A random thread of absolute randomness...

[just1-4all]

This was our family dog Buddy (circa 1980), aka Ferocious pesticus — (of the family Canis of course).

 

This particular species of canine is known for chasing tennis balls (and like bouncy round objects of similar size) with tremendous zeal and ferocity. The genus pesticus part of the name is due to the fact they will relentlessly pester the poor unsuspecting victim who, after throwing the ball for him to chase, will be sought after to endlessly throw it again, and again, and again, and again; until either the person passes out from pure exhaustion or it comes feeding time for the canine.

 

Edited October 13 by just1-4all
punctuation

[LeolaRootStew]

4 hours ago, dljbsp said:

The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to 10-12 inches (25-30 cm). These moths are native to tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. Their large wings are beautifully patterned with reddish-brown, yellow, and black markings, resembling a map (hence the name “Atlas”). Some even say the tips of their wings mimic the appearance of a snake’s head, which may help deter predators.

 

Atlas moths don’t feed as adults, as they lack functional mouthparts, so their main goal after emerging from the cocoon is to find a mate. Their life span as adults is short—about 1 to 2 weeks.

 

The cocoons of the Atlas moth are large and robust, made of silk that is often brown or tan in color. These cocoons can measure around 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) in size. Interestingly, the silk produced by the Atlas moth’s cocoon is sometimes called “Fagara silk” or “erycine silk.” It’s a coarse, durable silk, unlike the fine silk of silkworms.

 

There is a rumor that these cocoons have been used to make small change purses in some areas. The size and texture of the cocoons make them suitable for such a purpose, especially in regions where the moths are common, although this practice seems more like a niche or novelty item rather than a widespread tradition.

 

[dljbsp]

Cooking beef in a cast iron skillet is a great way to achieve a delicious sear and enhance the flavor. Here’s how to do it effectively:

 

1. Preheat the Skillet: Place the cast iron skillet on the stove and heat it over medium-high heat for several minutes. Cast iron retains heat well, so give it time to get hot.

2. Oil the Beef: Lightly coat the beef (like steak or ground beef) with a high smoke-point oil, such as vegetable or avocado oil, rather than the skillet itself. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.

3. Season the Beef: Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer before placing it in the skillet.

4. Sear the Beef: Place the beef in the hot skillet and let it sear for 2-3 minutes without moving it. This will create a nice crust. Flip and sear the other side.

5. Finish Cooking: Depending on the cut and thickness, finish cooking in the skillet or transfer to the oven (if necessary) to cook to the desired doneness.

6. Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

 

Cast iron helps create a perfect crust and enhances flavor with its even heating properties. Just make sure the skillet is well-seasoned to prevent sticking!

[just1-4all]

7 hours ago, dljbsp said:

Cooking beef in a cast iron skillet is a great way to achieve a delicious sear and enhance the flavor. Here’s how to do it effectively:

 

1. Preheat the Skillet: Place the cast iron skillet on the stove and heat it over medium-high heat for several minutes. Cast iron retains heat well, so give it time to get hot.

2. Oil the Beef: Lightly coat the beef (like steak or ground beef) with a high smoke-point oil, such as vegetable or avocado oil, rather than the skillet itself. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.

3. Season the Beef: Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer before placing it in the skillet.

4. Sear the Beef: Place the beef in the hot skillet and let it sear for 2-3 minutes without moving it. This will create a nice crust. Flip and sear the other side.

5. Finish Cooking: Depending on the cut and thickness, finish cooking in the skillet or transfer to the oven (if necessary) to cook to the desired doneness.

6. Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

 

Cast iron helps create a perfect crust and enhances flavor with its even heating properties. Just make sure the skillet is well-seasoned to prevent sticking!

And in case you're iron-deficient, you get a dose of iron in your diet this way to boot! 🧐

[dljbsp]

The basking shark, one of the largest fish in the ocean, glides through the water in a seemingly effortless display of grace. With its mouth wide open, this gentle giant collects vast quantities of plankton, the tiny organisms that make up its diet. Imagine—its stomach can hold nearly 1,100 pounds of these minuscule creatures. That’s like a buffet constantly being served as the shark swims. It’s incredible to think that something so immense survives on such tiny food.

 

But how does it do it? The shark’s gaping mouth acts like a net, sifting through the water as it moves along. Unlike fierce predators that hunt with speed and teeth, the basking shark takes a different approach—slow, methodical, and efficient. Water flows in, plankton get trapped in specialized gill rakers, and the shark continues its journey, filtering out what it doesn’t need.

[LeolaRootStew]

3 hours ago, dljbsp said:

The basking shark, one of the largest fish in the ocean, glides through the water in a seemingly effortless display of grace. With its mouth wide open, this gentle giant collects vast quantities of plankton, the tiny organisms that make up its diet. Imagine—its stomach can hold nearly 1,100 pounds of these minuscule creatures. That’s like a buffet constantly being served as the shark swims. It’s incredible to think that something so immense survives on such tiny food.

