We know that the Earth’s oceans and landforms can be affected by natural processes in constructive and destructive ways. Last week (April 25th) a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal. This was one of the most powerful disasters to strike Nepal in since the 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake.

To detect the changes in the earth and determine the damages, scientists have been looking at before-and-after radar images from satellites. So far, they have discovered that a region 75 miles long by 30 miles wide lifted upward as much as 3 ft during the earthquake. At the same time Mount Everest dropped about 1 inch because the Earth’s crust relaxed in some areas after the earthquake released.

Read more here.

Today we spotted a hawk lounging on the pier. Those talons aren't just good for holding onto railings! Hawks use their talons for hunting, diving feet first to catch fish! 

What kind of birds can you spot outside your school or house?

A team of 22 Combat Veterans are taking a 175 mile kayak journey from Columbia to Charleston to raise awareness for PTSD.  The team is comprised of 22 members to represent the 22 lives that are lost daily to PTSD.  PSTD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The photo above is of the team as they passed by the Yorktown earlier today.

If you would like more information about this project please visit: www.ptsdchallenge.org

Mary Doyle Keefe was the model for Norman Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter.  She died earlier this week at the age of 92.

She said that she was much smaller than what he painted her to look like.  He painted her the way he did because she had to be larger than life.

She was only 19 years old when she posed for the painting.

As the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln's assassination approaches, many people are asking the question,"where was the Secret Service?".

President Lincoln did not have a Secret Service detail.  He did have a body guard, John Frederick Parker, who left his post outside of the door to the Presidential box in Ford's Theater which allowed John Wilkes Booth access to the Presidential box.

After President Lincoln's death, Mr. Parker was assign to be Mrs. Lincoln's body guard while she was moving from the White House.  Mrs.  Lincoln felt that it was Parker's fault that her husband was killed and dismissed him from her presence.

The Secret Service was not implemented until July 5, 1865, and not for the reason which you would think.
The secret service's first job was for the Dept. of the Treasury to help suppress counterfeit currency.

After the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901, the Secret Service assumed the responsibility of full-time protection of the president in 1902.

We are excited to have replicas of Columbus’ truly historic ships, the 'Pinta' and the 'Nina', visiting Charleston this week! The ships are docked at Charleston Marina and Resort, 20 Patriots Point Rd, until their departure early Monday morning April, 13th. The picture was taken from the fantail of our ship today.

The 'Nina' was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools.  Archaeology magazine called the ship "the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built."  The "Pinta" was recently built in Brazil to accompany the Nina on all of her travels.

She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel.  Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century.  Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced 'sailing museum' for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the 'caravel', a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.    

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour.  Admission charges are $8.00 for adults, $ 7.00 for seniors, and $6.00 for students 5 - 16.   Children 4 and under are Free.  The ships are open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.    No reservations necessary.       

Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided tour with a crew member should call 787.672.2152 or email columfnd1492@gmail.com .  Minimum of 15.  $5.00 per person.  No Maximum. Visit our website at www.ninapinta.org

Jake the Snake is now eating and drinking on her own! She also shed about two weeks ago.

Check out pictures of Jake hanging out in her box today!