Google brings anti-shake spoon to the table
MountainView, Calif. --------------------------- Just in time for the holidays, Google is throwing its money, brain power and technology at the humble spoon.
Of course these spoons (don't call them spoogles) are a bit more than your basic utensil: Using hundreds of algorithms, they allow people with essential tremors and Parkinson's Disease to eat without spilling.
The technology senses how a hand is shaking and makes instant adjustments to stay balanced. In clinical trials, the Liftware spoons reduced shaking of the spoon bowl by about 76 percent.
"We want to help people in their daily lives today and hopefully increase understanding of disease in the long run," said Google spokesperson Katelin Jabbari.
Would you mind giving this plane a push?
Moscow ------------------------------------------- In other countries, you may be asked to give a push to a car stuck in the mud. In Russia, passengers in the Arctic came out of an airliner to the cold to help it move to the runway.
A Russian-made Tu-134 with 74 oil workers and seven crew members onboard was due to fly from the town of lgarka to Krasnoyarsk when the plane couldn't move onto the runway. It was -61 F outside and the passengers seemed desperate to get home.
Eager to help, several dozen men were seen in an armateur video pushing the plane by leaning on both wings. However, the video also showed a tow bar attached to the front landing gear, suggesting the tractor was doing much of the work.
Time to change the litter in New Castle's box
New Castle, Pa. --------------------------------- Residents are hoping tests on air samples can explain why their western Pennsylvania city smells like cat urine.
New Castle residents began noticing the smells in the city about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The New Castle News says the smell is still lingering near a sewage treatment plant in the city's Mahoningtown neighborhood.
State environmental officials don't believe the odor is harmful, but they don't yet know what's causing it.
A spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says on-site monitoring didn't detect any hazardous substances in the air.
Jughead pooch ditches his headgear
Houston ----------------------------------------- A stray puppy with a plastic jug stuck on his head has been rescued --------- and freed from his headpiece.
A Houston-area family says they saw the dog around the property for weeks. The jug, which was open on both ends, was part of a pet feeder in Audra Bohannon's barn. She believes the dog they call Bucky, short for bucket, got stuck while seeking food.
KPRC-TV reports Bohannon planned to take the pup to a vet to see if the German shepherd mix has an identifying microchip.
Bohannon says she saw the dog around her property but could never catch the pooch ------ until a few days ago. The dog was captured and the jug cut off in a videotaped rescue.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Saturday, December 13, 2014
F. Y. I.
Quotable
by Thornton Wilder, American playwright and novelist (1897-1975)
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."
Still on the Books
In Spokane, Washington, TV's may not be bought on Sundays.
By the Numbers
Americans consume some 400 million pounds of cranberries a year, including 20 percent of that total during Thanksgiving week.
Almost Cast
Christopher Reeve was considered for the role of Westley, which went to Cary Elwes, in "The Princess Bride."
Cure of Old
Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
So Called
Young male and female turkeys are called jakes and jennies; they grow up to be toms and hens.
by Thornton Wilder, American playwright and novelist (1897-1975)
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."
Still on the Books
In Spokane, Washington, TV's may not be bought on Sundays.
By the Numbers
Americans consume some 400 million pounds of cranberries a year, including 20 percent of that total during Thanksgiving week.
Almost Cast
Christopher Reeve was considered for the role of Westley, which went to Cary Elwes, in "The Princess Bride."
Cure of Old
Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
So Called
Young male and female turkeys are called jakes and jennies; they grow up to be toms and hens.
Kennections
All five correct answers have something in common.
Can you figure out what it is?
1. What speedy hedgehog has been a Sega video game mascot since 1991?
2. What unit of electric potential is named for the Italian scientist who invented the battery?
3. Kevin Kline was the top-billed actor in what 1985 western that was the breakout film for another Kevin, Kevin Costner?
4. What's the calendar term for the day (in March and September) when the sun is directly overhead at the Equator?
5. Mel Gibson and Barbara Streisand are among the stars who live in what posh Los Angeles County beachfront city?
Bonus : What's the "Kennection" between all five answers?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1. Sonic
2. Volt
3. Silverado
4. Equinox
5. Malibu
Bonus : all are models of Chevrolet
Can you figure out what it is?
1. What speedy hedgehog has been a Sega video game mascot since 1991?
2. What unit of electric potential is named for the Italian scientist who invented the battery?
3. Kevin Kline was the top-billed actor in what 1985 western that was the breakout film for another Kevin, Kevin Costner?
4. What's the calendar term for the day (in March and September) when the sun is directly overhead at the Equator?
5. Mel Gibson and Barbara Streisand are among the stars who live in what posh Los Angeles County beachfront city?
Bonus : What's the "Kennection" between all five answers?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1. Sonic
2. Volt
3. Silverado
4. Equinox
5. Malibu
Bonus : all are models of Chevrolet
F. Y. I.
Down Under
A hippopotamus can stay under water for up to 30 minutes.
State Stats
Virginia was named for England's "Virgin Queen," Elizabeth I.
Before Fame
Actor Paul Bettany was once a busker who earned money by playing the guitar.
Still on the Books
In Kazakhstan, it's against the law to take photographs in and around airports.
Quotable
by Jim Rohn, American author and entrepreneur (1930-2009)
"Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become."
Sweet Rush
Until sugar began being traded through cities like Venice in the 1400s, honey was the only sweetener known in Europe.
A hippopotamus can stay under water for up to 30 minutes.
State Stats
Virginia was named for England's "Virgin Queen," Elizabeth I.
Before Fame
Actor Paul Bettany was once a busker who earned money by playing the guitar.
Still on the Books
In Kazakhstan, it's against the law to take photographs in and around airports.
Quotable
by Jim Rohn, American author and entrepreneur (1930-2009)
"Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become."
Sweet Rush
Until sugar began being traded through cities like Venice in the 1400s, honey was the only sweetener known in Europe.
F. Y. I.
Quotable
by Thomas Alva Edison, American inventor and businessman (1847-1931)
"If we all did things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves."
Still on the Books
In La Crosse, Wisconsin, it is illegal to "worry" a squirrel.
State Stats
The renowned Paul Broste Rock Museum in Parshall, North Dakota, was built of natural granite quarried from the area with volunteer labor.
True Phobias
Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.
Winning Variety
Mozzarella is the most-consumed cheese in the world.
A Rarity Re-examined
Earthquakes occur an estimated 500,000 times a year, but only about a fifth of those are felt by humans.
by Thomas Alva Edison, American inventor and businessman (1847-1931)
"If we all did things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves."
Still on the Books
In La Crosse, Wisconsin, it is illegal to "worry" a squirrel.
State Stats
The renowned Paul Broste Rock Museum in Parshall, North Dakota, was built of natural granite quarried from the area with volunteer labor.
True Phobias
Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.
Winning Variety
Mozzarella is the most-consumed cheese in the world.
A Rarity Re-examined
Earthquakes occur an estimated 500,000 times a year, but only about a fifth of those are felt by humans.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Fall into the habit of winterizing your car.
As manager of AAA's Auto Repair facility in Willow Grove, Pa., Rick Santiago sees plenty of dead batteries.
And he says, even though the battery is starting your car now, when it is still relatively warm, he and other garage owners say it is imperative to get your vehicle in tiptop shape for cold weather.
As part of October's Car Care Month, Santiago says he is encouraging customers to get a battery check.
One of his technicians, Toan Luong, checked a battery on a Mitsubishi. Although nearly a new car, a diagnositic showed the battery should be replaced.
"It has some life left in it, but when it's cold out, the car is not going to start, leaving you strandard," Santiago said.
Santiago also says motorists should replace their vehicle's wiper blades, get all fluids checked, make sure the tires have enough tread and get the oil changed.
Additionally, he pointed to a spool of brake line that he said his technicians used plenty of replacing rusted brake lines, which run under the vehicle.
He said some cars are particularly bad because of plastic clips that crack and water gets trapped between the clip and metal brake line. Then it rusts.
Other variables include PennDot spraying brine in anticipation of snow. While it is quite effective, it also works at destroying the bottom of your vehicle.
A survey of more than 2,800 AAA members, shows that 88 percent of motorists frequently skip brake fluid service, which causes brake lines to rust internally.
When it comes to a battery check, 82 percent do not get it done. Eighty-one percent do not get transmission fluid changed and 77 percent do not have their engine's cooling system serviced, which can lead to very costly repairs, Santiago said.
"When you can get a brake system flush and new fluid added for about $75, it's well worth it," Santiago said.
At Bristol and Taylor Garage, 2429 Bristol Road, Pete Fuhr agrees with Santiago that cooling systems are often overlooked by customers.
"Not replacing anti-freeze is the big problem. The manufactures lead you to believe it will last 100,000 miles. When General Motors came out with the extended Dex-Cool in the mid-1990s, they said it would last a long time. The problem was air got into the system and it would turn brown, leading to all kinds of expensive repairs," Fuhr said.
To save his customers money, Fuhr recommends replacing your engine's coolant every 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
He stresses changing the oil earlier than some manufactures suggest too.
Other maintenance items overlooked are the transmission and brake fluid flushes, he said.
"It's far less expensive to maintain your car than to bring to me with a serious problem."
Fuhr adds making sure your vehicle's tires have plenty of tread and that periodic tire pressure checks are crucial to long tire life.
Other tips from AAA spokeswoman Jenny M. Robinson are to inspect all belts, hoses and lights on your vehicle.
AAA also strongly suggests keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle. In it should be plenty of water, non-perishable food, flashlights, jumper cables, snow shovel, blankets, extra batteries and your cell phone charger.
Lastly, snow and ice can damage your vehicle's paint. Wash your car and wax it to protect the finish. A waxed vehicle also gets better fuel mileage, studies show, because air flows more easily over a smooth surface.
And he says, even though the battery is starting your car now, when it is still relatively warm, he and other garage owners say it is imperative to get your vehicle in tiptop shape for cold weather.
As part of October's Car Care Month, Santiago says he is encouraging customers to get a battery check.
One of his technicians, Toan Luong, checked a battery on a Mitsubishi. Although nearly a new car, a diagnositic showed the battery should be replaced.
"It has some life left in it, but when it's cold out, the car is not going to start, leaving you strandard," Santiago said.
Santiago also says motorists should replace their vehicle's wiper blades, get all fluids checked, make sure the tires have enough tread and get the oil changed.
Additionally, he pointed to a spool of brake line that he said his technicians used plenty of replacing rusted brake lines, which run under the vehicle.
He said some cars are particularly bad because of plastic clips that crack and water gets trapped between the clip and metal brake line. Then it rusts.
Other variables include PennDot spraying brine in anticipation of snow. While it is quite effective, it also works at destroying the bottom of your vehicle.
A survey of more than 2,800 AAA members, shows that 88 percent of motorists frequently skip brake fluid service, which causes brake lines to rust internally.
When it comes to a battery check, 82 percent do not get it done. Eighty-one percent do not get transmission fluid changed and 77 percent do not have their engine's cooling system serviced, which can lead to very costly repairs, Santiago said.
"When you can get a brake system flush and new fluid added for about $75, it's well worth it," Santiago said.
At Bristol and Taylor Garage, 2429 Bristol Road, Pete Fuhr agrees with Santiago that cooling systems are often overlooked by customers.
