One of my favorite keywords to use in a search is odd and or weird news. I found an odd story on the Huffington Post about a duck that was fitted with booties. Yep booties. Seems the lady who requested the specialized item wanted her pet duck, named Duckie to feel comfy on the beach. Thus the order was placed. Yvonne Cruz and her team at Surf N Sea created a lovely pair of purple booties for the duck. Now this may sound odd but, there is a story here about the importance of getting a wetsuit that fits well. I guess you could say that the idea of a fitted wetsuit is not so quackers after all. I contacted Miss Cruz to ask some important questions about wetsuits, miss Cruz welcome to Candid Conversations.
Yvonne Cruz: Thanks for the interview Cliff.
Cliff T.: It must have seemed strange to you if not funny that a client would want a fitting for a duck, were you surprised at the request?
Yvonne Cruz: Over the years Surf ‘n Sea has had a lot of unusual requests; many dogs, one torpedo, covers for Cat Scan machines a camera *bellows, a tuxedo jacket for a groom who got married on a surfboard among others. We love challenges!
Cliff T.: A torpedo, cat scanner and camera bellows, you do love challenges.
Cliff T: Have you had any new requests to outfit animals with beach gear, or better yet with a wetsuit?
Yvonne Cruz: There has been nothing new since the duck but we did make eight dog wetsuits for the Natural Balance Float in the 2011 Rose Parade. The dogs wore the wetsuits while jumping off a dock into a pond on the float.
Cliff T.: Ok, outside of the funny in this story there is a serious side here. How important is it for people to get a wetsuit that fits well? And why is that important?
Yvonne Cruz: Fit in a wetsuit is critical. A wetsuit works because your body heat warms up the thin layer of water inside of the suit. If there is room for a lot of water, not only can’t your body heat it up, you will keep exchanging new cold water with your movements. The suit must fit snug to keep excess water out but not so snug that movement is restricted.
Cliff T.: Now you gave the duck purple booties, this may sound like an odd question is color important when getting a wetsuit and why?
Yvonne Cruz: The owner of the duck said Duckies’ favorite color is purple. Who am I to argue? Color is so subjective. Most surfers like black for wetsuits as dark colors absorb heat better. Some shy away from black as it is the color of seals – a favorite food of sharks. Many divers like camouflage so they disappear in kelp beds and fish do not see them, other divers, in open water, like the blues. We have dozens of colors to choose from.
Cliff T.: So what goes into making a great wetsuit and what should a person look for when they shop for one?
Yvonne Cruz: A quality suit will have the seams guaranteed for the life of the suit – ours are. The seams must be of a construction that does not leak – ours are. It will be made of the finest materials available and should fit very well. Again, ours are. It’s nice if you like the style and colors too!
Cliff T.: How long does it take you and the team at Surf N Sea to make the suit and do the fitting?
Yvonne Cruz: The fitting usually takes less than 20 minutes. Surf ‘n Sea suits are cut on a bevel and glued together using two coats of a special adhesive. A full length wetsuit can be made in a day including drying time – but just barely. However, usually there is a waiting line
Cliff T.: Is there a special way one needs to store and take care of a wetsuit?
Yvonne Cruz: First and very important is to rinse your suit inside and outside upon leaving the ocean, lake or pool. Hang it on a wide shoulder hanger until the exposed side is dry. Then turn so the other side dries. Do not, if possible, dry in the sun and do not store the suit in your garage if you park a car in it. Car emissions deteriorate the neoprene material.
Cliff T.: I am assuming that it is also better to have a custom suit but, if people want can they get one off the rack?
Yvonne Cruz: Many people do fine in rack suits. There are also some alterations we can do if the rack suit isn’t perfect.
Cliff T.: Miss Cruz, does Surf N Sea do wetsuits only or do you also have other products that you sell?
Yvonne Cruz: Surf ‘n Sea does focus on wetsuits but we have a few water sports related products. Wetsuit repairs and alterations are a big part of our business.
Cliff T.: It sounds like you guys had fun with the duck, do you try to have a bit a fun while educating a client on what makes or does not make a good suit?
Yvonne Cruz: Absolutely! We enjoy people!
Cliff T.: Well I have to say I enjoyed reading the story and learning a bit more about what you and your team do, thanks for being a part of Candid Conversations.
Yvonne Cruz: Cliff, you are a thoughtful and thorough interviewer. I thank you!
Yvonne Cruz helps clients with custom wetsuits, recently she and her team fitted a duck with booties. Surf N Sea has been been in the business of custom wetsuits since 1954 and is located in San Diego CA. I reached her at the store.
* click here to find out more about what a bellows is.
