Friday, November 06, 2009

KLM To Make a Demonstration Flight Utilizing Bio-Fuel

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be the first airline in the world to make a demonstration flight on bio-kerosene with a select group of passengers. This will also be the first ever flight in Europe on bio-kerosene. On November 23, 2009, KLM will operate a flight using Boeing 747 equipment. One of the aircraft engines will be running on a fuel mixture made up of 50% sustainable bio-fuel and 50% traditional kerosene. 

"This is an important step on the road to completely sustainable aviation,” said KLM President & CEO Peter Hartman. “KLM has joined forces with its partners to vigorously stimulate the further development of alternative fuels. In so doing, we need to rely on the input and support of all the relevant parties: the business community, government and society at large.’”

Along with Air France, KLM has for many years led the airline industry in the field of sustainable development. For example, Air France-KLM this year topped the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the fifth consecutive time. The Dutch wing of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (Wereld Natuurfonds – WNF) also voted KLM its Business Partner of the year for 2009.  (Source:  KLM)

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Cactus Blue Bar and Restaurant Offers On-line Gift Certificate Program

Many restaurants offer gift certificates, but Cactus Blue has once again taken this a step further, as they are now offering an on-line gift certificate program.

By being able to do the gift certificates over the Internet, family and friends of those with upcoming visits to Bonaire can surprise their loved ones with a fabulous dinner at Cactus Blue.

When ordered on-line and in advance of a trip, the gift certificates can be purchased for a 10/% discount to the actual value of the certificate.  For more information or to order a gift certificate, visit the Cactus Blue web site by clicking here. 

Also, don’t forget that Thanksgiving Day reservations are being taken now, and those that reserve prior to November 24th will receive a 10% discount. (Source:  Cactus Blue Bar & Restaurant)

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Bonaire’s Divers Asked to Assist in Flamingo Tongue Study

In recent weeks it’s been noticed that the normal population of flamingo tongues has blossomed.  CIEE is interested in data on the numbers and locations of these mollusks in Bonaire’s waters.  If you are interested in spending a few minutes at the end of your dive recording data on the number of flamingo tongues, CIEE has created data sheets for you to use. 

The goal is to learn more about the types of soft corals the flamingo tongues are eating and how many mollusks are on each soft coral that you see.  Those interested in helping out may stop by the research station at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #26 to pick up a waterproof data sheet (open Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM).  When diving, please record data in pencil, and when back from the dive, simply copy or scan the data sheet, then drop it off or email it to CIEE.  You can reuse the sheets by erasing the data with a normal eraser. 

Here’s how the research should be done:  During the last ten minutes of your dive, swim from 30’ (10m) toward the shallow water, in a zig zag pattern, recording information on each soft coral that you see.  There are diagrams on the data sheet that you can use to determine the type.  Then you will categorize the number of flamingo tongue mollusks you see on each soft coral and put a tick/check mark on the data sheet that describes both the type of coral and number of mollusks.  Each soft coral should be recorded, even if there are no mollusks present.  There are four types of soft coral and give groups of mollusks by number (click here to view an example in PDF format). (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)

Monday, November 02, 2009

Casablanca Restaurant Introduces Quick Lunches, Available Now

Effective immediately, Casablanca Restaurant is offering a new Quick Lunch service, each Monday through Friday, for those looking for savings in time and money when choosing a restaurant for lunch.

The menu will vary from day to day and week to week, but portions will be available in either small or large.  The small plate is FL 13.00 (about USD $7.30) and the large plate is FL 18.00 (about USD $10.00).  The restaurant is open for lunch between 12:00 and 2:30 PM.  (Source:  Casablanca Restaurant)