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Uploaded by Godfrey Mascarenhas on 2013-06-12.

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Books and Films - Extinct (Channel 4 Documentary)

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Extinct is a Channel 4 documentary series which brings to life the compelling stories of some of lost creatures and solves the mystery of their demise.

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Baseball is a sport that dates back as far as 1744 and formats of the game have been in place until the modern era today. The game is predominantly big in North America, Canada and Japan. The game is played worldwide with the pinnacle of sport coming from the World Series of Baseball. Ironically, this event is only competed by North American teams.

Object of the Game

The object of baseball is to score more runs than your opponent. The idea is to hit the ball thrown at you as far as you can before running around 4 bases to complete a run. Once a player manages to get around the four bases before being tagged out, then another batter steps in.

Players & Equipment

A game is played out between two teams, each made up of 9 players. The game lasts for 9 innings with each team alternating between batting and fielding in each inning. The scores at the end of the innings are added to a cumulative score and the team with most points wins. Each team has three outs per inning before they then swap roles. Each inning can be broken down into the top (where the away team bats), and the bottom (where the home team bats).

The field is split into two sections: infield and outfield. Separating the infield and outfield is a diamond shape with four bases, spaced at 90 feet apart each. In the center of the infield is the pitching mound where the pitcher stands and throws the ball toward the batter. The batter stands at the home plate. The other three bases are known as first base, second base and third base. The batter must touch all bases before successfully scoring a run.

The bats are made out of either wood, aluminium or metal materials. The ball is white with red stitching and is roughly 3 inches in diameter. The fielding team wear 'mits', which are basically an oversized glove to help them catch and pick up the ball. The catcher (standing behind the batter to catch any balls missed) wears extra padding in their glove, along with leg guards, a body pad, and a helmet.

Scoring

To score, a batter must hit the ball with the bat into the designated fielding area and make it around all four bases (before the fielding team is able to collect the ball and throw it to the base the batter is running to). A player can score a mandatory point if they hit a home run, which usually means the ball has left the playing area, often landing in the crowd. A player can stop at any base if they feel they might not make it to the next base before being tagged out.

Players can score multiple points from one hit if more than one player is already on one of the bases. When you hear the phrase 'the bases are loaded', this refers to the instance where there is a player on every base. So, every time a batter successfully makes it to first base, the other players on the second and third bases are able to trickle home, earning a point for their team each time. Depending on how many players get around to home plate before being tagged will depend on how many points you score. A maximum of four points can be scored on one hit.

Winning the Game

To win a game, you must outscore your opposition through the 9 innings played. The team with the most points after 9 innings is deemed the winner. In the event of a tie, extra innings are played until a winner has been concluded.

Rules of Baseball

Baseball has two teams of 9 players.

The fielding team's positions are made up of a pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, third baseman, and three outfielders at left field, centre field and right field.

Games last for 9 innings of which both teams get to bat once. If the game is a tie after 9 innings then an extra inning will be added until a winner is found. If the team batting second in the bottom of the 9th inning are already ahead in points, then they do not need to complete their batting innings.

Once a batting order is picked, then it cannot be changed throughout the game. Substitutes are permitted, however, they must bat in the order of the previous player whom they replaced.

If the batter manages to hit the ball from the pitcher, they must make an effort to at least get to first base. They can then run to as many bases as they wish before being tagged out. Each base must be touched with some part of the batters body when running past.

A batter gets up to three strikes before getting out. A strike is deemed when a batter swings for a ball and misses it. The batter can leave the ball but, if it's within a certain area (called the 'strike zone'), then a strike will also be given. If four balls miss the strike zone and the batter does not swing their bat, they can walk to first base.

When on base, the batter can run to the next base at any point.

Players can be dismissed by either a 'strike out' (referring to a batsman missing the ball three times), 'force out' (when a player fails to make the base before the defensive player), 'fly out' (when the ball is hit in the air and caught without it bouncing), and 'tag outs' (where a defensive player with the ball tags the batsman with the ball all whilst they are running).

