INTERESTING: If I was an impala, I’d be called “Lunch” or maybe, if lucky, “Lurch”

Saturday, August 3, 2024

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240724-what-olympic-athletes-can-learn-about-running-from-cheetahs?ICID=ref_fark

What Olympic runners can learn from cheetahs
Sophie Hardach

*** begin quote ***

Cheetahs are famous for being the fastest land animals – but research suggests there’s much more to their athleticism than just speed.

Imagine you are an impala, racing across the African savannah to try and escape a cheetah – the world’s fastest land animal, which can reach a running speed of more than 100 km/h (62 mph). It may seem like a hopeless effort, but in real life, impalas do sometimes manage to get away. Which running strategy do you think would give you the best chance of beating the cheetah?

A. Fast and in a straight line

B. Fast and zig-zag

C. Slow and in a straight line

D. Slow and zig-zag

A growing body of research on wild cheetahs and their prey not only reveals the answer to this quiz – more on this below – but also offers wider insights into why exactly cheetahs are so fast, and what we might learn from them to help our own athletic pursuits.

*** end quote ***

If it was me, I’d have to fight.  No change for this fat old white guy injineer to run or doge.  Of course, YMMV and faiwwypfi (Free Advice Is Worth What You Pay For It! ?zero?) ! ! ! 

I found this very interesting and well written.  I needed a choice “E. None of the Above”.  Which we should also have in elections, imho.

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INTERESTING: Can pets can sense when we’re in pain or dying? Seems possible

Monday, July 29, 2024

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13664877/pets-sense-pain-dying-hundreds-miles-away-ex-Cambridge-academic-dr-rupert-sheldrake.html

Our pets can sense when we’re in pain or dying – even from hundreds of miles away: I’m an ex-Cambridge academic and these startling, inexplicable stories convinced me..
By Dr Rupert Sheldrake
Published: 21:21 EDT, 23 July 2024 | Updated: 22:11 EDT, 23 July 2024 

*** begin quote ***

For more than 30 years I have been collecting case evidence of animals that appear to know by intuition or telepathy when the humans they love have suffered a serious, sometimes fatal, accident.

The existence of so many independent reports is persuasive, writes Dr Sheldrake, who has been collecting evidence of animal intuition or telepathy for more than 30 years 

The bond between owner and animal is indeed a real connection, linking them together invisibly, even over thousands of miles

This isn’t a subject that lends itself to experimental investigation. Evidence can only come from chance events, not laboratory tests, since it is obviously impossible to stage dangerous incidents. But in my files I now have more than 100 accounts of dogs appearing to respond to distant injuries or deaths of their human companions, and about half as many cases involving cats.

The existence of so many independent reports persuades me that this is a real phenomenon, even though it is not possible to do experiments. Further research is needed through the collection of more well- documented stories.

My theory is simple: the bond between person and animal is indeed a real connection, linking them together invisibly, even over thousands of miles. Death and danger disrupt this bond.

To take a simple analogy, if two people are connected by a stretched elastic band, and one of them shakes it or lets it go, the other feels a difference. Even if they do not know exactly what is happening to the other person involved, they know something is happening.

*** end quote ***

Based on anecdotal evidence, his theory seems to have some basis in fact.  I haven’t formed a “reasoned belief” to any degree of certainty, but it certainly seems possible.  I’ve read many stories about “loyal dogs”, graveside visits, and such.  We know that dogs can smell disease, so why can’t they have some type of ESP.  We have seen anecdotal evidence about the connection of human twins.  Why can’t there be more to the physical world than we know right now?

—30—

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INTERESTING: Which Beer Tastes Better?

Saturday, July 20, 2024

https://www.insidehook.com/beer/can-bottle-draft-which-beer-tastes-better

Can, Bottle or Draft: Which Beer Tastes Better?

  • What you drink your beer out of has an impact on its flavor

By Mike Dunphy 
July 11, 2024 12:06 pm

*** begin quote ***

The same phenomenon happens in the beer world, when enthusiasts deliver passionate panegyrics and firm convictions on the superiority of beer in a can, bottle or keg. Subjectivity keeps the debate ongoing, but chemistry and fermentology — alongside a bevy of other packaging factors — do have something to say about it and may challenge your beliefs. Here’s what really makes the difference in the flavor of your beer when it comes to the can, bottle or draft debate.

Packaging vs. Freshness

Just as an artifact uncovered by an archaeologist immediately begins to degrade in the open air and sun, so too does beer the moment it leaves the mother tank and funnels into cans, bottles and kegs. By and large, these chemical changes are not welcome, and preserving the freshness and flavor of beer depends a lot on keeping out the culprits. 

