Understanding genetics

As you likely learned somewhere along the way, Gregor Mendel wanted to better understand the world around him. So using simple gardening tools, he took somewhere around 28,000 samples of peas and cross bred them. 

He documented his findings, and was the first to understand genetic inheritance. Pea color, shape, size, and so on, were studied and it became a model for genetics. 

That understanding has held up to generations of scrutiny, more sophisticated testing, and has allowed us to really appreciate this evolutionary cycle. And keep in mind he was an Augustinian friar. Which meant that he was religious person who believed in science (though understandably he thought there was a hand of god playing a part in it). 

Researches continue to be fascinated by what he accomplished, and are working toward closing any remaining items in the work that still need to be proved. 

And this group thinks they have completed that proof. It's really cool. 

But the best part of all of it is that one of them showed tremendous humility. A hallmark of great scientists. He said. 

"The most important and beautiful part of this research is the collaboration." 

We can learn a lot from that. 

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-01269-8

Students launch a hypersonic rocket 93 miles up

The article is short on details, but 8 students from the US Military Academy's Space Engineering and Applied Research (SPEAR) program created a two-stage rocket that was launched at a speed greater than that of sound, to achieve an objective of reaching the highest point ever from a non-commercial rocket. 

And they successfully recovered it once it returned to earth. Which means that payloads can be sent into high orbits at relatively low cost, and those payloads can be recovered. 

Think of it as any of the commercial ventures, but with other purposes in mind, as it is a military application after all. 

https://www.sustainability-times.com/in-depth/these-american-students-just-rewrote-aerospace-history-this-93-mile-hypersonic-rocket-launch-stunned-nasa-and-the-pentagon/

China invents a nuclear battery

The idea is that by using isotopes from carbon 14, a small battery could be a power source indefinitely. 

These scientists are starting with devices that need occasional battery exchanges, but that require an effort, like pacemakers. 

Love the notion. 

https://interestingengineering.com/energy/nuclear-battery-radioactive-carbon-china

Third bulk cocaine load intercepted near Ambassador Bridge

This is an example of reporting that is misleading. It's on the CBP website, so that's somewhat expected. But it will get picked up on by the mass media outlets who will likely mis-report it, too. 

What's wrong with it?  The headline, the vaguely written details, and the quotes from the port director would make it appear that it was intercepted coming into the US. For example: 

"This is yet another recent example of the commitment our officers have to protecting the American people from the scourge of dangerous drugs."

"Rest assured that we'll continue to leverage all available resources to disrupt the transnational drug trade and those seeking to exploit our Michigan ports of entry."

The truth about this story (and the other two in the aforementioned "third load") is that the drugs were being driven INTO Canada, FROM the US. 

Yes, they were intercepted on the US side of the bridge, but this more about protecting the Canadian population from the scourge of dangerous drugs. 

But hey, in an effort to "stem the flow of drugs from Canada" this makes a good story.  Don't bother with the truth. 

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/third-bulk-cocaine-load-intercepted-near-ambassador-bridge

On mass deportation to the senate

These mass deportations and the rush to forcibly remove people from this country without due process must stop.

We hear stories every day about US citizens being detained for extended periods, about people being stopped randomly while crossing into another state and being asked to prove that they are a citizen, and on and on.

And worse are the specific deplorable stories like the two year old US citizen being deported with his mother, while his father (also a citizen) was powerless to help him. About someone being taken to an unknown location in spite of providing a valid birth certificate as a US citizen (and a judge reviewed it and agreed it was valid). About a judge who was arrested for obstruction - while simply running a court proceeding as set forth in our constitution

This simply can not be allowed to continue and you, as a senator, need to be the one to lead that charge

Loyalty: a letter to senators

I would simply like to remind you that your loyalty to Mr Trump is one sided.

Last week, Sarah huckabee sanders asked for government help after a natural disaster, and Mr Trump said no. Never mind that she was loyal to him and had worked in his previous administration.

He wanted nothing to do with helping her or the people of Alabama.

Whether we agree with the principle of sending public funds is irrelevant. He showed none of the same loyalty he expects from others.

That should serve as a reminder that blind loyalty gets us nowhere

Bridge the Gap Campaign - Feeding South Florida

As many of you know, I volunteer fairly regularly at the local food bank. 

When I volunteered last week, the coordinator made a point of telling us that the donations are trending downward, while the need continues to rise. 

She noted that the current political climate just exacerbates the situation. She reminded us that there are only about 200 major food banks across the country, which puts a lot of pressure on these banks. 

And then over the weekend, I got a plea for a financial contribution. I'm more than happy to promote this cause. It's a really good one!

---------- Forwarded message ---------

I hope this note finds you well!

 

Many of our Feeding South Florida partners and friends have been asking how we're doing in the midst of so much uncertainty and challenges in our government. The truth is, we're feeling the strain and experiencing unexpected gaps, and so are the individuals and families we serve. We've already absorbed serious setbacks:

 

• More than $800,000 in grant funding has been canceled or frozen
• A government program that provided $15 million in fresh produce from local farmers to our South Florida community has been impacted
• Several of our trusted community partners have shut down, cutting off critical support services
• And requests for emergency food assistance have jumped by 20%

 

Across South Florida, the challenges are mounting. Families are being hit from every angle—rising costs, unexpected layoffs, and shrinking safety nets. Parents who were working just weeks ago are now struggling to put food on the table. Seniors on fixed incomes are choosing between groceries and medicine. And children are feeling it in ways they shouldn't have to.

 

All while the government resources that once helped sustain our hunger relief efforts are caught in a web of delays, cuts, and shifting priorities. We're doing everything we can to bridge the gap, but we cannot do it alone. Your support right now means the difference between food on the table or going without. It keeps our trucks on the road, our shelves stocked, and our response strong—even when the systems designed to help fall short. Help us Bridge the Gap with a special gift:

 

• $1,000 provides 4,000 meals
• $2,500 provides 10,000 meals
• $5,000 provides 20,000 meals
• $10,000 provides 40,000 meals

 

Please give what you can—because families are counting on us now more than ever. Make your contribution here: feedingsouthflorida.org/donate. If you'd like to make your contribution through another source (donor advised funds, check, credit card, etc.), please let me know. Thank you .

 

Sincerely,

 

 

ALLYSON VAULX
AVP of Philanthropy

O: 954.518.1818 x1852

C: 219.746.3309

Main Warehouse
2501 SW 32 Terrace, Pembroke Park, FL 33023
Feeding Palm Beach County
4925 Park Ridge Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33426

 

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