First Time Electric Tooth Brush User

Day 1

Throughout my life, I have held a pasted tooth brush and brushed my teeth. Very simple.

But now, I am told, it is time for me to use a modern electric tooth brush. So I bought the one recommended by my dental hygienist and began to read the instructions.

Immediately, I noticed they were in English, Spanish and French, and were so complex, I couldn't tell the languages apart. 

But after finally deciphering those instructions, I learned I can sync my new tooth brush to my cell phone, although I don't know why I would.

My new tooth brush may also be able to turn on the TV and start my toaster but I don't know why I would do that either.

But undeterred, I was finally ready to brush. So today, for the first time, I used an electric toothbrush. Here's what happened:

What To Do If A Shark Attacks

Time magazine just published a great new scientific study that says if someone is attacked, to punch the shark in the snout, and if that fails poke him in the eyes.

Tax Breaks For The Wealthy

Over the weekend here in the US, Republicans promised additional major tax breaks for corporations and for wealthy people.

Given the huge national deficit, at first, I was worried, but then I realized this is how the Bible guides us. 

Photographing The Legendary Bigfoot

The Gaviota 76 mile oceanfront in the greater Santa Barbara area is the largest undeveloped coastline in California. A UC Santa Barbara PhD student, Ms. Zoe Zilz set 40 live action cameras to capture the images of the wildlife that populates the area. 

Scientists are fascinated with her initial results showing the widely diverse animal population that resides there.

Recognizing a great idea, I decided to pursue one special animal and set live action cameras to photograph the legendary Bigfoot, a large hairy human-like creature. After learning where he feeds, I set the camera by the dumpsters in back of the bar, Boozy Miss Loozy. 

In exciting news: I may have captured the first quality photos of Bigfoot! 

An Orangutan Practicing Medicine

In Sumatra a male orangutan 🦧 named Rakus was seen treating wounds with herbs. 🌿 This means Rakus is practicing medicine, surprising scientists.

In a related story:

Because Rakus is affordable, patients are lining up for his medical treatments. He is booked for the next six months.

But is he worth the wait:

How Old Is Old?

I’ve met 35-year-olds who were old and tired and 70-year-olds who were young and active. Athletes are old at 40 and airline pilots must retire at 65. Politicians always see themselves as eternally young.

So to determine how old is old, I asked some five-year-olds that question. “I think 12 is very old,” said Heather. “You’re not old until you’re 25,“ replied Billy. “My mom is 40 years old and she’s still young,” said Jose.

Being 79, I asked the kids if I’m old. “YES!” they shouted.

Animal, Insect Self-Awareness

Last Friday, at New York University nearly 40 researchers presented “The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness.”

Its basic premise is that animals, even insects have cognitive recognition, self-awareness and sensitivity.

Wanting to test the premise, this morning I spoke to a snail 🐌 on my driveway:

The Intelligence Of Parrots

In a scientific experiment using a touch screen, researchers were able to teach 20 parrots how to play a computer game, as the parrots used their beaks to play.

The science is moving so fast, that the parrots are now playing more games. Just yesterday, online, I played Poker with a colorful parrot named, “Mexico City Red.”

Nudity

In breaking news yesterday, at Laguna Beach High School, some students are using AI to put the faces of some other students on naked bodies.

In a bit of real life comedy, The local TV stations are covering the story but American censors do not allow naked bodies to be shown. The stations could only show outraged parents.

So I called the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Italy where Michelangelo’s world famous naked statue of David is located.

“How do you treat American censorship,” I asked. 

The Secret To A Longer Life?

After analyzing data from hundreds of studies of people in 59 countries, scientists determined people with more schooling tended to die later. Every additional year of education reduced mortality by 2%.

Seeking Peace

In the news, Quiet Parks International, a nonprofit group is designating silent areas in nature, no human noise, and encouraging everyone to seek this silence. So I drove up to Yosemite alone, because they are advising us to avoid human noise.