Daily Discoveries

This Day in History - December 8: The Murder of John Lennon

2013-12-08T10:48:00.001-08:00

It was on December 8, 1980 that John Lennon was shot and killed by Mark David Chapman in New York City.

John Lennon was part of the most popular group of the 20th century - The Beatles. Along with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, The Beatles stormed the pop scene in their native Liverpool, England in the early sixties. They soon incited "Beatlemania" in America where they were known as the "Fab Four."

John Lennon's name will forever be remembered not only for his singing and song writing, but also for his political activism. In protest of the Vietnam War, Lennon used his fame to make public political statements, organize rallies, and even start his own political party - the Youth International Party. In 1975, John Lennon took much time away from the music scene and relaxed his political activities to spend time with his wife, Yoko Ono, and his son, Sean.

On December 8, 1980, John Lennon and his wife were entering a Manhattan recording studio when a fan asked him to autograph his album. John signed it not knowing that this fan, Mark David Chapman, would be his murderer. About six hours later as John and Yoko were leaving to go home, Chapman pulled out a gun and shot John Lennon to death. Police arrested Chapman who later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Upon the counsel of psychiatrists who diagnosed him as a borderline psychotic, Chapman was denied a parole hearing in 2000. Chapman is currently imprisoned at Attica Prison in New York.

The Ancient Origins of Halloween

2013-10-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

Modern Halloween traditions have origins that date back thousands of years to ancient Celtic civilizations. The Celts flourished about 2,000 years ago in the regions now known as Ireland and northern France.

The Celtic New Year was November 1. This day marked the end of the summer harvest and ushered in the cold winter season. In ancient times, the frigid, damp, dark days of winter were closely linked to death. On October 31 – the eve of the New Year – the Celts engaged in a celebration known as Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts believed that it was only on October 31 that the spiritual veil was lifted and the boundaries between the living and the dead became obscured. During this time, the ghosts of the dead could return to visit their loved ones. However, evil spirits could also return to wreak havoc in people’s lives and on next year’s crops. It was on this one night of spiritual liberation that Celtic priests built large ritual bonfires upon which animals were sacrificed to various gods in hopes of gaining favor for the next year’s harvest. The Celts who participated in the festival of Samhain traditionally wore costumes made from animal hides and heads.

The Roman Infiltration

By 43 A.D., Romans had conquered most of the Celtic territory and many cultural customs had coalesced. The Romans celebrated a late-October festival commemorating the dead called Feralia. They also honored Pomona – the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. Over time and with the amalgamation of cultures, these Roman festivals were incorporated into the Celtic tradition of Samhain.

Christian Influence

By the 9^th century, the doctrine of Christianity had spread to Celtic clans and ultimately replaced most Celtic spiritual practices. In 1000 A.D., the well-established Christian church officially named November 2 as All Soul’s Day or All-hallows eve. This day was set aside in honor of the dearly departed. Most historians believe that this move on behalf of the church was made in an effort to replace the Celtic festival of Samhain with a celebration that was sanctioned by the church. Similar to the Samhain celebration, the All Soul’s Day festivities included bonfires, masks, and costumes.

All-hallows Eve in the New World

Many of the first settlers that came to America were strictly Protestant and did not celebrate All-hallows eve. But as more ethnic European groups with looser religious practices came to the new world, All-hallows eve, or Halloween as it came to be known, took on a distinctly American flavor. Colonists held traditional harvest celebrations, told ghost stories, and played pranks on each other. But Halloween began to change by the middle of the 19^th century with the arrival of millions of Irish immigrants who were fleeing the potato famine in Ireland. This influence of Irish culture popularized Halloween nationwide. Soon people were not only dressing up for Halloween, but they were going house to house collecting “treats” – giving birth to the tradition known as “trick-or-treat.”

The festival that started out as an ancient harvest celebration with great spiritual significance has evolved into a night of spooky fun that is much-loved by American society.

DIY Holiday Gifts: Making a Terrarium

2012-12-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to start thinking about the Christmas season. But there’s no need to break the bank this year. Just think DIY.

Terrariums

Essentially, terrariums are mini gardens. They are easy to make and you don’t even have to have a green thumb. These unusual gifts form their own self-contained environment that is very easy to maintain – even for the most botanically challenged. Here is what you will need:

A pretty glass container
Potting soil
Gravel
Charcoal
Rocks, shells, or other ornamental elements
Plants

Choosing a Terrarium Container

When it comes to making terrariums, you can choose from a number of different types of containers. They can either be open at the top for cactus plants and other succulents, or they can be closed at the top, creating a more humid environment for tropical plants. Your container should be large enough to house your growing plants and they should be constructed of clear, smooth glass for the best view. Fish bowls, mason jars, or even glass tea cups make beautiful containers for terrariums.

Choosing Terrarium Plants

The trickiest part of creating a terrarium is choosing the right plants. Take into account how much light the terrarium will get. Will it sit under fluorescent lights in an office? Will it sit in a window? Will it be in a relatively dark corner? Houseplants and cacti are always good choices for terrariums. If in doubt, ask your local nursery attendant to help you choose small, hardy, slow-growing plants. You can add interest by picking out plants that have unusual leaf shapes, different heights, and variegated foliage.

Assembling Your Terrarium

Once you have your container and your plants picked out, it’s time to assemble your terrarium. Here’s how:

Start by laying down a layer of gravel for drainage.

Add a layer of charcoal to absorb decaying matter and retard fungus and mold.

Put in a layer of potting soil for your plants to grow in.

Install your plants.

Add any decorative elements such as rocks, pebbles, marbles, or seashells.

Your terrarium plants will need very little water. And when you do water, remember to keep it to a minimum. Just a sprinkle will do.

Add a homemade touch to gift-giving this year by getting creative with do-it-yourself terrariums. They are simple, fun, and economical to make and they don’t require any special skills to maintain. Best of all, the one who receives your terrarium will be awed by your talent and touched by the fact that you took the time to make them a gift.

American Politics: Obama's New and Improved 'Gitmo'

2012-06-11T06:36:00.001-07:00

Congratulations! You, the taxpayer, have just completed financing a beautiful new soccer field – at Guantanamo Bay? The finishing touches are now being completed on ‘Gitmo’s’ third recreational area – a $750,000 soccer field. That’s right. In a time of record-breaking deficit spending the U.S. government has decided to spend exorbitant amounts of money on some amenities to make the terror suspects awaiting trial ‘Gitmo’ a little more comfortable
.
And, as if that weren’t enough, along with the world-class soccer field, more upgrades have been added, as well. Flat-screen television sets have been installed complete with dozens of cable channels along with a library of DVDs to choose from. Also available for the honored guests – I mean, fanatical terrorists – are newspapers from around the world, a large library from which to borrow books, and an array of “enrich your life classes”. That’s right, just in case their life is not rich enough,

Read more: http://www.infobarrel.com/American_Politics__Is_Guantanamo_Bay_a_Prison_or_a_Resort_#ixzz1xUVWMTWD

Original Articles. Constant-Content.

The History of Earth Day

2012-04-13T12:35:00.004-07:00

The first Earth Day was celebrated in the United States in 1970. Instigated by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson, the date for Earth day, April 22, was selected because of how it falls in the calender year. Originally an educational day, Nelson wanted to ensure that college classes would be in session on Earth Day.

On the first Earth Day celebration, New York City shut down 5th Avenue. An estimated one million people participated in New York alone.

Earth Day went worldwide in 1990 and is now celebrated in over 100 countries. In Spain, .......

Continue reading on Examiner.com The history of Earth Day - Houston life coach | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/life-coach-in-houston/the-history-of-earth-day?cid=db_articles#ixzz1rx0sW1lx

Original Articles. Constant-Content.

Creating an Online Business through Affiliate programs

2012-04-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

There are great many opportunities for you in creating a work at home business that focus on the Internet and working online. One of the best resources for you to find information about this is at www.affiliateprograms.com. You'll want to spend a great deal of time visiting this website because you can find many different affiliate programs that you can market in many different categories. Some of the categories that they have that you can market include finance, food and beverage, automotive, and health and fitness. Take the time to read through each listing because each affiliate program will list their website as well as a small description on what they do and you will want to visit the website as well. If you are going to be spending a great deal of your time promoting a particular affiliate program, you'll want to make sure that this is worth your while. Also, with each of these particular programs, you should look at how much money you would be making by selling each of these products. You'll probably find several programs that appeal to you so see which one peaks your interest and pays well and head for that opportunity.

