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10 Intense Pictures of Flooding

Heather Godfrey — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:30:33 +0000

The rising Mississippi River takes over the Lewis and Clark statue on the St. Louis Riverfront in St. Louis on April 19, 2013. Officials predict the Mississippi River to crest at 39.4 feet on the St. Louis riverfront on April 23. That is more than nine feet over flood stage. The record crest set back in 1993 was more than 49 feet. BILL GREENBLATT/UPI/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: upiphotostwo233894

When disasters happen, the pessimists and optimists quickly become divided. Optimists might enjoy their downstairs becoming an indoor swimming pool. They would say it’s fun to run a stop sign in a canoe. Pessimists would despair that their worldly possessions are ruined. They would panic with the lack of electricity. Yeah, I would be a pessimist as well.

Major storms like Superstorm Sandy come in their full force of wind and water. They cause terrible destruction by knocking down buildings and trees; however, the hard part is the flood water that stays for weeks after the storm. These flood waters shut down traffic which can effectively shut down a city.

A puddle becomes a flood when a large amount of water overflows its normal confines. This can be a river, like the flood of 1910 in France when the Seine river overflowed and caused 150,000 casualties.

Another major cause of floods is when a dam breaks. Perhaps one of the saddest floods in American history came in 1889. The South Fork Dam had been built to create a lake for millionaires like Andrew Carnegie to vacation at. The dam was not engineered correctly, and when it broke 2,209 lives were lost in Johnstown, PA. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, several floodwalls broke causing 80% of New Orleans to be flooded.

Floods are tragedies that have the potential to cause a lot of damage and heartbreak. Unfortunately, there isn’t really much you can do to prevent it, other than building on high ground or far away from water sources. Look through these pictures of floods then follow us back to Newscom for even more pictures of floods.

Flood rescue workers. imago stock&people/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: imagostock512179

April 21, 2013 – Barstow, Iowa, U.S. – Flood waters from the Rock River surround homes in Barstow, Illinois. Kevin E. Schmidt/Quad-City Times/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: zumaamericaseight886109

Little girl’s flooded bedroom. PHOTOPQR/EST ECLAIR. License it from Newscom.com: maxphotos521662

Winnetka public works employee Mike McRae checks on an abandoned car in a flooded viaduct under railroad tracks, Thursday, April 18, 2013, east of Green Bay Road on Winnetka Avenue in Winnetka, Illinois. Chris Walker/MCT/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: krtphotoslive612998

A man rides his scooter SR A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Thursday, May 2, 2013, as the street floods from torential rains. Robert Duyos/MCT/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: krtphotoslive615214

Flooding. PHOTOPQR/EST ECLAIR. License it from Newscom.com: maxphotos521739

A playground is submerged after flooding in Fox Lake, Illinois April 22, 2013. The Fox River is expected to crest after heavy rains brought flooding to the area last week. JIM YOUNG/REUTERS/Newscom. License it from Newscom.com: rtrlfive851502

The 97th running of the Indianapolis 500

Ty Cobb — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:40:02 +0000

Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves (R) of Brazil swings his leg into his race car during a practice session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana May 17, 2013. GEOFF MILLER/Reuters/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive888449

Memorial weekend is a big one for fans of auto racing with a full day of races on TV starting with the Formula One’s Monaco Grand Prix and ending with NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600. In between those two great races is The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500. The 2013 Indy 500 is shaping up to be one of the great ones with a hometown driver starting on the pole and two drivers looking to join the exclusive 4-time winners club.

It has been 7 years since the last American was able to win the Indy 500 but there is a number of drivers looking to end that drought that has lasted since Sam Hornish, Jr. took the checkered. Ed Carpenter has great odds to bring the trophy back to his home of Indianapolis after winning the pole last week. Not far behind Carpenter is Marco Andretti who continues to look for his first win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. An Andretti win would be the first Indy 500 win for the racing family in 44 years when Marco’s grandfather Mario claimed his first and only win.

Ed Carpenter celebrates with his crew after winning the Indianapolis 500 Pole Position. Ron Bijlsma/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericasnine011246

Marco Andretti of Andretti Autosport is fallowed closely by teammate Carlos Munoz during practice. Ron Bijlsma/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericasnine018288

With Carpenter, Andretti, and other top pole finishers getting a lot of attention, it’s important to not forget about the two three-time winners in the field, Helio Castroneves and Dario Franchitti. With a win, ether driver will become only the fourth driver in the storied history of the Indianapolis 500 to win the race four times. The other members of the club are A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears. Castroneves and Franchitti are great friend off the track but when it comes time to start their engines they will do all they can kiss the bricks for the fourth time.

For more photos from the Indianapolis 500 including all 33drivers in the field check out Newscom.

