Month: March 2015
Pulse of the Planet Daily Audio
If Buildings Could Harvest Electricity
Could a smart building be smart enough to transform the motion that takes place inside it, into electricity?
March 30, 2015If Buildings Could Listen
With over 200 vibrometers, this building is keeping track of the movements of its inhabitants.
March 27, 2015If Buildings Could Talk
One of the world’s most instrumented buildings is a living laboratory of vibrations.
March 26, 2015Disaster Preparation – Social Media
Social media is changing the way that we respond to a natural disaster.
March 25, 2015Early Spring – Marmot’s Choice
Marmots risk starvation because of misleading cues that spring has arrived in the Rocky Mountains.
March 24, 2015Early Spring – Unexpected Conditions
Warming weather and increased snowfall send mixed signals to migrating species.
March 23, 2015Early Spring – Harbingers
A broad range of species of plants are blooming up to 46 days earlier now than they did three decades ago. The reason, biologists say, is global climate change.
March 20, 2015Noruz – Triumph of Tradition
Although the government of Iran tried to suppress it, the venerable holiday of Noruz continues to be one of that nation’s most popular celebrations.
March 19, 2015Noruz – Persian New Year
The first day of spring marks the start of an ancient holiday.
March 18, 2015Noruz – Customs
Noruz means “new day” and it’s celebrated with new clothes, gift-giving and bonfires.
March 17, 2015Disaster Preparation – Too Much of a Good Thing
Sending supplies to a disaster stricken area is best left to relief organizations.
March 16, 2015Disaster Preparation – Help Gets in the Way
When a natural disaster strikes, one of the problems that relief agencies run into are people who want to help!
March 13, 2015Science Diary: Mohonk – Signals from Nature
Naturalists tune in to the rhythms of nature using all of our senses.
March 12, 2015Disaster Preparation – Partners
When planning for a disaster like a hurricane or an earthquake, partnerships can play a important role.
March 11, 2015Skating Canal – Winter Beauty
The Rideau Canal in Ottawa offers skating enthusiasts miles to glide while enjoying the beauty of winter.
March 10, 2015Skating Canal – Winter Tradition
A skating canal in Ontario has become a national symbol of winter in Canada.
March 9, 2015Phagwah – Parade
In Queens, a festival takes place at the time of the full moon every March. Participants celebrate with “call and response” style singing, and the playing of indigenous drums and cymbals.
March 6, 2015Phagwah – Powder
In an Indo-Caribbean community an ancient festival of spring is celebrated with colored baby powder.
March 5, 2015Phagwah – Meaning
The most joyful festival of the Indo-Caribbean culture is in early spring. Phagwah is a celebration of the rebirth of nature and the spirit of young love.
March 4, 2015Tully Ice Harvest – History
These days, if you want ice, you just go to the freezer and get it. But some folks remember when ice was delivered door to door in huge blocks.
March 3, 2015Tully Ice Harvest – Cutting
At an annual festival in upstate New York, they cut blocks of ice out of a frozen lake and pack them in sawdust. In the summer, they’ll use the ice to make homemade ice cream.
March 2, 2015Tully Ice Harvest – Prepare
Every year at this time, folks in Tully, New York, harvest ice out of a frozen lake the old-fashioned way, with horsepower and antique tools.