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Brief Summary
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
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- Original description: Pallas, P.S., 1776. Reise durch verschiedene Provinzen des Russischen Reichs, p. 85. St. Petersbourg, viii, Pt. 2, nxxvi.
Comprehensive Description
- North-West Atlantic Ocean species (NWARMS)
Beluga whales inhabit the arctic and sub-arctic waters along the coast of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Norway, and the Soviet Union. About 500 of them inhabit the waters of the St. Lawrence River.
Biogeographic Regions: arctic ocean (Native ); pacific ocean (Native )
- Bonner, W. 1989. Whales of the World. New York: Facts on File Publications.
Range Description
The map shows where the species may occur based on oceanography. The species has not been recorded for all the states within the hypothetical range as shown on the map. States for which confirmed records of the species exist are included in the list of native range states.
National Distribution
Origin: Native
Regularity: Regularly occurring
Currently: Present
Confidence: Confident
Type of Residency: Year-round
United States
Origin: Native
Regularity: Regularly occurring
Currently: Present
Confidence: Confident
Type of Residency: Year-round
Global Range: Arctic and sub-Arctic waters of North America and Eurasia. Southernmost regular range in the Western Hemisphere: St. Lawrence River estuary (isolated resident population), Gulf of Alaska, James Bay (Stewart and Stewart 1989). See Reeves and Mitchell (1989) for information on status in Ungava Bay and eastern Hudson Bay. See Richard (1993) for information on status in western and southern Hudson Bay. See Doidge and Finley (1993) for information on status of the Baffin Bay population. See also IUCN (1991) for further details regarding distribution.
Physical Description
The beluga is also known as the white whale for its milky white skin. It is the only species of whale that is entirely white, although it is born gray and fades gradually with age. These whales lack a dorsal fin, but have a shallow ridge along their back. Their appendages are narrower and pointier than that of the narwhal. Belugas also have a melon-shaped head, which is the center for echolocation. They are 3 to 5 meters and length and weigh an average of 1.6 tons (3500lbs). Fifty percent of their weight is fat, a marked increase relative to other non-arctic whales, whose body is only twenty percent fat. The blubber is 10cm thick in belugas. Belugas are sexually dimorphic, with the males being slightly larger than the females. Females average 1,350 kg and males 1,500 kg in weight.
Average mass: "1,350-1,500" kg.
Range length: 300 to 460 cm.
Average length: 400 cm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: male larger
Average mass: 1.43e+06 g.
Size in North America
Range: 3.4-4.9 m males; 3.3-4 m females
Range: 800-1,500 kg males; 540-790 kg females
Diagnostic Description
- North-West Atlantic Ocean species (NWARMS)
- North-West Atlantic Ocean species (NWARMS)
- UNESCO-IOC Register of Marine Organisms
The habitat of beluga whales includes inlets, fjords, channels, bays, and the shallow waters of the artic seas that are warmed by continuous sunlight. They are also found at the mouths of river during summertime, where they feed, socialize, and deliver their offspring. These waters are usually 8 to 10 degrees celsius.
Range depth: 0 to 350 m.
Habitat Regions: saltwater or marine
Terrestrial Biomes: icecap
Aquatic Biomes: pelagic ; benthic ; coastal ; brackish water
Other Habitat Features: estuarine
- Paine, S. 1995. The World of the Arctic Whales. San Francisco: Sierra Club.
Habitat and Ecology
Belugas occur seasonally (mainly in summer) in coastal waters as shallow as 1–3 m deep but also in deep offshore waters (800 m). They typically enter estuaries and sometimes move upstream into rivers; there are records of individuals or small groups ranging hundreds of kilometers from the sea. They occupy estuaries, continental shelf and slope waters, and deep ocean basins in conditions of open water, loose ice, and heavy pack ice. Belugas generally prefer to overwinter in shallow or coastal areas, usually with light or highly moveable ice cover (Barber et al. 2001, Richard et al. 2001, Suydam et al. 2001, Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2003a) and may occur as fully Arctic populations (Richard et al. 1998b, Richard et al. 2001, Suydam et al. 2001) or sub-Arctic populations (Hobbs et al. 2005).
Some Belugas undertake large-scale annual migrations between summering and wintering sites, while others remain in the same area year-round, shifting offshore only when excluded from coastal habitat by fast-ice formation (Hobbs et al. 2005). Large numbers of migratory Belugas occur along the northwestern and northern Alaskan coast, in the Canadian high Arctic, and in western Hudson Bay. At certain times of the year, those whales migrate thousands of kilometers, in some cases as far as 80oN into dense pack ice (Suydam et al. 2001) or thousands of kilometers into the North Water polynya or to the pack ice off West Greenland (Richard et al. 1998a,b; Richard et al. 2001; Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2003a). Non-migratory belugas that generally make seasonal shifts in distribution of less than a few hundred kilometers are found in Cook Inlet, Cumberland Sound, Svalbard, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Lydersen et al. 2001; Kingsley 2002; Hobbs et al. 2005).
While the general features of Beluga whale habitat can be described for the relatively well-studied populations, the importance of those features is not well understood (Laidre et al. in press). For example, the summer occupation of nearshore/estuarine waters has been ascribed alternatively to feeding (Seaman et al. 1982), to warm water providing a thermal advantage to neonates (Sergeant and Brodie 1969), and to the presence of fresh water and coarse substrates facilitating skin shedding during molt (St. Aubin et al. 1990, Frost et al. 1993). The relative importance of each of those factors likely varies based on the environmental conditions (e.g., water temperatures and prey availability) specific to each of the summering areas (Frost and Lowry 1990a). Similarly, it is unclear why belugas sometimes move into deep, ice-covered waters. One potential reason would be to avoid Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) predation (Frost et al. 1992). However, the movements into the ice appear excessive for what would be needed to avoid killer whales (Suydam et al. 2001) and actually could expose belugas to predation by Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) (Lowry et al. 1987a) as well as increase the risk of entrapment in the ice. It is possible belugas move into ice-covered offshore regions for feeding, primarily on Arctic Cod (Boreogadus saida), but few data are available to test this hypothesis. Similarly, the associations of belugas with features such as the continental shelf break (Moore 2000) may be related to oceanographic processes that produce good feeding conditions (Laidre et al. in press).
Dives may last up to 25 min. and can reach depths of 800 m. The Beluga has a diverse diet, which varies greatly from area to area. Although various species of fish are considered to be the primary prey items (including salmon, herring, and Arctic Cod), Belugas also feed on a wide variety of molluscs (such as squid and octopus) and benthic crustaceans (shrimps and crabs). Polar Bears and Killer Whales are known predators of belugas throughout their Arctic range (Frost et al. 1992).
- Marine
Habitat Type: Marine
Comments: Inhabits the open ocean as well as shallow coastal waters, rivers, estuaries; shallow waters such as estuaries of large rivers are used in summer.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 3 samples.
Environmental ranges
Depth range (m): 0 - 0
Temperature range (°C): 7.367 - 14.365
Nitrate (umol/L): 1.715 - 3.963
Salinity (PPS): 31.835 - 33.295
Oxygen (ml/l): 6.009 - 7.040
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.419 - 0.635
Silicate (umol/l): 2.009 - 3.312
Graphical representation
Temperature range (°C): 7.367 - 14.365
Nitrate (umol/L): 1.715 - 3.963
Salinity (PPS): 31.835 - 33.295
Oxygen (ml/l): 6.009 - 7.040
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.419 - 0.635
Silicate (umol/l): 2.009 - 3.312
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.
Non-Migrant: No. All populations of this species make significant seasonal migrations.
Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).
Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.
Population that summers around Somerset Island in eastern Canadian high arctic migrates through Lancaster Sound and winters mainly in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait (Droidge and Finley 1992, 1993). heavy pack ice and landfast ice; in spring may follow ice edges closely, penetrate areas with ice cracks (Stewart and Stewart 1989).
Trophic Strategy
Belugas feast on a variety of prey including smelt, flatfish, flounder, sculpins, salmon, and cod. They also feed on invertebrates such as crab, shrimp, clams, worms, octopus, squid, and other bottom dwelling creatures. Since they don't have many big, sharp teeth to grab their prey, they use suction to trap it into their mouths. Consequently, everything must be eaten whole. Prey cannot be too large, therefore, or the beluga will choke on it.
Animal Foods: fish; mollusks; aquatic or marine worms; aquatic crustaceans
Primary Diet: carnivore (Piscivore , Eats non-insect arthropods, Molluscivore )
Comments: Eats various benthic and pelagic prey in shallow and coastal waters; most important prey varies, includes capelin, various cods, sand lance, char, herring, cisco, whitefish, smelt, burbot, salmon, sculpin, decapods, squid, octopus.
Belugas consume many fish, especially since they travel in herds of between one hundred and a thousand. This undoubtedly causes some regulation of fish populations. Belugas also seem to have a parasite called Pharurus pallasii, thought to infect the hearing organs. However, it is not known if this parasite is harmful to the beluga.
The known predators of belugas are killer whales and polar bears. Polar bears will attack belugas in the same way they would attack a seal, which entails lying in wait at breathing holes. Killer whales come around August. Belugas can usually hear killer whales, so this makes it difficult for killer whales to attack them. Also, the conspicuous fin makes it almost impossible for a killer whale to maneuver in ice. Humans used to hunt belugas for their skin and oil, but that is not so common anymore.
Known Predators:
- killer whales (Orcinus orca)
- polar bears (Ursus maritimus)
- humans (Homo sapiens)
Known predators
Homo sapiens
Ursus maritimus
This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.
- Myers, P., R. Espinosa, C. S. Parr, T. Jones, G. S. Hammond, and T. A. Dewey. 2006. The Animal Diversity Web (online). Accessed February 16, 2011 at http://animaldiversity.org. http://www.animaldiversity.org
Known prey organisms
benthonic invertebrates
non-insect arthropods
aquatic or marine worms
Based on studies in:
Arctic (Marine)
This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.
- M. J. Dunbar, Arctic and subarctic marine ecology: immediate problems, Arctic 7:213-228, from p. 223 (1954).
- Myers, P., R. Espinosa, C. S. Parr, T. Jones, G. S. Hammond, and T. A. Dewey. 2006. The Animal Diversity Web (online). Accessed February 16, 2011 at http://animaldiversity.org. http://www.animaldiversity.org
General Ecology
Travels in small groups of 2-10, also forms summer congregations of hundreds or thousands. Mature males tend to travel together, as do females, calves, and immatures (Stewart and Stewart 1989).
Life History and Behavior
- North-West Atlantic Ocean species (NWARMS)
Communication is achieved by using the melon for echolocation. Belugas have a high frequency level of communication. Their voices are so loud that they sound like birds, which is why they were once nicknamed "sea canaries". They are considered to be among the most vocal species of cetaceans. They use their vocalizations for echolocation, mating, and communication. Their voices sound like chirps, whistles, and squawks. Belugas also use body language such as grinding their teeth or splashing around. Some communication undoubtedly occurs when babies are in contact with their mothers.
Communication Channels: tactile ; acoustic
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; echolocation ; vibrations ; chemical
Life Cycle
There is either thought to be spontaneous ovulation with an extremely long gestation period or delayed implantation with a shorter gestation period, but it is unknown. Their development is similar to that of most other mammals. (Lentifer 1988)
Life Expectancy
The life span for females is thought to be about 32 years and that for males about 40 years. Predation and ice entrapment are common causes of premature death.
Range lifespan
Status: wild: 32 to 40 years.
Typical lifespan
Status: wild: 25 to 30 years.
Lifespan, longevity, and ageing
The mating system of these whales has not been described.
Belugas tend to mate from late February to early April. The males chase down the females, making all sorts of noises. The male throws down his tail and bends violently, then he throws his head up and down as his melon vibrates to ward off any other males who might attempt to mate with this female.
The male and female swim in harmony and caress each other, until she swims underneath his belly. She puts her belly up against his and they continue to swim in harmony with each other. They mate only with absolute consent. (Paine, 1995)
Gestation lasts about fourteen months. However, it is a possibility that these creatures have delayed implantation. A calf is born during the summer months of May through July. The calf is very well developed and has a grayish coloration. The nursery pod stays around during the delivery and then all of them take off except a young teenage nursemaid. This usually happens near rivers because the water is ten degrees warmer there. This is important for the calf, which does not have as much blubber as a full grown adult. The baby stays in-between the two females as they swim pulling him with the current. The calf is totally dependent on the mother's milk for a year, but lactation lasts 1.5 to 2 years.
It takes 4 to 7 years for females to sexually mature, and it takes 7 to 9 years for males. (Bonner, 1989)
Females reproduce every 2 to 3 years. Females stop reproducing in their early twenties. (Lentifer, 1989)
Breeding interval: Female belugas generally reproduce once every two to three years.
Breeding season: Breeding occurs from late February through early April.
Range number of offspring: 1 to 1.
Average gestation period: 14 months.
Range weaning age: 12 to 24 months.
Range time to independence: 12 to 24 months.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 4 to 7 years.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 7 to 9 years.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; viviparous ; delayed implantation
Average birth mass: 66000 g.
Average gestation period: 416 days.
Average number of offspring: 1.
Offspring are precocious, and able to swim along side their mothers from birth. The mother provides protection and guidance for the offspring, as well as milk. A female beluga can lactate for up to two years.
Parental Investment: precocial ; pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female)
- Bonner, W. 1989. Whales of the World. New York: Facts on File Publications.
- Lentifer, J. 1988. Selected Marine Mammals of Alaska: Species Accounts with Research and Management Recomendations. Washington, D.C.: Marine Mammals Commission.
- Paine, S. 1995. The World of the Arctic Whales. San Francisco: Sierra Club.
Mates generally in spring. Gestation lasts 14-15 months. Single young (rarely 2); births peak in late March in western Greenland, late June in western Hudson Bay and Bering Sea, July in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Lactation lasts 20-24 months. Age of first pregnancy: 4-7 years (Stewart and Stewart 1989). Calving interval probably is 3 years for most adult females. Females live up to about 20 years, males to about 30 years.
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Molecular Biology
Barcode data: Delphinapterus leucas
The following is a representative barcode sequence, the centroid of all available sequences for this species.
There are 2 barcode sequences available from BOLD and GenBank.
Below is a sequence of the barcode region Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI or COX1) from a member of the species.
See the BOLD taxonomy browser for more complete information about this specimen and other sequences.
-- end --
Download FASTA File
Statistics of barcoding coverage: Delphinapterus leucas
Public Records: 2
Specimens with Barcodes: 7
Species With Barcodes: 1
Conservation Status
Currently, beluga populations have been estimated at 60,000 to a 100,000 so there is no need for conservation efforts, although it couldn't hurt.
US Federal List: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: critically endangered
IUCN Red List Assessment
Red List Category
Red List Criteria
Year Assessed
The species was assessed previously (1996) as Vulnerable (VU A1abd). The main reason for the change to Near Threatened is that the decline criterion for Vulnerable is not met for some of the largest subpopulations, and they have a disproportionate effect on the assessment of the species as a whole. Also, estimates of current population size for several of the larger stocks are substantially higher than previous estimates (due to better survey methods and not necessarily because of increases in numbers).
Across the global range of Belugas, subpopulations are subject to differing levels of threat and warrant individual assessment. Some subpopulations clearly qualify for threatened status and only one of these – the Cook Inlet subpopulation – has been assessed thus far (as CR) (Lowry et al. 2006). Those other potentially threatened subpopulations (e.g. West Greenland, eastern Hudson Bay, St. Lawrence River, Ungava Bay) that are well-defined and well-studied should be assessed separately as soon as feasible.
- 1996Vulnerable(Baillie and Groombridge 1996)
- 1996Vulnerable
- 1994Insufficiently Known(Groombridge 1994)
- 1990Insufficiently Known(IUCN 1990)
- 1988Insufficiently Known(IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre 1988)
National NatureServe Conservation Status
Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure
United States
Rounded National Status Rank: N3 - Vulnerable
Cook Inlet: The number of Beluga whales in Cook Inlet is estimated from counts by aerial observers and aerial video group counts (Hobbs et al. 2000b; Lowry et al. 2006). The most recent published estimate at the time of the present assessment (May 2008) was 302 (CV=0.16) in 2006 (Angliss and Outlaw 2007). In addition, the National Marine Fisheries Service had indicated via a web posting that the point estimate from the 2007 aerial survey was 375.
Bristol Bay: Most recently (1994), the number of Beluga whales in Bristol Bay was estimated at 1,555 (Lowry and Frost 1999). This estimate was based on a maximum count of 503 animals, which was corrected using radio-telemetry data for the proportion of animals that were diving (Lowry and Frost 1999) and for the proportion of newborns and yearlings not observed due to their small size and colouration. Surveys in 1999 and 2000 resulted in maximum counts of 690 and 531, which can be extrapolated to population estimates of 2,133 and 1,642, respectively (L. Lowry, University of Alaska Fairbanks pers. comm. to K. Laidre, 1/07).
Eastern Bering Sea: Aerial surveys of Norton Sound, the summering site for the eastern Bering Sea stock, were conducted in 2000. Preliminary analyses produced an uncorrected estimate of 5,868 animals; when corrected for animals not visible at the surface and for newborn and yearling animals not observed due to their small size and dark coloration, the estimated population size for Norton Sound is 18,142 (CV=0.24) (R. Hobbs, AFSC-NMML pers. comm. 01/07; Angliss and Outlaw 2005).
Eastern Chukchi Sea: Frost et al. (1993) estimated the minimum size of the eastern Chukchi stock of belugas at 1,200, based on counts of animals from aerial surveys conducted during 1989-91. The total corrected abundance estimate for the eastern Chukchi stock is 3,710.
Shared Alaska/Canada
Eastern Beaufort Sea/Beaufort Sea: The most recent aerial survey, conducted in July 1992, resulted in an uncorrected estimate of 19,629 (CV=0.229) (Harwood et al. 1996). The corrected population estimate was 39,258 animals (Angliss and Outlaw 2005).
Cumberland Sound: This stock numbers about 1,500 animals and is thought to have increased since the 1980s (COSEWIC 2004)
Ungava Bay: The Ungava Bay stock is too small to estimate. Hammill et al. (2004) recently estimated it at <50 animals; none were seen on a survey conducted in 2001.
West Hudson Bay: There are estimated to be more than 23,000 Belugas in western Hudson Bay and more than 1,300 along the southern Hudson Bay coast (Richard 1991).
East Hudson Bay: Belugas in Eastern Hudson Bay have declined from 4,200 (SE 300) in 1985 to 3,100 (SE 800) in 2004 (corrected estimates) (Hammill et al. 2005).
St Lawrence River: The St. Lawrence subpopulation is estimated to be in the order of 900–1,000 individuals. There is no evidence of a significant trend in abundance since 1988 (COSEWIC 2004).
Eastern High Arctic/Baffin Bay: A survey in 1996 estimated 21,213 Belugas (95% CI 10,985 to 32,619) in the waters surrounding Somerset Island: Barrow Strait, Peel Sound and Prince Regent Inlet (Innes et al. 2002). This estimate takes into account both whales missed by observers and those that might have been unavailable for detection due to diving behaviour. It includes whales that move to West Greenland during the winter.
Shared Canada/Greenland
West Greenland: Aerial surveys flown in late winter in West Greenland between 1981 and 1994 found that Beluga numbers had decreased by 62% during that period, probably because of over-harvesting (Heide-Jørgensen and Reeves 1996). Further surveys in 1998 and 1999 confirmed the decline and found 7,941 (95% CI: 3650-17278) belugas in West Greenland, including whales missed by the observers and whales that were submerged during the survey (Heide-Jørgensen and Acquarone 2002). Heide-Jørgensen et al. (2003) estimate that approximately 30% of the Eastern Canadian high Arctic/Baffin Bay beluga stock migrates to West Greenland for overwintering.
Belugas have never been surveyed around Svalbard. Pods numbering into the thousands are sighted irregularly around the archipelago, and pods ranging from a few to a few hundred individuals are seen regularly (Gjertz and Wiig 1994, Kovacs and Lydersen 2006).
Eastern and Central Russian Arctic: There are no rigorous abundance estimates for the Eastern and Central Russian Arctic (Boltunov and Belikov 2002). Rough estimates of a few thousand in Anadyr Gulf and a few thousand in the western Chukchi and eastern East Siberian Seas were summarized in a table compiled by the IWC Scientific Committee (IWC 2000). In addition to those animals, belugas from Alaskan stocks (e.g. eastern Bering Sea, eastern Chukchi Sea, and Beaufort Sea stocks) move into eastern Russian waters during the winter. The IWC table mentioned above (IWC, 2000) indicates a rough estimate of 18,000–20,000 in the Okhotsk Sea.
Western Russian Arctic: Belugas in the Western Russian Arctic occupy four major areas: (1) southern Barents and White seas, (2) southern Barents and Kara seas, (3) coastal waters of the Kara Sea, and (4) western portion of the Laptev Sea. They may share wintering grounds to some extent. Surveys have not yet been conducted in the Barents and Kara seas and the number of Belugas inhabiting these regions is unknown. The White Sea hosts a resident population of belugas numbering about 1,000 over-wintering individuals. In summer, this number is augmented by animals from the Barents Sea.
Population Trend
Known or potential threats include a variety of human activities in addition to hunting: oil and gas development, expansion of fisheries (with possible implications for bycatch and resource depletion), hydroelectric development (in Hudson Bay), and industrial and urban pollution. Climate change will likely increase the scale and distribution of these activities. Hydroelectric development may affect belugas because of their dependence on estuarine conditions. Areas such as the McKenzie Delta and West Greenland are subject to oil exploration, which often includes seismic surveys, offshore drilling, and artificial island construction. These activities are undertaken in the summer months in the same areas occupied by belugas at this time of year. In a study of responses of belugas to ice-breaking ships, the Belugas typically moved rapidly along ice edges away from approaching ships and showed strong avoidance reactions to approaching ships at distances of 35–50 km (Finley et al. 1990).
Climate change is another potential threat. Belugas may experience climate-induced geographic shifts or altered reproductive success due to persistent changes in extent of sea ice (Tynan and DeMaster, 1997, Laidre et al in press). Belugas are also susceptible to savssats or ice entrapments when sea ice conditions change rapidly.
Threats from contaminants are of concern in some areas. Studies of the small, geographically isolated subpopulation in the St. Lawrence River have found that concentrations of both total PCBs and chlorinated PCB congeners are much higher in these belugas than in Arctic belugas. Some scientists believe that the increased occurrence of opportunistic bacterial infections, parasitic infestation, gastric ulcers and other disorders in St. Lawrence belugas is evidence of a link between immune system dysfunction and PCB exposure (Martineau et al., 1994).
To summarize, in some parts of the species' range, particularly in Canada and Greenland, intensive hunting represents an ongoing major threat, and in a few instances this is compounded by the less direct and less easily quantified threats (realized and potential) of disturbance by vessel traffic (e.g. St. Lawrence estuary, river mouths in eastern Hudson Bay), habitat modification (e.g. large hydroelectric dams in rivers flowing into Hudson Bay and James Bay), contaminants (e.g. St. Lawrence estuary), climate change (including secondary effects from opening of Arctic and sub-Arctic waters to year-round ship traffic, oil an gas development, commercial fishing), and possibly incidental catch in fisheries (e.g. St. Lawrence estuary).
