In a lab at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, hibernating arctic ground squirrels pose medical mysteries. The species can lower its body temperature below freezing and avoid serious head injuries while in hibernation, which lasts seven months.
Photograph by Joel Sartore
Credit: National Geographic
Seen from above, a seamless sheet of white paper—folded into the shape of an eye—holds and beholds 81 dancers from the New York City Ballet. This 6,500-square-foot composite image was a collaboration with the French artist JR.
Credit: National Geographic
A walk on the wild side with a post about lynx – large, secretive, ear-tufted members of the cat family.
“The lynx is a solitary cat that haunts the remote northern forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. Lynx are covered with beautiful thick fur that keeps them warm during frigid winters. Their large paws are also furry and hit the ground with a spreading toe motion that makes them function as natural snowshoes.
These stealthy cats avoid humans and hunt at night, so they are rarely seen.
There are several species of lynx. Few survive in Europe but those that do, like their Asian relatives, are typically larger than their North American counterpart, the Canada lynx.”
Map shows where lynx are found.
Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day. Squirrels inhabit every continent on earth, except Australia. National Geographic says that there are over 200 squirrel species and that:
“Like other rodents, squirrels have four front teeth that never stop growing so they don’t wear down from the constant gnawing. Tree squirrels are the types most commonly recognized, often seen gracefully scampering and leaping from branch to branch. Other species are ground squirrels that live in burrow or tunnel systems, where some hibernate during the winter season.”
Squirrels range in size from the 5″ long African Pygmy Squirrel below (aww!) –
To the 36″ long Indian Giant Squirrel at the top of the page (eek!)
Here’s a map of where squirrels live (also from National Geographic:
And here are the tattoos which are surprisingly nice:
And from my own collection – the most photogenic Cmdr. Samuel Vimes . . .
Finally, from the funny papers:
Firearms, fibers, any news or behaviors that make me say, "hmm, let me take another look at this."
I still miss my man, but my aim is getting better.
Gunsmoke and Knitting 
