SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests

In startling and historic news, SeaWorld will end orca whale shows at its San Diego theme park after decades of using captive orca in its show. The Guardian reported on Nov. 9, that the decision came in the wake of animal cruelty protests over Tilikum and other killer whales featured in the 2013 "Blackfish" film. Dwindling admissions and sinking profit margins have left SeaWorld floundering. SeaWorld announced that the iconic killer whale shows will be phased out by 2017 and replaced by a "new orca experience" focused on natural environment of whales. 2016 will be the last year guests will see performing killer whales at San Diego SeaWorld amusement park. But ending the orca whale shows is only a ripple in the pond. SeaWorld is completely restructuring the entire venue. SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests | Examiner.com

Teach children holiday generosity, unselfishness, not greedy gimmes at Christmas | Examiner.com

  Ask any normal red-blooded kid what he looks forward to most about Christmas and he will unabashedly state, "the presents!" (and stop just short of adding "duh!") Children aren't selfish, per se; they like getting presents and have been taught to expect things. So before you say a child is spoiled or selfish, look to home. Because parents talk big about the importance of giving over receiving and they overspend, overindulge and over-gift children. This reinforces to kids that getting is the essence of Christmas. Need ideas to teach children holiday generosity and unselfishness? The best medicine for the greedy, green-eyed gimmes is giving. Here are pay-it-forward activities. Teach children holiday generosity, unselfishness, not greedy gimmes at Christmas | Examiner.com

SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests

In startling news, SeaWorld will end orca whale shows at its San Diego theme park. The Guardian reported on Nov. 9, that the decision came in the wake of animal cruelty protests over Tilikum and other killer whales featured in the 2013 "Blackfish" film. Dwindling admissions and sinking profit margins have left SeaWorld floundering. SeaWorld announced that the iconic killer whale shows will be phased out by 2017 and replaced by a "new orca experience" focused on natural environment of whales. 2016 will be the last year guests will see performing killer whales at San Diego SeaWorld amusement park. But ending the orca whale shows is only a ripple in the pond. SeaWorld is completely restructuring the entire venue.SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests | Examiner.com

 

Halloween asteroid to whiz by Earth: Super-fast mega 2015 TB45 to flyby Oct. 31 | Examiner.com

A massive Halloween asteroid will whiz by Earth in time for Trick-or-Treat, reported USA Today on Oct. 21. The super-fast, mega asteroid named 2015 TB45 will do a flyby past earth on Oct. 31. Scientists say asteroid 2015 TB145 will be traveling at "unusually" high speeds. The giant Halloween asteroid was discovered on Oct. 10 by the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, said a report from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at NASA.Halloween asteroid to whiz by Earth: Super-fast mega 2015 TB45 to flyby Oct. 31 | Examiner.com

 

Zimbabwe can't charge American hunter Walter Palmer for killing Cecil the Lion

 Reuters reported Oct. 12, that Zimbabwe can't charge American hunter Walter Palmer for killing Cecil the Lion. The dentist trophy hunter Palmer shot Cecil, a beloved "pet lion" in July. But he was within his rights to do so, ruled a Zimbabwean Cabinet minister. This decision refueled the feud between trophy hunting supporters and conservationists. Being cleared won't do Palmer much good. Having the required legal documents to hunt or not, Palmer is persona non grata in many sectors for his infamous kill.Zimbabwe can't charge American hunter Walter Palmer for killing Cecil the Lion | Examiner.com

Muslims want public schools closed for Islamic holidays, like Christian holidays | Examiner.com

 Public schools in the US close to observe Christian holidays and now other religions are asking for equal time. Muslims want public schools closed for Islamic holidays, just like Christian holidays, reported the Christian Science Monitor on September 23. September 23 is Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice for Muslims. Greater Eid is a major holy day in the Islamic year. Administrators are considering whether or not to close school in observance of that feast day. In New Jersey, nearly 2 percent of the population identifies as followers of Islam. Some schools observe Muslim holidays and others don't.Muslims want public schools closed for Islamic holidays, like Christian holidays | Examiner.com

Free printable September 11 lesson plans, 9/11 social studies printables

As Britain commemorates Guy Fawkes Day on November 5, Americans "remember, remember the 11th of September." On the 14th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, how can we commemorate in a proactive way? A nonprofit called My Good Deed, suggests making it a National Day of Service and Remembrance reports the International Business Times. But how do you teach children why September 11 is so important? How do you explain what happened to the World Trade Center, Flight 93 and Pentagon? How can you help them understand war, violence and terrorism? Here are free printable September 11 lesson plans to help.Free printable September 11 lesson plans, 9/11 social studies printables - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com