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The author of Skulls in the Stars is a professor of physics, specializing in optical science, at UNC Charlotte. The blog covers topics in physics and optics, the history of science, classic pulp fantasy and horror fiction, and the surprising intersections between these areas. -
Category Archives: Animals
Some long overdue cat photos…
I haven’t done any catblogging for a while, which is a shame ’cause I’ve got lots of cute cat photos. Moving into a new house provides lots of opportunities for unexpected cat cuteness. Also, we received a very nice gift … Continue reading
The Montauk monster: a dead raccoon, after all…
Over the past week we’ve been treated to a barrage of news stories about a mysterious carcass which washed up on the beach of Montauk, Long Island, on July 13th. Dubbed “The Montauk monster”, it even rated a video bit … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Animals
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Vet pulls hook from shark’s stomach, by hand
Though a lot of people wouldn’t find this heart-warming, I did: an Australian veterinarian, David Blyde, ended up putting his arm into the jaws of a grey nurse shark to remove a steel fishing hook, saving the animal’s life. The … Continue reading
Posted in Animals
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Lost divers shamelessly rip off ‘Lost’ and ‘Land of the Lost’!
Last Thursday, a group of divers went missing on what was supposed to be a routine tour dive in Indonesia. On Saturday, all five were rescued from the island of Rinca near Komodo Island, having spent two days surviving on … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Science news
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LOLCats can has accuracy?
The girlfriend sent me the link to the following I Can Haz Cheezeburger, which I post without further comment:
Posted in Animals, General science
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Wednesday catblogging: Intrepid Eleanor!
I just had to post about Eleanor, my semi-adopted stray cat. When I arrived back late last night from my trip, she was waiting at the front door for me, wanting to be let in. Of course, I let her … Continue reading
Just how well can an elephant paint, anyway?
Via noob.us, I found an intriguing video which has been making the rounds. An elephant in Thailand named Hong has been taught to paint – really well. Watch the video, be astonished, then go below the fold to be brought … Continue reading
Posted in Animals
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Talking parrots, vocabulary canines, and tool-using crows… Oh my!
Just a quick note: a friend of mine pointed me to a very nice National Geographic article on animal intelligence, which can be read here. The article discusses the well-known case of Alex the parrot, but also discusses other surprising … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Science news
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A pair of heart-warming stories
We live in a world that’s pretty crappy sometimes, and the current world political situation just makes things look even bleaker. It’s so nice, then, to occasionally see a few stories that can warm your heart and make you feel … Continue reading
The return of the Lizard Man!!! Or a bear.
CNN has a video reporting that Lee County, SC may be suffering the return of its not-particularly-famous Lizard Man. First sighted in June 1988, a local teen was changing a tire on his car near Scape Ore Swamp when he … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Animals
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