Read About The Tarbaby Story under the Category: About the Tarbaby Blog
July 5, 2019
Mr. Rogers’ commencement speech at Dartmouth is exactly what we need right now
Mr. Rogers' Dartmouth Commencement Speech Is What We All Need Right Now
Mr. Rogers’ commencement speech at Dartmouth is exactly what we need right now
Posted by NowThis Politics on Friday, July 5, 2019
It’s been a tough week for anyone who cares about Florida’s environment and the effects of climate change. First, we learned that blue-green algae is infecting waterways in Treasure Island and Gulfport. There’s no way to know exactly what caused the most recent outbreak of the foul smelling ooze, but it’s a good bet we brought this on ourselves, or at least helped make it worse. Whether it’s leaky septic tanks, runoff from our lawns or too much farm waste flowing into waterways, we’ve created conditions ripe for algae to take hold. And don’t forget that a 2014 Climate Assessment Report predicted more blooms in Florida as the globe warms.
In recent years, massive algae blooms contaminated the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers, which flow from they highly polluted Lake Okeechobee. The algae choked ecosystems and killed fish and other marine life. Fishing guides, retailers and other businesses that rely on the rivers lost money. Aerial images of the bright green menace were beamed around the world, hardly the best advertisement for a state that relies heavily on tourism.
Algae blooms can happen naturally, without human help. But there’s growing evidence that we are providing fuel for more blooms that grow larger and stick around longer. We shouldn’t think of that as a new normal, another reality of living in Florida that we can’t do anything about. We can and we should. Gov. Ron DeSantis took a good first step recently by creating the Blue-Green Algae Task Force. But it can’t be window dressing. The task force needs to come up with practical solutions. This is not the time for partisan bickering.
This week we also learned how roseate spoonbills have adapted to the changing climate by migrating away from South Florida and into central and north Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. While the spoonbills have so-far thrived, the same article reiterated that 40 percent of the Earth’s 10,000 bird species are in decline, thanks in large part to human interference.
A separate report came out about how green iguanas have moved further north in Florida thanks to a warming planet. The invasive species already plague several south Florida counties. Their digging causes erosion and undermines water control projects including canals and sea walls. Green iguanas are such a scourge that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages homeowners to kill any that wander onto their property.
Finally, an analysis of satellite imagery showed that sprawling mats of sargassum seaweed floating in the Atlantic are much more prevalent than before 2011. Reports of sargassum-clogged oceans date back to at least Christopher Columbus, but something has changed in recent years, the researchers concluded. They correlated the sargassum explosion to an increase in fertilizer used on farms that continue to replace the Amazon rainforest. Florida’s beach communities should expect more of the seaweed, which stinks as it decays, they said.
Too many of Florida’s leaders have been slow to react to climate change and the assault on the state’s environment. Too many denied anything was happening before moving onto the equally absurd notion that humans have little or no influence on the changes. That’s dangerous thinking, and fortunately it seems to be on the decline in Tallahassee. The state must be cleared-eyed about the environmental realities. This week’s news highlights why.
None are in Tampa Bay, however beaches in Hernando and Pasco tested for elevated levels of bacteria that could pose risks if the water quality continues to decline.
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TALLAHASSEE — On one of the busiest beach weekends of the year in Florida, the state Department of Health warns that four Florida beaches — including three in Sarasota County — pose health hazards for beach goers because of high fecal levels.
“Water at this site may pose increased risk of infectious disease particularly for susceptible individuals,’’ the agency warns in a nondescript notice on its Healthy Beaches web site, which lists water test results for the sites the state tests.
Although the agency lists only one beach as receiving a health advisory, a review of the water sample reports by the Times/Herald found that four health advisories have been issued: one at the Panama City Beach Access in Bay County and three others in Sarasota County: Brohard Park, Lido Casino Beach and Venice Beach.
The warnings come a year after toxic algal blooms closed beaches across the state during the Fourth of July weekend and beyond. So, if there is any good news to the warnings this year, state regulators reported on Wednesday that “there are currently no known algal blooms affecting Florida beaches.”
