Wednesday, March 18, 2015
The Devil Fish
This piece is a colorful account by one Henry Lee of his experience with Octopuses (more properly, about some specific octopuses “with whom [he has] been on friendly terms”.) He has great, livid descriptions of octopus behavior in here, such as his account of feeding an octopus a crab against a pane of glass, so that the process could be observed:
claw, was grasped all over by suckers — enfolded in them — stretched
out to its full extent by them. The back of the carapace was
covered all over with the tenacious vacuum-discs, brought together
by the adaptable contraction of the limb, and ranged in close
order, shoulder to shoulder, touching each other ; whilst, between
those which dragged the abdominal plates towards the mouth, the
black tip of the hard, horny beak was seen for a single instant
protruding from the circular orifice in the centre of the radiation
of the arms, and, the next, had crunched through the shell, and
was buried deep in the flesh of the victim.
All in all, it’s an entertaining and informative (although scientifically questionable) read, and is one of the earliest description of octopus behavior that I have yet found free full text for - Aristotle’s descriptions in “The History of Animals” notwithstanding, a translation of which is available at the link, if you’re interested.
All in all, it’s an entertaining and informative (although scientifically questionable) read, and is one of the earliest description of octopus behavior that I have yet found free full text for - Aristotle’s descriptions in “The History of Animals” notwithstanding, a translation of which is available at the link, if you’re interested.
Ahhhh tishooooo!
For hay fever sufferers, this can be one of the most miserable times of the year, thanks to grasses and trees that produce vast quantities of wind-borne pollen. Nevertheless, pollen grains are beautiful natural objects. The pollen grains above belong to a tropical plant called cup-and-saucer vine Cobaea scandens, which is pollinated by bats rather than by wind (do bats suffer from hay fever? Probably not...).
I stained the pollen with a fluorescent dye called acridine orange, which binds to the surface of the pollen grain and fluoresces yellow when you shine blue light on it - revealing this exquisite pattern of hexagons and pores (showing green here). Each pollen grain is about one fifth of a millimetre in diameter. Plant genera can often be identified by the distinctive pattern on their surface.
The outer surface of pollen is full of minute pits and chambers that contain proteins that allow a plant to recognise pollen of its own species when it lands on its stigma, and reject foreign pollen. Its these proteins that quite literally get up your nose, trigger an allergenic reaction and set you off sniffing and sneezing.
The outer casing (known as the exine) is made up of a polymer called sporopollenin, which is incredibly resistant to biodegradation - which is why palaeobotanists can recover ancient pollen samples from deep in peat bogs and lake beds and extract and identify pollen samples from plants that grew there tens of thousands of years ago. Its a branch of botany that has given some very useful insights into how plant species distributions have changed during periods of rapid climate change, like the one we are experiencing now: studying the past in this way gives an insight in what is likely to happen to plant species in the future.
Since the exine of pollen is so resilient, it passes through the gut of insects unharmed, although the pollen contents are digested. Yes, that little white speck on this bumblebees tail is bee-poo, made up of empty exines of pollen that it has eaten. Many hoverflies feed almost exclusive on pollen, leaving little piles of hoverfly poo on leaves, and I know of at least one enterprising entomologist who has collected and analysed this, in order to study hoverflys pollen diet.
During the Vietnam war Yellow Rain - yellow specks coating plants in the jungle - was believed to be the result of Communist chemical warfare. Subsequent anaysis showed that it was bee faeces, produced by vast swarms of bees that sometimes rose into the air and defecated in unison.
Cytoplasm definition and function
The Cytoplasm is the entire cell except the nucleus. Proteins are made in the cytoplasm, and many of the cells life activities take place there.
Many tiny structures called organelles are located in the cytoplasm.
Each has a particular job to do. These organelles are called mitochondria, lysosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, centrioles, and Golgi bodies.
Mitochondria - What is mitochondria?
Mitochondria are the power producers of the cell. A cell may contain hundreds of mitochondria. These sausage-shaped structures produce almost all the energy the cell needs to live and to do its work.
Lysosome function and definition
Lysosomes are small, round bodies containing many different enzymes, which can break down many substances. For example, lysosomes help white blood cells break down harmful bacteria.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Endoplasmic Reticulum is a complex network of membrane-enclosed spaces in the cytoplasm. The surfaces of some of the membranes are smooth. Others are bordered by ribosomes—tiny, round bodies that contain large amounts of RNA. Ribosomes are the cells manufacturing units. The proteins the cell needs in order to grow, repair itself, and perform hundreds of chemical operations, are made on the ribosomes.
Centrioles
Centrioles look like two bundles of rods. They lie near the nucleus and are important in cell reproduction.
Golgi Bodies
Golgi Bodies, also called Golgi complex or Golgi apparatus, consist of a stack of flat, bag-like structures that store and eventually release various products from the cell.
Vertumnus and Pomona Roman Gods Names
Vertumnus was the god of garden and field produce. He personifies the change of seasons, and that process of transformation in nature by means of which the leaf-buds become developed into blossoms, and the blossoms into fruit.