Comments: Population decline in Gulf of St. Lawrence (from 5000 to 500) and elsewhere is attributed to loss of suitable habitat, pollution, and especially historic over-exploitation (Stewart and Stewart 1989, IUCN 1991, Dold 1993). This population shows a high rate of intestinal cancer, possibly related to water pollution (Farnsworth, NY Times, 22 August 1995). Lungworms may be an important cause of morbidity and mortality of young in the St. Lawrence estuary (Measures et al. 1995). The Southeast Baffin Island population is thought to be declining as a result of excessive harvest (Richard 1991). There is also concern that excessive harvest, especially in western Greenland, may be threatening the Baffin Bay population that summers around Somerset Island (Droidge and Finley 1992, 1993). Potentially threatened also by development of hydrocarbon resources and increased disturbance from ship traffic.
In some parts of the Beluga Whale's range, particularly in Canada and Greenland, intensive hunting represents an ongoing threat to Belugas. In a few instances this is compounded by the less direct and less easily quantified threats of disturbance by vessel traffic (e.g., St. Lawrence estuary, river mouths in eastern Hudson Bay), habitat modification (e.g., large hydroelectric dams in rivers flowing into Hudson Bay and James Bay), contaminants (e.g., St. Lawrence estuary), and possibly incidental catch in fisheries (wherever entangling gear overlaps the animals' range) (IUCN 2009).
Global climate change may also have serious negative impacts on Beluga Whales. The most serious impacts of climate change on Belugas may not come directly from the effects of weather conditions, but rather indirectly from the role that regional warming and reduced sea ice play in changing human activities. Extensive ice cover and extreme winter conditions (including both darkness and cold) have always limited human activities in the Arctic, and many regions have remained inaccessible to ships and other vessels. As Arctic ice cover declines and the passages between northern landmasses become more navigable, humans will gain easier access to formerly pristine areas that have long served as refuges for Belugas (IUCN 2009).
The number of vessels sailing through the Arctic for gas and oil exploration/extraction, commercial shipping (for both transportation and tourism), and fishing has already increased. Further reductions in sea ice are likely to accelerate this trend in coming decades. With the increase in ship traffic, ship strikes are likely to become an increasingly significant cause of Beluga injury and death. Belugas detect and respond to the presence of icebreaking ships over great distances (up to 50 km). Industrial noise (e.g., from ships, seismic surveys, and offshore drilling), likely disrupts Beluga behaviour and may impair the ability of Belugas to communicate, forage efficiently and generally sense their environment. Noise-producing activities are already ongoing or planned in many areas used by large populations of Belugas, including the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, West Greenland, and Hudson Bay (IUCN 2009).
Pollution may become an increasingly significant problem for Belugas with increasing industrialization and urbanization of the Arctic. Many toxic contaminants become concentrated as they move up the food chain. Because Belugas and other cetaceans are at or near the top of the food chain and have long life spans, they accumulate relatively high concentrations of certain toxins in their blubber and other organs. These may contribute to a range of health problems in the animals themselves and are also of concern to the people who hunt Belugas for food (IUCN 2009).
Loss of sea ice and increased ocean temperatures will affect the distribution, composition, and productivity of prey communities and in turn influence the ability of Belugas to find and catch suitable prey. Given the great uncertainties about how Arctic and sub-Arctic ecosystems function and about how they will be affected by climate change, it is difficult to confidently predict impacts of climate change on Beluga prey populations (IUCN 2009).
As weather patterns become more unpredictable and extreme due to climate change, it is possible that Belugas and other Arctic whales will become more susceptible to ice entrapment. Such events have always occurred and are assumed to contribute to natural mortality in most Beluga populations. However, it is feared that the frequency and scale of the mortality from ice entrapment will increase as the climate changes (IUCN 2009).
As Arctic waters become warmer and patterns of circulation, salinity, and nutrient input change, species that previously were not present in the Arctic will be able to move farther north and remain there for longer. This could have two major types of effects on Belugas. First, species such as Minke and Humpback whales as well as seals and other predators may directly compete with Belugas for food resources. Second, species such as Killer Whales may have more opportunities to prey on Belugas. Both of these factors could negatively affect Beluga populations (IUCN 2009).
One population (or "distinct population segment" in the curious language of the U.S. Endangered Species Act), the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale of Cook Inlet in southeastern Alaska, was listed as endangered by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in October of 2008. In December of 2009, NOAA proposed designating more than a third of Cook Inlet as critical habitat for the remaining ~300 Cook Inlet Beluga Whales.
Conservation Actions
It is listed on CITES Appendix II.
Relevance to Humans and Ecosystems
Belugas hinder fishermen from getting any fish. Much of the hunting of belugas has died down since the seventies.
Negative Impacts: crop pest
Belugas were once hunted for food and other items such as oil. These provided humans with a profit. Now, because of their large social groupings, they provide ecotourists with entertainment.
Positive Impacts: food ; ecotourism ; research and education; produces fertilizer
Economic Uses
Comments: Long subjected to subsistence harvest, and formerly to commercial harvest, throughout range (IUCN 1991). Currently harvested by subsistence hunters (e.g., Alaskan natives and Canadian Inuit, and Greenland natives). Displayed in some marine aquaria.
IUCN Red List Category
- IUCN (2008) Cetacean update of the 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
IUCN Red List Category
- IUCN (2008) Cetacean update of the 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Beluga whale
The beluga or white whale, Delphinapterus leucas, is an Arctic and sub-Arctic species of cetacean. It is one of two members of the family Monodontidae, along with the narwhal. This marine mammal is commonly referred to simply as the beluga or sea canary due to its high-pitched twitter.[3] It is up to 5 meters (16 ft) in length and an unmistakable all-white color with a distinctive protuberance on the head. From a conservation perspective, the beluga is considered "near threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature; however the subpopulation from the Cook Inlet in Alaska is considered critically endangered and is under the protection of the United States' Endangered Species Act.[2][4] Of seven Canadian beluga populations, two are listed as endangered, inhabiting eastern Hudson Bay, and Ungava Bay.
Contents |
In 1776 Peter Simon Pallas first described the beluga.[1] It is a member of the Monodontidae family, which is in turn part of the toothed whale suborder.[1] The Irrawaddy dolphin was once placed in the same family; however, recent genetic evidence suggests otherwise.[5] The narwhal is the only other species within the Monodontidae family besides the beluga.[6]
The Red List of Threatened Species gives both beluga and white whale as common names, though the former is now more popular. The English name comes from the Russian белуга (beluga) or белуха (belukha), which derives from the word белый (belyy), meaning "white". It is sometimes referred to by scientists as the belukha whale in order to avoid confusion with the beluga sturgeon.
The whale is also colloquially known as the Sea Canary on account of its high-pitched squeaks, squeals, clucks and whistles. A Japanese researcher says he taught a beluga to "talk" by using these sounds to identify three different objects, offering hope that humans may one day be able to communicate effectively with sea mammals.[7]
Male belugas are larger than females. Males can reach 5.5 metres (18 ft) long, while females grow to 4.1 metres (13 ft).[8] Males weigh between 1,100 and 1,600 kilograms (2,400 and 3,500 lb) while females weigh between 700 and 1,200 kilograms (1,500 and 2,600 lb).[9] This is larger than most dolphins, but is smaller than most other toothed whales.[citation needed]
The adult beluga is rarely mistaken for another species, because it is completely white or whitish-gray in color. Calves, however, are usually gray.[8] Its head is unlike that of any other cetacean. Like most toothed whales it has a melon—an oily, fatty tissue lump found at the center of the forehead. The beluga's melon is extremely bulbous and even malleable.[6] The beluga is able to change the shape of its head by blowing air around its sinuses. Unlike many dolphins and whales, the vertebrae in the neck are not fused together, allowing the animal to turn its head laterally. The rostrum has about 8 to 10 teeth on each side of the jaw and a total of 34 to 40 teeth.
Belugas have a dorsal ridge, rather than a dorsal fin.[8] The absence of the dorsal fin is reflected in the genus name of the species—apterus the Greek word for "wingless." The evolutionary preference for a dorsal ridge rather than a fin is believed to be an adaptation to under-ice conditions, or possibly as a way of preserving heat.[6] As in other cetaceans, the thyroid gland is relatively large compared to terrestrial mammals (proportionally three times as large as a horse's thyroid) and may help to sustain higher metabolism during the summer estuarine occupations.
Its body is round, particularly when well-fed, and tapers less smoothly to the head than the tail. The sudden tapering to the base of its neck gives it the appearance of shoulders, unique among cetaceans. The tail fin grows and becomes increasingly and ornately curved as the animal ages. The flippers are broad and short—making them almost square-shaped.
Range and habitat
The beluga inhabits a discontinuous circumpolar distribution in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters ranging from 50° N to 80° N, particularly along the coasts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia. The southernmost extent of their range includes isolated populations in the St. Lawrence River estuary and the Saguenay fjord, around the village of Tadoussac, Quebec, in the Atlantic and the Amur River delta, the Shantar Islands and the waters surrounding Sakhalin Island in the Sea of Okhotsk.[10]
In the spring, the beluga moves to its summer grounds: bays, estuaries and other shallow inlets. These summer sites are discontinuous. A mother usually returns to the same site year after year. As its summer homes clog with ice during autumn, the beluga moves away for winter. Most travel in the direction of the advancing icepack and stay close its edge for the winter months. Others stay under the icepack—surviving by finding ice leads and polynyas (patches of open water in the ice) in which they can surface to breathe. Beluga may also find air pockets trapped under the ice. The beluga's ability to find the thin slivers of open water within a dense ice pack that may cover more than 96% of the surface mystifies scientists. Its echo-location capabilities are highly adapted to the sub-ice sea's peculiar acoustics and it has been suggested that belugas can sense open water through echo-location.
In 1849, while constructing the first railroad between Rutland and Burlington in Vermont, workers unearthed the bones of a mysterious animal in the town of Charlotte. Buried nearly 10 feet (3.0 m) below the surface in a thick blue clay, these bones were unlike those of any animal previously discovered in Vermont. Experts identified the bones as those of a beluga. Because Charlotte is over 150 miles (241 km) from the nearest ocean, early naturalists were at a loss to explain the bones of a marine mammal buried beneath the fields of rural Vermont. Today, the Charlotte whale aids in the study of the geology and the history of the Champlain Basin,[11] and this fossil is now the official Vermont State Fossil (making Vermont the only state whose official fossil is that of a still extant animal).
On June 9, 2006, a young beluga carcass was found in the Tanana River near Fairbanks in central Alaska, nearly 1,700 kilometers (1,056 mi) from the nearest ocean habitat. Belugas sometimes follow migrating fish, leading Alaska state biologist Tom Seaton to speculate that it had followed migrating salmon up the river at some point in the prior fall.
Life history
Belugas are highly sociable. Groups of males may number in the hundreds, while mothers with calves generally mix in slightly smaller groups. When pods aggregate in estuaries, they may number in the thousands. This can represent a significant proportion of the entire population and is when they are most vulnerable to hunting.