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Baseball Rules Baseball is a sport that dates back as far as 1744 and formats of the game have been in place until the modern era today. The game is predominantly big in North America, Canada and Japan. The game is played worldwide with the pinnacle ...

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The world's wildlife is increasingly stressed by human activity. Farming and development have led to habitat loss. Animals are contending with toxic pollutants in their environments, and will be facing threats from climate change. Scientists say we're in the 6th great planetary extinction, called the "Holocene Extinction" - the extinction of the human era. This predicament has made zoologists more important than ever. Zoologists study the physiology of animals, their behavior, and how they interact with other species and their environments. Their knowledge is critical to preserving important habitats and managing wildlife's adaptations to climate change.

What Does a Zoologist Do?

Zoology is the study of animals and their behavior. Zoologists may study a particular species or group of species, either in the wild or in captivity.

Zoologists study animals and their interactions with ecosystems. They study their physical characteristics, diets, behaviors, and the impacts humans have on them. They study all kinds of animals, both in their natural habitats and in captivity in zoos and aquariums. They may specialize in studying a particular animal or animal group.

Zoologists may be involved in a wide variety of duties in various environments. For example they may observe and study animals in their natural environments, or plan and conduct experiments involving animals in nature, in zoos, or in other controlled areas. They may also collect biological specimens and measure physical characteristics. These studies are generally aimed at investigating animal behavior, migration, interactions with other species, and reproduction, as well as the pests, diseases, toxins, and habitat changes that affect them. They use the information they gather to monitor and estimate populations, address invasive species and other threats, control disease, manage hunting programs, and develop conservation plans. They also write reports and journal articles and give presentations to share their findings.

Zoologists also use geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) to track the movements of animals and map their habitat ranges. They also use modeling software to project future scenarios, such as habitat range changes due to climate change.

Their efforts are critical to protecting endangered species and other wildlife from the pressures of habitat loss, disease, invasive species, and climate change.

Where Does a Zoologist Work?

Some zoologists work for zoos, wildlife centers, wildlife parks, and aquariums, where they manage the animals' care, their distribution, and their enclosures. They may also help breeding programs restore wild populations.

Zoologists also work for wildlife conservation groups, where they may help rehabilitate and release animals, plan conservation and ecotourism initiatives involving local communities, or lobby governments on policy.

Other zoologists research new vermin control drugs or veterinary medicines for pharmaceutical companies. Some work as museum curators, where they manage specimens, conduct research, and educate the public. Others are faculty members in academia.

Zoologists work in offices and laboratories. Some like Jane Goodall or Diane Fossey spend much of their time outdoors studying animals in their natural habitats, which may be quite remote. While travel can be a significant perk, this type of work can also be strenuous and isolating.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2012, most zoologists and wildlife biologists (34%) were employed in state government. 24% were employed by the federal government. Another 10% worked in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. 7% worked in management, scientific, and technical consulting services, and 6% worked for state colleges, universities, and professional schools. 4% were employed by local government.

Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may work long or irregular hours when doing fieldwork, and those studying nocturnal animals may need to work at night.

What Is the Average Zoologist Salary?

As of May 2020, the median salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $66,350. At $81,530, those in the federal government earned the highest median salary. They were followed by zoologists employed in research and development ($71,300) and management, scientific, and technical consulting services ($69,490).*

Zoology Jobs & Job Description

Duties vary significantly from job to job, but the following list includes typical job duties one might encounter as a zoologist:

Analyze the lifecycle of animals as well as their function in terms of the overall ecosystem in which they are a part

Conduct population assessments of species using field methods or GIS technology

Collect, process, and prepare specimens for study

Analyze data and experimental observations and evaluate study results

Prepare and publish scientific papers to report findings

Act as advocate and spokesperson for wildlife and ecosystem concerns within their scope of specialty

Interact with other scientists, professionals, and advocacy groups to preserve and monitor habitats and populations