The most dangerous element is oxygen, explains Chuck Skypeck, technical brewing projects director for the Brewers Association. “The way that beer arrives at its best state to the consumer is about the brewer’s ability to put their beer into that package with a minimum amount of exposure to oxygen,” Skypeck explains. Oxygen impacts the flavor by essentially turning compounds in the beer into other, less desirable compounds that dull flavor and make beer taste stale. Oxygen gets many access points, too, in the path from source tank to consumer. Not only do you have to move beer between tanks during production, potentially exposing it to air, you also have to open the container to put beer in it. Bottles and cans can be damaged on the production line, or a pump seal might leak, too — again putting the onus on the brewer’s skill, system and equipment.   

*** end quote ***

But the question is never answered.  So I assume that all three are equivalent all other factors being equal.  So you’re on your own and have to rely on your own taste buds.

FWIW YMMV faiwwypfi (Free Advice Is Worth What You Pay For It! ? zero?)

—30—

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INTERESTING: THere’s more than one unique calendar in use in the world

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

https://www.cnn.com/travel/ethiopian-unique-calendar-year/index.html?utm_placement=newsletter

The country where it’s still 2016
By Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN
Updated 9:18 AM EDT, Sun June 16, 2024

  • In Ethiopia, the birth year of Jesus Christ is recognized as seven or eight years later than the Gregorian, or “Western” calendar. New Year, or Enkutatash, is celebrated in September, when the Adey Abeba flower, indigenous to Ethiopia, blooms.

*** begin quote ***

On September 11, Ethiopians will celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another.

However, when the East African country rings in its New Year in a few months, it will technically be 2017, according to the Ethiopian calendar.

So why is Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country, seven years and eight months “behind” much of the rest of the world? And how does that work for Ethiopians living on an increasingly interconnected planet that mostly operates in an entirely different era?

The answers lie in traditions that date back centuries – and a firm sense of national identity. 

*** end quote ***

I found this most interesting.  I’d never heard of “Ethiopian time”, but have heard of the Greek Orthodox and Muslim calendars.

I’ve blogged about suggested “new” calendars.

https://reinkefaceslife.com/2020/03/02/innovation-forget-leap-day-theres-a-serious-plan-to-replace-it-with-an-extra-week/

And even an “Indian time system”.

https://www.offthegridnews.com/how-to-2/how-did-native-americans-keep-time-without-a-watch-or-calendar/

Unfortunately, “inertia” and human stupidity will prevent any meaning fun change.

—30—

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INTERESTING: In children’s movies there’s no SADNESS?

Thursday, June 20, 2024

The movie IN/OUT2 introduced some new emotions like ENNUI (Boredom) and NOSTALGIA.  But there’s no SADNESS?  I guess in children’s movies there’s no SADNESS?.  Maybe I need to design a character.  Is there a GREEK GOD of “sadness”?

—30—

Oizys: Greek goddess of misery, greif, and depression | Pagans ...

Oizys: Greek goddess of misery, greif, and depression | Pagans …

*** and ***

"Greek Goddess of Sadness" Sticker by jamjammed | Redbubble

Akhlys: Greek God of Sadness

Hesiod’s account from the Shield of Heracles is chilling: “And beside the (the Keres and the Fates) was standing Akhlys, dismal and dejected, green and pale, dirty-dry, fallen in on herself with hunger, knee-swollen, and the nails were grown long on her hands, and from her nostrils the drip kept running, and off her cheeks the blood dribbled to the ground, and she stood there, grinning forever, and the dust that had gathered and lay in heaps on her shoulders was muddy with tears.”

*** and ***

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/twxM_3c9LEI/hq2.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEoCOADEOgC8quKqQMcGADwAQH4AZQDgALQBYoCDAgAEAEYZSBbKEwwDw==&rs=AOn4CLCG7_HF7TFOo_O9ADe6FrFESvPXHQ

Norse God of Sadness

—30—

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INTERESTING: Since the States regulate casinos … …

Thursday, June 13, 2024

https://www.fark.com/comments/13274582/170624178/Woman-hits-slot-machine-jackpot-gets-screwed-out-of-her-winnings-by-casino-What-else-is-new#c170624178

*** begin quote ***

(Yahoo) Woman hits slot machine jackpot, gets screwed out of her winnings by casino. What else is new (ca.finance.yahoo.com) divider line  

*** and ***

kbronsito

DrD'isInfotainment: Good for her. She should sue the fark outa that Casino

It should not be necessary though. States give casinos a license to print money. They should regulate them to force them to pay these kind of wins. If the casino wants to recoup because the machine is defective, it can deal with courts to take it out on the manufacturer. It’s bad enough their business model is already to screw over patrons, why make it easier by letting them weasel out of paying the rare jackpot? (Besides the corruption, I mean.) 