Pods tend to be unstable, meaning that they tend to move from pod to pod. Radio tracking has shown that belugas can start out in a pod and within a few days be hundreds of miles away from that pod. Mothers and calves form the beluga's closest social relationship. Nursing times of two years have been observed and lactational anestrus may not occur. Calves often return to the same estuary as their mother in the summer, meeting her sometimes even after becoming fully mature.
Belugas can be playful—they may spit at humans or other whales. It is not unusual for an aquarium handler to be drenched by one of his charges. Some researchers believe that spitting originated with blowing sand away from crustaceans at the sea bottom.
Unlike most whales, it is capable of swimming backwards.[12]
Males reach sexual maturity between four and seven years, while females mature at between six and nine years. The beluga can live more than 50 years.[8]
Female belugas typically give birth to one calf every three years.[8] Most mating occurs between February and May, but some mating occurs at other times of year.[6][8] It is questionable whether the beluga has delayed implantation.[6] Gestation last 12 to 14.5 months.[8]
Calves are born over a protracted period that varies by location. In the Canadian Arctic, calves are born between March and September, while in Hudson Bay the peak calving period is in late June and in Cumberland Sound most calves are born from late July to early August.[13]
Newborns are about 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) long, weigh about 80 kilograms (180 lb), and are grey in color. The calves remain dependent on their mothers for at least two years.
The beluga is a slow swimmer that feeds mainly on fish. It also eats cephalopods (squid and octopus) and crustaceans (crab and shrimp). Foraging on the seabed typically takes place at depths of up to 1,000 feet (300 m) but they can dive at least twice this depth. A typical feeding dive lasts 3–5 minutes, but belugas submerge for up to 20 minutes at a time.[14]
Polar bears take particular advantage of situations when belugas become trapped by ice and are thus unable to reach the ocean. The bears swipe at the belugas and drag them onto the ice. The orca is its other significant natural predator.[9]
Relation to humans
Belugas were among the first whale species in captivity. The first beluga was shown at Barnum's Museum in New York City in 1861. Today it remains one of the few whale species kept at aquaria and sea life parks across North America, Europe, and Asia. Its popularity there with visitors reflects its attractive color, and its range of facial expressions. While most cetacean "smiles" are fixed, the extra movement afforded by the beluga's unfused cervical vertebrae allows a greater range of apparent expression. Most belugas found in aquariums are caught in the wild, though captive breeding programs enjoy some success.
Both the United States Navy and the Russian Navy have used belugas in anti-mining operations in Arctic waters.[15] In one instance, a captive beluga helped bring a distressed diver who was performing a stunt in his pool up to the surface, possibly saving the diver's life.[16] Another time, a captive beluga brought a cramp-paralized diver from the bottom of the pool up to the surface by holding her foot in its mouth, certainly saving the female diver's life.[17]
Population and threats
The global population of belugas today stands at about 100,000. Although this number is much greater than that of many other cetaceans, it is much smaller than pre-hunting populations. There are estimated to be 40,000 individuals in the Beaufort Sea, 25,045 in Hudson Bay, 18,500 in the Bering Sea, and 28,008 in the Canadian Low Arctic. The population in the St. Lawrence estuary is estimated to be around 1,000.[18] It is considered an excellent sentinel species (indicator of environment health and changes). This is because it is long-lived, on top of the food web, bearing large amounts of fat and blubber, relatively well-studied for a cetacean, and still somewhat common.
Because the beluga congregates in river estuaries, pollution is proving to be a significant health danger. Incidents of cancer have been reported to be rising as a result of St. Lawrence River pollution. Local beluga carcasses contain so many contaminants that they are treated as toxic waste.[citation needed] Reproductive pathology has been discovered here, possibly caused by organochlorines. Levels between 240 ppm and 800 ppm of PCBs have been found, with males typically having higher levels.[19] The long-term effects of this pollution on the affected populations is not known.
Indirect human disturbance may also be a threat. While some populations tolerate small boats, others actively try to avoid ships. Whale-watching has become a booming activity in the St. Lawrence and Churchill River areas.
Because of its predictable migration pattern and high concentrations, the beluga has been hunted by indigenous Arctic peoples for centuries. In many areas, hunting continues, and is believed to be sustainable. However, in other areas, such as the Cook Inlet, Ungava Bay, and off western Greenland, previous commercial operations left the populations in great peril. Indigenous whaling continues in these areas, and some populations continue to decline. These areas are the subject of intensive dialogue between Inuit communities and national governments aiming to create a sustainable hunt.
Papillomaviruses have been found in the gastric compartments of belugas in the St. Lawerence River. Herpesvirus as well has been detected on occasion in belugas. Encephalitis has sometimes been observed and the protozoa Sarcocystis can infect the animals. Ciliates have been observed to colonize the blowhole yet may not be pathogenic or especially harmful.[20]
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacilli, likely from contaminated fish in the diet, can endanger captive belugas, causing anorexia, dermal plaques, and lesions. This may lead to death if not diagnosed early and treated with antibiotics.[21]
Conservation status
As of 2008, the beluga is listed as "near threatened" by the IUCN. This is due to uncertainty about the number of belugas over parts of its range (especially the Russian Arctic) and the expectation that if current conservation efforts cease, especially hunting management, the beluga population is likely to qualify for "threatened" status within five years. Prior to 2008, the beluga was listed as "vulnerable", a higher level of concern. IUCN cited the stability of the largest subpopulations and improved census methods that indicate a larger population than previously estimated.[2]
To prevent hunting, belugas are protected under the International Moratorium on Commercial Whaling; however, small amounts of beluga whaling are still allowed. Since it is very difficult to know the exact population of belugas because their habitats include inland waters away from the ocean, it is easy for them to come in contact with oil and gas development centers. To prevent whales from coming in contact with industrial waste, the Alaskan and Canadian governments are relocating sites where whales and waste come in contact.
To prevent captive whales from dying, researchers from the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre are finding ways to prevent fungi from entering the habitats and to constantly check their health. Healthy captive belugas are important because they are one of the only whales found in many marine aquariums. The high numbers of captives adds to the threat to the beluga population, while their carcasses contribute to scientific research.
Subpopulations are subject to differing levels of threat and warrant individual assessment. The Cook Inlet subpopulation is listed as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN as of 2006.[22] The Cook Inlet beluga population is listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act as of October 2008.[4][23][24] This was due to overharvesting of belugas prior to 1998. The population has failed to recover even though the reported harvest has been small. The most recent published estimate as of May 2008 was 302 (CV=0.16) in 2006.[25] In addition, the National Marine Fisheries Service indicated that the 2007 aerial survey's point estimate was 375.
The beluga's earliest known ancestor is the prehistoric Denebola brachycephala from the late Miocene period. A single fossil from the Baja California peninsula, indicates that the family once inhabited warmer waters. The fossil record also indicates that in comparatively recent times the beluga's range varied with that of the polar ice packs—expanding during ice ages and contracting when the ice retreats.
See also
- Pour la suite du monde, a documentary about traditional beluga hunting on the Saint Lawrence River
- ^ a b c Mead, James G.; Brownell, Robert L., Jr. (16 November 2005). "Order Cetacea (pp. 723-743)". In Wilson, Don E., and Reeder, DeeAnn M., eds. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2 vols. (2142 pp.). ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=14300105.
- ^ a b c Jefferson, T.A., Karczmarski, L., Laidre, K., O'Corry-Crowe, G., Reeves, R.R., Rojas-Bracho, L., Secchi, E.R., Slooten, E., Smith, B.D., Wang, J.Y. & Zhou, K. (2008). Delphinapterus leucas. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 2008-10-07.
- ^ Harris, Patricia; Lyon, David; (April 8, 2007) Boston Globe Enter close quarters: colonial to nuclear subs. Section: Travel; Page 8M.
- ^ a b Rosen, Yereth (October 17, 2008). "Beluga whales in Alaska listed as endangered". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE49G6JD20081017. Retrieved 2008-10-17.
- ^ Arnold, P. (2002). "Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris". In Perrin, W., Würsig B. and Thewissen, J.. Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Academic Press. p. 652. ISBN 0-12-551340-2.
- ^ a b c d e O'Corry-Crowe, G. (2002). "Beluga Whale Delphinapterus leucas". In Perrin, W., Würsig B. and Thewissen, J.. Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Academic Press. p. 94–99. ISBN 0-12-551340-2.
- ^ "Japanese whale whisperer teaches beluga to talk". www.meeja.com.au. 2008-09-16. http://www.meeja.com.au/index.php?display_article_id=221. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
- ^ a b c d e f g Shirihai, H. & Jarrett, B. (2006). Whales, Dolphins and Other Marine Mammals of the World. Princeton: Princeton Univ. Press. p. 97–100. ISBN 0-69112757-3.
- ^ a b Reeves, R., Stewart, B., Clapham, P. & Powell, J. (2003). Guide to Marine Mammals of the World. New York: A.A. Knopf. p. 318–321. ISBN 0-375-41141-0.
- ^ Artyukhin Yu.B. and V.N. Burkanov (1999). Sea birds and mammals of the Russian Far East: a Field Guide, Мoscow: АSТ Publishing – 215 p. (Russian)
- ^ http://www.uvm.edu/whale/
- ^ "Georgia Aquarium – Beluga Whale". http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/exploreTheAquarium/webcam-beluga.aspx. Retrieved 2008-10-12.
- ^ Cosens, S. & Dueck, L. (June 1990). "Spring Sightings of Narwhal and Beluga Calves in Lancaster Sound, N.W.T". Arctic 31 (2): 1–2. http://pubs.aina.ucalgary.ca/arctic/Arctic43-2-127.pdf.
- ^ "Delphinapterus leucas: Beluga Whale". Marine Bio. http://www.marinebio.org/species.asp?id=159. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
- ^ "The Story of Navy Dolphins". PBS. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/whales/etc/navycron.html. Retrieved 2008-10-12.
- ^ "Wal Rettet Ertrinkende Taucherin!". http://www.blick.ch/news/ausland/wal-rettet-ertrinkende-taucherin-124805. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
- ^ Christine Lepisto (02 August 2009). "Beluga Whale Saves Diver". http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/amazing-beluga-whale-rescues-diver.php. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
- ^ Portrait of endangered beluga whales in Quebec
- ^ J Great Lakes Res.,19 & Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.,16 & Sci. Total Environ.,154
- ^ Dierauf, L. & Gulland, F. (2001). CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine. CRC Press. p. 26, 303, 359. ISBN 0849308399.
- ^ Dierauf, L. & Gulland, F. (2001). CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine. CRC Press. p. 316–317. ISBN 0849308399.
- ^ "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species". International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/6335/0/full. Retrieved 2008-10-17.
- ^ "Endangered and Threatened Species; Endangered Status for the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2008-10-22. http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/fr/fr73-62919.pdf. Retrieved 2009-08-26.
- ^ Herbert, H. Josef (October 17, 2008). "Government declares beluga whale endangered". Associated Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gJx0IzvRt6GWrUBb90Foe4URCGagD93SD0DO0. Retrieved 2008-10-17.
- ^ Angliss and Outlaw 2007.
Further reading
- Outridge, P. M., K. A. Hobson, R. McNeely, and A. Dyke. 2002. "A Comparison of Modern and Preindustrial Levels of Mercury in the Teeth of Beluga in the Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories, and Walrus at Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada". Arctic. 55: 123–132.
Names and Taxonomy
Comments: Brennin et al. (1997) examined mtDNA variation in North American populations and detected two distinct groups, one occurring primarily from the St. Lawrence estuary and eastern Hudson Bay and the other primarily in western Hudson Bay, southern Baffin Island, western Greenland, the Canadian High Arctic, and the eastern Beaufort Sea