Draft reports and presentations

Collect samples and conduct observational research in the lab, the field, and protected environments

Make sure data/specimen collection and record keeping is accurate and adheres to relevant safety procedures

Communicate with national, regional and international initiatives in order to share information and assessment data

Continually review current research and scientific literature in the field

Consult on and implement habitat mitigation and remediation measures

Consult on environmental and site assessments as they affect wildlife biology

Travel to temporary field assignments in remote locations

Conduct and/or oversee wildlife population surveys

Provide technical expertise related to wildlife survey design

Prepare wildlife management plans

Monitor trends in wildlife populations

Senior zoologists will likely be offered the role of team lead at some point in their career. Some of the additional tasks that accompany this tier-2 position are:

Overseeing paperwork and analyzing data for reporting purposes

Communicating with clients, government departments, colleagues, and experts in the field via verbal and written reports

Preparing and reviewing articles and papers based on research findings

Planning and scheduling research trips

Designing budgets and timelines for lab and field teams

Serve as point of contact for peer-review data inquiries

Consult with agency working groups

Review records, reports, and assessments on behalf of the team

Coordinate technical details for a range of interdisciplinary projects

Navigate environmental regulations and environmental approvals processes

Manage and consult about endangered species populations

Manage and advocate to a variety of stakeholders regarding species conservation, protection, and rehabilitation

Evaluate national and international wildlife initiatives

Participate in meetings with government agencies, consultants, and engineers

What Is the Job Demand for Zoologists?

Jobs for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected to grow 5% between 2020 and 2030, which is slower than average for all occupations.* Retirements will open up some opportunities in this field. However, government budgets will govern demand for zoology jobs in the public sector.

Competition for jobs is very strong. Candidates with practical experience gained through volunteer work for zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and nonprofit organizations will have the best opportunities.

How Do I Get a Zoology Degree?

Entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Zoologists typically earn degrees in zoology, wildlife biology, ecology, or general biology. Coursework often includes classes on animal behavior and physiology, parasitology, virology, ecology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistical software. Students may also take courses in a particular area of specialty. Research and faculty positions require a Ph.D.
Outdoors skills can also be very helpful. Experience with backpacking, camping, and wilderness survival can set a candidate apart.

What Are the Different Branches of Zoology?

Many zoologists dedicate their careers to studying a particular species or animal group. For example:

Cetologists study marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, and seals.

Entomologists specialize in insects, such as ants and spiders.

Herpetologists work with reptiles and amphibians such as alligators, salamanders, and frogs.

Ichthyologists focus on wild fish, such as Rainbow Trout and the Least Chub.

Mammalogists study mammals, such as deer, wolves, chimpanzees and giraffes.

Parasitologists research the parasites that plague other wildlife, such as ticks, and how they affect their host species.

Ornithologists study birds such as the endangered California Condor.

Ethologists specialize in animal behavior.

Paleozoologists study fossil remains to investigate the evolutionary history of animals.

Other Degrees Related to Zoology

What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Zoologists Have?

The Wildlife Society facilitates networking of wildlife professionals through magazines and journals, an e-newsletter, an annual conference, and working groups. It also administers professional certification for wildlife biologists.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a network of more than 6,000 zoo and aquarium professionals and organizations. It offers animal management information, business benchmarking data, conference proceedings, grants and more.

Other Recommended Resources

*2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for zoologists and wildlife biologists reflect national data not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2021.

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How to Become a Zoologist | EnvironmentalScience.org

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Have a love for animals? Perhaps becoming a zoologist is in your future. Learn more now.

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Building Friendships At School

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Early this year, I posted a popular article, Some Thoughts on Building a Successful Marriage. In it, I gave my thoughts on what it takes to make a marriage work - and since your spouse is your most important partner in your finances and your life, it's important to have a successful relationship there.

Recently, "Gary" sent an email asking a similar question:

I read your this post about sucessful marriage every month. I was wondering if you can create such step-by-step guide for friendships.