But at the four beaches in which advisories have been issued, contamination from flesh-eating bacteria is now a new concern. In the last month, two cases of life-threatening infections have been reported from Florida waters .
A 77-year-old woman from Ellenton fell and scraped her leg while walking on Anna Maria Island and died two weeks later because of an infection from a flesh-eating bacteria. The report came just weeks after the mother of a 12-year-old Indiana girl wrote on Facebook that she believes her daughter contracted the same infection during a trip to Destin in early June.
Both are believed to have suffered from “necrotizing fasciitis,” an infection caused by bacteria that stops blood circulation and causes tissue to die and skin to decay. The infection, although rare, can come from different strains of bacteria found in the water and on sand, health officials say.
It is called “flesh-eating” because the infection progresses rapidly. In April, two men reported cases of necrotizing fasciitis in Tampa Bay after spending time on the water.
When the Department of Health issues an advisory, it means that water samples have been tested and re-tested to confirm that the bacteria levels are dangerous and the water is too contaminated to enter.
“These indicate that contact with the water at this site may pose increased risk of infectious disease particularly for susceptible individuals,“ DOH said on its Healthy Beaches web site. State officials are warning people to stay away from swimming in these waters with a wound or cut, and to refrain from eating uncooked seafood.
The Department of Health samples the water in dozens of beaches in the state’s 26 coastal counties and relies on the public to check its web site to get the word out. The agency posts data “in real-time to the DOH Healthy Beaches webpage,” and posts advisory signs at the beach and sends out media alerts, said Brad Dalton, spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health.
According to the most recent water samples, 16 beaches in 11 counties — including in Miami-Dade and Broward counties — have elevated levels of bacteria that could pose risks if the water quality continues to decline.
In Miami-Dade, Dog Beach on the south side of Virginia Key Beach has tested as having “poor” or high levels of bacteria, with 70.5 parts per 100 ml of marine water on July 1. Oleta State Park also tested as having moderately elevated levels with between 35.5 to 70.4 per 100 ml.
In Broward, two beaches — Dania Beach and Commercial Boulevard Pier — tested for higher levels of bacteria. Monroe County hasn’t had its beaches tested since June 25, according to the Department of Health, and all received a good rating.
But new information won’t be updated until after the weekend, Dalton said.
“Lab tests take 24 hours to incubate after sampling and delivery time; thus the process takes two consecutive days to collect sample and get lab results, so it is unlikely any testing will be done over the holiday or on the weekend,’’ he said.
Beaches with high bacteria levels
Miami Dade — one poor, one moderate:
• Dog Beach (Virginia Key Beach, South side) tested as having poor levels of 70.5 per 100 ml of marine water on July 1.
• Oleta State Park tested as having moderately elevated levels – between 35.5 to 70.4 on July 1.
Broward — two moderate:
• Dania Beach — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on July 1.
• Commercial Boulevard Pier — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on June 17.
Bay — one health advisory:
• Panama City Beach Access — tested as having poor levels of 70.5 per 100 ml of marine water on June 24 and again on July 2. An advisory has been issued.
Collier — one moderate:
• Hideaway Beach — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on June 19.
Escambia — two moderate:
• Sanders Beach — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on July 1.
• Bayou Texar — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on June 24.
Flagler — one moderate:
• North Flagler Pier — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on June 18.
Franklin — one moderate;
• St. George Island at 11th St. — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on June 24.
Hernando — one moderate:
• Pine Island Beach — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on June 18.
Martin — one moderate:
• Jensen Beach — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on June 17.
Okaloosa — three moderate:
• Henderson Park Beach — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on June 24.
• Lincoln Park — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on June 24.
• Rocky Bayou State Park —tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on June 24, an improvement over its poor test on June 10.
Pasco — one poor:
• Robert J. Strickland Beach — tested as having poor levels of 70.5 per 100 ml of marine water on June 24 and it was listed as moderate on July 1.
Sarasota — 3 beach advisories:
• Brohard Park — tested as having poor levels of 70.5 per 100 ml of marine water on July 1 and again on July 2, an advisory has been issued.
