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Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Spider Waiting to Hunt



What are the brightest examples of communication in the animal kingdom?

Spiders are air-breathing arthropods that have eight legs and chelicerae with fangs able to inject venom. They are the largest order of arachnids and rank seventh in total species diversity among all orders of organisms.

These people's concerns come from a widespread and surprisingly uniform set of assumptions and "general knowledge" about spiders. And almost all of this widespread spider information is false!




  • Spiders are arachnids, not insects.
  • Other members of the arachnid family include scorpions, mites, ticks and harvestmen.
  • Spiders have 8 legs while insects have 6.
  • Spiders don't have antennae while insects do.
  • Spiders are found on every continent of the world except Antarctica.
  • The silk is a liquid inside the spider’s abdomen. When the spider releases it, it becomes solid and forms a thread.
  • Some spiders eat their old web before starting a new one. Others roll the old web up and throw it away. Web spiders rebuild their web each day!
  • Spiders don’t usually eat their prey because they have small mouths. Instead, they put chemicals into and on the prey to turn the body into a liquid. Then the spider sucks it up.
  • The hair on a spider’s first pair of legs are sensitive to taste. The spider “tastes” its prey by touching it.
  • Spiders use muscles to move their legs inward toward their body. But they don’t have muscles to pull their legs out. So to move legs out, a spider has to pump body water into each leg. This is why you can sometimes see a spider curled up – he has lost too much water to push his legs out again.
  • Some spiders, such as the tarantula, are considered a low-maintenance pet.


Anyway, spiders belong to the Class Arachnida, insects to the Class Insecta. Arachnids are as distant from insects, as birds are from fish. It really is not a trivial distinction!

Black widow spiders have a red hourglass figure on the belly.



This hourglass is designed to indicate birds, a main predator of spiders, which are not safe to eat. (As bright colors tend to do)

Dr. Nick Brandley proved this by placing almost perfect models of black widows around a set of bird feeders, in artificial cobwebs.

Some of the widows had red hourglasses, others did not.

His team noted that birds were three times more likely to approach black widows without an hourglass than those with an hourglass. And that even when the birds approached the black widows who had that red hourglass, they often noticed it suddenly, they got scared and left.

But how can a black widow point this to birds when she lies on a horizontal web?

Now you know why black widows hang upside down on their spider webs.


But here is the second problem. If a spider has a bright red hourglass in its belly, how do you avoid frightening the insects you want to hunt?

Evolution, through its endless iterations, recognized that insects see in a different spectrum than birds, which see orange and red colors better. The red hourglass in your belly looks twice as dim for insects, and the color is much less likely to scare them, since that tone tends to blend more with the spider's body.

In addition, the hourglass in his belly, particularly when bright and large, is very attractive to males, which will be eaten after mating (as a source of protein. The life expectancy of a male is only 2-3 months , vs 3 years for females).

The communication of this hourglass is quite bright: repellent for enemies, invisible for prey, attractive for the opposite sex.

Which country is more insecure to visit, Cuba or North Korea?


There is no comparison possible to verify the insecureness to visit Cuba and North Korea, the explanation is as below:

Cuba received last year (2018), almost 5 million foreign tourists. That must tell you something.

Tourists visiting North Korea cannot travel independently and guests must always be accompanied by their guides.

Here in Cuba tourists can walk wherever they want and do what they want, while they do not comment crimes of course. They do not need guidance, nor anyone who is watching them.

Cuba is by far, by far the most secure country in Latin America. The presence of drugs or firearms is minimal, there are no gangs that control neighborhoods or cities, kidnappings only see them in the movies. Crime rates are laughable compared to neighboring countries.

Cuba is not paradise, much less, but there is no comparison between Cuba and North Korea.

An example like a story of Mickey Mouse, Tom & Jerry and the Looney Tunes on national (state) TV. 

Believe it or not, in Cuba 80% (a personal estimate) of what they go through the national state TV are programs and films Made in USA.

We do not live alienated from the outside world. I think it was only like that for a few years at the beginning of the Revolution in the 60s and 70s.

Right now the vast majority of young Cubans have profiles on Facebook and Instagram, I will not deny that the Internet is expensive, but it is there and many (hundreds of thousands) pay it.

We are up to date with international music, I listen to Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Maroon 5.

The American blockade actually helps us a little in that sense, Lol, because we don't have to pay a license for any of these things. And the world premieres that people pay dearly in the world for going to see them in the cinema, here we get less than 1 USD to see them at home, through the so-called "package", which is a weekly collection of how much program Television is broadcast in countries like the USA, Mexico or Spain. Cuba is aware of the news of the world with just a week of delay (if you see them for the "package"), if you have Internet and use it for more than uploading selfies to Instagram you can read El PaĆ­s, The New York Times or See CNN daily.