Helio Castroneves of Brazil celebrates by kissing the bricks that mark the start/finish line after he won the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 auto race in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 24, 2009. GEOFF MILLER/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlthree422130

Dario Franchitti of Scotland celebrates his third victory at the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, 27 May 2012. STEVEN C. MITCHELL/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotos419492

Drivers take the green flag to start the the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, 27 May 2012. TANNEN MAURY/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotos419531

The Borg-Warner Trophy is given to the winner of the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana. Jeff Haynes/Polaris/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: polphotos047853

Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay (R) of the U.S. signs autographs for school children during a practice session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana May 13, 2013. The 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 26. STEVE BAKER/Reuters/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive881702

You may be interested in some of these other posts from FocalPoint:

2013 Monaco Grand Prix

Athlete in Focus: Rafael Nadal

Athlete in Focus: Tim Duncan

Athlete in Focus: David Beckham

Hot Topics: Xbox One, SNL, and Terrorism in London

Annabelle Quinn — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:26:07 +0000

Lightning strikes during a thunderstorm as tornado survivors search for belongings at their devastated home on May 23, 2013 in Moore, Oklahoma. Severe thunderstorms barreled through this Oklahoma City suburb at dawn Thursday, complicating clean-up efforts three days after a powerful tornado killed 24 people and destroyed 2,400 homes. JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive112865

This week in the news we’ve seen bad weather wreak havoc on the Midwest, Microsoft going big with Xbox, and entertainment stories that can be hashtagged #EpicFail. Newscom is the source for all the images that capture these stories and allow you to tell yours. You may not have won the 600 million dollar Powerball this week, but we’ve got million-dollar pictures to share…

Ok, there may be some exaggeration in that statement but it is no lie that we have great images … about 80 million of them. So check out all the latest hot topics from this week.

R&B singer Miguel appears to jump into the audience as he performs “Adorn” during the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada May 19, 2013. Miguel later said that he attempted a jump-kick onstage and accidentally fell on two fans, according to reports. Picture taken May 19, 2013. STEVE MARCUS/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive892713

Billboard Music Awards. Sunday (May 19th) was the Billboard Music Awards. The biggest names in music showed up for the event. Performances were given by artists like Selena Gomaz, and Bruno Mars. But the most memorable performance goes to Miguel who in attempts to jump over the audience, ended up landing on two people.

Front pages of the NY Daily News and the NY Post on Thursday, May 23, 2013 report on the previous days murder of a British soldier on the street in London in broad daylight by alleged Islamic jihadists. RICHARD B. LEVINE/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: lrphotos076781

London Attack. In a deeply disturbing terrorist attack that took place in London on May 22nd it has been released that 25 year-old Lee Rigby was the victim killed in a beheading.

May 20, 2013, New York, NY, USA: Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer speaks during an announcement that Yahoo acquired the Tumblr blogging site in order to upgrade its Flickr site, in New York, May 20, 2013. Yahoo announced a $1.1 billion deal for blogging site Tumblr aiming to help Yahoo to tap into the younger, active online user base at Tumblr. Rick Maiman/Polaris/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: polphotos169012

Flickr. Yahoo bought Tumblr and has started to revamp Flickr. Then CEO Marissa Mayer made the comment that because so many people take photographs “there’s really no such thing as professional photographers anymore.” Well you can imagine the controversy that stirred up.

A Powerball ticket is displayed at a convenience store near Yucca Valley, California USA, 17 May 2013. The US Powerball jackpot has increased to over 600 million dollars making it the largest Powerball jackpot ever in the United States. PAUL BUCK/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotos862174

Powerball. Somebody in Florida won the Powerball. It probably wasn’t you… next time, maybe.

Bill Hader The American Museum of Natural History Gala New York City, USA. KBA/ZOJ WENN Photos/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennphotosthree533284

Bill Hader. It was announced before the season finale that Bill Hader would perform his last night as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Then Fred Armisen made his apparent exit with a rock song. Now the rumors are flying that Jason Sudeikis will not be returning next season. So with Seth Meyers also leaving for Late Night, people are starting to freak out about what will happen to SNL.

July 9, 2011 – Pistoia, Italy – RAY MANZAREK plays at the Pistoia Blues Festival. Alessandro La Rocca/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericasnine013212

Ray Manzarek. The Doors keyboardist died at the age of 74 this past week.

Photographers photograph the new Xbox game console One which was introduced by Microsoft in Redmond, USA, 21 May 2013. The device can be controlled by voice commands. Christoph Dernbach/dpa/picture-alliance/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: dpaphotos910906

Xbox One. Microsoft unveiled its newest console, eight years after the Xbox 360. And with all the technology they are using with the Xbox One, it’s obvious they are making up for lost time.

Beberly Berenner holds her family dog Lillie, who was digged out of their tornado devastated home by a neighbour on May 22, 2013 in Moore, Oklahoma. As rescue efforts in Oklahoma wound down, residents turned to the daunting task of rebuilding a US heartland community shattered by a vast tornado that killed at least 24 people. JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive111802

Oklahoma Tornado. With all the devastation we have seen on the television following the tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma, one type of story has brought a smile to our face, and that is those involving heroic dogs. One video that has gone viral involved a woman giving an interview to CBS News and during the live interview they found her lost dog trapped under debris but alive and well.

You may also be interested in these other Hot Topics posts on FocalPoint:

Hot Topics: Barbara Retiring, Angelina’s Big Announcement, and a Prince in America

Hot Topics: Missing Girls, Mother’s Day, and Mama June Gets Married

Hot Topics: May Day, Jason Collins Comes Out, and Martha Stewart Looking for Love

Hot Topics: Do you know my name; We’ve had enough Bushes; and What Would Ryan Lochte do?

Celebrity Picture Profile: Jessica Szohr

Annabelle Quinn — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:40:11 +0000

15 August 2010 – West Hollywood, California – Jessica Szohr. Breakthrough of the Year Awards 2010 held at the Pacific Design Center. Byron Purvis/AdMedia/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: admphotos558925

She has become one of those girls whose picture is splashed all over magazine pages, and who people watch for on the red carpet. And although her resume is not filled with major feature roles in prestigious films, she still makes heads turn like any A-lister would. Jessica Szohr has all the key components to become a very hot celebrity.

She was born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin and was the oldest of five kids. Before moving to LA when she was 17 years-old, Jessica modeled from the time she was a little girl in print ads for stores like Kohl’s. Her mother made the trip with her out west where she pursued an acting career. Like many young actresses in Hollywood, the experience was tough but she managed to land small parts on popular television shows like My Wife and Kids, What I Like About You and What About Brian where she had her first reoccurring role.

In 2007 she joined the cast of the fashionable television show Gossip Girl. Jessica was a perfect fit. Her beauty, charm and style meant she meshed wonderfully with the chic atmosphere that the show portrayed. Her character, Vanessa Abrams, knew how to stand on her own against the likes of Blair Waldork and Serena van der Woodsen, thanks to Jessica’s strong work.

Now the 28 year-old actress has struck comedy gold alongside Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson in her upcoming film The Internship, which is sure to make a splash in the box office. So be sure to check out these images and more we have back at Newscom of Jessica Szohr.

Jessica Szohr – January 12, 2013 – The Art of Elysium’s 6th Annual HEAVEN Gala held at 2nd Street Tunnel, Los Angeles, Ca. Patrick McMullan Co./McMullan/Sipa USA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosthree875663

L-R) Actors Leighton Meester, Jessica Szohr,Taylor Momsen and Blake Lively arriving at the CW Network 2009 Upfront at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2009 in New York City. AJ SOKALNER – ACEPIXS.COM/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: acephotos130888

Jessica Szohr attends DKNY Sunglass Soiree at The Beach at Dream Downtown on July 26, 2011 in New York, NY. BEHAR ANTHONY/SIPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosthree245206

Tuesday 7th October 2008. Jessica Szohr on the set of Gossip Girl. Jessica Szohr on the set of ”Gossip Girl”. License this image from Newscom.com: pacificphotos048831

JESSICA SZOHR. Louis Vuitton Celebrates the 40th Anniverary of the Lunar Landing. John Barrett/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaglobalthree286155

Vanessa Hudgens (L) and Jessica Szohr attend Victoria’s Secret’s 2012 runway show at the 69th Regiment Armory. Fairchild Photo Service/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: cnfairchild042255

Jessica Szohr – November 13, 2012 – GQ Men Of The Year Party held at Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles, Ca. Patrick McMullan Co./Lindensmith/McMullan/Sipa Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosthree819803

Jessica Szohr The Cosmopolitan Grand Opening and New Year’s Eve Celebration at Marquee Nightclub in The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, Nevada. AR4 WENN Photos/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennphotostwo699033

JESSICA SZOHR.at Charlotte Russe celebrates fall fashion.at Openhouse Gallery 201 Mulberry ST, New York City. John Barrett/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaglobalthree286378

Ed Westwick & Jessica Szohr at Art of Elysium 3rd Annual Black Tie charity gala ‘”Heaven” held at 990 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills, California on January 16, 2010. DVS iPhoto Inc./Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: iphotos226948

Jessica Szohr. “Piranha 3D” Los Angeles Premiere held at Mann’s Chinese 6 Theatre. Byron Purvis/AdMedia/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: admphotos559603

Leighton Meester and Jessica Szohr accompany each other on the set of “Gossip Girl” in SoHo. PacificCoastNews/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: pacificphotos350378

Jessica Szohr Los Angeles Premiere of “Love, Wedding, Marriage” held at Pacific Design Center Los Angeles, California. BT1 WENN Photos/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennphotostwo860325

Actress Jessica Szohr made an appearance at the Alexa Chung show at the MTV studios in Times Square on October in New York city. KRISTIN CALLAHAN – ACEPIXS.COM/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: acephotos150039

You may interested in these other Celebrity Picture Profiles on FocalPoint:

Celebrity Picture Profile: Seth Meyers

Celebrity Picture Profile: Ross Mathews

Celebrity Picture Profile: Emma Roberts

Celebrity Picture Profile: Anthony Mackie

2013 Monaco Grand Prix

Ty Cobb — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:33:25 +0000

Scuderia Ferrari Formule One driver Fernando Alonso powers his car during the Monaco Formule One Grand Prix at the Monaco racetrack in Monte Carlo,Monaco, on Sunday, May 27, 2012. PARIENTE JEAN-PHILIPPE/SIPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosthree610803

This weekend the top Formula One drivers will take to the streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine for The Monaco Grand Prix which is widely known as most challenging race in the world. Tight and twisting roads around the city put the emphasis on the skill of the drivers instead of the car’s power.