Showing posts with label Newsmaker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newsmaker. Show all posts
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A Serious Candid Conversation With Howard Sapers
For 35 years the Office of the Correctional Investigator Canada has been the voice if you will for those seeking to file complaints within the correctional system in Canada. The voice is of the offender and besides dealing with this the Ombudsman also looks at the processes that Correctional Service Canada uses to handle inmates and makes recommendations on them to improve the service.
In recent times the office has garnered media attention especially in the light of the death of Ashley Smith in 2007. Howard Sapers is the Correctional Investigator for Canada a role that puts him in the middle of what could be considered a tug of war between the inmates and the jailers. Mr Sapers welcome to Candid Conversations.
H Sapers: “Thank you very much for the invitation. It is indeed a pleasure.”
Cliff T.: I characterize what you do as being in the middle of a tug of war between the inmates and the jailers, would that be an accurate lay description?
H Sapers: “My Office is independent of the Correctional Service and my mandate is to conduct investigations into the problems of offenders related to decisions, acts or omissions of the CSC that affect offenders either individually or as a group.
I would not necessarily characterize the relationship between my Office and the Correctional Service of Canada as a ‘tug of war.’ In fact, we both share a common and mutual goal – safe, secure and humane custody of federally sentenced offenders.
We may not always agree on certain points, but ultimately the relationship between an Ombudsman’s office and the agency it oversees must be built on professionalism, integrity and trust. Both organizations have an interest in assisting offenders to lead a responsible and law-abiding life.
Our investigations promote the safe and humane custody and supervision of offenders in accordance with the law. As a partner in the criminal justice system we help to ensure the safe and effective reintegration of offenders into the community, contributing to public safety.”
Cliff T.: What is the range of complaints that you receive from inmates?
H Sapers: On an annual basis, my Office receives anywhere between 5,000 and 7,000 offender complaints. In FY 2009-10, the top 10 areas of concern most frequently identified by offenders were:
Cliff T.: Besides complaints from the inmates, do you ever get any from the families of inmates and or the general public and what about corrections staff can they file a complaint to you?
H Sapers: “Yes, we frequently have family members of offenders contact our Office. Often the nature of a family member contact with my Office is to seek information or clarification about an issue, event or concern affecting their son or daughter or loved one. A family member may ask our Office to intervene on their behalf, but in order to do so we must have the consent of the offender in order to pursue the matter further.
Correctional Service of Canada personnel do not file a complaint with my Office. The CSC and the unions representing its staff deal with employee issues.”
Cliff T.: How are complaints prioritized and do any just get sent back without any investigation at all?
H Sapers: “Our goal is to ensure that all offender complaints are objectively and fairly addressed in a timely manner. Like most Ombudsman, we encourage complainants to resolve their matters informally, at the lowest levels possible. In the case of federal offenders, we encourage them to attempt to resolve their concerns through the inmate complaints and grievance process, although this is not a prerequisite to our initiating an investigation. The vast majority of the concerns raised on complaints by inmates are addressed by this Office at the institutional level through discussion and negotiation.
Offenders can contact my Office by toll-free phone, by letter or by meeting one of my Investigators assigned to federal facilities. Calls of an urgent or emergency nature – e.g. life-threatening situation, involuntary segregation, medical emergency or involuntary transfer – are responded to on a priority basis.
Not all complaints proceed to an investigation. We are not advocates for offenders or the prison system. We investigate from an impartial perspective and, if we decide a complaint has merit, we will support the offender in achieving resolution of the problem. In other words, my Office has full discretion as to whether an investigation will be conducted in relation to any particular complaint or request and how that investigation will be carried out.”
Cliff T.:Mr. Sapers I have to imagine that some prisoners are afraid to speak up for fear of reprisals by staff, how does your team deal with that fear?
H Sapers: “The law is very clear on this point – ‘every offender shall have complete access to the offender grievance procedure without negative consequences.’
In our case, all communications between offenders and my Office is confidential. All correspondence to and from the Office is to be delivered unopened. A person or group cannot be disciplined or punished because they have contacted my Office.”
Cliff T.: It can also be said that staff at an institution or an inmate may not be completely honest about what really happened, are there tools you have to aid you and your team to sort it out and figure out what really went on?
H Sapers: “My team of Investigators has access to all information and documents that are in the possession of the Correctional Service for the purpose of carrying out an investigation. My staff can interview or communicate with any member of the CSC. We have full and unfettered access to CSC facilities. Through corroborating interviews, accessing and reviewing pertinent information, evidence and documentation, we can usually make a determination based on the facts and merits of the case before us.”
Cliff T.: There many in our society who feel and voice the opinion that prisoners don't matter in our society some just want to have Corrections Canada lock the cell door and toss the key away, what is your take on this mentality?
