Eye on Faith: April 2022

Saturday, April 30, 2022

Eggs Aboard

(Photo by Sciencia58)

Rotterdam is up in eggs over Jeff Bezos’ yacht. The powers that be within this Dutch port are planning to dismantle a historic bridge so that this super-tall boat can pass through.

When people get too big for their britches, they’re normally brought down a peg or two. But when you’re “the third-richest person in the world,” the bridge takes a hit instead.

This does not sit well with the locals, and they’re scrambling to let Bezos know. Word has it that when the superyacht passes by, eggs will be whizzing in its direction.

Resources

https://www.npr.org/2022/02/09/1079568745/jeff-bezos-yacht-de-hef-bridge-rotterdam-eggs

Friday, April 29, 2022

Wilbur: Friend or Food?

(Fair Use)

E. B. White never quite lost his childhood wonder. His opus, Charlotte’s Web, tells of a life-saving friendship between Charlotte the Spider and Wilbur the Pig.

When Wilbur was in danger of being turned into ham, Charlotte went to bat for him. Today’s spiders don’t seem to have much compassion. It’s now up to humans to save the pigs.

British researchers recently found that children are more likely to do so than adults. When young, humans feel cozy with farm animals. Sometime during adolescence, “speciesism” (the tendency to regard some animals as pets and others as food) sets in. During adulthood, bacon seems outright yummy.

Yet adults don’t lose all compassion. Many still feel that animal by-products such as milk and cheese are far more acceptable than meat itself.

Resources

https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2022/04/15/children-farm-animal-same-as-pets/8071650031160/

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Whistler's Cockatiel

(1927 Painting by Brehms Tierleben)

When a family’s pet cockatiel flew the coop three years ago, they pretty much figured it was gone for good.

It must have been a religious bird, for it eventually showed up on a church doorstep. The congregation knew that this colorful specimen was not your average sparrow, so posted a “lost pet” notice on Facebook.

Lo and behold, a nearby family responded! This cockatiel certainly resembled the one they had lost, but there was one sure way to find out: whistle The Andy Griffith Show theme song and see what happens.

Sure enough, the Prodigal Pet began to dance. Its favorite tune had not lost that magical effect. Proof positive, no feather-prints necessary.

Resources

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2022/04/13/TV-theme-song-helps-identify-long-lost-bird-Lancaster-County-Pennsylvania/4951649876837/

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

What are the chances?

(Fair Use)

A North Carolina man beat the odds not once, but three times, and is now the richer for it. How much richer? A total of $230,000, to be exact.

His first lottery win yielded $20,000 in 2020. He then won $10,000 during the early part of 2022. Just recently, he struck gold again. This time, it was for $200,000.

Three’s the charm, although numbers in general seem to smile upon this one lucky dude.

Resources

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2022/04/20/lottery-third-win/7161650454704/

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Towering Feat

So many M&Ms, so little time... (Photo by Evan-Amos)

It ain’t the Tower of London, but it’s something to behold.

After all, it’s not every day that you come across a balanced stack of seven (count them) M&Ms. And who do we have to thank for this rare achievement? None other than Ibrahim Sadeq, the man who previously “balanced 18 eggs on the back of his hand.”

Yet idle hands can be the devil’s workshop. Is it possible that Mr. Sadeq has too much time on his gifted appendages?

Resources

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2022/04/20/iraq-Guinness-World-Records-mms-tower/5341650480577/

Monday, April 25, 2022

The Five Bears

Just Chillin' (U.S. Fish & Wildlife photo)

Once upon a time, there were five bears: a mama bear and four cubs.

Contrary to popular opinion, they did not live in a cave. Nor did they live in a house. However, they did live under a house. At least until the homeowner snitched.

Lake Tahoe’s BEAR League sprang right into action. Mama Bear was quickly “un-invited.” Her babies soon followed suit. And the homeowner? She was relieved to find out that those underfoot rumblings were not just hallucinatory.

Resources

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2022/04/21/Lake-Tahoe-California-five-bears-under-house/5411650574163/

Sunday, April 24, 2022

First they saw it, then they didn't

Mount Asama (Photo by Ski Mania)

One of history’s great mysteries occurred during May 1100: the month the moon disappeared from sight.

For centuries, people have debated the cause of this strange phenomenon. Some said it was an eclipse, others chalked it up to an eruption from Iceland’s “Gateway to Hell” (aka “Mount Hekla”). Neither theory particularly rang true.

Yet those who blamed volcanic eruptions were on the right track. Right track, wrong volcano! A series of eruptions from Japan’s Mount Asama lined up well with the moon’s so-called disappearance. Mystery solved.

Resources

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2022/04/20/disappearing-moon/2971650482514/

Saturday, April 23, 2022

Trust your gut, even when wrenched

Scene from 'Gaslight' (Public Domain)

Medical gaslighting occurs when a health provider is dismissive of a patient’s gut-wrenching symptoms.

Rather than delving into root causes, the provider resorts to simplistic explanations such as “stress” or “hormones.” This can be especially prevalent with female and minority patients.