Fair Warning

Beware of certain opportunities on the internet, however. Taking surveys posting on free forums for several hours day may sound good at first, but many people have signed up and found that they have wasted a great deal of time and money doing these activities. Remember to listen to your gut when presented with such "opportunities". There are many work-at-home scams out there so make sure to take your time and research the details.

Wheeler, the German Shepherd - A Rags to Riches Story

2012-03-07T04:01:00.000-08:00

We've all heard touching rags to riches stories, but about in the life of a canine? Wheeler, the German Shepherd was once an abandoned pup wandering the streets of New York. Like many in his situation, he ended up behind bars at the New York State animal shelter. Little did he know that his luck was about to change. According to Petside, Wheeler was adopted by Liz Keller, who works for the Glen Wild Animal Rescue. Liz saw that Wheeler had potential as a police dog and soon he was enrolled in a rigorous, 20-week training program at the New York State canine division.

Wheeler, now referred to as Sgt. Wheeler, has helped police investigators with tasks such as narcotics detection, cadaver detection, building searches, and tracking. He even has his own profile page on the New York State Police website.

And Sgt. Wheeler is not the only dog to go from shelter life to a life of fighting crime. About one third of New York State's police dogs are rescued from shelters.

Frequent Hair Washing - A Relatively New Concept

2012-02-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

Would you be surprised to find out that people didn't always wash their hair every day? In the past, shampooing ones hair wasn't a daily or even a weekly occurrence. It wasn't until the early 1900's that frequent shampooing became popular. During this time, America's Industrial Revolution was in full swing and there were many new advances in modern conveniences like indoor plumbing which made bathing and hair washing more accessible. A New York Times column in May of 1908 advised women of the day that it was perfectly OK to wash their hair once every two weeks.

In prior centuries, hair was only washed when absolutely necessary. In fact, in the Middle Ages, washing the hair was an undesirable habit and medieval cultures avoided it like the "plague".

The 1970's ushered in the lather, rinse, repeat customs that many adhere to today. Ad campaigns from that era used celebrities like Farah Fawcett to convince the general public that they could shampoo their way to shiny locks of lustrous hair.

We've learned a lot since then and, while our medieval predecessors may have taken the "no shampoo" lifestyle to the extreme, dermatologists and other health care professionals generally agree that shampooing the hair every day is not necessary and actually damages hair by stripping it of natural oils.

Man Order Priciest Starbucks Drink

2012-02-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

Ahh, Starbucks. Land of the $4 cappuccino ... and $23.60 Frappuccino? That's the final tally one man managed to ring up on his quest to order the most expensive Starbucks drink ever. Logan Warren started by requesting the largest size beverage, the 31-ounce Trenta. Into it went a Java Chip Frappuccino, enhanced with plenty of that'll-cost-you-add-ons: 16 shots of espresso, soy milk, caramel, banana and strawberry purees, vanilla beans, and Matcha and protein powders, all topped with a bit of caramel and mocha.

If that sounds gross, well, Warren went so far as to explain on Geek on Call...........read more

Woman's Dog Saves Her From Intruder

2012-02-03T06:34:00.000-08:00

The woman began to open the door, thinking it was a neighbor, and the man forced his way inside.

The two began to struggle and that is when the woman’s dog jumped in.

The dog, a Doberman mix named Damien,............read more

Wedding Trends: The Choreographed Dance

2012-01-28T06:40:00.000-08:00

Your wedding day is one the most memorable days of your life and one of the hottest new fads trending today is for the couple or the entire wedding party to perform a choreographed surprise dance.

The trend actually started some time ago, but thanks to internet sites like You Tube and reality shows like Rock the Reception the choreographed wedding craze, just like the videos, have gone viral.

Traditionally, the bride and groom share a special two-step shuffle to a slow, romantic tune , but today’s couples are going for performance-quality, “Dancing with the Stars”-style routines that are unique and memorable instead of simply sentimental.

Sometimes it’s the just the couple performing, but more often the whole wedding party is involved making it a full-blown production that is likely to be remembered for a long time. There are even dance studios cropping up that include a program for choreographed wedding dances. If you are thinking of following the trend of choreographed first dances for your own wedding, check out these videos for inspiration:

Norm and Renee’s wedding dance to Michael Jackson

Baby Got Back wedding video

Julia and James’ Dirty Dancing video

The History and Cultivation of the Stevia Plant

2011-12-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

Native to South America and grown in other tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, Stevia is an herb cultivated for its leaves that contains an extract that is exponentially sweeter than sugar.