 

But how does it do it? The shark’s gaping mouth acts like a net, sifting through the water as it moves along. Unlike fierce predators that hunt with speed and teeth, the basking shark takes a different approach—slow, methodical, and efficient. Water flows in, plankton get trapped in specialized gill rakers, and the shark continues its journey, filtering out what it doesn’t need.

 

 

[Andrey]

5 hours ago, LeolaRootStew said:

 

 

[dljbsp]

Polar bears, despite looking white, actually have jet-black skin beneath their fur. This black skin helps them absorb and retain heat from the sun, essential for surviving in their cold Arctic environment. Surprisingly, polar bears don’t truly have white fur either. Instead, their fur is made up of translucent, hollow hairs. The reason polar bears appear white is due to the way light bounces around and scatters within these hollow hairs. When sunlight hits them, the light scatters, creating the illusion of white fur, helping them blend into the snowy surroundings.

 

[LeolaRootStew]

22 minutes ago, dljbsp said:

Polar bears, despite looking white, actually have jet-black skin beneath their fur. This black skin helps them absorb and retain heat from the sun, essential for surviving in their cold Arctic environment. Surprisingly, polar bears don’t truly have white fur either. Instead, their fur is made up of translucent, hollow hairs. The reason polar bears appear white is due to the way light bounces around and scatters within these hollow hairs. When sunlight hits them, the light scatters, creating the illusion of white fur, helping them blend into the snowy surroundings.

 

 

[Tortuga]

On 10/4/2024 at 8:17 AM, Tortuga said:

That reminds me of some unusual names that I have heard

 

Warren Peace

Justin Case

Paige Turner

 

 

Lee Ward...

[minister159]

17 hours ago, dljbsp said:

But how does it do it? The shark’s gaping mouth acts like a net, sifting through the water as it moves along. Unlike fierce predators that hunt with speed and teeth, the basking shark takes a different approach—slow, methodical, and efficient. Water flows in, plankton get trapped in specialized gill rakers, and the shark continues its journey, filtering out what it doesn’t need.

I found this interesting. Although it's called a whale shark and not a basking shark, maybe they're related.

 

"The whale shark is the largest of living fish, averaging some 25 feet [7.5 m] in length. However, some can reach nearly twice that size. Its mouth can be up to four feet [1.4 m] wide, easily capable of swallowing a man. But far from being a ferocious predator of other large sea creatures, this gentle giant feeds on tiny plankton and small fish."

 

“The whale shark’s unusual digestive anatomy,” reported National Geographic magazine, “lends itself to Jonah stories,” referring to the Biblical incident about the prophet Jonah being swallowed by a great fish. Whale sharks have “a nonviolent way of getting rid of large objects of dubious digestibility they swallow accidentally.”—Jonah 1:17; 2:10." --- g 12/09 p. 16-17

Edited October 18 by minister159

[Pabo]

On 10/6/2024 at 10:45 AM, fix it shop said:

Where's Waldo ?

 

Found him, sadly a bit too late.

 

Quote

 

Edited October 19 by Pabo

[dljbsp]

It’s fascinating, but true—the average snail has over 10,000 teeth! Snails have a specialized structure called a radula, which functions similarly to a tongue but is covered with thousands of tiny, microscopic teeth. These teeth are arranged in rows and help the snail to scrape or cut food into smaller pieces, making it easier to eat.

 

The teeth are not like human teeth; they are much smaller and continuously replaced as they wear out. Snails primarily use these teeth to consume a variety of food, including leaves, algae, and even decomposing matter. The radula’s structure varies depending on the snail’s diet.

 

In some species, these teeth can number over 20,000! Despite their small size, these teeth are incredibly effective, allowing snails to be efficient herbivores, and even some predatory snails use their radula to drill through the shells of other mollusks.

[LeolaRootStew]

On 10/21/2024 at 9:01 AM, dljbsp said:

It’s fascinating, but true—the average snail has over 10,000 teeth! Snails have a specialized structure called a radula, which functions similarly to a tongue but is covered with thousands of tiny, microscopic teeth. These teeth are arranged in rows and help the snail to scrape or cut food into smaller pieces, making it easier to eat.

 

The teeth are not like human teeth; they are much smaller and continuously replaced as they wear out. Snails primarily use these teeth to consume a variety of food, including leaves, algae, and even decomposing matter. The radula’s structure varies depending on the snail’s diet.

 

In some species, these teeth can number over 20,000! Despite their small size, these teeth are incredibly effective, allowing snails to be efficient herbivores, and even some predatory snails use their radula to drill through the shells of other mollusks.