"Not replacing anti-freeze is the big problem. The manufactures lead you to believe it will last 100,000 miles. When General Motors came out with the extended Dex-Cool in the mid-1990s, they said it would last a long time. The problem was air got into the system and it would turn brown, leading to all kinds of expensive repairs," Fuhr said.
To save his customers money, Fuhr recommends replacing your engine's coolant every 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
He stresses changing the oil earlier than some manufactures suggest too.
Other maintenance items overlooked are the transmission and brake fluid flushes, he said.
"It's far less expensive to maintain your car than to bring to me with a serious problem."
Fuhr adds making sure your vehicle's tires have plenty of tread and that periodic tire pressure checks are crucial to long tire life.
Other tips from AAA spokeswoman Jenny M. Robinson are to inspect all belts, hoses and lights on your vehicle.
AAA also strongly suggests keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle. In it should be plenty of water, non-perishable food, flashlights, jumper cables, snow shovel, blankets, extra batteries and your cell phone charger.
Lastly, snow and ice can damage your vehicle's paint. Wash your car and wax it to protect the finish. A waxed vehicle also gets better fuel mileage, studies show, because air flows more easily over a smooth surface.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Weird News
Punxsutawney Phil's PO'd pal attacks
Hampton, N. H. --------------------------- A New Hampshire man says he was working in his garage when a groundhog he had seen in his back yard charged at him.
Gary McGrath says the groundhog got close, so he pushed him back with his foot. But the animal returned. McGrath said he gave him a harder kick and closed the garage door.
But the groundhog sneaked through another opening ------ and McGrath ended up running to the front door.
His wife called an animal-control officer, who got back into his truck for a short time when confronted by the groundhog. The animal was later put down in the yard. It will be tested for rabies.
McGrath said he didn't know what the groundhog was thinking, "but was not nice."
Court pops prisoner's air mattress
Kingsley, Mich. -------------------------- A federal appeals court has deflated a Michigan prisoner's air mattress.
The court overturned a 2013 order by a judge who told the state Corrections Department to let Richard Boone II use an air mattress to relieve pain.
In a 3-0 decision, the court said U.S. District Judge Arthur Tarnow didn't follow the correct procedure for an injunction.
Boone, 45, is a convicted robber locked up at the Pugsley prison near Traverse City. His medical history includes a hip replacement and major leg surgery, and he said a private doctor had recommended an air mattress.
Worm finds home in man's brain
Washington ------------------------------ After four years of headaches, a British man was found to have a rare guest living inside his skull : a tapeworm. The case is reported in the journal Genome Biology.
Does your head hurt yet? Give it a minute.
The nearly half-inch-long spirometra erinaceieuropaei worm was found during a brain biopsy to investigate strange patterns doctors had seen moving slowly across the host's brain scans over the years.
Man falls 11 stories, lands on moving car, lives
San Francisco ---------------------------- Police say a San Francisco window washer has survived after falling 11 stories from a rooftop onto a moving car.
Sgt. Danielle Newman, a police spokeswoman, said the man was conscious when officers arrived.
The man, whose name and age were not immediately available, was transported to a hospital with critical injuries.
Police said the motorist was making a left turn when the window washer fell onto the roof of the car.
The driver of the Toyota Camry was not injured.
Hampton, N. H. --------------------------- A New Hampshire man says he was working in his garage when a groundhog he had seen in his back yard charged at him.
Gary McGrath says the groundhog got close, so he pushed him back with his foot. But the animal returned. McGrath said he gave him a harder kick and closed the garage door.
But the groundhog sneaked through another opening ------ and McGrath ended up running to the front door.
His wife called an animal-control officer, who got back into his truck for a short time when confronted by the groundhog. The animal was later put down in the yard. It will be tested for rabies.
McGrath said he didn't know what the groundhog was thinking, "but was not nice."
Court pops prisoner's air mattress
Kingsley, Mich. -------------------------- A federal appeals court has deflated a Michigan prisoner's air mattress.
The court overturned a 2013 order by a judge who told the state Corrections Department to let Richard Boone II use an air mattress to relieve pain.
In a 3-0 decision, the court said U.S. District Judge Arthur Tarnow didn't follow the correct procedure for an injunction.
Boone, 45, is a convicted robber locked up at the Pugsley prison near Traverse City. His medical history includes a hip replacement and major leg surgery, and he said a private doctor had recommended an air mattress.
Worm finds home in man's brain
Washington ------------------------------ After four years of headaches, a British man was found to have a rare guest living inside his skull : a tapeworm. The case is reported in the journal Genome Biology.
Does your head hurt yet? Give it a minute.
The nearly half-inch-long spirometra erinaceieuropaei worm was found during a brain biopsy to investigate strange patterns doctors had seen moving slowly across the host's brain scans over the years.
Man falls 11 stories, lands on moving car, lives
San Francisco ---------------------------- Police say a San Francisco window washer has survived after falling 11 stories from a rooftop onto a moving car.
Sgt. Danielle Newman, a police spokeswoman, said the man was conscious when officers arrived.
The man, whose name and age were not immediately available, was transported to a hospital with critical injuries.
Police said the motorist was making a left turn when the window washer fell onto the roof of the car.
The driver of the Toyota Camry was not injured.
Can you get a purr-fect score?
Test Your knowledge of feline facts with our fun quiz.
1. Domestic cats spend what percentage of their lives sleeping?
A) 37 percent
B) 45 "
C) 70 "
D) 56 "
2. Which of the following is the only big cat capable of purring?
A) Leopard
B) Cheetah
C) Cougar
D) Jaguar
3. True or False? A cat's taste buds do not have receptors for sweet flavors.
4. Which of the following treatments can help cats suffering from idiopathic cystitis (a bladder infection)?
A) Providing interactive toys and tall cat trees
B) Keeping the litter box very clean
C) Reducing stress
D) All of the above
5. True or False? The ability to respond to catnip is genetic.
6. What are the names of the two cats who pull the chariot of the Norse goddess Freya?
A) Loki and Thor
B) Bygul and Trjegul
C) Huginn and Muninn
D) Geri and Freki
7. Cats have been associated with people for how long?
A) 10,000 years
B) 5,000 "
C) 7,500 "
D) 2,000 "
8. What term is used to refer to cats with extra toes?
A) Multidigital
B) Phalanges
C) Polydactyl
D) Metatarsals
9. When you hear that familiar hacking sound in the middle of the night, your cat is getting ready to bring up what?
A) A dead mouse
B) Bile
C) A trichobezoar
D) A bolus
10. Which of the following is the most common pattern seen in cats?
A) Calico
B) Tabby
C) Tortoiseshell
D) Bicolor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1. (C) Domestic cats sleep 16 to 18 hours a day.
2. (B)
3. True - As far as we know, cats are the only mammals that lack the receptors for
sweetness.
4. (D)
5. True - But kittens don't develop a response to catnip until they are 3 to 6 months
old.
6. (B) Freya's cats are nameless in mythology, but fantasy author Diana L. Paxson
named them (tree-gold) in honor of Freya's associations with honey and ambe
7. (A)
8. (C)
9. (C) Trichobezoar is the scientific term for, yes, a hairball.
10. (B) The pattern comes in many different colors and serves as effective camouflage
When the sun shines just right on some solid-colored cats, you can see
underlying tabby markings.
1. Domestic cats spend what percentage of their lives sleeping?
A) 37 percent
B) 45 "
C) 70 "
D) 56 "
2. Which of the following is the only big cat capable of purring?
A) Leopard
B) Cheetah
C) Cougar
D) Jaguar
3. True or False? A cat's taste buds do not have receptors for sweet flavors.
4. Which of the following treatments can help cats suffering from idiopathic cystitis (a bladder infection)?
A) Providing interactive toys and tall cat trees
B) Keeping the litter box very clean
C) Reducing stress
D) All of the above
5. True or False? The ability to respond to catnip is genetic.
6. What are the names of the two cats who pull the chariot of the Norse goddess Freya?
A) Loki and Thor
B) Bygul and Trjegul
C) Huginn and Muninn
D) Geri and Freki
7. Cats have been associated with people for how long?
A) 10,000 years
B) 5,000 "
C) 7,500 "
D) 2,000 "
8. What term is used to refer to cats with extra toes?
A) Multidigital
B) Phalanges
C) Polydactyl
D) Metatarsals
9. When you hear that familiar hacking sound in the middle of the night, your cat is getting ready to bring up what?
A) A dead mouse
B) Bile
C) A trichobezoar
D) A bolus
10. Which of the following is the most common pattern seen in cats?
A) Calico
B) Tabby
C) Tortoiseshell
D) Bicolor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1. (C) Domestic cats sleep 16 to 18 hours a day.
2. (B)
3. True - As far as we know, cats are the only mammals that lack the receptors for
sweetness.
4. (D)
5. True - But kittens don't develop a response to catnip until they are 3 to 6 months
old.
6. (B) Freya's cats are nameless in mythology, but fantasy author Diana L. Paxson
named them (tree-gold) in honor of Freya's associations with honey and ambe
7. (A)
8. (C)
9. (C) Trichobezoar is the scientific term for, yes, a hairball.
10. (B) The pattern comes in many different colors and serves as effective camouflage
When the sun shines just right on some solid-colored cats, you can see
underlying tabby markings.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
F. Y. I.
State Stats
The "yield" sign, invented by police Officer Clinton Riggs, was first used in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Still on the Books
In Milan, one must legally smile at all times, with funerals and hospital visits being the exceptions.
Faking It
Because the oil and chocolate would stain his Muppet costume, Cookie Monster usually eats rice crackers painted to look like cookies.
Underwater Abyss
At 35,827 feet, the Challenger Deep area of the Mariana Trench near Guam is the deepest part of the ocean.
Quotable
by Lucinda Williams, singer-songwriter
"You can be in hell and create your own heaven. But it takes an immense amount of discipline."
So Named
A young marsupial, which includes kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and possums, is called a joey.
The "yield" sign, invented by police Officer Clinton Riggs, was first used in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Still on the Books
In Milan, one must legally smile at all times, with funerals and hospital visits being the exceptions.
Faking It
Because the oil and chocolate would stain his Muppet costume, Cookie Monster usually eats rice crackers painted to look like cookies.
Underwater Abyss
At 35,827 feet, the Challenger Deep area of the Mariana Trench near Guam is the deepest part of the ocean.
Quotable
by Lucinda Williams, singer-songwriter
"You can be in hell and create your own heaven. But it takes an immense amount of discipline."
So Named
A young marsupial, which includes kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and possums, is called a joey.
Kennections
All five correct answers have something in common.
Can you figure out what it is?
1. In "America the Beautiful," purple mountain majesties rise above what "fruited" landform?
2. Whst branch of chemistry studies molecules that contain rings and chains of carbon atoms?
3. With 27,000 tons eaten there with cream every year, what fruits is the symbol of Wimbledon?
4. In addition to English, actress Nia Vardalos speaks what language fluently?
5. Queen Elsa and Princess Anna appeared in the latest season of Once Upon a Time, on loan from what Disney film?
Bonus : What's the "Kennection" between all five answers?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1. Plain
2. Organic
3. Strawberry
4. Greek
5. Frozen
Bonus : They are all types of yogurt
Can you figure out what it is?
