Hawk-eagle attacking colugo

Colugo or flying lemur (Cynocephalus variegates) is a mammal that goes back to ancient times (above). Colugo is a better name as flying lemur can be misleading. Why? True lemurs are primates that are only found in the island of Madagascar. The images below show the Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta), a true lemur, basking in the sun (below, left) and huddling from the cold (below, right). Colugo is also a mammal but it is neither a lemur nor a primate. It belongs to a separate order of its own, the Dermoptera (Greek derma = skin; ptera = wing). It does not fly but actually glides. This it does with the help of a special membrane that extends from the neck region to the fore feet and the hind feet and thence to the tip of the tail (below). In Singapore, Colugo is found in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Central Catchment Forest. Hot from the press is a book on this fascinating animal, written by Norman Lim with Morten Strange as editor (left). The book is published by Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte. Ltd. in conjunction with Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore. It is currently available at the Botanic Gardens Shop, Nature's Niche.The diet of this animal is mainly leaves, young shoots and flowers of selected plants. During the day it rest high up in the tree, clinging to a tree trunk or hiding in a tree hole. Comes dusk, it becomes active, gliding from tree trunk to tree trunk. The young is carried clinging to the flight membrane. Cited in the book is a report by Tan Choo Eng; “On Aug 6, 2006, I was at an uncompleted stretch of the new Baling Gerik highway on the Perak section in Peninsular Malaysia together with two other members of the Malaysian Nature Society. We witnessed a Changeable Hawk-eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus, pale morph) attack a Colugo.“After the failed attack, the Colugo stayed motionless (11am) on an exposed mid section of a tree trunk for about 40 minutes, even after the threat was gone (11.40am). Then it scampered up the tree trunk and glided into some more leafy trees.” The image on the left is that of a Changeable Hawk-eagle, pale morph.Images from top, of Colugo clinging on to tree trunk and palm frond by Johnny Wee, Ring-tailed Lemur by YC; Colugo gliding by YC; book cover by Morten Strange; and Changeable Hawk-eagle by Johnny Wee.

FL Existing Home Sales Rise

Atlantic Ocean View on Bellevue AveNewport RIRead Real Estate News updated daily.Visit our website @ www.flhotproperties.com On the left sidebar, find links to useful local and industry sites.Find out what's happening in real estate!Florida Housing Market--Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) reports that Florida’s existing home, condo sales rise in February 2009Florida’s existing home sales rose in February, making it the sixth consecutive month that sales activity showed increases in the year-to-year comparison [ed. emphasis], according to the latest housing data released by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). February’s statewide sales also increased over January’s figures in both the existing home and existing condo markets.Existing home sales rose 20 percent last month with a total of 9,858 homes sold statewide compared to 8,181 homes sold in February 2008, according to FAR. February’s statewide existing home sales were 16.7 percent higher than January’s statewide sales.Florida Realtors also reported a 15 percent gain in statewide sales of existing condominiums in February, continuing a trend in recent months for higher statewide sales of both the existing home and existing condo markets compared to year-ago levels. Statewide existing condo sales last month increased 25.1 percent over the total units sold in January.Thirteen of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased existing-home sales in February while 11 MSAs also showed gains in condo sales. It marks the eighth month in a row that a number of markets have reported increased sales.Median sales price has declined almost 30% state-wide:Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month was $141,900; a year ago, it was $199,300 for a 29 percent decrease. Industry analysts with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) report a significant downward distortion in the current median price due to many discounted sales, including a large number of foreclosures. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.National Housing Market--Wall Street Journal reports in Existing-Home Sales Rebound, but Prices Plunge, that, as we noted last week 3/18/09 in our Martin County/Sandpiper Bay marketing area, almost 50% of these sales are distress sales:Demand for existing homes climbed in February above expectations, driven by foreclosure sales that are sending prices plunging. Home resales rose 5.1% to a 4.72 million annual rate from 4.49 million in January, the National Association of Realtors said Monday. About 45% were foreclosure and short sales. The large number of these distressed property sales is driving prices lower. The median price for an existing home fell 15.5% last month to $165,400. Falling prices depress demand, contributing to the high inventory that is a factor keeping prices down. Inventories of previously owned homes rose 5.2% at the end of February to 3.8 million available for sale, which represented a supply of 9.7 months at the current sales pace.

