Time Machine Terms
May 27, 2010
Woods Hole Scientists Say Old Falmouth Spill Is a Case Study for Gulf
More than 40 years before BP’s catastrophic oil well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico, the barge Florida ran aground in Buzzards Bay one foggy night and dumped nearly 200,000 gallons of fuel. The effects of that accident still linger in the marsh mud around West Falmouth.
So while the news yesterday that the oil company thinks it may have succeeded in stopping the flow of oil into the Gulf is welcome, it by no means signifies the end of the matter.
May 27, 2010
State Suddenly Reverses, Saying Sengekontacket Must Be Closed June 1
In an abrupt about-face from an announcement made just two months ago, the state Division of Marine Fisheries said this week that Sengekontacket Pond will be closed to shellfishing after all this summer.
The DMF announced that it had not conducted enough water quality tests to warrant a reopening of the pond, which has been closed to shellfishing for the last three summers following elevated bacteria levels three years ago, believed to be caused by waterfowl.
The closure begins June 1 and runs until Oct. 1.
May 27, 2010
Mars
The red planet Mars appears high in the western sky tonight, and near the bright star Regulus. Regulus is the brightest star in the constellation Leo and is distinctly white, almost blueish in color. Put a red planet next to it and the colors of both celestial objects looks more apparent.
May 27, 2010
Birders Ramblin'
The birding community welcomes home bird photographer Lanny McDowell! And speaking of the birding community, it is always fun to put 25 birders in one house and listen to the conversations. What follows is a sampler:
• “You heard a whippoorwill. I am envious, I haven’t heard one in years. Remember when you used to bump them off the dirt roads when you drove them at night? The darned feral cats, skunks and raccoons eat their eggs — easy prey as their nests are on the ground.”
May 27, 2010
Chappy
MARGARET KNIGHT
508-627-8894
People are already talking about swimming! It certainly was summery enough this past week, although the water must be just about warm enough to pop in and then right back out again. After such a warm spring, and a late Memorial Day, this weekend may bring some beach time for all those visitors here to enjoy the early days of the summer season.
May 27, 2010
West Tisbury
JOHN S. ALLEY
508-693-2950
Last weekend was delightful and many chores were done outside. The azaleas at the Foote tennis court have been in full bloom, a special treat that Bunny Fales enjoyed very much each year. Many people have returned after a long winter in warmer climates. Automobile traffic has picked up, and this weekend is the official opening of the summer season.