• Lido Casino Beach — tested as having poor levels of 70.5 per 100 ml of marine water on July 1 and again on July 2, an advisory has been issued.
• Venice Beach — Tested as having poor levels of 70.5 per 100 ml of marine water on July 1 and again on July 2, an advisory has been issued.
Wakulla — one moderate:
• Mash’s Island — tested as having moderately elevated levels — between 35.5 to 70.4 on June 24.
This July 4th let’s reject Trump’s false narrative for America and tell the real American story rooted in history, truth, and facts.
What's the Real American Story?
This July 4th let's reject Trump's false narrative for America and tell the real American story rooted in history, truth, and facts.
Posted by Robert Reich on Thursday, July 4, 2019
President Donald Trump’s military parade is set to kick off on Veterans Day, but at a cost that even conservative estimates show could feed every homeless veteran for at least two weeks, a Newsweek analysis found.
The military showcase was initially estimated to cost $10 million and $30 million, White House budget director Mick Mulvaney told the House Budget Committee in February. That cost accounted for Trump’s vision of tanks rolling through Washington DC—not unlike what he witnessed in France during its Bastille Day celebration, or what occurs in North Korea, China and Russia—though a Pentagon memo originally obtained by CNN on Friday nixed the use of heavy military vehicles.
Though not an exact science—parade cost estimates included using tanks et al., and it’s impossible to determine exact figures of homelessness by nature of their transience—these numbers provide a financial comparison and a look at the Trump administration’s priorities.
Using the most conservative estimates available from federal agencies and non-profit organizations, Newsweek found Trump could completely eliminate hunger among homeless veterans, serving them three meals a day, for at least 14 days.
The Numbers
There were 40,056 homeless veterans in the United States in 2017, according to a Department of Housing and Urban Development report published last December. The finding marked a 1.5 percent increase from the 39,471 homeless veterans in 2016—the first such increase in seven years.
Feeding America, a non-profit organization and the nation’s largest hunger-relief and food rescue group, found the average cost-per-meal in the U.S. was $2.94 in 2015, the latest data available. The organization culled data from several organizations and agencies, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and found the cost-per-meal ranged from a low of $2.04 in Maverick County, Texas to a high of $5.61 in Crook County, Oregon.
A $10 million military parade—Mulvaney’s lowest estimate, granted it included tanks—could provide $249.65 for all 40,056 homeless veterans. That could provide each of those veterans 44.5 meals priced at $5.61 per meal—the highest national cost estimate, according to Feeding America—enough for three meals a day for 14.8 days.
Adjusting the cost per meal to the national average of $2.94, homeless veterans could eat three meals a day for nearly a month, 28.3 days.
In February, Trump told Fox News he wouldn’t hold the parade if the cost was exorbitant.
“We’ll see if we can do it at a reasonable cost, and if we can’t, we won’t do it, but the generals would love to do it, I can tell you, and so would I,” he said.
On Thursday, the Pentagon sent the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff a memo saying the military showcase would be integrated with the annual Veterans Day parade in DC and have an “an emphasis on the price of freedom.”
This is why the ocean is key to protecting our planet against climate change
This is why the ocean is key to protecting our planet against climate change
This is why the ocean is key to protecting our planet against climate change
Posted by Climate Reality on Friday, May 17, 2019
(CNN)Intense heat waves have killed more than 100 people in India this summer and are predicted to worsen in coming years, creating apossiblehumanitarian crisis as large parts of the country potentially become too hot to be inhabitable.
A mirage shimmers in New Delhi on June 10, 2019.
Arctic ice faces trouble from above and below .
An Indian man uses a towel to wipe the sweat on his face on a hot and humid summer day in Hyderabad, India, on June 3, 2019.
SALISBURY, Md. – After a young boy was infected with Vibrio, a type of flesh-eating bacteria recently near Ocean City, health officials say this case is rare and local waterways are still safe to swim in.
