grrlscientist | April 25, 2007tags: blog carnivals
The 78th issue of Tangled Bank is now available for your reading pleasure. They included several pieces that I wrote, too.
grrlscientist | April 25, 2007tags: marijuana, illegal drugs
Beware: Misinformation alert
Wow, who knew, but the marijuana sold (illegally, of course) in the USA is stronger than ever before, which could explain the increasing number of emergency room visits due to this drug, according to government drug experts. (Image source).
Analysis of seized samples of marijuana and hashish showed that more of the cannabis on the market is of the strongest grade, the White House and National Institute for Drug Abuse said.
They cited data from the University of Mississippi's Marijuana Potency Project showing the average levels of…
grrlscientist | April 25, 2007tags: Condoleezza Rice, subpoena, Iraq war, politics
It's about Condoleezza Rice was subpoenaed regarding the Iraq war, since we are finally interested to get to the bottom of why America is caught up in this stupid war. Today, the House of Representatives' Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted 21-10 to subpoena Condoleezza Rice to appear before the panel next month. The Secretary of State is expected to testify about administration justifications for the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Meanwhile, crybaby Republicans accused Democrats of a "fishing expedition." But Democrats said…
grrlscientist | April 25, 2007
Can you image how much patience is required to photograph ants?
Linepithema humile -- The Argentine ant
Northern California, USA
A foraging trail of Argentine ants.
Photographer: Alexander Wild, 2005.
As long as you send images to me (and I hope it will be for forever), I shall continue to share them with my readership. My purpose for posting these images is to remind all of us of the grandeur of the natural world and that there is a world out there that is populated by millions of unique species. We are a part of this world whether we like it or not: we have a choice to either preserve…
grrlscientist | April 25, 2007tags: streaming video, humor, animation
For you exercise buffs out there, this video shows the hazards of getting your exercise using modern technology, instead of getting out there for a run in the park.
grrlscientist | April 25, 2007tags: Solomon Islands Frogmouth, Rigidipenna inexpectatus, Podargus ocellatus inexpectatus, birds, birding, ornithology
Gone are the days when animals were classified to taxon based solely on bone structure (osteology), body structure (morphometrics) or behavior (ethology), or some combination of these characters. Currently, scientists have a suite of powerful tools for classifying creatures to taxon, and analyses using a combination of these methods is allowing us to come to a deeper understanding of all animal life. As a result of using these techniques, a new species of bird has been…
grrlscientist | April 24, 2007tags: wage discrimination, sex discrimination, equal pay for women day, employment
Today is Equal Pay Day for women -- that happy day day when women's 2006 wages are equivalent to those earned by men in 2006 -- and 2007 is already one third of the way over!
But, you ask, these are modern times, aren't women paid the same as men, especially college-educated women? It might surprise you to learn that this is not true. According to a news report that I heard this morning on National Public Radio, women college grads begin their post-college careers by earning 80 cents for every dollar earned…
grrlscientist | April 24, 2007
Can you image how much patience is required to photograph ants?
Sphinctomyrmex froggatti
Victoria, Australia.
The distinct constrictions of the abdomen are diagnostic for Sphinctomyrmex ants.
Photographer: Alexander Wild, 2006.
As long as you send images to me (and I hope it will be for forever), I shall continue to share them with my readership. My purpose for posting these images is to remind all of us of the grandeur of the natural world and that there is a world out there that is populated by millions of unique species. We are a part of this world whether we like it or not: we have a…
grrlscientist | April 24, 2007tags: Karl Rove, Tom Hamburger, missing emails, politics
Remember those five million or so missing White House emails .. ? It seems that BushCo have been trying to give Americans the slip, but because we are not as stupid as BushCo, we are not deceived.
As if the Gonzales fiasco was not enough, "the Bush administration and its chief strategist may be about to face a whole new problem," reports CNN's American Morning.
Apparently, the Office of Special Counsel is about to launch a sweeping investigation into Karl Rove's political operations. Ooooh, goody!
Among other things, the…
grrlscientist | April 24, 2007tags: congressional timetable, troops, Iraq war, politics
Bush has no empathy or consideration for anyone, which means that the troops, the gallant men and women of this nation's military, are stuck in a losing war with no end in sight. This is shameful. The fact that Bush can change this situation, but won't, demonstrates his shocking arrogance and stupidity and disregard for the lives of mainstream Americans.