1. In "America the Beautiful," purple mountain majesties rise above what "fruited" landform?
2. Whst branch of chemistry studies molecules that contain rings and chains of carbon atoms?
3. With 27,000 tons eaten there with cream every year, what fruits is the symbol of Wimbledon?
4. In addition to English, actress Nia Vardalos speaks what language fluently?
5. Queen Elsa and Princess Anna appeared in the latest season of Once Upon a Time, on loan from what Disney film?
Bonus : What's the "Kennection" between all five answers?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1. Plain
2. Organic
3. Strawberry
4. Greek
5. Frozen
Bonus : They are all types of yogurt
New Scam
Just read up on this and I thought I would share it with you.!!!
Wow! I DID NOT know this..........
I will have to check from now on tho for sure!
THIS IS A MUST READ **SHARE**it so all your friends and family are
aware of this scam!!
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR RECEIPTS - THIS IS IMPORTANT
AS YOU START YOUR SHOPPING FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS BEFORE LEAVING ANY CASHIER'S STATION!!!
THIS SCAM CAN BE DONE ANYWHERE, AT ANY RETAIL OR WHOLE
SALE LOCATION!!!
It happened at a Wal-Mart Supercenter a month ago.
I bought a bunch of stuff, over $150, & I glanced at my receipt as the cashier was handing me the bags. I saw a cash-back of $40. I told her I didn't request a cash back & to delete it.
She said I'd have to take the $40 because she couldn't delete it.
She said I'd have to take the $40 because she couldn't delete it. I told her to call a supervisor.
Supervisor came & said I'd have to take it! I said NO! Taking the $40 would be a cash advance against my Discover & I wasn't paying interest on the cash advance !!!!! If they couldn't delete it then they would have to delete the whole order. So the supervisor had the cashier delete the whole order & rescan everything!
The second time I looked at the electronic tab before I signed & a cash-back of $20 popped up. At that point I told the cashier & she deleted it.
The total came out right. The cashier agreed that the electronic pad must be defective. (yeah, right!)
Obviously the cashier knew the electronic pad wasn't defective because she NEVER offered me the $40 at the beginning. Can you imagine how many people went through before me & at the end of her shift how much money she pocketed?
Just to alert everyone. My coworker went to Milford, DE Wal-Mart last week. She had her items rung up by the cashier. The cashier hurried her along and didn't give her a receipt.
She asked the cashier for a receipt and the cashier was annoyed and gave it to her.
My coworker didn't look at her receipt until later that night. The receipt showed that she asked for $20 cash back. SHE DID NOT ASK FOR CASH BACK!
My coworker called Wal-amart who investigated but could not see the cashier pocker the money. She then called her niece who works for the bank and her niece told her This is a new scam. The cashier will key in that you asked for cash back and then hand it to her friend who is the next person in line.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE check your receipts right away when using credit or debit cards!
This is NOT limited to Wal-Mart, although they are the largest retailer so they have the most incidents.
I am adding to this...........My husband and I were in Wal-Mart North Salisbury and paying with a credit card. When my husband went to sign the credit card signer, he just happened to notice there was a $20 cash back added. He told the cashier that he did not ask nor want cash back and she said this machine has been messing up and she canceled it.
We didn't think anything of it until we read this email.
I wonder how many "seniors" have been, or will be, "stung" by this one?????
BEFORE LEAVING THE CASHIER'S STATION!!!!!!!
CHECK YOUR RECEIPT
BEFORE LEAVING THE STAND. I'VE SEEN PEOPLE DO JUST THAT. NOW I'LL START!
PASS THIS ON TO YOUR FRIENDS, KIDS, LOVED ONES.
Wow! I DID NOT know this..........
I will have to check from now on tho for sure!
THIS IS A MUST READ **SHARE**it so all your friends and family are
aware of this scam!!
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR RECEIPTS - THIS IS IMPORTANT
AS YOU START YOUR SHOPPING FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS BEFORE LEAVING ANY CASHIER'S STATION!!!
THIS SCAM CAN BE DONE ANYWHERE, AT ANY RETAIL OR WHOLE
SALE LOCATION!!!
It happened at a Wal-Mart Supercenter a month ago.
I bought a bunch of stuff, over $150, & I glanced at my receipt as the cashier was handing me the bags. I saw a cash-back of $40. I told her I didn't request a cash back & to delete it.
She said I'd have to take the $40 because she couldn't delete it.
She said I'd have to take the $40 because she couldn't delete it. I told her to call a supervisor.
Supervisor came & said I'd have to take it! I said NO! Taking the $40 would be a cash advance against my Discover & I wasn't paying interest on the cash advance !!!!! If they couldn't delete it then they would have to delete the whole order. So the supervisor had the cashier delete the whole order & rescan everything!
The second time I looked at the electronic tab before I signed & a cash-back of $20 popped up. At that point I told the cashier & she deleted it.
The total came out right. The cashier agreed that the electronic pad must be defective. (yeah, right!)
Obviously the cashier knew the electronic pad wasn't defective because she NEVER offered me the $40 at the beginning. Can you imagine how many people went through before me & at the end of her shift how much money she pocketed?
Just to alert everyone. My coworker went to Milford, DE Wal-Mart last week. She had her items rung up by the cashier. The cashier hurried her along and didn't give her a receipt.
She asked the cashier for a receipt and the cashier was annoyed and gave it to her.
My coworker didn't look at her receipt until later that night. The receipt showed that she asked for $20 cash back. SHE DID NOT ASK FOR CASH BACK!
My coworker called Wal-amart who investigated but could not see the cashier pocker the money. She then called her niece who works for the bank and her niece told her This is a new scam. The cashier will key in that you asked for cash back and then hand it to her friend who is the next person in line.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE check your receipts right away when using credit or debit cards!
This is NOT limited to Wal-Mart, although they are the largest retailer so they have the most incidents.
I am adding to this...........My husband and I were in Wal-Mart North Salisbury and paying with a credit card. When my husband went to sign the credit card signer, he just happened to notice there was a $20 cash back added. He told the cashier that he did not ask nor want cash back and she said this machine has been messing up and she canceled it.
We didn't think anything of it until we read this email.
I wonder how many "seniors" have been, or will be, "stung" by this one?????
BEFORE LEAVING THE CASHIER'S STATION!!!!!!!
CHECK YOUR RECEIPT
BEFORE LEAVING THE STAND. I'VE SEEN PEOPLE DO JUST THAT. NOW I'LL START!
PASS THIS ON TO YOUR FRIENDS, KIDS, LOVED ONES.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Earthweek: A Diary of the Planet (Nov. 14, 2014)
Oil Sands Tragedy
Canada's oil sands industry is under fire for the deaths of 122 waterfowl that had landed in three companies' tailings ponds, where waste from oil extraction is dumped. Syncrude said many of the birds that landed at its Mildred Lake site in east-central Alberta had to be euthanized, and cited extreme fog as a leading factor in the tragedy. It claims its waterfowl deterence system was operating at the time. That company was earlier fined $3 million for the deaths of more than 1,600 ducks that landed on one of its tailings ponds in 2008. Regulators say oil sands operators are required to operate bird deterrents, like noise cannons, to scare wildlife from toxic areas. Oil sands mining creates a slurry of toxic substances that include bitumen, toluene, heavy metals and other chemicals harmful or fatal to birds. Mike Hudema of Greenpeace Canada says the deterrence systems just aren't enough. "The only way to keep birds and animals safe in, really, what is a toxic brew of chemicals is to get these tailings ponds off the Alberta landscape," Hudema told the industry news service Oilprice.
Groundwater Warming
Climate change over the past 40 years has raised the temperature of water in the ground from the surface down to about 200 feet, according to a new long-term study of groundwater flows in Western Europe. Measurements taken around the German cities of Cologne and Karlsruhe during that period reveal the groundwater warmed significantly, following the warming pattern of the local and regional climate. "Global warming is reflected directly in the groundwater, albeit damped and with a certain time lag," said Peter Bayer, senior assistant at ETH Zurich's Geological Institute.
Nocturnal Adaptation
Days in northern Kenya have become so hot under climate change that some residents have turned nocturnal to escape the heat. Nightfall has become something to celebrate in Atheley and other villages, where afternoon readings in excess of 104 degrees Fahrenheit became common for the first time this year. The Thompson Reuters Foundation reports this has made farming, going to school and other daily activities a struggle. Vill bfown agers now take refuge in circular huts, waiting for sunset before venturing outside. Students attend classes between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., then return at dawn for an additional two-hour session. New solar lighting technology, which charges up during the broiling daylight hours, has allowed the remote villages to adapt to nocturnal life.
Lava Destruction
The creeping lava flow from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano claimed its first home, igniting the structure as its residents watched nearby. The home in Pahoa was evacuated long before a finger of lava from the main flow arrived. The leading edge of the lava, which can reach temperatures of more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, later pushed through a fence surrounding the community's waste and recycling center. A storage shed and a cattle-feeding shelter have also burned.
Earthquakes
A sharp quake caused minor damage near the epicenter in southern Kansas. It was widely felt.
* Earth movements were also felt in Britain's Channel Islands, southeastern Philippines, Tokyo, Hawaii's Kona Coast, Greece's Gulf of Cointh, northern Chile and the San Francisco Bav Area.
Malodorous Moscow
The entire Russian capital became enveloped in the foul smell of sulfur, hydrogen sulfide and oil products, prompting at least one resident to ask if the gates of hell had opened up beneath Moscow. A thick fog accompanied the stink, which seeped into apartments, offices, stores and even the underground metro. Officials in the emergency ministry said faulty air filters at a refinery in southeastern Moscow were responsible for the stench. But state controlled Gazprom which operates the refinery, denied the claim. Air in southwestern Moscow briefly contained 2.5 times the maximum permissible levels of styrene, a toxic and mutation-causing chemical used for polymer production, according to city-run watchdog MosEcoMonitoring.
Sonar Jamming
Researchers studying the sonic connection between bats and their insect prey found that at least one species of the flying mammals can use its sonar echolocation to confuse other bats targeting the same meal. A University of Maryland scientist studying how a particular moth is able to jam the sonar of big brown bats by making ultrasonic clicks when being hunted also found that other bats make sonar-jamming sounds. In follow-up research, William Conner of Wake Forest recorded Mexican free-tailed bats generating high-frequency interference to gain the uper hand in hunting. "They use it at the moment of truth, when the hunter is zeroing in on its prey," Conner says. He adds that the bats get into "one will jam the other and the other will jam back."
Canada's oil sands industry is under fire for the deaths of 122 waterfowl that had landed in three companies' tailings ponds, where waste from oil extraction is dumped. Syncrude said many of the birds that landed at its Mildred Lake site in east-central Alberta had to be euthanized, and cited extreme fog as a leading factor in the tragedy. It claims its waterfowl deterence system was operating at the time. That company was earlier fined $3 million for the deaths of more than 1,600 ducks that landed on one of its tailings ponds in 2008. Regulators say oil sands operators are required to operate bird deterrents, like noise cannons, to scare wildlife from toxic areas. Oil sands mining creates a slurry of toxic substances that include bitumen, toluene, heavy metals and other chemicals harmful or fatal to birds. Mike Hudema of Greenpeace Canada says the deterrence systems just aren't enough. "The only way to keep birds and animals safe in, really, what is a toxic brew of chemicals is to get these tailings ponds off the Alberta landscape," Hudema told the industry news service Oilprice.