Solange’s Words of Wisdom

Solange Reaches Out to Jamie-LynnBeyonce’s little sister/young mother drops some sage advice to mom-to-be Jamie-Lynn. She says, “decide what’s best for you.” Sounds like a Spears-ish trait already. [Us]Britney Spears Coughs Up More Cash for LawyersB’s gotta pay her lawyers and conservators a whole lotta cash, and owes some guy named Andrew Wallet around $100,000. How appropriate. [Us]Nicole Kidman Wants Kids Out of ScientologySo do we, Nic. So do we! [NYP]Katie: Robotic Looks, Great Hair!For someone with dead eyes, she looks really good. Though definitely a bit too skinny. Judging celebs from afar is fun! [JustJared]Lindsay’s Dad Can’t Stop the Crazy TalkLiLo’s a pain in the ass, yet her dad is continuously worse. He won’t shut up about his daughter doing “missionary work” even though her peeps have denied his claim. Parents are so embarrassing! [NYDN]

Academy Awards 2009

I don't know if it was the overcast sky or the state of the economy or what but the red carpet at this year's Academy Awards was just a little subdued. I had a fourth row seat in the press bleachers so had a damned good view of the proceedings but was not able to do any interviews from that spot. So, here is a red carpet recap in timeline form and the interviews were conducted over the loudspeaker by Robert Osborne. So any quotes from stars were what was being heard live on the red carpet by those at the Kodak Theater. 12:19 p.m. I settled into my bleacher seat and there is Mario Lopez looking all slick making his way to this overpass walkway where he will broadcast from for "Extra." 12:30 p.,m. "Entertainment Tonight" queen Mary Hart arrives looking regal and, well, perky. Bleacher fans are yelling to Mary: "Love your dress!" 1 p.m. Seat fillers have arrived in the rows in back of me with box lunches. They annoy me immediately. 1:13 p.m. There's Mark Steines from "Entertainment Tonight." He's sooooo handsome although I don't like the highlights in his hair. 1:26 p..m. Ryan Seacrest, the hardest working man in showbiz is posing for pics in front of one of the many gold Oscar statues that are lining the red carpet. 1:45 p.m. Cojo, the fashion critic from "Entertainment Tonight," is posing and waving. I want to give him a haircut. I'm sure he is wearing designer duds but he makes the top of my worst dressed list. 2:08 p.m. "Good Morning America" host Robin Roberts, wearing a stunning orange gown, arrives and is getting ready to host the official Academy Awards pre-show for ABC. 2:40 p.m. Wolfgang Puck is introduced by Robert Osborne over the loud speaker and tells about the menu for the Governor's Ball. I cannot understand a word the man is saying. I just wish he's throw a chocolate Oscar my way. Those things are tasty! 2:49 p.m. The dudes from Price, Waterhouse and Cooper are beiing interivewed. Yawn. They make a better picture (with their briefcases containing the results) than an interview. They say of someone announces the wrong winner, "we would notify the director right away." I would hope so. Otherwise you could have Marisa Tomei walking off with another Oscar! (just kiddin). 2:51 p.m. Ryan Seacrest is being interviewed over the loud speaker and says: "I haven't prepared at all." Just like at the Emmys! 3 p.m. There's a lull, I'm bored and scan the red carpet and see Deborah Norville who is covering things for her show "Inside Edition." I'm wondering if she and Jane Pauley ever talk. Oh! The first non-infotainment show celeb has arrived: Danny Glover! 3:02 p.m. Miley Cyrus has arrived. Gee, we don;t seen enough of her. 3:05 p.m. Osborne is interviewing former Oscar nominee Virginia Madsen and tells her: "Don't you look spiffy!" Huh? She is followed a few minutes later by Emile Hirsch, one of the stars of "Milk" who says: "There's a lot of gold statues everywhere....The security getting in here was insane." 3:09 p.m. I see NY Post Cindy Adams a few rows in front of me taking notes on a big yellow legal pad. She's got her signature hairbun but very little make-up on. Looks younger than I thought she would. Oh no, Miley Cyrus is being interviewed. The sound of her voice gives me seizures! "Hopefully we take home and Oscar for "Bolt" because that's be really cool." Sorry Hannah Montana, but "WALL-E" is gonna win, mmmkay? 