November 15 - 21, 2016
The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read®
Issue 00296
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This week, Tidbits goes under the sea to swim with the jellyfish, bringing you some fascinating facts about this gelatinous marine animal. • Jellyfish aren’t really fish at all! Fish are vertebrates, meaning they have a backbone, while jellyfish are invertebrates lacking a backbone. In fact, they don’t even have the basic sensory organs, respiratory system, circulatory system, or even a brain! Jellyfish also don’t have gills that would classify them as a fish. Many public aquariums refer to them as “sea jellies” instead. Their bodies are mostly water, about 94% to 98%. The mushroomshaped top of the jellyfish is known as the bell. • Jellyfish swim by contracting their bodies, but they aren’t very good swimmers. They’re usually moved along by water currents, which accounts for the many times they are washed up on beaches. These creatures are especially high in numbers in the tropical oceans around Florida, Malaysia, Australia, Hawaii, and the Philippines. • Jellyfish that swim near the water’s surface nearer to the sunlight are usually colorless or transparent. Those dwelling in the deep can be found in many vibrant colors, including red, purple, green, yellow, and even striped. • There are about 400 areas in the oceans of the world where jellyfish are the only life form that can survive. • The lifespan of a jellyfish varies from a few hours to a few days up to less than a year. • Sizes of jellyfish vary greatly, with the smallest about one millimeter. The two largest species are the Lion’s Mane and Nomura’s jellyfish. The Lion’s Mane’s thread-like tentacles can grow up to 120 feet (36.5 m) long, with a bell
Q: Where do jellyfish get their jelly? A: From ocean currants!
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diameter of 39 inches (100 cm) that is shaped like an eight-pointed star. This jelly’s tentacles are arranged in eight bunches with more than 100 tentacles in each. The largest Lion’s Mane ever seen washed ashore in Massachusetts Bay in 1870. Its bell diameter was 7 feet, 6 inches (2.3 m), and total body length was longer than the largest known blue whale. Lion’s Mane species favor cold northern waters, including the Arctic Sea and northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While their sting is moderately painful, it is seldom fatal. • Nomura’s jellyfish is found in the waters off Japan, Korea, and China. Its bell diameter can reach 79 inches (200 cm) and it might weight up to 440 lbs. (200 kg). • The Stygiomedusa Gigantean jellyfish has only been seen 115 times in the last 110 years. Like the Lion’s Mane, the Stygiomedusa can have a bell diameter of 39 inches (100 cm) wide, but rather than the hundreds of tentacles, it has four thick paddle-like arms about 20 feet (6 m) long. • Nematocysts are very small stinging cells located in the tentacles that inject toxin into a jellyfish’s prey. Touching a jellyfish can initiate millions of these cells to pierce the victim’s skin. A sting can range from a slight tingling to extreme pain and even to death. • More people are killed each year by jellyfish than by sharks. Yet jellyfish don’t purposely attack humans, with stings occurring when a person accidentally touches the creature. • The most poisonous species of jellyfish, the Irukandji Jellyfish, is also the most venomous animal on Earth, with a toxin 100 times stronger than that of a cobra. Effects of a sting include nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, agonizing pain, and in some cases, death. It’s possible to treat a single sting, but multiple stings usually result in death. • The box jellyfish is one of the Irukandji species, with a sting that can cause death in as little as three minutes. It’s capable of swimming at speeds up to 4 mph (6.4 km/hr), faster than most humans. It is more physically advanced than most other jellyfish, with four brains, and 24 eyes, two of which can see color. With all of these eyes, the box jellyfish has a 360-degree view of its environment. • The 60 tentacles of a single box jellyfish contain enough venom to kill 60 people. Their stingers
can release toxin faster than a gun discharges a bullet. • With an abundance of box jellyfish found in the waters surrounding Australia, that continent reports about 10,000 stings every year. Between 20 and 40 people die annually in the Philippines alone from the deadly sting. • Another Irukandji species, the sea wasp, has about half a million darts on each tentacle. In the past 60 years, close to 5,600 deaths have been attributed to this jellyfish. Its bell reaches the size of a basketball, with 60 tentacles, up to 15 feet long (4.6 m) hanging down. • Even dead jellyfish have the ability to sting when touched, with tentacles able to stay alive for about four days. In 2010, a dead Lion’s Mane jellyfish washed up on shore at a state park in Rye, New Hampshire. It weighed about 50 lbs. (22.7 kg), with a bell about the size of a trash can lid, and tentacles reaching 13 feet (4 m). When a lifeguard attempted to pick up the jellyfish with a pitchfork, the creature began to fall apart, but its stingers were still active. Nearly 150 people were stung by the dead jelly. • A large group of jellyfish is known as a bloom or a smack, and can contain as many as 100,000 of the creatures. A bloom can grow pretty rapidly, considering that a single jellyfish can release as many as 45,000 eggs each day. The sheer number of the animals can create havoc in the seas. In 1982, the comb jellyfish was accidentally introduced into Eastern Europe’s Black Sea. Within eight years, the creature had caused $350 million in losses to
® Jellyfish are considered a delicacy at banquets in China, where they have been fished for more than 1,700 years. The Chinese also use them for medicinal purposes, including eliminating congestion, lubricating intestines, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and prevention of hardening of the arteries.
