Keep the reefs, keep the tourists

 

Coral reefs around the world are beleaguered.  Yes, some are in better shape than others, but many are suffering and damaged.  

The reason I saw this is that coral reefs attract scuba divers, and scuba divers spend money where they go scuba diving. That's the subject of this paper.

Global economic impact of scuba dive tourism

"Scuba diving is not just an exciting recreational activity—it is also a significant contributor to the global economy. Our study provides the first global estimate of the economic impact of scuba dive tourism, revealing that the sector generates between 8.5 and 20.4 billion USD annually. This revenue supports local economies, creates jobs, and helps promote marine conservation. By highlighting the economic benefits of scuba diving, our research can help guide policies that balance ecological sustainability and economic growth in coastal communities."

So there's a clear vested interest for countries that host coral reefs in having them stay in the best shape possible.

Let's all try to help, shall we?

Iceland could get coldur

 

The nation and island of Iceland is worried about something that could make them much, much colder. ("Coldur" is not actually the Norse god or giant of cold, but he could be. It's actually Skaði, a giantess. You pronounce it.)

If the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) collapses, the result would be a Younger Dryas replay, in which case the North Atlantic and Europe get a lot colder. And since Iceland is smack dab right there in the middle of the North Atlantic, that might not be good at all.

Which is why Iceland considers this problem, which happens to be a consequence of Global Warming, a security problem.  A couple of articles about this are linked below;  the Washington Post article is probably behind a subscription, but if it's your first of the month, you might still be able to read it.

Washington Post:  Why this country declared an ocean current collapse a national security risk

"Sometime over the next 100 years, human-driven warming could disrupt a vital ocean current that carries heat northward from the tropics. After this breach, most of the world would keep getting hotter — but northern Europe would cool substantially, with Iceland at the center of a deep freeze. Climate modeling shows Icelandic winter extremes plunging to an unprecedented minus-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Sea ice could surround the country for the first time since it was settled by Vikings."

"As a first step, Iceland has tried to remind other countries that cutting greenhouse gas emissions reduces the odds of planet-altering crises. At the United Nations’ global climate conference in November, Iceland’s climate minister told delegates that “the risk of large, abrupt change is real,” and that present-day policies could determine whether the next generation inherits “a managed transition or an unmanaged collapse.”

Iceland Review:  Scientists Warn Ocean Current Shift Could Alter Iceland’s Climate

"Recent modelling studies examining high global emissions scenarios suggest that the AMOC could weaken substantially and, in some cases, eventually stop.

A study published last August found that in nine high-emissions models considered, the circulation weakened and ultimately ceased.

Even if global climate targets under the Paris Agreement are met, researchers estimate the probability of collapse at approximately 25 percent.

Potential impacts for Iceland include significantly colder winters and expanded sea ice. The Icelandic Meteorological Office has indicated that in such a scenario, conditions could change dramatically."

"Iceland has included the possibility of AMOC disruption in its national security risk assessments and plans to integrate the scenario into its risk management strategy by 2028."

Not to be Feared

 

I've still got a few comments (I think) on the Winter Olympics, which I plan to cover this week. Oh, I know, it's been over for weeks and much other sports news has happened since.  Actually, not that much -- playoffs are getting ready to start for the NHL and NBA; the Masters (golf) is wrapping up today, there's been some tennis since the Australian, but nothing major as the French Open starts to get on player minds; March Madness is over (just a couple of buzzer-beaters, especially the one that put UConn over Duke); the Frozen Four is over (UDenver won late); NCAA swimming is over (Josh Liendo was spectacular, and Florida gave Texas a bit of a scare, and on the women's side, it was Virginia vs. Torri Huske).

So, the Winter Olympics were quite interesting.  Definitely some mental health struggles in sports that are decided by millimeters and milliseconds in many cases, the difference between winning and disaster (Lindsey Vonn in the latter).  Tight decisions, such as the ice dancing, where Chock and Bates probably deserved gold, but a French judge might have tilted it just enough for the French pair.  Ilia Malinin showed that even perceived locks can falter, but he came back and dominated the Worlds.

So, speaking of ice dancing, I noticed the British pair of Fear and Gibson, particularly because the name of the woman is Lilah Fear, who has a very distinct and pretty look.  And I'm showing below that she's also quite athletic.  

They finished a disappointing 7th at the Olympics, and maybe a more disappointing 4th at the 2026 worlds, 1.1 points behind the third place USA team (not Chock and Bates, it was Zingas and Kolesnik). 

So, as you might expect, a couple of pictures are below. She's got a great smile, clearly.