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There are boats between Grand Floridian and the Polynesian; Yacht & Beach, Boardwalk, Swan & Dolphin resorts; Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge & Ft. Wilderness; the Port Orleans Resorts have the boat that stops at both and goes to DTD.
But nothing from Wilderness Lodge to Port Orleans.
I think your best bet would be during the hours the buses are running to MK is to take the boat (or bus) from WL to MK, then catch the bus to Port Orleans.
Generally, the "take the bus to the nearest park and then switch buses" approach works best, as long as it is within the hours the buses run (1 hr prior to park opening to 1.5 hours after park closing).

subset: commoncrawl


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ADVICE Newsletter - January 2014
Welcome to the first edition of ADVICE for 2014! We hope that you had a chance to relax over the break and are ready for a new semester.
As always, if you need any academic advice or support, feel free to contact the Academic Advising Centre, sooner rather than later.
Once grades are released each semester, we often get calls and visits from anxious students asking us if failing a course will prevent them from returning to university for the next semester.
In order to continue your studies at Memorial each semester, you must:
- obtain a current average of 50% in the courses for which you are registered on the last day for dropping courses without academic prejudice,
- or have a cumulative average of at least 55%.
Therefore, you need to look at your results in all of your courses. If your lower grades are balanced with higher grades in other courses, you may still meet the current or cumulative average required to return in the next semester.
The first time you do not meet the required average, you will get an academic warning (also known as "Forgiveness"). You may also be advised to reduce your course load, take part in academic workshops or meet regularly with an advisor.
If you receive an academic warning, talk to an advisor at the Academic Advising Centre to find out what you should do next.
The Math Placement Test for the winter semester will be held on the first day of classes - January 6.
The Math Department offers students a synopsis of the questions included on the test on its website.
The MPT is required for students who plan to take a first-year mathematics course at Memorial including Math 1050, 1051, 1090 and 1000.
If you have received transfer credit for a first-year mathematics course, you won't have to take the test before registering for another mathematics course. However, you will need to meet the prerequisite for the course you have selected (for example, Math 1090 is a prerequsite for Math 1000).
If you want to see an academic advisor, you have the option of booking an appointment at a time that's convenient for you.
You can book appointments online through my.mun.ca. Just follow these instructions to schedule an appointment at a time that works for you. Appointments are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Students are always welcome to visit the Academic Advising Centre any day during regular office hours and see the next available advisor.
You can find out more about degree programs offered at Memorial by attending one of the information sessions that are held weekly throughout the semester.
The sessions are hosted by the faculities and schools and the Academic Advising Centre and will be held in the Science Building, Room SN 4068 at 1pm.
- January 15 - Human Kinetics and Recreation
- January 22 - Engineering
- January 29 - Nursing
- February 5 - Pharmacy
- February 12 - Social Work
- February 26 - Business
- March 5 - Arts
- March 12 - Science
- March 19 - Education
We encourage you to drop by and listen to the presentation, which includes details on the admission requirements, a description of the degree program and other relevant information for Memorial students interested in those programs.
Do you plan to take laboratory courses through Science, Nursing, Medicine, Engineering, Education, Pharmacy, and Archaeology or at the Marine Insitute or Grenfell Campus?
All students who expect to take courses where they may be exposed to chemicals in laboratories must have appropriate training in WHMIS and Laboratory Safety.
Be sure to register for the Safety 1000 training course, which is offered online through Desire2Learn. Registration will be available starting Friday December 20, 2013.
- Students can register through self-serve https://www3.mun.ca/admit/twbkwbis.P_WWWLogin using CRN# 76395.
- After registering it will take up to 6 hours before you gain access to the course.
- Students can log into Desire2Learn with their my.mun.ca login ID to access the course.
Students must provide verification that they have successfully completed the Safety 1000 course to their lab instructor or supervisor prior to the start of laboratory classes. Any questions can be directed to firstname.lastname@example.com.
It is always a good idea to consult with the University Diary for a full list of relevant dates for the current academic year.
You can also refer to the Office of the Registrar's Relevant Dates section for information about registration dates and times for each semester.
You're encouraged to save the date for this semester's Midterm Resource Fair. The event takes place on Monday, February 10 from 11am to 2pm and offers students information about academic and career development resources available on campus.
All of the professional faculties and schools at Memorial have specific application deadlines and admission requirements. Some deadlines have passed, others are coming soon.
If you are interested in any of these programs, you should ensure that you meet the admission regulations by completing the required courses.
Check the Guide to First Year, the university Calendar, or drop by the Academic Advising Centre to get the details on the courses and admission requirements.
If you hope to be accepted to one of the programs listed below, be sure to submit the application on time.
January 15 deadline
- Bachelor of Education (intermediate/secondary)
- Bachelor of Music
March 1 deadline
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Bachelor of Kinesiology
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Physical Education
- Bachelor of Recreation
- Bachelor of Social Work
Find out how to make the most of your study time by attending one of the Study Skills Workshops offered at the University Counselling Centre.
These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for you to discuss your concerns with a psychologist and develop helpful strategies to meet your academic needs.
In previous sessions, students have worked on reading and study skills, time management, oral presentations, organizing knowledge for writing term papers and essays, and test anxiety.
Check out this list of useful sites that the Counselling Centre recommends for developing your academic skills.
You may have come to Memorial with a clear idea of your career path or you might be still wondering what the future holds for you.
Either way, Career Development and Experiential Learning (CDEL) can offer you advice and support as you explore your careeer options.
The CDEL team provides labour market information, employability skills workshops, individual consultations, and employment counselling, and offers students a chance to gain practical career-related experiences.
Postings for summer, part-time, and graduate employment are advertised throughout the year at MyMunLife. Students are encouraged to check the job postings on a regular basis.
Career Development and Experiential Learning is located on the fourth floor of the Smallwood Centre in UC 4002 and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the CDEL website for more information.