The default course of the Circuit de Monaco results in the lowest average speed of any modern Grand Prix at 150km/h (93.21 mph) including the Fairmont hairpin turn where drivers are forced to slow down to 46 km/h (29 mph) to make it safely. The divers will then go on to reach speeds of 290km/h (180.21mph) at points during each lap.

McLaren Mercedes driver Heikki Kovalainen, Finland, navigates the Fairmont corner during the Monaco Grand Prix. imago sportfotodienst/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: imagosports012902

Changing speeds dramatically means that Monaco is extremely taxing on the cars’ brakes and transmission. When Mark Webber won the race in 2012 he made 4836 gear changes during the race. If not for the long history of the race, which dates back to 1929, it would be nearly impossible to get approval to race because of security concerns.

The roads that make the race so challenging for the drivers also gives fans one of the most beautiful and unique backdrops for a race. The course takes drivers right in front of the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Fans also get a view of the Monte Carlo harbor which fills with boat loads of spectators watching the race from the waters.

Marussia F1 team driver Timo Glock races in the Monaco Grand Prix past the Monte Carlo sea water. imago sportfotodienst/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: imagosports604463

Webber claimed his second Monaco title last year and is looking to climb up the list of repeat winners this season with his third. His knowledge of the course will help him as it has done for the other multiple-time champions. Also a win could help Webber get back on track for the rest of the Formula One season.

To see more photos of the Monaco Grand Prix check out Newscom.

Red Bull Racing Formule One driver Mark Webber celebrates with his crew after winning the Monaco Formule One Grand Prix at the Monaco racetrack in Monte Carlo,Monaco, on Sunday, May 27, 2012. PARIENTE JEAN-PHILIPPE/SIPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosthree610812

Mercedes AMG Petronas Formule One driver Nico Rosberg powers his car during the Monaco Formule One Grand Prix at the Monaco racetrack in Monte Carlo,Monaco, on Sunday, May 27, 2012. PARIENTE JEAN-PHILIPPE/SIPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosthree610828

Monte Carlo harbor is filled with fans during the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix. imago sportfotodienst/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: imagosports603397

Lotus F1 team driver Romain Grosjean of France crashes in the field into the first turn for the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix at the Monaco racetrack in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on Sunday, May 27, 2012. PARIENTE JEAN-PHILIPPE/SIPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: sipaphotosthree610633

The 2013 Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco starts this weekend, with the first two practices scheduled for Thursday afternoon and evening. The difference in scheduling – every other Grand Prix on the calendar has practice sessions on Friday – is one of many eccentric features of this 3.340km street circuit. PHOTOPQR/NICE MATIN/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: maxphotos525553

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Zombiepocalypse in Brooklyn

Guest Blogger — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:30:43 +0000

The empty massive NYCHA Prospect Plaza housing project complex in the OceanHill-Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York on Sunday, May 19, 2013. RICHARD B. LEVINE/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: lrphotos076714

We’re really surprised that the Prospect Plaza housing project in the Ocean Hill-Brownsville section of Brooklyn hasn’t been used as a set for some apocalyptic science fiction movie.

The empty massive NYCHA Prospect Plaza housing project complex in the OceanHill-Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York on Sunday, May 19, 2013. The 1500 tenants were removed in 2001 when the NYC Housing Authority planned to renovate the apartments in the four buildings. The buildings have been empty since then as NYCHA finally decides to tear down the buildings this year after determining that rebuilding is more economically feasible that renovating. The buildings have been vacant for over twelve years although one was torn down in 2005 for small scale affordable housing. RICHARD B. LEVINE/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: lrphotos076722

The Ocean Hill-Brownsville neighborhood has the highest concentration of public housing in the country. Over 100 buildings in a one square mile area. Most of them monster high-rises that foster crime and a sense of anonymity amongst tenants.

In 2001 the NYC Housing Authority decided that it was going to renovate all the apartments in this project which were built in the 1960′s. In order to do that they removed the 1500 tenants, many of them original tenants, and relocated them to other housing projects.

Needless to say, we would not have been writing this if the renovation had actually happened. Of the four buildings one was actually torn down in 2005 and small scale affordable housing was built on its footprint.

At some point in time the housing authority decided that it was more cost effective to knock down the buildings and build new, smaller housing in its place. Many cities have already knocked down most of their large high-rise public housing and rebuilt on a much smaller scale. New York is one of the few, if not the only city left, with a huge amount of skyscraper public housing.

Finally, this year, the housing authority announced that they had chosen a company to do the demolition work. Twelve years after the buildings were vacated and were sitting there, empty shells. Of course the company chosen allegedly has ties to organized crime and a bad safety record, a point of contention from various politicians and city watchdogs. We’ll have to see if the buildings actually come down this year.

In the meantime during our visit we kept expecting zombies to come crawling out of the deserted buildings. Maybe Hollywood on the Hudson will discover this “set” and it will appear in films.