3:17 p.m. This is hilarious. Robert Osborne announces Kevin Kline ..."and Salma Hayak!" Huh? Why is Kevin with Salma when both are married to other people? Turns out 'Salma' is Kevin's lovely wife Pheobe Cates. I don;t really see the resemblance. 3:23 p.m. Dustin Lance Black and Cleve Jones are here! Lance says to Osborne: "I hope people go see ("Milk") and listen to what Harvey said and think about his message and think about helping to supporf gay and lesbian rights and the rights of all minority communities that aren't quite represented. Now Cleve is talking: "I was so amazed by Sean's performance, by Josh Brolin's performance. I knew the people who they portrayed very well and when I watched them on the screen, I couldn't tell them apart. It's an amazing thing." 3:27 p.m. Suddenly it's nuts. There's Viola Davis getting ready to be interviewed by Robin Roberts. But wait! First, the cast of "Slumdog Millionaire" and director Danny Boyle take the stage. Melissa Leo is also nearby and Anthony Hopkins is being interviewed over the loudspeaker. 3:33 p.m. Taraji P. Hensen is here and her joy is so apparent. She's waving to fans, air-kissing Viola Davis. Meanwhile, "Milk" producers Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks are being interviewed and Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens have arrived. Stop the presses. "Thanks for showing up gus," Zac says to the screaming fans.Zac says he's rooting for Sean Penn in "Milk." I like this kid! 3:40 p.m. Robin Roberts is interviewing Melissa Leo for the pre-show. Melissa is glammed up and looks the best that I've seen yet during this busy awards season. She won the Independent Spirit Award last night. Kevin Kline (with Pheobe Cates) is now being interviewed over loud speaker and asked where he keeps his Oscar: "We have a lot of people coming in and out of the house so I'll put it in one place then I'll move it to another so they never know." Osborne mentions that Joan Crawford had built a little cove in her entrance hall and had a light shining on her "Mildred Pierce" Oscar which is EXACTLY how I would display mine! 3:43 p.m. Mickey Rooney has arrived (with wife Jan, of course)., He's in his 90s but clear as a bell in his interview: "It's always a thrill for Jan and I to come to the Oscars. I was here when this street was nothing but sand!" Mickey talks about the support needed at the Motion Picture home in Woodland Hills: 3:51 p.m. Dustin Lance Black and Cleve Jones walk by the bleachers, no one else seems to care biut I'm going apesh*t!) They stop and smile so I can snap a picture of them on the red carpet. 3:53 p.m. As John Legend is being interviewed over the loudpseaker, best actor nominee Richard Jenkins is waiting to be interviewed by Robin Roberts. I do wish he'd allow himself to be a little bit excited. 3:58 pm: Melissa Leo tells Robert Osborne that she has a really good script about Bette Davis and gushes over him as if he's the big deal tonight. Melissa is an actress first and formost so none of the star attitude from this talented and classy lady. 4 p.m. Danny Boyle, Dev Patel and Freida Pinto and a big group of kids from the cast of "Slumdog Millionaire" bring a wonderful energy to the red carpet. The kids are screaming. It's so funny. 4:01 p.m. Viola Davis manages to give some good answers to Robert Osborne who is paying everyone long-winded compliments then sending them on their way. It's bad interviewing and he happens to be a good interviewer. Maybe it's just the craziness of all this. He tells Viola that in her two scenes in "Doubt," "You make that woman so known to us." Viola replies: "I think that's a great compliment that you say you knew who she was. I wanted you to know her and I wanted you to feel for her." 4:03 pm: I see Edie McClure standing on the red carpet. What is Mrs.Poole from "The Hogan Famiy" doing at the Academy Awards? 4:05 p.m. Taraji Henson is talking about when she sang "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp" at the Oscars when it was nominated from "Hustle and Flow" which she also starred in. She says "singing about pimps and whores" was kinda tough. She says of the Oscars: It's the best party in the world and I'm really honored and blessed." She yells to the crowd: "You are so beautiful! Thank you!" 4:10 p.m. Nominee Michael Shannon says that while in reality this is his first Osars, "in my imagination I've been to several of them." Then he wonders aloud where his bodyguard went and adds: "I'm kidding. I don;t have a bodyguard." I like his sense of humor. 