Have you ever wondered why all the planets are mostly round? The spherical shape of all the planets is caused by gravity. When the planets in our solar system began to form, space was filled with billions and billions of pieces of dust and gas.
As these pieces bumped into each other, they began to form clumps that slowly grew larger and larger. Eventually these clumps of material grew large enough to develop their own gravitational fields. As the forming planets continued to grow, the force of the collisions with additional matter caused them to become hot and molten. Each planet's gravitational force is centered at its core. It pulls equally in every direction from the core, thus pulling all the molten material into a spherical shape. Scientists call this process "isostatic adjustment."
Think of a bicycle wheel. The center of the wheel is like the core of a planet, where the planet's center of gravity is. The gravity pulls equally in every direction, like the spokes of the wheel. The natural shape of the wheel formed as a result is a circle. In the case of a three-dimensional object, it becomes a sphere.
Planets are not actually perfectly round, because they also spin. When planets spin, the forces created by spinning work against gravity, causing planets to bulge out around their equators. Scientists call this extra width the "equatorial bulge." None of this has anything to do with getting older and developing our own human 'equatorial bulge' around the middle.
Dec 8, 2017
First Moon Meal
Speaking of the solar system, the first full meal eaten on the Moon consisted of bacon, cookies, and coffee, along with some peaches, and a glass of grapefruit juice. However, this is not the first food consumed on the moon.
When Buzz Aldrin set off on the Apollo 11 mission, he took with him a small communion kit given to him by Rev Dean Woodruff, so that he could symbolically take part in the ceremony with the other members of his Presbyterian church. This kit contained a small piece of communion bread and a small vial of wine, both of which Aldrin consumed after saying a prayer during the Apollo 11 radio blackout. This was also, unsurprisingly, the first religious service held on the Moon. Of course moon meal, another first for beloved bacon. It proves bacon is out of this world goodness.
When Buzz Aldrin set off on the Apollo 11 mission, he took with him a small communion kit given to him by Rev Dean Woodruff, so that he could symbolically take part in the ceremony with the other members of his Presbyterian church. This kit contained a small piece of communion bread and a small vial of wine, both of which Aldrin consumed after saying a prayer during the Apollo 11 radio blackout. This was also, unsurprisingly, the first religious service held on the Moon. Of course moon meal, another first for beloved bacon. It proves bacon is out of this world goodness.
Dec 1, 2017
My Latest Book
Tis the season for
presents and stocking stuffers. My latest book, fourth in a
series, Amazing Facts IV LINK
should fit well into both categories. In fact all of my books
are great presents to give to yourself or a loved one this
holiday season. Where else can you get this much wisdom between
two covers? Great way to shop without leaving the comfort of
your home. Type my surname name on Amazon for a
view of all my books, including free sneak previews inside.
Happy Holidays! Also, if you do buy any, please leave a review.
Since I have no ads and never charge for producing these weekly Friday Thoughts, picking up my books is a great way to show your support. Thanks!
Since I have no ads and never charge for producing these weekly Friday Thoughts, picking up my books is a great way to show your support. Thanks!
Happy Friday
Everything happens for a reason.
Today is the reason I am happy to celebrate a Happy Friday!
Today is the reason I am happy to celebrate a Happy Friday!
FedEx Facts
FedEx is very busy, especially during the
Holidays. Normally, an average of 13 million packages are
delivered daily.
FedEx Express and FedEx Ground are actually two separate entities. Most of the routes for Ground are contracted out to save money. People can purchase the routes from FedEx and then hire their own drivers. While that should not affect the consumer, sometimes people are upset that Express employees cannot pick up Ground packages. Ground drivers tend to handle the larger, heavier items that are not being sent overnight.
FedEx Express and FedEx Ground are actually two separate entities. Most of the routes for Ground are contracted out to save money. People can purchase the routes from FedEx and then hire their own drivers. While that should not affect the consumer, sometimes people are upset that Express employees cannot pick up Ground packages. Ground drivers tend to handle the larger, heavier items that are not being sent overnight.
FedEx's general tracking services rely
mostly on barcodes,
barcode scanners and a Web interface that customers can
access. With such
access, a customer can follow a package from scan point to
scan point, either
via a tracking, invoice or purchase order, or customer account
number.
Many Express Ground trucks are
not loaded with
GPS or other high-tech distractions. The company provides turn
by turn maps for
each package. Some Ground drivers provide their own GPS
equipment. FedEx
drivers get automated delivery information and can have it
sent to their own
GPS device.
Toothpaste Hack
If you get an ink stain on your clothes, one way to
get it out is to rub the stain with non-gel toothpaste, let it
dry, then wash as usual.
Top Online TV
Vizio took home the gold in Brand View’s latest analysis of 4K
TV online selling. Brand View analyzed online performances of
the top five most-listed 4K TV brands in the following sites:
BestBuy.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, Crutchfield.com, and
Frys.com.
In calculating the scores, Brand View used the following criteria:
Discoverability
*Can shoppers find the products on the digital shelf?
*Do the products return on the first page of results when searched for by category, or by keywords, such as “4K television” or “4K TV.”
Representation
*Is the brand name present and correct in product descriptions?
*Is key product information, including descriptions, images and videos, accurately listed on retailer websites?
Engagement
*Are shoppers engaging with the brand online?
*How do the product reviews and ratings represent the brand?
Although Vizio took top billing with an overall score of 3.6 stars, it was a tight race, with LG coming in a close second at 3.3. Brand View determines its overall rankings using a proprietary weighted method, not an average
Vizio 3.6
LG 3.3
Samsung 3.0
Sony 2.8
Hisense 2.3
Incidentally Toshiba recently sold its TV and visual solutions business to Hisense.
In calculating the scores, Brand View used the following criteria:
Discoverability
*Can shoppers find the products on the digital shelf?