Lighthouse of the Week, April 5-11, 2026: Beavertail Lighthouse, Rhode Island, USA

 

As I noted yesterday for the Lighthouse of the Week corresponding to two weeks ago (as I type this), there's another Rhode Island lighthouse near the Dutch Island light. This one is the Beavertail Lighthouse (and also Museum), which is on the next island south in Narragansett Bay. It has a bit more history than Dutch Island, and is in better shape, too.

It appears to me that the reason it is called Beavertail Lighthouse is the shape of the end of the island that it is situated on.  See if you agree with me with this map view.

The famous Castle Hill lighthouse, which I have visited in person, is just across the water, south of Newport.

As I said, this one has a bit more history.  A slightly edited version of what the Lighthouse Directory has is provided below.  One thing I find interesting, and undefined, is that this is the fourth oldest light station, but it is certainly (I think) not the fourth oldest lighthouse.  I'm not sure of the difference.

"1856 (station established 1749). Active; focal plane 68 ft (21 m); white flash every 6 s, day and night. 45 ft (14 m) square cylindrical granite tower with lantern and double gallery attached to a 2-story stucco-clad brick keeper's house (1856); VRB-25 beacon (2019). The tower is unpainted granite; lantern and watchroom painted black; keeper's house white with red roofs. Fog horn (3 s blast every 30 s) on demand. The assistant keeper's house (1898) houses a museum; the 4th order Fresnel lens used 1907-1991 is on display. ... 

This is the nation's fourth oldest light station (after Boston MA, Tybee Island GA, and Brant Point MA). The foundations of the 1749 lighthouse remain visible and were restored in 2013. The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association (BLMA) works for preservation of the light station. ... 

The fog signal building houses an aquarium operated by the state Department of Environmental Management. In 2006 BLMA announced plans for expansion of the museum into all six structures on the light station when the station becomes available for transfer. ... 

Instead, the house was restored and opened as an expansion of the museum in 2013. In 2014 the fog signal building was restored and replica diaphone horns installed. d In February 2020 the loop road in front of the lighthouse was closed permanently due to beach erosion, but visitors can still walk to the lighthouse from the parking areas in the rear. In 2021 the lighthouse finally became available for transfer under NHLPA and in June 2024 it was transferred to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management as an addition to Beavertail State Park. Located on Beavertail Point on the southern tip of Conanicut Island in Jamestown."

Lighthouse Friends:  Beavertail, RI

New England Lighthouses:  Beavertail Lighthouse

Pictures and video below.

 

The beautiful Prinzessin

 

It says, when you search, that Xenia Prinzessin von Sachsen is a German writer.  It appears that she is also Princess Xenia of Saxony, and that her great-grandparents on the royal side are Prince Ernst Heinrich of Saxony and Princess Sophie of Luxembourg. Her ancestry goes all the way back to the last King of Saxony.

So I guess in some circumstances she is a princess. She has a Wikipedia page, primarily in German, but it's translatable.  Apparently the writer tag comes from her authorship of an autobiography. She is also a singer and actress, and a celebrity of note (she's been on reality shows, including I'm a Celebrity -- Get Me Out of Here!, so she must be a celebrity).

She's also a very lovely woman. I found out about her kind of accidentally, and she was quite intriguing. Feel free to figure (note that word) out why.  It shouldn't be too difficult.

Lighthouse of the Week, March 29 - April 4, 2026: Dutch Island, Rhode Island, USA

 

Even though this Lighthouse of the Week is late, it's the first of a pair, and the second one won't be as late as this one.  Hopefully I can catch up to the current week after that.

This lighthouse is the Dutch Island Lighthouse in Rhode Island.  Stunningly, it's located on Dutch Island in Narragansett Bay.  It officially has a Jamestown, RI, address.  See why by clicking here. Don't confuse this with Dutch Harbor, Alaska.

Now let's learn more about it, using information in Wikipedia. I can't get to the Lighthouse Directory right now, darn it.

Constructed: 1826

Foundation: Surface rock
Construction: Brick
Automated: 1947
Height: 13 m (43 ft)
Shape: Square
Markings" White with black lantern
Heritage: National Register of Historic Places listed place

Light
First lit: 1857
Deactivated: 1979 - 2007
Focal height: 56 feet (17 m)
Lens: 4th order Fresnel lens (original), 9.8 inches (250 mm) (current)
Characteristic: Flashing red 6 seconds

The island itself has been fortified since the Civil War and even had a fort, Fort Greble, for several years.

Dutch Island Lighthouse Society has more pictures.  I have three.

Do you trust a single engine jet?

 

I guess the answer to that particular question (the one I pose in the subject) could also apply to a single-engine propeller plane, but a single engine jet is going much faster, so it would crash much harder.

But still, it's a pretty cool looking airplane.

Cirrus launches G3 Vision Jet featuring cabin, avionics upgrades

As I've said before, I'd sure like to fly once on a personal or corporate jet, just to see what it's like.