Coelacanth - The Fish That Time Forgot

Again the Internet has brought me to places I've never imagined I'd travel.

Why is the finding of the coelacanth (pronounced SEE-LA-KANTH) so mind numbing that it sent the world crazy?

Yes it is an age old fish. A living fossil, which supposed to went extinct together with the dinosaurs millions of years ago.

What made it so famed, that it has been touted as the missing piece of of evolution. The intermediate form of evolution from reptiles to mammals (seen from the perspective of Darwin's Law of Evolution.)



Looking at the picture, one can't be amazed of the amount of limbed fins this fish has. 5 of them at the bottom part of the body. That could be the missing puzzle piece we've been looking for.

The Founding Fathers of The United States

Started another new book yesterday. Wanted to read a number of books in staggered so I won't get too bored or saturated with one.

 

What is America without the Founding Fathers? It was fated that 7 men of exceptional talent, prowess, intellectual advantage came together and became one of the key figures of America's Founding Fathers. It was the synergism of them together, that made America what it is today.

Perhaps one would ask how great were they. Well America didn't exist until 1776. If we calculated the period of existence of America till now (February 2014 as of today), America would be just 238 years old. Compared to other countries which already had milestones and out of reach achievements like Egypt, Great Britain, France, Greece and so on, how did the US fast track development and innovation to become the world's strongest country as it is today?

As much as you may think that being the one that creates the future, the one who latches onto the opportunities to move forward, that made the United States what they are today, I'd say the Founding Fathers are what that made the difference back then. They were the solid foundation that accelerated the growth and spurt of the country with their bold and one of a kind approach. 

I think my favorite top 3 would be Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. What would yours be? 

Additives, Invictus, and The Railway Man

Today's article from the internet is one based on a true story - The Railway Man. Click here for the article.

Today's health column is about food additives. As a food tech student it gives me no pressure to understand what the word means. It means chemicals added in for flavor, preservatives, color, taste enhancers etc. All of them are considered additives.

Some additives have the E number. It means that the specific additive has been approved by all countries in the EU. And they are all specific. Example, E249-52 will be for nitrites and nitrates. So on and so forth.

Will blog on MSG in a different post tomorrow. 

Today's self improvement had me picking up Keith Harrell's CONNECT 

According to Keith, here is his formula to success:
1. Commit to win. BE-accountable. Its the core of commitment.
2. Open up to opportunities. BE a change embracer. Embrace change and stimulate growth.
3. Notice what's needed and do what's necessary. BE-aware.
4. Navigate by your purpose. BE-vision centered.
5. Execute ethically： Do what's right because it's right. BE-performance and integrity driven.
6. Challenge your challenges: BE-responsible
7. Transcend beyond your best. BE-the difference.

But most important of all, you must have the right foundation - ATTITUDE.

Quotes of the day

"You are not here to merely make a living.

You are here in order to enable the world to live

more amply, with greater vision,

with a finer spirit of hope and achievement."

-Woodrow Wilson

"They can because they think they can"

-Virgil

Words of the day:

Fraternity: Brotherhood

Sorority: Sisterhood

Tenets: a principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.

"the tenets of classical liberalism"

Invictus: Unconquered in Latin

The Rape of Europa and Modern Europe - Connecting the Dots

I'm reading Classical Mythology currently. Just a brief insight. It's the same series of as the previous book I've read - The Bible.

So what have I learn was that there is a mythological source of the naming of Europe, one of the continents in the world.

True or not, according to myths, Europe was named after Europa, a Phoenician princess whom Zeus abducted. Tempted by Europa, Zeus transformed himself into a bull, deceived Europa and took her on his back to Crete.

Now you would ask me:"How is it that both Europe and Europa has the same connection, apart from the "a" and "e"?

Well coincidentally, if you would noticed around Europe, seeing a symbol of a woman on top of a bull shows a great connection between Europa and Europe. Whether it is on the coins, or other places, you can't help but imagine that the coincidence is way too obvious.

For more examples, click here

Although ancient religion are now mere myths and fiction, I'm in awe that these symbols still have an impact in the world we're living.

People may change their believes, adopt a new religion, but it is impossible to let go of that piece of myth, that makes history much more than a record of times. Mythological insignia, will always be a symbol of who we are.

September 1752

Apparently this is real.

On September 1752, our calender lost 11 days.


It is said that on this day, England shifted from the Roman Julian Calender to the Gregory calender (i.e. the calender we are using now).

A Julian year is 11 days longer than a Gregorian year. So the king ordered 11 days to be wiped off.

New Year was in April according to Julian date. Many people were not happy or contented to give up the old customs to celebrate New Year on April. To counter measure that, the King finally issued a royal dictum; which stated that those who celebrated 1st April as the new year's day would be labelled as fools. From then on, 1st April became April Fool's Day. 

How true is that? I don't know. 

But the part where September 1752 had 11 days wiped off is definitely real.

Believe it or google it :P

Source: Wierd World

Richard Branson: Reach For The Skies

1st post! Although I was due to start this thing up 4 days ago after I posted a status on my fb.

A brief intro into starting up this blog: I wanted to capture down the special things I learned everyday, as a prove that I am learning and growing, and also as a motivation to remind myself that there is a need to have this habit instilled daily.

So for today's post I would kick start with a book I've just finished reading by Richard Branson.

Normally I'd expect reading something on business management when it comes to Richard Branson's works. But to my surprise this book is a short but concise history of mankind's aviation.

From hot air balloons to rockets, and probably to space colonization - it does amazes me that how far we had come for the past millennium.

I rated the book 3 out of 5 stars. The history itself maybe abit dry for some people (for instances me). But the quotes and things that people will do to fly, the courage of Joe Kittinger free fall from space, or the brilliant yet silly action of Larry Walters tying ballons onto his chair to fly proves a point - A dream is just a dream if you do not take action to realize it.

What I have learn would be straight forward - the sky nor space does not limit our capabilities. That is up to where and how high we set our limits.