We seem to be in the middle of one of the largest shark migrations, along with some tips on how not to get attacked while playing in the surf this summer. It’s funny, one of the tips is not to swim in areas where people are fishing – something that is almost impossible to do on some Florida beaches. There are a lot of fishermen who wade into the surf to cast. That seems like a good way to put yourself and others in danger when sharks are present. (Incidentally, I have watched people hook sharks while fishing from the shore, so… makes sense.)
St. Elmo’s fire is amazing:
From the above Twitter account, some fascinating background information on St. Elmo’s fire.
(Fun fact: St. Erasmus – also known as St. Elmo – is the patron saint of sailors and people experiencing abdominal pain. How did he come to have this association? It’s a humorous play on how he was martyred. St. Erasmus lived during the time of Diocletian, who loved to think up creative ways to murder Christians. The Romans tried to kill St. Erasmus in a variety of ways, including rolling him around in a barrel full of spikes, but each time he survived. Finally, they cut open his abdomen and wrapped his intestines around a windlass, which is a device sailors use for moving cargo. Hence, the patron saint of sailors and people with abdominal pain. This is akin to the story of St. Lawrence, the patron saint of cooks, who was martyred on a spit. As he was being roasted by his persecutors, he quipped, “I am done on this side, turn me over.” Ahhh, Catholic humor.)
The hidden fingerprint inside your photos.
Parents developed much more favorable opinions of homeschooling during the pandemic.
The ancient fabric no one knows how to make (thanks Susanna!)
Octopuses experience two sleep states, and may even dream.
Where did the myth that caffeine stunts kids’ growth come from?
The remnants of Theia may still exist deep within the Earth, studies of lava suggest.
Jupiter has really weird northern lights.
Human saliva and snake venom seem to have a genetic connection.
Days of Sunshine 