H Sapers: “We have to remember that the vast majority of offenders will eventually be released from prison back to the community. We have a better chance of releasing a responsible and law-abiding person if s/he is treated fairly, with dignity and respect while serving their sentence. Corrections involves balancing the interests and rights of all members of society, including those of offenders.
I happen to believe that how we treat those in prison can tell us a lot about the kind of society we are, or aspire to be. Offenders often come from vulnerable, distressed and disadvantaged elements of our society. Their life histories are not an excuse for their criminality, but they do help us understand why they may end up in prison and how we might positively intervene. As has often been observed, offenders are sent to prison as punishment, not for punishment. None of our sanctions for criminal behaviour includes the abandonment of human rights. This is what defines our correctional system and our democracy – or at least it should.
Cliff T.: What got you interested in doing this job?
H Sapers: “In my professional life, I have held various positions in the criminal justice field through employment and community service. Immediately prior to my appointment as Correctional Investigator of Canada in February 2004, I was Vice-Chairperson, National Parole Board of Canada in the Prairie Region. Between 2001-2003, I held the position of Director of the Crime Prevention Investment Fund at the National Crime Prevention Centre, Department of Justice Canada. My post secondary education and training is in Criminology. Overall, I have nearly 30 years of work and volunteer experience in the criminal justice sector.”
Cliff T.: There are a lot of bad things one can say about inmates and the prison system and there are a lot of bad things that happen to inmates in the system. However do you ever have a good day or should I ask what is a good day in your job?
H Sapers: “I have mostly good days in my job. I have a terrific and committed staff. I come to work everyday feeling quite privileged to serve Canadians. It is not a perfect job, but I believe it is an important one. By their nature, prisons can be inhospitable environments, for both prisoners and staff. I am struck by the fact that my Office serves an important and necessary oversight function. To be effective and to maintain public trust and confidence, our criminal justice system must operate within, not outside, the rule of law. I cannot think of a better or more rewarding mandate than that.”
Cliff T.: I noted that on the site that the services you provide have been in place for a short time 35 years. Why was the agency formed or a better question is what caused the need to create The Office of The Correctional Investigator?
H Sapers: “The Office of the Correctional Investigator was created as a direct result of a prison riot at Kingston Penitentiary in 1971. The riot, a response to harsh conditions of confinement and punitive disciplinary sanctions, resulted in five correctional officers being taken hostage and a group of prisoners brutally tortured. Two of the prisoners died, 13 were seriously injured, and part of Kingston Penitentiary was destroyed. In the aftermath of the riot, many of the inmates involved in the disturbance were transferred to nearby Millhaven Institution where they were assaulted by correctional staff at that institution.
The resulting Commission of Inquiry into the Kingston riot and subsequent events recommended the establishment of an external avenue of redress. The Office of the Correctional Investigator was established June 1, 1973. It was not, however, until 1992 that that my Office was formally established in statute with the enactment of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.”
Cliff T.: Well it is obvious that due to events of the past and in recent light of a report on 130 cases of in custody deaths 9 of which had eerie similarities to the death of Ashley Smith in 2007 that there is much to do to change the system and the attitudes about it and towards inmates. Mr Sapers thank you for spending time with me and my readers today it was a pleasure to speak with you via email.
H Sapers: “Thank you again for your interest in my Office.”
Howard Sapers is the Correction Investigator for Canada and works out of the Office of the Correctional Investigator. To learn more about the role of the agency and Mr. Sapers you can visit the website at http://www.oci-bec.gc.ca . Mr. Sapers wrote to us from his office in Ottawa.
In recent times the office has garnered media attention especially in the light of the death of Ashley Smith in 2007. Howard Sapers is the Correctional Investigator for Canada a role that puts him in the middle of what could be considered a tug of war between the inmates and the jailers. Mr Sapers welcome to Candid Conversations.
H Sapers: “Thank you very much for the invitation. It is indeed a pleasure.”
Cliff T.: I characterize what you do as being in the middle of a tug of war between the inmates and the jailers, would that be an accurate lay description?
H Sapers: “My Office is independent of the Correctional Service and my mandate is to conduct investigations into the problems of offenders related to decisions, acts or omissions of the CSC that affect offenders either individually or as a group.
I would not necessarily characterize the relationship between my Office and the Correctional Service of Canada as a ‘tug of war.’ In fact, we both share a common and mutual goal – safe, secure and humane custody of federally sentenced offenders.
We may not always agree on certain points, but ultimately the relationship between an Ombudsman’s office and the agency it oversees must be built on professionalism, integrity and trust. Both organizations have an interest in assisting offenders to lead a responsible and law-abiding life.
