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Science is Fun Fridays!

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  It is National Purebred Day, but also International Doodle Dog Day. We're actually watching my sister's Labradoodle, Reggie. The science of breeding studies the genetic, behavioral, and physical diversity of dogs. "At a DNA level, breeds are a very real concept.  Every poodle is more closely related to a poodle than it is to a dog of any other breed," says Dr. Elaine Ostrander. This was proven in a study of Australian Labradoodles, in fact. Wally Conron bred a labrador with a poodle in 1989 to create a guide dog suitable for people with allergies or asthma.  Poodles are hypoallergenic, because their dense curly hair sheds minimally, trapping dander close to the skin. Mixing breeds increases genetic diversity and reduces inherited congenital diseases, which improves overall health and longevity.  But traditional organizations, such as the Westminster Kennel Club, evaluates the breed standards regarding appearance, temperament, and movement. So why does the poodle re...
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Walpurgis Night

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  Walpurgisnacht is celebrated primarily in Germany, Sweden, Finland and Estonia. It is the eve of the traditional St. Walpurga feast, protector against witchcraft. The bonfires ward off evil spirits and witches believed to be gathering on the Brocken mountain. Brocken is the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, often covered in mist, thus producing what's been called the Brocken spectre - shadows are magnified in the fog and cast upon the mountainside or a cloud bank. Folklore dates back to ancient Pagan myths, and includes another site known as Teufelsmauer, or Devil's Wall. I mention horror in the tags because you can catch Joe Bob's "Wicked Witchy Wingding" on Shudder.  He has made it his mission to establish this as an American horror holiday as well, a spring Halloween, if you will.
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Hump Day History

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 April 29, 1992 Yes, Bradley sang the wrong date but the recording stuck. And what he sings for is the point. Rodney King was beaten by Los Angeles Police on March 3, 1991.  The trial against the officers began March 4, 1992 and they were acquitted on this day. Thus sparked the LA Riots. It was a final straw situation, from years of police brutality and racial discrimination.  In the end, 63 people were dead, 2,500 were injured, and more than 12,000 were arrested.  Property damage was estimated over $1 billion, which was heaviest in Koreatown. Those tensions stemmed from the killing of Latasha Harlins.  She was shot by a store owner, who was convicted of voluntary manslaughter.  She was initially sentenced to 10 years in prison, but that was reduced to 5 years probation and some restitution. The sense was that Black Lives don't mater....
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The National Bowling Stadium

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  One of my Facebook memories this morning was a photo from bowling, and then I remembered we are in the midst of the USBC Open Championship. This tournament runs from March to July, and has been around since 1901. The United States Bowling Congress merged with the American Bowling Congress, which has been the codifier of all tenpin bowling standards, rules, and regulations since 1895. I was in a youth league when I was in 5th grade.  Largely thanks to my partner, we won 1st Place. To this day, I love to bowl.  I'm not a big score, but I'm not a gutter ball.  :-P When introducing young ones to the game, or even an adult who's never really played, remember to teach etiquette.  I've noticed some folks don't yield, or even wait while the bowler next to them is already in approach. And yes, I'm one of those people who uses a step process. The movie Kingpin ends here in Reno.
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Best Dressed!

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Emily Blunt Anne Hathaway Meryl Streep Kate Hudson Michaela Cole Alan Cumming Mindy Kaling Mariska Hargitay Jennie Margot Robbie
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Science is Fun Fridays!

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  According to the Arbor Day Foundation, "the science and data behind deciding where to plant trees is anything but simple." They have a few different articles touching on the environment and climate, as well as community. Science and Technology The Kew Millennium Seed Bank is the largest plant conservation program in the world.  They have approximately 2.5 billion seeds, and hold nearly 90% of the UK's native plant species. Seed List I searched Pinus  for the United States, and they have 5. Knobcone pine, Coulter pine, Rocky Mountain white (or limber pine), Sugar pine, and bishop pine. The limber pine is also here in Nevada, particularly in the Great Basin area.
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Movie Theater Day

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 This was our old Century theater - domes, and I remember red curtains on the stage around the screens.  Not like today's IMAX theaters, with reclining chairs and all that. The vibe is still there.  The popcorn, of course, and the social experience of sharing a reaction with the audience in the dark.  I have some great memories of moments like that. I honestly don't go often, but when I do, it's usually horror.  My sister and I saw one recently, and I took my niece to see a Flashback Cinema showing of The Shining. I do like the drive-in. We picked up a projector that will connect to your phone.  Hubby has some movies downloaded on his for our camps, and this was one night in Mattole. Super Troopers.
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