Video Of The Day: Humpback Whale Gets Dangerously Close To Kayakers

by Libby Zay on

A mother and daughter kayaking in Avila Beach along the coast of California get a surprise from a 30-ton humpback whale when it surfaces within just a few feet of their boats. You can tell the women are surprised from their screams (be sure to keep the volume low on this one).

“I quit filming it because the whale was still moving forward and it ran into me,” the daughter writes, adding she was forced to stop filming and paddle backwards before her kayak tipped over.

Luckily, besides the threat of the boat being overturned by the breaching whale, these giant marine mammals only eat krill and small fish and aren’t known to attack humans.

Ice Fall Off Ghost Glacier Closes Trails At Jasper National Park

by Jessica Festa on




On August 10, 2012, tons of ice fell off Canada’s Ghost Glacier on Mount Edith Cavell in Jasper National Park. The massive avalanche, which accounted for 50% to 60% of the glacier, fell into Cavell Pond at the base of the mountain, causing a mini-tsunami that flooded the area.

On the Jasper National Park Facebook page, they have stated, “Visitor safety is Parks Canada’s primary concern at this time. The 14 km Cavell Road is closed from its intersection with highway 93A to Mt. Edith Cavell, until the safety conditions in the area have been thoroughly assessed.
Access to the area trails, picnic areas, and Mt. Edith Cavell Hostel, will not be possible during this time.”

According to news.com.au, no one was injured.

One person caught the icefall on video, which you can see above. You can also click here to see photos.

Video: World’s Shortest (Scheduled) Flight

by McLean Robbins on




Here’s a flight you’re not likely to get beverage service – this two-minute trip from Westray to Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands probably cost more in gas than it made from ferrying passengers across the water, but the camera showing exactly what happened on the flight makes it fun to watch!

What do you think? Would you take a flight this short, or would you prefer a ferry?

Cart Driver Demonstrates An Unusual Way To Get Around The Airport

by Jessica Festa on




Well, here’s something you don’t see everyday. This video, taken by YouTube user GrimbleGromble1 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport in the United Terminal, shows an airport employee actually joking around with fliers. The vehicle warning sounds you hear are being made by the cart driver, who drove back and forth past travelers trying to get them to laugh. Watch at the end as the video gets a bit trippy, with the driver appearing to go through a tear in the space-time continuum.

On YouTube, the short clip got much feedback, with humorous comments like:

“You know money is tight when they can’t afford a real siren” – lemonjellies

“Bieber? Bieber? Bieber! Bieber! He’s probably a fan?” – jojacool

“At moment 0:13 you can actually see him breaking the sound barrier” – Longknife

“Job Description: License to drive electric airport terminal car. Ability to produce public awareness alarm by voice” – copperkipper1

According to user LenntBear, the cart drivers at O’Hare do this all the time.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen in an airport?

Brazil Hosts 3-D Show Over Thames River To Start Countdown To 2016 Rio Olympics

by Jessica Festa on



On Monday night, spectators lined up along the Thames River in London to take in the sights and sounds of Brazil. A projection of eye-popping images splashed across the water to mark the end of the 2012 London Summer Olympics, and begin the countdown to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

As part of a $40 million campaign investment put on by Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism and the Brazilian Tourism Board to attract travelers for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, the free show featured images projected onto a wall of water created by massive pumps. Computer programs Maya 2012, Real Flow and After Effects were used by designers to display 3-D images of iconic Brazilian attractions like Christ the Redeemer and Cathedral of Brasília, plus various sporting activities including kite surfing, hand-gliding and Capoeira. The entire event ended with the closing message: “Thank you London. See you in Brazil. Come celebrate life!”

For a more visual idea of the event, check out the video above and the gallery below.

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[Images via Embratur, The Brazilian Tourism Board]