Tuesday, 9 June 2026

Recognizing Faces and Ramachandran Case – Part 2 - Alzheimer's 16



Image 01 - Amygdala related to limbic system in memory and emotion (Source: Neuroscience, Purves).

One of the interesting theory is from Ramachadran and Hirstein (1997). They proposed that Capgras delusion are more common in the ventral of occipitotemporal which is a pathway that connected with amygdala.

Based on this theory, the delusion is a result from the disconnection between face-processing area and the limbic system.


Related to the case of the case of a wife with pretending husband, another case about capgras delusion was illustrated by Ramachandran.


Image 02 - A little Grapefruit

The case about a young man (25 year old) who got a car accident and landed with his head. This young man has problem to recognize his loved ones.


Image 03 - A grapefruit, ready to be consumed

To be continued to Part 3

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Sunday, 24 May 2026

A Red Headed Skink - Nature 178

The first time I saw this critter, it scared me. We thought it was a dangerous snake that was ready to bite us. 



Image 01 - A scary critter

We believe this Red Headed Skink is one of native skinks of our state, Louisiana. They might eat:
- bugs
- insects
- lizards.

Based on my reading from several sources, the creature can change color and sex as it grows older.  

Interesting?


Image 02 - A Red Headed Skink

The skink is very skittish. Actually, the critter more scared of you than the other way around.  They are harmless. Good outdoor fun for a cat.


Image 03 - 
A Red Headed Skink runs away

Have you seen a Red Headed Skink in your areas?

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Sunday, 10 May 2026

The American Burweed in the Yard - Nature 177

We saw a plant around our house. We try to find out what plant is this? From the internet it is a kind of weed.


Image 01 - The American Burweed in the Yard

Based on the image provided, this plant appears to be American burnweed (Erechtites hieraciifolius).

Here are a few key details about this plant appearance: It is a fast-growing annual with robust, erect stems and serrated or lobed.

This weed is often considered a weedy native species that colonizes disturbed soil, such as gardens or cleared areas.

While considered a weed by some, it is a native species that provides nectar for pollinators and cover for wildlife.


Image 02 - Blooming of fireweed.

Interestingly, the young leaves could be consumed, but the taste might be not pleasant for some people.


Image 03 - Weed in the Yard.

Do you recognize this plant?

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Friday, 24 April 2026

The Peak of Bird Migration is being Seen in Our Areas - Science 41

As you might know, the bird migration takes place twice a year in American continent: Spring and Autumn migrations.


Image 01 - Bird migration, illustration

200 million of bird could fly through our city, Baton Rouge, LA. This peak season is around the third week of April:
- April 21, about 200 million bird doing migration
- After April 21, around million birds fly over our city

We love to observe this migration. Few species of migration birds are: 
- Hummingbirds
Mississippi Kite
- Bunting


Image 02 - Whistling ducks


Sunday, 8 February 2026

The Honey Melon from the Small Garden - Food 53

We have a Honey Melon by accident in our small garden. It is actually "a garbage garden" as a place to throw waste foods. 


Image 01 - A honey Melon.

We mainly tossed scraps (chop scraps) of fruit and vegetable into our small "garbage" garden.

After a while, surprisingly, we found a honey melon, also well known as honeydew. It then grows well.

As I know, there are two varieties of honey melon:
1) Yellow inside
2) Red inside.

We love the yellow one, it is because of its flavor is like honey sweet.


Image 02 - Yellow Honey melon.

Have you tasted Honey melon?

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Sunday, 1 February 2026

A Box Turtle Passig through our House - Nature 176

 The little tortoise (Box turtle) come to visit us a couple days ago. We offered some carrots and water.


Image 01 - A tortoise passing through.

She didn’t seem too interested. She enjoyed a bit of sunshine on the balcony and then wandered off.

The Box turtles are native to our state. In nature, they consume:
- insects (caterpillars, grasshoppers etc)
- mollusk (snails and slugs)
- earthworms.
- small animals.

Actually, the box turtles may consume vegetation and fruit as well.


Image 02 - Another box turtle.

Do you know about box turtle?