Richard Levine and Frances Roberts, of Levine Roberts Photography, are a husband and wife team of photographers covering politics, environmental issues, the economy, business, and social and cultural issues in the Big Apple. See more photos from their collection on Newscom.

You may be interested in these other guest posts on FocalPoint:

Recent Trips to the Bronx

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Guest Blog: Ed Begley Jr.’s Green Home

World Turtle Day

Jessica A. Pechmann — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:21:21 +0000

Jun. 06, 2009 – Egypt – Red Sea, turtle. Chicurel Arnaud/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericassix524060

Turtles are one of my most favorite animals. In fact, I have an adorable box turtle named Gertrude at home, waiting patiently for her evening snuggles…(snuggles?!). Ok, maybe not snuggles, but I do love watching her, especially when she’s eating. Go ahead, watch a turtle eat and try not to giggle.

Besides being kind of funny-looking, turtles and tortoises are truly fascinating animals. Not only do they come in all shapes and sizes, and have cool adaptive traits, but they are also ancient creatures! These animals have been around for more than 200 million years. Yes, long enough to have kicked it with the dinosaurs…

But even though turtles and tortoises obviously have good breeding and survival skills, today they are sadly disappearing due to habitat destruction, exotic food industries, unkind pet trades, and other human activity. So in response, American Tortoise Rescue founded World Turtle Day in 1990, in order to increase respect and knowledge for the world’s oldest creatures.

Turtle Crossing Schild, Daytona Beach, Florida USA. Michael Krabs Image Broker/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ibpremium226565

According to American Tortoise Rescue, adults and children can do a few small things that can help to save turtles and tortoises for the next generation:

Never buy a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop as it increases demand from the wild.
Never remove turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they are sick or injured.
If a tortoise is crossing a busy street, pick it up and take it in the same direction it was going – if you try to make it go back, it will turn right around again.
Write letters to legislators asking them to keep sensitive habitat preserved or closed to off road vehicles, and to prevent off shore drilling that can lead to more endangered sea turtle deaths.
Report cruelty or illegal sales of turtles and tortoises to your local animal control shelter.
Report the sale of any turtle or tortoise of any kind less than four inches. This is illegal everywhere in the U.S.

Waves welcome these newly hatched turtles to their natural habitat hoping that a maximum will survive from this lot released to sea by the Turtle Conservation Project in Kosgoda, 70 km south of Colombo, Sunday 05 June 2005. A voluntary bio-diversity conservation group, the Turtle Conservation Project removes and sometimes buy back turtle eggs removed by people to be consumed as a delicacy and hatch them in strips of beach protected by them. Once hatched the baby turtles are released to their natural elements to prevent the extinction of the threatened species. M.A.PUSHPA KUMARA/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotosthree080877

Digital split image of a hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, and raccoon butterflyfish off Oahu, Hawaii. David Fleetham – VWPics/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: dbcstock064102

Need a fun fact you can impress your friends with?

All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises.

Mar. 30, 2009 – GALAPAGOS TORTOISE face detail (Geochelone nigra) eating foliage. Santa Cruz Island. Galapagos Islands. David Middleton/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericaseight565104

USA, North Carolina, Palmetto Peartree preserve. Eastern Box Turtle. Jim Gilbert / DanitaDelimont.com “Danita Delimont Photography”/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ddpphotos287366

Turtles cannot come out of their shells, despite what some will tell you. Turtles and tortoises actually do have skeletons that are part of their shell. The upper part of the shell is called the carapace, and the bottom part is called the plastron. Each part of the shell is connected at the sides by bony structures called bridges.

The more you know!

Sheahan Bestel of Museum Victoria holds up a 200 million-year-old fossil which is one of six specimens given by China as a sign of appreciation after the Australian government returned to China 750 kilograms of illegally exported fossils through the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act in Melbourne on May 26, 2008. The items include a fossil turtle from northwest China, a marine reptile fossil from the Triassic Period and a rhinoceros jaw/skull fragment from the Cenozoic Age. The 750 kilograms of fossils were seized between 2004 and 2007 in a number of joint operations by the Australian Federal Police and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivetwo483117

What exactly is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? A turtle spends most of its life in the water, while tortoises are mostly land-dwellers. Some turtles though do a little bit of both, spending time in fresh water ponds and lakes, while also spending time basking in the sunshine upon rocks and logs, and burrowing into the ground for warmth.

Stretch for the camera!

Jun. 10, 2010 – New Orleans, Louisiana, US – An endangered Kemps Ridley sea turtle, which was rescued after being found coated with oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, is treated at the Audubon Nature InstituteÕs Center for Research of Endangered Species in New Orleans. Since the start of the oil spill the center has received 32 endangered live oiled sea turtles. Six dead turtles have been found and are currently undergoing testing to see if the oil spill caused their deaths. Robin Loznak/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericastwo688839

A Pacific green turtle, on the beach, Galapagos Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America. James Morgan/Robert Harding/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rhphotos116643

Galapagos tortoises are the 10th heaviest living reptile!

A large Galapagos tortoise walking in the grass on a sunny day on the Galapagos Islands. Marc Bernardi Stock Connection Worldwide/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: scphotos011081

Nord, Lille, France. Ingram Publishing/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: ipurestockx109983

World Turtle Day hopes to spread education and knowledge to as many people as possible, so these fun creatures will live on for many more millions of years to come.

So go ahead and dress up in your best turtle outfit, and support World Turtle Day with the rest of us. Alright, alright, I’m sure just wearing green is OK too…

Though in celebration of turtles and tortoises everywhere in the world, keep scrolling down for great pictures of these amazing creatures, then follow us back to Newscom for many more!

Tortuga de Florida (Pseudemys scripta elegans). Peru. Pseudemys scripta elegans. Peru. Album / Juan Manuel Borrero/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: apaphotos448388

Mar 23, 2011 – Kruger National Park, Limpopo & Mpumalanga, South Africa – A Speke’s hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys spekii) in Kruger National Park. South Africa’s flagship wildlife reserve, Kruger covers 19,485 sq km (7,523 sq mi) and is home to an impressive diversity of flora, fauna, birds and mammals. Arnold Drapkin/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericasfour331876

A rescued turtle underwent life-saving surgery to remove a 4-inch long fishing hook from its throat. The turtle, a sub-adult weighing approximately seven stone, was rescued by a SeaWorld Orlando team from the intake canal at the St. Lucie Power Plant in Florida, USA. Following x-rays and blood work procedures, SeaWorld Orlando’s senior veterinarian Dr Lara Croft performed surgery on a rescued sea turtle, successfully removing the hook. ZJAN WENN Photos/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: wennphotosthree203770

Jan. 06, 2009 – HERMANN’S TORTOISE emerging from egg. Testudo hermanni. Gonfaron Captive Breeding Centre. France. Daniel Heuclin/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericaseight562240

A baby Loggerhead Sea Turtle is held by a member of the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program in July 2009 in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Fla. The Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries Service have determined that loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is globally comprised of nine distinct population segments that qualify as “species” for listing as endangered or threatened.Joe Cavaretta/MCT/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: mctgreenphotos000668

Hawaii, Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) An Endangered Species. Design Pics / Monica & Michael Sweet/Monica & Michael Sweet/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: deppacific002415

Hawaii, Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) An Endangered Species. Design Pics / Monica & Michael Sweet/Monica & Michael Sweet/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: deppacific002408

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Athlete in Focus: Rafael Nadal

Ty Cobb — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:49:42 +0000

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal vs Russian Tennis player Pablo Andujar on day 10 of the Mutua Madrid Open at Caja Magica in Madrid, Spain. infspma-04/INFphoto.com/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: infphotos763755

The world’s top tennis players are preparing for the second Grand Slam tournament with the French Open starting on May 26, at Roland-Garros. Currently Rafael Nadal sits 4^th in the world rankings behind long time-rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. However it will take a lot more than the rankings to take the title from Nadal who has won 7 of the last 8 French Opens and plays his best tennis on clay. With another French Open win Nadal could tie a record that has stood since 1914.

Nadal was introduced to the game of tennis when he was only 3 years old by his uncle Toni who was a tennis pro himself. With Nadal’s natural athletic ability he excelled quickly, winning an under-12 championship at the age of 8. Nadal was also an excellent soccer player until he was 12 when his father made him choose one sport. Only three years later Nadal went pro in tennis, winning a number of junior tournaments.

Two years into his career Nadal had qualified for Wimbledon and made it to the third round in his first Grand Slam. In 2005 Nadal competed in his first French Open and entered the tournament as the 4^th seed. Nadal would go on to win the tournament claiming his first Grand Slam title at 19 years old.

Rafael Nadal at the 2005 French Open Roland Garros in Paris, France. Neo/MaxPPP/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericassix954165

Spain’s Rafa Nadal wins the 2005 French Open. Olivier Corsan/Maxppp/ZUMA Press/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericassix954729

Nadal continued to dominate the French Open winning again in 2006, 2007, and 2008 earning him the nick name “The King of Clay”. Nadal also played well on grass but could not get past Federer to win Wimbledon. He would not reach a US or Australian Open Final in that time leading some to wonder if he would ever be able to take his game to the hard courts.

In 2008 Nadal got the best of Federer to win Wimbledon before claiming gold at the Olympics – giving Nadal his first major hard court win. Then in 2009 Nadal reached his first Australian Open final and again beat Federer. Coming off his Australian success Nadal suffered his fist loss at the French and from there suffered a disappointing 2009. The next year was the year of Nadal as he bounced back winning the French, Wimbledon, and the US open to complete the career Grand Slam.

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal biting his gold medal during the medal ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. EMILIO NARANJO/EPA/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: epaphotosfour346455

Rafael Nadal playing for US Open 2010 Tennis Tournament Men”s Singles Finals Match, Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, NY September 13, 2010. Everett Collection/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: evphotos330062

Nadal has now cemented his legacy as one of the best players in the history of the game adding two more French Open titles and three finals appearances all ending in losses to Djokovic.

Nadal looks to win his 8^th French Open title tying him with Max Decugis (1903, 04, 07, 08, 09, 12, 13, and 1914) who won all his titles when the tournament was only open to French Club members. Nadal will have to hold off challenges form old rivals Djokovic and Federer who would love to knock off the King of Clay on the way to their own title.

For more photos of Rafael Nadal throughout his career check out Newscom.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy after winning the 2012 French Open final. Paul Childs/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericasfive884870

Rafael Nadal and his longtime girlfriend Maria Francisca “Xisca” Perello arrive at the ATP World Tour Finals gala, held at the Battersea Power Station in London. The event was benefitting the new Heart and Lung Centre at the Great Ormond Street Hospital. Jean Catuffe, PacificCoastNews/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: pacificphotos656685

7 time French Open Champion Rafael Nadal. Panoramic/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: zumaamericasfive885212

Rafael Nadal prepares a serve at the 2013 Roma Tournament. imago sportfotodienst/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: imagosports853110

Spain’s Rafael Nadal aknowledges applauses before the UEFA Champions League football match between Real Madrid and Ajax Amsterdam at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on September 15, 2010. JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivethree530211

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Editors’ Picks: Rising Heat, JetBlue Plane Pull & Natural Disasters

Jessica A. Pechmann — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:32:28 +0000

An Indian youth cools off in a watering hole on a hot day in Allahabad on May 18, 2013. Temperatures soared in Allahabad to a maximum temperature of 47.28 Celsius. SANJAY KANOJIA/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive100646

You’ve got to get relief any way you can when temperatures start to soar above 47° Celsius (116°F). The summer heat has begun around the world, but in parts of northern and central India this past week, temperatures have caused at least five deaths due to heatstroke.

Newscom gets between 30-60,000 images a day from our partners around the world, and it’s easy to miss some truly amazing images if you aren’t specifically looking for them. So each week, we’ll go through our collections and present to you our favorites. Our job is to pick whatever catches our eye. Your job is to simply enjoy them. Check out the entire lightbox of this week’s best pictures back at Newscom, and read on to see other stories from this past week.

In an effort to raise awareness and funding to UK-based charity Joining Against Cancer in Kids (J.A.C.K.), JetBlue Airways and their crew challenged London’s famed Metropolitan Police Bobbies, the TSA, and other public officers to a “plane pull” Monday. I mean all you’ve got to do is pull the plane the fastest and you’ve got incredible strength bragging rights for the entire year. Easy!

A member of the team from London’s Metropolitan Police “bobbies” tugs on the rope connected to an Airbus A320 during the fourth annual “Plane Pull” May 20, 2013 at JFK airport in New York. Teams of police officers from London’s Metropolitan Police Service, city police officers, state police troopers and employees of British Airways PLC and JetBlue Airways Corp. race to move the Airbus A320 jet 100 feet in the fastest time, during the competition to benefit the charity Joining Against Cancer in Kids. DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive107723

Moore, Oklahoma, seems to have a bad track record with hard-hitting tornadoes. Back in 1999, an F5 twister barreled through the town with record-breaking wind speeds of 302 mph, following almost the exact destruction path as Monday’s F4 tornado. Continuing coverage of the deadly tornado, Newscom will consistently be updated with more pictures and videos of the tornado aftermath, so be sure to check back for all the latest rescue and recovery efforts.

May 20, 2013 – Moore, Oklahoma, United States: A devastating, two-mile-wide tornado touched down near Oklahoma City today, killing at least 51 people, including at least 20 children, decimating homes, businesses and a pair of elementary schools in the suburb of Moore. According to the state’s medical examiner, the death toll was expected to rise. Neighborhood destroyed by Tornado. Mark Kraus/Polaris/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: polphotos168538

In other natural disaster-related news, Mexico’s Popocatepetl Volcano sent ash and smoke into the air last week. Some material of glowing rocks landed on the towering slope, causing authorities to raise the alert level to “Yellow Phase Three,” the fifth of a seven-stage warning system. Residents surrounding the area near the volcano have been advised to prepare evacuation routes and shelters.

The Popocatepetl Volcano, Mexico’s second highest peak, just 55 kms southeast of Mexico City, is seen from Santiago Xalitxintla, in Puebla, on May 18, 2013 spewing a cloud of ash and smoke. The National Disaster Prevention Centre (CENAPRED) raised the alert level to “yellow phase three”. J.GUADALUPE PEREZ/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive103027

Scroll down for more great photos from this week and be sure to check back next week, for more of your favorite Editors’ Picks!