*** end quote ***

Since the States regulate casinos … …  

… … shouldn’t they step in a force the casino to pay off? 

Why should this “winner” have to spend money to go to a Gooferment court to recover from a Gooferment regulated enterprise?

Sigh!

An excelled point by this FARKer.

—30—

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INTERESTING: Since the States regulate casinos … …

Thursday, June 13, 2024

https://www.fark.com/comments/13274582/170624178/Woman-hits-slot-machine-jackpot-gets-screwed-out-of-her-winnings-by-casino-What-else-is-new#c170624178

*** begin quote ***

(Yahoo) Woman hits slot machine jackpot, gets screwed out of her winnings by casino. What else is new (ca.finance.yahoo.com) divider line  

*** and ***

kbronsito

DrD'isInfotainment: Good for her. She should sue the fark outa that Casino

It should not be necessary though. States give casinos a license to print money. They should regulate them to force them to pay these kind of wins. If the casino wants to recoup because the machine is defective, it can deal with courts to take it out on the manufacturer. It’s bad enough their business model is already to screw over patrons, why make it easier by letting them weasel out of paying the rare jackpot? (Besides the corruption, I mean.) 

*** end quote ***

Since the States regulate casinos … …  

… … shouldn’t they step in a force the casino to pay off? 

Why should this “winner” have to spend money to go to a Gooferment court to recover from a Gooferment regulated enterprise?

Sigh!

An excelled point by this FARKer.

—30—

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INTERESTING: Since the States regulate casinos … …

Thursday, June 13, 2024

https://www.fark.com/comments/13274582/170624178/Woman-hits-slot-machine-jackpot-gets-screwed-out-of-her-winnings-by-casino-What-else-is-new#c170624178

*** begin quote ***

(Yahoo) Woman hits slot machine jackpot, gets screwed out of her winnings by casino. What else is new (ca.finance.yahoo.com) divider line  

*** and ***

kbronsito

DrD'isInfotainment: Good for her. She should sue the fark outa that Casino

It should not be necessary though. States give casinos a license to print money. They should regulate them to force them to pay these kind of wins. If the casino wants to recoup because the machine is defective, it can deal with courts to take it out on the manufacturer. It’s bad enough their business model is already to screw over patrons, why make it easier by letting them weasel out of paying the rare jackpot? (Besides the corruption, I mean.) 

*** end quote ***

Since the States regulate casinos … …  

… … shouldn’t they step in a force the casino to pay off? 

Why should this “winner” have to spend money to go to a Gooferment court to recover from a Gooferment regulated enterprise?

Sigh!

An excelled point by this FARKer.

—30—

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INTERESTING: COuld AI “solve” a backlog of unread cuneiform scripts

Friday, May 31, 2024

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/expert-believes-he-has-solved-archaeological-mystery-surrounding-ancient-assyrian-symbol/

Expert Believes He Has Solved Archaeological Mystery Surrounding Ancient Assyrian Symbols
By Andy Corbley – May 16, 2024 

*** begin quote ***

Most of the time, Assyriologists, or people who study the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, are working on transcribing the various cuneiform scripts of tablets found during excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries, of which there are tens of thousands in museum collections that haven’t ever been read.

*** end quote ***

Here’s an unsolved trove of dikw (i.e., data, information, knowledge, wisdom) from the ancient world that’s ripe for study.  We’d probably learn more that ever comes for Tik Tok.

Hopefully someone turns AI loose on all the backlog.

—30—

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INTERESTING: Ever hear of the “Lunar Standstill”?

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/21/world/stonehenge-moon-lunar-standstill-scn/index.html?ref=upstract.com

Rare lunar event may reveal Stonehenge’s link with the moon
By Katie Hunt, CNN
6 minute read
Published 1:16 PM EDT, Tue May 21, 2024

*** begin quote ***

To those gathering over the centuries at Stonehenge — the imposing prehistoric monument that has dominated Salisbury plain in southwest England for some 4,500 years — it was likely clear how the sun could have informed its design.

The central axis of the stone circle was, and still is, aligned with the sunrise at midsummer and sunset at midwinter, the stones dramatically framing the rising and setting sun when days were at their longest and shortest.

But do Stonehenge and potentially other megalithic monuments around the world also align with the moon?

The idea that Stonehenge was linked in some way to the moon gained ground in the 1960s. However, the concept hadn’t been systematically explored, said Clive Ruggles, professor emeritus of archaeoastronomy in the school of archaeology and ancient history at the University of Leicester.