Groundwater Warming
Climate change over the past 40 years has raised the temperature of water in the ground from the surface down to about 200 feet, according to a new long-term study of groundwater flows in Western Europe. Measurements taken around the German cities of Cologne and Karlsruhe during that period reveal the groundwater warmed significantly, following the warming pattern of the local and regional climate. "Global warming is reflected directly in the groundwater, albeit damped and with a certain time lag," said Peter Bayer, senior assistant at ETH Zurich's Geological Institute.
Nocturnal Adaptation
Days in northern Kenya have become so hot under climate change that some residents have turned nocturnal to escape the heat. Nightfall has become something to celebrate in Atheley and other villages, where afternoon readings in excess of 104 degrees Fahrenheit became common for the first time this year. The Thompson Reuters Foundation reports this has made farming, going to school and other daily activities a struggle. Vill bfown agers now take refuge in circular huts, waiting for sunset before venturing outside. Students attend classes between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., then return at dawn for an additional two-hour session. New solar lighting technology, which charges up during the broiling daylight hours, has allowed the remote villages to adapt to nocturnal life.
Lava Destruction
The creeping lava flow from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano claimed its first home, igniting the structure as its residents watched nearby. The home in Pahoa was evacuated long before a finger of lava from the main flow arrived. The leading edge of the lava, which can reach temperatures of more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, later pushed through a fence surrounding the community's waste and recycling center. A storage shed and a cattle-feeding shelter have also burned.
Earthquakes
A sharp quake caused minor damage near the epicenter in southern Kansas. It was widely felt.
* Earth movements were also felt in Britain's Channel Islands, southeastern Philippines, Tokyo, Hawaii's Kona Coast, Greece's Gulf of Cointh, northern Chile and the San Francisco Bav Area.
Malodorous Moscow
The entire Russian capital became enveloped in the foul smell of sulfur, hydrogen sulfide and oil products, prompting at least one resident to ask if the gates of hell had opened up beneath Moscow. A thick fog accompanied the stink, which seeped into apartments, offices, stores and even the underground metro. Officials in the emergency ministry said faulty air filters at a refinery in southeastern Moscow were responsible for the stench. But state controlled Gazprom which operates the refinery, denied the claim. Air in southwestern Moscow briefly contained 2.5 times the maximum permissible levels of styrene, a toxic and mutation-causing chemical used for polymer production, according to city-run watchdog MosEcoMonitoring.
Sonar Jamming
Researchers studying the sonic connection between bats and their insect prey found that at least one species of the flying mammals can use its sonar echolocation to confuse other bats targeting the same meal. A University of Maryland scientist studying how a particular moth is able to jam the sonar of big brown bats by making ultrasonic clicks when being hunted also found that other bats make sonar-jamming sounds. In follow-up research, William Conner of Wake Forest recorded Mexican free-tailed bats generating high-frequency interference to gain the uper hand in hunting. "They use it at the moment of truth, when the hunter is zeroing in on its prey," Conner says. He adds that the bats get into "one will jam the other and the other will jam back."
Parents Send Their Son To Catholic School
To Get Better At Math.
Then This Happens.
A boy named Zachary was doing very badly in math. His parents had tried everything : tutors, mentors, flash cards, special learning centers. In short, everything they could think of to help his math. Finally, in a last ditch effort, they took Zachary down and enrolled him in the local Catholic school. After the first day, little Zachary came home with a very serious look on his face. He didn't even kiss his mother hello. Instead, he went straight to his room and started studying. Books and papers were spread out all over the room and little Zachary was hard at work. His mother was amazed.
She called him down to dinner. To her shock, the minute he was done, he marched back hitting the books as hard as before. This went on for some time, day after day, while the mother tried to understand what made all the difference.
Finally, little Zachary brought home his report card. He quietly laid it on the table, went up to his room and hit the books. With great trepidation, his Mom looked at it and to her great surprise, little Zachary got an "A" in math.
She could no longer hold her curiosity. She went to his room and said, "Son, what was it? Was it the nuns?" Little Zachary looked at her and shook his head, no. "Well, then," she replied," was it the uniforms? WHAT WAS IT?" Little Zachary looked at her and said, "Well, on the first day of school when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren't fooling around!"
Then This Happens.
A boy named Zachary was doing very badly in math. His parents had tried everything : tutors, mentors, flash cards, special learning centers. In short, everything they could think of to help his math. Finally, in a last ditch effort, they took Zachary down and enrolled him in the local Catholic school. After the first day, little Zachary came home with a very serious look on his face. He didn't even kiss his mother hello. Instead, he went straight to his room and started studying. Books and papers were spread out all over the room and little Zachary was hard at work. His mother was amazed.
She called him down to dinner. To her shock, the minute he was done, he marched back hitting the books as hard as before. This went on for some time, day after day, while the mother tried to understand what made all the difference.
Finally, little Zachary brought home his report card. He quietly laid it on the table, went up to his room and hit the books. With great trepidation, his Mom looked at it and to her great surprise, little Zachary got an "A" in math.
She could no longer hold her curiosity. She went to his room and said, "Son, what was it? Was it the nuns?" Little Zachary looked at her and shook his head, no. "Well, then," she replied," was it the uniforms? WHAT WAS IT?" Little Zachary looked at her and said, "Well, on the first day of school when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren't fooling around!"
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Question and Answer
Why does God make us suffer?
When the disciples asked Jesus whose sin resulted in a particular man being born blind, Jesus replied, "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him" (John 9:2-3).
God doesn't send it, but he uses our suffering to draw us to him.
Suffering comes from living in a world made imperfect by sin. Jesus points out that God doesn't want our needless suffering and will help us through it.
"Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him" (Matthew 7:9-11)? And he leaves in this wake a trail of discarded crutches, bandages, and bonds to prove it.
When the disciples asked Jesus whose sin resulted in a particular man being born blind, Jesus replied, "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him" (John 9:2-3).
God doesn't send it, but he uses our suffering to draw us to him.
Suffering comes from living in a world made imperfect by sin. Jesus points out that God doesn't want our needless suffering and will help us through it.
"Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him" (Matthew 7:9-11)? And he leaves in this wake a trail of discarded crutches, bandages, and bonds to prove it.
Feasts and Celebrations
The first day of Advent falls on Nov. 30 this year and begins a new year in the Church calendar (Cycle B). The Advent wreath is lit in households all over the world as we anticipate the birth of our Lord.
Nov. 1 ----- All Saints Day.
In the early Church, each saint and martyr was assigned a feast day. However, the persecution of the Christians became so great that there weren't enough days in the calendar for individual commemorations. Eventually Pope Gregory IV designated Nov. 1 as All Saints Day.
Nov. 2 ----- All Souls Day.
This is a day when we pray for the dead, especially our loved ones and souls in Purgatory. Our prayers and sacrifices can help them get to Heaven faster.
Nov. 23 ---- Our Lord Jesus Christ the King.
A solemnity that commemorates Our Father's promise to his people of a king who will triumph over their enemies. Jesus is Our King. In Baptism and Confirmation, we are brought under his kingship.
Nov. 1 ----- All Saints Day.
In the early Church, each saint and martyr was assigned a feast day. However, the persecution of the Christians became so great that there weren't enough days in the calendar for individual commemorations. Eventually Pope Gregory IV designated Nov. 1 as All Saints Day.
Nov. 2 ----- All Souls Day.
This is a day when we pray for the dead, especially our loved ones and souls in Purgatory. Our prayers and sacrifices can help them get to Heaven faster.
Nov. 23 ---- Our Lord Jesus Christ the King.
A solemnity that commemorates Our Father's promise to his people of a king who will triumph over their enemies. Jesus is Our King. In Baptism and Confirmation, we are brought under his kingship.
From Scripture
Mark 13:33-37,
Be watchful, be alert
This gospel is from the first Sunday of Advent. We are preparing to celebrate the birth of Our Lord, his first coming. Christmas is a time of joy, for Jesus came to us in human form to redeem us from our sins.
But Advent is a time for us to prepare for when Jesus comes again. In the Creed we say, ".......... he will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead." We don't know when this will happen. It could be tomorrow; it will certainly be when we die. Jesus' message is to be watchful and alert for his coming.
To be watchful involves getting our individual lives in order. Christ gave us the sacraments so we can do this, especially the Sacrament of Penance. Being in a state of grace means we are prepared to meet Jesus.
However, this preparation involves each of us gathering the harvest. It means each of us being a missionary in our lives so everyone may come to know and love the Lord when they come face to face with God.
Be watchful, be alert
This gospel is from the first Sunday of Advent. We are preparing to celebrate the birth of Our Lord, his first coming. Christmas is a time of joy, for Jesus came to us in human form to redeem us from our sins.
But Advent is a time for us to prepare for when Jesus comes again. In the Creed we say, ".......... he will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead." We don't know when this will happen. It could be tomorrow; it will certainly be when we die. Jesus' message is to be watchful and alert for his coming.
To be watchful involves getting our individual lives in order. Christ gave us the sacraments so we can do this, especially the Sacrament of Penance. Being in a state of grace means we are prepared to meet Jesus.
However, this preparation involves each of us gathering the harvest. It means each of us being a missionary in our lives so everyone may come to know and love the Lord when they come face to face with God.
The Catholic plan for world peace
Our world is often turbulent but the Church believes a just and fair world is possible when seven key principles are embraced :
Life and dignity of the human person:
We were created in God's image, therefore all life is sacred. This belief is the foundation for a just world.
Call to family, community, and participation:
People have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking the well-being of all.
Rights and Responsibilities:
Everyone has a right to life and to what is necessary for human decency.
Option for the poor and vulnerable:
We are to treat as urgent the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
Dignity of work and workers:
The worker has a right to productive work, to decent and fair wages and to the protection of basic rights.
Solidarity:
We are one human family. We are to love our neighbors as brothers and sisters and work for justice and peace everywhere.
Care for God's creation:
We show our love for God by protecting his creation.
Life and dignity of the human person:
We were created in God's image, therefore all life is sacred. This belief is the foundation for a just world.
Call to family, community, and participation:
People have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking the well-being of all.
Rights and Responsibilities:
Everyone has a right to life and to what is necessary for human decency.
Option for the poor and vulnerable:
We are to treat as urgent the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
Dignity of work and workers:
The worker has a right to productive work, to decent and fair wages and to the protection of basic rights.
Solidarity:
We are one human family. We are to love our neighbors as brothers and sisters and work for justice and peace everywhere.
Care for God's creation:
We show our love for God by protecting his creation.
Why do Catholics Do That?
Why do Catholics offer Masses for the dead?
When we die in God's friendship we eventually go to Heaven, but if we haven't properly atoned for certain sins we have to be purified in Purgatory first. We pray for the souls in Purgatory to help them pass through faster than they would otherwise.
When we die in God's friendship we eventually go to Heaven, but if we haven't properly atoned for certain sins we have to be purified in Purgatory first. We pray for the souls in Purgatory to help them pass through faster than they would otherwise.
Stewardship is giving thanks
For many Catholics, we think seriously about stewardship when our parish or diocese raises money but real stewardship is about becoming more fulfilled and having a greater sense of purpose. It is giving back to God in gratitude for his gifts. And while it's not just about money, good stewards have all the money they need.
