Category: Weird

The Antirrhinum (right), commonly known as the snapdragon has been a popular garden plant for many years. Also known as the dragon flower, its common name derives from the resemblance of the flower to a dragon’s head.

When laterally squeezed the dragon will open and close it mouth: ask any grandparent whose flowers have been decimated by over keen but clumsy grandchildren. Yet once the flower has died, leaving behind the seed pod, something a little more macabre appears. The dragon – just a visual metaphor after all – appears to have a skull.

Snapdragon pods

Little wonder, then, that ancient cultures held the snapdragon to possess supernatural powers. They were thought to offer protection from deceit, curses and witchcraft if they were planted in your garden. Another myth maintains that they are able to restore youthfulness and beauty to any woman who ate them. It’s a wonder that the witches didn’t raid the gardens in which they grew to repair their own ravaged features.

Concealing a snapdragon about the body was supposed to make a person appear gracious and fascinating. Perhaps it is for this reason that in the Victorian language of flowers, the snapdragon was designated to symbolize deception and presumption. It could also, however, be sent by a lady to show gratitude to another – perhaps as a thank you for that marvelous anti-aging potion. Let’s face it – those Charmed Ones can’t be getting any younger.

Darfur/Sarajevo/Rwanda/etc…. Iraq?

Just how many heads are needed for a potion?

The Body Snatchers

Under an electron microscope the snapdragon pod looks, if anything, even more supernatural.

Yet in these enlightened times the majority of people do not believe in witchcraft and sorcery – not to mention dragons. However, when presented with the seed pod of the snapdragon, the skulls of so many dragons, one might be forgiven a moment’s reconsideration…

The world’s oceans, vast and mysterious, hold many secrets within their depths.

Among their enigmatic wonders is the peculiar phenomenon of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans steadfastly maintaining their boundaries, resisting the urge to intermingle on a grand scale. In this article, we delve into the captivating reasons behind the distinctiveness of these two mighty bodies of water.

One crucial aspect that keeps the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans apart lies in the disparity of their water densities. Seawater density is influenced by variables like temperature, salinity, and pressure. The Atlantic Ocean boasts higher salinity levels, primarily due to its significant freshwater influx from rivers. Conversely, the Pacific Ocean hosts larger areas of lower salinity waters, courtesy of factors like rainfall and melting ice. This divergence in density creates a natural barrier, impeding the seamless mixing of the two oceans.

Ocean currents play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamic nature of our seas. The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans each exhibit distinct circulation patterns that contribute to their independence. The Atlantic Ocean is home to the renowned Gulf Stream, a powerful northward flow of warm water that transports heat from the tropics to the North Atlantic. On the other hand, the Pacific Ocean showcases intricate systems like the North Pacific Gyre and the California Current, each imparting its unique direction of flow. These distinct currents further reinforce the separation between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The rotation of our planet, known as the Coriolis effect, exerts a profound influence on oceanic circulation patterns. In the Northern Hemisphere, moving objects tend to deflect to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they veer left. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in the distinctive gyres and circulation patterns witnessed in each ocean. The Coriolis effect, combined with other factors, creates a symphony of forces that maintain the integrity of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as separate entities.

Nature’s design also manifests in the form of physical barriers that impede the mingling of waters between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Central American Seaway, a narrow and shallow region between North and South America, provides a link between these two vast bodies of water. However, the Isthmus of Panama acts as a natural bottleneck, limiting the exchange of water between the oceans. This geological feature further contributes to the distinctiveness of the Atlantic and Pacific.

While the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans share the grand stage of Earth’s marine domain, their individuality and refusal to blend together remain a captivating spectacle. From differences in water density to unique circulation patterns, from the Coriolis effect to continental barriers, an intricate tapestry of factors fortifies the boundaries between these vast bodies of water. As we continue to explore and unravel the secrets of our oceans, the Atlantic and Pacific’s unwavering demarcation stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring wonders that nature never ceases to bestow upon us.