The DNA Explosion

When did humans first wear garments?  How long ago did humans drink milk? Inquiring minds want to know.

Most of us look to DNA to learn about family and ancestry. But scientists of many disciplines are studying DNA, learning about the past, and making remarkable discoveries  Paleo(fill in the blank) research has found the residue in ancient pottery indicates that we drank milk perhaps 6,000 years ago.

DNA found in dental plaque from fossil teeth can indicate ancient diets and even diseases. Ancient seeds found in the dusty basements of museums are rich in information.

My first thought is that I’d like to be a participant in some of that research, but I’m a big picture person who’d chafe at the slow pace and miniscule details in laboratories. I like being on the outside where I can read the results of research from all disciplines.

Here’s an interesting online article.

Food

Arby’s serves gyros. A local Greek restaurant serves breakfast burritos. The gyros are reminiscent of the real thing. Likewise, the breakfast burritos. Close but no cigar.

Why do people who insist on organic and/or natural food use margarine?  Standard supermarket table butter contains cream and salt. Period. Pretty natural stuff

I simply do not understand fad diets.

On a related note, what ever happened to moderation? It is not necessary for people in good health to avoid ALL fats and salt.  Let common sense prevail.

Innovation and originality taken to the extreme. I am interested by chefs who combine unlikely ingredients. Are they trying to appeal to the pseudo hipster?  I do like adventure in food, and certainly would order some of the unusual combinations I’ve seen but…

 Here’s my contribution:  Octopus sautéed in balsamic vinegar with onions, cantaloupe, nutmeg and celery served on a bed of chocolate sauerkraut. Coming soon to a trendy restaurant near you. If the right people say they like it, it will spread like wildfire.

Disclaimer: this comes from someone who loves dill pickle soup and eats cottage cheese with potato chips.

50 Weird Food Combinations Which Sound Gross But TasteAmazing

Now I'm hungry.

Politics Then and Now – What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: Not much.

Then: Spies, plots, deception, fake news &, execution of rivals

Now: Spies, plots, intrigue, deception, fake news & character assassination of rivals.

I’ve been reading history and historical novels.

Ten Caesars by Barry Strauss begins with Augustus whose reign began in 27 BCE, and concludes with Constantine who ruled from 306 CE to 337 CE.

Roman rulers ranged from reasonably benevolent to tyrannical. A common thread through all was the imperative to gain and hold power. Advantageous marriages, divorces, and courting those already in power were key. Political alliances came and went as power shifted.  Plots, deception, murder, trickery and conspiracy were standard tactics. False stories were circulated to discredit rivals. Rivals and pretenders were executed, forced to commit suicide, or exiled to remote provinces.

Things were pretty much the same in the 15^th and 16^th century reigns of the Plantaganets and Tudors.

Here, too, rivals and pretenders were executed or imprisoned or both. Advantageous marriages were vital to retain control and ensure the desired succession. The Tower of London was either a lifetime prison or the last step before beheading.

Intrigue included spies in every noble household, among merchants, and at every port of entry. A non-technical equivalent of today’s bugging technology. At one point, many nobles had their private conversations only where there was no chance for eavesdropping False stories were circulated to discredit rivals.

So here we are today – from municipal to national politics.  Spies are planted in rival’s campaign organizations, etc. Electronic bugging happens.  False stories are planted in our vast media community.  Assassination today is figurative, not literal, but still destroys rivals.

Today’s politics are just the modern version of ancient Roman, and not quite so ancient, English monarchs.

Only the names and the faces have changed.

One immortal quote from The Ten Caesars:

 “Emperors come and go but the bureaucrats provide continuity.”

Getting to Arkhangelsk (Archangel) Russia (The joy of surfing)

I got there by reading about Soviet deportations of Poles to Kazakhstan in 1940-41 and going to Google earth to see just where that is. Doing some exploring of Russia, led me to  Arkhangelisk (Archangel) Russia.