God's family comes first.
All families come together in love to care for each other, enjoy each other, and support each other. In God's family, we come together in his love to care for each other, and support each other. As good stewards, we meet the needs of God's family first, before we spend time or money on anything else.
Find your place.
Ask God to help you discern and learn your place in his family. What are you to do with your gifts?
Take your seat at the table.
Find out where you can put your talents to work in your parish. Talk with your pastor, with the rectory staff, and with parish leaders.
Think before spending.
Before you commit your time or money to any purpose, make sure you have taken care of the needs of God's family first. Everything we have and everything we are comes from God. He deserves the best we have to give in return.
God's family comes first.
All families come together in love to care for each other, enjoy each other, and support each other. In God's family, we come together in his love to care for each other, and support each other. As good stewards, we meet the needs of God's family first, before we spend time or money on anything else.
Find your place.
Ask God to help you discern and learn your place in his family. What are you to do with your gifts?
Take your seat at the table.
Find out where you can put your talents to work in your parish. Talk with your pastor, with the rectory staff, and with parish leaders.
Think before spending.
Before you commit your time or money to any purpose, make sure you have taken care of the needs of God's family first. Everything we have and everything we are comes from God. He deserves the best we have to give in return.
One Minute Meditations
St. Andrew Dung-Lac
St. Andrew could also be the patron of the persecuted. In 1785, he was born in Vietnam to a poor family. He converted, and became a Catholic priest assigned to the missions. He was swept up in the terrible religious persecution of the emperor, Minh-Meng. St. Andrew and his companions were arrested and tortured to force them to renounce their faith. They refused and were martyred. Today, such religious persecution continues in many parts of the world.
Catholic Guilt
Popular culture often refers negatively to "Catholic guilt," implying that Catholics are weighed down by an unfortunate awareness of having done wrong. Sincerely acknowledging true guilt is the first step toward forgiveness.
God, the Partner
When David faced insurmountable odds against the Philistines, he turned to God for help. He asked if he should fight, he followed instructions carefully, and he gave God credit for his victory.
St. Andrew could also be the patron of the persecuted. In 1785, he was born in Vietnam to a poor family. He converted, and became a Catholic priest assigned to the missions. He was swept up in the terrible religious persecution of the emperor, Minh-Meng. St. Andrew and his companions were arrested and tortured to force them to renounce their faith. They refused and were martyred. Today, such religious persecution continues in many parts of the world.
Catholic Guilt
Popular culture often refers negatively to "Catholic guilt," implying that Catholics are weighed down by an unfortunate awareness of having done wrong. Sincerely acknowledging true guilt is the first step toward forgiveness.
God, the Partner
When David faced insurmountable odds against the Philistines, he turned to God for help. He asked if he should fight, he followed instructions carefully, and he gave God credit for his victory.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Pop Quiz (Classic Winter Songs)
Match the first part of the song title with its proper ending.
1. Winter ____________
2. A Marshmallow __________
3. Baby, It's ________________
4. Let It Snow ______________
5. Over the River ___________________
6. Sleigh _____________________
7. Frosty _____________________
8. Suzie ______________________
9. I've Got My Love _________________
10. Jingle _____________________
A) and Through the Woods
B) Let it Snow, Let it Snow
C) Ride
D) the Snowman
E) Snowflake
F) Wonderland
G) to Keep Me Warm
H) World
I) Bells
J) Cold Outside
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Answers : 1. F ; 2. H ; 3. J ; 4. B ; 5. A ; 6. C ; 7. D ; 8. E ; 9. G ; 10. I
1. Winter ____________
2. A Marshmallow __________
3. Baby, It's ________________
4. Let It Snow ______________
5. Over the River ___________________
6. Sleigh _____________________
7. Frosty _____________________
8. Suzie ______________________
9. I've Got My Love _________________
10. Jingle _____________________
A) and Through the Woods
B) Let it Snow, Let it Snow
C) Ride
D) the Snowman
E) Snowflake
F) Wonderland
G) to Keep Me Warm
H) World
I) Bells
J) Cold Outside
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Answers : 1. F ; 2. H ; 3. J ; 4. B ; 5. A ; 6. C ; 7. D ; 8. E ; 9. G ; 10. I
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Jokes
The Joke
Why did the geologist get thrown out of jazz band?
He only knew rock songs.
Pocket Watch
"I have some good news and some bad news," a minister told his Sunday congregation.
"The good news is we have enough money to cover the monthly bills.
The bad news is it's still in your pockets."
Gift Exchange
One day, I wanted to surprise my wife with a gift so I went to a cosmetics counter and asked the clerk, "Show me some perfume."
The clerk handed me a bottle with a $60 price tag.
"A bit much," I replied, so she returned with another priced at $30.
"Still too much," I said, adding, "what I'd like to see is something real cheap."
She handed me a mirror.
Cold Call
A recently promoted colonel in the Army was inspecting his new office when he saw a sergeant heading his way. He quickly sat behind the desk, picked up the phone and with the sergeant standing in the doorway within earshot, said, "Why, yes, General, my wife and I would be delighted to join you and your wife for cocktails this evening, and thank you for the invitation."
Hanging up, he turned to the sergeant and asked, "What can I do for you?"
"Well, sir," he replied, "I'm from communications and they sent me over to hook up your phone."
Telling Overture
When we tried to reach a consensus on the definition of an intellectual, people advanced several suggestions ---- one's vocabulary, college degrees, languages spoken, books read weekly.
The discussion rambled on until someone offered a definition that pleased everyone: The true intellectual can listen to the William Tell Overture without thinking of The Lone Ranger.
Why did the geologist get thrown out of jazz band?
He only knew rock songs.
Pocket Watch
"I have some good news and some bad news," a minister told his Sunday congregation.
"The good news is we have enough money to cover the monthly bills.
The bad news is it's still in your pockets."
Gift Exchange
One day, I wanted to surprise my wife with a gift so I went to a cosmetics counter and asked the clerk, "Show me some perfume."
The clerk handed me a bottle with a $60 price tag.
"A bit much," I replied, so she returned with another priced at $30.
"Still too much," I said, adding, "what I'd like to see is something real cheap."
She handed me a mirror.
Cold Call
A recently promoted colonel in the Army was inspecting his new office when he saw a sergeant heading his way. He quickly sat behind the desk, picked up the phone and with the sergeant standing in the doorway within earshot, said, "Why, yes, General, my wife and I would be delighted to join you and your wife for cocktails this evening, and thank you for the invitation."
Hanging up, he turned to the sergeant and asked, "What can I do for you?"
"Well, sir," he replied, "I'm from communications and they sent me over to hook up your phone."
Telling Overture
When we tried to reach a consensus on the definition of an intellectual, people advanced several suggestions ---- one's vocabulary, college degrees, languages spoken, books read weekly.
The discussion rambled on until someone offered a definition that pleased everyone: The true intellectual can listen to the William Tell Overture without thinking of The Lone Ranger.
Weird News
2 human skulls found in dead man's garbage
Hartford, Conn. ---------------------- A Connecticut man says two human skulls found at a garbage processing center had been purchased "as a joke" by his now-deceased son.
Robert DeVitto, 89, told the Associated Press that he wasn't aware the skulls were real. It wasn't clear if his son knew they were real. The skulls were found at a waste transfer station near some books and videos on witchcraft and Santan. The state medical examiner determined they were from an older man and woman.
DeVitto tells the Hearst Media Group that his son Robert lived a "troubled life" before he died in October at 56.
The skulls were removed along with other items belonging to the man by a junk dealer and brought to the transfer station Thursday. Officials there notified police.
Armored truck's busted lock makes it rain
Urbana, Md. -------------------------- Drivers scrambled to grab money flying around on a highway after an armored truck's door burst open.
Maryland State Police say a lock on the truck seems to have malfunctioned, causing the door to open yesterday morning. A bag of cash fell onto Interstate 270 near Urbana and the bills flew in the air.
Police say a number of drivers stopped on the interstate and grabbed what cash they could before a fire department vehicle arrived and turned of its emergency lights. Responding troopers were able to help the truck's driver recover about $200.
Police urge the drivers who took the cash to return it to the state police, or else face charges of theft if they're found.
Some best friend : Dog leads cops to owner
Prattville, Ala. ------------------------ Police in central Alabama say a man's own dog helped officers bust him on a drug charge.
Prattville Police spokeswoman Paula Barlow says the pooch named Bo followed his fleeing master, who was being pursued by officers. When the dog stopped and wagged his tail in tall grass, she says, officers found and arrestede Edwin Henderson.
Barlow says the chase began when two drug officers arrived with a search warrant and Henderson took off running. After an investigator pointed at Henderson and told the dog "go get him," that's what Bo did.
Barlow says Henderson is charged with failure to obey police, manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. It's unclear if he has an attorney, and there's no word on who's taking care of Bo.
Hartford, Conn. ---------------------- A Connecticut man says two human skulls found at a garbage processing center had been purchased "as a joke" by his now-deceased son.
Robert DeVitto, 89, told the Associated Press that he wasn't aware the skulls were real. It wasn't clear if his son knew they were real. The skulls were found at a waste transfer station near some books and videos on witchcraft and Santan. The state medical examiner determined they were from an older man and woman.
DeVitto tells the Hearst Media Group that his son Robert lived a "troubled life" before he died in October at 56.
The skulls were removed along with other items belonging to the man by a junk dealer and brought to the transfer station Thursday. Officials there notified police.
Armored truck's busted lock makes it rain
Urbana, Md. -------------------------- Drivers scrambled to grab money flying around on a highway after an armored truck's door burst open.
Maryland State Police say a lock on the truck seems to have malfunctioned, causing the door to open yesterday morning. A bag of cash fell onto Interstate 270 near Urbana and the bills flew in the air.
Police say a number of drivers stopped on the interstate and grabbed what cash they could before a fire department vehicle arrived and turned of its emergency lights. Responding troopers were able to help the truck's driver recover about $200.
Police urge the drivers who took the cash to return it to the state police, or else face charges of theft if they're found.
Some best friend : Dog leads cops to owner
Prattville, Ala. ------------------------ Police in central Alabama say a man's own dog helped officers bust him on a drug charge.
Prattville Police spokeswoman Paula Barlow says the pooch named Bo followed his fleeing master, who was being pursued by officers. When the dog stopped and wagged his tail in tall grass, she says, officers found and arrestede Edwin Henderson.
Barlow says the chase began when two drug officers arrived with a search warrant and Henderson took off running. After an investigator pointed at Henderson and told the dog "go get him," that's what Bo did.
Barlow says Henderson is charged with failure to obey police, manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. It's unclear if he has an attorney, and there's no word on who's taking care of Bo.
F. Y. I.
Quotable
by F. Scott Fitgerald, American author (1896-1940)
"No grand idea was ever born in a conference, but a lot of foolish ideas have died there."
State Stats
Boston built the first subway system in the United States in 1897.
The Finest Flower
The Juliet rose, an apricot-colored flower created for $5.5 million by English rose breeder David Austin, is the most expensive rose ever developed.
Celebrate This
Today Nov. 11, is Origami Day.
