Illustration showing Archaeopteryx in life, including its tertial feathers that would have helped it fly. Credit: Michael Rothman. Click image to enlarge.

US: Ongoing Analysis of – Archaeopteryx Fossil – Continues to Proves Darwin Right! (21.3.2026)

Differences in modern birds

Modern birds evolved shorter upper arm bones and specialized tertial feathers to close this gap.

Remarkably, the Chicago specimen of Archaeopteryx shows it had long tertial feathers too – something unseen in its flightless dinosaur relatives.

“Our specimen is the first Archaeopteryx that was preserved and prepared in such a way that we can see its long tertial feathers,” she noted.

These feathers, absent in closely related non-avian dinosaurs, suggest those creatures couldn’t fly.

“That tells us… Archaeopteryx could,” O’Connor added. “This also adds to evidence that suggests dinosaurs evolved flight more than once – which I think is super exciting.”

My Revolutionary Clobber!

Cuba: My Study of Che Guevara’s Work! (27.2.2026)

Oddly, Audible, despite hosting some fairly right-wing and far-right tomes – to its credit – it also hosts Marx, Engels, Lenin, Mao Zedong, Ho Chi Minh, and Che Guevara (amongst others). Yes – some are bourgeois aberrations – but others are straight from the original ideological source material and convey clear Socialist and Communist thinking. So far – so good. Recently, whilst carrying-out my academic work of translating ancient Chinese texts into English – I play audio-books in the background – so I can continue to “learn” whilst working. This is how, over the last three-months, I made an effort to study the Cuban Revolutionary experience. This came about after I had a conversation (a few years ago) with a Spanish man now living in Sutton – who surprised me when he said he had no interest in China or the USSR – but rather the Central and South American experience. This got me thinking – as I used to generally integrate all these movements – assuming they were different aspects of the 1917 Russian Revolution (which of course they are). The point is that different ethno-centric experiences abound – even if we are political allies all heading in the same ideological direction.

A device called a cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) pacemaker, can switch the heart’s fuel from sugar to fat after only two minutes, a study has found.

Oxford: CTC Pacemaker Could Help Reverse Heart Failure Symptoms by Switching Heart’s Fuel from Sugar to Fat! (21.1.2026)

Professor Neil Herring, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford, said: “The size of the improvement we’ve seen in the hearts in our study in response to CRT is remarkable. The slowing down of electrical signals in the heart, in some people who have heart failure, may mean the signal for the heart to use fat for fuel is lost, and their heart switches to using glucose instead. A pacemaker restores the “use fat for fuel” message through fixing the signalling problem as it regulates the heart. This then helps the heart to start to recover. 

Fire Boat Festival (Lai Heua Fai), marking the End of Buddhist Lent on October 7, 2025. Coinciding with the full moon of the 11th lunar month

Laos: Rainy Season Retreat Comes to an End for Buddhist Monks! (13.11.2025)

Beyond the spiritual rituals, the festival grounds came alive with vibrant activity as local vendors showcased a wide array of goods, ranging from traditional foods and drinks to handmade crafts, clothing, and household items. The lively marketplace added a festive touch, transforming the event into not just a religious celebration, but also a vibrant community gathering.

Well-organized and secure, the event provided a safe and joyful environment for all attendees. It stood as a testament to Laos’ rich cultural heritage, while also promoting environmental consciousness and community unity.

As the glowing boats drifted peacefully down the Mekong and candlelight danced in the night breeze, the Fire Boat Festival once again proved to be a captivating blend of faith, folklore, and festivity—a timeless tradition that continues to illuminate the hearts of those who take part, year after year.

Heavy Horses Toil the Dust!

Rutland Farm Park – The Visit! (28.10.2025)

Unlike the City Farms or the bigger commercial entities – the atmosphere is relaxed. Indeed, a cadre of very alert geese provide the security detail – patrolling the grounds and showing the guests which way to travel in and out of the park! I remember once reading in a book at school (a very long time ago) that Celtic people used to live on the top of mountains and hills – and that it was geese (and not dogs) that used to warn the inhabitants of any approaching strangers! Geese “honk” really loud, and are physically brave, being willing to protect their owners with their lives! Brave little fellows they are!

17th Century Safe - Old Wooden Safe - Built In2o Bedroom Wall!

Market Overton: 17th Century Wooden Safe – Built into Bedroom Wall! (26.10.2025)

Anyway, I digress. This morning, and for the first-time in decades, I heard a local Parish Church ring the church-bells – summoning the faithful to worship on this crisp Sunday-morning! I am literally sat in the epicentre of history! Probably far more so than usual. As you can see above – in the bedroom I am frequenting – there is a wooden safe built into the wall. The wood does not seem that secure to me – and I know I could easily place my fist through the door – it seems that thin (not that I would do such a thing). Years ago (in Hong Kong) when I had to punch objects whilst holding an egg in the palm (which had to remain “unbroken”) – the objects I had to hit were far more “stout” than this structure. I cannot not discern any writing on the casing of the safe – but such a craftsman’s signature might be immediately adjacent to the inner wall structure.

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