradley
https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/amy-lynn-bradley
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_who_disappeared_mysteriously_at_sea
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Rebecca_Coriam
https://internation776.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/brochureTrifold_E_FNL.pdf
https://www.maritimeinjuryguide.org/blog/when-people-go-missing-on-cruise-ships/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skAKL-zM3-Y
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/how-survive-fall-cruise-ship/
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/passenger-falls-10th-deck-royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-rcna91658
https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2023/07/26/cruise-ship-person-overboard-how-easy-is-it-to-fall-off-a-ship/70468528007/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_overboard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_ship
https://www.mapquest.com/travel/the-15-bestworst-cruise-lines-in-the-world/

Nature Nugget: The Great Molasses Flood of 1919

Hey there Nature Nerds! This week Megan talks about the Great Molasses Flood of 1919.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Molasses_Flood
https://www.history.com/news/great-molasses-flood-science
https://www.history.com/news/the-great-molasses-flood-of-1919
https://time.com/5500592/boston-great-molasses-flood-100/

An Inflatable Great Horned Owl Decoy Hat

Hey There Nature Nerds! This week Jen talks all things owls, starting with the infamous staircase and owl theory! Keep an eye on the skies and enjoy!
Organization to Support: Owl Research Institute
htps://www.owlresearchinstitute.org/
The owl research institute is a small non-profit based out of Montana. They conduct long-term research on owls, their prey species, and their relationship to the habitat in which they live. They use these data to help maintain viable populations.
Additionally, they collaborate on strategic projects; educate the public about owls; and provide research data to land management agencies and conservation partners.
Also check out the American Bird Conservancy page.
Links:
htps://www.vulture.com/2018/06/the-staircase-neflix-owl-theory explained.html
htps://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/famous-murders/michael peterson/
htps://www.audubon.org/news/was-owl-real-culprit-peterson-murder mystery
htps://www.audubon.org/news/no-barred-owls-are-not-trying-kill-you
htps://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2015/12/22/return owlcapone-two-atacks-reported/77760094/
htps://www.npr.org/2022/11/02/1133260919/an-owl-twice-atacked-a washington-woman-a-biologist-says-its-becoming-more-comm
htps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/owl-atack-killarney-provincial park-1.6786893
htps://www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-fascinating-facts-about-owls-not many-people-know.html
htps://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/what-are-owl-pellets/ htps://abcbirds.org/birds/
htps://facts.net/owl-facts/

Nature Nugget: Tokitae

Hey there Nature Nerds! Here's this week's nature nuggie all about the captive Orca Tokitae. <3
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lolita_(orca)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captive_orcas
https://www.cascadiadaily.com/news/2023/aug/21/supporters-push-for-tokitaes-return-to-salish-sea-after-necropsy/
https://www.mmc.gov/priority-topics/species-of-concern/southern-resident-killer-whale/

A Floating BBQ Platform

Hey There Nature Nerds! We’re back in the saddle again! This week Megan shares the mystery of the Kali River Monster!
Organization to Support: https://eastkaliriverwaterkeeper.org/ and NEER Foundation
Objective of creating awareness on various issues related to water involving the community in finding various solutions for sustainable future
As the Founder Director of NEER Foundation, it is the belief of Raman Kant that environment problems can only be addressed adequately if local people are involved in decision-making at all levels and have control over resources. Lead by him, NEER Foundation acts as an independent, not-for-profit making voluntary organization working towards environment protection and management by means of water conservation and rural development. NEER Foundation is involved in research, campaigns, grassroots level practical work and advocacy on issues related to environment and human rights.
References:
https://kalamtimes.com/news/lifestyle/kali-river-history-do-you-know-the-story-of-the-origin-and-history-of-the-kali-river-237434
https://eastkaliriver.org/research/kali-river-east-history/3/
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/black-curse-of-the-kali-river-39382
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali_River_(Karnataka)
https://www.earthday.org/this-is-how-antwada-an-earth-day-network-star-village-is-reviving-kali-river/
https://www.corbettnationalpark.in/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Corbett_National_Park
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagarius_yarrelli
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali_River_goonch_attacks#:~:text=The%20Kali%20River%20goonch%20attacks,Nepal%2C%20between%201998%20and%202007.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/3163501/Mutant-fish-develops-a-taste-for-human-flesh-in-India.html
https://darktales.blog/2019/04/22/kali-river-goonch-attacks/
https://river-monsters.fandom.com/wiki/Goonch_Attacks
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1075530/Mutant-fish-taste-human-flesh-attacks-swimmers-Indian-river.html
https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/gnmhx/til_about_the_kali_river_goonch_attacks_which/?rdt=52370
https://wildfact.com/forum/topic-goonch-bagarius-yarrelli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2Zh3JzfyJU
https://kidadl.com/facts/animals/devil-catfish-facts
http://www.wild-facts.com/2010/wild-fact-651-watch-where-you-swim-goonch-catfish/
https://kids.kiddle.co/Catfish
https://improveangling.com/most-dangerous-catfish-species-in-the-world/
https://www.google.com/search?q=river+monsters+goonch+full+episode&oq=river+monsters+goonch+full+&aqs=chrome.0.0i512j69i57.16516j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:47f81b25,vid:RFj4BqQjjU4