                                           Archangel: Lat - 64̊ 35’ N, 40̊ 27’ E

The city has a long history. Vikings knew the area around Arkhangelsk as Bjarmaland. Ohthere of Halogaland told circa 890 of his travels in an area by a river and the White Sea with many buildings. This was probably the place later known as Arkhangelsk

In the 12th century, the Novogorodians established the Archangel Michael Monastery in the estuary of the Northern Dvina River.  Wikipedia

It is a thriving city with a population of about 350,000. Arkhangelsk is also home to the Northern State Medical University, Makarov state Maritime Academy, and a branch of the All-Russian Distance Institute of Finance and Economics.

The city’s website is http://www.arhcity.ru/  (Google will translate)

There’s a 24 hour webcam

Here’s the view I had on December 28. 2019

Definitely a place I’d like to see.

Portland, Maine is one of Archangel’s sister cities.

I, Neanderthal

I am pleased to tell you that a DNA analysis shows that Neanderthal genes comprise 3% of my genome.

I am an amateur genealogist. It is difficult to trace my Polish peasant ancestors back  past the 18^th century.

Having some Neanderthal genes binds my heritage to a time beyond that which can be researched and verified.

Who were these ancient ancestors?

Current thinking is that Homo Neanderthalis arose about 400,000 years ago and became extinct about 40,000 years ago. In that span of 360,000 years branches of the species migrated and populated much of Eurasia from Spain to Israel

Recent discoveries and research have been changing the old view of Neanderthals as stupid beasts. There is evidence that they had cohesive communities; they made personal adornments (Jewelry) as well as weapons. They cared for the disabled and buried their dead. They were creative and innovative; they were curious and inventive.

The DRD4 7R gene makes you think like a Neanderthal. If you've got it, you're sensation-seeking, risk-taking, impulsive, and creative.

Homo Sapiens (modern humans) emerged at approximately the same time as Neanderthals.  They did not migrate into Europe until about 45,000 years ago.

The two species had about 5,000 years to co-exist in the same places. Research supports the idea that they met, interbred, and even exchanged toolmaking techniques, and other ideas.

Both species have a Hyoid bone and the FOXP2 gene, both of which are required for speech and language.  Neanderthals probably had at least rudimentary language. Would modern human language have been more than rudimentary 45,000 years ago?

Could a Neanderthal pass as human in today’s world?Judging from some people I’ve seen, the answer is yes. 

Is this guy just a rugged looking man who happens to be the great great grandfather of the young people in the photo? I just may claim him as my most distant ancestor. This photo is from the Neanderthal Museum in Mettmann, Germany. https://www.neanderthal.de/en/home.html

This image shows 4 rugged looking men.

There are similarities among them all. One is a Neanderthal.

I wonder if we’re related.




Much as been written about Neanderthals lately. This is an interesting website:

 https://www.ancient-origins.net/

And here’s one of the many YouTube videos.  Neanderthal Misconceptions

Here is some recommended reading.:

 Café Neandertal; Beebe Bahrami, 2017

The Neanderthals: changing the Image of Mankind

Erik Trinkaus, ‎Pat Shipman, 2008

Neanderthals Rediscovered: How Modern Science is Rewriting Their Story

Dimitra Papagiani, Michael A. Morse - 2015

Squall Line

Standing outside the front door watching a storm approach from the West.

The clouds flash and the thunder rumbles in the distance.

Wind rises.

And my heart swells with ….

With what?

Awe?  Wonder?  Amazement?

We are so insignificant compared to the wonders our planet and universe.

It’s a squall line. A cold front.  It will pass quickly.

And I’ll miss it after it passes.

Chemo is Forever

I’m done with chemo, but it’s not done with me. It’s been almost three years since I finished chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer. But the effects linger on.

I don’t really mind the hair thing. Before chemo my hair was fine and straight.  Now it is extra fine and a little wavy. That’s good. It is also very thin which is not so good but it is livable.

What really irritates me is the lasting effect of Taxol on my taste buds. My sense of taste has never got back to where it was.  The worst part is that there are some days when everything tastes bitter – all day.  Bitter breakfast cereal is a bummer. Some days everything is pretty bland. What I don’t understand is why this comes and goes. 

Obviously this is not truly a problem; it is just an irritation that I want to rant about today.  I’ve been cancer free for three years so I can’t complain, but it does bug me so I kvetch a little.

End of rant.