The boy’s mother, Brittany Carey, described what happened to her son in a June 29 Facebook post. According to Carey, her son was swimming in the Sinepuxent Bay just north of the Harry Kelley Memorial Bridge between West Ocean City and downtown.
“He went swimming and was having a great time until about Monday evening when I started noticing little spots developing all over his body,” Carey wrote. “Tuesday morning there were open wounds developing but I had thought he was scratching them, making them worse.”
Carey said in the post Thursday that doctors at Peninsula Regional Medical Center diagnosed it as a Vibrio infection.
As of Tuesday, Carey’s post has been shared 17,000 times across Facebook.
Cases of vibriosis and other bacterial infections that infect people in bodies of water have been reported up and down the eastern seaboard. There was also a woman infected in Florida in June.
Lynn Fleming, 77, was walking on the beach at Anna Maria Island in Florida when she fell and cut herself. She told Fox 13 in Tampa she had a “Little three-quarters-inch cut” on her leg.
Fleming’s condition worsened in a couple of days leading to her incident where she fell unconscious at her home. She was rushed to the hospital where she was later diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis.
Flesh-eating bacteria: She died of flesh-eating bacteria after a beach trip. Now her family wants to warn others
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 80,000 cases of vibriosis each year, 52,000 of those coming from ingesting contaminated food, such as oysters.
Vibrio bacteria is a naturally occurring organism that can be found in coastal waterways, according to the CDC.
Eighty percent of those cases come between May and October each year because of warm waters. Most people who are contract vibriosis recover in approximately three days. But those who get sick with Vibrio vulnificus, can become seriously ill.
In some cases, Vibrio Vulnificus can require intensive medical treatment and amputation, and for about one in five cases can be deadly.
The CDC recommends people don’t eat undercooked or raw shellfish, like oysters. Those with cuts or wounds should also stay away from salt or brackish water or cover their wounds with waterproof bandages before swimming.
The Maryland Department of Health says Vibrio can be found in the Chesapeake Bay and waterways around it. People with weakened immune systems or who have liver disease are more at risk for contracting serious cases of Vibrio.
The state office recommends individuals carry hand sanitizer to clean wounds in case they happen while in the water. People are also recommended to shower after any contact with “natural waters.”
Infections on the rise: A rise in cases of flesh-eating bacteria may be linked to climate change, doctors say
Vibrio can infect people in multiple ways, said Debra Stevens, director of community health and emergency preparedness for the Worcester County Health Department.
Humans can either ingest Vibrio-infected shellfish or become sick through breaks in their skin.
Stevens said if humans ingest Vibrio, it can take 12-72 hours for symptoms to present themselves. After that, people may feel nauseous, and experience diarrhea or vomiting.
“If you already have an open wound, if Vibrio gets into that wound then it can cause an additional infection,” Stevens said. “It can make that wound get larger, get red, you typically may have fever, stomach ache. It’s going to get red and infected-looking.”
Steven said Vibrio bacteria is a natural part of the ecosystem and, in the same way people protect themselves from ticks, the same is needed to be safe from Vibrio.
“The most recent data we have listed is from 2017, and in Worcester County, there was one case of Vibrio that was reported and about 66 across the entire state so it’s not very common,” Stevens said.
There is some research going on into Vibrio, according to Robert Mitchell, director of the environment programs department for Worcester County. He said studying the bacteria may help people understand what causes it to infect people, what increases people’s risks and how it moves throughout the environment.
He added, “I would caution that presence does not equate to infection,” Mitchell said.
Roman Jesien, science coordinator for the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, says all of the different strains of Vibrio can be found in Maryland coastal waters.
Signs of infection: Minor cut leads to flesh-eating infection on Florida man’s hand. Black blisters were sign something was very wrong
“We do have Vibrio and we have a number of strains that are considered flesh-eating,” Jesien said. “We find them typically in low numbers, but they are present just like sharks are present in our coastal waters — so it’s just part of the system.”
Jesien said people should be cognizant of the bacteria in the water but it shouldn’t stop them. He said beachgoers should use common sense with bandaging up cuts or sores, but it’s something that shouldn’t stop people from going in the water.
