January 2009 Archives
"There has been a lot of evidence that vertebrates, such as pigeons, dolphins or monkeys, have some numerical competence - but we never expected to find such abilities in insects. Our feeling now is that - so far as these very basic skills go - there is probably no boundary between insects, animals and us."
- Dr. Shaowu Zhang, Chief Investigator of The Vision Centre and Australian National University, via: Science Daily: Honey Bees Can Tell The Difference Between Different Numbers At A Glance
From glass to mist to rain...to thick tufts of angel-down snow. The day is backgrounded in dreaming visuals. I'm listening to Yoko Kanno's music from Ghost in the Shell: Innocence -- that adds to the ambiance.
The article from Science Daily contributes to the feel, as well. Innocence deals with questions about who (and what) can have a soul. The newly discovered fact that honey bees can count (at least up to four) stretches capabilities that we have associated with humans and a few higher mammals, to insects. Makes you wonder what else is more universal than we think -- and in what other forms it expresses itself.
Such pretty things to dream about, while the world turns white.
The parking lot was covered by an expanse of flawless white: smooth and powdery, like finely sifted flour. As I walked, the falling snow moistened and turned to sleet, patting down in liquid whispers. My car shuddered and slid a bit on the way out -- then settled in for a slow ride home.
It's still black outside. Traffic on the highway. My eyes are grainy; my personal battery a bit low at the moment (though the coffee is helping, as always). I'm not looking forward to the drive in to work today. Would rather be snoozing. On the plus side: it is Friday (and payday). On the minus: I'm working the weekend.
I'm also working (slowly) on another re-design of this website. I think this will be version 7 of The Allurium, once done. Should be nifty...
Ah well, coffee's almost gone. Time to shower and hit the road...
I got off work a bit ago, grabbed something to eat, got cleaned up for bed and checked my iPhone before turning in. It was this cold outside:
Yeap, definitely a night to dive deep under the covers and stay there...
In a dream I was on a carriage in the bare woods, waiting. The night skimmed by, like a film, skipping. I could feel the cold through my covers.
It's black out there, now. Echos of an old Rolling Stones song are wavering in my head. I'm worn before I start.
Here's to a safe, healthy and very happy New Year!
