- Posts tagged Nature
- Explore Nature on posterous
Nature is Not Just Everywhere, it's Everything
Hey folks! Not much time for writing today, but I did want to share this quick little poster I did. Hope you like it.
This just came from thinking about the various things we mean when using the word "nature". Most understand that it refers to the natural world and all that's in it, but many forget that every part of ourselves is included. All our ideas, all our history, every triumph and technology*; sprang from the big bang, and nowhere else. "Nature" aka "the universe" is an an ongoing set of processes, and we are but the smallest effect of these causes.
Artforms of Nature
I'll fall back on the work excuse, and leave it at that. However I wanted to whip a little content at you fine people, lest you go find some other blog written by a fat know-it-all. Can't have that.
Although I have to be brief with the words today, I'm compensating by offering a whole heap of pictures. These are illustrations from Kunstformen der Natur (Artforms of Nature), a lithographic book by German biologist Ernst Haeckel. Originally published in sets up until 1904, it came with about 100 illustrations based on his sketches.
Magnificent Moths
A Gallery of Mothly Majesty
So if you can't tell, or haven't heard me mention recently, I'm suddenly way into Pinterest. Talking about any subject becomes a whole lot easier with pretty pictures on hand, so I find that Pinterest is a great stage on which to sing science's praises.
I've also been thinking a lot about Taxonomy ever since I took my boys on a trip to Toronto's Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) the other day. It has this massive room filled with stuffed animals, from giant squids to polar bears, and once again it got me thinking about the wonders of evolution.
Fascinating Nature on Pinterest!
So I'm obviously a social media junkie. It seems that whatever new platform the internet throws at me, as long as there's an opportunity to share cotent with friends and strangers, I'll buy into it wholeheartedly.
Take Pinterest. I was initially hesitant to give it a try, but now I'm hooked. I find it's a great way to share ideas; in a brief, compelling way. Since you can link images to more expansive content, I have to imagine it's a great way to funnel information into the minds of the curious. First you hit them with a pretty picture of Saturn's rings, and then they have the opportunity to read about how they got there.
More Stunning Underwater Photography
by Alexander Semenov
Some of you may remember my post from 6 months ago, where I shared the stunning under sea photography of Alexander Semenov. Alexander is a research diver working at Russia's White Sea Biological Station, and a pretty gifted shutterbug. He manages to capture hauntingly beautiful images of underwater flora and fauna, some of which are so alien to our eyes that it's become clique to say so. If you haven't seen the previous post, definitely check it out.
A Severed Leg on the Sidewalk (Warning: Graphic Images)
Sorry folks. These pictures (bottom) aren't pretty, but damn are they fascinating.
When driving one of my kids to school today I noticed something odd out the window, and after the tot was safely in class I circled back to see what it was. There on the sidewalk was what appeared to be the severed leg of a deer, partially frozen, and particularly haggard looking.
Lightning Strikes Toronto
Lightning TO
by Jon Simonassi
During the violent thunderstorm that tore through Toronto last night most of us, including me, stayed comfortably indoors. Although the rain and winds never got too bad where I live, the awesome light show was absolutely worth gawking at. I wanted to go outside, and did for a moment, but I kept feeling as if the hairs on my neck were standing up, indicating an imminent strike.
All-Terrain Timelapse
A Ride Through Muskoka
a timelapse by yours truly
When I got my GoPro HD Hero camera this Christmas (thanks Dad!) the first intention was to use it on an ATV ride. The GoPro is contained in a sturdy, waterproof case, and it comes with all sorts of different specialized mounts, so it's perfect for sports photography. (surfing, skating, and such)
While a single glance shows that I'm no extreme-sports athlete, ATV-ing (or 'Quad-ing' as I recently learned it's called on the west coast) has become my new favourite hobby. I love hitting Muskoka's many trails in search of a little fresh air, some gorgeous scenery, and whole lot of serenity. In fact, I think my next vacation might be an all-dude trip to this place. In any case, I wanted to pair four-wheeling with my life-long hobby of making videos! (even if it's not the first time)
A Place to See Stars
Friday was our national birthday up here in Canada, so that meant a long weekend for Canucks everywhere. It also meant a trip to the cottage for yours truly. I threw my family, a two-four, and a few clothes in the car; jumped on a northbound highway, and didn't look back. The weather was excellent all weekend long, providing perfect opportunities for campfires and swims in the lake. Without getting into excessive levels of detail, allow me to just say that the two-four got drank, some steaks got ate, and some relaxation got had.
Are You Ready for This Much Jelly?
Jellyfish Lake, Palau
by Sarosh Jacob
(VIDEO BELOW)
Man, that's a lot of Jellyfish.
According to Sarosh Jacob, the creator of the following film, Jellyfish Lake is one heck of an interesting place. First and foremost, it's home to millions and millions of Golden Jellyfish, as the video demonstrates so beautifully. It's a small body of water that, while connected to the surrounding ocean through tunnels, is different enough an environment that a unique niche is created for life. It can be defined as an 'island' in the sense that biologists use the word, in that speciation can occur here. By isolating members of a species from the whole, those members will begin to evolve along a different course than their peers. Different conditions in the new environment will eventually mold a new species, one that can no longer mate with the original.