Tens of thousands of Cubans travel abroad every year and return, since 2014 when exit permits were eliminated. Cubans are going to shop in Panama, Russia, Guyana and other free visa countries.

Thousands of others are definitely looking to improve their economy, the same happens in all the countries of Latam, but as long as they return to Cuba to visit within two years they do not lose their residence. The latter I consider unacceptable and must be changed, but at least you can travel (if you have the money).

The Cuban lives complaining about the government, people publicly complain about the government in the queues of the buses, in the market, in the store, in the portal of his house with the neighbor. It is true that the right to demonstration and strike do not exist or are very restricted, but nothing to do with North Korea.

North Korea is practically a "vigilant state", it's almost like living in the novel "1984" where the "big brother" is always watching you. No one can leave the country, foreign TV is prohibited, they cannot read any news that is not broadcast by state media, etc.

In short, in Cuba anyone can see American Idol, while in North Korea I think only Kim Jong-Un can.

Friday, February 14, 2020

HOW TO TRAVEL THE PHILIPPINES




What are the best places in the Philippines? In this video I share my top 10 of this beautiful country! You’ll find a list of tours and hotels down below!

#philippines #top10 #travelphilippines

--FOLLOW--
►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelgretl
►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelgretl/ 

--ALL PHILIPPINES EPISODES--
► Philippines series 2015 (Palawan, Mindoro): 
http://bit.ly/2rwoiog 
► Philippines series 2016 (Batanes, Banaue): 
http://bit.ly/2qBKpcI 
► Philippines series 2017 (Palawan): 
http://bit.ly/2pYrgRk
► Philippines series 2018 (Siquijor, Sipalay, Antique, Islas de Gigantes & Guimaras): 
https://bit.ly/2Ipsuj9 
► Philippines series 2019 (Siargao, Bohol & Boracay): 
https://bit.ly/2Xkahtr

NOTE! I don’t keep prices well when traveling, and prices change over the years so I won’t be able to include them.. I am sorry!
Also: order down here is random, not to spoil the video :P
Also: there is more info about individual places in the descriptionboxes of the video’s I made about those places!

--BOHOL—
► Sleep at Guindulman Bay Tourist Inn: https://bit.ly/2H9U3Mq 
Go see:
► Waterfalls of Candijay (can-umantad falls) 
► Rice fields of Candijay 
► Lamanok island tour 
► Hike behind the hotel and see the amazing valley! Just walk the road inland from Guindulman bay tourist inn for 20 minutes or so!

--LINAPACAN--
I did my tour with Buhay Isla! 
http://buhayisla.com/

--PORT BARTON--
►Hotel: I honestly think there are so many new places, I do not dare to make a recommendation!
►Tours: Jeremy & Jake tours is the one I’d recommend! Did you know I made and organize their FB page?  Just a fun fact! I made it cause I really believe in them! https://www.facebook.com/portbartonto...

--SIARGAO--
There are multiple hotels I can recommend.
►Surfing Carabao: https://bit.ly/2Jup0Oi
My favorite! 
►Ocean 101: http://www.ocean101cloud9.com/
►Kawili: https://www.facebook.com/kawiliresort/ (also for food)
►Tourcompany I used and recommend is My Siargao Guide (book with them through Bravo resort). 
Other places to check out (especially if you rent your own bike):
►Pacifico, long drive but popular surf spot and beach
►Magpungko Rock pool, which is apparently very stunning when the sun is out!
►Tayangban Cave Pool
►Tak tak waterfall

--SIQUIJOR--
►Hotel: Garden Bungalows resort (loved it!) https://bit.ly/2W8IieO 
►Tours I booked through the hotel. Though I would recommend getting a motorcycle and find the waterfalls, beaches and good spots all yourself!

--SIPALAY—
► Sleep in Takatuka resort (featured in the video): https://bit.ly/2wv3KQV 
►Take a tour to Danjugan Island (arranged by hotel)
►Tour the main attractions of Sipalay itself (1000 pesos half a day or 1500 whole day). Excluding fees along the way. 
Including Perth resort (infinity pool), the cave, one more resort and special places along the way. 
You can arrange this tour with Roland Dequina – rolandtours.wordpress.com or 09489358749 

--BATANES—
Visit Sabtang, Batan and Itbayat. 
►Batan hotel: Nanay cita’s Homestay: https://www.facebook.com/NanayCitasHo...
►Sabtang hotel: ask to stay at the lighthouse!
►Itbayat: arrive and ask for the mayor or miss Cano (when I was there these were the only homestays)
►Tours Batan: there is a northern and a southern tour on Batan. Do both of them! You can fit them in 1 day but rather take 2. 
►Tours Itbayat: do the general island tour but ALSO the sunrise tour! That one is the BEST!
►Sabtang: go for the standard half a day tour or sleep at the island and take the extended tour! :D Both are good, it depends on how much time you have. 