This summer, archaeologists are using a little-known lunar phenomenon that happens every 18.6 years to investigate as part of their work in understanding why Stonehenge was built.

Lunar standstill

Like the sun, the moon rises in the east and set in the west. However, moonrise and moonset move from north to south and back again in the space of a month. The northern and southern extremes also change over a period of about 18 and a half years. The lunar standstill is when the northernmost and southernmost moonrise and moonset are farthest apart. 

*** end quote ***

In my old age, I’ve become more and more convinced that humanity has lost some dikw (i.e., data, information, knowledge, wisdom) along the way on the “road to progress”.  Some of what has been lost was NBD (no big deal) like beliefs in witches, “poisonous tomatoes”, and the “Divine Right of Kings”.  Some losses have been down right positive like superstitions, subsistence farming, and disease caused by spirits.  

I’ve never heard of the “Lunar Standstill” but obviously those primitive savages had.

What else did they know that we’ve lost?

We have a lot to be humble about.

—30—

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INTERESTING: What’s the Roman dodecahedron but none found in Italy?

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

https://www.sciencealert.com/rare-roman-dodecahedron-found-in-england-baffles-archaeologists

Rare Roman Dodecahedron Found in England Baffles Archaeologists
06 May 2024
By Samantha Tipper, The Conversation

*** begin quote *** 

There have been numerous suggestions by archaeologists and the public as to what dodecahedra could have been. Some theorise that they were religious objects, knitting tools, measuring instruments or stress toys. Due to the high level of skill involved, some have suggested that they were a way for a master craftsman to demonstrate their expert abilities.

There is no uniformity in the size or shape of the dodecahedra found so far, nor in their metal composition or even in the level of craftsmanship. If they were important objects, we would expect to also discover contextual evidence in the archaeological record, such as depictions in paintings or mosaics.

It does feel that this object will remain a mystery for some time – which might be why so many people are fascinated by it.

*** end quote ***

I found this fascinating.  And never found in Italy, but seems to be Roman.

Your guess is better than mine.

—30—

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INTERESTING: When an elephant returns toddler’s shoe, does that demonstrate an essence of humanity?

Saturday, May 4, 2024

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13358837/Adorable-moment-elephant-toddlers-shoe-falls-zoo.html

Adorable moment elephant returns toddler’s shoe after it falls into zoo enclosure
by Shannon Mcguigan
Published: 04:33 EDT, 28 April 2024 | Updated: 04:33 EDT, 28 April 2024

*** begin quote ***

This is the adorable moment a clever elephant returned a toddler’s tiny shoe after it was dropped into a zoo enclosure.

In the cute clip, the huge creature can be seen gently scooping up the tiny blue and yellow shoe using its enormous foot and lengthy trunk.

Slowly grasping the minuscule footwear, the friendly giant delicately returned the shoe dropping it back into the young visitor’s hand.

*** and ***

But the kind elephant’s good deed didn’t go unnoticed as a zookeeper later rewarded Shanmai a watermelon for their kind gesture.

*** end quote ***

Glad the act was rewarded.  I am always fascinated when “animals” demonstrate human-like qualities.

Perhaps us humans are too egotistical to recognize that life is precious.

Remember the gorilla that protected the injured child, kept him safe, and herded his family inside so the keepers could rescue him?

—30—

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INTERESTING: The giraffe is doing something to get 17 out of 20 experiments

Sunday, April 7, 2024

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13263997/ants-conscious-dolphins-currency-food-animal-intelligence.html

Did you know ANTS are self-aware? Or that giraffes can do mental math? New book documents the little-known brilliance of animal intelligence that may surprise you

  •     The book explores how animals engage in complex mental math and language
  •     Even insects, like ants and bees, prove to be more perceptive than expected
  •     ‘The Animal Mind’ by nature writer and photographer Marianne Taylor is out now

By Matthew Phelan Senior Science Reporter For Dailymail.Com
Published: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 | Updated: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 

*** begin quote ***

Giraffes can do math in their heads

Technically speaking, it’s a miracle of evolution that a giraffe can get its blood pumping 14 to 19 feet up to its brain to do much high-quality thinking at all. 

But to the surprise of researchers at the Barcelona Zoo, the tall, hooved creatures are actually capable of doing complex mental math, engaging in statistical inference to assess probabilities and make predictions.

The study, conducted with four of the zoo’s giraffe’s by animal behaviorists as Barcelona University, two male and two female giraffes were shown two clear boxes filled with vegetable sticks. 

Each had a mix of carrot and courgette sticks (zucchini), with carrots being the preferred option. But soon, the researchers started putting up barriers to the boxes, hiding visual cues and eliminating scent information.