Editor’s note: The next section of the article contains images that some readers may find graphic.
Brittany Carey, June 29, 2019: I thought long and hard about sharing this, but a friend of mine said it would be a great PSA for everyone to see. Last Sunday my parents took my son to the bay right by 50 bridge. He went swimming and was having a great time until about Monday evening when I started noticing little spots developing all over his body. Tuesday morning there were open wounds developing but I had thought he was scratching them, making them worse. Only to find when I picked him up Tuesday they were a lot bigger and a lot more. Off to the hospital we went to be told it was really nothing and an antibiotic that only made it worse. So doctors on Thursday and then PRMC to find out my little one now had VIBRIO a bacteria found in the bay and also in raw seafood. I know we’ve all seen these cases in the Delaware bay but now my little guy got this from being in the bay right by hoopers. Please be careful out there guys and if you start seeing wounds such as these please get somewhere fast!
UPDATE: Went to pediatrician this morning and she is really happy with the healing!
“It is unusual that we do have a real big issues with sores. We had a couple years ago a gentleman die up in Assawoman Bay, and just recently, we had a little boy that I understand had Vibrio,” Jesien said.
Jesien is referring to the case of Michael Funk, who contracted Vibrio when he was cleaning a crab pot on Sept. 11, 2016, in the Ocean City area.
With-in 36 hours of his symptoms first appearing, Funk died. He had been treated at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Maryland, where doctors removed the flesh from his knee to his ankle. He was then flown to the University of Maryland’s R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where his leg amputated. But the infection had already reached his bloodstream and organs.
He died Sept. 15, 2016.
‘Pathogen soup’: Mom files $1 million lawsuit after brain-eating amoeba at Texas water park kills son
There have also been multiple cases of Vibrio further north in New Jersey in years past.In 2017 and 2018, there were five different cases in which individuals became seriously ill.
Of the five south Jersey cases, one person was killed by the bacteria. Four of the cases came from crab fishing in the Delaware Bay, but a fifth got sick because of contaminated seafood.
In the more recent case, Carey says in her post her son is doing better after getting treated for the infection.
“I know we’ve all seen these cases in the Delaware bay but now my little guy got this from being in the bay right by Hoopers,” Carey wrote. “Please be careful out there guys and if you start seeing wounds such as these, please get somewhere fast!”
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times:
Sometimes, all it takes is one bad experience, like your dog getting freaked out during fireworks. That frightening memory is etched in his psyche and you’re left wondering how to calm an anxious dog. Other things like fear of other dogs, people, or unfamiliar environments may be from lack of socialization in their puppy days. “Generalized anxiety, where a dog shows near constant signs of anxiety, may be related to things like changes to their normal lifestyle, inconsistency in their daily routines, lack of sufficient physical, and/or mental exercise, medical conditions or aging,” says Stephen DeBono, pet behavior manager at Bideawee . Past abuse and neglect and genetics may also be a contributing factor—and these signs of depression could be another clue .
Panting and whining coincide with exhaustion and pain, but they are also symptoms of anxiety. DeBono says other subtle symptoms include lip-licking, trembling, heavy panting, restless pacing, whining, refusing to eat, inability to settle, and avoiding certain stimuli. But more obvious symptoms such as panic, attempting to escape, urinating, defecating, barking, and destructive or aggressive behavior are ones pet parents might clearly point to anxiety. “Anxiety is often complex and can be difficult to treat effectively. Every dog is different, and I recommend a qualified behavior specialist/trainer to guide you through the best solutions for your situation,” says DeBono. Keep reading to know how to calm an anxious dog.
Who’s the leader of the pack in your circle of pet parents? Make some playdates with dogs that are confident and well socialized. “Dogs can learn far more from other dogs than they can ever learn from us. An anxious dog can feed off the energy of more confident dogs, and over time learn to be less anxious in both specific situations and in general,” says DeBono.
