Thursday 16 February 2023

Flowers as Objects of Paintings – Part 2 - Art 11

You may read previous post (Part 1) :

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Flowers as Objects of Paintings - Part 1 - Art 11



Image 1- Colorful Flowers, painted by a local artists

At least there are two reasons: flowers as a symbol and as represents of people emotions.

Flowers are believed to be symbols of natural world, aesthetic and religious. In term of emotions, they may represent of:

- love
- death
- innocence
- and passion.



Image 2- Water Lilies, painted by Claude Monet.

Moreover, flowers depicted by many famous artists could be cost million of dollars. Just few examples:

- Lilies, painted by Van Gogh, US$ 128.6 millions
- Sunflowers, Van Gogh, US$ 94.6 millions.
- Water lilies, price US$ 91.4 millions, painted by Claude Monet



Image 3- Irises, painted by Van Gogh

Finally, what objects of paintings do you love most? and painted who?

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Tuesday 14 February 2023

The United States Produces and Exports Dates Fruit – Food 37

I know the Middle East countries are the main producers and exporters of dates fruit in the world. In fact top 5 producers come from this region.



Image 1- Dates sold in the American grocery.

Here the top 5 dates producers in the world, data from FAO (2019):

- Egypt, 1.60 million tons
- Saudi Arabia, 1.54 million tons
- Iran, 1.31 million tons
- Algeria, 1.14 million tons
- Iraq, 0.64 million tons

What surprising me that USA not only produces dates, but also exports the fruit to some other countries.



Image 2- Dates in the boxes

America is ranked 15th as world date producer. Total production was 56,000 ton in 2019.

The production is quite higher compared to other middle east countries such as Israel, Qatar and Jordan.

In term of export, USA sent dates fruit to Canada, Australia and Mexico in 2021 to 2022.



Image 3- Dates, ready to be consumed

Have you tasted dates?

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Sunday 12 February 2023

Brain Changes during Reproduction Process – Part 3 – Brain Plasticity 2

You may read the previous posts (Part 2 and 3):



Image 1- Decoupage eggs, just illustration

Previous belief that decreases maternal brain size will reduce learning capacity and the memory, but the understanding is reverse based on the recently observations.

In fact, hippocampus gets boosting, thus increase mother thinking ability during pregnancy.

In case of rats, not only increasing of neuronal activities, but also physical capabilities. Surprisingly, pregnant rats (carrying offspring) are faster to catch their prey than virginal rodents. Even 4 to 5 times faster.



Image 2- The Peony, illustration only

This is in parts of better visual, better motivation (courage) and can handle difficult conditions.



Image 3- The Native American pottery, illustration

In conclusion, maternity brings changes to neuro, physio and physical of animal in order for survival of both mothers and their offspring. Mother “well-being” will have positive impacts on their children development.

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Friday 10 February 2023

Are Bald Eagles not Endangered Species Anymore? - Nature 50

We found Bald Eagles just sometimes in our areas. Sure, they are not common species compared to other birds.



Image 1- One shot, then she flew away

The bird with scientific name Haliaeetus leucocephalus is beautiful, for me It’s truly rare to see one in its natural environment.

One of neighbors just saw a nesting pair in our close by areas. They have been nesting there for years, but not sure if they are back this year.

Unfortunately, the Bald Eagles are not included as endangered species list anymore.

The main reason that since 2007, Bald Eagles populations are sufficient enough in nature.



Image 2- Plants, Just for illustration

Luckily, as reported by US Fish & Wildlife Service (2023: Bald Eagle) the bird is protected under two acts.



Image 3- The bird doing something

The two acts are “the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.”

Have you seen Bald Eagles in Nature?

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Tuesday 7 February 2023

How often Should we Consume Blueberries? - Part 2 – Food 35

You may read the previous post about blueberries and berries:



Image 1- Blueberries, ready to be consumed

It is because they are healthiest berries. I have mentioned 3 kinds (excluded blackberry) of berries. Then, other 5 kinds of berries are:

- Goji berries
- Bilberries
- Acai berries
- Cranberries
- Grapes



Image 2- Magnolia, Illustration only

In case of blueberry, there are a lot of health benefits, just some (Megan Ware, written in MedicalNewsToday, 2017):

- Lowering blood pressure
- Managing diabetes
- Protecting against heart disease
- Preventing cancer
- Healthy digestion, weight loss, and feeling full



Image 3- Butterfly, just for illustration

The question then: How often Should we Consume Blueberries?

As recommended by Harvard Health Publishing (June 17, 2020): “Eat blueberries three times per week.”



Image 4- Blueberries sold in Walmart, US$6.97

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Sunday 5 February 2023

Could Parasite Control Human Mind? - Science 33

There are many reports about infection of a parasite to animals and humans in some parts of the world recently.



Image 1- The cat, host of parasite

The parasite is a single cell protozoan with scientific name Toxoplasma gondii. Actually, the parasite is common worldwide, and causes disease called as toxoplasmosis.

What interesting, especially for me that this parasite could alter behaviors of infected living things.

In fact, as reported by Zeleb.es (2023: A mind- controlling parasite that affects hyenas - and humans too) that 33% of human population is infected by this parasite.



Image 2- Just for illustration

Then, we wonder: Could parasite, Toxoplasma gondii controls human’s mind?

The plain answer is not really. Highly possible that the infected animals and humans might eager to take risk than the normal ones.



Image 3- Community activities, illustration

As suggested by Zeleb.es (2023) that risk takers tend to success as entrepreneurs.

Do you believe it? What do you think?

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Friday 3 February 2023

Is Mockingbird a Smart Bird? - Science 32

We have talked at previous post about mockingbirds as permanent residents of our state: Mockingbirds are Permanent Residents of Our State – Nature 47



Image 1- A mockingbird on the branches

Actually, the pictures were taken after several days approaching the bird.

At the first, I saw a bird sitting on the branch of a tree at my office. When approaching, the bird flew away.

Second days, I move closer, but have no chance to take a picture. Then, obscure pictures are taken after third days.

I believe that the mockingbird “learning” day by day to recognize me. Then, Is Mockingbird a Smart Bird?



Image 2- Freezing temperature, illustration only

Yes, mockingbird is a smart bird as suggested by David Mizejewski (2023: Brainy Birds: America’s Smartest Bird Species).

It is true in my case, the mockingbird let me to take its picture with my cellphone in “safe distance” after several days.



Image 3- A mockingbird, the smart bird

Finally, It is said that mockingbirds able to mimic other bird songs such as hawks, jays and blackbirds

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The Squirrel with two-toned fur - Nature 132

We have two previous postings about squirrels:  a little squirrel in her nest and four weeks old baby squirrel.  Image 01 - A squirrel with ...