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Friday, March 26, 2010
Maryann likes a style that is easy to round brush in the morning! This is the perfect haircut for that! I finished it off with a textured fringe!
*Heidi Mitchell is a hair stylist that works out of a salon in Colorado Springs called Mateos Salon and Day Spa. Heidi specializes in mens and womens haircuts, color, highlights, and styling. Heidi is a graduate of Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy and has been making people look amazing for the last 7 years.


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Interview with Rajiv Nema "Indori"
By Kamla Bhatt • Nov 17th, 2013Category: Books, Movies, Music, Televison, Diaspora, India, Interviews, Living In America, People, YouTube Videos
Meet Rajiv Nema "Indori," who will have you in splits within minutes of meeting. This San Francisco bay area denizen has been a fixture at Naatak, a 18 year old theatre company that has a loyal following in this area. When Rajiv Nema is not on stage or in front of a camera, you can find him working in a tech company. You see, he trained as a engineer, but his heart is in theatre and acting. In front of camera you ask? Yes, he whips out his trusty little iPhone (thanks god to Steve Jobs and his brilliant team in Cupertino), and shots these funny videos that have made him a YouTube sensation. Mention "the Indori guy," and folks from Indore in Madhya Pradesh will recognize him instantly. Forget Indore, way down South in the garden city of Bangalore I discovered folks that were loyal followers of the "indori" guy.
A couple of weeks ago, we had Rajiv Nema on our weekly radio show at KZSU, Stanford. For a full "68 minutes," Rajiv Nema was on a roll and in fine form as I flitted from one topic to another. We spoke about his beloved city of Indore, Indori accent, how he courted his Nicaraguan wife and proposed to her via the fax machine (remember the fax?), his YouTube video, Naatak, and his work at SAP and its new exciting technology called HANA. I have never laughed so much during my weekly radio show.
Take a listen to the interview yourself as Rajiv Nema regales you with entertaining and funny stories.
And here is a video from Rajiv Nema's YouTube channel, where he proposes an Indori accent for your GPS navigator in the US. Now, imagine driving a Prius where you get turn-by-turn instructions in good ole Indori accent, when all you can follow is English and Tamil!


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Producer: Statistics Finland
Homepage: http://
Main topic: Trade
Related topics: Enterprises
Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Yes
European Statistical System (ESS): Yes
The index of turnover of trade describes development in the turnover of enterprises engaged in trade. Turnover for the largest enterprises in their respective industries is described with the data collected with the sales inquiry while the data on sales obtained from periodic tax returns are exploited to describe the turnover of other enterprises. Turnover is exclusive of value-added tax. In addition, the volume index of retail trade sales, from which the impact of prices has been eliminated, is produced on trade.
The calculation is based on estimation of change. Sums by industry are calculated with data on the enterprises for which comparable data on turnover are available for both the examined month and the corresponding month of the previous year. The obtained sums are used to calculate annual changes by industry. Because preliminary data can only be calculated from the data Statistics Finland has obtained by inquiring enterprises direct, their calculation is based purely on the estimation of change, whereas the impact of enterprise openings and closures on the produced indices is also taken into account in the calculation of revised data. The annual changes thus obtained are used to raise the turnover index of the corresponding month of the previous year. The latest index figures may become slightly revised as new data accumulate and enterprises report changes to their data. Due to supplementations, the data will become updated in releases for over twelve months. The statistics and indices compiled from the data are public under the condition that no individual enterprise's data can be identified from them.
Indicators of turnover are also published for sub-industries in construction, other services and manufacturing. Data on the turnover and export turnover of other industries, enterprise groups and areas can also be produced to order as special compilations.
A statistical release of the latest data on the motor vehicle, wholesale and retail trade is made monthly at a lag of approximately 45 days basing on the preliminary data obtained with the survey of large enterprises. Preliminary data are also released on the retail trade subgroups of retail sales of perishable goods and retail sales in department stores, and on the wholesale trade subgroup of non-specialised wholesale. Data by more detailed industrial breakdown are published at a lag of about 75 days from the end of the examined month on Statistics Finland's website.
Indices on trade turnover are published for the following activities:
RETAIL TRADE 47 - Retail sale of perishable goods (4711, 472)
Standard Industrial Classification 2008.
The turnover indices are based on the Tax Administration's periodic tax return data and on Statistics Finland's sales inquiry. The Tax Administration's data cover all enterprises that are liable for value added tax and pay wages and salaries. The material comprises data collected in connection with the value added tax and employer contribution payment and reporting procedure. The sales inquiry mainly asks about turnover at the enterprise level, but to improve purity by industry, enterprises operating in multiple industries are divided into industry-specific units. Basic information on enterprises, such as their industry, that is available from Statistics Finland's Register of Enterprises and Establishments is also utilised in calculating the indices.
Preliminary data approximately 45 days and revised data about 75 days after the end of the statistical reference time period.
Starting from 1995. The base year of the time series is 2010 (2010=100)
business cycles, economic fluctuation, enterprises, indices, industries, motor vehicle trade, motor vehicles, motorcar, retail trade, trade, turnover, vehicles, wholesale and retail trade, wholesale trade
Last updated 29.01.2014
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Note: This post was originally published on June 10, 2012, and discussed on air with Tony Trupiano on Monday July 9, 2012.
In writing this post it occurs to me that I don't know enough about my fellow bloggers, activists, progressives, etc. I mean, I know pretty much what we all stand for and where we may differ in opinion, but I don't your stories. How did you come to be a progressive? How did your values develop?
I grew up in a union family. And I mean UNION. My grandparents, great-grandparents, and great (grand?) uncles were active in the Flint Sit Down. Active to the point where they didn't feel that they joined the union; they felt that the union joined them. Great grandpa and uncle Charlie were in the Hole, and my grandpa was on the outside because he wasn't on shift when the guys went out. He stayed right outside the shops every day until the strike was over. My grandma stood with the Women's Emergency Brigade, and later would refuse to talk about it because she said it was the most afraid she had ever been in her life and she didn't want to relive it. Cruel irony since my grandfather could not stop talking about his great victory for labor. He was one of the few remaining active Sit Downers when he died in 2001.
And did I mention my dad was union, and his brothers and sisters were union? I grew up with a healthy appreciation for collective bargaining and organized labor. When I ran off to college at 18, there was no doubt that I'd end up in politics somewhere, and that I'd be fighting for labor. But short of becoming an elected politician or a union organizer, how would I do that?
That's where the personal legislative agenda comes in.
Like I said, I don't know your stories, but I'd bet that many of you come to political awareness through a cause. Like me it may be labor. It might be reproductive rights, voting rights, equality, urban renewal. Maybe a candidate brought you into it? Barack Obama, Jennifer Granholm, Howard Dean? But now that you're here, what is your legislative agenda?
A legislative agenda is just like it sounds; a list of legislation that you care about. This could be,
- Legislation that you support
- Legislation that you oppose
- Legislation that you would like to see introduced
- Anything you want to keep an eye on
Creating this agenda allows you to take a proactive approach toward public policy. The agenda will become the foundation for your activism.
So how do we go about creating our agenda? Let's start with keywords, and assume that your issue is public education in Michigan. Start with the Michigan Legislative Website; this site allows you to track legislation, contact your representative, and see audio/video of the legislature in action. Click through to see all of the options available to you.
Once you're at the site you see you can search for bills or compiled laws, by number or by keyword. At this point it's like any other search. For education your keywords might be,
- Charter Schools
- Cyber Schools
- Public Schools
- Education
- Teacher
- Students
The keyword "teacher" brings up 99 bills from the 2011 – 2012 session.
Now it's time for you to do some digging. Click on the link of the bill you would like to learn more about. You will find bill sponsor, bill summary, status, and the text of the bill in pdf or html format. It doesn't get any sexier than that.
During the legislative research phase you should be tracking what you find. A great way to do this is to use the worksheets from The One Hour Activist by Christopher Kush. That's the link to the book itself, but you can click here to download the worksheets for free. I recommend the Bill Analysis Worksheet for bill research. It helps you track your findings, and helps you train yourself so that you know what to look for when you research a bill. You can download this worksheet here (pdf).
Once you've performed the research you can put together your legislative agenda. The Personal Legislative Agenda worksheet makes this a little easier. (click here for the pdf) This worksheet helps you track the description, and status of the bill, as well as the action you took to address the bill.
As you can see, one issue can be a very large issue and the research can take up a lot of time. This agenda-setting process should help get organized so that you can plan your work and track your progress.
If you have any questions, suggestions, etc., drop 'em in the comments or call in to First Shift during the Blog Role segment at 8.35am.