So Named
The Baby Ruth candy bar, first sold in 1920, was named after President Grover Cleveland's daughter ----- not the famous baseball player.
Still on the Books
In the small French village of Sarpourenx, anyone without a plot in the local cemetery is forbidden from dying and will be punished if they do.
by F. Scott Fitgerald, American author (1896-1940)
"No grand idea was ever born in a conference, but a lot of foolish ideas have died there."
State Stats
Boston built the first subway system in the United States in 1897.
The Finest Flower
The Juliet rose, an apricot-colored flower created for $5.5 million by English rose breeder David Austin, is the most expensive rose ever developed.
Celebrate This
Today Nov. 11, is Origami Day.
So Named
The Baby Ruth candy bar, first sold in 1920, was named after President Grover Cleveland's daughter ----- not the famous baseball player.
Still on the Books
In the small French village of Sarpourenx, anyone without a plot in the local cemetery is forbidden from dying and will be punished if they do.
Earthweek: A Diary of the Planet (Nov. 7, 2014)
Ozone Healing Pause
The hole in stratospheric ozone over Antarctica has remained stubbornly large in recent years despite a worldwide ban since 1987 on the chlorine emissions that created it, according to NASA. While this year's maximum expanse of the ozone hole, reached on Sept. 9, was about 9 percent less than the record set in 2000, its coverage was about the same as during 2010, 2012 and 2013. Earth's ozone layer helps shield life on the surface from potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer, cataracts and plant damage. The reason the hole isn't closing up despite no new chlorofluorocabons being released into the atmosphere is clouded by a complex interaction between it and climate change, scientists say. "The ozone hole itself is affecting the climate of Antarctica and Australia, and is being affected by it. It is changing the wind systems," said Jonathan Shanklin of the British Antarctic Survey, one of the three scientists who discovered the hole in the 1980s. He tells The Guardian he expects the ozone hole to gradually fill in even as the effects of climate change increase over the next 50 years or so.
The Zero Option.
The U.N. panel on climate change con0 cludes in its fourth and final volume of climate assessment that humans may be forced to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero this century to avoid global temperatures rising to dangerous levels. It also warns that failure to eliminate the use of fossil fuels could compel the world to find ways of removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere in the future. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's assessment also says humans are to blame for nearly all global warming since the 1950s.
Monkey Malaria
An emerging monkey-bone parasite spreading across Southeast Asia was released into the human population through unbridled deforestation in recent decades, primarily from expanding palm oil plantations and demand for timber. Plasmodium knowlesi malaria has long been endemic among the long-tailed and pig-tailed macaque populations of Malaysia and nearby countries. It remained isolated from the human population by the dense tropical rain forest habitats of the macaque until deforestation cleared the forests. New roads that were built during the process allowed humans infected in the wild to carry the parasite elsewhere. Research presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene's annual meeting revealed that Plasmodium knowlest malaria hospitalizations in Malaysia. While the parasite causes only mild symptoms in maca ques, it has become the fastest-replicating malaria parasite in humans, multiplying every 24-hours in the blood. The research concludes that Plasmodium knowlesi has joined AIDS and Ebola as emerging or reemerging dangerous diseases being passed to humans as more and more layers of once-isolated tropical forest are ravaged by human devolopment.
Tropical Cyclones
Former Category-2 Hurricane Vance brought local flash flooding and gusty winds to northwestern Mexico's Sinalora state. Moisture streaming northeastward from the weakening storm triggered heavy rainfall over Texas.
* Super Typhoon Nuri attained Category-5 force over the open waters of the western Pacific before dissipating well east of Japan. The storm was mainly a threat to shipping lanes.
Costa Rican Blast
The most violent eruption of Costa Rica's Turrialba volcano in 150 years sent a plume of ash soaring high above the country, prompting authorities to evacuate some nearby residents as a precaution. Eyewitnesses said they heard "booming sounds" about 40 minutes before ash began billowing from the volcano.
Earthquakes
Eastern Zambia and neighboring Tanzania were rocked on Oct. 31 by a 5.3 magnitude temblor, centered in Zambia's Luapula province.
* Earth movements were also felt in northern Holland, Western Australia, Costa Rica, the Alaska Panhandle and northwestern Nevada.
Bird Breakups
New research finds that while most birds appear to be attentive parents and faithful mates, divorce is actually common among many species and plays a role in breeding succies. Writing in the journal Biological Reviews, study author Antica Culina says she and her colleagues observed that divorce occurs in 92 percent of all monogamous bird populations. The team found that birds were most likely to divorce when breeding success was low. But the research found that when birds break up, it isn't always good for the guy. "Females who divorce gain better breeding success with a new partner, but males who divorce show no improvement," Culina says. She found that since females have a little control over how many eggs they lay, a small number of offspring may mean the female is not happy with her mate and wants him to move on.
The hole in stratospheric ozone over Antarctica has remained stubbornly large in recent years despite a worldwide ban since 1987 on the chlorine emissions that created it, according to NASA. While this year's maximum expanse of the ozone hole, reached on Sept. 9, was about 9 percent less than the record set in 2000, its coverage was about the same as during 2010, 2012 and 2013. Earth's ozone layer helps shield life on the surface from potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer, cataracts and plant damage. The reason the hole isn't closing up despite no new chlorofluorocabons being released into the atmosphere is clouded by a complex interaction between it and climate change, scientists say. "The ozone hole itself is affecting the climate of Antarctica and Australia, and is being affected by it. It is changing the wind systems," said Jonathan Shanklin of the British Antarctic Survey, one of the three scientists who discovered the hole in the 1980s. He tells The Guardian he expects the ozone hole to gradually fill in even as the effects of climate change increase over the next 50 years or so.
The Zero Option.
The U.N. panel on climate change con0 cludes in its fourth and final volume of climate assessment that humans may be forced to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero this century to avoid global temperatures rising to dangerous levels. It also warns that failure to eliminate the use of fossil fuels could compel the world to find ways of removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere in the future. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's assessment also says humans are to blame for nearly all global warming since the 1950s.
Monkey Malaria
An emerging monkey-bone parasite spreading across Southeast Asia was released into the human population through unbridled deforestation in recent decades, primarily from expanding palm oil plantations and demand for timber. Plasmodium knowlesi malaria has long been endemic among the long-tailed and pig-tailed macaque populations of Malaysia and nearby countries. It remained isolated from the human population by the dense tropical rain forest habitats of the macaque until deforestation cleared the forests. New roads that were built during the process allowed humans infected in the wild to carry the parasite elsewhere. Research presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene's annual meeting revealed that Plasmodium knowlest malaria hospitalizations in Malaysia. While the parasite causes only mild symptoms in maca ques, it has become the fastest-replicating malaria parasite in humans, multiplying every 24-hours in the blood. The research concludes that Plasmodium knowlesi has joined AIDS and Ebola as emerging or reemerging dangerous diseases being passed to humans as more and more layers of once-isolated tropical forest are ravaged by human devolopment.
Tropical Cyclones
Former Category-2 Hurricane Vance brought local flash flooding and gusty winds to northwestern Mexico's Sinalora state. Moisture streaming northeastward from the weakening storm triggered heavy rainfall over Texas.
* Super Typhoon Nuri attained Category-5 force over the open waters of the western Pacific before dissipating well east of Japan. The storm was mainly a threat to shipping lanes.
Costa Rican Blast
The most violent eruption of Costa Rica's Turrialba volcano in 150 years sent a plume of ash soaring high above the country, prompting authorities to evacuate some nearby residents as a precaution. Eyewitnesses said they heard "booming sounds" about 40 minutes before ash began billowing from the volcano.
Earthquakes
Eastern Zambia and neighboring Tanzania were rocked on Oct. 31 by a 5.3 magnitude temblor, centered in Zambia's Luapula province.
* Earth movements were also felt in northern Holland, Western Australia, Costa Rica, the Alaska Panhandle and northwestern Nevada.
Bird Breakups
New research finds that while most birds appear to be attentive parents and faithful mates, divorce is actually common among many species and plays a role in breeding succies. Writing in the journal Biological Reviews, study author Antica Culina says she and her colleagues observed that divorce occurs in 92 percent of all monogamous bird populations. The team found that birds were most likely to divorce when breeding success was low. But the research found that when birds break up, it isn't always good for the guy. "Females who divorce gain better breeding success with a new partner, but males who divorce show no improvement," Culina says. She found that since females have a little control over how many eggs they lay, a small number of offspring may mean the female is not happy with her mate and wants him to move on.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Earthweek: A Diary of the Planet (Oct. 31, 2014)
A Chilling Discovery
Vanishing Arctic sea ice appears to have been responsible for the spells of bitterly cold wintertime conditions in the Northern Hemisphere during recent years. Masato Mori of the University of Tokyo and colleagues found colder-than-normal winters are now twice as likely to occur across Eurasia under these conditions than before the record polar melting began. This past September saw the sixth-lowest minimum Arctic sea ice extent ever observed. A warming Arctic causes the polar jet stream to be weaker, allowing frigid weather systems to creep farther south. It can also promote blocking weather patterns that cause the chill to linger for weeks. While the study focused on a part of Eurasia that stretches from Eastern Europe to China, the past few winters have also brought frigid conditions not seen in decades to parts of Western Europe and North America.
Microbic Warming
A microbe recently discovered in the melting Arctic permafrost appears to be releasing vast amounts of the greenhouse gas methane, possibly speeding up climate change. Methanoflorens stordalenmirensis "breathes out methane like we breathe out carbon dioxide," said lead author Carmody McCalley, a scientist at the Earth Systems Research Center at the University of New Hampshire. Methane makes up only about 9 percent of all the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but it can store up to 21 times more heat than carbon dioxide. Researchers say they hope the microbic discovery will help scientists improve their simulations of future climate by providing a more accurate picture of how thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gases. The study was published in the journal Nature.
Eruption
Advancing lava from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano plowed through a residential area, burning structure and threatening to cut off the community from the rest of the Big Island. The flow has been creeping for weeks toward the town of Pahoa at about 45 feet per hour. Since the lava began to move again in September after a brief standstill, it has crossed a road, overrun a cemetery and triggered methane explosions. Residents of Pahoa were removing their personal belongs from structures in the path of the lava, and were told by officials that they would be allowed to watch their homes burn as a way to help them cope with the loss. Kilauea's current eruption began in 1983. A seperate lava flow between 1983 and 1990 destroyed about 180 homes.
Tropical Cyclones
Cyclone Nilofar weakened rapidly late in the week as it approached the India-Pakistan border region. The storm briefly attained Category-4 strength far from land over the Arabian Sea a few days earlier. India's meteotological agency warned that heavy rainfall from remnants of the storm could damage crops in the state of Rajasthan.
* Drought-plagued parts of Honduras and Nicaragua were drenched as Tropical Storm Hanna dissipated over the region.
Earthquakes
A moderate quake centered in far northwestern Greece knocked items off shelves, but caused no significant damage.
* Earth movements were also felt in Samatra and nearby areas of southern Thailand, Peru's Amazon region and central England.
