The latest issue of Discovery Magazine contained a brief article (in its “Breakthroughs” section) about the hotheaded naked ice borer, a fascinating new Antarctic species recently found by wildlife biologist Dr. A. Pazzo.
These bizarre creatures were each about half a foot long, very light, and had a bony plate attached to their head that could become burning hot, allowing them to bore tunnels through ice at high speeds. They used this ability to hunt penguins. Packs of them would melt the ice beneath a penguin causing it to sink into the slush, at which point the borers would surround the hapless creature and consume it.
Dr. Pazzo, the article explained, discovered the borers by chance as a result of their predatory nature. While studying a group of penguins, she noticed one frightened member of the group rapidly sinking into the ice. When she pulled the hapless creature out of the fast-growing slush pool, she found a host of small creatures attached to it. These creatures turned out to be Hotheaded Ice Borers.
After researching this fascinating new species, Dr. Pazzo theorized that the hotheads might have been responsible for the mysterious disappearance of the Antarctic explorer Philippe Poisson in 1837. “To the ice borers, he would have looked like a penguin,“ the article quoted her as saying.
EXTRACTED FROM THE APRIL DISCOVERY MAGAZINE :
April Pazzo was about to call it a day when she noticed that the penquins she was observing seemed strangely agitated. Pazzo, a wildlife biologist, was in Antarctica studying penguins at a remote, poorly explored area along the coast of the Ross Sea. “I was getting ready to release a penguin I had tagged when I heard a lot of squawking,“ says Pazzo. “When I looked up, the whole flock had sort of stampeded. They were waddling away faster than I’d ever seen them move.“
Pazzo waded through the panicked birds to find out what was wrong. She found one penguin that hadn’t fled. “It was sinking into the ice as if into quicksand,“ she says. Somehow the ice beneath the bird had melted; the penguin was waist deep in slush. Pazzo tried to help the struggling penguin. She grabbed its wings and pulled. With a heave she freed the bird. But the penguin wasn’t the only thing she hauled from the slush. About a dozen small, hairless pink molelike creatures had clamped their jaws onto the penguin’s lower body. Pazzo managed to capture one of the creatures—the others quickly released their grip and vanished into the slush.
Over the next few months Pazzo caught several of the animals and watched others in the wild. She calls the strange new species hotheaded naked ice borers. “They’re repulsive,“ says Pazzo. Adults are about six inches long, weigh a few ounces, have a very high metabolic rate—their body temperature is 110 degrees—and live in labyrinthine tunnels carved in the ice.
Perhaps their most fascinating feature is a bony plate on their forehead. Innumerable blood vessels line the skin covering the plate. The animals radiate tremendous amounts of body heat through their “hot plates,“ which they use to melt their tunnels in ice and to hunt their favorite prey: penguins.
A pack of ice borers will cluster under a penguin and melt the ice and snow it’s standing on. When the hapless bird sinks into the slush, the ice borers attack, dispatching it with bites of their sharp incisors. They then carve it up and carry its flesh back to their burrows, leaving behind only webbed feet, a beak, and some feathers. “They travel through the ice at surprisingly high speeds,“ says Pazzo, “much faster than a penguin can waddle.“
Pazzo’s discovery may also help solve a long-standing Antarctic mystery: What happened to the heroic polar explorer Phillipe Poisson, who disappeared in Antarctica without a trace in 1837? “I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that a big pack of ice borers got him,“ says Pazzo. “I’ve seen what these things do to emporer penguins—it isn’t pretty—and emporers can be as much as four feet tall. Poisson was about 5 foot 6. To the ice borers, he would have looked like a big penguin."
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Yesterday, I received an email from a girlfriend of mine who lives in another country. She is almost 60 years old and I always tease her as to how she and her hubby must be enjoying the most romantic times together. We used to chat on MSN almost every morning, laughing most of the time but since November 2008, I stopped using MSN and sadly, also stopped chatting with her and my godsons and goddaughters even though I have invited her to chat with me via Skype upon appointment LOL because I do not log on unless there is an appointment haha - too much to do and blog!!!
Excerpt from her email which prompted me to do this post:
Anyway, cannot talk to you via skype at night lah....trying to teach my hubby how to court his Golden Oldie again!! LOL. He's got dementia and does not even know the correct way to hold my hand...after I've forcefully shuffed it into his! Sigh! Have to tell him that that is when he has to curl his fingers round mine so it does not fall away!! LOL!!Anyway, this post is specially dedicated to her, my dear dear *****, whom I know reads my blog to see almost daily to see if I am alive :-), with the hope that she and her hubby plus all my married or cohabitating friends, will have many romantic years together.