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1. What name is given to an adult jellyfish? 2. What was the name of the jackal in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book? 3. What term is used for a litter of baby jackrabbits? 4. Which animal’s name is derived from the Native American word meaning “he who kills with one leap”? 5. In May, 1991, 2,478 jellyfish were launched into space aboard what craft?
the area’s fishing and tourism industries. By consuming ten times its body weight in food every day, the jellyfish wiped out 900 million tons of fish during that time. They were also responsible for a temporary shutdown of a Japanese nuclear power plant when a large group became stuck in the plant’s cooling system. • Jellyfish can be accidentally introduced into their non-native habitat by attaching to ship hulls and traveling into other areas. • If you see Australian lifeguards wearing pantyhose on their arms and legs, it’s because even something as thin as nylon pantyhose will prevent jellies from stinging. • After the first jellyfish sting, it is very important to get out of the water immediately and wash the area with salt water, not fresh water. Salt water deactivates the stinging cells, while fresh water reactivates them. Scraping the area with a credit card is the best way to remove the stinging cells.
UNUSUAL ANIMALS:
“J” ANIMALS
Tidbits’ animal focus this week is on the letter “J,” bringing you the details on some unusual species beginning with that letter.
• Jackrabbits aren’t really rabbits at all, but rather hares, which have taller hind legs and longer ears. In fact, jackrabbits were named for their ears, which caused some folks to call them “jackass rabbits,” which was later shortened to jackrabbits. These swift animals can reach speeds of 40 mph (64 km/h) and can leap more than 10 feet (3 m). • The jaguar is the largest cat in the world, as well as the largest carnivorous mammal in Central and South America. Average size varies considerably, from 124 to 211 lbs. (56 to 96 kg). The largest male jaguar recorded weighed 348 lbs. (158 kg). Even with a length of up to 6 feet (1.85 m), they have the shortest tail of any big cat. • Don’t confuse the jaguar with the jaegar, an arctic seabird. These are very aggressive birds, stealing food from other birds. Found in Alaska, northern Canada, and Russia, jaegars are carnivores, with lemmings as the favorite part of their diet. Living most of their life at sea, they only come to shore to breed during the arctic summer, nesting on the Arctic tundra near the water. When it’s time to migrate, they travel to places where winter is about to start. • The beautiful large stork known as the jabiru is found from Mexico to South America. It’s South America’s tallest flying bird, standing as tall as 5 feet (1.53 m). Its wingspan can reach
9.2 feet across (2.8 m). Its plumage is white, except for its featherless upper neck and head, accented by a bright red pouch at the base of the neck. The broad black beak can measure almost 14 inches (35.5 cm) in length. • Sometimes called the “kangaroo of the desert,”
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OASYSCTTS A jellyfish’s balance sensors that help it know whether it is facing up or down.
jerboas look like a mouse with legs of a kangaroo. These small nocturnal rodents, found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, live in some of Earth’s hottest places. Their very large hind legs enable them to leap great distances. Even though they only measure between 2 and 6 inches (5 to 15.2 cm), and weigh only a few ounces, they are able to leap up to 7 feet high (2.1 m), and distances of 10 feet (3 m) in length. The jerboa can hop faster than a person can run. • We know that nocturnal animals are active at night, and diurnal, during the day. But have you heard the term crepuscular? This means an animal is most active at dawn and dusk, a characteristic of jackals, animals that belong to the same genus as wolves and dogs. Coyotes are sometimes called the “American jackal.” Jackals are well-suited for running with their long legs, and can maintain a speed of nearly 10 mph (16 km/h) for extended periods of time. .• The jacuarundi, also known as an otter cat, is a wildcat related to the cougar, only much smaller. In fact, it more closely resembles a weasel, with short legs, an elongated body, and a long, otter-like tail. These cats only reach a length of 30 inches (77 cm) and weigh between 7.7 and 20 lbs. (3.5 to 9.1 kg). This very shy and reclusive animal is native to Central and South America, although it can occasionally be seen in southern Texas and Florida.