In a stunning game of intellect, the giraffes managed to select which container was more likely to produce their preferred carrot sticks in 17 out of 20 experiments.

This was based on the relative frequencies of food in the containers, and not on other information such as their sense of smell, the researchers said.

*** end quote ***

I would assume that we, as humans, could learn a lot more if we were a little more humble in our position as the apex predator.

Aside from being beautiful, seems like giraffes have some “intelligence”.  I wonder if they will ever exceed or replace us?

—30—

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INTERESTING: The giraffe is doing something to get 17 out of 20 experiments

Sunday, April 7, 2024

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13263997/ants-conscious-dolphins-currency-food-animal-intelligence.html

Did you know ANTS are self-aware? Or that giraffes can do mental math? New book documents the little-known brilliance of animal intelligence that may surprise you

  •     The book explores how animals engage in complex mental math and language
  •     Even insects, like ants and bees, prove to be more perceptive than expected
  •     ‘The Animal Mind’ by nature writer and photographer Marianne Taylor is out now

By Matthew Phelan Senior Science Reporter For Dailymail.Com
Published: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 | Updated: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 

*** begin quote ***

Giraffes can do math in their heads

Technically speaking, it’s a miracle of evolution that a giraffe can get its blood pumping 14 to 19 feet up to its brain to do much high-quality thinking at all. 

But to the surprise of researchers at the Barcelona Zoo, the tall, hooved creatures are actually capable of doing complex mental math, engaging in statistical inference to assess probabilities and make predictions.

The study, conducted with four of the zoo’s giraffe’s by animal behaviorists as Barcelona University, two male and two female giraffes were shown two clear boxes filled with vegetable sticks. 

Each had a mix of carrot and courgette sticks (zucchini), with carrots being the preferred option. But soon, the researchers started putting up barriers to the boxes, hiding visual cues and eliminating scent information.

In a stunning game of intellect, the giraffes managed to select which container was more likely to produce their preferred carrot sticks in 17 out of 20 experiments.

This was based on the relative frequencies of food in the containers, and not on other information such as their sense of smell, the researchers said.

*** end quote ***

I would assume that we, as humans, could learn a lot more if we were a little more humble in our position as the apex predator.

Aside from being beautiful, seems like giraffes have some “intelligence”.  I wonder if they will ever exceed or replace us?

—30—

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INTERESTING: The giraffe is doing something to get 17 out of 20 experiments

Sunday, April 7, 2024

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13263997/ants-conscious-dolphins-currency-food-animal-intelligence.html

Did you know ANTS are self-aware? Or that giraffes can do mental math? New book documents the little-known brilliance of animal intelligence that may surprise you

  •     The book explores how animals engage in complex mental math and language
  •     Even insects, like ants and bees, prove to be more perceptive than expected
  •     ‘The Animal Mind’ by nature writer and photographer Marianne Taylor is out now

By Matthew Phelan Senior Science Reporter For Dailymail.Com
Published: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 | Updated: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 

*** begin quote ***

Giraffes can do math in their heads

Technically speaking, it’s a miracle of evolution that a giraffe can get its blood pumping 14 to 19 feet up to its brain to do much high-quality thinking at all. 

But to the surprise of researchers at the Barcelona Zoo, the tall, hooved creatures are actually capable of doing complex mental math, engaging in statistical inference to assess probabilities and make predictions.

The study, conducted with four of the zoo’s giraffe’s by animal behaviorists as Barcelona University, two male and two female giraffes were shown two clear boxes filled with vegetable sticks. 

Each had a mix of carrot and courgette sticks (zucchini), with carrots being the preferred option. But soon, the researchers started putting up barriers to the boxes, hiding visual cues and eliminating scent information.

In a stunning game of intellect, the giraffes managed to select which container was more likely to produce their preferred carrot sticks in 17 out of 20 experiments.

This was based on the relative frequencies of food in the containers, and not on other information such as their sense of smell, the researchers said.

*** end quote ***

I would assume that we, as humans, could learn a lot more if we were a little more humble in our position as the apex predator.

Aside from being beautiful, seems like giraffes have some “intelligence”.  I wonder if they will ever exceed or replace us?

—30—

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INTERESTING: Don’t “save” on a cruise line tours

Saturday, April 6, 2024

https://www.aol.com/news/eight-passengers-stranded-african-island-133209907.html?ICID=ref_fark

Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them
NBC Universal
Marlene Lenthang and Arnav Jain
Updated April 2, 2024 at 2:28 PM

*** begin quote ***

A dream cruise vacation has turned into a nightmare for eight passengers left stranded on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe after their ship left without them because they were late to return from a private tour.

