Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Bluebells May 2019

The flowers on English bluebells grow to one side of the stalk, so they tend to droop to one side. The flowers of Spanish bluebells grow all around the stem, so they stand more upright.

These are in the Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.


Saturday, April 6, 2019

Center for Biological Diversity sues U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

In August 2018, the Trump administration reversed the ban on neonicotinoids and genetically modified plants imposed previously by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

FWS announced in July 2014 that it would discontinue the use of both neonicotinoids and genetically engineered crops in wildlife refuges by January 2016

The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), a nonprofit environmental group, is suing FWS on two counts.

The first argues that the reversal of the ban has detrimental consequences for endangered species.

The second count is for failing to release public records that show how the reversal of the ban is impacting protected public lands across the country.

The Darwin Centre Cocoon, Natural History Museum, London

A view of the lower part of the Cocoon in the Darwin Centre in the Natural History Museum in London, photographed 2012. The Cocoon is a repository of botanic and biological specimens from around the world, housing several million specimens.


Friday, June 1, 2018

Jacqueline du Pré

It occurred to me suddenly that I didn't know much about Jacqueline du Pré sounded like when she was playing. I know her story: I guess many people do. But I didn't know her playing. I have heard it in the past, but not enough to say I listened. I was younger then. Here she is playing - Dvořák Cello Concerto with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim. Jacqueline du Pré and Daniel Barenboim were married at one time, perhaps when this was recorded?
Dvořák Cello Concerto

Gussied Up

The origin of "gussied up" is unclear, but it probably stems from the American and Australian slang term "gussie," a nic...