Friday, February 22, 2019

Coffee and Provocation



The Giant Fernandina Island Tortoise is Not Extinct
A type of Giant tortoise believed to be extinct for 100 years has been found in the Galapagos, Islands, one of those most studied spots on earth. The tortoise is believed to be about 100 years old. Only one other specimen of Fernandina Island tortoise, Chelonoidis phantasticus, has ever been collected before, and that was back in April of 1906. Surveys of remote areas of Fernandina Island in 1964 "documented several large tortoise scat" and some tortoise bite marks, while a 2009 airplane survey "yielded a possible unconfirmed sighting of a tortoise," so there may, in fact, be more hiding in the brush and rocks. Stay tuned.

Rediscovery of the Largest Bee in the World
With a wingspan of two and a half inches, Wallace’s giant bee is four times bigger than a European honeybee, has giant pincher jaws like a stag beetle, and lives a largely solitary existence in holes in arboreal Indonesian termite mounds. Discovered in the 1850s by Alfred Russel Wallace, the bees has not been seen for over 40 years.

Bronze Age Pet Fox?
Apparently this was a thing.  I am not entirely surprised, as primitive man has snatched wolves, monkey, parrots, and all other manner of animal as temporary pets since time began.  Thanks Lucas M.!

Invasive Species Sandwich
In Virginia, we're eating the invasive blue catfish that was introduced into the James and Rappahannock tributaries some 40 years ago, and which now comprise 3/4 of the total weight of all fish in some parts of these rivers. The fish can weighing up to 100 pounds and live 20 years, and have no natural predators other than man. The catfish threaten the native populations of menhaden, blue crabs and other smaller species important to the region’s ecosystem and economy.

A Backpack for Small Dogs
Going on a long day hike with a very small dog or hunting your terrier in deep snow in winter? The K9 Sport Sack might be the ticket.

Less Fruit Spoilage Ahead?
A fruit coating called "Apeel" promises to slow down oxidation and water loss in fruits and vegetables so that they stay fresh longer. The non-toxic coating is made from a mixture of pulp, peels, and seeds that is dissolved in water then applied to the skin of produce.

A Teddy Roosevelt Miracle
A US park ranger who was furloughed during the recent government shutdown has won a lottery jackpot worth nearly $30 million.

The Continuing Crisis
Knife-wielding sex robots could kill us all according to Internet security experts.

This May Not End Well
Headline: Multiple-vehicle crash near Donner Pass creates traffic nightmare on snowy I-80.

How to Raise a 20-Year Goldfish
Massive levels of goldfish mortality are preventable.

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