A venomous mammal has been found in fossil beds from 60 million years ago in Alberta. The interesting part is that it had fangs like a snake, or rather a Gila monster: “The fossilized remains of two curved canines, found in the Canadian province of Alberta, shows a groove from which the creature, Bisonalveus browni, …
Effective Warning
My friend Gloria works extensively with big cats. This sign graces her front door:
Turtles
I am currently doing some research (on parasites of digger bees– whole ‘nother story) in the vast almost roadless Sevilleta Wildlife reservation north of here, where no one is allowed save researchers. And I am seeing the first SMALL box turtles I have ever seen, east or west– often. Seems the exclusion of most cars, …
The End of Oil?
VERY scary piece from the Wall Street Journal’s Opinion Journal: could Saudi Arabia be lying to the world about the extent of its oil reserves? If so, civilization is about to hit a serious speed bump…
Book Reviews
Lots of new reviews, from suspense to science, up at Good Books on the website…
And who thought this was a good idea?
The Alpha Environmentalist, knowing of my interest in China issues, just alerted me to this op- ed piece from the Arizona Daily Star on the Chinese government’s bid to buy the California based oil company Unocal (don’t know how long the link will be up). Exactly who– other than, say, the Peoples’ Liberation Army– thinks …
“My name is Steve and I am a bookaholic”.
Check this hilarious post from Dymphna at Gates of Vienna. She pefectly captures our mutual addiction: “Read-a-holics cannot resist the printed word: It starts with cereal boxes at the breakfast table or newspapers abandoned in the restaurant booth by whomever ate there before you and continues into reading your high school English lit books the …
“I Am Not Worthy!”
“Michael Blowhard” of 2Blowhwards– see my blogroll– has just written a touching link and description of my site. Michael was the first person to admit me to a blog, with a guest post on the writer’s life, several years ago. I guess that makes him my “blogfather”. I am honored. Please, check out Blowhards– it …
Slow Food?
The moas of New Zealand were the largest true birds that ever lived. They were preyed upon by an eagle that was itself so large it probaby ate the first human settlers, the Maori, as well– they have legends saying so, and pictured it on rocks. As in so many places, humans probably put an …
Got Mud?
From England via Cox News Service: fake mud for your four wheel drive vehicle: ” Maybe your rugged SUV never goes anywhere wilder than the mall, but you can look like a wilderness adventurer with Spray-On Mud. For owners who don’t want it to look like they’re driving an unnecessary gas-guzzler, a little splash signals …