Culture

Researchers Trained Seals To Sing Star Wars Theme

Published

1 year ago

August 13, 2023

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According to research from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, seals are capable of learning and imitating songs. For your information, this is someone’s job, which has goals. Wild seals are highly intelligent, curious and have good coordination, learning tricks easily in captivity. They give great insight into learning and the animal world. Because of this, researchers trained seals to sing the Star Wars theme. Of course!

The study, published in the journal Current Biology, monitored three grey seals, which were observed from birth and were taught how to mimic sounds. Some of these seals grew to be so good at imitating that they were capable of replicating human sounds. Zola, the most talented seal of the bunch, was able to aptly mimic melodies like ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ and the ‘Star Wars’ Theme.

“I was amazed how well the seals copied the model sounds we played to them. Copies were not perfect but given that these are not typical seal sounds it is pretty impressive,” said lead researcher Amanda Stansbury in an interview with BBC. “Our study really demonstrates how flexible seal vocalizations are. Previous studies just provided anecdotal evidence for this.”

Studies conducted on these type of mammals are looking to understand how vocal learning works. “Finding other mammals that use their vocal tract in the same way as us to modify sounds informs us on how vocal skills are influenced by genetics and learning and can ultimately help to develop new methods to study speech disorders,” said Professor Vincent Janik.

Janik explained that while the study is exciting, it’s impossible to tell from it if mammals could ever learn how to speak like humans. “We would have to investigate whether they are able to label objects vocally, which is a key requirement for actually talking about things.” So, while seals may soon learn how to sing Beyoncé, we would have no way of knowing if they understand the lyrics, which is ultimately the basis of human communication.

Not sure if you can get the trained seals to sing the Star Wars theme at parties yet.

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Cannabis

Golden Globe Winner Hacks Treats Marijuana Like Normal

Published

10 hours ago

January 7, 2025

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Some people take New Year New You to a different level – here is what you should know about cannabis and plastic surgery.

The annual Golden Globes award ceremony was held Sunday night and among the winners were cannabis. Held since 1944 to honor artists, writers and other creatives, it celebrates film, television and streaming. Founded by the Foreign Press Association, it is now run by the Golden Globe Foundation. This year, in a nod to the mainstream acceptance, Golden Globe winner Hacks treats marijuana like normal, making it an unacknowledged winner. The show, lead by the talented Jean Smart, is clever, witty and takes the mundane and is laugh out loud funny.

The HBO Max series offers a nuanced portrayal of marijuana use within its comedic narrative, reflecting evolving attitudes towards cannabis in contemporary television. The show has been cutting edge and pushed both stars into the limelight with their witty jokes and strong plot lines.

In “Hacks,” marijuana serves as a tool for character development, particularly for Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder. Ava’s cannabis use is presented as part of her lifestyle, contributing to her characterization as a young, somewhat stereotypical twenty-something writer. This portrayal aligns with Einbinder’s real-life experiences, as she has openly discussed using marijuana in her youth to counteract the effects of ADHD medication.

The show cleverly uses marijuana to highlight generational differences between Ava and Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart. While Ava’s casual attitude towards cannabis use is representative of younger generations, Deborah’s reactions provide insight into older perspectives on the drug. This contrast serves to underscore the generational conflicts and evolution central to the show’s premise. Today, even the AARP support marijuana use.

“Hacks” incorporates marijuana into its storylines with a sense of normalcy, often using it as a source of humor. For instance, Deborah questions Ava about room service charges, revealing Ava’s marijuana-induced munchies. This approach to depicting cannabis use aligns with a broader trend in television, where marijuana is increasingly being written into storylines of both dramas and comedies.

The show also touches on the medical aspects of marijuana use. In one episode, Ava discloses her marijuana use to an ER doctor, alongside other substances. This scene, while played for laughs, subtly acknowledges the growing acceptance of marijuana as a topic of open discussion in medical settings

By incorporating marijuana into its narrative without heavy-handed moralizing, “Hacks” reflects the changing attitudes towards cannabis in society and media. This approach contrasts sharply with earlier television depictions of marijuana, which often portrayed it in a negative light or as the subject of “very special episodes”.

“I have a cast and crew that were sent from heaven, especially my costar, Hannah Einbinder,” Smart said while accepting the award for best performance by a female actor in a television series

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Canada

Justin Trudeau’s Long Involvement With Cannabis

Published

18 hours ago

January 6, 2025

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After 12 years as Prime Minister, he is stepping down…here is a look back on Justin Trudeau’s long involvement with cannabis.

