Genomic Study Reveals NZ’s Tuatara Is Like No Other Animal
According to new sequencing of the tuatara’s entire genome … this strange creature is neither lizard, bird, nor mammal. Rather, it’s some strange amalgamation of all three.
I got to see this tuatara up close in 2007. 😀
Well, the klaxon sound blaring from my phone just before 7 a.m. certainly took me by surprise.
Today most of Aotearoa New Zealand moves back to Covid-19 Alert Level 2 because after 102 days of relaxation we have 4 new cases of unknown origin. 🦠
Poor old Oshi is home and resting comfortably after his surgery today. 🐶 4 teeth were extracted. His eye has a bad ulcer, probably related to the rotten tooth that was below it. Xrays show the arthritis we knew about, but no other serious problems.
On the other hand, the overnight camel trek in Morocco in 2015 was a pretty unusual mode of transport. Sunrise gave me a great shot.
In October 2002 we took a tour on a mini submarine in Vanuatu. It was a tiny boat with a glass ‘bell’ below water. Definitely the most unusual mode of transport I’ve ever used. I think these days I’d take better photos.
Canon PowerShot A20.
A couple of weeks ago Sasha had Xrays and minor surgery. This week is Oshi’s turn. He’s pretty poorly: an ulcerated eye, rotten tooth and general malaise. 🐶 He’s stayed at the vet’s tonight ready for surgery tomorrow. Photo shows his swollen eye with the dye to show up ulcers.
I’m excited to see this video series: Dianna’s Intro Physics Class. I’ve long wanted an intro course for adults. I last learned about physics a good 50 years ago and have forgotten everything. Meanwhile, the world has moved on. Much to learn…
In Rotorua on the Sulphur Lake sculpture trail (PDF), Rory McDougall: Ghost Soldier:
For the soldiers who returned in spirit. … I try to achieve the motion of passing through and ascending upwards using negative space in silhouette – a ghost soldier.
black-and-white #mbaug
I’ll write separately about the Redwood Treetop walk in Rotorua, but at night they fill the forest with amazing lights, including these ‘fireflies' which flit around. The photo does it no justice at all, but it was absolutely magical. If you’re ever lucky enough to visit, see it!
Another view of some of the thermal pools at Polynesian Spa, with lake beyond.
One of the delights of the Polynesian thermal pools in Rotorua is being able to look out over the lake while soaking.
Rotorua has many fine views, such as these trees in Government Gardens.
It’s a pleasure to be in Rotorua for a day or two, especially with fewer people around, thanks to our borders being effectively closed.
Am working my way through the NY Times Acrostic archive. Nearly 20 years on and I’m so aware of 11 September 2001. Like early 2020 it was a pivotal moment around the globe.
In both cases air travel was forever transformed — one symptom of massive societal change.
I rarely check texts before I send (I really should) so this autocorrected exchange with my partner while out in town was weird‼️
D: just getting petroleum (a/c from petrol)
Me: Petroleum! Fancy! I hope the house pillow (a/c hoi polloi) like me will be allowed in the car!
🤔
I really enjoyed Netflix ☛ Quartet 🎬:
takes place in Beecham House, a retirement home for former professional musicians, patterned after the real-life Casa di Riposo per Musicisti founded by Giuseppe Verdi.
Featuring Dame Maggie Smith. 👍 It’s a gem.
At the supermarket I spotted this unlabeled tray of weird objects in the fruit department. Turns out they are called Red Dragonfruit. Maybe next time we should buy one and try it.