Ancient Origins of Stevia

Evidence indicates that Stevia was first used by the Guarani and Mato Grosso Indian tribes who lived in the region of modern-day Paraguay. For many centuries, these natives utilized the leaves of the Stevia plant as a sweetening agent for various bitter teas, as well as for medicinal concoctions. In the 1500’s, the Spanish Conquistadors learned of Stevia’s sweetening properties from the Indians. Over the next few hundred years, the use of Stevia had spread to other parts of South America and Mexico. European travelers were taking a keen interest in the herb and began taking samples of it overseas to learn how to.......read more

Pen Still Works after 25 Years

2011-12-21T06:02:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard the energizer bunny mantra: "Takes a licking, but keeps on ticking"? This usually refers to batteries, but in this case, it was a pen. It would be hard enough to believe that a pen would work after 25 years, even in normal circumstances, but after being in a woman's stomach all that time?

A 76 year-old, British woman was sent to a GI specialist when she began to suffer various symptoms including weight loss. With a few diagnostic tests, the doctor concluded that she had a linear-shaped object in her stomach. It was then that the woman remembered having accidently swallowed a black felt-tip pen a quarter century ago.

Upon inspection of the decidedly corroded pen after removal from her stomach, it was determined that the pen still had ink in it and could be used for writing.

A Brief History of Marijuana Use in Ancient Africa

2011-12-05T11:45:00.001-08:00

Also known as hemp or cannabis, marijuana is the oldest known psychoactive plant. It grows in many parts of the world is successfully cultivated in a wide range of soil types and climates. In ancient times, marijuana was known to have been used in religious rituals, as well as in medicinal preparations. It was highly revered for its ability to improve mood, alter perception and consciousness, as well as treating symptoms such as nausea, respiratory ailments, fever, and pain.

Cannabis Comes to Africa

The use of marijuana by the indigenous people of Africa can be traced back to 14^th century Ethiopia. Since marijuana did not originate in Africa, the ancient tribes who used it had to acquire it through trading with outsiders. Archaeologists now believe that marijuana was introduced to African societies by trading goods with their Arab neighbors. Soon, through seed sharing and careful cultivation practices, cannabis culture had spread to other tribes throughout Africa, giving birth to a commodity that would become more valuable than gold.

Originally, African tribesmen chewed cannabis leaves, but they soon learned the art of smoking the plant, which changed African culture in many ways. New skills, like pipe-making, had to be learned and smoking marijuana became a large part of ritual and recreation which was performed in groups.

The Riamba Cult

One tribe, the Bashilenge, formed their entire religion around the use of cannabis. The Bashilenge call themselves Bena-Riamba, which is translated “the sons of hemp”. This ancient culture regarded marijuana as a god and the pipe as a symbol of peace. They believed that cannabis had universal magical powers and was used extensively to ward off evil spirits.

Deeply engrained in the fabric of African culture, cannabis was used in ancient times in a medicinal capacity to treat common conditions such as dysentery and malaria. In some tribes, marijuana was worshipped as a god and its use permeated almost every other aspect of societal life, as well.

References:

H. von Wissman, My Second Journey Through Equatorial Africa (London: Chatto & Windus, 1891), p. 312; cf: K. Zetterstrom, "Bena Riamba, Brothers of the Hemp", Studia Ethnographica Upsaliensia, 26 (1966): 151-65.

J.E. Morley and A.D. Bensusan, "Dagga: Tribal Uses and Customs", Medical Proceedings 17 (1971): 409-12.

Zoo Animals Pig Out On Pumpkins For Halloween (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

2011-10-31T11:39:00.000-07:00

For millions of kids, Halloween is a time to wear wacky costumes and gobble up sweets. But for zoo animals around the world, it's a chance to pig out on pumpkins.

Zoos in cities including Seattle, Chicago, San Diego and Hanover, Germany are helping their animals get into the holiday spirit by offering up some tasty pumpkins.

Tony Franceschiello, the senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, says handing out the seasonal squash is a great way to add some excitement into the day for the animals.

"They love them," Franceschiello said. "[The pumpkins are] a very novel item, bright in color. They never see these things throughout the year, so it's very creative to them."
Each animal species is different, so keepers like Franceschiello try to take that in account when handing out the pumpkins.