Patreon Episode: An Old Timey Nightgown Made by your Nana

Hey Nature Nerds! We're still working on getting up to speed post typhoon, so in the meantime enjoy this Bonus Patreon episode!
This month's episode starts with Jen's science news about a town in Australia being overrun by Kangaroos. Then Megan keeps the fun going with the not-so-great and occasionally creepy history of Lake Lanier, GA. Thanks to Laura L, you awesome friend and Patron, for this suggestion! Get your life vest and enjoy!
Organization to Support:
Chattahoochee River Keeper
Chattahoochee.org
Our mission is to educate, advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, including its lakes, tributaries and watershed, in order to restore and conserve their ecological health for the people and wildlife that depend on the river system and in recognition of the important ecosystem functions provided throughout the region and planet.
Established in 1994, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper employs a variety of strategies to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee River, its lakes and watershed. They include:
· Water monitoring
· Education
· Research
· Advocacy
· Communication
· Collaboration
· Legal action
· Over time, we have steadily grown in size, scope and influence:
· 10,000 members throughout the watershed
· 4-star (highest) rating by Charity Navigator for 11 consecutive years
· 11th licensed program of more than 350 in the international Waterkeeper Alliance
References:
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/10/31/us/lake-lanier-urban-legends-trnd/index.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Lanier
https://lakelanier.com/
https://lakelanier.org/
https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/582095413
https://chattahoochee.org/
https://www.antiracistusa.org/namedfor/202
https://www.lakelanierguide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/galleries/23499/Big_catfish.html
https://www.narcity.com/atlanta/deadly-curse-georgias-lake-lanier-shocking-fate-underwater-town
https://oxfordamerican.org/magazine/issue-113-summer-2021/the-haunting-of-lake-lanier
https://fishing-about.com/noodling-for-catfish-in-georgia/
https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/life/art-culture/horror-film-uncovering-truth-oscarville-lake-lanier/
https://www.11alive.com/article/news/community/voices-for-equality/oscarville-lanier-lake-black-town-riot-mae-crow-chattahoochee-beulah-rucker/85-8647e2be-a07b-4e80-91cc-61613d0ff472

A Monte Cristo Sandwich

Hey there Nature Nerds! We're baaaaack! This week Jen talks all things Hot Air Balloons, so strap on your parachute and enjoy! ;)
Organization to Support: bfa.net (90% approval rating on charity navigator)
Balloon Federation of America
The BFA is a 501c3 non-profit association dedicated to the advancement of the sport and science of lighter-than-air aviation, both hot air and gas balloons. Founded in 1961, membership in the BFA is open to anyone who shares a fascination with Lighter Than Air flight.
They seem to be the one stop shop for all balloon events and activities in the US for those who are interested.
There are also charities that take disabled folks for free like the Cream Catcher Balloon non-profit out of Carlsborg, WA at dreamcatcherballoon.org
Links:
https://www.virginballoonflights.co.uk/blog/how-do-hot-air-balloons-work
https://www.nationalballoonmuseum.com/about/history-of-ballooning/
https://seattleballooning.com/how-dangerous-are-hot-air-balloon-rides-low-risk/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Aviation%20Accident,air%20ballooning%20is%20even%20safer.
https://www.space.com/16595-montgolfiers-first-balloon-flight.html
https://napavalleyballoons.com/hot-air-balloon-facts.php
https://balloonsgalore.co.uk/blog/ten-strange-facts-about-hot-air-balloons
https://blog.gitnux.com/hot-air-balloon-crash-statistics/
https://www.austinmonthly.com/the-deadliest-hot-air-balloon-disaster-in-american-history/
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-deadliest-hot-air-balloon-accidents-ever-recorded.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3113771/What-REALLY-happened-doomed-hot-air-balloon-flight-killed-19-passengers-dream-day-turned-carnage.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Carterton_hot_air_balloon_crash
https://listverse.com/2017/06/16/top-10-horrific-hot-air-balloon-accidents/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_Alice_Springs_hot_air_balloon_crash

Nature Nugget: The Flannan Isle Mystery

Hey there Nature Nerds! Somehow we are getting back on track and able to upload this little nugget for you. Our pod recording room is still without power :( but we recorded this one before Typhoon Mawar wrecked it's way through Guam. Enjoy this week's Nugget where Megan talks about the mysterious Flannan Island storm!
References:
https://www.iflscience.com/the-flannan-isle-mystery-what-happened-to-three-lighthouse-keepers-123-years-ago-68462
https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/our-islands/lewis/flannan-islands
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/birds/puffin-facts/
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_vanishing_2019