*** end quote ***

There is a reason why you pay the Cruise Line their “vig” for an official Cruise Line sponsored “local tour”.  If an  “official tour” is late, then the boat waits for you.  Otherwise, you’re on your own.  Not worth saving a few bucks!

—30—

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INTERESTING: Was there a Planet V and what does that imply?

Sunday, March 31, 2024

https://radiofarside.substack.com/p/how-deep-is-your-woo

How Deep Is Your Woo?

Cuz we’re living in a world of fools

Radio Far Side

Mar 25, 2024

*** begin quote ***

In the 1500s, Tycho Brahe produced one of the greatest libraries of astronomical observations ever. Based on his work, Johannes Kepler formulated his Three Laws of Planetary Motion, in 1609 and 1619. He found that all orbits are ellipses, that bodies accelerate as they move toward the Sun and decelerate as they move away, The third law stated that the square of a body’s period was proportional to the cube of its semi-major axis (average distance from the Sun). Kepler also found a harmonious relationship between the orbits of the planets, such that we discovered new planets from the orbital positions given by Kepler. From these laws, Newton derived his laws of Universal Gravitation.

*** and ***

Besides the asteroid belt, there are Centaurs, TNOs, Damocloids, and Trojans which may be part of the Planet V debris cloud. Some of them have ephemera that clearly resonate with the asteroid belt, and a couple of them may be lost moons of Planet V, as well.

So do we have any evidence that any of this scenario is even approaching reality?

Why, yes, we do.

“The successful predictions include: (1) satellites of asteroids; (2) satellites of comets; (3) salt water in meteorites; (4) ‘roll marks’ leading to boulders on asteroids; (5) the time and peak rate of the 1999 Leonid meteor storm; (6) explosion signatures for asteroids; (7) the strongly spiked energy parameter for new comets; (8) the distribution of black material on slowly rotating airless bodies; (9) splitting velocities of comets; (10) the asteroid-like nature of Deep Impact target Comet Tempel 1; and (11) the presence of high-formation-temperature minerals in the Stardust comet dust sample return.”

The two most stunning confirmations have been the presence of asteroid moonlets and that comets appear to be the same as asteroids. 

*** end quote ***

While this may TL;DR for most readers, I found this to be most persuasive.

Could an advanced alien civilization have existed on Planet V?

Far beyond my abilities, but certainly seem an interesting possibility.

—30—

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INTERESTING: NLRB has begun to end the amateur model of college sports

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

FROM 1440 https://join1440.com/

Dartmouth Athletes Unionize

The Dartmouth men’s basketball team voted to unionize yesterday, the latest step in challenging the long-standing amateur model of college sports. The 13-2 vote means the players will be allowed to negotiate on issues like compensation and working conditions, including practice hours. Dartmouth has until March 12 to file an objection to the union.

Last month, the National Labor Relations Board ruled the players are employees of the university after the varsity players submitted a petition in September to the NLRB requesting to unionize. Dartmouth filed motions last week to ask the NLRB office to reconsider its ruling.

The union vote comes amid a broader effort to cut back restrictions on compensation for student-athletes. The NCAA has historically barred college athletes from receiving compensation beyond scholarships (athletic scholarships are banned in the Ivy League) and some related costs of education. The NCAA proposed in December a new subdivision that would allow some schools to enter into name, image, and likeness deals directly with their students.

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Well, it’s about time to end the farce of “amateur student athletes”.  Everyone in this charade is make a lot of money except the athletes.  It’s slavery.

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INTERESTING: Striped marlin chage their stripe’s shades

Monday, March 4, 2024

https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/news/colour-change-group-hunting?utm_placement=newsletter

> Researchers find striped marlin communicate with each other by changing the shade of their stripes during high-speed hunting; discovery sheds light on the evolution of predatory group behaviors in fish (More)

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Who knew?

Imagine if humans had that ability.  No more hand signals in a military ambush.  No more need to “remember” to use your turn signals when driving.  

Or, you can tell when a woman is going to get enraged at you.  But you can kinda know that already.  It would be nice to have a warning.

Laugh!

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INTERESTING: Flaco, the beloved Eurasian Eagle Owl, may dem,onstrate a cheap way to address NYC’s rat proble,

Thursday, February 29, 2024

https://nypost.com/2024/02/23/us-news/flaco-the-owl-who-escaped-central-park-zoo-dead-after-apparent-nyc-building-collision/

Flaco, beloved owl who escaped Central Park Zoo year ago, dead: officials
By  Richard Pollina
Published Feb. 23, 2024
Updated Feb. 24, 2024, 1:14 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

Though the Eurasian Eagle Owl is not native to North America, Flaco had been successfully feasting on the plentiful bounty of rats in Central Park and around the city since his escape.