“For dogs prone to any type of anxiety, but especially generalized anxiety, regular hikes on fairly secluded nature trails can have major therapeutic effects. The key is to let the dog joyfully be a dog—free as safely possible to sniff what they want to sniff, chase what they want to chase, sprint when they want to sprint,” says DeBono. If you begin frequently stringing together long sequences of joyful behavior, it can almost “rewire” the brain to be able to experience joy more often and anxiety less. Including a confident, playful dog friend on the hikes can make them even more beneficial. Hiking is one suggestion for how to calm an anxious dog, but
soaking up nature has some shining benefits for humans too .
We know a schedule keeps us on track, but the familiarity of a routine also gives us a sense of security. The same is true for dogs. You don’t have to live or die by a routine, but feeding, walking, rest, and playtimes should be somewhat predictable. “This helps the dog know what to expect from each part of the day, reducing the anxiety that can be caused by the uncertainty of not knowing what to do with themselves,” says DeBono.
Let’s say a dog has a fear of men. Canine behaviorists might use desensitization and counter-conditioning, to help your dog overcome it. Desensitization means exposing the dog to the very thing they fear at lows levels initially but increasing them slowly over time until they become more accepting of it. Counter conditioning involves pairing the fearful situation at low levels with something a dog really digs, like his all-time favorite treats. The treats not only help in how to calm an anxious dog but could help them actually enjoy it. “For example, if a dog is fearful of men, you could first expose them to a man standing at a distance where the dog is only slightly concerned and does not overreact (desensitization), while you feed the dog delicious treats (counter-conditioning). When the dog no longer shows any concern, you slightly reduce the distance and repeat the exercise.”
Kristen Levine, pet lifestyle expert and creator of Pet Anxiety Awareness Month (PAAW) found Relax and Calm chews helped ease the anxiety of new people, surroundings, and sounds with a rescue dog she recently fostered. Levine says the high levels of L-Tryptophan and chamomile promote a feeling of calmness and relaxation, while the ginger helps with an upset tummy.
Recent studies show probiotics can help with anxiety in humans, and now probiotics are prescribed by veterinarians to help soothe anxiety in pets. “A new probiotic called Calming Care from Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements has been effective for many of our canine patients experiencing anxious behaviors. The best treatment approach is multimodal including behavioral treatments as well as medications and supplements which reduce anxiety,” says Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Always discuss your options with a veterinarian who can assist you with how to calm an anxious dog and a host of other issues.
CBD oil is all the rage for just about anything that ails humans and for the four-legged variety too. But there’s not a lot of scientific evidence yet to back up the pet claims—just testimonials from pet parents. When it comes to how to calm an anxious dog, CBD oil is not something Dr. Radosta recommends at her practice. “To date, there is no research in animals as to the efficacy of CBD for anxious behaviors. In addition, there isn’t a standard for purity for these products.”
There plenty of things in the how-to-calm-an-anxious-dog tool kit. Levine suggests talking to your vet first and with their guidance, take a “layering” approach to find workable solutions for you and your dog, including natural remedies, supplements, behavioral treatments, and wearables. “For example, try a Thundershirt wrap and some calming classical music,” suggests Levine. This is the type of music most likely to soothe your pup.
It’s important to note that not all anxiety will be relieved with non-medical treatments. “Moderate to severe anxiety may take a combination of natural and medicinal, or just medicinal solutions to get the pet true relief. Remember, a frightened pet that doesn’t get help is suffering, and their quality of life is compromised,” says Levine. Find out how to tell if your dog is frightened by reading her expression.
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While most of us are lucky enough to get a day off on the Fourth of July, there’s one member of our family who may not have as much fun as we will: our dogs.
According to a 2013 study from the University of Bristol, dogs are more likely to respond fearfully to fireworks than any other loud noise — including gunshots and thunder. But that’s just one of the many potential issues pet owners may run into on the Fourth. A report from the America Kennel Society found that more dogs go missing on July 4 (and 5) than any other day of the year.
So how can you ensure a happy, healthy holiday, while still enjoying quality time with your pet? To answer this question, Yahoo Lifestyle sat down with Lisa Lippman, DVM, lead New York City veterinarian of Fuzzy Pet Health, a house-call veterinarian company that brings modern day healthcare service to the new generation of pet parents. Here are a few pointers from Lippman when it comes to keeping your dog calm and safe.
