For 74,000 years, one ancient killer quietly dictated where early humans could survive across Africa

This is an interesting look at human migration.  Researchers examined where malaria was present through the history of Africa, and are suggesting that because malaria was deadly, it had a direct impact on human migration. 

That’s some critical thinking, and is pretty interesting to consider. 

https://phys.org/news/2026-04-years-ancient-killer-quietly-dictated.html

Disney's Lakeshore Lodge

Disney is on a never-ending quest to put their hand in your wallet in various ways.  One of those ways is through their "Disney Vacation Club" properties (a/k/a Time Shares) that exits around Walt Disney World.

They just keep popping up, and in my humble opinion ruin the aesthetics of the property on which they are built.  And as we saw during the pandemic, Disney has to make them available, regardless of extenuating circumstances, to comply with the contract language.

Anyway, pre-pandemic, Disney announced that they were removing the long-abandoned River Country water park, and were replacing it with another DVC property (between the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness). The project was halted during the pandemic, but about a week ago, Disney made an announcement that it was back under construction and it has a preview and opening date planned.

https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-finally-reveals-new-lakeshore-lodge-concept-art-opening-timeline-details/

Researchers create fireproof building material from sawdust

Oooh. Ammonium magnesium phosphate, crushed watermelon seeds, and sawdust are combined to created a hard material that is fireproof. 

The secret is in the phosphate acting as an enzyme that binds the sawdust and the seeds provide a coating. 

A simple fireproof material that can be used in place of traditional particle board to protect buildings. Neat-o. 

https://www.dezeen.com/2026/04/14/sawdust-struvite-fireproof-material-eth-zurich-empa/

Meet the inventor dubbed 'Black Edison,' who beat Thomas Edison in court

Granville Woods is no household name. Yet, he was a prolific inventor who caught Edison’s attention … and in short, Edison used all manner of tactics to try and steal Woods’ inventions. 

The thing is that Woods had the misfortune of being black in America at a time when we were still overcoming slavery…. So he was never afforded the same deference as Edison. 

At least today, we can acknowledge the man and his accomplishments. Even if he died a poor man without much (if any!) recognition. 

 

https://www.wsj.com/business/granville-t-woods-patent-battles-edison-6744bfcf?mod=RSSMSN

Disney is Ruining its own theme parks

I made a recent visit to the Disney theme parks, and was struck by how everyone was so focused on their phones, and the next thing they were going to do, that they missed out on living in the moment.  

And with the price increases, and these "extras" you can add on for a fee (I'm looking at you Lighting Lane), you can see why people want to maximize their time in the parks.

Then, just to drive the point home, I got a survey from Disney that asked for my opinion about the technology they use and the relative cost of buying these extras.  Its clear that they are sensitive to what they are doing, but they are letting market forces drive them.

By the way, I did notice on this visit that there were a fair number of guests who hired Disney's own tour guides, which I suppose makes some sense because there's more of a return on that investment; they can navigate you around the park.  I had a chance to chat with one CastMember who was waiting for his guided family and he told me that particular family was pretty happy with how it was going and they got to see everything they wanted to that day. 

But.... its more complicated than that of course.  I happened to catch this video, where the host does a good job of laying it all out there, and wonders why Disney is ruining their theme parks.

https://youtu.be/GM7238HHbsQ?si=QRMXxsP2g1aVGgBa

Watch "Trump becomes a parody of himself as he runs out of answers and his base erodes" on YouTube

This is all so weird. And somehow we’ve normalized it.  Or fail to see it for what it is.  F Trump and all his supporters. 

https://youtu.be/4eGwnQc89lk?si=dLWHmSiR1M5yyUg3

Amanda Ungaro Arrived in the U.S. on Jeffrey Epstein's Plane at 17 — Now She's Going After Melania Trump From Brazil

This is such a bizarre story. And it includes the corruption that’s ever present…

Amanda Ungaro Arrived in the U.S. on Jeffrey Epstein's Plane at 17 — Now She's Going After Melania Trump From Brazil - Wealth of Geeks https://wealthofgeeks.com/amanda-ungaro-arrived-in-the-u-s-on-jeffrey-epsteins-plane-at-17-now-shes-going-after-melania-trump-from-brazil/