"We do spice them up a little bit with meal worms for the meerkats," he said. "The bat-eared foxes have mice and crickets crawling throughout. Elephants just pretty much crush them, because......read more

Ahmadinejad's Nightmare

2011-10-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Does homosexuality exist in every human society?

At a press event two weeks ago, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer asked Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to elaborate on his notorious assertion from 2007 that there were no homosexuals in Iran. “My position hasn’t changed,” replied the defiant Ahmadinejad. He then acknowledged to Blitzer, begrudgingly, the tiny sliver of a possibility that there could be such monsters living amongst even the Sharia-centric Iranians. “Perhaps there are those who engage in [homosexual] activities … but these are not known elements within Iranian society. Rest assured, this is one of the ugliest behaviors in our society … but as the government, I cannot go out in the street and ask [my people] about their specific orientation.”

I’d take considerable pleasure in using this column to expound on Ahmadinejad’s intellectual deficiencies. (Let’s be honest, any leader who believes in a supernatural entity that finds gay people icky isn’t exactly the deepest thinker.) Yet this arrogant theocrat unwittingly raises a more interesting issue for us to consider:

Does homosexuality exist in every human society?

For anyone with even a modest scientific background, the answer seems obvious —hence the widespread disbelief of Ahmadinejad’s initial claim of a gay-free Iran. Although LGBT Iranians live under constant threat of severe legal and social sanctions, we do know that there is no shortage of them. Still, that doesn’t mean that homosexuality can be found in every other corner in the world. A husband-and-wife team of anthropologists at Washington State University named Barry and Bonnie Hewlett believe that they’ve found a society without gay sex—and that there other societies, too, in which................read more

A Cancer Fighting Virus?

2011-09-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Researchers have shown for the first time that a single intravenous infusion of a genetically engineered virus can home in on cancer, killing tumor cells in patients without harming healthy tissue.

Scientists have been intrigued for decades with the idea of using viruses to alert the immune system to seek and destroy cancerous cells. That interest has taken off in recent years as advances in genetic engineering allow them to customize viruses that target tumors.

The field received a boost in January when biotech giant Amgen Inc agreed to pay up to $1 billion for BioVex, the developer of experimental cancer-fighting virus OncoVex. But the only "oncolytic virus" so far approved by a regulatory agency is for treatment of head and neck cancer in China.

In a study published in.............read more

Okra Seed Coffee

2011-08-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can make a coffee substitute from okra seed? During the Civil War, coffee was a scarce commodity, especially for southerners whose food supplies were being blocked by Northern forces.

Here is an excerpt from a letter sent in from a reader, H.A. Terry of Crescent City, Iowa, that was published in the March 1862 issue of Nebraska Farmer. He wrote:

"During these [Civil] War times, when real coffee is worth 25 to 33 cts. per pound, it is necessary for farmers, and farmers wives to cast about for a cheaper substitute for the real article; and from my own experience, I can recommend the following:

...Okra or Gumbo. This makes the best coffee of any article that I have ever used as a substitute for coffee. The seed should be browned the same as coffee and makes a very palatable drink alone but is a little better if a little coffee is used with it. The plant is very productive and is easily grown. An ounce of the seed will produce enough for almost any family. The seed can be procured of any seedsman for 25 to 30 cents per ounce."

Fun Facts about Zucchini

2011-08-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Zucchini is a summer squash variety that is a popular choice with home gardeners. This delicious edible can be easily cultivated in a variety of soils in all areas with a temperate climate. the largest zucchini ever recorded weighed in at 65 lbs. Here are some other interesting zucchini facts:

One small zucchini contains only 25 calories. Compare that to a plain baked potato at approximately 130 calories.
The zucchini blossoms are not only edible but are considered a delicacy when fried in many parts of the world.
Zucchini has more potassium than a banana and is a fat free, cholesterol free food.
The skin of the zucchini can range from pale green to nearly black. The darker the skin color the more nutrients it has.
In late August, the town of Obetz, Ohio hosts an annual zucchini festival.
Boiled until very soft, cooled, and mashed, zucchini makes a great first food for baby.

