The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is a marine mammal and a baleen whale. Reaching a maximum confirmed length of 98 feet and weighing up to 196 long tons; 219 short tons, it is the largest animal known to have ever existed. The blue whale's long and slender body can be of various shades of greyish-blue dorsally and somewhat lighter underneath. Four subspecies are recognized: B. m. musculus in the North Atlantic and North Pacific, B. m. intermedia in the Southern Ocean, B. m. brevicauda (the pygmy blue whale) in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean, B. m. indica in the Northern Indian Ocean. There is also a population in the waters off Chile that may constitute a fifth subspecies.
In general, blue whale populations migrate between their summer feeding areas near the poles and their winter breeding grounds near the tropics. There is also evidence of year-round residencies, and partial or age/sex-based migration. Blue whales are filter feeders; their diet consists almost exclusively of krill. They are generally solitary or gather in small groups, and have no well-defined social structure other than mother-calf bonds. The fundamental frequency for blue whale vocalizations ranges from 8 to 25 Hz and the production of vocalizations may vary by region, season, behavior, and time of day. Orcas are their only natural predators.
The blue whale was once abundant in nearly all the Earth's oceans until the end of the 19th century. It was hunted almost to the point of extinction by whalers until the International Whaling Commission banned all blue whale hunting in 1966. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed blue whales as endangered as of 2018. It continues to face numerous man-made threats such as ship strikes, pollution, ocean noise and climate change.
The blue whale is the largest known animal to have ever existed. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) whaling database reports 88 individuals longer 98 feet, including one of 108 feet, but problems with how the measurements were taken suggest that any longer than 100 feet are suspect. The Discovery Committee reported lengths up to 102 feet); however, the longest scientifically measured individual blue whale was 98 feet from rostrum tip to tail notch. Female blue whales are larger than males. Hydrodynamic models suggest a blue whale could not exceed 108 feet because of metabolic and energy constraints.
The average length of sexually mature female blue whales is 72.1 feet for Eastern North Pacific blue whales, 79 feet for central and western North Pacific blue whales, 68–78 feet for North Atlantic blue whales, 83.4–86.3 feet for Antarctic blue whales, 77.1 feet for Chilean blue whales, and 69.9 feet for pygmy blue whales.
In the Northern Hemisphere, males weigh an average 220,000 lbs and females 247,000 lbs. Eastern North Pacific blue whale males average 195,000 lbs and females 220,000 lbs. Antarctic males average 247,000 lbs and females 290,000 lbs. Pygmy blue whale males average 184,000 lbs to 99218,000 lbs. The weight measured of the heart from a stranded North Atlantic blue whale was 400 lbs, the largest known in any animal.
These Dogs 'N' Hogs are extra-special thanks to a special blend of maraschino cherries, honey, and mustard. They're a great party appetizer for any occasion, because they're so tasty. Set 'em out and just watch as they all go hog wild!
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cherry juice
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half (24 pieces)
- 8 hot dogs, cut into thirds (24 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Preheat oven to 400º. In a blender or food processor, combine mustard, cherries, honey, and cherry juice; process until smooth. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, wrap bacon around hot dog pieces and place seam side down on baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar.
- Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Serve with cherry mustard dipping sauce.
On July 25th, we celebrate the ultimate pairing of wine and cheese. National Wine and Cheese Day provides an opportunity to sample some of our favorites.
The pairing of wines and cheese has been a regionalized tradition. Across wine-producing cultures, many pair their regional wines with local cheeses. For example, the French Brie region is noted for its tannic wine varietals. Their Beaujolais goes well with the Brie produced in the area. However, that doesn’t stop a sommelier or cheese-monger from making other recommendations to their clientele.
Although regional preferences may take precedence in distinct areas, don’t hesitate to accept a sommelier’s suggestion. Sommeliers understand a developing palate. Through experience and skill, they guide those new to wine tasting through the basics. In addition, sommeliers keep sophisticated wine lovers abridged of the latest varietals.
Equally important is the knowledge of the cheesemonger. They’ve developed a knowledge base beyond mold and yeast. Because cheese tops more than a burger or a salad, cheesemongers stay updated on the latest cooking and wine trends. Their highly developed palate leads cheese and wine lovers to the best pairings and satisfying results.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL WINE AND CHEESE DAY
The day encourages us to try wines and cheese in combinations we’ve never tried before. That is, step away from our ordinary bottle and learn something new. Sampling the complexities in sweetness and acidity and comparing them at a tasting makes for an enjoyable experience. When we add friends to the adventure, the day becomes a celebration, too! Find a favorite wine and sample it with some of your favorite cheeses. Post photos of your favorite pairings on social media.
NATIONAL WINE AND CHEESE DAY HISTORY
National Wine and Cheese Day has been observed since 2014.