Solar Salvo
The largest group of sunspots seen in nearly a quarter-century sent a barrage of solar flares into space, three of which were among some of the most powerful that the sun can create. Solar flares are gigantic explosions on the surface of the sun, which send streams of dangerous charged particles rushing into space. If Earth happens to be in the path of the blasts, the resulting geomagnetic storms can knock out satellite electronics, disrupt high-frequency communications and even bring down power grids. Such storms also produce vivid aurora displays. The largest sunspot in history was observed in 1947 and grew to be three times larger than the one currently producing the swarm of flares.
Tortoise Comeback
The famed giant tortoise of the Galapagos Islands has been brought back from the verge of extinction after its population dropped to only 15 by the 1960s. Captive breeding and conservation efforts have allowed that number to rebound to more than 1,000. "The population is secure. It's a rare example of how biologists and managers can collaborate to recover a species from the brink of extinction," said James P. Gibbs, a biologist at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He was lead author of a study that charted the growing success of the islands tortorises, published in the journal PLOS ONE. But Gibbs cautions that the giant tortosie population is not likely to increase further on the island of Espanola until the landscape recovers from the damage inflicted by now-eradicated goats.
Vanishing Arctic sea ice appears to have been responsible for the spells of bitterly cold wintertime conditions in the Northern Hemisphere during recent years. Masato Mori of the University of Tokyo and colleagues found colder-than-normal winters are now twice as likely to occur across Eurasia under these conditions than before the record polar melting began. This past September saw the sixth-lowest minimum Arctic sea ice extent ever observed. A warming Arctic causes the polar jet stream to be weaker, allowing frigid weather systems to creep farther south. It can also promote blocking weather patterns that cause the chill to linger for weeks. While the study focused on a part of Eurasia that stretches from Eastern Europe to China, the past few winters have also brought frigid conditions not seen in decades to parts of Western Europe and North America.
Microbic Warming
A microbe recently discovered in the melting Arctic permafrost appears to be releasing vast amounts of the greenhouse gas methane, possibly speeding up climate change. Methanoflorens stordalenmirensis "breathes out methane like we breathe out carbon dioxide," said lead author Carmody McCalley, a scientist at the Earth Systems Research Center at the University of New Hampshire. Methane makes up only about 9 percent of all the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but it can store up to 21 times more heat than carbon dioxide. Researchers say they hope the microbic discovery will help scientists improve their simulations of future climate by providing a more accurate picture of how thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gases. The study was published in the journal Nature.
Eruption
Advancing lava from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano plowed through a residential area, burning structure and threatening to cut off the community from the rest of the Big Island. The flow has been creeping for weeks toward the town of Pahoa at about 45 feet per hour. Since the lava began to move again in September after a brief standstill, it has crossed a road, overrun a cemetery and triggered methane explosions. Residents of Pahoa were removing their personal belongs from structures in the path of the lava, and were told by officials that they would be allowed to watch their homes burn as a way to help them cope with the loss. Kilauea's current eruption began in 1983. A seperate lava flow between 1983 and 1990 destroyed about 180 homes.
Tropical Cyclones
Cyclone Nilofar weakened rapidly late in the week as it approached the India-Pakistan border region. The storm briefly attained Category-4 strength far from land over the Arabian Sea a few days earlier. India's meteotological agency warned that heavy rainfall from remnants of the storm could damage crops in the state of Rajasthan.
* Drought-plagued parts of Honduras and Nicaragua were drenched as Tropical Storm Hanna dissipated over the region.
Earthquakes
A moderate quake centered in far northwestern Greece knocked items off shelves, but caused no significant damage.
* Earth movements were also felt in Samatra and nearby areas of southern Thailand, Peru's Amazon region and central England.
Solar Salvo
The largest group of sunspots seen in nearly a quarter-century sent a barrage of solar flares into space, three of which were among some of the most powerful that the sun can create. Solar flares are gigantic explosions on the surface of the sun, which send streams of dangerous charged particles rushing into space. If Earth happens to be in the path of the blasts, the resulting geomagnetic storms can knock out satellite electronics, disrupt high-frequency communications and even bring down power grids. Such storms also produce vivid aurora displays. The largest sunspot in history was observed in 1947 and grew to be three times larger than the one currently producing the swarm of flares.
Tortoise Comeback
The famed giant tortoise of the Galapagos Islands has been brought back from the verge of extinction after its population dropped to only 15 by the 1960s. Captive breeding and conservation efforts have allowed that number to rebound to more than 1,000. "The population is secure. It's a rare example of how biologists and managers can collaborate to recover a species from the brink of extinction," said James P. Gibbs, a biologist at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He was lead author of a study that charted the growing success of the islands tortorises, published in the journal PLOS ONE. But Gibbs cautions that the giant tortosie population is not likely to increase further on the island of Espanola until the landscape recovers from the damage inflicted by now-eradicated goats.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Earthweek: A Diary of the Planet (Oct. 24, 2014)
Alaskan Warming
The United States northernmost settlement of Barrow, Alaska, has warmed during October a remarkable 12.96 degrees Fahrenheit over the past 33 years because of shrinking summertime sea ice. Researcher Gerd Wendler of the University of Alaska's International Arctic Research Center says he is "astonished" by his finding, published in the Open Atmospheric Science Journal. "I think I have never, anywhere, seen such a large increase in temperature over such a short period," he told the Alaska Dispatch News. Climate records show Barrow's average annual temperature has risen by almost 5 degrees since 1979. But the warming was far more pronounced during October, when the loss of sea ice in the adjacent Beaufort and Chukchi seas was at the highest. Wendler and colleagues caution that analysis of weather records from 1921 to 2012 shows a much more modest average annual rise at Barrow.
Tropical Cyclones
Bermuda suffered a direct hit from the eye of Hurricane Gonzalo, which brought maximum winds of 110 mph. Remnants of the storm later buffeted the United Kingdom.
* While Hurricane Ana drenched the Hawaiian Islands, the storm's eye passed well offshore.
* Tropical Storm Trudy drenched southern Mexico.
Earthquakes
Interior Alaska was rocked by an unusually strong quake centered about 40 miles west-northwest of Fairbanks. No significant damage was reported.
* Earth movements were also felt in far southern New Zealand and along the Ecuador-Colombia border region.
Magnetic Flip
Earth's magnetic field has the potential to reverse within less than a century, and scientists say there is evidence the poles are now moving toward such a flip. Scientists from Italy, France, Columbia University and the University of California, Berkley, say they made the conclusions by looking at paleomagnetic data in sediment around the volcanoes of southern Italy. Ash layers from prehistoric eruptions captured and stored magnetic field information in sediment as it accumulated at the bottom of an ancient lake. Those layers reveal the last magnetic reversal occurred approximately 786,000 years ago, long before humains walked the planet. The flip happened after more than 6,000 years of instability, including two intervals of low magnetic field strength that lasted about 2,000 years each. Such a quiet period in modern times could expose Earh's surface to harmful levels of solar radiation, possibly increasing the rates of cancer and disrupting electrical power grids, scientists caution.
'Pharma' Pollution
The growing use of antide-pressant drugs around the world aptpears to be harming the health of some bird populations, according to a new British study. Researcher Kathryn Arnold of the University of York found that starlings feeding on worms containing small amounts of the drug Prozac, absorted by the invertebrates around sewage treatment facilities, lost interest in mating and had altered feeding habits. "Females who'd been on it were not interested in the male birds we introduced them to. They sat in the middle of the cage, not interested at all," said Arnold. "Compared with the control birds who hadn't had any Prozac, they ate much less and snacked throughout the day," she told the British magazine Radio Times. While the number of starling deaths linked to antidepressant exposure is very small, Arnold's findings join a growing body of evidence that suggests potent pharmaceuthicals flushed into the environment could be causing a global wildlife crisis.
Philippine Lava
A new flow of lava emerged from the philippine volcano Mayon, ending two days in which no lava was seen flowing. "It's already erupting, but not explosive," said Renato Solidum, executive director of the geophysical agency Phivolcs. "Currently, the activity is just lava coming down. If there is an explosion, all sides of the volcano are threatened." The agency warned residents that Mayon is in a "state of unrest" due to movement of lava that could create an explosive eruption.
Squid Attack
The two-man crew aboard a Greenpeace mini-submarine in the Bering Sea got one of the greatest thrills of their lives when a pair of Humboldt squids savagely attacked their submersible vehicle. The unnamed researchers remained safe inside the sub as it was pummeled by the jumbo squids, or red devils---- a name given to them because of the red color the cephalopods turn when in hunting or attack mode. A video of the attack, posted on Vine, shows the squids colliding into the sub and its attached equipment before dashing off in a puff of ink. Humboldt squids have tentacle suckers lined with sharp teeth that can tear their prey apart. Some marine biologists say the squid attack may have been set off by the lights on the Dual Deep Worker vehicle.
The United States northernmost settlement of Barrow, Alaska, has warmed during October a remarkable 12.96 degrees Fahrenheit over the past 33 years because of shrinking summertime sea ice. Researcher Gerd Wendler of the University of Alaska's International Arctic Research Center says he is "astonished" by his finding, published in the Open Atmospheric Science Journal. "I think I have never, anywhere, seen such a large increase in temperature over such a short period," he told the Alaska Dispatch News. Climate records show Barrow's average annual temperature has risen by almost 5 degrees since 1979. But the warming was far more pronounced during October, when the loss of sea ice in the adjacent Beaufort and Chukchi seas was at the highest. Wendler and colleagues caution that analysis of weather records from 1921 to 2012 shows a much more modest average annual rise at Barrow.
Tropical Cyclones
Bermuda suffered a direct hit from the eye of Hurricane Gonzalo, which brought maximum winds of 110 mph. Remnants of the storm later buffeted the United Kingdom.
* While Hurricane Ana drenched the Hawaiian Islands, the storm's eye passed well offshore.
* Tropical Storm Trudy drenched southern Mexico.
Earthquakes
Interior Alaska was rocked by an unusually strong quake centered about 40 miles west-northwest of Fairbanks. No significant damage was reported.
* Earth movements were also felt in far southern New Zealand and along the Ecuador-Colombia border region.
Magnetic Flip
Earth's magnetic field has the potential to reverse within less than a century, and scientists say there is evidence the poles are now moving toward such a flip. Scientists from Italy, France, Columbia University and the University of California, Berkley, say they made the conclusions by looking at paleomagnetic data in sediment around the volcanoes of southern Italy. Ash layers from prehistoric eruptions captured and stored magnetic field information in sediment as it accumulated at the bottom of an ancient lake. Those layers reveal the last magnetic reversal occurred approximately 786,000 years ago, long before humains walked the planet. The flip happened after more than 6,000 years of instability, including two intervals of low magnetic field strength that lasted about 2,000 years each. Such a quiet period in modern times could expose Earh's surface to harmful levels of solar radiation, possibly increasing the rates of cancer and disrupting electrical power grids, scientists caution.
'Pharma' Pollution
The growing use of antide-pressant drugs around the world aptpears to be harming the health of some bird populations, according to a new British study. Researcher Kathryn Arnold of the University of York found that starlings feeding on worms containing small amounts of the drug Prozac, absorted by the invertebrates around sewage treatment facilities, lost interest in mating and had altered feeding habits. "Females who'd been on it were not interested in the male birds we introduced them to. They sat in the middle of the cage, not interested at all," said Arnold. "Compared with the control birds who hadn't had any Prozac, they ate much less and snacked throughout the day," she told the British magazine Radio Times. While the number of starling deaths linked to antidepressant exposure is very small, Arnold's findings join a growing body of evidence that suggests potent pharmaceuthicals flushed into the environment could be causing a global wildlife crisis.
