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.
They seem to be total enemies – but can CBD help cats chill out around the Christmas Tree?
While is seems cats do things just to annoy their owners, there are reasons. And when it comes to the Christmas tree, there are manyfelines that causes the pull to be “involved” with the giant temporary addition to the festive season. They enjoy being high up to survey their surroundings and it makes them feel safe from predators. Yhe branches provide a fun climbing challenge. And they are attracted to shiny objects with the ornaments and lights. Like humans, cats enjoy the smell of live evergreen trees which is another reason they stay close. But can CBD keep cats from the Christmas tree?
Alone, CBD can not keep them from exploring, but can be used as another tool to relax them and help them lose interest in wrecking a tree. CBD for cats has gained popularity among pet owners seeking alternative treatments for various feline health issues. CBD is generally considered safe for cats when used appropriately. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants that interacts with the endocannabinoid system in cats, potentially offering benefits for anxiety, pain, inflammation, and overall wellness.
CBD could help cats with several issues during the holidays including reducing anxiety from visitors, decorations, and changes in routine. It can help alleviate pain and inflammation, which may worsen in colder weather. With the change in routine, it can help with sleep quality. And must of all regarding the tree, it can help them chill and relaxat, giving them a
Use products specifically formulated for cats, as human or dog CBD products may not be suitable. Follow dosage guidelines carefully. Consult with a veterinarian before starting CBD, especially for cats with health issues or on medications. CBD for cats typically comes in oils or treats. Oils allow for precise dosing, while treats may be easier to administer.
Other ways to keep the cat from the tree is have a fake tree which is less dangerous than a real tree. A smaller tree is less likely to cause serious harm if it falls over. Use a heavy base or weights to prevent the tree from toppling over. You can also secure it to a wall with wire. Cats dislike citrus and foil scents, so you can wrap the tree trunk in foil and put orange or lemon peels around the base. Place cheaper, less sentimental decorations toward the bottom of the tree. Tie ornaments tightly to the branches to avoid loose, dangling temptations. Choose wooden or plastic ornaments instead of highly reflective ones. Tie plastic bags filled with orange or lemon peels around the base of the tree.
On the first holiday weekend, should you mix up online and in-store shopping? Well, there is definitely benefits for both – including Target’s new tie-in promotion.
Black Friday is With average holiday spending expected to reach over $1,000, it is important to capture the customers. Twenty years ago, malls were packed and the news reported Karen’s gone wild in an effort to snag shopping deals. Now things are easier with online shopping, but in-store experiences remain crucial. This year 26% of consumers plan to shop primarily in person for the holidays, while 51% plan to do both in-person and online. As usual, retailers offered early discounts and unique shopping experiences to bring people into brick and mortar.
In 2024, the Black Friday shopping landscape has evolved dramatically, presenting consumers with compelling reasons to choose both online and in-store shopping experiences. Each approach offers unique advantages that cater to different shopper preferences and priorities. Online shopping continues to gain momentum, with 75% of shoppers planning to make purchases digitally in 2024.
The benefits are easy and they’re rarely a need to deal with a long line (except for very hard, limited release items). Shoppers can browse and purchase from the comfort of their homes. It provides access to extensive product catalogs across multiple retailers and easy ability to compare prices instantly.
Despite the digital surge, in-store shopping lends itself to being more festive and provide a longer, interactive experience. Shoppers have the ability to try on clothes, test electronics, and physically examine items and are three times more likely to make spontaneous purchases in-store. Usually food purchases from coffee, lunch to drinks are involved and it is considered a full activity. And shoppers arrive home with packages.
Many consumers are adopting a hybrid approach. For instance, some shoppers visit physical stores to try products and then complete purchases online. Retailers are adapting by offering exclusive in-store experiences, like Target’s Taylor Swift album release and special giveaways. Many wine and liquor stores offer tasting and marijuiana dispensaries offer specials on products.
And the reason we call today Black Friday is thanks to the Philadelphia police department. Department stores in the city would hold huge sales to capitalize on the large crowds ahead of the Army/Navy football game. Vast crowds caused havoc for police and forced them to work harsh, extra-long shifts, resulting in them dubbing the day Black Friday, both to express their dislike of the day and to try and reduce visitors by making it sound less appealing.
Jamaica is often misunderstood. Few travellers realise that beyond the stereotypes, Jamaica has sandy beaches, the 960-foot-tall Dunn’s River waterfall, calypso and reggae beats under fire sunset skies, glassy coral waters and endless hidden mangroves. For such a small island, Jamaica has had a massive influence on the world, socially and historically. Of course, that doesn’t mean Jamaica is without its problems. But Jamaica has produced some of the greatest artists, beats and sportsmen and women in the world. It has inspired writers, poets, artists and filmmakers, and just uttering its name conjures up images of rum shacks and lazy, hazy summers.
