BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February

Subject: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: robomatic
Date: 25 Feb 18 - 03:59 PM

I was awaking as usual to the intelleckshul radio and I caught a story about Somali women who buy skin cream which is supposed to lighten their skins. Apparently some of these nostrums are full of bad chemicals (including mercury). This practise has extended to the overseas Somali community and is usally considered taboo in discussion.
But my mind wandered to the phenomenon of black skin in general. I recall hearing that the skin of polar bears is black, supposedly to recover as much heat as possible from the sun, and in support of that polar bears have colorless hollow hairs which act as sunlight guides down to the skin. The hairs appear white due to their reflective qualities. Then I read that February 27th has been designated "International Polar Bear Day" in aid of keeping track on the welfare of the species.
I have been in polar bear country. Once as an electrical guy in an Alaskan village where the occasional polar bear skin, locally taken, could be seen draped over plywood. Also been to a village where a polar bear came into town and did some taking its own self, killing and dragging away one of the locals. That bear was tracked down and one of my friends with the State said its head wound up on a in an office not too far from hers where it was examined and found to have been starving. But even when not starving polar bears have a deserved reputation of not being too particular of their prey.

Another acquaintance of mine was on Baffin Island with his brother when a helicopter landed and they were told by the Mounties that a polar bear was tracking them.

Anyhow, polar bears are fantastic creatures, a tribute to the creative powers of nature, and unless you are an explorer or an Eskimo in the wrong place, or a northern seal, quite something to admire.

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: Iains
Date: 25 Feb 18 - 05:20 PM

They present a potential risk!

https://www.sysselmannen.no/en/Shortcuts/Firearms/

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: DaveRo
Date: 25 Feb 18 - 05:37 PM

I recommend the book 'Arctic Dreams' by Barry Lopez. It has alternate chapters on the exploration and widlife of the Arctic.

Of the chapter entitled Tornassuk I recall that the hairs of a polar bear's pelt are hollow, and bears go green in captivity because these are invaded by algai. Also that they lose heat through the soles of their paws, leaving 'hot' footprints, so can be tracked from the air with infra-red cameras.

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Feb 18 - 09:15 PM

I am a proud member of the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society (Isbjornklubben).

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 26 Feb 18 - 02:52 AM

Just wondering how it can be "international polar bear day", are they celebrating it in Somali and other African countries?.. Do they even know what a polar bear is?

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: Iains
Date: 26 Feb 18 - 03:56 AM

Mick Lowe. Good one!

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: Raggytash
Date: 26 Feb 18 - 05:27 AM

Have you got any news of the iceberg?

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: Rapparee
Date: 26 Feb 18 - 08:02 AM

We of the Royal and Ancient celebrate the isbjorn every day! Just to join requires feats few dare undertake and even fewer succeed in! And no, it does not require one to jump into freezing water.

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: SqueezeMe
Date: 26 Feb 18 - 08:12 AM

As a drinker of fine Australian Bundaberg rum, I toast the polar bear regularly. Nothing quite like a "square bear" at bedtime.

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: keberoxu
Date: 26 Feb 18 - 01:53 PM

Where I spent my childhood, the nearest city's zoo
included, amongst its detainees,
an venerable polar bear female
who had not only had her share of encounters
with Canadian humans up near Hudson Bay,
but had raised a handful of sons
who followed her example.
Their exploits were described in detail
in the exhibit signs.

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: Rapparee
Date: 26 Feb 18 - 08:54 PM

Should you wish to visit the bears, I recommend a trip to Churchill, Manitoba during "the season." I also recommend a trip to Churchill in January/February for aurora hunting (roadscholar.org has a good one). If you choose the former bring mosquito repellent, if the latter bring your longies, a GOOD parka, and good boots (or rent the last two).

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: robomatic
Date: 28 Feb 18 - 06:58 PM

Also bring some pepper-spray, for some of the bears like their entrees spicy!

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 02 Mar 18 - 01:53 PM

For some strange reason, people here in the UK keep photoshopping polar bears into their pics of the current deep snow: NOW I understand!

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: Mr Red
Date: 05 Mar 18 - 02:55 AM

celebrate the isbjorn every day

sounds like one is born every day...........





I'll get my parka.

Subject: RE: BS: International Polar Bear Day 27 February
From: Mr Red
Date: 05 Mar 18 - 03:06 AM

Bjorn in Norwegian means bear as in Bjorn Borg