Clients should therefore be proactive when seeking relief. They can research alternatives while keeping careful track of symptoms. Second opinions are often in order. Physicians who are willing to seriously consider patient input can be most helpful.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/maybe-stress-maybe-medical-gaslighting-144723329.html

Friday, April 22, 2022

Mutational Signatures

DNA Double Helix (Image by Zephyris)

Fingerprinting has long been used to discover criminal identities.

Because cancer can kill innocent victims, DNA “fingerprinting” is now in the works. Scientists have studied the genetics of 12,000 malignant tumors in order to determine their “mutational signatures.”

By matching such signatures with specific preventives and treatments, doctors may eventually be able to arrest cancer itself.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/dna-study-human-cancers-new-causes-110356799.html

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Walk Faster, Age Slower

Race Walkers in 1987 (Photo by Rayzwocker)

A leisurely stroll might feel relaxing, but a brisk walk might help you live longer.

It’s got to do with the length of the telomeres. Telomeres are protective DNA regions that are located on the end of chromosomes. Longer telomeres have been associated with longer lives.

So do not go gentle into that good night. Walk briskly away from the dying of the light.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/taking-brisk-walk-may-slow-152405052.html

The Hunt is On

LHC Tunnel Sector (CERN photo)

While many are hunting in the dark, some plan on hunting for the dark.

Physicists will soon be restarting the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the CERN center “beneath the Swiss-French border.” The hunt will then be on for dark matter, thought to be far more prevalent than visible matter.

A decade ago, CERN scientists discovered the Higgs boson particle. With Lady Luck on their side, they might soon shine some light on sub-atomic darkness.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/scientists-prepare-cern-collider-restart-081206229.html

Trip to Europa

Europa (NASA/JPL/DLR photo)

While many on Earth are planning a trip to Europe, some are planning a trip to Jupiter's Europa.

NASA’s Europa Clipper is set to launch in 2022, and should reach its icy destination by 2030. Where there’s ice, there’s water - and where there’s water, there’s often life.

What’s even more promising are Europa’s “double ridges,” which offer hope that their ice is penetrable with Earth-developed tools. Such ridges could indicate “shallow water pockets” within the ice shell. At the very least, this ice might be somewhat porous. At the very most, life might exist within these pools.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/chances-finding-alien-life-jupiter-165105231.html

Monday, April 18, 2022

Different Strokes

(Fair Use)

If there’s any doubt that “different strokes for different folks” applies to America’s former presidents, then these 2022 Easter greetings should help clear things up:

“After a difficult couple of years, let’s give thanks for all the gifts we enjoy – and the people who make this life special.” – Former President Barack Obama

“Happy Easter to all including the Radical Left Maniacs who are trying everything to destroy our country.” – Former President Donald Trump

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/biden-trump-release-very-different-202600019.html

Watch What You Ask For

Pandora's Box (Engraving by Giulio Bonasone)

There’s an old saying: “Watch what you pray for, you might just get it.” And once you get it, you might wish it were gone.

Such is the warning that’s currently being given in response to NASA’s plan for broadcasting Earth’s location to possible extraterrestrials (ETs). Oxford researcher Anders Sandberg worries that this invitation could lure enemies our way.

Think about it: If ETs are intelligent enough to interpret that broadcast, then they’re intelligent enough to wreak potential havoc.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/stop-revealing-earth-location-dangerous-140354546.html

House Calls

Come on up! (NASA/Boeing photo)

Who says doctors don’t make house calls anymore? This one does, even though the house he’s visiting is hurtling through space.

NASA’s Dr. Josef Schmid was recently holoported onto the International Space Station (ISS). His hologram was transported there in order to interact with the astronauts.

This two-way communication occurs in real time, which allows for “medical conferences.” It can also include visits from holographic celebrities, making ISS life a bit more bubbly.

Resources

https://metro.co.uk/2022/04/18/nasa-holoported-a-doctor-onto-the-international-space-station-16484731/

Friday, April 15, 2022

In the Pink

(Fair Use)

If you’re seeing red, you might be angry. But if you’re seeing pink, you might be looking at April’s full moon.

Why pink? Using logic that’s skewed by springtime fancy, people think pink because of cherry blossoms and the like. What that has to do with the moon is anyone’s guess, but it sure does sound poetic.

So crane your neck upward this weekend in order to catch a glimpse of the Pink Moon. You might not see another until you’re also seeing pink elephants.

Resources

https://www.livescience.com/full-moon-april-2022

Too much of a good thing could be a bad thing

Noon Nap (by Vincent van Gogh)

When you’re thirsty, water’s the greatest. Yet try telling that to someone whose basement is flooding.

Sleep seems so innocent a pastime, but too much of it can create problems. Researchers are saying that sleep overkill can actually kill. It can lead to “elevated levels of C-reactive protein,” which is “associated with heart disease.”

So how much is too much? As is often the case with daily activities, optimum amounts vary from person to person. The “sweet spot,” however, seems to be approximately “six to seven hours” per night.