I have lots of acquaintances but I am not good at making very close friends. It could be that I am not very open with my emotions and also influences from my parents but I can't seem to make close friends.

Gary's question is borne out of a number of recent posts on The Simple Dollar about the power of friendships and relationships - a topic that we'll be expanding upon over the next month and a half with the book club reading of Never Eat Alone.

But what do you do after you've met someone and you want to actually build a lasting friendship? Lasting friendships are often the backbone of our social lives and help us in countless ways throughout our professional and personal lives. They come through for us when we need help, plus they provide the constant support and companionship that a friendship can provide.

Building strong friendships comes easily to some - and not so easily to others. Here's what I've learned about building long-term friendships.

First, friendships wither without regular attention. If you don't keep in touch in some fashion with a friend, they quickly become an "old friend" - someone that you might be able to rekindle a friendship with, but someone who's not really an active part of your life. Sometimes, that happens due to a change in interest or in lifestyle (having children can often cause this), but quite often it happens unintentionally, particularly among people with very busy schedules.

On the other hand, regular attention to a friendship is the essence of building up a lasting friendship. This doesn't mean you have to have a friend at your house every day to keep a friendship strong. Instead, it means that without regular contact, a friendship will fade.

What's "regular contact"? There's no exact recipe for it, but I usually define it this way: if I don't have some idea of what my friend is doing in two weeks, I'll get in touch with them.

Intrigued? Here are my fifteen rules for building lasting friendships with people.

Keep multiple lines of easy communication open. The more tools you have for keeping track of someone, the better. If you have their cell number, save it - you can easily text them or call them. If you have their address, pop it into your address. If they're on Facebook, friend them. If they're on Twitter, follow them. This allows you to keep track of what's going on in their life - and makes it much easier for you to contact them very quickly. The more lines of easy communication you have, the simpler it becomes to simply get in touch with them at your convenience, which lowers the barrier to continued communication.

Make sure it's easy to contact you, too. This is why I'm on Twitter and Facebook (and other social sites as well) - it makes it very easy for people to contact me. I keep an eye on both services (to see what my friends are doing), but equally important, I drop my own updates on these sites (so that my friends can see what I'm doing).

If you use such services and you're silent on them, you're engaging in a one-way conversation - and how interesting is that? Your contribution is absolutely vital - people who are following you or have friended you want to hear what you have to say.

Another tip - mention that you're on such services in the footers of your email. Add a link to your Twitter feed or your Facebook page.

Make contact regularly, but be worthwhile. Part of the reason I follow lots of people on Twitter and friend lots of people on Facebook is so that I can keep track on what's actually important in their lives. Few things bug me more than people who contact me without having anything to say. "Hi, how are you, I am fine, what are you doing?" contacts simply aren't very interesting and they don't sustain conversation.

Keep an eye on what your friends are up to and if you have something interesting to contribute to what they're doing or saying, contribute it. Send them a message or an email, or give them a ring. If what you have is actually useful, you've taken another step towards cementing a real relationship.

Quite often, the thing you have to share isn't a material item, nor does it cost anything other than a bit of time. Usually, it's information. Most human relationships revolve around the exchange of information with one another, and if you provide lots of good information, then you're a lot closer to being a good friend.

Exchange contact at least once every two weeks. I don't keep track of this intensely - it's merely a good rule of thumb with a good principle behind it. If I haven't sent a message to someone recently, I'll pay extra close attention to what they've been saying and look for some avenue for following up. If they're not involved in online social networks, I will often spend some time attempting to recall what their most recent concerns were, then follow up with those concerns and see how they're doing.

Direct contact is key to sustaining a friendship. While it can be useful to pay attention to what they're saying publicly - and they're likely following you, too - direct contact is still necessary and useful. You might be up to date with what someone's doing, but contacting them directly by phone or other means is still the key piece of maintaining (and slowly building) a friendship.

