EMG

administering a little shock
An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles when they’re at rest and when they’re being used. Nerve conduction studies measure how well and how fast the nerves can send electrical signals.Once upon a time I worked in health care. Tests like these are hard for those who administer them. People get into health care to make people feel better. So studies that are unpleasant for the patient are not much fun to administer. In this case the test involves (from the patient’s point of view) electrodes and needles. The docs were kind, efficient, didn’t hurt for long. The idea of it hurt.

the sacred and the profane

headstone
Headstone in the oak woods near Jarman’s Gap road.
There are varying ways to interact with the natural world. The graveyard up top is in a harmonious interaction, an elemental gracious return to  earth.  And then there are the rest of us, the oafs.
There are varying ways to interact with the natural world. The graveyard up top is a harmonious interaction, an elemental gracious return to earth.
And then there are the despoilers. Same woods, same hill, different mindset.

Jesus chained

Joseph in chains
Local creche, Joseph et alii chained. The world has changed in the last 30 years.


Jesus chained
The Baby Jesus secured in the manger.


nativity scene secured
Even the livestock are at risk.

anisota senatoria

yellowstriped oakworms in situ
University of Florida has an excellent write-up about these critters.
q palustis w/ egg cluster
They tend to lay egg masses on the lower leaves. So if you were able to inspect a few thousand leaves
3 versions of same thing
Hoping the Charlottesville downtown mall isn’t beset by these. They particularly like q. phellos.
Differences between instars can often be seen in altered body proportions, colors, patterns, or changes in the number of body segments. —Wikipedia