To me, whether you are in a relationship or single, romance is as necessary a part of life as breathing. :-) A day spent focusing on romance can be thought of as Focus on Love day. And a focus on love day will nurture and recharge your spirit and your relationship. Here are some suggestions to create a romantic ambiance in your home..(I know ;) I am a sentimental romantic at heart!)
The suggestions are for couples and singles - to show no discrimination :-) because whether single or married, it is all up to us to be happy!
1. The Perfect Day
Couples: Subtly question your lover about what they picture as the perfect day. Focus on Love day - then create it for him or her.
Singles: If you had a partner, what would you have them do to create your perfect Focus on Love day? Create it for yourself - love yourself that much.
2. The Perfect Card + One Perfect Rose
Couples: Buy or make a lovely card and then fill it to the brim with words of love, admiration and appreciation. When I say fill it to the brim, I mean leave no white space untouched. Present it with one perfect rose. Years ago, my dear husband gave me a single pink rose for Valentine's Day - a plastic rose. ;) When he saw my expression, he said that a plastic rose can last better than a real rose - pragmatic man...by the way, I still have that pink rose!
Singles: Buy or make a lovely card for yourself, and just as above, fill it to the brim with words you want to hear from your future lover. Seal the envelope. Present it to yourself with one perfect rose.
3. A Lover's Day and not a Woman's Day
Couples: Ladies, I have it on good authority that guys want to be celebrated too. So, get him flowers and candy and cards, too.
Singles: Guys, give yourself that same wonderful day as a relationship partner would give you. You may feel silly, but you will also feel good.
4. Say Goodbye to Obligation, Say Hello to Open Heart
Couples: Don't give or do anything from obligation this Focus on Love day. Give only from your heart, from love and treasuring your partner.
Singles: Don't beat yourself up for not having a partner yet. You have not failed. You are not bad. Create a Focus on Love for Yourself day.
5. The Gift of Undivided Attention
Couples: Give your partner the gift of undivided attention and see if she or he doesn't find that the most romantic thing going.
Singles: Give yourself the gift of your own undivided attention. Take away all of the distractions and be with yourself the way you would want your partner to be with you.
6. Gift of Communication
Couples: Men, allow your woman to talk about whatever her heart desires, and listen with out fixing at all.
Ladies, let your man talk or answer your question with out finishing his sentences for him, interrupting him, or moving on to the next topic.(hehehe I used to do that) See if this doesn't make sparks fly.
Singles: Either find a person who will listen to you the way you need to be heard, or give yourself space and time to listen to your own thoughts and feelings.
7. Gift of Communication II
Couples: Ladies, give your man the gift of sitting down next to him in silence. No talking allowed. After 25 years with hubby, I have learnt the beauty of silence....he is a quiet man and I used to talk endlessly n he would listen. Then I would force him to talk n if he did not, and if there was no response....ah...but now, we are older and wiser and I have learnt, truly learnt, the beauty of silence with him...er but not for too longhahaha!
Men, give your lady the gift of talking and sharing from your heart. No closing down, walling off or running away allowed.
Singles: Either silence or open heart, give yourself which ever one you need.
8. A Gift with Interest
Couples: Is your partner into computers, and you don't know a mouse from a monitor? Or is she into gardening, but to you a rose is just a rose? Give your partner the gift of your interest in something that is important to him or her. Go ahead, ask him or her a question about it and see the smile light up his or her face.
Singles: Give yourself the gift of time to pursue your important interest. Take the time to do something that nourishes you and makes you happy.
9. The Trust
Couples: Ladies, give the man in your life the gift of trusting him to know how and when to take care of himself and you. Learn how to be subtle.
Gentlemen, hold her trust sacred, and learn to listen for subtle requests.
Singles: Today trust your process and your fate. Today trust that you too will be loved and cherished.
10. A Shower of Words
Couples: Write your loved one a love letter or poem and read it to them. Here come the tears.
Singles: Write yourself a love letter or poem, exactly the way you would want it written by a lover. Read it to yourself out loud and have Kleenex ready. And never lose hope! Love yourself, believe in yourself and be happy no matter what!
do you ever wonder if I still love you?
When you look at the stars burning bright,
do you hope that we'll make it through each night?
When through the passage of time we move,
do you realize that we understand each other's groove?
When things around you seem to be falling apart,
do I still have first place in your heart?
When one day the kids have all left home,
do you know it'll be you and me at home alone?
When you realize that we are both growing older,
do you know that's when we need to hold each other closer?
And do you ever wonder if I feel the same way like I used to?
Rest your mind my love, because the answer is sure I do.
written by masterwordsmith 12.55p.m., 31st March 2009
IF YOU NEED A LITTLE LAUGH
Traveling down the interstate and needing to use the restroom,
I stop at a rest area and head to the restroom.
I was barely sitting down when I heard a voice from the other stall saying:
"Hi, how are you?"
I'm not the type to start a conversation in the restroom and I don't know what got into me, but I answered, somewhat embarrassed,
"Doin' just fine!"
And the other person says:
"So what are you up to?"
What kind of question is that? At that point, I'm thinking this is too bizarre so I say:
"Uhhh, I'm like you, just traveling!"
At this point I am just trying to get out as fast as I can when I hear another question.
"Can I come over?"
Ok, this question is just too weird for me but I figured I could just be polite and end the conversation. I tell them"No..I'm a little busy right now!!!"
Then I hear the person say nervously....
"Listen, I'll have to call you back."There's an idiot in the other stall who keeps answering all my questions"
Cell phones, don't you just love them.
* Thanks Uncle John for this clip.
Your life was a gift to the world, take that gift and use it wisely.
You are unique and one of a kind, no one else is quite like you.
You can make your life be anything you want it to be.
Remember to take one day at a time.
Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You will make it through whatever comes along. Within you are so many answers. Understand, have courage, be strong.
Do not put limits on yourself. So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal and you prize.
Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets.
Do not take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
Remember that a little love goes a long way. Remember that a lot of love … goes on forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment. Life’s treasure are people together.
Realize that it is never too late. Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
Have hearth and hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a star.
Most importantly do not forget …. not even for a second just how special you are!
Have a great day today and everyday!
It is past midnight I am up as usual in hamster-like fashion. As I sit here in front of my laptop, I am thinking about life and death and the meaning of it all.
Many thoughts are running through my mind. Eyes are sleepy but my mind is wide awake. And I am thinking about my son who is away, my beloved relatives in US and other dear friends scattered all around the world….and thinking about what is love…and how it is more, much more than just three little words.
So, what is love?
To me, love is a million things….
Love is …
…asking about someone’s day and truly caring about the answer
So the next time I ask you, “How’s your day?” please know that I truly want to know about it and care about you.
…knowing that people can be different and loving them just the same
It doesn’t matter if we have different opinions as long as we agree to differ rather than differ to agree.
…being there for my loved one and friends
…being patient with people, even when I’m tired or especially when I am tired.
…writing a note or post of encouragement to my loved ones and friends
…listening to a friend’s story even if I had heard it many times before
…calling someone back after an argument
…being honest about how I feel
…caring for someone even when it’s hard to do so and I don’t feel like it
…trusting in someone even when I’m scared
…saying sorry when I’m wrong
…listening and giving advice and knowing the difference between the two
…smiling even if my heart is weary
…calling someone to say ‘Hi’ even if it has been a busy day
…praying for someone
…forgiving someone again and again
…walking beside my loved one, not ahead or behind
…believing in my loved ones
…being comfortable with my loved ones even in silence
…providing a shoulder to cry on and being a friend
…a difficult emotion because it carries with it so many types of responsibilities
…surprising someone
…dying to self for someone
…offering someone a new perspective to life
…holding my tongue
…not changing the radio station/tv channel when someone is using it
…being a person to joke with
…trying to understand people and/or situations
…sacrificial
…being open to correction
…ignoring someone’s faults
…humble
…serving others
…changing my plans for someone even if it breaks my heart to do so
…crying for someone because I know they are hurting inside
…giving good hugs
…doing what God does to us
…God
Oh…there are so many ways to say ‘I love you’. Exchanging notes, text messages, e-mails, cards, phone calls, web cam calls etc. Each day of my life, I realize how important it is to say it, especially at home.
However, there is a difference between telling someone we love them and telling them WHY we love them.
Life is short.
Till today, I regret the chance to not tell my dad “I love you” when I saw him the last time (Sept. 26th 2007)before he died (Oct 16th 2007). I never expected him to leave me and always thought he would be there for me. And now, I always tell my loved ones and friends how much I love them just in case I don’t have the chance to do so again..just in case tomorrow never comes...
When people tell me that they love me, my heart is filled with so much joy and what else can I do but do the same to fill their hearts with joy and love….Hearing such love messages makes such a difference in my life and it helps me to remember that loving others is what matters.
To me, love is more than just the three little words. It is a process that is learned. I am quite sure that no one has mastered the art of loving because of its inherent complexities and demands and yet, in this short life of hours, love is the most important thing.
C.S. Lewis said, “God does not care how much we know, but how much we have loved.”
Before I say good night, or rather good morning by the time you read this…allow me to share with you yet another quotation that I love…
‘Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another.”
-George Eliot
As you begin a new day in your life tomorrow, let go of your inhibitions and hang-ups.
Love, just love, no matter how difficult it is to love that person.
Let God be seen in you today and always in the way you love.
I want to love too…to love more and to be loved more.
May your life be filled always with love, overflowing.....and may it touch the hearts and lives of those around you...................
Good night!
