Fountain, Seattle Center

The discovery of Ardipithecus ramidus has been named the "scientific breakthrough” of 2009 according to Science Journal, known as the the world's leading journal of original scientific research, global news, and commentary.

The name Ardipithecus derives from Ardi, meaning ground or floor and pithecus is from the Greek word for ape. Ramidus means root.  Scientists have learned that “Ardi” is a hominid who lived approximately 4.4 million years ago in Afar Rift region of North-eastern Ethiopia and has been studied by a large international team.

Rather than humans evolving from chimpanzees, new evidence demonstrates humans and chimps evolved from a common ancestor; however each branched off and changed uniquely along the spectrum.  The first bones of Ardi were discovered  from 1992 - 1994 and indicate the species lived in the woodlands and could climb on four limbs along tree branches and had the ability to walk upright on two legs on the ground.  

The upper canine teeth of Ardipithecus are more like shorter ones of humans than longer pointed ones of chimpanzees and most other primates, suggesting Ardi had a diverse diet, including fruit, nuts and leaves.  Ardi’s brain was positioned similarly to humans, perhaps suggesting a precursor for expansion of visual and spatial perception.  Features of Ardi’s hands and wrists were a mixture of primitive traits, but don’t display the modern chimpanzee traits of tree-hanging and knuckle walking and have flexible shorter palms and fingers. The pelvis of Aridipithecus ramidus shows adaptation for walking on two legs. The feet of Ardi had opposable large toes, off to the side, which opened up the arboreal environment for bidepalism. Ardi’s ability to ambulate is thought to be more advanced than humans now walk.

Further study of Ardipithecus ramidus may focus on the more omnivorous and generalized feeding style than chimpanzees. It did not ascend into the canopy of trees in search of fruit and rather ate a wider variety of food more often. Looking at the isotopes preserved in the animal’s teeth and bone structure may shed light on other hypotheses.

Ardipithecus Ramidus

The discovery of Ardipithecus ramidus has been named the "scientific breakthrough” of 2009 according to Science Journal, known as the the world's leading journal of original scientific research, global news, and commentary.

The name Ardipithecus derives from Ardi, meaning ground or floor and pithecus is from the Greek word for ape. Ramidus means root.  Scientists have learned that “Ardi” is a hominid who lived approximately 4.4 million years ago in Afar Rift region of North-eastern Ethiopia and has been studied by a large international team.

Rather than humans evolving from chimpanzees, new evidence demonstrates humans and chimps evolved from a common ancestor; however each branched off and changed uniquely along the spectrum.  The first bones of Ardi were discovered  from 1992 - 1994 and indicate the species lived in the woodlands and could climb on four limbs along tree branches and had the ability to walk upright on two legs on the ground.  

The upper canine teeth of Ardipithecus are more like shorter ones of humans than longer pointed ones of chimpanzees and most other primates, suggesting Ardi had a diverse diet, including fruit, nuts and leaves.  Ardi’s brain was positioned similarly to humans, perhaps suggesting a precursor for expansion of visual and spatial perception.  Features of Ardi’s hands and wrists were a mixture of primitive traits, but don’t display the modern chimpanzee traits of tree-hanging and knuckle walking and have flexible shorter palms and fingers. The pelvis of Aridipithecus ramidus shows adaptation for walking on two legs. The feet of Ardi had opposable large toes, off to the side, which opened up the arboreal environment for bidepalism. Ardi’s ability to ambulate is thought to be more advanced than humans now walk.

Further study of Ardipithecus ramidus may focus on the more omnivorous and generalized feeding style than chimpanzees. It did not ascend into the canopy of trees in search of fruit and rather ate a wider variety of food more often. Looking at the isotopes preserved in the animal’s teeth and bone structure may shed light on other hypotheses.

Personal Watercraft, published in the Kitsap Sun Newspaper, June, 2009

If terms like musclecraft, wakeboarding, sponsons, hitting the glass, V strakes, chines and HydroDrags are in your vernacular, chances are you are a personal watercraft (pwc) enthusiast or interested in becoming one.  If the latter is true, this language is for you to get your feet wet and research purchasing your own ski, multi-passenger runabout, or motorized recreational water vehicle. 

New personal watercraft fuel injected machines have four stroke technology as opposed to older two stroke models. The four stroke pwc are quieter and emit less fuel thereby providing a more enjoyable experience on the waves.  A typical runabout can run all day on one tank, using 15 – 21 gallons of fuel.  The one seater model or standup, otherwise known as a “ski” is named after the original jet-ski, and made by Kawasaki while the 2 – 4 passenger runabout sometimes gets generically categorized as a Sea-Doo.  There are other manufacturers with some sweet rides, including, Yamaha and Honda.  The typical pwc has a 110 horse power engine and travels 45 – 70 miles per hour, but an average driver travels about 50 mph on the water, if not racing.  Accessories needed with a pwc are a trailer, dolly, fire extinguisher, anchor, wet suit, personal floatation device(s) and emergency equipment. With a 2- 4 passenger pwc, towing skiers, intertubes and wakeboarding are possible.  When towing a rider on a pwc, the traveling speed depends on the rider’s preference and skill and usually runs around 18 – 24 mph. 