Our investigations promote the safe and humane custody and supervision of offenders in accordance with the law. As a partner in the criminal justice system we help to ensure the safe and effective reintegration of offenders into the community, contributing to public safety.”
Cliff T.: What is the range of complaints that you receive from inmates?
H Sapers: On an annual basis, my Office receives anywhere between 5,000 and 7,000 offender complaints. In FY 2009-10, the top 10 areas of concern most frequently identified by offenders were:
| CATEGORY | # | % |
| TOTAL OFFENDER POPULATION | ||
| Health Care | 766 | 14.68% |
| Cell Effects | 397 | 7.61% |
| Administrative Segregation | 394 | 7.55% |
| Transfer | 393 | 7.53% |
| Staff | 379 | 7.26% |
| Grievance | 244 | 4.68% |
| Visits | 220 | 4.22% |
| Telephone | 168 | 3.22% |
| Case Preparation | 157 | 3.01% |
| Information | 154 | 2.95% |
Cliff T.: Besides complaints from the inmates, do you ever get any from the families of inmates and or the general public and what about corrections staff can they file a complaint to you?
H Sapers: “Yes, we frequently have family members of offenders contact our Office. Often the nature of a family member contact with my Office is to seek information or clarification about an issue, event or concern affecting their son or daughter or loved one. A family member may ask our Office to intervene on their behalf, but in order to do so we must have the consent of the offender in order to pursue the matter further.
Correctional Service of Canada personnel do not file a complaint with my Office. The CSC and the unions representing its staff deal with employee issues.”
Cliff T.: How are complaints prioritized and do any just get sent back without any investigation at all?
H Sapers: “Our goal is to ensure that all offender complaints are objectively and fairly addressed in a timely manner. Like most Ombudsman, we encourage complainants to resolve their matters informally, at the lowest levels possible. In the case of federal offenders, we encourage them to attempt to resolve their concerns through the inmate complaints and grievance process, although this is not a prerequisite to our initiating an investigation. The vast majority of the concerns raised on complaints by inmates are addressed by this Office at the institutional level through discussion and negotiation.
Offenders can contact my Office by toll-free phone, by letter or by meeting one of my Investigators assigned to federal facilities. Calls of an urgent or emergency nature – e.g. life-threatening situation, involuntary segregation, medical emergency or involuntary transfer – are responded to on a priority basis.
Not all complaints proceed to an investigation. We are not advocates for offenders or the prison system. We investigate from an impartial perspective and, if we decide a complaint has merit, we will support the offender in achieving resolution of the problem. In other words, my Office has full discretion as to whether an investigation will be conducted in relation to any particular complaint or request and how that investigation will be carried out.”
Cliff T.:Mr. Sapers I have to imagine that some prisoners are afraid to speak up for fear of reprisals by staff, how does your team deal with that fear?
H Sapers: “The law is very clear on this point – ‘every offender shall have complete access to the offender grievance procedure without negative consequences.’
In our case, all communications between offenders and my Office is confidential. All correspondence to and from the Office is to be delivered unopened. A person or group cannot be disciplined or punished because they have contacted my Office.”
Cliff T.: It can also be said that staff at an institution or an inmate may not be completely honest about what really happened, are there tools you have to aid you and your team to sort it out and figure out what really went on?
H Sapers: “My team of Investigators has access to all information and documents that are in the possession of the Correctional Service for the purpose of carrying out an investigation. My staff can interview or communicate with any member of the CSC. We have full and unfettered access to CSC facilities. Through corroborating interviews, accessing and reviewing pertinent information, evidence and documentation, we can usually make a determination based on the facts and merits of the case before us.”
Cliff T.: There many in our society who feel and voice the opinion that prisoners don't matter in our society some just want to have Corrections Canada lock the cell door and toss the key away, what is your take on this mentality?
H Sapers: “We have to remember that the vast majority of offenders will eventually be released from prison back to the community. We have a better chance of releasing a responsible and law-abiding person if s/he is treated fairly, with dignity and respect while serving their sentence. Corrections involves balancing the interests and rights of all members of society, including those of offenders.
I happen to believe that how we treat those in prison can tell us a lot about the kind of society we are, or aspire to be. Offenders often come from vulnerable, distressed and disadvantaged elements of our society. Their life histories are not an excuse for their criminality, but they do help us understand why they may end up in prison and how we might positively intervene. As has often been observed, offenders are sent to prison as punishment, not for punishment. None of our sanctions for criminal behaviour includes the abandonment of human rights. This is what defines our correctional system and our democracy – or at least it should.
Cliff T.: What got you interested in doing this job?