PUSH-BUTTON PHONES
You probably didn’t know there is a special day devoted to honoring the push-button phone. Here are the facts concerning November 18th, National Push-Button Phone Day. • Although Western Electric had experimented with a touch-tone phone as early as 1941, it wasn’t until November 18, 1963 that the first model was introduced to the public. This came after three years of rigorous customer testing. Consumers first had a chance to view the new
gadget at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. • Before the push-button’s introduction, folks made calls on a rotary dial phone, a device invented by Almon Strowger in 1891. It used a pulse-dial system, an electromechanical system that used the current pulses generated by the rotary dial to determine the numbers selected. Digits in the phone number were indicated by a series of clicks that corresponded to the digit. The pushbutton employed dual-tone multi-frequency, a method that used audible tones for each of the numbers zero through nine. Specific frequencies are assigned to each column and row of buttons on the keypad, with the columns having higher frequency tones and the rows, lower frequency tones. Combining the row and column results in the signal that is transmitted over the phone line. • The first touch-tone was the Model 1500 produced by Western Electric, with 10 buttons. Engineers had conducted research to determine the best layout for the keypad, whether the numbers should be the same as a cash register with lower numbers at the bottom, or having lower numbers at the top. The “1” at the top was most favorably rated by the study’s participants. • Two Pennsylvania communities were the first customers to receive the new pushbutton system. Carnegie and Greensburg were chosen based on population, average income, and isolation from metropolitan areas. Those who wanted the convenience and faster dialing time of the touch-tone paid
$1.50 extra per month for the privilege. • When the touch-tone phone was introduced, 25% of Americans’ phones were still connected through a party line. • In 1968, the asterisk and pound keys were added to the keypad layout, expanding it to 12 buttons on Western Electric’s new Model 2500. Although the * and # weren’t put into use immediately, they laid the foundation for the future of data transmission, using the telephone to access computers through telephone lines. From then on, the telephone was no longer just for talking! In the 1970s, automatic redial features, call forwarding, and digital call switching were incorporated into the system. • The smaller, lighter rotary dial Princess phone was introduced in 1959. It was especially desirable because it featured an internal light bulb that served as a bedside night light. The 10-button touch-tone Princess made its debut in 1964.
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1. Where is a jellyfish’s mouth located? 2. What cartoon character enjoys chasing jellyfish?
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• It took many years for the touch-tone to become available in some areas. Even in the late 1970s, the majority of telephone customers still had rotary phones. That reversed in the 1980s when the touch-tone gained the advantage. Today, many areas no longer even support pulse dialing, and if they do, those customers are charged a higher monthly rate.
Q: What do you call a jellyfish without an eye? A: A Jellyfsh
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Call Today (250) 832-3361 * Online shopping season has started, or maybe it never really stops! Don’t forget to run your preferred brand and model number through Google to make sure you have the very best price. Try searching w w w . f re e s h i p p i n g . o r g to find coupon codes for free shipping. Also, take advantage of coupon hunting apps like RetailMeNot, CouponSherpa and Coupons.com before heading out on shopping expeditions. * “I recently scanned in a great many of my old photos in order to organize and preserve them. I have decided to send the originals of many candids as holiday cards this year. I purchased a big box of blank greeting cards at a crafts store for a great price and attached photos to the card fronts. This has turned into a fun project for me and a keepsake for the recipients.” -- V.R. in Washington * Did you know that pillows need to be replaced every year? You can keep your pillow performing better by using a pillow-protecting pillowcase, and fluffing in the dryer for 10 minutes on low heat every so often to restore the loft of the pillow.
The most commonly found jellyfish along North American shores is the Moon jellyfish, usually blue or pink in color. It lives about 20 feet (6 m) below the surface. Its sting is usually mild, and results in an itchy red rash.
“There are some people who are just like jellyfish. No spine, no brain, and can easily be seen through.” – unknown
Tom’s Pizza Meatloaf This main dish gives a different twist to a family favorite.
16 ounces extra-lean ground sirloin beef or turkey breast 1 (2.5-ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/3 cup sliced ripe olives 1/4 cup Kraft Reduced Fat Parmesan Style Grated Topping 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon dried fine bread crumbs 2 teaspoons JO’s Pizza Seasoning or any pizza seasoning 1 (8-ounce) can Hunt’s Tomato Sauce 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 2 (3/4-ounce) slices Kraft reduced-fat mozzarella cheese 1. Heat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with olive oil-flavored cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, combine meat, mushrooms, onion, olives, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon pizza seasoning and 1/3 cup tomato sauce. Mix well to combine. Pat mixture into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes. 3. Stir parsley flakes and remaining 1 teaspoon pizza seasoning into remaining 2/3 cup tomato sauce. Spoon sauce mixture evenly over partially baked meat loaf. Cut mozzarella cheese slices in half diagonally. Evenly arrange cheese pieces over top. Continue baking for 15 minutes. 4. Place meatloaf on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Cut into 6 servings. * Each serving equals: About 186 calories, 6g fat, 19g protein, 14g carb., 556mg sodium, 107mg calcium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 1/2 Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Starch; Carb Choices: 1. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.
