The hypothalamus is a tiny part of the brain that serves many functions. Among them, it tells us to laugh when we experience a light touch to a sensitive area, and at the same time, tells us to expect a painful sensation. That’s why we tell people to stop. Laughing when tickled could be a […]
Author Archive for: charris
Entries by Craig Harris
How do chimpanzees recognize each other?
Humans recognize others by their faces. And yes, chimpanzees can do that. But they also recognize each other by looking at their anogenital areas, their butts. Rear ends serve a big purpose in the chimp world. Bottoms and faces are both symmetrical, and interpreting what a behind is saying is crucial to chimpanzees’ reproductive success, […]
Happy
There is one particular song that embodies April’s Soul Matters theme: The Practice of Joy. When Pharrell Williams was young, he always had big goals. He still believes that the sky’s the limit, and has a song that lightens his spirit and brings him joy whenever he’s upset or angry: Happy.
Thresholds
The Share the Plate recipient for April is Thresholds, a nonprofit organization working to prevent violence and enhance problem-solving skills, and provides education to develop a more positive self-image for incarcerated citizens. Share the Plate receives half of all plate collections and funds received by text: $20 to 610-756-8883 for a $20 donation.
How did Louis Armstrong get the nickname Satchmo?
Louis Armstrong had many nicknames as a child, all of which referred to the size of his mouth: “Gatemouth,” “Dippermouth,” and “Satchelmouth.” During a visit to Great Britain, Louis was met by Percy Brooks, the editor of Melody Maker magazine, who greeted him by saying, “Hello, Satchmo!” (He had inadvertently contracted “Satchelmouth” into “Satchmo.”) Louis […]
What country lies south of Detroit, Michigan?
If you take the Ambassador Bridge south from Detroit, it will take you directly into Windsor, Ontario, the only major Canadian city south of the U.S. Windsor is home to, among other things, an engine plant for Ford. Detroiters had been able to pop down to Windsor and do duty-free shopping. But with tariffs, is […]
Ministerial Search Update
The Ministerial Search Committee has finished meeting with the pre-candidates for settled minister at UUCDC. Over the next few weeks, the committee will be meeting and discussing their relative suitability for our congregation. Our rankings of these candidates will be submitted to the UUA before the end of March, and the name of our candidate […]
What ballerina is on an American coin?
In 2023, the US mint released a quarter that bears the image of the woman considered to have been America’s first prima ballerina, known as Maria Tallchief. Her American name was actually Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief, and her Osage name, Wa-Xthe-Thoṉba, translates to Two Standards. Her stage and Osage names adorn the back of the […]
What does rain smell like?
Rain itself has no scent. But moments before a rain event or as it begins, an earthy smell known as petrichor permeates the air. This comes from the moistening of the ground. Tiny microorganisms decompose dead or decaying organic matter, and a byproduct is a type of alcohol that has a strong scent. Its complex […]