Fill up your social calendar. You should strive to fill up your social calendar as much as you can with plans with friends (and others). A meal eaten alone is an opportunity lost - a chance to catch up with a friend, build another friendship, or get together with a larger group.

Pencil in your lunch breaks. Have friends over for dinner and a movie or a game. Once a week or so, host a dinner party and invite a mix of people. If you get invited to things, make an effort to go.

In short, start keeping a calendar and strive to fill it up with as many social activities as you can, particularly ones where you're setting up events directly with specific friends (or attending larger events with friends). The more full your social calendar is, the more friends you're building relationships with.

I confess that I have some difficulty doing this. My biggest challenge is that many of my closest friends are spread across the world, far away from where I live, and I sometimes find it challenging to open the door to new friendships. However, I do know from experience that it works - the more full your calendar is, the more strong friendships you'll build.

When a friend asks for help, this is the time to really cement a friendship. Be there for that friend. Help them in whatever way you can. Often, the best thing you can do is just listen without interjecting your own thoughts. Sometimes, though, you may be able to help by completing a task or sharing some information.

As long as it's reasonable, always step up to the plate when a friend calls you. Such actions are the building blocks of lasting friendships.

Don't hesitate to ask for help - but do it with tact. First of all, don't expect help. Sometimes the difficulties of the lives of others means that they can't help you with your situation, even if you've helped them in the past and even if they'd like to.

Second, ask in a personal way. It's fine to broadcast your need on a service where people have chosen to follow you (like Twitter or Facebook), but don't just send out a blanket email to all of your friends. Instead, contact the people you really need help from individually, by email or by phone (or even by stopping by). Make it clear that you want their help, not just that you're seeking help from anyone for a problem you have.

Often, such requests go a long way towards building a relationship as well. Direct requests like this show that you do value a friend's help and input and will make them quite happy to contribute, especially if the help you're asking for is simple for them.

Celebrate their important moments in a special way. Don't hesitate to host a party for someone on a major birthday or milestone. Don't be afraid to take a friend out to dinner (or put a lot of work into preparing one of their favorite meals) to celebrate their new job or their engagement. Stepping up to the plate and making an extra effort to celebrate a friend's big moments is often just as important as being there for them when there are problems.

Listen. If you're saying more than 60% of the words in a conversation with a friend, you're talking too much. Draw them out and get them to participate by asking questions of them. Listen to what they have to say and don't interrupt them, even if that's how you naturally converse. Then follow up based on what they have to say.

People want to be heard and to see that their ideas and thoughts have value to others. When you run roughshod by talking all the time or not actually listening, you're running roughshod over that and damaging the friendship. If you think doing this is boring - then perhaps you don't want this person as a friend, but as someone who merely follows you.

If a friend stops replying to your contacts, don't be insulted - it's often hard to understand what's going on in their life. If that relationship is important to you, keep the window of communication open. Send emails on occasion, even if they don't reply. Give them a call just to see what's going on. Express some concern, but don't intrude unless you know the person intimately. Look for a sign that they need help before you intervene.

Sometimes friendships die out. Friendships are based on mutual interests and commonalities. Over a long period of time, your own shared experiences may become those commonalities and you'll have a lifelong friend, but quite often friendships die out or go dormant. Don't be dramatic or overwrought about it.

One sure sign that you should perhaps let a friendship rest (and devote time to building other friendships) is if you're doing virtually all the work in terms of making contact. It may be that the friend's interests have changed and they have moved on to another part of their life's journey. Back off and see what happens, but in the meantime, fill your time with other friends.

Never force a friendship to continue. It's unhealthy for both people. Instead, let it drift away and grow dormant - perhaps in the future, opportunity will cause it to bloom again.

Good luck, Gary.

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Thoughts on How To Build Successful Friendships - The Simple Dollar

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Early this year, I posted a popular article, Some Thoughts on Building a Successful Marriage. In it, I gave my thoughts on what it takes to make a marriage work - and since your spouse is your most important partner in your finances and your life, it's important to have a successful relationship there.