Follow state regulations for boating safety.  In Washington State, legislation is in place that requires boat operators (including pwc riders) to take a boater safety education course to receive a boater education card.  To learn more visit, www.parks.wa.gov/boating.asp for approved boater education classes online, in classrooms or at home. Class Completion and passing a test are mandatory.

Check out these websites or individual manufacturers to learn more about products, reviews, gear and features: Personalwatercraft.com, Watercraftworld.com or locally cliffscyclecenter.com for new and used pwcs. Final word: Personalize your pwc with accessories for a custom fit.

Quote:	For what is the best choice, for each individual is the highest it is possible for him to achieve.
Author:	Aristotle BC 384-322, Greek Philosopher

 

---

Quote:	From principles is derived probability, but truth or certainty is obtained only from facts.
Author:	Nathaniel Hawthorne 1804-1864, American Novelist, Short Story Writer

Girls picking blackberries

Coffees Hidden Health Benefits, published in the Kitsap Sun, July 26, 2009

Do you need a reason besides a jolt of chilled refreshment, to pour a cup of your favorite blend of coffee over ice?  According to a study done at the University of South Florida (200, July 6.) Caffeine Reverses Memory Impairment In Mice With Alzheimer’s Symptoms. Science Daily. Retrieved July 27, 2009, 2009 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090705215237.htm coffee drinkers may have a reason rather than cooling off to have an extra shot. Aged mice bred to develop symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease were given the equivalent of five cups of coffee, (500 mg of caffeine) and their memory impairment reversed.  The study was published online in July, 2009 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.  The caffeine administered, significantly decreased abnormal levels of amyloid protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease in the brain and blood of 55 mice examined.  The research also suggested caffeine suppresses inflammatory changes that lead to an excess of beta amyloid in the brain. 

Further research on the coffee crop is being done at the Vanderbilt University Institute for Coffee Studies, (ICS) - dedicated to investigating the health effects and potential therapeutic properties of the pharmacological components of coffee.  The ICS seeks to expand its mission on the world’s “second most important” commodity (coffee) beyond biomedical aspects to include historical, literary, anthropological, sociological and economic properties.  Recent research at the University includes coffee’s impact on reducing the use of other vices such as alcohol and nicotine. Coffee can potentially reduce the risk of type II diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, as cited by researchers at Vanderbilt’s school of medicine. The premise is: compounds in coffee, given to rats, enhance the ability of the liver to burn sugar, similarly to anti-diabetic medications.

If sipping a cup of icy French roast brewed alongside complimentary frozen coffee ice cubes, doesn’t sound appealing, or there is a caffeine aversion, consider this alternative: Sleep. A study done at the University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry proposes that napping has been shown to increase alertness and promote learning on some memory tasks more than caffeine.   

 

Quote:	It's no use saying, ''We are doing our best.'' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.
Author:	Winston Churchill 1874-1965, British Statesman, Prime Minister

 

Invent Now! Published in the Kitsap Sun Newspaper, July 19, 2009

Invent now Kids, a subsidiary of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation brought “Camp  Invention” to Bremerton, WA July 13 – 17^th.  The day-camp emphasized creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills for children, grades one through sixth. There were five thematic models that built upon what was learned the previous day.  These invention programs are available at 900 sites in 47 states. The focus included science, mathematics, history and art.  Among the five models was “I Can Invent: Fantasy Inventions & Complicated Machines II.” Children were provided hands on experience that emulated what real inventors face during the innovation process. Each child imagined and assembled an invention. Kids brought along  an electronic device or small appliance to take apart such as a clock radio, portable heater, blender or mini-vacuum.  Other items available to add to the invention process were recyclable materials consisting of: bottle caps, plastic containers, water bottles, tissue boxes, foam trays, film canisters, cardboard, and more. The youngest participants created fantasy inventions using disassembled appliances or electronics combined with miscellaneous recyclable materials. Campers learned how to market their inventions and apply for mock patents.  Older children worked in teams to build complicated, multi-step machines with an aim of solving an obstacle.  My future second grader made and named his invention the “Robae Trex.” by taking apart a VHS player and retooling it with masking tape and new parts. The Robae Trex has potential to talk, sing, fly and comes with a battery pack. 

Tips to encourage future inventors:

Have an “invention” notebook to jot down ideas

Identify a problem

Write down possible solutions

Expand explanations and relate ideas to similar challenges

Discuss invention plans and research ways to develop success

Explain ambidextrous invention: Problem to Solution and Solution to Problem concepts

Creative Kid inventions:

BatBall, a bat that holds baseballs, Jacob Dunnack, age 8, 2000

used by Doctors, the U.S. Navy and NASA to read notes in the dark, Rebecca Schroeder, age 10, 1972

Popsicles: Frank Epperson, age 11, 1905

Earmuffs: Chester Greenwood age 15, 1873

 

Quote:	Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why.
Author:	Bernard M. Baruch 1870-1965, American Financier