The family made a trip this afternoon up to Amicalola Falls near Ellijay for some much needed together time and natural communion. Balthazar loved the walk, which is probably 1/4 mile – maybe 1/2 at most to the falls’ base. However, a big part of that hike is 125 steps on a winding staircase up… Continue reading Stairway to Heaven
Category: Nature
The Wee People of Indonesia
I was impressed to hear in a podcast (SETI) recently that a new hominid skeleton was found on an Indonesian island from 18,000 years ago. It’s another win for evolution as this new form is yet another intelligent hominid and just over 3 feet tall. By now, many skeletons have been found as well as… Continue reading The Wee People of Indonesia
I ❤ Squid
I’m infatuated with big squid. In London, they have a 28 footer on display, which I would love to go and see. The fascinating thing about them is their potential for mythic sizes, rarity, and keen hunter abilities. A squid of thirty feet could grab you with its tentacles before you ever saw it at… Continue reading I ❤ Squid
Japanese Hornets Slaughter Bees
If you weren’t concerned with hornets before, now you’re vomiting from fear.
Evil in Nature
The Ampulex compressa, a wasp with a nasty hunting habit, has a particularly devious plan in store for cockroaches. I’m not fond of roaches either, but I’ve never thought to conduct bizarre Frankenstein experiments with them. I’ve read at Boing Boing and The Loom at Corante now about the fascinating insect. The female wasp seeks… Continue reading Evil in Nature
The Weather is Here…
Rain, rain, go away. Come again as frozen precipitation.
First Day in Dublin
I got into Dublin, OH this morning at 3:00am. Nice flight. The nasty weather caused some disturbances for our pilot. Two of my traveling companions did not take the turbulence well and came off the plane feeling less than stable. Our landing took us through some pretty thick snow, which was awesome to see at… Continue reading First Day in Dublin
Something Wickèd this Way Comes…
In a particularly sinister plan led by one North American Hornet Saturday, my assassination was attempted in vain. I was minding my own business and mowing the lawn when a humming bird-sized hornet leapt from hiding and sniped me. Fortunately, my ninja reflexes allowed my life to be spared and I received the wound on… Continue reading Something Wickèd this Way Comes…
Praying Mantis
I find mantids throughout the garden this time of year. I found a particularly large one recently (see photo). They’re fascinating – I think they’re the only insect that can move their head independently from their body. I’m compelled to watch them closely, yet I succumb to spasmodic, violent thrashing if one should attack accidentally… Continue reading Praying Mantis