I recently read a book on the medicinal effects of cannabis, and came across a family of mammalian homologs (to do with genes) called Tribbles, so called because they enter mitosis early and proliferate rapidly. Yes, they are named after these little creatures…
There appear to be other biological discoveries named after pop culture references – there’s a sonic hedgehog protein that can be found in humans. It belongs to a family of hedgehog proteins, so called because they have prickly looking protrusions. There’s also a pikachuran protein, with “lightning-fast moves and shocking electric effects” like Pikachu, and a “Conan the Bacterium“, that survives radiation and is known to be extremely hardy.
I’ve just been watching a fascinating documentary about Juliette de Bairacli Levy – a (mostly veterinary) herbalist and author who travelled the world learning as she went, particularly from Gypsies.
I can’t embed it, but here’s the link –
Here’s a carol I don’t really know well – I came across it recently in a reading. It’s based on a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, written in a time of war and loss.
This world, right now, is not a peaceful world – even though some of us live in relative peace. There’s always turmoil if you look.
Isaiah wrote about a hope of peace, in a time of turmoil…
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows— light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants— all their whips and cudgels and curses— Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian. The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days! For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.
(Isaiah 9:2-7)
That’s the Hope we celebrate at Christmas.
We may still be waiting to see the final outcome of that Hope…
but we can still remember –
The Prince of Peace has come!
I’ve just started studying chemistry (again…)
The last time it was a bit dry and boring, at least to start. Chemistry is quite interesting, although I still feel I don’t quite “get” it. This time around, the study guide seems to be coming from a different perspective, even though it’s covering the same ground.
…and here’s the first clip I’ve had to watch for my first lesson.
a bit of creativity, a bit of eco consciousness, a bit of inspiration.... hopefully not a lot of pompousness and blathering :D
i'm not entirely sure what's going on here... let's travel along and see...