H Sapers: “In my professional life, I have held various positions in the criminal justice field through employment and community service. Immediately prior to my appointment as Correctional Investigator of Canada in February 2004, I was Vice-Chairperson, National Parole Board of Canada in the Prairie Region. Between 2001-2003, I held the position of Director of the Crime Prevention Investment Fund at the National Crime Prevention Centre, Department of Justice Canada. My post secondary education and training is in Criminology. Overall, I have nearly 30 years of work and volunteer experience in the criminal justice sector.”
Cliff T.: There are a lot of bad things one can say about inmates and the prison system and there are a lot of bad things that happen to inmates in the system. However do you ever have a good day or should I ask what is a good day in your job?
H Sapers: “I have mostly good days in my job. I have a terrific and committed staff. I come to work everyday feeling quite privileged to serve Canadians. It is not a perfect job, but I believe it is an important one. By their nature, prisons can be inhospitable environments, for both prisoners and staff. I am struck by the fact that my Office serves an important and necessary oversight function. To be effective and to maintain public trust and confidence, our criminal justice system must operate within, not outside, the rule of law. I cannot think of a better or more rewarding mandate than that.”
Cliff T.: I noted that on the site that the services you provide have been in place for a short time 35 years. Why was the agency formed or a better question is what caused the need to create The Office of The Correctional Investigator?
H Sapers: “The Office of the Correctional Investigator was created as a direct result of a prison riot at Kingston Penitentiary in 1971. The riot, a response to harsh conditions of confinement and punitive disciplinary sanctions, resulted in five correctional officers being taken hostage and a group of prisoners brutally tortured. Two of the prisoners died, 13 were seriously injured, and part of Kingston Penitentiary was destroyed. In the aftermath of the riot, many of the inmates involved in the disturbance were transferred to nearby Millhaven Institution where they were assaulted by correctional staff at that institution.
The resulting Commission of Inquiry into the Kingston riot and subsequent events recommended the establishment of an external avenue of redress. The Office of the Correctional Investigator was established June 1, 1973. It was not, however, until 1992 that that my Office was formally established in statute with the enactment of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.”
Cliff T.: Well it is obvious that due to events of the past and in recent light of a report on 130 cases of in custody deaths 9 of which had eerie similarities to the death of Ashley Smith in 2007 that there is much to do to change the system and the attitudes about it and towards inmates. Mr Sapers thank you for spending time with me and my readers today it was a pleasure to speak with you via email.
H Sapers: “Thank you again for your interest in my Office.”
Howard Sapers is the Correction Investigator for Canada and works out of the Office of the Correctional Investigator. To learn more about the role of the agency and Mr. Sapers you can visit the website at http://www.oci-bec.gc.ca . Mr. Sapers wrote to us from his office in Ottawa.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
How Cloud Punching Planes Affect Weather
While doing some searching around for the next posting to Candid Conversations I came across an article on discoverynews.com. I was quite surprised to learn that certain types of aircraft, in the right conditions have the ability to affect how clouds react creating a change in weather and producing some interesting vistas in the skies above.
I contacted Andrew Heymsfield, the Principle Investigator during a study of this phenomenon and was delighted to get a reply. Andy thanks for being a part of Candid Conditions.
Cliff T.: What exactly do you do at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research and what was the study you were the PI for about?
Andrew Heymsfield: My field of interest is in ice microphysics, including the processes that lead to ice particle nucleation and growth, the effects of ice clouds on the earth's radiation budget, the representation of ice processes in models from weather forecast to climate scales, and the retrieval of ice cloud properties from ground-based and spaceborne remote sensors. I am a senior scientist and have worked at NCAR for 34 years. As for the experiment to study how ice particles initiate in clouds. The subject is difficult because “ice nuclei” are relatively few compared to cloud droplets and their measurement is difficult. Also, there are processes other than “nucleation” that can produce ice in subfreezing clouds. So, our goal was to study how ice was formed.
Cliff T.: Where was the study done?
Andrew Heymsfield: The project was based out of Metro Airport in Broomfield, CO.
Cliff T.: How was this done?
Andrew Heymsfield: We flew a plane through a cloud. On the day of our penetration of precipitation that formed, we flew a C-130 aircraft that produced a hole punch cloud, we took off with the goal of characterizing snow in a cloud layer situated between about 6000 and 12000 feet. We didn’t know it at the time but we flew right through the precipitation that was first detected by radar at about 15000 feet and then eventually grew and descended to the ground where it produced 2” of snow compared to none or a trace in the surrounding area.
Cliff T.: How does such an experiment help average people?
Andrew Heymsfield: By going back to the FAA aircraft tracks, we identified the two turboprop aircraft that produced the precipitation. Our interest, of course, is in explaining how Snow precipitation begins and develops, useful information for improving weather forecast models. After identifying the snow band generated by the aircraft, our goal was to figure out why and the broader implications. Although turboprop aircraft were suspected of producing such features, many of the early reports (1960’s-80’s) of hole punch clouds were from jet aircraft. We made the connection in the paper, explaining the process by which jet aircraft can produce hole punch clouds.