If you’re tired during the day, you might not be getting enough sleep. But if it takes you a long time to fall asleep each night, you might be getting way too much.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/too-much-sleep-may-risky-162100607.html

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Heading Our Way

Solar Eruption (NASA photo)

According to The Sun, a coronal mass ejection (CME) is heading our way. Due to arrive on April 14^th, intense damage to Earth is not expected.

Nevertheless, what was thought to be a “dead sunspot explosion” has regained strength. Perhaps it drew upon an instability that generated magnetism. Or perhaps all of Creation is experiencing renewal during this sacred season…

Resources

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/18247869/sunspot-explosion-solar-storm/

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

The older, the best

(Fair Use)

At age 66, Alice Walker not only fared better on this year’s BBC Mastermind quiz show, but also finished the best of all time.

Viewers celebrated her win, especially elder Fay Hallam, who wrote this about it: “Representing older women everywhere. Don’t become invisible!”

Resources

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/mastermind-viewers-celebrate-amazing-achievement-085336720.html

Monday, April 11, 2022

Kirill's Crusade

Kirill I in 1981 (Photo by Rob Bogaerts)

Make no mistake: Many regard the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a holy war. Leading the troops (literally and figuratively) are those who claim that Kyiv, birthplace of Russian Orthodoxy, must be brought “back into the fold.”

They additionally claim that the “godless West” must be held back, primarily due to its acceptance of homosexuality. Such politicization and militarization of religion has been known to occur time and again throughout human history.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/head-russian-orthodox-church-seems-205438197.html

Gutsy Garlic

Garlic Galore (Photo by Wittylama)

Turns out that garlic is not just something for the taste buds. It can be good for the gut, as well.

If this seems counterintuitive due to garlic’s spicy nature, then think again. These pungent bulbs have fibrous components that “act as fuel” for the beneficial bacteria within your gut, sometimes allowing for increased functioning. Raw garlic is more potent along these lines than cooked versions.

Yet if you’re suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, garlic can have a deleterious effect. It's important to first determine the cause of symptoms before embarking upon treatments.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/one-food-eat-having-gut-130500456.html

Saturday, April 9, 2022

All Are Aboard

Liftoff! (Public Domain)

As of this morning, all Axiom-1 crew members are aboard the International Space Station (ISS). They shall remain there for a “science-packed week,” helping to carry out their chosen experiments.

Larry Connor will focus upon heart health and senescent (post-dividing) cells for the Mayo Clinic, as well as the effects of spaceflight “on spinal and brain tissue” for the Cleveland Clinic.

Mark Pathy will partner with Canadian research organizations to study Earth’s ecology, as well as the effects of space travel upon visual acuity, sleep and chronic pain.

Israel’s Eytan Stibbe will concentrate on transmitting “values of peace, innovation and social responsibility” through educational and artistic activities.

Resources

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/04/axiom-1-docking/

Friday, April 8, 2022

A chink in the armor

Fermilab Particle Accelerator (Public Domain)

Just when you think you’ve got yourself a theory, something cracks. Cracks become chasms as science makes way for new discoveries.

This recently occurred within the realm of particle physics. In what might be the biggest breakthrough since Einstein's, Fermilab researchers found an unexpected discrepancy in the “mass of a W Boson.” This could lead to the realization of a “fifth force of nature at play.”

An updated Standard Model might then account for Dark Matter and Dark Energy. Heck, it might even help to explain that which literally keeps us grounded: gravity.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/shock-result-particle-experiment-could-182625179.html

Schindler's Listmaker

Schindler's Krakow Factory in 2011 (Photo by Jennifer Boyer)

Behind every good list is a good listmaker, and there’s been none better than Mimi Reinhardt, Oskar Schindler’s secretary.

When the World War II Holocaust was raging, Reinhardt helped to “save hundreds of Jews” from torture and death within Nazi camps. She did so by compiling lists of Jews to be hired at Schindler's Krakow factory. Schindler then bribed Nazi officials with black-market items in order to keep these workers safe.

Reinhardt recently died at age 107. Rest in Peace, dear Mimi, among the other Righteous Ones.

Resources

https://theworldnews.net/gb-news/schindler-s-list-secretary-mimi-reinhardt-dies-aged-107-after-saving-hundreds-of-jewish-workers-during-holocaust

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Handy Invention

(Photos by Sciencia58)

There are many handy inventions, yet none are handier than hands.

Although God invented human hands, humans are finding ways to approximate that template. The mechanics of it are one thing, the sensitivity quite another.

A breakthrough recently occurred when scientists were “able to 3D-print tactile skin.” This will enable them to “create robots that are more dexterous,” as well as prosthetics with “an in-built sense of touch.”

How so? Researchers “imitated the dermal papillae” within actual skin. These are located between the outer epidermal and inner dermal layers. 3D techniques provided a combination of “soft and hard materials” that mimic biological structures.

Resources

https://interestingengineering.com/robotic-fingertip-human-skin