Category Archives: Curiousities

The Aerodynamics of Velvet: What Humans Can Learn from Owls

Scientific research has coaxed the owl from the shadows and restored her to Athene, the Greek goddess of wisdom.

Robert Smithson, Creator of “Spiral Jetty” and the Artist for the Jackpot?

A perambulation through the works of “land artist” Robert Smithson.

Climate Protestors Stop Stage 10 of the Tour de France

Climate protests stopped Stage 10 of the Tour de France briefly on Tuesday. The race continued, but a worldwide audience heard their message.

The Incredibly Cool James Webb Space Telescope

An exquisitely sensitive infrared astronomical observatory….

Four Novelists, One Ocean: How Indian Ocean Literature Can Remap the World

Another book to add to the to-read pile, Charne Lavery’s Rewriting Ocean Worlds, about four novelists who center their work on the Indian Ocean and its environs.

Everything’s Coming Up Roses

Roses are blooming in our garden, providing a welcome distraction from the dire and depressing news cycle.

Why Birds Migrate Vast Distances – and How you Can Help During Their Breeding Season

It’s spring migration season, with birds resident returning from winter sojourns in warmer climes to their summer breeding sites. The post includes some suggestions on how you can help the birds.

Spring Is Here: 324+ Daffodils (and Counting), 33 Tulips, and One Simnel Cake

Spring has sprung and we’re surrounded by blooming daffodils and tulips, with bluebells soon to follow. Bring on the bees and butterflies!

‘Unthinkable’: Scientists Shocked as Polar Temperatures Soar 50 to 90 Degrees Above Normal

Scientists express shock and alarm at the unprecedented temperature surges recorded thes weekend at each of the earth’s poles – the latest manifestation of climate change.