Month: February 2020

Climate crisis effects — locust swarms the size of cities

This article is filled with media so I suggest you just click thru. Its main point tho is that locust swarms will consume everything that can be eaten as they travel thru -- and these swarms are traveling thru parts of Africa leaving famine in their wake. Locusts have always been a threat and horror … Continue reading Climate crisis effects — locust swarms the size of cities →

Good hygiene for getting the best sleep

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/feb/17/shut-eye-and-sleep-hygiene-the-truth-about-why-you-keep-waking-up-at-3am Shuteye and sleep hygiene: the truth about why you keep waking up at 3am Sleep You eschew caffeine after lunch, have stopped drinking alcohol and eat healthily. But you’re still staring at the ceiling in the small hours. Here’s why Elle Hunt Mon 17 Feb 2020 07.00 EST Last modified on Mon 17 Feb 2020 … Continue reading Good hygiene for getting the best sleep →

Absolutely wonderful audio interview with Jim Dale, narrator of the U.S. version of Harry Potter

There is a partial transcript at this URL but there's also a link to the audio of the full interview of an extremely entertaining man -- Jim Dale. What a splendid introduction to the world of audiobooks! — Read on http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/blog/in-conversation-with-jim-dale/

Bumblebees’ decline points to probability of extinction

I'm reading "The History of Bees" by Maja Lunde, a fictional account of the breeding and use of honeybees at three different times -- past, present, and future. As usual, sci-fi/fantasy does its job of reminding the readers about issues that need to be considered now, not later. This article takes the scientific approach to … Continue reading Bumblebees’ decline points to probability of extinction →

Time-lapse video of huge ice separation in Antarctica

The shattering of icebergs and glaciers isn't just fascinating to watch. The increasing speed with which it's happening is going to show up in a faster increase in the ocean level than had been predicted. Since the East Coast of the U.S. has an even rate of increase than other areas, this activity matters. Miami, … Continue reading Time-lapse video of huge ice separation in Antarctica →

Gmail offers new functionality

Email software faces a constant battle to update. Now Gmail has added the ability to add attachments from the Apple's File and from Dropbox. https://arstechnica.com/?p=1653982 Attachments — Since the iOS Files app is finally useful, Gmail will add attachments from it Apple beefed up Files' functionality in iOS 13 last year. Samuel Axon - 2/14/2020, … Continue reading Gmail offers new functionality →

Oil leaks into water are far more dangerous than seen with the naked eye

Human eyes are such remarkable works that we tend to rely on them a bit too much. The assessment of oil leaks, whether on land or off-shore, has used visual means a bit too often. Turns out the leaks are far more dangerous than usually assumed. The Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico … Continue reading Oil leaks into water are far more dangerous than seen with the naked eye →

Yet another story about birds unexpected adaptability

Those who have dipped into the recent "The Genius of Birds" by Jennifer Ackerman may have a feel for how remarkable birds are, but this story has a few surprises. Do click on the URL to hear some recordings of the bird songs. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/birds-talk-their-eggsand-song-might-help-their-babies-deal-climate-change-180960168/ Birds Sing to Their Eggs, and This Song Might Help Their … Continue reading Yet another story about birds unexpected adaptability →

Delightfully cat-friendly homes in Japan (this is for real)

https://livejapan.com/en/in-kansai/in-pref-hyogo/in-kobe_sannomiya_kitano/article-a2000397/ HOMEKansaiHyogoKobe, Sannomiya, Kitano New cat-friendly homes in Japan come specially designed for felines New cat-friendly homes in Japan come specially designed for felines Date published: 14 February 2020 Save Features like built-in kitty litter boxes under the floor let furbabies truly rule the house you live in.Nobody loves cats quite as much as Japanese … Continue reading Delightfully cat-friendly homes in Japan (this is for real) →

Maps show where the coronavirus has spread – The Washington Post

[from the WA Post] Chinese health officials confirmed that the pneumonialike coronavirus came from wild animals sold at a market in Wuhan, the city of 11 million people and capital of the Hubei province in China. — Read on http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2020/01/22/mapping-spread-new-coronavirus/

Audiobooks aren’t just entertainment — they’re essential for the visually impaired

The Library of Congress’s National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled has been producing books on tape (literally, they were on reel to reel) and other formats of audiobooks for the blind and others who have problems reading for decades. Altho many of the books do provide pure pleasure, many of the items … Continue reading Audiobooks aren’t just entertainment — they’re essential for the visually impaired →