Justin Trudeau’s journey with cannabis legalization in Canada is a story of personal experience, political conviction, and transformative policy-making. As the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin’s perspective on marijuana was shaped by a family incident involving his younger brother Michel. In 1998, Michel Trudeau was caught with marijuana during a traffic stop. Thanks to their father’s connections and resources, the charges were dropped.

This event highlighted the inequalities in Canada’s drug laws, where those with means could avoid consequences while others faced criminal records. Justin Trudeau later reflected on this, stating, “That’s one of the fundamental unfairnesses of this current system is that it affects different communities in a different way”.

Trudeau’s personal history with cannabis extends beyond family experiences. In 2013, he admitted to smoking marijuana at a dinner party in his Montreal home in 2008, after he had already been elected as a Member of Parliament. In a sign of changing norms,
the admission, while controversial, did not significantly impact his political career.

As Liberal Party leader, Trudeau campaigned on a platform of cannabis legalization during the 2015 federal election. His approach focused on regulation and harm reduction rather than economic benefits. Trudeau emphasized two main goals: minimizing underage access to marijuana and reducing criminal activity surrounding illegal marijuana trade.

After winning the election, Trudeau’s government took concrete steps towards legalization. In 2016, a task force was created to explore the issue. The following year, the Cannabis Act was introduced in Parliament, allowing for the sale and possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for anyone over.

On October 17, 2018, Canada became the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to legalize recreational cannabis nationwide. This move was seen as a bold reform, distinguishing Trudeau’s administration from previous governments. The legalization process wasn’t without challenges. Provinces were given significant responsibility for regulating sales, leading to some friction with the federal government .Additionally, Trudeau faced criticism from both supporters and opponents of legalization.

Following legalization, Trudeau’s government announced plans to create a simplified, free process for pardoning individuals with simple possession records. This move aimed to address the historical inequities in cannabis law enforcement.Trudeau’s approach to cannabis legalization reflects a combination of personal experience, pragmatic policy-making, and a commitment to social justice. By moving from prohibition to regulation, Canada under Trudeau’s leadership has embarked on a significant social and legal experiment, the results of which continue to unfold.

As Trudeau ends one chapter and starts another, he will continue to be a champion of cannabis.

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alcohol

Sherry Is Becoming A Thing Again

Published

19 hours ago

January 6, 2025

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Once seen only in black and white movies, sherry has now become a star in the craft cocktail scene.

Once seen only in black and white movies, sherry is becoming a thing again. From the fortified wine from Spain’s Jerez region, it is experiencing a renaissance in North America, particularly among younger consumers and wine enthusiasts. This resurgence is reshaping the perception of sherry and driving growth in the market.

The traditional image of sherry as a drink for older generations is rapidly changing. Young people in the US are increasingly embracing sherry, with consumption on the rise. This shift is particularly evident in the on-trade sector, where sherry’s popularity is growing in tandem with the increasing number of tapas bars and improved knowledge among sommeliers and restaurateurs.

The sherry wine market is showing promising signs of growth. Projections indicate a growth rate of 10.2% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is attributed to various factors, including the increasing popularity of sherry as an accompaniment to meals and its perceived health benefits.

While sweet sherries have long dominated the US market, there’s a growing interest in dry styles among younger consumers. This trend is part of a broader shift in consumption patterns, with drinkers becoming more adventurous and seeking out diverse flavor profiles. The movement towards dry sherries is seen as a positive development for the category’s long-term prospects.

Sherry’s versatility in food pairing is attracting attention from sommeliers and food enthusiasts. Plus, with the continued raise of craft beverage, sherry has been a rising star in cocktail scene, introducing it to a new audience of mixology enthusiasts.

The perceived health benefits of sherry is also buzzing as Gen Z and younger Millennials are switching to less harmful products. This gave rise to the California Sober movement. Sherry contains antioxidants called polyphenols that may help control cholesterol levels. Polyphenols may prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is associated with heart disease. Sherry may also increase the body’s production of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is associated with longevity and a decreased risk of coronary artery disease.

If you want to try sherry, here are some tips. The correct way depends on the type: dry sherries like Fino and Manzanilla should be served chilled in a small glass, while sweeter sherries like Pedro Ximénez can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed;generally, a white wine glass is preferred to fully appreciate the flavors, and it’s best to serve sherry with food, particularly tapas for drier styles and richer dishes for sweeter options.

Chef Justin Khanna has worked in some of the top restaurants in the world and keeps his fingers are trends shared “Enjoying a well-made Sherry with food feels like spending time with most interesting person at a party. The versatility too makes it a stand-out as an ingredient in a cocktail, featured as part of a wine pairing in a tasting menu, or simply sipped over ice at the start of a meal. It’s high time that Sherry gets a rise in popularity, especially without the hefty price tag of other spirits.”

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