Homely Scientist

Man it’s hot here.  Something like the mid 30s C (90s F) here in beautiful B.C.  As I was just on the deck I was thinking, hmm it’s hot, the sun is really bright … solar cooking!  I just found an interesting site–http://solarcooking.org/–that has info and plans for outdoor solar cookers.  Please, please note that these puppies get really hot.  If I can roast a hot dog in a couple mins, think about what it can do to your hand.  And don’t stare at them either.
There are other fun things to do outside, especially with the kids, to show how …read more

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Ever wonder why peppers are hot? Generally if a plant grows showy, fragrant fruits the idea is for the fruit to be eaten and the seeds pooped out (spread more plants).  But peppers, hmm they can be rather spicy (mmm), so what gives?  Well, it turns out that, as well know, mammals (except for humans) really, really don’t like the hot of peppers.  But, plants don’t evolve something for nothing so who is supposed to eat them?  Birds.
Yep, Birds.  Birds don’t have the receptors for react to capsaicin (what makes peppers hot).  So they just chow down and spread the …read more

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Yes, I’m back.  I know, I know.  June was not a fun month.  July has been busy.  And for most of North America, rather warm, I gather.  Here is B.C. it’s been very pleasant.  Until yesterday that is.  Hit the 30s yesterday and will again today.  Wow.
Okay so, we had a Qumana BBQ last night.  Hanging out on the deck, sipping some beer.  And as the sun started to set, the stars started to come out.  Actually the first thing I saw wasn’t a star at all, it was Jupiter.  OMG, it was so bright, so clear.  Oh, how did …read more

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