Author Archives: Jim deMaine

The dancing species: how moving together in time helps make us human

Dancing is a human universal, but why? It is present in human cultures old and new; central to those with the longest continuous histories; evident in the earliest visual art on rock walls from France to South Africa to the … Continue reading

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How to get off that crane

Thanks to Gordon G. Mountain climbers enjoy!

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Faster, faster!

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Huh? Trump on windpower

It’s hard to believe the following, or maybe it’s not. The fact checking site, Snopes, confirms the following from our current President. Thanks to Dorothy W. for finding this. “…We’ll have an economy based on wind. I never understood wind. You … Continue reading

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New Zealand Ban on Most Semiautomatic Weapons Takes Effect

The law, passed after the Christchurch massacre in March, outlaws military-style semiautomatic weapons and assault rifles. It will be enforced as a gun buyback and amnesty program ends amid debate. A sweeping nationwide ban on most semiautomatic weapons took effect … Continue reading

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Silent Night: How a beloved Christmas carol was born of war and disaster 200 years ago

From the Washington Post – thanks to Rosemary W. On Christmas Eve in 1818, two men with a small guitar entered a church in Oberndorf, Austria, and prepared to sing a new Christmas carol. Times had been bad in Oberndorf, … Continue reading

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The Watch Is Smart, but It Can’t Replace Your Doctor

The Apple Watch has been quite successful as a smart watch. The company would also like it to succeed as a medical device. The recently published results of the Apple Heart Study in the New England Journal of Medicine show there’s still a long … Continue reading

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The American Health Care Industry Is Killing People

Won’t you spare a thought for America’s medical debt collectors? And while you’re at it, will you say a prayer for the nation’s health care billing managers? Let’s also consider the kindly, economically productive citizens in swing states whose job … Continue reading

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How Music Therapy Could Help People With Dementia

Thanks to NPR and Sandy J: A new study from University College London finds the human brain responds to a familiar song at super speed. Researchers say their finding could be used to help calm patients with dementia. Click here!

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Sign of aging

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Did you give practical presents?

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The Center for an Informed Public

Thanks to Mary M. for bring this to our attention: The Center for an Informed Public officially launched on Dec. 3, 2019, with an event on the UW campus. The event featured UW President Ana Mari Cauce and Washington State … Continue reading

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Forecasting?

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Quid Pro Claus

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Armed insurrection in eastern Washington?

SPOKANE, Wash. — Matt Shea was 34 years old when he ran for the State Legislature in eastern Washington, but he had already established credentials that made him a promising Republican candidate. A lawyer trained at Gonzaga University who had … Continue reading

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Santa has a hot line

Thanks to Ann M. we can connect! Just gather round those kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors to call Santa’s phone number 1-319-527-2680. Turn the speaker on for all to hear–sit back, smile and listen to the joyful sounds of a … Continue reading

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God bless those who keep us safe

Thanks to Margarete B. From the California Highway Patrol: There are some stories that truly speak to the heart and retired Ohio State Trooper Bob Welsh’s touching poem, “My Christmas Eve”, is certainly one of them. With his permission, we … Continue reading

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Is your tree up?

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Jennifer Hudson on the Late Show

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Time for a buffet?

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More Skyline Christmas cheer

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Christmas spirit at Skyline

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The Ten Best Science Books of 2019

By Jay Bennett , Rachael Lallensack From The Smithsonian – thanks to Ann M. for sending this. Science books offer an opportunity to step back from the constant stream of dramatic new discoveries to consider the broader implications of ongoing research. The books … Continue reading

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Von Trapp greatgrandkids sing Edelweiss

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The Hidden Drug Epidemic Among Older People

People in their 60s take an average of 15 prescription drugs a year. Combined with over-the-counter products, they may do more harm than good. By Jane E. Brody in the NYT While news reports focus on an epidemic of opioid abuse … Continue reading

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