--ISLAS DE GIGANTES--
No recommendings for hotels. For tours: do the island tour for sure! It’s the best out here, and very close to each other. 
Also go for the caves and lighthouse if you have time to spare, otherwise just stick to the islands. 

--SIBALTAN (EL NIDO)—
►Sleep in Tapik Beach: https://bit.ly/2MmPm7Q 
You can do all the tours in El Nido from here, just ask at the resort. Also I’d recommend to do an island tour around Sibaltan, ask for the good corals! Mangrove tour is nice, only if you have time to spare. 

--CORON—
Not found a specific hotel I can recommend here. 
DEFINITELY do the ULTIMATE island tour! You’ll see the lakes and good corals, the shipwrecks and the islands. If you do Buhay Isla or an other Linapacan tour, ask what they already cover cause there might be overlap here. 
Climb mount Dalara if you’re done with islands 

Top 10 Tourist Attractions & Best Places To Visit In Philippines




Best Places To Visit In Philippines - If you are planning to travel the Philippines or you are willing to know how to travel the Philippines, Top 10 World lists Best Places in the Philippines you must visit.

Here are the best places to go to Philippines top places to visit and travel destinations.

1. MassKara Festival
2. Explore Cebu City
3. Banaue Rice Terraces
4. Boracay Island
5. White Beach at Puerto Galera 
6. Chocolate Hills
7. El Nido Philippines 
8. Legazpi City
9. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
10. Huma Island, Palawan

--WHAT TO SEE IN DANJUGAN--

I did a tour that’s arranged. I believe it’s not even allowed to go around the island without a guide, but correct me if I am wrong!

It’s p1950 per head, including lunch and snacks, the boatride to the island and back to the shore. Note you’ll still need to go to the pick up point by tricycle. From Takatuka this was 300 pesos one way (so 600 back and forth). If you make friends and get into the tour together it will be cheaper ;)

Island is very small only 0.5 km wide and 1.5 kilometer long. It’s a sanctuary which means it’s not allowed to do fishing in most area’s around it, and there are a lot of places for birds to nest. With your tour you help preserving the island. 

You’ll support the island with your visit (it’s a protected area)
You can fly the drone here though!

Staying overnight on the island is possible too. In basic (very basic) huts on one side or a bit more relaxed and comforting on the other. There is no wifi, and no signal on the more relaxed place, you’ll need to walk a bit for that. 

--WHERE TO SLEEP IN DANJUGAN--

There are basically 2 options on the island itself. One more basic (very basic) and one more luxurious. They’re on opposite sides of the island. It depends on your liking really.

The more basic place is more windy in general, and does not have a beach. I liked the more luxurious option a bit better, because it’s more chilled, there’s a beach and it feels more homey! But again, it depends on your liking and budget. 

► Just find all information on their website:
http://www.danjuganisland.ph/

As for staying on the main land: I would highly recommend Takatuka Lodge! Love the place! Inspired on Pippi Longstocking’s tale, with a lot of weird rooms all over the place. Different themes like the cave room, superstar, rockadilly, a castle… you name it ;) It’s seriously the best hotel I’ve been in in the Philippines (and I have been to a lot I love ;) – It’s so funky and unique, the owners and staff are friendly and helpful, the food is great, they attract friendly guests, the beach is just there. AMAZING! Seriously. Go here. GO! What are you waiting for? ;)

► Find Takatuka here:
https://goo.gl/gAw3is

--WHERE TO EAT IN SIPALAY--

Because I stayed on Sugar Beach, there’s not much options to get out for dinner. You can’t just leave and get back after dark  I stayed at Takatuka mainly for food, and it’s good! Not cheap but a whole lot of variety, and great healthy stuff. 

--EQUIPMENT I USE—

►Camera | Panasonic GH5: http://amzn.to/2EZZE9a 
►Camera | Sony RX100 MK IV: http://amzn.to/2omd8Tg 
►Camera | Go Pro Hero 4 Silver: http://amzn.to/2ELzfwu 
►Lens | Panasonic 12 to 35 mm: http://amzn.to/2sPYQyM 
►Microphone | Sennheiser: http://amzn.to/2CEj6Db 
►Light | Aladdin: http://amzn.to/2HCtgYB 
►Stabilizer | Osmo Mobile: http://amzn.to/2GErjcQ 
►Tripod | Joby Gorillapod: http://amzn.to/2GHexdH 
►Editing software | Premiere CC: https://goo.gl/QtrRTQ 
►Computer | MacBook Pro: http://amzn.to/2oqZlKg 

The music I use is from Artlist.io: https://goo.gl/hM29Pe 


All mentioned links in this descriptionbox might be affiliated. Which means you pay nothing extra, but I get a little fee if you buy something. You support me making my videos this way

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