The change of seasons is symbolized in a myth which represents Vertumnus as metamorphosing himself into a variety of different forms in order to gain the affection of Pomona, who so loved her vocation that she abjured all thoughts of marriage. He first appears to her as a ploughman, typifying Spring; then as a reaper, to represent Summer; afterwards as a vine-gatherer, to indicate Autumn; and finally as a gray-haired old woman, symbolical of the snows of Winter; but it was not until he assumed his true form, that of a beautiful youth, that he succeeded in his suit.
Vertumnus is generally represented crowned with wheat-sheaves, and bearing in his hand a cornucopia.
Pomona, who typifies Autumn, is represented as a lovely maiden, laden with branches of fruit-trees.
Text:
Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome
Author: E.M. Berens
Published: 1880
The Project Gutenberg E-Book
Produced by Alicia Williams, Keith Edkins and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Read more »
The change of seasons is symbolized in a myth which represents Vertumnus as metamorphosing himself into a variety of different forms in order to gain the affection of Pomona, who so loved her vocation that she abjured all thoughts of marriage. He first appears to her as a ploughman, typifying Spring; then as a reaper, to represent Summer; afterwards as a vine-gatherer, to indicate Autumn; and finally as a gray-haired old woman, symbolical of the snows of Winter; but it was not until he assumed his true form, that of a beautiful youth, that he succeeded in his suit.
Vertumnus is generally represented crowned with wheat-sheaves, and bearing in his hand a cornucopia.
POMONA
Pomona was the goddess of orchards and fruit-trees, who, according to Ovid, cares not for woods or streams, but loves her gardens and the boughs that bear the thriving fruit.Pomona, who typifies Autumn, is represented as a lovely maiden, laden with branches of fruit-trees.
Text:
Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome
Author: E.M. Berens
Published: 1880
The Project Gutenberg E-Book
Produced by Alicia Williams, Keith Edkins and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Morpheus God of Dreams Greek Mythology Names
Morpheus, the son of Hypnus, was the god of Dreams.
He is always represented winged, and appears sometimes as a youth, sometimes as an old man. In his hand he bears a cluster of poppies, and as he steps with noiseless footsteps over the earth, he gently scatters the seeds of this sleep-producing plant over the eyes of weary mortals.
Homer describes the House of Dreams as having two gates: one, whence issue all deceptive and flattering visions, being formed of ivory; the other, through which proceed those dreams which are fulfilled, of horn.
Text:
Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome
Author: E.M. Berens
Published: 1880
The Project Gutenberg EBook
Produced by Alicia Williams, Keith Edkins and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Read more »
He is always represented winged, and appears sometimes as a youth, sometimes as an old man. In his hand he bears a cluster of poppies, and as he steps with noiseless footsteps over the earth, he gently scatters the seeds of this sleep-producing plant over the eyes of weary mortals.
Homer describes the House of Dreams as having two gates: one, whence issue all deceptive and flattering visions, being formed of ivory; the other, through which proceed those dreams which are fulfilled, of horn.
Text:
Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome
Author: E.M. Berens
Published: 1880
The Project Gutenberg EBook
Produced by Alicia Williams, Keith Edkins and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
wheels continued
17. The cartwheel
The bigger wheels I have seen are with Bullock carts, Horse carts and later with Tractors. Bullock carts and Horse carts are usually having two wheels connected with an axle. The cart is pulled by the animal and the pulling is transferred to the wheels. The bigger size of the wheel make the carrying weight lighter to the animal.
17a. Bullock carts with four wheels
It was in fact when I came to Chennai in 1964, first time I saw bullock carts with 4 four wheels. These wheels were of the lorry or bus. Pulling became very easy for the animal having the loading area with four wheels support. Some times a person used to support from the back with pushing.
18. Three wheel cycles and rickshaws
The rickshaws and three wheel cycles were balanced on the third single wheel in the front and breaks were applied to the back wheels unless it is an abrupt stop. The cycle rickshaws were very common on those days. They have mostly disappeared from in the roads now in Chennai. Its place has taken over by autorikshaws.
19. Four wheel vehicles
The more number of vehicles are of four wheels. All cars, vans come under the group. The light vehicle licence means a licence intended to these vehicles for driving.
20. Six wheels vehicles
The six wheel vehicles are bigger vans, buses and lorries, which have 4 wheels in the back, two on either side in addition to the two front wheels. The engine transfer the momentum to back wheels and it is transferred to the front from the back wheels. Breaks are applied on back wheel as such first. The heavy vehicle licence means a licence intended to these vehicles for driving.
21. Vehicles with more wheels
To carry the weight of heavy items trucks are some times provided with additional wheels.
21a. intelligent boy
Most of us would have heard the heard the story of intelligent boy.
Once a heavy loaded truck came through a railway bridge and got struck up half way under a railway bridge, since the height was about 2" more. All the vehicles came later formed a queue. The engineers were trying the way to remove the heavy vehicle.