Bush is steadfastly resisting Congress's timetable for a withdrawal of our troops from Iraq.
"I'm disappointed that the Democratic leadership has chosen this course," Bush complained…
grrlscientist | April 24, 2007tags: turkey, birds, behavior, ethology
A day-old chicken chick sits beside a male turkey that hatched and played mother to it at a farm in central Albania, Fushe Kruje, some 25 km (16 miles) from Tirana. The turkey, previously known for its fighting ability, incubated some chicken eggs until they were hatched then looked after them, residents said.
I wonder what this bird's hormonal mileu looks like?
Image and story: Reuters
grrlscientist | April 24, 2007tags: streaming video, music, the Zimmers, My Generation
This charming and upbeat video just goes to show us all that life (and musical appreciation) don't end at age 30!
grrlscientist | April 23, 2007tags: Alberto Gonzales, Gonzo, US Attorney General, politics
"I will stay as long as I believe I can be effective," said Gonzales.
Wrecking the constitution, no doubt. How many congresscritters have to demand his resignation before he finally gives it up as a lost cause? And worse, does Bush adore liars, or what? Even the GOP was demanding his resignation.
But Gonzo, in a supreme show of arrogance, has decided to stay because, as he says;
"As long as I think that I can be effective and the president believes that I should continue to be at the head of the Department of Justice, I'll continue…
grrlscientist | April 23, 2007tags: Harry Potter, streaming video, movie trailers
You all know I am mad about Harry Potter, so it should not surprise you that I am featuring the latest HP film trailer here for your viewing pleasure. Of course, I am seeking more trailers to share with you, so be ready.
By the way, I am counting the days until the film comes out .. it's 13 July, so be there just so I don't spoil it for you the following day, okay?
grrlscientist | April 23, 2007
Can you image how much patience is required to photograph ants?
Portrait of a Mystrium ant, her mandibles held open.
Photographer: Alexander Wild, 2006.
As long as you send images to me (and I hope it will be for forever), I shall continue to share them with my readership. My purpose for posting these images is to remind all of us of the grandeur of the natural world and that there is a world out there that is populated by millions of unique species. We are a part of this world whether we like it or not: we have a choice to either preserve these species or to destroy them in search of…
grrlscientist | April 23, 2007tags: Birds in the News, ornithology, birds, avian, newsletter
Greater Prairie-chicken, Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus [Bigger image]
More Prairie-chickens.
The photographer writes; I was lucky enough to be out this morning on Konza Prairie (see the latest National Geographic for some details) photographing the testosterone-fueled antics of Greater Prairie-chickens. We had 13 males and up to 5 females on the lek, and the sky was clear and blue. A bit chilly in the blind, but it was worth it. So here is an image of one of the males, with a soggy bison wallow in the background.
Image: Dave…
grrlscientist | April 22, 2007tags: streaming video, Bill Maher, Earth Day, politics
Bill Maher quotes Albert Einstein as saying that humans and other animals have only four years left if all the bees died. Did Einstein really say that?
grrlscientist | April 22, 2007tags: Atlantic salmon, conservation, fish, Goldman Environmental Prize, Orri Vigfusson
Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar. [bigger image]
Image: DNR, Cornell, NY.
Orri Vigfusson, 64, an Icelandic businessman, has been fighting to save Atlantic wild salmon from extinction by overfishing for 17 years. Vigfusson's efforts, which led to an increase in salmon numbers in the northern Atlantic Ocean, have been recognized with a top environmental award; the Goldman Environmental Prize. The award is known as "the Nobel Prize for grassroots environmentalism". Vigfusson, along with five other winners, will…
grrlscientist | April 22, 2007tags: Amur leopard, Manchurian leopard, Far East Leopard, conservation, big cats
Amur, or Manchurian, Leopard, Panthera pardus orientalis.
Image: National Geographic.
According to a new census by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Russian Academy of Science, and the Wildlife Conservation Society, it is estimated that only 25 to 34 wild Amur leopards remain alive -- at least 66 fewer than are needed to ensure survival. Also known as the Far Eastern or Manchurian leopard, the Amur leopard has been victimized by habitat fragmentation and hunting, conservationists said recently.
"We've known…
grrlscientist | April 22, 2007The 6th edition of the Health Wonk Review is now available at the Healthcare Economist for your reading pleasure. Additionally, the 5th edition of the Gene Genie is now available.