Fridtjof Nansen (10October 1861– 13May 1930) was a Norwegian explorer, scientist, diplomat and humanitarian. His research on the central nervous system of lower marine creatures helped establish modern theories of neurology. In 1888, he led the first crossing of the interior of Greenland and obtained international fame for reaching a latitude of 86°14′ during his 1893–1896 North Pole expedition. His main scientific interest switched to oceanography and contributed to the development of oceanographic techniques and equipment. In 1905, he helped persuade Prince Charles of Denmark to accept Norway's throne, and Nansen served as the Norwegian representative in London. He was awarded the 1922 Nobel Peace Prize for his work on behalf of displaced victims of conflict. After his death, the League of Nations established the Nansen International Office for Refugees to ensure that his work continued. His name is commemorated in geographical features, particularly in the polar regions. (Fullarticle...)
The Palau fruit dove (Ptilinopus pelewensis) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. Endemic to Palau, it is the country's national bird and is common throughout the islands. It measures 23–25 cm (9–10 in) in length and has a grey head, neck and breast, a purple cap, an orange band across the lower breast and belly, and olive-green upperparts. Males and females are similar in appearance. Once reduced by hunting, its population recovered following protection, and the species is now considered common. It is classified as least concern by the IUCN. This Palau fruit dove was photographed on Palau's Rock Islands.
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex in Granada, Spain, and the only well-preserved palace of the medieval Islamic world. Construction began in 1238 under Muhammad I of Granada, founder of the Nasrid dynasty, and later rulers continued to expand the site. Its major surviving palaces, including the Comares Palace and Palace of the Lions, largely date from the 14th century and feature elaborate stucco and tile decoration. After the Christian conquest of Granada in 1492, the complex became a royal palace and was subsequently altered. Today the Alhambra is a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hermann Castle is a medieval fortress in Narva, Estonia, overlooking the river Narva on the border with Russia. Originating as a Danish border stronghold in the 13th century, it was initially built of wood and the town of Narva developed around it. In 1346, the castle passed to the Livonian Order, which completed the Hermann Tower, following the construction of Ivangorod Fortress by Muscovite Russia on the opposite bank of the river in 1492. In the 16th century, the Livonian Order reinforced the town's walls and gates and adapted several towers for use as cannon emplacements, two of which survive in reconstructed form in the castle's western court. This photograph shows Hermann Castle from across the river in 2022.
Tripedalia cystophora is a species of box jellyfish in the family Tripedaliidae. It is native to the Caribbean Sea and the central Indo-Pacific. Its translucent yellowish-brown, box-shaped bell measures about 1cm (0.4in) across, with three tentacles extending from each corner. It inhabits shallow waters and is known to feed on the copepod Dioithona oculata. The jellyfish has four rhopalia, each bearing six eyes of four different types. Using visual cues, it can avoid obstacles and remain within sunlit patches of water where its prey congregates. It hunts by slowly sinking through the water with its tentacles spread to snare its prey.
Photograph credit: Jan Bielecki, Alexander K. Zaharoff, Nicole Y. Leung, Anders Garm and Todd H. Oakley; edited by Ruthven
There is a great disconnect between how athiests and religionist view the proper place for religion in the public square. Briefly, atheists (usually) want no religion in the public square, and religionists want equal access (non-denominational) to the public square and view athiesm as just one other "religion" that needs access.
Wikipedia's Reputation
I've been thinking about this key principle: "[What] reliable sources ... have in common is process and approval between document creation and publication." This is also the key to Wikipedia's reliability and reputation. The core principles of neutrality and verifiability along with the standards for articles (featured/good/etc) and the implicit approval of every person who reads an article and makes no changes to it.
Intellectual Property
We (Americans) often "borrow" other people's intellectual property because the transaction method (i.e. limited use permission) does not exist and can not be created without the transaction cost exceeding the value of the permission (which is close to $0.00 in most cases) so we keep using other's work, and they don't sue us.
_Rock_Islands.jpg)