“He has been very successful at hunting and consuming the abundant prey in the park,” the zoo said last year.

The Eurasian Eagle Owl is one of the larger owl species, with a wingspan of up to 79 inches and weighing three to nine pounds, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

*** and ***

The Eurasian Eagle Owl is not currently on the endangered species list but has been flagged as a “concerned” species given the decline in local populations worldwide. 

*** end quote ***

Now I’m just a fat old white guy retired injineer but could the Universe have just sent us a “messenger” in the shape of Flaco, the beloved Eurasian Eagle Owl, as to how to control rats in NYC?

We know that NYC rats are BIG problem.  Some of them are the size of small pigs.  And they breed prolifically.  

Since NYC residents can’t seem to control them and the Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerk City are equally helpless, let solve this species’ “concerned” status.

I’m always reluctant to mess with the Universe, but maybe a few breeding pairs of Flaco’s cousins, could bring the rat population under control.  Hell, maybe Eurasian Eagle Owl could replace the other “rat” in the City  — the pigeon. 

A win for all involved at a minimal cost.

Maybe John Oliver could get NYC to make the Eurasian Eagle Owl the City’s official bird?  It worked for the Pūteketeke in New Zealand!

(Hey John Oliver, feel free to steal this idea for a signed picture of you with an Eurasian Eagle Owl.  Otherwise, © 2019 Ferdinand J. Reinke All Rights Reserved. Laugh!)

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INTERESTING: Making of men in the USA — espeicially in Gooferment Skrules

Friday, February 16, 2024

FROM FREEREPUBLIC

*** begin quote ***

America’s Lost Boys and Me

2/11/2024, 10:32:44 AM · 14 of 14

ABN 505 to mo

There seems to be a dearth of men in teaching nowadays. When I was in High school most of the teachers were WWII vets with a sprinkling of woman in the arts and language’s. There was serious discipline administered and sometimes physical force was applied when needed. I don’t think woman are capable of handling young men and should not be in charge of them weather, in schools or military settings.

*** end quote ***

Having been educated by WWII vets from grades 4 thru ~20, I tend to agree,  Turning boys into men is probably not best done by women.  

I guess that makes me a something or other.

But let us look at the results?

Pretty sad record.

And in Gooferment Skrules it’s uncontrolled chaos.

In my school days, that would have never been tolerate and met with overwhelming physical violence from the faculty.  Even the few lay and women teachers were down right insane.

Dona Nobis Pacem

American has lost its way.

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INTERESTING: All the world’s literature is slowly coming to the internet — possibly unapreciated

Saturday, February 10, 2024

https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/agatha-christie/the-mystery-of-the-blue-train/text/single-page

The Mystery of the Blue Train

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The Mystery of the Blue Train revolves around a set of fabulous rubies, said to have been worn by Catherine the Great, now purchased by an American millionaire as a gift to his daughter. When she takes them with her on a luxury train to the Riviera, she is unaware that among her fellow passengers are her unfaithful husband, his not-so-secret mistress, a quiet Englishwoman who believes that nothing exciting ever happens to her—and the famous retired detective Hercule Poirot. And, possibly, a murderer.

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Standard E Books puts out a huge amount of “free” content.

*** begin quote ***

This ebook is thought to be free of copyright restrictions in the United States. It may still be under copyright in other countries. If you’re not located in the United States, you must check your local laws to verify that this ebook is free of copyright restrictions in the country you’re located in before accessing, downloading, or using it.

*** end quote ***

More than even a fat old white guy retired injineer can possibly consume.  I remember reading the Hardy Boys in my youth and would save my supermarket tips to buy their latest adventure.  Like my comic book collection, those were discarded when I went in the military.   Another “casualty” of the Viet Nam war.  My Charlie Chan’s, my Heinlein’s, and McDonald color series of Travis McGees.  Sigh!

Wonder what they would be worth today?

Anyway, I am rereading some favorites as they come out of copyright.

And, of course, donate to the site.  Small change but every bit helps.  I can imagine growing up today and having the internet as a library of dikw (i.e., data, information, knowledge, wisdom) without having to physically trade to the library to find that illusive book that never seems to be there.

Sigh!

I wonder if these resources are “pearls before swine” and completely not used by today’s barbarian culture.

Argh!

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INTERESTING: Note on the impracticality of invading Taiwan

Friday, February 9, 2024

FROM FREEREPUBLIC

*** begin quote ***

I was reading the third book in Ian Toll’s War in the Pacific Trilogy the other day. There was a segment on the decision to invade Formosa or the Philippines.

Here is a quote:

“On August 18, 1944, Nimitz estimated that the operation (Invasion of Taiwan) would require 505,000 army troops, 154,000 marines, and 61,000 navy shore personnel.”