Lippman says to keep your dog indoors as much as possible, and close all the windows and blinds. Not only will they hear the fireworks less, it will minimize the chance that they get spooked and run away. It’s a good idea to make sure your pet’s microchip is up to date, but in the event that your pet does go missing, Lippmann suggests downloading an app that can help with a lost pet, such as Finding Rover.
One of the ways to help temper the sound of fireworks is to add another sound. Lippman suggests turning on the TV or classical music. “The problem is that that fireworks are unpredictable and really loud,” Lippman tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “So having a constant soothing sound can really help.”
If music and your own calming touch isn’t enough to help your dog, Lippman says you can consider what’s called a compression calming coat. Being enveloped in pressure is clinically proven to safely lower heart rates with a calming effect. They are available online and at pet stores — and really work. “It makes them feel safe and secure during this time of year,” she says.
Lastly, if you know your pet is upset during this time of year, Lippman says the smartest thing is to consult with your veterinarian to discuss behavioral therapy and medication. “There are all kinds of modalities — including medications — that we can use to make your pet more comfortable.”
(Bloomberg) — Oil companies are under increasing pressure to bring fuel to market faster and cheaper, leading BP Plc to conclude some of its resources “won’t see the light of day,” according to its head of strategy.
Some of the “more complicated to extract” resources in the British oil major’s portfolio may have to be sold or stay in the ground, said Dominic Emery, the company’s group head of strategy. They’re going to be too expensive and too time-consuming to get out, and the industry is under pressure to shorten the duration and size of projects, he said.
Part of the shift is due to climate change, which has caused investors to pressure BP to stick to lower-carbon projects. It’s also due to an oil price that’s half what it was five years ago, meaning some projects “simply don’t make money.”
“There are classes of resources that are kind of much further out and more complicated to extract,” Emery said in an interview. “There’s no doubt that some of those resources won’t come out the ground.”
Emery didn’t quantify the volume of BP’s resources that may stay put. The oil major said in an investor presentation last year it has 25 billion barrels of resources, 40% of which have been “booked and proved.” Emery said only unproved oil resources are at risk of being stranded.
While he also didn’t clarify which resources are the most complicated to extract, research from consultants Rystad Energy AS and Wood Mackenzie Ltd. tend to point to ultra-deepwater, remote or extremely carbon-heavy projects, such as oil sands, as the longest-term and most expensive.
A report from Wood Mackenzie showed that under a business-as-usual scenario, the call on oil that hasn’t yet been discovered will reach 16 million barrels a day by 2040. In that context, current spending on exploration “looks about right” to meet demand.
However, under a scenario where the world cuts carbon from the energy system faster, the adoption of electric vehicles, biofuels and other competing energy sources may cut two-thirds of that oil demand. The report recommended companies stick to projects with shorter time horizons.
To cope with the risk, BP has limited exploration spending and is mostly focused on investing in shale and fields near existing infrastructure, Emery said. He added that it isn’t necessarily the end for oil mega-projects, but there will probably be fewer of them in the future.
BP’s position reflects spending in the industry overall, which slowed down sharply after an oil-price crash in 2014 and has plateaued over the past three years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence.
In May, BP agreed to a request from its shareholders for greater detail on how each new capital investment decision is in line with the Paris climate accord, an international agreement that seeks to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius. During its annual general meeting, some shareholders suggested they’re pushing behind-the-scenes for BP to stick to cheaper projects. Cost can be a proxy, albeit imperfect, for projects that have a lower carbon intensity.
Emery said BP “has been working on that over the last few months” to fulfill the request and will share some initial results later this year.
(Updates with information on industry spending in 10th paragraph.)
To contact the reporter on this story: Kelly Gilblom in London at kgilblom@bloomberg.net
To contact the editors responsible for this story: James Herron at jherron9@bloomberg.net, Helen Robertson, Alaric Nightingale
