The Four Ages Of Sand

Fly's brain 'senses swat threat'

Boffins have worked out why flies are so good at avoiding getting swatted.

"They think the fly's ability to dodge being hit is due to its fast acting brain and an ability to plan ahead."

What a surpise! I thought it was because they were telepathic ;-)

Actually it's quite an interesting article, and it does explain something that was puzzling me. I couldn't understand why I've been able to creep up and get so close to all these bugs to photograph and film them and they don't seem bothered, even when the camera lens is only 1cm away. The reason is that they are unable to register slow movements.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7586868.stm

Head in the clouds 4: poodle

Poodle's head, front legs and body?

Lloyds is pants

This spotted by Alan:

A man who chose "Lloyds is pants" as his telephone banking password said he found it had been changed by a member of staff to "no it's not"

When he was told he couldn't change it back, he tried "censorship" instead but that was rejected too!

Full story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/shropshire/7585098.stm

What a great idea. Wish I'd thought of it. eg "Virgin Media never pick up the flippin phone"

Rowan and Megan's art work

This great Still Life was made by my sister-in-law's brother's kids. (Anyone know what that makes their relation to me? Twice removed nieces or something?)

The backround is a tabletennis table in the sunshine

Latest ever post: Interesting 2008

Nick and I went to Interesting 2008 recently.

The Interesting conferences basically consist of 300 bloggers and blog-followers listening to a day of talks about anything. The best bit is that the speakers are limited to 3 or 5 minutes, sometimes 10 or 15, so you get to see a huge number of really interesting people talking about (mostly) really interesting stuff.

Blogging is supposed to be an up-to-the-minute, cutting edge, what's-on-now kind of activity - some people at the meeting were actually blogging DURING the talks - so I'm a bit embarrassed again to be blogging this a bit late. 2 months and 4 days to be exact...

Anyway, the highlight for us was the demonstration of the Phonographantasmascope. By running a record deck at 33 RPM and filming a set of static figures or photos, you get..well it's easier just to take a look:

(it gets good 45 seconds into the clip)

Answer to "What is it? 64"

Well done for beating Alan to it this time ;-) Let's post "what is it?" at the same time each week to give everyone a fighting chance? Every Monday at 1.00pm sounds good.

Lunita says;

I know I don't stand a chance, but that looks like the bottom of a bottle...

Posted by: Lunita | August 28, 2008 at 11:57 AM 

Her modesty is a credit to her BUT she gets it anyway;

(wine supplied by uni M. It's also a rare glimpse into Uni M's house.)

   

And the winner is.....

Nick wins the prize for submitting the 1000th comment to 4AoS!

He's already been informed of his good fortune and is eagerly awaiting his luxury chocolates.

(To be honest mate, I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you: times are hard and I may have to wait for an upturn in the economy before I can make good on my 4AoS promises. I used to have porridge for breakfast, but now it's Credit Crunch every day...PS. Don't worry: I have saved enough for my train fare so I'll be over to see you on Friday as arranged and look forward to the fine wine and food that you traditionally supply ;-)

What is it? 64

Clouds in an apple

Apples in Uni M's garden:

It rained later:

and you can see Uni M's house as well as the cloudy sky reflected in the raindrops.

Backlit butterfly

The sun is behind this butterfly in the garden, lighting up the wings in an unusual way and showing the hairs on the tips. Notice the rolled up proboscis too: