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The U.S. Navy just had a plan approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that will allow them to continue with their goal of blanketing approximately 75 percent of the ocean floors with sonar.  Considering that sonar has been proven to be potentially dangerous to whales, dolphins and several other marine species, this could be a huge problem.  Others see the same way and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has banned together with other conservation organizations and is taking the navy to court to try to stop the program.

Their argument is that the NRDC is supposed to be protecting whales and that by approving the navy’s plan they are effectively working in the opposite direction.  The navy plan calls for a small area (around 25 percent) of the ocean to be designated as “conservation zones”, but the NRDC is saying that this is far from enough for the migratory creatures who will likely end up straying into the sonar’s field on a regular basis.  Their conclusion is that these sonar plans are a direct violation of the Endangered Species Act.

Sonar is one of the most debated areas right now when it comes to whale conservation.  It is known that under the effects of sonar whales become confused and may not be able to hunt, navigate, communicate or even breed.  Effects on many other marine creatures are similar.  This creates a potential for mass deaths among whale populations, not only in U.S. waters but across the globe.

I have to wonder at how the navy could get away with something like this in the first place.  Even if only a small percentage of whales around the world ended up dead, it would still spark a debate about the legality of the U.S. blasting other territorial waters with sonar.  Threats to tourism and action from conservation groups would likely shut the program down almost as soon as it had begun.  I suppose the only thing we can do now is to sit and wait, hoping that they come to their senses before serious damage is done.

This week, I helped my close friend rescue a shelter kitty. This particular cat had been living in a tiny cage for over two months. The adoption price was reduced since nobody wanted to take him home. My friend, however, fell in love with him.

The kitty, Nickel, is an identical copy of his current furry friend, except a male version. He is only about six months old, and the shelter volunteers were in tears when my friend decided to adopt Nickel. They were grateful that he finally found a forever home.

Nickel, on the other hand, was terrified of life outside his cage. He became a very stressed out cat, and we had to help make him feel at ease in his new home.

When we first brought Nickel into his new living quarters, we opened the pet carrier to let him explore. Initially, he seemed like a typical, curious cat. He sniffed everything and began wandering around. After a few minutes, however, he disappeared.

We thought he jumped behind the clothes dryer (a popular hiding place for my friend's other cat), but he was not there. After a good 15 minutes of searching, we found him trapped behind the fridge. After half an hour of coaxing, Nickel finally came out. It was then that we realized just how stressed out this transition had made Nickel.

That's when I remembered a few good tips on how to introduce a feline to a new environment. Instead of giving him free reign over the entire space right off the bat, it is better to confine him to a small area. We chose the bathroom. After setting up a litter box, food and water, we moved Nickel to his new room.

He seems a lot more comfortable in the smaller space. Sure, he still hides behind the vanity, but he feels more secure. It will probably take a few more days for Nickel to fully accept this new home. Once he does, my friend will let him explore another room.

Since there is another kitty in the home, we are going to wait before they meet. A face-to-face encounter could end up severely stressing out both cats. We will allow them to get accustomed to each other's scent from under the door. That way when they do meet, it won't be as traumatic.

We are also feeding Nickel the same food he received at the shelter. Getting a new home and owner is a huge change, so keeping some things the same will help him adjust quicker.

Remember that a stressed out kitty may seem skittish. Instead of giving up on a frightened cat, take a little more time to get to know him. Talk to your new friend in a soft, comforting voice. Let your cat smell your hands before petting him. Just sit in the same room so they get used to your presence.

There are no unadoptable kitties, just ones that are not as socialized. After a little time and effort, your furry feline will become a full-fledged member of the family.

The city of Belfast saw the opening of what is the country of Ireland’s first abortion clinic. Naturally, in this highly religious country, there was some degree of outcry and protest.  About 200 people, both Catholics and Protestants, showed up in front of the clinic to demonstrate on opening day, though the protest was mostly peaceful - a far cry from some of the demonstrations we see here in the U.S.

Despite this landmark change, laws concerning abortion in Ireland remain very strict and aren’t likely to change anytime soon.  The procedure is only allowed if the mother is nine weeks pregnant or less and even then the women have to be proven to be in danger of health risks should they continue with their pregnancy.  If a women wants to get an abortion outside of those boundaries they have to travel across the channel to England, where the laws are much more relaxed.

Still, it’s a step forward for abortion rights in the country, even if a small one.  Only about 40 abortions actually take place in the country on a yearly basis.  Those who have abortions often keep it a secret because of the heavy religious leanings.  They risk being condemned and persecuted should anyone find out that they had the procedure done.

Due to the highly religious majority in the country, there isn’t much demand for abortion to begin with, but it is important to have facilities in place should things change in the future.  Until that time comes, the clinic will be primarily performing other duties, such as providing information to women about contraception and STDs.

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