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Darwin Day

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  Born on this day in 1809, Charles Darwin is one of the most influential figures in human history.  His theories have been fundamental to the understanding of life and the species of the world, establishing the study of evolutionary biology. He was originally enrolled at the University of Edinburgh for medical education, but instead helped investigate marine invertebrates.  His five year voyage was inspired by his interest in the diversity of fossils.  He wanted to witness life in all its unique and varied forms, which he especially found in the Galapagos islands. From his observations, he devised his theory of natural selection.  For twenty years he was working on his research, when Alfred Russell Wallace wrote to him with a similar theory, and so it was a joint submission to the Linnean Society of London. On the Tendency of Species to form Varieties; and on the Perpetuation of Varieties and Species by Natural Means of Selection  was published in 1858. Da...
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Hump Day History

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 For all the conversation around Bad Bunny singing in Spanish, you'd think Americans have never accepted another language on the radio or screen. But obviously that's not true.  Notably, there have been Spanish hits, such as La Bamba, Macarena, and Despacito.  But there was also an Italian song in 1958, and Sergio Mendes in 1966. The first time a song sung entirely in Portuguese achieved success in the US. Sergio was born on this day in 1941, and died at the age of 83. He was a pioneering pianist and composer who revolutionized bossa nova - a genre of Brazilian music that blends traditional samba rhythms with cool jazz harmonies.  This was infused into his music even when English lyrics were used. He was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 for Best Original Song. It should be noted, it is Carnival in Brazil.
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Auto Shop - Cadillac Formula 1

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  One of the commercials I noticed during the Super Bowl was announcing Cadillac's entrance into the world of F1 racing. This will be the first true American team, but there have been others involved. Ford became an official engine supplier in 1967, beginning a partnership with Cosworth, a British automotive engineering company.  They introduced the Ford-Cosworth DVF engine, which won on its debut.  Ford has had 176 Grand Prix wins. In 2014, George Haas started the first American-licensed team, being the first American constructor to submit an F1 entry.  Their cars are designed by Italian manufacturer, Dallara. The 2026 season begins in March, with a double header race in Australia. Drivers: Sergio Perez, from Mexico, has won six races, previously with Red Bull. Valtteri Bottas, from Finland, has won ten races, previously with Mercedes.   Team
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Best Dressed - Week of February 9

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  Charlize Theron Mariah Carey Margot Robbie Naomi Watts Jacob Elordi Charli XCX Anya Taylor-Joy Cynthia Erivo Lady Gaga Bad Bunny
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Science is Fun Fridays!

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  ESA's newly operational Biomass satellite is able to distinguish between different types of vegetation using polarized radar. The image above is around the Beni River in Bolivia.  The water is black and rainforests are green, while the grasslands are purple and the wetlands are red. A key goal of this satellite mission is to measure how Earth's carbon-rich areas are shifting.  With these views, it will be easier to quantify the scale of deforestation, for example. Clockwise from the top left: Mount Gamkonora in Indonesia, the Tibesti Mountains in Chad, the Ivindo River in Gabon, and the Nimrod Glacier in Antarctica. Biomass
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Book Club - February

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  The library is calling, I need to finish The Absinthe Forger. I've learned some interesting bits of history in this, how absinthe rose in popularity following the phylloxera plague that decimated French vineyards. American rootstock was more immune, and was grafted onto French vines in order to save the industry. And it was that industry that later demonized absinthe, to reclaim the market. I was also reminded of a painting that my Nana had in her living room. L'Absinthe by Degas. "The absinthe stare" of many a drinker back in the day. It was popular among artists of the time, and apparently a cache of old bottles were found which had labels drawn by various artists, such as Kirchner. So what are you reading??
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Hump Day History

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 Today is USO Day and I thought we'd take a look at the USO Show. Many a celebrity has been involved over the years.  Marilyn Monroe is seen here in Korea in 1954. Others included Marlene Dietrich, John Wayne, and Judy Garland. Bob Hope first performed in 1941, when the USO was founded, and he would go on to do 56 more appearances, 48 of which were Christmas shows. Robin Williams went on six tours between 2002 and 2013. Gary Sinise has done a lot of shows as well, touring with his Lt. Dan Band. The idea is of support through laughter and entertainment, "to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America's military and their families."
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