4:15 p.m. Michael Sheen, star of "Frost/Nixon" and who played Tony Blair in "The Queen" is at the microphone. Osborne thinks he was in "Last King of Scotland" and Sheen, a bit confused says: "I'm from Wales." 4:17 pm: "Twilight" star Robert Pattinson is talking about how surreal everything has been for him since the movie hit. "I don't understand what's happening but I'm very pleased," he says. I like his accent. 4:20 p.m. Amy Adams is being interviewed and says she's more nervous being nominated for "Doubt" this year than she was when she was nominated for "Junebug" a few years back and when she sang on last year's show (a song from "Enchantment"). As Amy chats, I spot Gayle King, Oprah's BFF. She's so cool. We met at the Democratic National Convention last summer. I tell people she's my BFF even though I'm sure she doesn't remember me. We'll always have Denver. 4:21 p.m, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick are here but Osborne is offered Seth Rogen first. He doesn't seem to know what to make of Seth. Next are SJP and Mr. Broderick. He tells both of them that they look "adorable and beautiful" and Matthew says: "I'm very glad to hear it." As they gab, Gayle King is chatting with Anthony Hopkins right in front of our bleacher. I am trying to read their lips. 4:22 p.m. Ben Kingsley is at his seventh Oscar ceremony and says: "What a wonderful year to be here, it's so exciting. Very strong performances and beauttiful, life-enhancing films. They weren't shy about confronting some really great issues in life so it's great to be here." 4:23 p.m.: Sean Penn is here! He's asked if it's easier coming to the the Oscars as a nominee because he is a past winner. He gives an unexpected answer: "You know there's something about questions about this stuff, that I'm incapable of articulating an answer. This is quite a crowd whether you're here as a Academy Award nominee or if you just happen to stumble on it. I think I'm experiencing it in that way." 4:26 p.m. The very unattractive couple that is Josh Brolin and Diane Lane are being interviewed. A coupla dogs (kidding, of course). Josh says he's nervous: "It's very special for us to be here tonight...throughout this whole awards season everybody's been amazing." Natalie Portman has walked in front of us and she's a vision. Speaking of visions, James Franco is also nearby and here comes Hollywood legends Jane Russell and Terry Moore who was one married to Howard Hughes. 4:27 p.m.: Robert Downey Jr. is being interviewed and says: "It's kind of odd to be nominated. I don't know what it's like to win I bet that's another level." Osborne assures Robert that there is an Academy Award in his future. Robert responds: "It seems like there's about 16-18 years between nominations so I have a good, nice long stretch. 4:32 p.m. Marisa Tomei is telling Osborne how challenging her role in "The Wrestler" is. She is followed by her co-star Mickey Rourke who says of the Oscars: "It's really cool, I've never been to one of these things before. It's real rock and roll, this is really nice. It's interesting. It's a privledge to be here and it's nice to see all the people, all the strangers you don't know - they're the ones who go see the movies. Nice to be invited to the show." 4:35 p.m. The charismatic Baz Luhrman, who I think is the living end, has choreographed some of the show and is talking to Robert Osborne rignt now: "This is unlike any Oscars you have ever seen, I can guarantee you that," says the director of "Moulin Rouge" and "Australia." He says of Hugh Jackman, his "Australia" leading man: "There's no one quite like that at the moment, he an sing, he can dance and he's really, really a warm, admirable, lovely human being." You forgot to mention smokin hot! Baz says they leave in a few days to open the movie in Japan where, I'm sure he hopes it will fare better than it did in the US! 4:36 p.m.: Meryl Streep has arrived! Robert Osborne immediately brings up her record FIFTEEN nominations. He wonders when they are just going to have a Meryl Streep Award and retire her from competition. Meryl laughs and says: "Oh I hope they don't retire me, I like it too much." She says it never gets routine: "There are so many awards now leading up to the Oscars that you think it would be diminished by all of that but this is the Super Bowl."

