Search Results for: blog a swampy good time

A Swampy Good Time

It’s not everyday that you hear a neighbor say they are headed to a swamp for a vacation. But, that’s exactly where the couple that lives across from us is headed for the next 10 days–the Okefenokee Swamp. Sounds romantic, right? Truth be told, the swamp, located in Southeast Georgia, is a popular tourist destination. It is technically a scenic wetland and at 403,000 acres, the swamp is one of the largest wildernesses in the eastern United States. Some guidebooks say there are places in the swamp that have yet to be explored. (With that much space I’m not surprised.) … Continue reading →

Exploring the New Official Disney Website

I promised a preview of the new official Disney site, and today I’m delivering. The new Disney site isn’t that different from the old one, it’s just got a sleek new redesign. The front page is less cluttered than before, and is on a bright white background rather than the previous black. I’m actually a little surprised at how plain the front page is; there are plenty of thumbnail pictures and links, but there’s nothing going on around the edges. The official Disney site is a good place to go if you’re a general Disney fan, but aren’t really sure … Continue reading →

Betta Fish Basics

If you’re interested in a colorful aquarium pet, betta fish are a popular choice. Maybe you’ve seen rows of little glass jars at the pet store, each one with a bright, flowing-finned fish inside? Those were probably betta fish. The betta fish (otherwise known as Betta Splendens or the Siamese Fighting Fish) comes from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and parts of China. In the wild, the betta fish is found in rice paddies, swampy areas, shallow ponds, and some slow moving streams. The waters here are warm — between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (24-30 degrees Celsius). In waters … Continue reading →

Summer Family Road Trip—-Indiana and Georgia

If your family road trip takes you to Indiana or Atlanta this summer here are a few attractions you might want to make a pit stop at: INDIANA People are going bananas at Michigan City’s zoo… and now you can get in on the action too. As you might have guessed the hoopla centers around the zoo’s monkey exhibit. According to zoo officials, a spider monkey recently used a garden hose to scale the wall of a moat at the facility and took off for town. However, the agile animal’s escape was short-lived as he got caught at a nearby … Continue reading →

A New Source for Antibiotics: Alligators

As part of an ongoing effort to discover new medications for drug-resistant superbugs, researchers are looking in very strange places. Like inside alligators. A study from McNeese State University and Louisiana State University is looking at extracts of alligator blood. Why alligator blood? Researchers say that alligators have the ability to automatically fight germs, bacteria, and viruses without prior exposure. Their immune systems can launch a defense quickly and effectively. The researchers took peptides (a kind of protein) from alligator blood. Just like white blood cells in humans, these alligator peptides are part of the immune system response. In laboratory … Continue reading →

Where to Spend Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Other Vacation Options

In three days the United States will honor Martin Luther King Jr. on what would have been the civil rights leader’s 79th birthday. Festivities marking the occasion are planned throughout the country with larger celebrations taking place at major civil rights landmarks. Organizers of this weekend’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations expect an attendance boost because of the presidential primaries and the way his legacy has played a role in the campaign. In addition, this year marks the 40th anniversary of King’s death. “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off,” is this year’s theme for various … Continue reading →

Going Wild On Safari

Searching for the perfect holiday gift for the person who has everything? If you have a bank account the size of Oprah’s or you know someone who is willing to loosen their purse strings to make sure your Christmas is extra special this year you might want to consider one of the following trips. Wildlife safaris are regaining popularity after suffering a slight dip a few years ago, according to travel experts. If you are passionate about the great outdoors and have always dreamed of coming face to face with big game, the following trips might be your ideal vacation … Continue reading →

Montel Snaps at Innocent Teen

I must not be watching enough TV, because I didn’t even know “The Montel Williams Show” was still on the air. Now I know. And so do a slew of irate parents at a high school in Georgia thanks in large part to Williams’ nasty run in with a current student. The talk show host was in Savannah, Georgia this week promoting free prescriptions for low-income residents when a high school intern with the Savannah Morning News peppered him with questions related to rising drug costs. Williams, who has been a patient advocate since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, walked … Continue reading →

How Water Woes In Georgia May Affect Your Travel Plans

If you are planning to visit the Southeast region of the United States be warned—-much of the area is experiencing severe drought conditions, especially the state of Georgia. Which means your travel plans could be affected by the state’s efforts to conserve water. Visitors to the area will notice water conservation efforts at a variety of popular tourist attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, home of the world’s largest fish tank. Because of the drought, staff members at the always-crowded Atlanta attraction have been forced to empty some of its water displays. For example, a lake in the atrium is now … Continue reading →

Shrek

“Arrrggghh, I’m an ogre!” “Shrek” is a great family movie that kids of all ages can enjoy. All Shrek (the ogre) wants to do is live peaceably in his swampy home and be left alone. Most people fear ogres and misunderstand them. Shrek’s used to the reactions he gets (mostly fear) and so hides away from most of society. But after Lord Farquaad starts rounding up all of the fairy tale creatures and exiles them to the swamp, many seek solace in Shrek’s home. To him, it’s completely unacceptable and he decides to leave the comfort of his swamp and … Continue reading →