Cliff T.: From the way you describe what you have done Andy it sounds like this was not just work for you but, rather that you had fun doing this styudy. And, also by the fact that you have been doing your work for 34 years it is obvious that you have had a history of interest in weather. Thank you so very much for taking the time to write back and for sharing the story of this interesting study you did.
Andrew Heymsfield is a Senior Scientist with the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Boulder Colorado. You can get the paper by following this link ftp://ftp.ucar.edu/pub/mmm/heyms1/hole_punch/
NASA Earth Observatory also has information on this topic.
I contacted Andrew Heymsfield, the Principle Investigator during a study of this phenomenon and was delighted to get a reply. Andy thanks for being a part of Candid Conditions.
Cliff T.: What exactly do you do at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research and what was the study you were the PI for about?
Andrew Heymsfield: My field of interest is in ice microphysics, including the processes that lead to ice particle nucleation and growth, the effects of ice clouds on the earth's radiation budget, the representation of ice processes in models from weather forecast to climate scales, and the retrieval of ice cloud properties from ground-based and spaceborne remote sensors. I am a senior scientist and have worked at NCAR for 34 years. As for the experiment to study how ice particles initiate in clouds. The subject is difficult because “ice nuclei” are relatively few compared to cloud droplets and their measurement is difficult. Also, there are processes other than “nucleation” that can produce ice in subfreezing clouds. So, our goal was to study how ice was formed.
Cliff T.: Where was the study done?
Andrew Heymsfield: The project was based out of Metro Airport in Broomfield, CO.
Cliff T.: How was this done?
Andrew Heymsfield: We flew a plane through a cloud. On the day of our penetration of precipitation that formed, we flew a C-130 aircraft that produced a hole punch cloud, we took off with the goal of characterizing snow in a cloud layer situated between about 6000 and 12000 feet. We didn’t know it at the time but we flew right through the precipitation that was first detected by radar at about 15000 feet and then eventually grew and descended to the ground where it produced 2” of snow compared to none or a trace in the surrounding area.
Cliff T.: How does such an experiment help average people?
Andrew Heymsfield: By going back to the FAA aircraft tracks, we identified the two turboprop aircraft that produced the precipitation. Our interest, of course, is in explaining how Snow precipitation begins and develops, useful information for improving weather forecast models. After identifying the snow band generated by the aircraft, our goal was to figure out why and the broader implications. Although turboprop aircraft were suspected of producing such features, many of the early reports (1960’s-80’s) of hole punch clouds were from jet aircraft. We made the connection in the paper, explaining the process by which jet aircraft can produce hole punch clouds.
Cliff T.: From the way you describe what you have done Andy it sounds like this was not just work for you but, rather that you had fun doing this styudy. And, also by the fact that you have been doing your work for 34 years it is obvious that you have had a history of interest in weather. Thank you so very much for taking the time to write back and for sharing the story of this interesting study you did.
Andrew Heymsfield is a Senior Scientist with the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Boulder Colorado. You can get the paper by following this link ftp://ftp.ucar.edu/pub/mmm/heyms1/hole_punch/
NASA Earth Observatory also has information on this topic.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Candid Conversation About The Hitler Skull With Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni
Cliff T.: While listening to a recent Podcast of CBC's As It Happens I heard a real interesting interview with Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni. He is a state Archaeologist and he works out of the CT State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center. Back in the dying days of world war II Hitler committed suicide, the Russians for years claimed to have the skull of the Nazi leader. However after examining the skull Dr. Bellantoni found that the skull was not that of Hitler but of a woman, possibly Eva Braun, Dr Bellantoni thanks for taking time to speak about this subject.
Cliff T.: Can you explain what it is you do at the museum and how long you have been doing it?
Dr. Bellantoni: My job as state archaeologist has many roles and responsibilities, but, primarily I work toward preservation of archaeological sites in Connecticut. I review subdivisions, shopping malls, golf courses – any economic development project that might have an impact on below-ground archaeological resources. I work with local municipalities in preserving their history. Also, public education about the importance of archaeological sites is another role I take seriously.
Cliff T.: What drew you to Archeology and was that a boyhood interest or something you decided to do as you got older?
Dr. Bellantoni: I was a rather poor student in high school and when I graduated I went into the military and served 4 years in the US Navy. When I returned to civilian life I had matured a great deal and realized I needed to go to college and start a career. Well, no college would take me due to my poor performance in high school. Finally, a community college took me as a returning veteran on probation. I took a course in introductory anthropology and that got me going. I didn’t think to become an archaeologist until I was 24 years ago. Late bloomer!