Identity Crises

As you can notice I can't seem to decide on a layout. I figure that I am dealing with an identity crisis. I guess part of it is that for the past two days I have been in the office all by myself dealing with "stuff" while the rest of the staff is at a confrence. Am I upset that I didn't go? Honestly, not really as the conference didn't really pertain to me, however, it is always nice to be around other people. Here I have no one to talk to, no one to look at and not much to do. I am just hanging out waiting for the phone to ring, which hasn't been that frequent as I am sure everyone is already on their Spring Break. That's okay...I will make it through today. Back in January when I first started this job I was so excited because I thought I will finally be able to lose weight as I will be too busy to snack on crap. Two months has passed and I have gained some weight...Ewwwwww....I am so disappointed that I have succumbed to bad snacking behaviour. Saying No has become something of the past and Saying Yes (as I don't want to be "rude" and everything that is offered to me is so darn yummy and I lack will power) has officially taken over. You know it's time to do something when you look in the mirror and the "muffin top" has taken over. I no longer fit into my good clothes and am starting to feel super disgusting in my big clothes. What happened to me? Why? When? How? See it's times like this when crazy thoughts come into my head and I start questioning having gone to treatment. Yes I am better, but now whatever I stuff into my face I must "pay for" with weight gain. Honestly it was so easy before...stuff your face...get rid of it...feel guilty...move on. So Ironman training has started and I am noticing that the extra 5 pounds (Okay...closer to 7lbs) is making a huge difference. For the first time in years I honestly feel out of shape. I feel down in the dumps. I feel like I am in a rut. I think all my feelings are being meshed together with just feeling s of being alone/lonely...you know what...I need to be around people. I am going to use my week off from work (Spring Break) just to get back on track with things. Work on making better choices and being a do-er not a talker. I know Trevor is getting sick of me always saying I need to lose weight and frankly I am getting tired of hearing it to (as I am sure the rest of the world is----but this is my blog and I can say what I want). I need to come up with a plan of attack...something...I need something...

NHS Prescription Charges 3% discount

Found by wizard5353, NHS Deals Okay this is a fairly small deal but no one has posted it before and I came across it by chance. Everyone hates paying Prescription Charges and you can get a yearly Prepay card which works out cheap if you need a lot of meds quite often. But if like me you only need a few prescriptions a year then a prepay card is a rip off. The cost of a Prescription in England is now £7.10 as of 1st April 2009 and it is a set amount at all pharmacies. I tried to get Tesco club-card points via Tesco pharmacies, but NHS Prescriptions are excluded from clubcard points and it's the same with the co-op reward card at co-op pharmacies. But I found that superdrug are included in the offline cashback section of sites like greasypalm and wepromiseto. You get 3% cashback from card transactions at superdrug for registered cards! The way it tracks means it can't tell if the payment was for normal items or NHS Prescription Charges meaning they are not excluded from cashback. This amounts to 21p refund via the cashback site per Prescription. I use www.wepromiseto.co.uk as they offer the best cashback in general and it tracks every time. You can't register AMEX cards which is the only drawback. You can get even more return by using a cashback credit card also. As I said this is not by far the best deal going but I like any deal that gives me discount against government charges! Hopefully it is of use to others here.

Trove Eco-Friendly Clothing - StyleList Giveaway!

Filed under: Clothing, Celebrities with Style, Contests & GiveawaysWe love the relaxed, casual-but-pulled-together style of celebs like Kate Hudson. Want to know her her secret? Kate, along with similarly effortlessly stylish stars like Mena Suvari and Liv Tyler, is a fan of the easygoing styles from eco-friendly Canadian clothing line Trove.The Trove collection has a vacationish, beachy, "weekend at the cottage" aesthetic. The brand pairs this casual look with a commitment to environmentally-friendly practices and high quality construction. If your summer plans involve a sandy location -- either surfing or sitting under and umbrella -- there is a place in your luggage for these trendy classics. This week we're helping one lucky winner achieve this "Malibu-chic" look, with two awesome pieces from Trove! The Alex top, made of 100% organic cotton, one of Kate's favorites. The Andy dress, also made of 100% organic cotton in the trendy-neutral color of Fungi, as worn by Jessica Alba Perfect for a day at the beach, or just a sunny day when you wish you were at the beach! Let's get beachy! To enter, leave a confirmed comment below tell us your favorite styles for a day at the beach. The comment must be left before 5pm EST on Friday, April 17, 2009. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing. One winner will receive an Alex Top (valued at $125) and the Andy Dress (valued at $115) Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. Click here for complete Official Rules Permalink Email this Comments