So, assuming that modern warfare doesn’t require the same number of troops and the Taiwanese will not “fight to the last man” as the Japanese would…let’s cut those numbers in half.

How is China going to move 325,000 troops across the Straits of Taiwan? It took the US three years of almost unstopped work to get the transports and landing craft to do that. Plus two years of hard earned practice. And no country has accomplished that since the Korean War—where we still had the men and equipment to do it.

No..China is not invading Taiwan any time soon.

*** end quote ***

Seems like some unbiased assessment of the practicality.  And, China has “other bigger fish to fry” like the collapse of Evergrande and all the “fiscal contagion” that will cause.

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INTERESTING: Humans can learn echolocation but xray vision is fascinating

Monday, February 5, 2024

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13005513/From-boy-sonar-vision-man-slept-50-years-meet-people-real-life-superpowers-scientists-just-explain.html

From the boy with sonar vision to a man who hasn’t slept for over 50 years – meet the people with real-life superpowers that scientists just can’t explain

  • Meet the people who can show you what the human race is really capable of 
  • The girl with X-ray eyes
  • The Iceman
  • The boy with sonar vision
  • The man who did not eat or drink for 70 years
  • The man who didn’t sleep for 50 years

By Matthew Cox
Published: 10:04 EST, 28 January 2024 | Updated: 10:09 EST, 28 January 2024

*** begin quote ***

We have all wondered what superpower we would like to have given the chance.

It is a classic icebreaker question – flying, pausing time or going invisible – but we never expect our answers to come true.

However, a smattering of unique individuals across the globe have powers which seem impossible to explain.

*** end quote ***

I find the vision one inexplicably fascinating.

Imagine all the expensive testing that could be concentrated to those who need it quickly and easily.

Like training dogs to smell disease and low blood sugar.

Give some real meaning to that joke about ‘cat scan’ and ‘lab(rador) work’.

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INTERESTING: Miss Japan? At least she’s a female

Sunday, February 4, 2024

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68078061

Ukrainian-born model winning Miss Japan re-ignites identity debate
24th January 2024, 04:25 EST
By Shaimaa Khalil, Tokyo correspondent

*** begin quote ***

Ai Wada, the organiser of the Miss Japan Grand Prix pageant told the BBC that judges had chosen Ms Shin as the winner with “full confidence”.

“She speaks and writes in beautiful and polite Japanese,” Ms Wada said. “She is more Japanese than we are.”

Ms Shiino had announced in Instagram earlier last year when she received Japanese nationality, saying that she “may not look Japanese”, but her mind had “become Japanese” because she had grown up in Japan. 

*** end quote ***

I immediately remembered: “‘Pusher’ Ross: Well, you tell ‘im. You talk better English than I do!”.

The organizer’s quote just struck me as funny.

What makes someone “Japanese”?  

Or an “American” for that matter.  I’d like to believe that it’s a desire for freedom and liberty to “be all that you can be”.  Some how that ethic has been lost on many native born Americans.  As demonstrated by those from China and India that arrive with little or nothing and within a few decades they are “prosperous”.  But those born here with the same opportunities or even more never can rise from a self-inflicted poverty.

I’m sure that the Gooferment “welfare”  — handouts that are enough to starve  — blunts any ambition.

So sad that one has to be “Japanese” to win a beauty contest in Japan but not “ambitious” to be an “American”.

Argh!  Makes me sad!

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INTERESTING: Indo-Pacific species demonstrates they are the “smartest”

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

https://www.iflscience.com/first-dolphins-to-work-out-how-to-steal-bait-from-crab-traps-caught-in-the-act-71683?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter

First Dolphins To Work Out How To Steal Bait From Crab Traps Caught In The Act

  • World-first footage shows that even among the three famously intelligent dolphin families, the Indo-Pacific species manages to excel again.

Stephen Luntz  — Freelance Writer

*** begin quote ***

Crab traps exist all over the world, but it’s only off Bunbury that dolphins have worked out how to safely steal the bait.

Superb film has been obtained of dolphins stealing bait from crab traps and escaping to tell the tale to their fellow pod members in what may be a unique behavior caught on film for the first time. Moreover, when crab fishers tried to make the traps dolphin-proof, their first efforts didn’t succeed for long. It wouldn’t be fair to call it an arm’s race when only one side has any, but it certainly seems the dolphins are up for the challenge of solving problems humans put between them and a meal that can’t swim away.

*** end quote ***

At first it made me laugh.  Then, it made we wonder if we don’t understand “intelligence”.  

Dolphins, of any “family”, might be more intelligent than humans?

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