Archive for July 29th, 2012
Even Usain Bolt Can’t Beat Greyhounds, Cheetahs…or Pronghorn Antelope
July 29th, 2012 | 
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Even Usain Bolt, currently the fastest man in the world, couldn't outpace greyhounds, cheetahs, or the pronghorn antelope, finds a light-hearted comparison of the extraordinary athleticism of humans and animals in the Veterinary Record …
Humans can run at a maximum speed of 23.4 miles per hour (37.6 kilometres/hour) or 10.4 metres per second, which gives them the edge over the Dromedary camel [22 mph/35.3 kph, or 9.8 metres/second.] …
A cheetah is around twice as fast as the world's top sprinters at 64 mph (104 kph) or 29 metres/second. But the pronghorn antelope also puts in a very respectable 55 mph (89 kph) or 24.6 metres/second.
And let's not forget the North African ostrich, which at 40 mph (64kph) or 18 metres/second, is the world's fastest running bird. Or sailfish, which reach a swimming speed of 67 mph (108 kph) or 30 metres/second.
Then, of course, there are thoroughbred racehorses, the fastest of which has managed 55mph (88kph), and greyhounds at 43 mph (69kph).
And birds would win a few gold medals too. Peregrine falcons can reach speeds of 161 mph (259 kph), while ducks and geese rival cheetahs, with speeds of 64 mph (103 kph) in level flight.
London Smog a Concern for Athletes' Lungs
More often than not, the Olympic Games are held in the world's most industrialized cities, putting respiratory concerns near the top of the list when it comes to athletes' health, experts say.
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Alcohol/energy drinks [unsurprisingly] linked to casual sex
Drinking caffeinated energy drinks mixed with alcohol is linked to casual — often risky — sex among college-age adults, U.S. [researchers] said.
"Mixing energy drinks with alcohol can lead to unintentional over-drinking, because the caffeine makes it harder to assess your own level of intoxication" … "Alcohol mixed with energy drinks have stronger priming effects than alcohol alone. In other words, they increase the craving for another drink, so that you end up drinking more overall."
“Simplify Your Life” Week — August 1-7
The International Society of Friendship & Good Will has named the first week of August as "Simplify Your Life Week." So, we’ve posted some inspirational quotes & “how-to” tips to make it, well, simple.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~ Leonardo DaVinci
Live simply that others might simply live. ~ Elizabeth Ann Seton
Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. ~ Lao Tzu
Beware the barrenness of a busy life. ~ Socrates
Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things. ~ Elise Boulding
As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness. ~ Henry David Thoreau
To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter… to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring – these are some of the rewards of the simple life. ~ John Burroughs
Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction. ~ E.F. Schumacher
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. ~ Confucius
People love chopping wood. In this activity one immediately sees results. ~ Albert Einstein
Simplify Your Life by Eliminating These 7 Problems — tinybudda.com
Ten Tips to Simplify Your Life — allstate.com
