April 2007

Underwater Post Offices and such
If you ever feel the urge to mail a letter or a postcard underwater -- hey, it could happen -- that's not impossible. There's an underwater post office off Hideaway Island, part of Vanuatu. Special stamps are available, and likely collectors' items. And the Gadling traveler's weblog lists four more submerged post offices and mailboxes around the world. Hmmm... how do you lick a stamp underwater? Spongebob to the rescue! While you check out the Vanuatu post office, also take a look a the Hideaway Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary. Sure looks like paradise. -- Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 by chb

New: Dive Shop of the Month!
The web is cool and online commerce is here to stay. But let's not forget about your local dive shop! That's where we learn, that's where we can try out gear and get service. And our tanks filled! So always support your local dive shop. ScubaDiverInfo.com has added a form where our site visitors can nominate their favorite local dive shop for ScubaDiverInfo.com Local Dive Shop of the Month. [See or use form] -- Posted Tuesday, April 17, 2007 by chb

Florida Wildlife Commission issues draft Manatee Management Plan
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has released the second draft of a massive 240-page Manatee Management Plan. The commission will open a public comment period from May 7th through June 14th. The goals are not immediately obvious, so if you're interested, take the time to read the plan. If you're into manatees (we are!!), the commission's website has lots of interesting information on those wonderful sea mammals. -- Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 by chb

Review: The Devil's Teeth by Susan Casey
The Devil's Teeth is the story of Time Inc. editor Susan Casey's fascination with the great white sharks at the Farallones, a forlorn group of islands just 30 miles west of San Francisco. The book describes the author's observations and adventures, and you get to learn about the islands, their remarkable history, the great white sharks, and what it means to observe them and learn about them. [Read our review of "Devil's Teeth".] -- Posted Sunday, April 15, 2007 by chb

The weight of fame
They say that fame can be a heavy burden. Diving legend Stan Waterman found that out at a recent annual dive gathering where he was honored and presented with a one-ton+ granite bust of his head! Waterman confessed he was "rather undone in expressing my gratitude for this signal reach to immortality." Problem was that the trunk of his car wasn't quite up to the task. So for now it awaits its final destination in the studio of its talented sculptor creator in California. May we perhaps suggest one of Mr. Waterman's favorite underwater locations? -- Posted Thursday, April 12, 2007 by chb

Review: Sea Salt by Stan Waterman
&otWhat does a man do who has been diving for seventy years? Well, write a book about his life in, on, and under the sea, and his adventures as a prioneering videographer and photographer that yielded marvelous films and critical acclaim. Waterman's work helped gain a new understanding of sharks and other sealife, and it's all recalled in this rich, humorous collection of memories, vignettes, and articles Waterman had published in Ocean Realm magazine. [Read our review of ;Sea Salt".] -- Posted Tuesday, April 10, 2007 by chb

Sign the petition to stop the shark fin trade
Those who have seen it firsthand are horrified. Sharks being killed in huge numbers just so their fins can be used to make soup. Please sign the petition to stop this hideous, destructive practice that diminishes the presence of these magnificent creatures in our oceans. [Sign petition here] -- Posted Saturday, April 7, 2007 by chb