* “I found a rack meant to hold spice jars at a garage sale. It was really neat, so I bought it but didn’t know what to do with it. When I brought it home, my roommate had the great idea to spray paint it and use it to display nail polish bottles. It’s so easy to find the right color, and they fit just right!” -- M.T. in Alabama * Use empty toilet paper rolls to corral cords in storage. This works for small cords that go with electronic devices as well as small extension cords. Write the cord’s use on the tube, for example, “JoAnn’s iPad,” “Bob’s digital camera,” etc. If you have many cords, you can store them together in a shoebox. For a nicer presentation, cover the box with lively paper. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.
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by Samantha Weaver * It was beloved Scottish author J.M. Barrie, creator of Peter Pan, who made the following sage observation: “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” * Among the Balonda people, an African tribe that dwells along the Zambezi River, it was once customary for a groom to promise that he’ll supply kindling wood to his mother-in-law for the rest of her life. * Those who study such things -- word mavens with a penchant for statistics, presumably -- have determined that, on average, English-language text contains 56 e’s for every q. * A fisherman in the Philippines recently revealed a treasure that he’d been keeping under his bed for 10 years: a 75-pound natural pearl with an estimated value of $100 million. Evidently, after finding the pearl in a giant clam, he decided to keep it as a good-luck charm. The “Pearl of Puerto,” as it’s known, blew the world record out of the water (pun intended). The previous record holder for largest natural pearl was the “Pearl of Lao-Tsu” (sometimes called the “Pearl of Allah”), which weighs in at a mere 14 pounds. * The female Jesus bird is the one in charge, it would seem. She controls her own territory, allowing several male birds to build nests within it. Then she lays eggs in all the nests, and the males incubate them. * Before the Beach Boys were the Beach Boys, they considered naming their band the Pendletons. * The name “toadstool” actually has nothing to do with toads. The word is derived from the German words “tod,” which means “death,” and “stuhl,” which means “stool.” Thought for the Day: “Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.” -- Edgar Allan Poe (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.
The V.J.H. Auxiliary Gift Shop is full of Christmas. Featuring Special Sayings Pewter hanging ornaments, Stocking Stuffers, Sparkly scarves, Beautiful handbags, Baby Fancy pants, Stuffies and much more. Come and get a jump on your Christmas shopping. We will be featuring a “That’s a Wrap/Cape /Poncho Sale” on Thursday November 24 & Friday November 25 in the entrance of the Jubilee Building from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Great Christmas gifts as one size fits all at 30% off.
BOOK WAREHOUSE #35, Alpine Centre 100 Kal Lake Road OPEN on WEDNESDAYS and SATURDAYS 9 AM TO NOON Quality used books & more, most priced $1 or less. Supporting Special Olympics, Vernon & other local charities. Phone 250-275-2676 THE HALINA CENTRE “GIFT SHOP” & “CAFE” (INSIDE THE VERNON RECREATION CENTRE) THE SMALLEST SHOP IN VERNON WITH THE LARGEST DISPLAY OF HANDMADE ITEMS. ( HATS, SCARVES, BABY, KITCHEN & MUCH MORE.) RUN BY VOLUNTEERS, SENIORS HELPING SENIORS. COME FIND US........
Okanagan Humane Society Christmas Bazaar Nov. 26 - 30, 2016 Village Green Center Unique gifts for your early Christmas shopping. Christmas decorations, jewellery and more... at modest prices! All proceeds go towards the care of abandoned cats/ kittens. Call 250- 542-1607 or 250-548-9293
SPECIALITY SHARPENING
All your sharpening needs, and for your convenience, drop off and pickup at Vernon’s Water Store. 180, 4400 - 32 St (250)308-4866
Senior Hobbiest Buying Guns (250) 832-2982
Birch Firewood for sale 14”, 16” & 20” $200 per cord plus delivery. Free delivery in Cherryville. Or you can pick up. (Cherryville) 250-547-6747
Medusa Tabaqui Leveret Jaguar The space shuttle Columbia
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1. On its underside 2. Spongebob Square Pants
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