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Sunday, 18 January 2026

The Sunset over the Sky was Breathtaking

 Few days ago, we saw the sunset over the sky. It was breathtaking. So grateful. God's creation.


Image - First photo.

Yes, there is a sunset every day, but beauty like this is rare. This view feels like a real treat to me.

We may observe God's other amazing artworks over the sky, both in the morning and at night, that are:
- great sunrises
- and moon rises

We love seeing the moonrise over the beach. It’s magical when the moon slowly climbs above the ocean horizon.


Image 02 - A beautiful sunset


Image 03 - An amazing view

Do you love watching the sunset?

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Saturday, 10 January 2026

Two Peacock in the Front Door - Nature 175

Two visitors came by the front door: a male and a female peacock. Maybe they are lovers on the run.


Image 01 - Two visitors in front door.

Not sure where these came from; they could be from:
- a neighbor, as a pet
- a zoo.

We would check with the zoo to see if they are missing of these birds, a bit of a distance for them though.

Yes, a peacock is a beautiful bird but extremely loud. As we know, they don't like cold weather.

So, they are enjoying living in our areas, a warmer temperature state.


Image 02 - A male peacock.

Has a peacock ever visited your house?

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Saturday, 27 December 2025

Passing by the Santa Spider

We noticed something interesting when we drive to downtown recently. We love seeing "the Santa Spider."


Image 01 - The Santa Spider.

We then stop at a nearby parking lot. We walk and observe this seasonal spider quite closely. 

It is a kind of carnival season (such as Mardi Gras). It has been another fun season that has brought us joy.

When passing at different days, we saw different dresses:
- Santa dress
- Crown dress
- and dress with a hat.


Image 02 - Spider without specific dress.


Image 03 - Spider with a hat


Image 04 - A Crown spider.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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Wednesday, 17 December 2025

The Mississippi River

 Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the USA, and even in the world with length of 2340 miles (3766 km). 


Image 01 - A ridge crosses the river.

Dates back hundreds of years, the river blends with a richness of: 
- history
- music 
- and culture.

 Steamboat is the "main" transportation during Mark Twain eras (1880's). before the Civil War.  

Nowadays, in the Mississippi river, we may observe the riverboats and other commercial activities.


Image 02 - A river boat.

Other commercial activities include the transportation of goods, fishing, kayaking and cruising.
 


Image 03 - Painting of bridge by local artist.

Have you visited the Mississippi River?

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Friday, 5 December 2025

Breeding of Silkie Chicken is Fascinating - Nature 174

The people who have Silkie Chickens make them as a great pet, since they are sweet and docile.


Image 01- A silkie Chicken

Some other fascinating things of Silkie chicken as a great pet are:
- a fancy appearance
- they may be able for caring and raising other breeding.
- nice to all family members, include children
- calm and quiet.
- and just need a small space.

Unfortunately, they are prone to being bullied by more aggressive breeds so tend to be loners when in a mixed flock.


Image 02 - A lonely chicken

Our friend has other breeding chickens with one white Silkie chicken. The white one got pecked and pushed away from food by the others.


Image 03 - Other breeding chickens

One night a possum got in the coop and the next morning the white one was dead and dragged out of the coop.


Image 04 - Can't mix with other breeding.

Do you know of white Silkie chicken breeding?

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Monday, 24 November 2025

The River at Nearby Area - Nature 173

 We have at several rivers and streams around our neighborhood. We just try to walk around to one of them.


Image 01 - A boat on the river.

The river is quite natural, with almost no pollution. What can the river and the area around it offers to visitors?

Some of the offers are:
stunning views of wildlife
watching boats and jet skis
- enjoy a peaceful moment by the water.
- even cast a line for some great fishing
- and chances for kayaking.


Image 02 - Signs to the river and pond


Image 03 - River's side


Image 04 - Calm water

Do you have rivers around your areas.

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Recognizing Faces and Ramachandran Case – Part 2 - Alzheimer's 16

You may read part 1 of this posting:  The Rainbow Before Evening : Recognizing Faces and Ramachandran Case – Part 1 - Alzheimer's 16 Ima...