Philippine Lava
A new flow of lava emerged from the philippine volcano Mayon, ending two days in which no lava was seen flowing. "It's already erupting, but not explosive," said Renato Solidum, executive director of the geophysical agency Phivolcs. "Currently, the activity is just lava coming down. If there is an explosion, all sides of the volcano are threatened." The agency warned residents that Mayon is in a "state of unrest" due to movement of lava that could create an explosive eruption.
Squid Attack
The two-man crew aboard a Greenpeace mini-submarine in the Bering Sea got one of the greatest thrills of their lives when a pair of Humboldt squids savagely attacked their submersible vehicle. The unnamed researchers remained safe inside the sub as it was pummeled by the jumbo squids, or red devils---- a name given to them because of the red color the cephalopods turn when in hunting or attack mode. A video of the attack, posted on Vine, shows the squids colliding into the sub and its attached equipment before dashing off in a puff of ink. Humboldt squids have tentacle suckers lined with sharp teeth that can tear their prey apart. Some marine biologists say the squid attack may have been set off by the lights on the Dual Deep Worker vehicle.
F. Y. I.
Still on the Books
In Maine, it is prohibited to step out of a plane in flight.
Quotable
by Henry Ward Beecher, abolitionist, writer and social reformer (1813-1887)
"A book is good company. It is full of conversation without loquacity."
Tiny Tree
The world's shortest tree species is the dwarf willow, which rarely grows more than 2 1/2 inches tall.
State Stats
The Palace of Governors in Santa Fe is the oldest government building in the United States.
Of Note
Antarctica is the only continent on the planet that has no butterflies.
In Maine, it is prohibited to step out of a plane in flight.
Quotable
by Henry Ward Beecher, abolitionist, writer and social reformer (1813-1887)
"A book is good company. It is full of conversation without loquacity."
Tiny Tree
The world's shortest tree species is the dwarf willow, which rarely grows more than 2 1/2 inches tall.
State Stats
The Palace of Governors in Santa Fe is the oldest government building in the United States.
Of Note
Antarctica is the only continent on the planet that has no butterflies.
Kennections
All dowdfive correct answers have something in common.
Can you figure out what it is ?
1. In a long-running Broadway hit, what invisible, 6-foot-3-and-a-half-inch rabbit was the constant companion of Elwood P. Dowd?
2. In what Texas city would you find Lady Bird Lake and the LBJ Presidential Library?
3. What name did defense giant Lockheed add to its letterhead in 1994 when it announced its merger with a rival aircraft company?
4. On The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which child of Philip and Vivien Banks was infamous for his dorky signature dance?
5. Monster.com and Indeed.com are websites where visitors can search listings for what?
Bonus : What's the "Kennection" between all five answers?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Answers : 1. Harvey
2. Austin
3. Martin
4. Carlton
5. Jobs
Bonus : They are all famous Steves
Can you figure out what it is ?
1. In a long-running Broadway hit, what invisible, 6-foot-3-and-a-half-inch rabbit was the constant companion of Elwood P. Dowd?
2. In what Texas city would you find Lady Bird Lake and the LBJ Presidential Library?
3. What name did defense giant Lockheed add to its letterhead in 1994 when it announced its merger with a rival aircraft company?
4. On The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which child of Philip and Vivien Banks was infamous for his dorky signature dance?
5. Monster.com and Indeed.com are websites where visitors can search listings for what?
Bonus : What's the "Kennection" between all five answers?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Answers : 1. Harvey
2. Austin
3. Martin
4. Carlton
5. Jobs
Bonus : They are all famous Steves
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Earthweek: A Diary of the Planet (Oct. 10, 2014)
Degrees of Disagreement
A pair of California scientific argue in a leading scientific journal that the current 2-degree Celsius target for limiting global warming should be scrapped because it is impractical and unachievable. David Victor and Charles Kennel, both from the University of California in San Diego, wrote in Nature that just as human health is measured by factors other than temperature, such as blood pressure, ;heart rate and body mass, "a similar strategy is now needed for the planet." Several climate scientists around the world slammed the propsal, saying the arguments behind it were flawed. And since the 2-degree target is the only one governments have ever agreed to, some argued that scrapping it could impede further efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Governments have pledged to finalize a treaty to limit climate change by late 2015 at a summit in Paris.
Eruption Threat
Unrest within Mayon volcano prompted Philippine authorities to move nearby residents and farm animals away from areas threatened by what appeared to be an impending eruption. Approximately 55,000 people have been relocated since the 8,081-foot mountain began rumbling. Evacuees have been housed in makeshift centers, typically schools and other government buildings.
Earthquakes
One person was killed and hundreds of others were injured by a 6.0 magnitude quake that wrecked buildings in China's Yunnan province.
* Earth movements were also felt in the western Philippines, northern New Zealand, northwestern and southeastern Mexico and southern Nevada.
Hopping Return
The offspring of frogs airlifted off the Caribbean island of Montserrat in 2009 to save them from a deadly,invasive fungus have been returned to their historic habitat. The mountain chicken frogs (Leptodactylus fallax) are the national dish of Montserrat and nearby Dominica. They are so named because they reportedly taste like chicken and make a clucking noise in the rough terrain of the British territory. They were nearly wiped out by both overhunting and a chytrid fungus that has ravaged amphibian populations worldwide. After being bred in U.K. zoos from just two females, 51 frogs were returned to the island with GPS locators. Scientists say they are hopeful the frogs won't be eaten or die from the pathogen. "The fungus hasn't gone away, but frogs are surviving," said Ben Tapley, head of herpetology at the Zoological Society of London. "It could be because they are living in microclimates that are not ideal for the fungus. Or they could be developing immunity."
Arctic Carbon Trap
Findings that show Arctic sea ice helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere have some scientists concerned that its recent record melt could accelerate global warming. Danish researcher Dorte Haubjerg Sogaard says that while it has long been known that Earth's oceans are able to absorb huge amounts of CO2, sea ice was thought to be impenetrable to the greenhouse gas. But Sogaard and colleagues found that a combination of chemical and biological processes extract the gas from the atmosphere, sending the carbon tothe ocean floor. She said the finding should be taken into account when predicting future CO2 accumulations.
Tropical Cyclones
Typhoon Phanfone left at least seven people dead and dozens of others injured after it lashed a long stretch of Japan, including metropolitan Tokyo.
* Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands were drenched by developing Typhoon Vongfong, which later became the world's strongest tropical cyclone of the year while taking aim on Japan.
* Remnants of Hurricane Simon brought flash flooding to parts of northwestern Mexico and the Desert Southwest.
* Cyclone Hudhud threatened to strike eastern India late in the week as a Category-3 storm.
Chernobyl Legacy
Reindeer and other grazing animals in Norway have shown a sudden spike this fall in the amount of the radioactive isotope cesium-137 found in their bodies. Scientists at the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority say there has been a fivefold increase in the amount of contamination from the 1986 Chemobyl nuclear disaster than was measured just two years ago. Lesser amounts of the isotope were found in some of the country's sheep. Scientists point to a bumper crop of mushrooms this year as the reason for the increase. The mushrooms readily absorb the contamination in the ground as they grow, and are later eaten by reindeer and other grazers. Scientists say they are a little surprised by the magnitude of the increase, given that cesium-137 has a half-life of 30 years. The Chemobyl disaster happened nearly 30 years ago, meaning about half of the radioactivity should have decayed by this time.
A pair of California scientific argue in a leading scientific journal that the current 2-degree Celsius target for limiting global warming should be scrapped because it is impractical and unachievable. David Victor and Charles Kennel, both from the University of California in San Diego, wrote in Nature that just as human health is measured by factors other than temperature, such as blood pressure, ;heart rate and body mass, "a similar strategy is now needed for the planet." Several climate scientists around the world slammed the propsal, saying the arguments behind it were flawed. And since the 2-degree target is the only one governments have ever agreed to, some argued that scrapping it could impede further efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Governments have pledged to finalize a treaty to limit climate change by late 2015 at a summit in Paris.
Eruption Threat
Unrest within Mayon volcano prompted Philippine authorities to move nearby residents and farm animals away from areas threatened by what appeared to be an impending eruption. Approximately 55,000 people have been relocated since the 8,081-foot mountain began rumbling. Evacuees have been housed in makeshift centers, typically schools and other government buildings.
Earthquakes
One person was killed and hundreds of others were injured by a 6.0 magnitude quake that wrecked buildings in China's Yunnan province.
* Earth movements were also felt in the western Philippines, northern New Zealand, northwestern and southeastern Mexico and southern Nevada.
Hopping Return
The offspring of frogs airlifted off the Caribbean island of Montserrat in 2009 to save them from a deadly,invasive fungus have been returned to their historic habitat. The mountain chicken frogs (Leptodactylus fallax) are the national dish of Montserrat and nearby Dominica. They are so named because they reportedly taste like chicken and make a clucking noise in the rough terrain of the British territory. They were nearly wiped out by both overhunting and a chytrid fungus that has ravaged amphibian populations worldwide. After being bred in U.K. zoos from just two females, 51 frogs were returned to the island with GPS locators. Scientists say they are hopeful the frogs won't be eaten or die from the pathogen. "The fungus hasn't gone away, but frogs are surviving," said Ben Tapley, head of herpetology at the Zoological Society of London. "It could be because they are living in microclimates that are not ideal for the fungus. Or they could be developing immunity."
Arctic Carbon Trap
Findings that show Arctic sea ice helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere have some scientists concerned that its recent record melt could accelerate global warming. Danish researcher Dorte Haubjerg Sogaard says that while it has long been known that Earth's oceans are able to absorb huge amounts of CO2, sea ice was thought to be impenetrable to the greenhouse gas. But Sogaard and colleagues found that a combination of chemical and biological processes extract the gas from the atmosphere, sending the carbon tothe ocean floor. She said the finding should be taken into account when predicting future CO2 accumulations.
Tropical Cyclones
Typhoon Phanfone left at least seven people dead and dozens of others injured after it lashed a long stretch of Japan, including metropolitan Tokyo.
* Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands were drenched by developing Typhoon Vongfong, which later became the world's strongest tropical cyclone of the year while taking aim on Japan.
* Remnants of Hurricane Simon brought flash flooding to parts of northwestern Mexico and the Desert Southwest.
* Cyclone Hudhud threatened to strike eastern India late in the week as a Category-3 storm.
Chernobyl Legacy
Reindeer and other grazing animals in Norway have shown a sudden spike this fall in the amount of the radioactive isotope cesium-137 found in their bodies. Scientists at the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority say there has been a fivefold increase in the amount of contamination from the 1986 Chemobyl nuclear disaster than was measured just two years ago. Lesser amounts of the isotope were found in some of the country's sheep. Scientists point to a bumper crop of mushrooms this year as the reason for the increase. The mushrooms readily absorb the contamination in the ground as they grow, and are later eaten by reindeer and other grazers. Scientists say they are a little surprised by the magnitude of the increase, given that cesium-137 has a half-life of 30 years. The Chemobyl disaster happened nearly 30 years ago, meaning about half of the radioactivity should have decayed by this time.
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