One boy from a car in the queue appeared before them. He said he has got a method to solve the problem and will describe if they permit. In short the boy told to let loose a small quantity of air from the truck wheels so that the truck will lower by two inches and then it can be started with top gear so that it will release from struck up and go forward. The same was done and vehicle cleared of the railway bridge and traffic problem was solved.
22. Where wheels are most important.
While a flight is landing, the wheels have to be pushed down and the weight of the flight has to be taken by the wheels in the runway. Hence all care is taken of wheels in the airplanes.
23. The steering
The steering is a wheel in all road, air and water vehicles. The steering is applied to change the direction.
23a. Ambalappuzha- Alleppy high way
On our child hood days we used to say the driver can take his hands and relax in the stretch, since there were no bends in the route!!
Later when came out of Kerala I could understand there are many routes like that. I have seen the longest straight route with less traffic in the Dubai- Sharja route for kilometres.
24. Smallest wheels
I have seen smallest wheels in the trolleys and largest wheels in the tractors commonly used. Reading members can write more about large wheels. I have excluded the small wheel planks used by legs handicapped people for moving.
25 Four wheel drive
The four wheel drive, which I started in the beginning means motion from engine is transferred directly to the four wheels, two in the front and two in back. Motion is not transferred from back wheels to front wheels.
Read more »
The bigger wheels I have seen are with Bullock carts, Horse carts and later with Tractors. Bullock carts and Horse carts are usually having two wheels connected with an axle. The cart is pulled by the animal and the pulling is transferred to the wheels. The bigger size of the wheel make the carrying weight lighter to the animal.
17a. Bullock carts with four wheels
It was in fact when I came to Chennai in 1964, first time I saw bullock carts with 4 four wheels. These wheels were of the lorry or bus. Pulling became very easy for the animal having the loading area with four wheels support. Some times a person used to support from the back with pushing.
18. Three wheel cycles and rickshaws
The rickshaws and three wheel cycles were balanced on the third single wheel in the front and breaks were applied to the back wheels unless it is an abrupt stop. The cycle rickshaws were very common on those days. They have mostly disappeared from in the roads now in Chennai. Its place has taken over by autorikshaws.
19. Four wheel vehicles
The more number of vehicles are of four wheels. All cars, vans come under the group. The light vehicle licence means a licence intended to these vehicles for driving.
20. Six wheels vehicles
The six wheel vehicles are bigger vans, buses and lorries, which have 4 wheels in the back, two on either side in addition to the two front wheels. The engine transfer the momentum to back wheels and it is transferred to the front from the back wheels. Breaks are applied on back wheel as such first. The heavy vehicle licence means a licence intended to these vehicles for driving.
21. Vehicles with more wheels
To carry the weight of heavy items trucks are some times provided with additional wheels.
21a. intelligent boy
Most of us would have heard the heard the story of intelligent boy.
Once a heavy loaded truck came through a railway bridge and got struck up half way under a railway bridge, since the height was about 2" more. All the vehicles came later formed a queue. The engineers were trying the way to remove the heavy vehicle.
One boy from a car in the queue appeared before them. He said he has got a method to solve the problem and will describe if they permit. In short the boy told to let loose a small quantity of air from the truck wheels so that the truck will lower by two inches and then it can be started with top gear so that it will release from struck up and go forward. The same was done and vehicle cleared of the railway bridge and traffic problem was solved.
22. Where wheels are most important.
While a flight is landing, the wheels have to be pushed down and the weight of the flight has to be taken by the wheels in the runway. Hence all care is taken of wheels in the airplanes.
23. The steering
The steering is a wheel in all road, air and water vehicles. The steering is applied to change the direction.
23a. Ambalappuzha- Alleppy high way
On our child hood days we used to say the driver can take his hands and relax in the stretch, since there were no bends in the route!!
Later when came out of Kerala I could understand there are many routes like that. I have seen the longest straight route with less traffic in the Dubai- Sharja route for kilometres.
24. Smallest wheels
I have seen smallest wheels in the trolleys and largest wheels in the tractors commonly used. Reading members can write more about large wheels. I have excluded the small wheel planks used by legs handicapped people for moving.
25 Four wheel drive
The four wheel drive, which I started in the beginning means motion from engine is transferred directly to the four wheels, two in the front and two in back. Motion is not transferred from back wheels to front wheels.
11 WONDERFUL THINGS IN LIFE
- It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, But what is more painful is to love someone and never find the courage to let that person know how you feel.
- A sad thing in life is when you meet someone who means a lot to you, only to find out in the end that it was never meant to be and you just have to let go.
- The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation youve ever had.
- Its true that we dont know what weve got until we lose it, but its also true that we dont know what weve been missing until it arrives.
- It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone-but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.
- Dont go for looks; they can deceive. Dont go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.
- Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.
- Always put yourself in the others shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the person too.
- A careless word may kindle strife; a cruel word may wreck a life; a timely word may level stress; a loving word may heal and bless.
- The happiest of people dont necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
- Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, ends with a tear. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, youre the one smiling and everyone around you is crying.
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