Animals
Roots of the Kentucky Derby
11/05/24 08:47 Filed in: History
Having been to see some horse racing at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, I find the horse race of the Kentucky Derby fascinating. I didn't think I'd like to watch horse racing yet I did.
Here is some background on how this race began…
"The Kentucky Derby is a global sports spectacle and, in the eyes of many, America’s definitive sporting tradition. The event was forged, remarkably, by two of the great epic events in United States history: the triumph of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the tragedy of the Civil War.The bluegrass seeds of the world's most famous horse race were planted by a fascinating man with a uniquely American heritage. His name: Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of Lewis Clark, one-half of the Lewis-Clark Expedition. He founded both the Kentucky Derby, which has been run every year since 1875, and the Louisville Jockey Club, later known as Churchill Downs."
Here is some background on how this race began…
"The Kentucky Derby is a global sports spectacle and, in the eyes of many, America’s definitive sporting tradition. The event was forged, remarkably, by two of the great epic events in United States history: the triumph of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the tragedy of the Civil War.The bluegrass seeds of the world's most famous horse race were planted by a fascinating man with a uniquely American heritage. His name: Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of Lewis Clark, one-half of the Lewis-Clark Expedition. He founded both the Kentucky Derby, which has been run every year since 1875, and the Louisville Jockey Club, later known as Churchill Downs."
Comments
Deer Family Out For A Feed
10/03/23 16:06 Filed in: Animal Kingdom | Berlin Community
A few days ago our local deer family with does and fawns of 6 were out catching some good grass nibbles. They did not seem disturbed with the human family looking at them from the house. It is getting close to spring.
Spider, Spider
04/09/16 14:46 Filed in: Family
It is well known that Scott does not like spiders. He had the nickname by Mr. Corrigan of being called "Spider-boy". I had to take this photo of a large spider in a nest hanging on our glass railing for him.
Piranha
20/07/16 08:48 Filed in: Interests
Can piranha strip a human to a skeletal carcass in no time? It looks like another Urban Myth is down the drain. While they could do this, it appears from this story description that they are unlikely to since they really are more shy than we think they are and usually bite and nip on people.
Class Today
07/07/15 10:21 Filed in: Interests
My photography class is being held tonight. I didn't get the assignment but went out and shot a few quick photos in our parterre garden. The bumblebees were out enjoying the nectar of the lavender.
"We Have Worms"
28/03/15 13:16 Filed in: Animal Kingdom
As Bob and I were driving back home from having breakfast in town today, I saw a sign along Highway 20 in front of a small store that stated, "We Have Worms". Now I would have preferred it said, "We sell worms". It brought back memories of the days that my grandparents raised and sold earthworms to fishermen who went up into the mountains to fish along the Santiam River or were going over to Central Oregon to boat and fish on the lakes there. They had a lucrative business and their worms were big and lively, so therefore well sought after by people who drove by. At that time they lived also along Highway 20 (or S. Santiam Hwy) were the Citgo Gas Station is now located. With that said, do fish really like earthworms? Check out the facts here.
Ili Pika
27/03/15 13:11 Filed in: Animal Kingdom
I came across an article showing an adorable looking creature called an Ili Pika. They were first discovered about 20 years ago and were recently photographed again in the Tianshan Mountains of northwestern China. This species is rare and considered vulnerable to extinction. More can be found here.
National Geographic Photo of an Ili Pika
National Geographic Photo of an Ili Pika
What The Deer Think
30/01/15 08:37 Filed in: Interests | Animal Kingdom
Now I will show what the deer think and how they show off for the camera. Interesting how it gives the time and temperature. BRRRR for 34 degrees at around 6:40 in the morning.
Trail Camera
29/01/15 08:31 Filed in: Interests | Animal Kingdom
Scott and Melissa got us a motion detecting Trail Camera for the Christmas holiday. We finally got it put up about 10 days ago. Bob brought the memory card in to load anything on the computer. First we do have the main wildlife in this family checking out the camera to see how it is working.