*Do the products return on the first page of results when searched for by category, or by keywords, such as “4K television” or “4K TV.”
Representation
*Is the brand name present and correct in product descriptions?
*Is key product information, including descriptions, images and videos, accurately listed on retailer websites?
Engagement
*Are shoppers engaging with the brand online?
*How do the product reviews and ratings represent the brand?
Although Vizio took top billing with an overall score of 3.6 stars, it was a tight race, with LG coming in a close second at 3.3. Brand View determines its overall rankings using a proprietary weighted method, not an average
Vizio 3.6
LG 3.3
Samsung 3.0
Sony 2.8
Hisense 2.3
Incidentally Toshiba recently sold its TV and visual solutions business to Hisense.
Wordology, Mamamouchi
Mamamouchi rolls easily off the tongue and has an
equally delectable meaning: A pompous title, someone who
believes themselves more important than they really are. In
other words, an ostentatious, self-important, and ridiculous
pretender.
Related Panjandrum - A mocking name for a pompous, pretentious, self-important official.
Related Panjandrum - A mocking name for a pompous, pretentious, self-important official.
Organic Food Myth
There is a myth that organic foods contain more nutrients than
conventional counterparts. In fact, there are many
misconceptions surrounding the organic label you see on foods at
the store or farmer's market. The term “organic” is regulated by
the US Department of Agriculture. Legally, foods labeled
“organic” must be grown without synthetic fertilizers,
pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones. Organic farmers
also often follow production practices that are less harmful to
the environment and to animal welfare.
However, many people still believe that organic products are inherently more nutritious or healthier than their conventional alternatives. Large scale studies of this topic has shown that it is not true. There is no difference in the amount or quality of the nutrients found in conventional foods versus their organic counterparts.
However, many people still believe that organic products are inherently more nutritious or healthier than their conventional alternatives. Large scale studies of this topic has shown that it is not true. There is no difference in the amount or quality of the nutrients found in conventional foods versus their organic counterparts.
Size Matters
Did you know Russia's eastern border is with the US and its
western border is with China.
In the middle of the Bering Strait are two small, sparsely populated islands: Big Diomede, which sits in Russian territory, and Little Diomede, which is part of the United States. At their closest, these two islands are a little less than two and a half miles apart, which means that, on a clear day, you can definitely see one from the other. Big Diomede, Russia is 21 hours ahead of Little Diomede, US, because of this the islands are sometimes called Tomorrow Island (Big Diomede) and Yesterday Isle (Little Diomede). Yes, it is true that you can see Russia from Alaska.
Incidentally, China is bordered by the most countries. In total, China borders 14 other countries: On the northern border, China borders (west to east) Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia. To the west, China shares boundaries with (north to south) Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
In the middle of the Bering Strait are two small, sparsely populated islands: Big Diomede, which sits in Russian territory, and Little Diomede, which is part of the United States. At their closest, these two islands are a little less than two and a half miles apart, which means that, on a clear day, you can definitely see one from the other. Big Diomede, Russia is 21 hours ahead of Little Diomede, US, because of this the islands are sometimes called Tomorrow Island (Big Diomede) and Yesterday Isle (Little Diomede). Yes, it is true that you can see Russia from Alaska.
Incidentally, China is bordered by the most countries. In total, China borders 14 other countries: On the northern border, China borders (west to east) Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia. To the west, China shares boundaries with (north to south) Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Recycling Airline Style
Southwest Airlines is making a new fashion
statement. The carrier has inked a multi-year partnership with
Mexican fashion designer Carla Fernandez to use recycled leather
from discarded Southwest airplane seats to create a new line of
accessories and clothing ranging from shoes and bags to ponchos
and key chains. The new items will be marketed and sold under
the "LUV Seat: Mexico" banner.
Krampusnacht
In Austria, 'Krampus night' is December 5, or St. Nicholas eve.
One of the ways to witness the spectacle is to attend a
Krampuslauf or 'Krampus run'. You remember Krampus, according to
folklore he is the devilish sidekick of St. Nicholas, and his
duties include throwing naughty children into a sack or basket,
beating them with a whip, and carrying them off into the night.
One of the largest events on Krampus night is held in Klagenfurt am Worthersee, near the Austrian-Slovenian border and takes place along almost a mile through the city center. It begins with a troupe of young men who strap 45-pound bells around their waists. They are called called Krampusglocken or Balkenglocke, the instruments make a thunderous boom as the men march together, smacking the bells with their thighs. Most of the hundreds of performers wear elaborate wooden masks and fur costumes, some use painted masks with LED lights and other modern accessories.
A great way to have a fun parade and usher in the holiday season.
Incidentally, the day after is St. Nicholas day, when he comes to leave coins or candies in good children's shoes. Growing up, someone would toss little bags of candy on our porch. The American Santa Claus, as well as the British Father Christmas, derive in part from Saint Nicholas and in part from the Dutch Sinterklaas, the saint's name in that language.
One of the largest events on Krampus night is held in Klagenfurt am Worthersee, near the Austrian-Slovenian border and takes place along almost a mile through the city center. It begins with a troupe of young men who strap 45-pound bells around their waists. They are called called Krampusglocken or Balkenglocke, the instruments make a thunderous boom as the men march together, smacking the bells with their thighs. Most of the hundreds of performers wear elaborate wooden masks and fur costumes, some use painted masks with LED lights and other modern accessories.
A great way to have a fun parade and usher in the holiday season.
Incidentally, the day after is St. Nicholas day, when he comes to leave coins or candies in good children's shoes. Growing up, someone would toss little bags of candy on our porch. The American Santa Claus, as well as the British Father Christmas, derive in part from Saint Nicholas and in part from the Dutch Sinterklaas, the saint's name in that language.
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