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Best New Shopping Cities
The home of country music is finally shedding its rhinestone cowgirl reputation—citified shops with on-the-cusp labels have been opening left and right.
The home of country music is finally shedding its rhinestone cowgirl reputation—citified shops with on-the-cusp labels have been opening left and right.
The Cosmetic Market
This comprehensive beauty-goods emporium takes its design cues from the supermarket, with products (from Bliss, Philip B, Nars, Smashbox, and Caudalie) displayed on rolling bread-rack-style shelves and atop industrial stainless steel tables.
The Hill Center, 4015 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 107, 615-298-7759, thecosmeticmarket.com
The Hill Center, 4015 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 107, 615-298-7759, thecosmeticmarket.com
Grand Palace
Down in the suburb of Murfreesboro, this music shop/printmaker/recording studio is located in an old Methodist church. The main attraction is an assortment of colorful, under-$20 concert posters, all custom-designed and silk-screened on-site for bands ranging from Wilco to Nada Surf.
128½ N. Church St., Murfreesboro, 615-890-3221
128½ N. Church St., Murfreesboro, 615-890-3221
Grove Boutique
Situated in an iron-balconied brick town house, this boutique has a romantic Southern charm. It offers up feminine garments from names including Rebecca Taylor, Saja, and Plenty by Tracy Reese.
2222 12th Ave. S, 615-469-0513
2222 12th Ave. S, 615-469-0513
H. Audrey
Holly Williams has made a wildly successful venture into retail with this Belle Époque—influenced shop, stocked with streamlined, urban labels like Daryl K and Rick Owens.
The Hill Center, 4027 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 703, 615-760-5701
The Hill Center, 4027 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 703, 615-760-5701
With its whitewashed floors and barn-like loft, Habit has a welcoming, countrified feel. It's brimming with everyday-wearable pieces rendered in luxe fabrics, such as Uluru cashmere tunics, ultra-soft jersey Lewis Cho dresses, and elaborately tailored Nicholas K fleece jackets.
2209 Bandywood Dr., 615-292-9399
2209 Bandywood Dr., 615-292-9399
Established a decade ago in New Orleans, this chainlet's most alluring outpost is in Nashville, with double-height ceilings and dramatic black chandeliers. Look for affordable items with broad appeal, like Farylrobin knee-high boots and Freedom of Choice sailor-style jeans.
The Hill Center, 4025 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 504, 615-298-9215
The Hill Center, 4025 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 504, 615-298-9215
Hud Luxe
Hud Hudson—whose mom, Jamie Stream, is the force behind celebrated Nashville boutique Jamie—launched this spot in early 2006. The store is dedicated to high-end tees and denim, plus glam jewelry and Western-influenced accessories.
2203 Bandywood Dr., 615-298-7474
2203 Bandywood Dr., 615-298-7474
Local Honey
Just off the emerging 12th Avenue shopping corridor is this esoteric shop, which sells a range of well-preserved vintage clothing plus choice pieces by regional designers. Expect looks from the 1960s and '70s, like swingy chain necklaces, classic riding boots, floral chiffon dresses, and chunky belt buckles.
1207 Linden Ave., 615-297-6977
1207 Linden Ave., 615-297-6977
The Perfect Pair
When it came to naming their enterprise, Casey Stribling and Whitney Dunn decided to reference both their longtime friendship and collective mission: offering on-trend footwear and bags adaptable to city or country. There's a mix of the traditional (Old Gringo cowboy boots) and the modern (Pedro Garcia satin flats, Costume National heels, Charlott Vasberg totes).
2209 Bandywood Dr., Ste. I, 615-385-7247
2209 Bandywood Dr., Ste. I, 615-385-7247
The newest branch of the Nashville-area minichain is its most inspired yet. Aimed at a more adventurous, deep-pocketed customer, the sleek spot brims with high-concept items like Carolina Amato elbow-length leather gloves and Elijah cobalt silk tie-back tunics.
The Hill Center, 4027 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 705, 615-269-6250
The Hill Center, 4027 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 705, 615-269-6250


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I can relate to what the United States servicemen are going through when trying to deal with the Veterans Administration. As a result of Iraq and Afghanistan, the system is overwhelmed and never will do justice to the thousands who need help today.
So many lives have been destroyed and I ask myself for what? They certainly did not find the weapons of mass destruction that the conflict was based on. I was in the military many years ago and have had some dealings with the VA. May God bless every one of our troops.
Robert J. McDermott


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Home » Posts tagged with "SSC UDC Departmental Exam 2013"
SSC Departmental Exam 2013 Notification
Great Opportunities Offered by SSC Departmental Exams 2013
Besides all competitive exams for recruitment under various ministries and offices of government, SSC also holds departmental exams. These exams are primarily concerned with recruitments related to different divisions. Name of exams along with their purpose are given below:
Clerks' Grade (for Multi Tasking Staff only) Examination –...
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Are you looking for PSU Jobs? You have landed at right place. Employment News at your finger tips - Find Jobs in Public Sector Companies and explore all the Sarkari Naukri options at single place. One may updated with Free Job Alert on daily basis. One may also check out other options as IBPS 2014, Study Abroad, and Railway Recruitment. One may enjoy to visit India List Classifieds, Important Days, Paintings, and at last but not least everything about India, that is India List. Hope that you have enjoyed the journey.


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The city was Japan's capital for 1,000 years, known simply as Miyoko ('the capital'). It is near Mount Miei (Hiei-zan) on which there is a famous Buddhist monastry. The the previous capital, 30 miles away, at Nara, the plan was based on the Chinese city of Ch'ang-an: a grid of streets with an imperial enclosure (the Daidairi). Possibly because Kyoto is surrounded by hills, as is evident from the aerial photograph, it did not need the high defensive walls which characterize Chang-an and other traditional Chinese cities.
The Heian Shrine, built in 1894, illustrated the original architecture of the city. It is a model of the Great Hall of State of the Daidairi. The original palace was destroyed by fire though a small section of its garden survives.
The reviews and ratings originate in all cases from third parties. Gardenvisit is in no case responsible for the correctness or accuracy of the reviews. Reviews and similar information are not an expression of Gardenvisit's opinions.


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Episode Information
From a bird's perspective, the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico can be a lifesaver. Millions of migratory songbirds fly north across the Gulf and Caribbean each spring, headed for North America. If they run into heavy wind and rain blowing down from the continent, the Dry Tortugas provide their first landfall. In a storm, thousands of storm-tossed birds – warblers, thrushes, cuckoos, and others – seek shelter on the Dry Tortugas.
Links for this Episode:


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Fri, Jun 14, 13 at 22:53
I'm looking for some bamboo poles for my Tomatoes and I was wondering if there is anyone near San Mateo, CA, that is growing bamboo and wouldn't mind me cutting down 6 poles? |
Follow-Up Postings:
If you don't find any volunteers, you should be able to get bamboo poles at most any garden center. The smaller diameter ones are usually cheap. What size are you interested in (length and diameter)? |
I was thinking between 6-8' length and what ever diameter that would be strong for tomatoes. |
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Register here
Race and Stay at our all-inclusive kid friendly resort. Walk to the start line and enjoy FREE race day child care for resort guests. Fun for the whole family or team.
- Elite Wave & Prizes for Top Finishers
- OCR World Championship Qualifier
- $1,000 cash total to be awarded to the top 3 Male/Female elite racers. Who will win the coveted Thor's Hammer?
- Registration includes: Viking T-shirt, Finishers' Medal, Lunch, Beer/Beverage Ticket, unlimited digital downloads and After-Party
- No Parking or Spectator Fees
- Race as individuals or teams
- Family friendly event. Free rides to the spectator viewing area.
- Course designed by Rob Butler, an experienced obstacle course racer and designer, of Shale Hill Adventure Farm, Vermont.
- Read the 2014 New England Spahtens Obstacle Racing Team's Review! Written by Paul Jones
VOLUNTEERS: We need many volunteers to help make this race a success! Send us an email and we will let you know times and responsibilities.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Greenville Rescue Squad
FALL 2014 Viking Obstacle Race
Congratulations to all of our participants in another successful race. Official race results can be found here.
Top 3 Elite Male Top 3 Elite Female
1. David Olson 53:50 (course record) 1. Karlee Whipple 1:07:29
2. Ryan Hall 55:34 2. Ehren Curbelo 1:18:10
3. Alex Nicholas 1:02:23 3. Abby Pollock 1:18:36
The Viking Obstacle Course is available as a training facility spring through fall. Our permanent 5.5 mile, 35+ obstacle course is well marked and open to the public for individuals and groups. If you are a guest of the resort, the obstacle course is included in your all-inclusive stay. Please visit the main office to sign your waiver and fill out the course attendance log.
Individuals: $25 for a Day Pass
Groups (10+) : $20 for a Day Pass
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
How and when can I register for The Sunny Hill Viking Obstacle Race?
Registration is easy, secure, and ONLINE. To inquire about on-site lodging at our all-inclusive resort, please complete a reservation request and indicate you're competing in the race. Please visit us on Facebook.
Will Sunny Hill guests be allowed to use the obstacle course?
Absolutely! This is part of your all-inclusive stay at Sunny Hill. Please use the Course at your convenience for fun or training. Make sure you check in and check out with the Sunny Hill Staff at the main office. Please Note: An updated signed wavier is required before entering the course.
Is this a family friendly event?
Yes. We are making race day a family affair. Sunny Hill is kids dream. There are playgrounds at the party area and registration. We will also be providing rides to the designated spectator viewing area. If you are a guest at the resort, race day child care is provided.
Is it a one-time race?
No! It is our intention to hold fall and spring races, in addition the course will be used as a training facility attracting obstacle course racers/clubs for training camps and scheduled sessions.
Are participants required to stay at Sunny Hill if they live nearby?
We are designing this race to be a family-friendly and race team-friendly weekend where people enjoy our all-inclusive resort and all the amazing amenities that come with it - including kicking back and enjoying themselves after the race. Local racers are encouraged, but not required to book a stay. Please see our hot deal event package listed above.
Why is it called the Sunny Hill Viking Obstacle Course Race?
Since Sunny Hill Resort was founded by some super tough hard working Norwegians in 1920, it seemed fitting to the generations of Nicholsen's to honor our tough obstacle course with the title of "Viking."
What makes The Sunny Hill Viking Race and course different from others?
The 35+ obstacle course is a fixed structure circling through the challenging landscape of the Catskill Mountains at our family resort. Bring your family/team/friends to race and train while we take care of your meals, beds and entertainment. This is one event where you won't want to leave the family at home.
Is there an age limit/minimum?
Yes. The minimum age to participate in the race is 14 years. All participants in the race and course training activities will be required to sign a waiver understanding their risks. Course training participants under the age of 14 will be required to have an adult escort on the course at all times. Participants under the age of 18 will be required to have a parent/legal guardian sign their waiver.
Please email email@example.com with questions.