A Single Democrat
Here is a photo of one of the grabbier, aggressive “Democrats” of the group. This one made sure it got plenty of the bread from dinner the night before.
The Democrats
One should be able to detect that I am not a fan of the modern Democratic Party and what they stand for. I am very anti- when it comes down to it. Our friend Tim has labeled the six masked critters who come begging for handouts, “The Democrats”. How apt. They are looking for free dry pet kibble. I must admit they are cute to view but I am sure not too friendly if you got close. They stay hidden in the trees and shrubs until they can skulk out and grab their goodies.
BTW, we were headed home from the South today. Our plane trip was good and all on time.
BTW, we were headed home from the South today. Our plane trip was good and all on time.
Animals in World War l
01/06/14 20:51 Filed in: History | Animal Kingdom
The Atlantic Magazine has another edition of the World War l in photos. This edition is focused on the animals as part of the war effort. Primarily dogs and horses. The photos can be found here. Due to this was war and “war is hell”, I caution that some of the photos are more graphic in nature and some may not want to view them.
“But the need for constant resupply, movement of new heavy weaponry, and the transport of troops demanded horse power on a massive scale -- automobiles, tractors, and trucks were relatively new inventions and somewhat rare. British and French forces imported horses from colonies and allies around the world, a near-constant flow of hundreds of thousands of animals across the oceans, headed for war. One estimate places the number of horses killed during the four years of warfare at nearly 8 million. Other animals proved their usefulness as well: Dogs became messengers, sentries, rescuers, and small beasts of burden. Pigeons acted as messenger carriers, and even (experimentally) as aerial reconnaissance platforms. Mules and camels were drafted into use in various war theatres, and many soldiers brought along mascots to help boost morale.”
“But the need for constant resupply, movement of new heavy weaponry, and the transport of troops demanded horse power on a massive scale -- automobiles, tractors, and trucks were relatively new inventions and somewhat rare. British and French forces imported horses from colonies and allies around the world, a near-constant flow of hundreds of thousands of animals across the oceans, headed for war. One estimate places the number of horses killed during the four years of warfare at nearly 8 million. Other animals proved their usefulness as well: Dogs became messengers, sentries, rescuers, and small beasts of burden. Pigeons acted as messenger carriers, and even (experimentally) as aerial reconnaissance platforms. Mules and camels were drafted into use in various war theatres, and many soldiers brought along mascots to help boost morale.”
Animal Photo Bombs
16/02/14 19:32 Filed in: Animal Kingdom | Interests
It is great to get a good laugh with animal photos. One of the big things shared on the internet are what are called “photo bombs”. Someone or something unexpectedly shows up in part of a photo that should be a normal photo that displays a “visitor” in the picture. Most of the photo bombs are with people. Someone put together a group of photos where animals are photo bombing the scenes. I suspect some are photo edited. They still are fun to view. Here is one where the cat steals the march on the dog from the background. The photo is an image saved down from this website.
De-Extinction
21/03/13 08:34 Filed in: Animal Kingdom
Is Jurassic Park right around the corner? Will they be able to bring back the Passenger Pigeon? Maybe we won’t have to angst over the loss of the Snail Darter after all? Scientists feel that they are on the verge of using DNA to revive old species who have become extinct. Check out more details here. As they say, bringing back the saber-toothed tiger might not be a good idea……..getting too close to a Sci Fi saturday night movie then.
“Genomic technology and techniques are advancing rapidly. It is becoming feasible to reconstitute the genomes of vanished species in living form, using genetic material from preserved specimens and archaeological artifacts. Some extinct species may be revivable. Ecological enrichment through species revival. …”
“Genomic technology and techniques are advancing rapidly. It is becoming feasible to reconstitute the genomes of vanished species in living form, using genetic material from preserved specimens and archaeological artifacts. Some extinct species may be revivable. Ecological enrichment through species revival. …”