Cliff T.: Is this the biggest archaeological challenge you have faced?
Dr. Bellantoni: No, the biggest challenge I had was the archaeological excavation and forensic study of the Bulkeley Family Tomb in Colchester, CT. The Bulkeley’s are one of the most prominent New England families, coming to the colony in the 1630s. In 2002, they discovered a family tomb that had been covered with earth and forgotten. The tomb dated form 1770s to 1830s. The family asked if I would do a forensic analysis of the skeletal remains to identify them in history. Turns out there were 30 burials in the tomb, and, between forensic science and genealogical data we were able to identify all of them in the family’s history.
Cliff T.: What drew you to decide to investigate the skull the Russians had?
Dr. Bellantoni: Producers for The History Channel asked if I would assist in a program they were doing on the death and remains of Adolf Hitler, and asked if I would go along as their scientist.
Cliff T.: Certainly Hitler is an interesting/infamous character, however what would be the purpose in finding and examining his skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: The project entailed trying to understand what happened in April and May of 1945 in Berlin. Much of what really happened has been kept secret, so we had an opportunity to investigate a small part of the story. It is important to know and understand a most significant part of world history.
Cliff T.: In your interview with CBC you mentioned that you had heard that the Russians had Hitler's dental records. Have you made progress in getting them along with other data that might help you locate the skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: I have not seen the actual dental x-rays that the Russian have. Hitler had bad teeth and needed bridge work. When the Russians found the bodies of Hitler and Eva Braun, they did an autopsy and identified them through their dental work. That was the best you could do in 1945 and I believe that they did properly identify the bodies. The autopsy report, dental records and a part of the jaw bone (mandible) were sent to Moscow to convince Stalin that Hitler was dead.
Cliff T.: What was it like to hold what you thought was Hitler's skull, how did you feel when you got it? And what was the feeling you had when you realized that it was not his skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: Well, at first it was rather emotional to think that I held the remains of the most infamous person in world history. However, in examination of the cranial vault fragment, I quickly realized that my expectations of what Hitler’s skull cap should look like were not met. The vault fragment appeared to me to be too small (gracile) for an adult male, and too young (sutures were still wide open) for someone who died at 56 years of age.
Cliff T.: Do you still have the skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: No, the cranial vault fragment and the mandible that the Russians sent back to Moscow to demonstrate to Stalin that Hitler died still resides there.
Cliff T.: What kinds of tests did you use to determine the identity of the skull and was this process long or short?
Dr. Bellantoni: As mentioned, I conducted a general examination of gross morphology – that is, observations made by looking for identifiable characteristics, and noted some problems with the bone being that of Adolf Hitler. However, in the range of biological variation, it could still be him. It was really the DNA sample that showed the cranial vault was a woman.
Cliff T.: What will you do if you ever find the skull of Hitler?
Dr. Bellantoni: We will never find the skull of Hitler. In 1970, the Russians excavated his remains for the last time and conducted a full cremation. The ashes were they dumped into a brook that flowed into the Elbe River. His only extant remains are the mandible that was sent to Russia.
Cliff T.: Are there any other archaeological projects or mysteries that you plan to try and unravel in the near or distant future?
Dr. Bellantoni: Oh yes, I have two most interesting projects this year – one involving the identification of Old Leatherman; and one identifying the remains of an old English family of nobility. Anyhow, long stories but I am most interested in the archaeological and forensic potentials of these projects.
Cliff T: Dr. Bellantoni, thanks again for having a candid conversation with me and my readers.
Dr. Bellantoni: Thank you
Cliff T.: Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni has a PhD in Archeology and and works for CT State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center, University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. For more information on the Hitler Skull check out the following links listed below.
CBC Reports on the findings made by Dr. Bellantoni others who worked with him.
As It Happens October 2nd edition part II with Dr. Bellantoni's interview.
The Musem's website. http://www.cac.uconn.edu
Cliff T.: Can you explain what it is you do at the museum and how long you have been doing it?
Dr. Bellantoni: My job as state archaeologist has many roles and responsibilities, but, primarily I work toward preservation of archaeological sites in Connecticut. I review subdivisions, shopping malls, golf courses – any economic development project that might have an impact on below-ground archaeological resources. I work with local municipalities in preserving their history. Also, public education about the importance of archaeological sites is another role I take seriously.
Cliff T.: What drew you to Archeology and was that a boyhood interest or something you decided to do as you got older?
