The survival prospects of the humpback whale are looking more promising as a result of a 40-year hunting ban. Whether the moratorium stays in place remains to be seen though. Four decades after their hunting was banned in 1966, the humpback whale seems to have finally swum clear of the danger zone. On the newest compilation of the Red List of Threatened Species, humpbacks are no longer classed ... Read full entry

For a minute I thought these "super toilets" could only be found in six-star hotels, but in Japan they are apparently a little more commonplace. While they sound like fun, these "always on" toilets are starting to take their toll on the environment though. Japanese toilets are super-bidets. As well as warming and washing one's bottom, they whisk away odours with built-in fans. Female-only ones play water noises that ... Read full entry

Writing Tip: Be Conversational. While aimed at bloggers, Meryl's tip can be applied more broadly. As I write this blog entry, I hear these words in my head and it sounds conversational. To verify you're writing conversationally, read your writing out loud and see how it flows. When I stumble or feel awkward during the reading, then it's a sign to make edits. Letters and emails should be written in a ... Read full entry