A raft of fire ants
The recent storm that flooded parts of South Carolina has revealed an interesting phenomenon with fire ants. In a feature story in National Geographic, we learn how these tiny creatures survive. Watch this short video showing how fire ants form rafts during flooding. Fascinating photos here.
I Am A Christian
TRENDING: America's most dangerous demographic
After the Oct. 1 shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson responded with a powerful photo that has been "liked" on Facebook more a million times since it was posted on Oct. 2, and has been shared by 179,813 followers.
Dr. Carson also encouraged his readers to use the following graphic on their Facebook and Twitter pages, writing: "Please consider changing your profile picture to honor the victims and their families."
Last Friday, the anti-gun President Obama paid a call on Roseburg citizens to offer solace and sympathy to the community in their grief over the mass shooting that left nine dead and many more wounded. But not everyone in the pro-Second Amendment community was happy to see him. Kit Lange at Patrick Henry Society blog explained:
"In the wake of the recent shooting in Roseburg, OR, President Obama has made a point to not only talk openly about executive orders regarding gun control, but also plans to make a visit to Roseburg on Friday to underscore the point. He plans to talk to the families of those killed, as well as push for 'common sense' gun control.
"There's only one problem. It seems quite a few in Roseburg don't want him there.
"One Facebook group titled 'Stay Out of Roseburg' had over 800 likes in only a few hours. The Heirs of Patrick Henry, another OR-based patriot group, is already planning a rally the morning of Obama's visit, with the express purpose of making it known loud and clear that the President is not welcome in Roseburg."
The power of social media was in fast-forward and picking up speed. Lange wrote that within 36 hours, "...23,000 people have been invited on Facebook alone, not counting emails, Twitter, and other social media. Watching the incoming links on PHS yesterday, I counted no less than 26 various patriot, gun, and prepper forums who were discussing it. Almost 2,500 people are listed as 'going' on Facebook with another 1,000 as 'maybe.' A search on Facebook for posts about the rally net an astronomical number of results."
The protest resulted in several hundred pro-gun rights citizens who let the president know he was not welcome:
Brrrrummmm, brrrrummmm! They never miss a beat!
Watch the Top Secret Drum Corps from Basel, Switzerland perform at the Edinburgh Tattoo. Absolute precision! With their pressed uniforms, perfect posture and disciplined composure, these individuals from all walks of life display their pride in being part of the Drum Corps with its upbeat and colorful display. The non-military Corps is comprised of 25 drummers and color guard members.
Who's more literary?
Last week I devoted much of Surfin' Safari to Grammarly, the website/Facebook page that helps you to better express yourself in writing: "Homonyms: A reel waist of thyme."
Following up this week, Grammarly looked at how well the 2016 presidential candidates' supporters write when they debate online.
Here's a brief which contains the data, methodology, and infographics for each political party, as well as a comparison of both parties.
A $1 billion city where no one will live?
A 15-square mile town named CITE is being built in the middle of a New Mexico desert. What is so unusual about it? It's designed to be a futuristic ghost town. Why?
According to a report in the UK Daily Mail, telecommunications and tech firm Pegasus Global Holdings is building the town so researchers can develop technologies for modern living. The investors hope to open the town by 2018.
"CITE will include a town big enough for 35,000 people, with a business district downtown surrounded by terraced housing suburbs – but no one will ever live there.
"Instead, companies will have the opportunity to test such innovations as driverless vehicles and natural disaster-proof homes in a human-free, practically risk-free, environment."
Like discovering gold!
The Conservative Chat blog has compiled a helpful list of Congressional members' Twitter addresses. The members are listed by state. For example:
Alabama: @SenShelby @SenatorSessions @RepByrne @RepMarthaRoby @RepMikeRogersAL @Robert_Aderholt @RepMoBrooks @BachusAL06 @RepTerriSewell
Not only that, there are tips on how to use Twitter more effectively, especially when you want to get a message to a Senator or House member.
And finally, the Conservative Chat blog also has compiled an impressive Twitter list of conservative activists, media, bloggers, and more. This is one you definitely want to bookmark and use often.