 

[dljbsp]

Mayflies are fascinating insects known for their incredibly short lifespans, particularly in their adult stage, which can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days depending on the species. One of the most remarkable aspects of their biology is that, as adults, they do not have functioning digestive systems. This is because the adult mayfly’s primary purpose is to reproduce.

 

During their nymph stage, which can last up to two years depending on the environment, mayflies live in water and feed on algae and detritus, storing up enough energy for their brief adult lives. Once they undergo metamorphosis and become adults, they no longer need to eat. Their mouthparts are reduced, and their digestive tracts are non-functional, serving no purpose since they will only live long enough to mate and lay eggs.

 

This adaptation emphasizes the extreme specialization of their life cycle. Instead of diverting energy to unnecessary processes like digestion, mayflies focus entirely on reproduction. Once they mate and the females lay their eggs, their life purpose is complete, and they soon die.

 

In summary, the lack of a functioning digestive system in adult mayflies is an efficient biological strategy, allowing them to dedicate their brief adult phase solely to ensuring the next generation of mayflies.

[LeolaRootStew]

38 minutes ago, dljbsp said:

Mayflies are fascinating insects known for their incredibly short lifespans, particularly in their adult stage, which can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days depending on the species. One of the most remarkable aspects of their biology is that, as adults, they do not have functioning digestive systems. This is because the adult mayfly’s primary purpose is to reproduce.

 

During their nymph stage, which can last up to two years depending on the environment, mayflies live in water and feed on algae and detritus, storing up enough energy for their brief adult lives. Once they undergo metamorphosis and become adults, they no longer need to eat. Their mouthparts are reduced, and their digestive tracts are non-functional, serving no purpose since they will only live long enough to mate and lay eggs.

 

This adaptation emphasizes the extreme specialization of their life cycle. Instead of diverting energy to unnecessary processes like digestion, mayflies focus entirely on reproduction. Once they mate and the females lay their eggs, their life purpose is complete, and they soon die.

 

In summary, the lack of a functioning digestive system in adult mayflies is an efficient biological strategy, allowing them to dedicate their brief adult phase solely to ensuring the next generation of mayflies.

 

[CHecker]

Just realized that Brain and Brian are nearly the same word with just 1 letter being transposed. 

[dljbsp]

Rhinoceros horns are often sought after in illegal wildlife trade, largely due to the mistaken belief that they possess medicinal properties or are valuable for ornamental purposes. However, the reality is that rhino horns are composed entirely of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair, nails, and animal hooves.

 

This fact highlights a fundamental misconception: unlike the ivory from elephant tusks, rhino horns have no inherent magical or curative properties. Keratin, whether in a rhino’s horn or in your fingernails, is simply a fibrous protein that plays a structural role in the body. Yet, despite this, the demand for rhino horns persists, driven by myths and cultural practices, particularly in parts of Asia, where the horns are wrongly believed to treat various ailments or bring status when displayed as symbols of wealth.

 

The keratin composition also means that rhino horns can regrow if they are carefully removed, much like how nails or hair can grow back after being cut. However, poaching methods are typically brutal, leading to the death of these magnificent animals, making the illegal trade even more devastating.

 

This underscores the need for education and awareness to dispel the myths surrounding rhino horns, protect endangered species, and reduce the demand for this entirely unnecessary product.

[LeolaRootStew]

10 minutes ago, dljbsp said:

Rhinoceros horns are often sought after in illegal wildlife trade, largely due to the mistaken belief that they possess medicinal properties or are valuable for ornamental purposes. However, the reality is that rhino horns are composed entirely of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair, nails, and animal hooves.

 

This fact highlights a fundamental misconception: unlike the ivory from elephant tusks, rhino horns have no inherent magical or curative properties. Keratin, whether in a rhino’s horn or in your fingernails, is simply a fibrous protein that plays a structural role in the body. Yet, despite this, the demand for rhino horns persists, driven by myths and cultural practices, particularly in parts of Asia, where the horns are wrongly believed to treat various ailments or bring status when displayed as symbols of wealth.

 

The keratin composition also means that rhino horns can regrow if they are carefully removed, much like how nails or hair can grow back after being cut. However, poaching methods are typically brutal, leading to the death of these magnificent animals, making the illegal trade even more devastating.

 

This underscores the need for education and awareness to dispel the myths surrounding rhino horns, protect endangered species, and reduce the demand for this entirely unnecessary product.

[dljbsp]

The mountain stone weta is an impressive insect, but it’s unlike a beetle or a typical flying bug. Instead, it belongs to a group of flightless crickets, known for their somewhat rugged, almost armored appearance. This weta is a large, chunky creature, with some adults reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length, including their long, spiny legs. Its body is robust and segmented, with a dark, earthy coloration that helps it blend into the rocky, mountainous terrain it inhabits.

 

Its legs, particularly the hind ones, are equipped with rows of sharp spines, which give the weta a slightly intimidating appearance. These legs help it move swiftly across the rugged environment, though its bulk means it’s not the most agile of insects. The mountain stone weta also has long, threadlike antennae, which it uses to navigate and sense its surroundings. It does not fly, relying on its powerful legs for mobility instead.

 

Though fearsome to look at, especially to those uneasy around large insects, the mountain stone weta is a harmless herbivore, nibbling on plants and leaves as it thrives in the cooler climates of New Zealand’s alpine regions. Its unique appearance and survival abilities make it a true marvel of creation!

[LeolaRootStew]

1 hour ago, dljbsp said:

The mountain stone weta is an impressive insect, but it’s unlike a beetle or a typical flying bug. Instead, it belongs to a group of flightless crickets, known for their somewhat rugged, almost armored appearance. This weta is a large, chunky creature, with some adults reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length, including their long, spiny legs. Its body is robust and segmented, with a dark, earthy coloration that helps it blend into the rocky, mountainous terrain it inhabits.

 

Its legs, particularly the hind ones, are equipped with rows of sharp spines, which give the weta a slightly intimidating appearance. These legs help it move swiftly across the rugged environment, though its bulk means it’s not the most agile of insects. The mountain stone weta also has long, threadlike antennae, which it uses to navigate and sense its surroundings. It does not fly, relying on its powerful legs for mobility instead.

 

Though fearsome to look at, especially to those uneasy around large insects, the mountain stone weta is a harmless herbivore, nibbling on plants and leaves as it thrives in the cooler climates of New Zealand’s alpine regions. Its unique appearance and survival abilities make it a true marvel of creation!

[BLEmom]

In our KH parking lot last night 

[dljbsp]

Imagine a fish that doesn’t just endure the harshness of a drought; it hunkers down and lives through it. The African lungfish has this incredible ability—one that almost seems to defy what we think we know about fish. When rivers and lakes dry up, other fish don’t stand a chance, but the lungfish doesn’t flinch. It digs itself a cozy little burrow in the mud and wraps itself in a mucus cocoon, almost like a custom-made sleeping bag. In that snug little chamber, it waits…for months…even up to an entire year.

 

And here’s where things get really interesting: this cocoon isn’t just a shell—it’s a lifeline. Inside, the lungfish breathes with its lungs. Yes, lungs! Most fish rely solely on gills, but the lungfish has an extra set of tools. It can take in air, allowing it to stay alive, even while lying buried in cracked earth. And as it waits, it slows everything down. Its heartbeat, its breathing, its whole metabolism almost comes to a stop, conserving energy and resources.

 

It’s like the lungfish is saying to the drought, “Take your time; I’m in no rush.” Then, when the rains finally return, it stirs back to life, breaking free of the cocoon to swim once more. Not merely surviving, but thriving in a place and a way few others could. Quite a God-given ability, wouldn’t you say?

[LeolaRootStew]

50 minutes ago, dljbsp said:

Imagine a fish that doesn’t just endure the harshness of a drought; it hunkers down and lives through it. The African lungfish has this incredible ability—one that almost seems to defy what we think we know about fish. When rivers and lakes dry up, other fish don’t stand a chance, but the lungfish doesn’t flinch. It digs itself a cozy little burrow in the mud and wraps itself in a mucus cocoon, almost like a custom-made sleeping bag. In that snug little chamber, it waits…for months…even up to an entire year.

 

And here’s where things get really interesting: this cocoon isn’t just a shell—it’s a lifeline. Inside, the lungfish breathes with its lungs. Yes, lungs! Most fish rely solely on gills, but the lungfish has an extra set of tools. It can take in air, allowing it to stay alive, even while lying buried in cracked earth. And as it waits, it slows everything down. Its heartbeat, its breathing, its whole metabolism almost comes to a stop, conserving energy and resources.

 

It’s like the lungfish is saying to the drought, “Take your time; I’m in no rush.” Then, when the rains finally return, it stirs back to life, breaking free of the cocoon to swim once more. Not merely surviving, but thriving in a place and a way few others could. Quite a God-given ability, wouldn’t you say?

 

[dljbsp]

@LeolaRootStew  I hope you don't find an image for this one.  🙃

The average person quietly crafts over 20,000 liters (5,283.44 gallons) of saliva in a lifetime — a rather remarkable, albeit uncelebrated, feat of human physiology. Picture that quantity for a moment: enough to fill a small swimming pool! Saliva, often overlooked, serves us in ways far beyond merely moistening our mouths. It initiates digestion, protects our teeth, and even aids in tasting the delightful array of flavors we savor each day. Such an unassuming liquid, yet it tells the story of the silent, rhythmic work our bodies perform daily to sustain and protect us.