Author Archives: WeRaven
Idle Nature: The Unexpected Downtime in Insect Communities
Surprisingly, a significant number of animals, including those we typically consider industrious, spend a considerable amount of their time seemingly idle. Observations of social insect communities, such as ants or bees, reveal that roughly less than half of the population are often stationary, appearing to do nothing. Source
25 Kickass Random Facts List #832
From 1976 to 1989 an unknown taping noise was audible worldwide on commercial and civilian communications (tv broadcast, commercial aviation, SW radio). The source was the Duga radar “The Russian Woodpecker” a huge over-the-horizon radar used by the Soviets as a missile detection system. The post 25 Kickass Random Facts List #832 first appeared on… Read More »
The Domino Effect: How One Rotten Apple Can Spoil the Barrel
Does the saying “one rotten apple spoils the whole barrel” hold any truth? Absolutely. When an apple becomes damaged or begins to decay, it generates a gas called ethylene. This gas elevates the apple’s internal temperature slightly, initiating the breakdown of chlorophyll and the creation of other pigments. Concurrently, the fruit’s starch is transformed into… Read More »
Sweet Overload: The Impact of Genetically Modified Fruits on Zoo Animals
Contemporary fruit, having been genetically altered over the years, is proving excessively sweet for zoo animals. Australian zookeepers have started reducing the fruit intake of some animals due to the heightened sweetness that may harm their health. Modern-day farming technology has accelerated the breeding of crops, enhancing their resistance to diseases and pests. This progress,… Read More »
Pizza Farms: A Delicious Blend of Agriculture and Education
Have you ever heard of pizza farms? These are unique establishments that either sell pizzas made from ingredients grown on-site, or they function as educational farms that cultivate pizza ingredients, often on a circular piece of land divided into pizza slice-like segments. Some of these farms primarily focus on selling pizzas. They have gained significant… Read More »
Dr. Seuss’s Enduring Partnership: A Lifeline during the Great Depression
Dr. Seuss’s depiction of a Flit insecticide sprayer in one of his cartoons led to a significant endorsement contract with the company that lasted for 17 years. This long-term partnership provided substantial financial support for Seuss and his family, enabling them to weather the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. Source
Vortex I: The State-Sponsored Festival
The Vortex I festival, a unique occurrence in U.S. history as the only state-sponsored rock concert, was held in Oregon. This event was strategically planned to coincide with President Nixon’s visit to showcase the peaceful aspects of the anti-War Movement and to deter any potential violent protests during the President’s scheduled appearance in the state.… Read More »
Olympic Triumph to Survival: Rulon Gardner’s Lake Powell Ordeal
In 2007, three years after securing a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics, wrestler Rulon Gardner and two of his friends miraculously survived a plane crash in Lake Powell, Utah. After the accident, they swam for an hour through water at a chilly 44F (7C) to reach the shore. They endured the cold night without… Read More »
Worry as a Buffer: Minimizing Emotional Contrasts after Negative Events
Research indicates that the primary reason behind worry might be to mitigate the impact of negative emotional shifts following adverse events. In essence, if we’re already in a state of worry or anxiety, the emotional downfall experienced after a negative event is less severe compared to when we’re in a state of happiness or relaxation.… Read More »
From Bitter to Better: The Evolution of Brussels Sprouts Since the 90s
Since the 1990s, Brussels sprouts have undergone intentional breeding to improve their taste by reducing their bitterness. Plant breeders selected the most promising varieties and crossbred them with newer ones that boasted other beneficial features, such as increased yields and robust disease resistance. This strategic breeding resulted in Brussels sprout varieties that have been well-received… Read More »