A “Red Shirt” supporter prays at a gathering to mark the third anniversary of the military crackdown on anti-government protesters in Bangkok on May 19, 2013. About 90 people were killed and nearly 1,900 wounded in a series of street clashes between demonstrators and security forces, which culminated in a military crackdown in May 2010. Two foreign journalists were among those killed. PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive103711

Members of Anima Naturalis dressed up with Madrid’s traditional outfits, make a performance in Madrid, Spain, 21 May 2013, to protest against the torture of the bullfights and to demand Spanish goverment not to declare bullfighting a part of Spanish heritage. Kote Rodrigo. License this image from Newscom.com: efephotos225524

Rain drops collect on a leave at park ‘Planten un Blomen’ in Hamburg, Germany, 21 May 2013. Christian Charisius/dpa/picture-alliance/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: dpaphotos909660

A woman rides past a rapeseed field in bloom on a horse near Ottbergen, Germany, 21 May 2013. Julian Stratenschulte/dpa/picture-alliance/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: dpaphotos909655

Seems to me this mother is desperately looking around for help. Ouch!! Want more funny monkeys? Check out Cute Animal Pics: The Emperor Tamarin!

Borneo apes play in their enclosure on May 16, 2013 at the zoo in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany. PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive096050

Spain’s Marc Marquez drives his Honda during a free practice session at Le Mans’ circuit, western France on May 18, 2013, on the eve of the Moto GP French Grand Prix. Spanish rider Marc Marquez clocked the combined best time of two three pratice sessions in 1’33.600. JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: afplivefive100629

Verena Scholze Red Bull Mountain Line 2013 Dirt Masters Fesitval, Winterberg. Darren Berrecloth. imago sportfotodienst/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: imagosports857842

Actress Eva Longoria poses on the red carpet as she arrives for the screening of the film ‘Le Passe’ (The Past) in competition during the 66th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes May 17, 2013. JEAN-PAUL PELISSIER/REUTERS/Newscom. License this image from Newscom.com: rtrlfive888402

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Tornadoes Pound Oklahoma, Midwest

Ty Cobb — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:33:40 +0000

Overturned cars are seen after a massive tornado touched down near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma May 20, 2013. A devestating tornado struck an Oklahoma City suburb on Monday and the National Weather Service urged residents to immediately take cover as a large storm system in the middle of the country threatened to pummel as many as 10 states. STRINGER/Reuters/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive892896

Over the past week storms in the Midwest have spawned tornadoes across the region as the tornado season reaches its peak. Areas that have already been hit by tornadoes are being hit again as the large storm system moves slowly across the country affecting many states including Iowa, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri and most recently a two-mile wide monster wreaking havoc through Moore, Oklahoma this afternoon. Initial reports put today’s tornado just outside of Oklahoma City as an F4 tornado that has killed at least 37 people.

As temperatures continue to heat up in June, the threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes will continue to be high for those living in the Midwest. There are almost 62 million people living the areas where tornadoes could pop up according the National Weather Service. To save lives people should listen to warnings from authorities and be prepared to find shelter immediately.

The extreme winds and hail in the storm around the tornado can damage houses cars and other property of that not directly in the path of the tornado making emergency response hard. As devastating as the property damage is during each tornado season it can all be rebuilt in time as they have proven before.

We will continue to fallow the storm as it moves across the country and bring you images from all of the storms as we get them into Newscom.

Detailed map of downtown Moore, Okla., locating path of Monday’s devastating tornado and compares it to the path of the 1999 tornado, which had the most powerful winds ever recorded; locates destroyed elementary schools. Staff/MCT/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: krtgfxlive043515

A shredded tree stands amid debris after a massive tornado touched down in the town of Moore, near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma May 20, 2013. A huge tornado with winds of up to 200 miles per hour (320 kph) tore through the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore on Monday, ripping up at least two schools and leaving a wake of tangled wreckage as a dangerous storm system threatened as many as 10 U.S. states. STRINGER/Reuters/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive892904

Law enforcement officials arrive on the scene after a huge tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, near Oklahoma City, May 20, 2013. The powerful tornado that struck the town of Moore, Oklahoma, on Monday was given a preliminary rating of at least EF4, or the second highest strength level, with winds of up to 200 miles per hour (321 kph), a U.S. government agency said. STRINGER/Reuters/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive892917

A semi-tractor trailer (top) rests on its side against the guard rails on Interstate 40 as another trailer lies broken open on the road below after falling from I-40, following a tornado strike near Highway 177 north of Shawnee, Oklahoma May 19, 2013. A tornado half a mile wide struck near Oklahoma City on Sunday, part of a massive storm front that hammered the central United States. News reports said at least one person had died. BILL WAUGH/REUTERS/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive891837

A man peers through the wreckage in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the United States, May 20, 2013. Two men were confirmed dead after tornadoes hit the U.S. state of Oklahoma, officials said Monday. Tornadoes ravaged portions of central Oklahoma on Sunday, according to media reports. Marcus DiPaola Xinhua News Agency/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: xnaphotos245801

The funnel of a tornadic thunderstorm almost touches the ground near South Haven, in Kansas May 19, 2013. A massive storm front swept north through the central United States on Sunday, hammering the region with fist-sized hail, blinding rain and tornadoes, including a half-mile wide twister that struck near Oklahoma City. News reports said at least one person had died. GENE BLEVINS/REUTERS/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive891926

A tornado is pictured near a home in South Haven, Kansas May 19, 2013. A massive storm front swept north through the central United States on Sunday. GENE BLEVINS/REUTERS/Newscom. License this from Newscom.com: rtrlfive891931

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