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Wakeboard Packages
If you need a wakeboard and bindings, buying a wakeboard package is one of the best ways to go. Each one of our wakeboard packages is selected based on it's combination of wakeboard with bindings. We choose the best set-ups available to fit a ride range of riders. ActiveWake.com offers free shipping on all wakeboards and bindings and we carry the best wakeboarding packages from Liquid Force, Hyperlite, Ronix, and Slingshot.
Slingshot Choice + Option 2013 Wakeboard Package
The 2013 Slingshot Choice Wakeboard is similar to the Response in shape and outline. The Choice is a great option for the rider that it looking for premium control and quality at a affordable price. The Choice offers great pop and flex; pair it together with the Option boot for a top-notch package for a great price. Learn More
Slingshot Windsor Wakeboard + RAD Bindings Package 2014
The Slingshot Windsor Wakeboard + RAD Bindings Package is brand new for the 2014 season. James Windsor and Slingshot wanted to design a package that was a beast in the park and they accomplished just that! Learn More
Slingshot Windsor Wakeboard + KTV Bindings Package 2014
Slingshot Windsor Wakeboard + KTV Bindings Package 2014 Learn More
Slingshot Windsor Wakeboard + Shredtown Bindings Package 2014
The 2014 Windsor was tested and designed for over 9 months by the Wake Park World Champion: James Windsor. He wanted a board that was fast, had tons of pop, and a soft tip and tail for maxing out presses on rails. Learn More


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From bulb to tip the baster is 11.5 inches long and fits easily into your hand. The bulb's large capacity allows for drawing more liquid. The long body of the baster comes in stainless steel or clear, providing nice reach inside the pan. This sleek design includes an internal valve mechanism for dripless basting. The angled tip helps you cover an area evenly.
Squeeze the bulb, place the tip into juice and release the bulb drawing the juice into the bulb. Rest the baster on the counter. No Drips. The tip can simply be removed for cleaning. Each baster includes a cleaning brush and spare tip. Happy Roasting!


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Can the Carrier Infinity zoning system be retrofitted to an existing 1 zone system? Just started researching this for my 2 floor, colonial.. Basement is unfinished, but will the system involve breaking sheetrock walls on 1st and 2nd floor? Also, looking into Arzel and Honeywell zoning system, which can be retrofitted. BTW, I will plan on changing the furnace and A/C as well. |
Follow-Up Postings:
I am not sure I understand the question. The Infinity controller comes in two flavors, one which supports zoning, and one that does not. I suppose you can use the zoning model with only one zone and add additional zones in the future. Study the duct work in the basement. You may get lucky and have branches which service second floor only. If you can isolate these branches then you may be able to install zoning dampers. It may take a few dampers to isolate the first and second floors. You may also need to add an additional return to the floor which currently does not have one. Locate the current return and determine if you can tap into it. |
I actually have located the branches in the basement that service the 2nd floor only. Also, the 1st and 2nd floors have return returns as well. Since I was having 2nd floor heating/cooling issues, based upon the suggestions in this forum, I decided to look into zoning. I am already in the market for a new furnace/AC and since I heard a lot of good things about the Infinity zoning system, I wanted to know if this system can be adapted to a home that only has 1 zone. I know the Arzel and Honeywell can with their dampers. I just wasn't sure how the Carrier zoning system works since I couldn't really find a lot of info on it. What it comes down to is, is it better and feasible to just get the Infinity series with zoning or go for something like the Performance series and just use a 3rd party zoning like Arzel or Honeywell. |
I would suggest going with an all Carrier system, preferably with the Infinity series HP, however the Performance series will work well, are matched to the Infinity controller and come in 1/2-ton sizes, the Infinity HP does not come in 1/2-ton sizes. Contract an experienced and reputable authorized Carrier dealer - with references! SR |
I have been looking into this as well, as I have heating issues on the first floor of my two-story home. I currently have a Carrier Infinity furnace without zoning. It does seem like you can retrofit if you have branches for each zone that you can access to install a damper. Besides that, the Infinity system generally seems to need all Infinity components - the zoning thermostat control, furnace/AC, and a zoning control board, as all of these have a special communicating 4-wire system. Moreso the Infinity dampers also are a bit special so you can't really use other damper brands. |
Here is a copy of the Infinity Zoning Guide. It references furnaces which are being phased out, but is still has a lot of good information. The Infinity zoning system can be very elaborate. I have read very positive reviews from professionals. It is worth investigating. I have Honeywell dampers on the shared return for my Infinity furnaces. I don't think you are forced to use Infinity dampers, but you might if you want to control several dampers and zones. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Infinity Zoning Guide
Thanks for that article. Very helpful. |
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Select () or exclude () categories to narrow your recipe search.
As you select categories, the number of matching recipes will update.
Find exactly what you're looking for with the web's most powerful recipe filtering tool.
I have 2 wonderful kids who will try anything I cook and a wonderful Fiance who enjoys cooking and food as much as I do. I am an accountant by day and a foodie by night :) I love trying new recipes and adding my own flare to it.
My absolute favorite food is pizza, expecially homemade with flavorful fresh veggies and gourmet cheeses. Along with that is Italian sauces and fresh breads with Olive Oil dips.


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Bad News For Yamuna Expressway Is Good News For Faridabad Property
5 June 2012
Flat buyers of Yamuna Expressway are caught in a huge Catch 22 situation.
These poor souls obtained loans and invested their life savings in Yamuna Expressway projects only to witness an illiquid and non-appreciating market.
Then, out of the blue, the new UP government scrapped the Jewar International Airport, which was the reason why real estate activity was picking up in that area. This led to a crash in real estate rates and buyer disinterest.
Now. fresh trouble has come calling for most Yamuna Expressway projects. According to Rama Raman, CEO of Yamuna Expressway Authority, no builder has been authorized to collect booking amount unless and until his layout plan has been cleared.
The fact is that out of 18 projects on Yamuna Expressway, only 2 have gotten their project plans approved. Rama Raman goes on to add that all buyers must check whether the project plans are approved before booking a flat.
This raises many questions:
1. No buyer ever checks whether plans are approved or not. In fact, many people book at pre-launch rates, which is the stage at which the builder acquires the land, way before even the plans are made. So, what are the checks and balances placed on the builder. Shouldn't the YE Authority ensure that no builder can accept booking amount until his plans are cleared? After all, the land is allotted by the YE Authority — it can easily enforce some rules. Why shift the onus on the poor buyer who does not have the legal resources to check and verify all documents? This is pure exploitation of the poor buyers.
In fact, you will be surprised to learn that plots allotted by the YEIDA
2. Why is this news being given so much importance? After all, clearing the layout job with any statutory authority is not a huge task. All the builder is to file an application, pay the necessary fees, perform some administrative and liaison work and presto, you have the license.
However, there is more to the issue than meets the eye. There are two huge technical issues that the new UP government has dug up:
a. Land on the Yamuna Expressway has been earmarked for industrial use but is being sold as residential land.
b. According to the NCR Regional Plan, an area can be developed as a Metro only if it is home to at least 10 lakhs population, The present population is YEIDA area is just 3.39 lakhs.
Whatever may be the case, it is a fact that buyers have been 100% exploited by the builders and the government authorities. It is time that all YE investors shift their focus to Faridabad property, which is devoid of such exploitation and hassles. Plus Faridabad is a developing city, which will soon get a Metro rail. It makes sense to invest here instead of fishing in the troubled waters on Noida Expressway, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway.
Note that we are property dealers based in Faridabad and therefore our bias is towards Faridabad and Gurgaon. If you want to buy or sell Faridabad property, call us at +91 88006 40006 and we'll get you a real solid, yet transparent, deal.


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Nancy Kinder Maddux Branam, 67, of Cleveland, died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, in a local hospital.
A service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014, in the chapel of Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Survivors and complete arrangements will be announced by the funeral home.