References:

http://www.foodchannel.com/articles/article/top-10-zucchini-fun-facts/

Oxytocin: The Love Hormone and its Role in our Relationships

2011-07-21T09:47:00.001-07:00

While several factors contribute to the intricacies of human relationships, there is one very important biochemical factor that must not be overlooked. Oxytocin is a mammalian hormone produced in the hypothalamus. Research done on this hormone suggests that oxytocin is largely responsible for the development of human bonding behavior and the positive loving emotions that we feel in our relationships. Oxytocin may also be responsible for our tendency as humans to desire and establish long-term monogamous relationships.

The “Love Hormone”

Of all mammals only three percent have a tendency toward monogamy. In the animal kingdom, the prairie vole and its cousin, the montane vole, have been studied for their monogamous versus polygamous nature. It seems that these small mice like species are the same in most respects but interestingly, the oxytocin hormone is substantially higher in the prairie vole. Oxytocin has been linked, not only to the prairie vole’s monogamous nature, but to its social behavior such as grooming, defending its nest and the fact that both father and mother care for the young.

What Does Oxytocin Do?

Oxytocin is best known for its functions related to childbirth and the establishment of a mother/child bond. In addition to stimulating the uterus at childbirth, oxytocin promotes the “let down” reflex associated with breastfeeding. In fact, it induces such sensitivity in women that the cry of a baby, even if it is not their own, can cause lactating mothers to release milk. Additionally this hormone invokes maternal behavior and emotions characteristic of nurturing mothers.

Many facets of romantic relationships are affected and, to an extent, determined by oxytocin levels. Engagement in both foreplay and sexual intercourse elevate oxytocin activity which, in turn, often produces an intense emotional feeling of connectedness and attachment. Oxytocin is an essential element for these types of long-term relationship building functions.

Childbirth and romantic interludes are not the only way to increase oxytocin levels. Simply holding hands, nurturing a child or elderly person, or grooming a pet will also raise the level of this powerful hormone. In fact, oxytocin may be one of the reasons that people get physical health benefits from healing processes like massage or psychological benefits from support groups.

Oxytocin seems to be a common ingredient in monogamous relationships as well as the hormone that establishes other emotional connections. From prairie voles to humans, hormones have always played a large part in everything from social to sexual behavior. In humans, oxytocin functions as the natural “love hormone” that has many far-reaching health benefits.

10 Good Uses for Salt

2011-07-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

Just a pinch of it and it’s worth it. We’re talking salt here. Used throughout human history, mentioned often in the Bible, ubiquitous and cheap. Mined from salt rocks and extracted from sea water, salt is… well, the “salt of the earth.” You can’t live without it healthily. At the same time, you can’t live healthily with too much of it. Get the balance right – in your food and in your life – and salt is worth it’s own weight.

1. Deter ants

Sprinkle salt in doorways, on window sills and anywhere else ants use to sneak into your house. It’s a sure way to keep them out!

read more.....

See: 10 good uses for salt

Meet the man who’s re-creating Noah’s Ark

2011-06-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

While Noah will likely always remain the first name in arks, tourists are chomping at the bit to climb aboard “Johan’s Ark,” an ambitious re-creation of the biblical boat that’s attracting gawkers galore along a waterfront shipyard in Dordrecht, a city in the western Netherlands.

Dutch builder Johan Huibers is expected to complete work on the massive vessel sometime next month in what has been a staggeringly ambitious project to bring one of the best-known stories of the Bible to life. It’s taken three years of his life and $1.6 million out of his pocket, but Huibers, owner of a...........read more

The Methuselah Tree

2011-05-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Growing high in the Inyo National Forest located in eastern California, a bristlecone pine tree, nicknamed the Methuselah tree, has existed for thousands of years in an ancient grove among other centuries old trees. The oldest known living organism, the Methuselah tree is named after the oldest person in the Bible and is estimated to be upwards of 4800 years old. If scientists are correct, this tree's germination date predates the Egyptian Pyramids.

The Ancient Bristecone Pine Forest where the Methuselah tree lives is higher than 10,000 feet above sea level. Here, the soil is very poor and the climate is harsh, but bristecone pine trees have learned to adapt, giving them an extreme evolutionary edge.

Precipitation in this ancient forest is usually less than 12 inches, ranking among the lowest recorded on Earth. Most of that precious moisture falls as snow throughout the long winter. The warmth of summer is often limited to a scant 6 weeks and it is during this time that the bristlecone generates new growth and musters its reserves for overwintering.