Dr. Bellantoni: I was a rather poor student in high school and when I graduated I went into the military and served 4 years in the US Navy. When I returned to civilian life I had matured a great deal and realized I needed to go to college and start a career. Well, no college would take me due to my poor performance in high school. Finally, a community college took me as a returning veteran on probation. I took a course in introductory anthropology and that got me going. I didn’t think to become an archaeologist until I was 24 years ago. Late bloomer!
Cliff T.: Is this the biggest archaeological challenge you have faced?
Dr. Bellantoni: No, the biggest challenge I had was the archaeological excavation and forensic study of the Bulkeley Family Tomb in Colchester, CT. The Bulkeley’s are one of the most prominent New England families, coming to the colony in the 1630s. In 2002, they discovered a family tomb that had been covered with earth and forgotten. The tomb dated form 1770s to 1830s. The family asked if I would do a forensic analysis of the skeletal remains to identify them in history. Turns out there were 30 burials in the tomb, and, between forensic science and genealogical data we were able to identify all of them in the family’s history.
Cliff T.: What drew you to decide to investigate the skull the Russians had?
Dr. Bellantoni: Producers for The History Channel asked if I would assist in a program they were doing on the death and remains of Adolf Hitler, and asked if I would go along as their scientist.
Cliff T.: Certainly Hitler is an interesting/infamous character, however what would be the purpose in finding and examining his skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: The project entailed trying to understand what happened in April and May of 1945 in Berlin. Much of what really happened has been kept secret, so we had an opportunity to investigate a small part of the story. It is important to know and understand a most significant part of world history.
Cliff T.: In your interview with CBC you mentioned that you had heard that the Russians had Hitler's dental records. Have you made progress in getting them along with other data that might help you locate the skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: I have not seen the actual dental x-rays that the Russian have. Hitler had bad teeth and needed bridge work. When the Russians found the bodies of Hitler and Eva Braun, they did an autopsy and identified them through their dental work. That was the best you could do in 1945 and I believe that they did properly identify the bodies. The autopsy report, dental records and a part of the jaw bone (mandible) were sent to Moscow to convince Stalin that Hitler was dead.
Cliff T.: What was it like to hold what you thought was Hitler's skull, how did you feel when you got it? And what was the feeling you had when you realized that it was not his skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: Well, at first it was rather emotional to think that I held the remains of the most infamous person in world history. However, in examination of the cranial vault fragment, I quickly realized that my expectations of what Hitler’s skull cap should look like were not met. The vault fragment appeared to me to be too small (gracile) for an adult male, and too young (sutures were still wide open) for someone who died at 56 years of age.
Cliff T.: Do you still have the skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: No, the cranial vault fragment and the mandible that the Russians sent back to Moscow to demonstrate to Stalin that Hitler died still resides there.
Cliff T.: What kinds of tests did you use to determine the identity of the skull and was this process long or short?
Dr. Bellantoni: As mentioned, I conducted a general examination of gross morphology – that is, observations made by looking for identifiable characteristics, and noted some problems with the bone being that of Adolf Hitler. However, in the range of biological variation, it could still be him. It was really the DNA sample that showed the cranial vault was a woman.
Cliff T.: What will you do if you ever find the skull of Hitler?
Dr. Bellantoni: We will never find the skull of Hitler. In 1970, the Russians excavated his remains for the last time and conducted a full cremation. The ashes were they dumped into a brook that flowed into the Elbe River. His only extant remains are the mandible that was sent to Russia.
Cliff T.: Are there any other archaeological projects or mysteries that you plan to try and unravel in the near or distant future?
Dr. Bellantoni: Oh yes, I have two most interesting projects this year – one involving the identification of Old Leatherman; and one identifying the remains of an old English family of nobility. Anyhow, long stories but I am most interested in the archaeological and forensic potentials of these projects.
Cliff T: Dr. Bellantoni, thanks again for having a candid conversation with me and my readers.
Dr. Bellantoni: Thank you
Cliff T.: Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni has a PhD in Archeology and and works for CT State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center, University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. For more information on the Hitler Skull check out the following links listed below.
CBC Reports on the findings made by Dr. Bellantoni others who worked with him.
As It Happens October 2nd edition part II with Dr. Bellantoni's interview.
The Musem's website. http://www.cac.uconn.edu
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Featured Post
Weirdness in Politics - Quirky Characters And Their Antics Impact - This Edition of Candid Comments
Politics has always been a stage where in certain circumstances dramatic personalities and eccentric behaviors are seen. Across the ages, ...
-
I am not much of a TV watcher but I do like to follow a few shows. Like you I have seen my fair share of good and not so good shows. Among...
-
People wonder why the rich are hated. Well one reason is the use of their money to do things that are ridiculous. Lets take the exampl...
-
Everyone knows about the big film festivals like the Cannes, TIFF and Sundance. These are world famous but, there are many others that a...
