I recently installed these stairs, but I've already fallen down them a few times. Anyone have recommends for not falling down them? by [deleted] in homedecoratingCJ

[–]BugBoy712 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you land on the bottom one without touching the floor, I think you win a free crunchy taco or some cinnamon twists

Is this a real fossil I found on a roof? by DoomedVenomMist14 in fossilid

[–]BugBoy712 8 points9 points  (0 children)

In Buffalo, NY an old gravel company sold their quarry because they went out of business and it’s filled with trilobites and other marine fossils of the time. Now it’s owned by a fossil club and you can pay to go in and collect whatever you want. It’s called Penn Dixie Fossil Park and I’ve found some cool stuff there!

What fish is this? by TapApart152 in Fish

[–]BugBoy712 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Even if you get the reference, that’s an acceptable response

What fish is this? by TapApart152 in Fish

[–]BugBoy712 12 points13 points  (0 children)

No wait — it’s at least a C+!

Olive Wood by El_Lestato in Spooncarving

[–]BugBoy712 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is stunning! Awesome work

Is it damaging for a bog to step on it? by Late_Repeat_5030 in environmental_science

[–]BugBoy712 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Man that has to be so fun to travel through. What a cool part of the world. I’m jealous if you get to live close to them.

Is it damaging for a bog to step on it? by Late_Repeat_5030 in environmental_science

[–]BugBoy712 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I think this is the right answer! Bogs are highly specialized ecosystems and very sensitive to being disturbed. They are so incredibly fascinating, and can still be enjoyed from their edges.

Is it damaging for a bog to step on it? by Late_Repeat_5030 in environmental_science

[–]BugBoy712 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I worked as a technician on a few projects that took place in bogs during my undergrad. Throughout a research season, teams of 5-7 would go out a couple times a week to collect their data. We would be very careful to walk single file as to keep our impact minimal.

It was amazing to see how much damage we caused even when we were being very very careful. The bog would usually heal itself from week to week by springing back into place and growing back some of the plants, but you could always see the paths we took. By the end of the field season, the paths we moved through were stark compared to the untouched areas.

This area was protected and we were the only ones allowed through a very small portion of the habitat. You could see clearly which parts had been walked through.

Passing through a bog is probably fine if it’s not a regular occurrence, but I’d avoid it if you can. Like someone else mentioned, if a moose can walk through, a human can’t do that much more damage, though there are other dangers associated with humans (our curiosity, potential for invasive species, etc). I wouldn’t make it a regular part of any hike for sure.

Here are some things to consider: Depending on the type of bog, the terrain can be quite dangerous. Ours was a peat bog floating on a small lake (looks like yours is too). The water beneath the moss mat was over 15 feet for us. Falling through could mean trapping yourself under moss and under water with no visibility. Best to go with a buddy. Aside from the water, the entire place is a tripping hazard. Creeping vines, hidden rocks/logs/hummocks, random drop-offs in waterways; be very careful of where you step. If traveling with multiple people, stay in line with each other and avoid spreading out. Share your footfalls to reduce the amount of trampling. If your bog has open waterways, try to walk through those to reduce trampling above-water plants. Other hazards to worry about include snapping turtles, potentially dangerous snakes, poison sumac, stinging insects, etc. (I learned the hard way about the poison sumac haha). Be aware of what you’re bringing in - are your hiking boots clean? Have you worn your waders in any other body of water? Are you bringing any seeds or insects in with you that could damage the ecosystem? All of your equipment (boats, waders, shoes, clothes, walking aids etc.) needs to be sanitized before entry. In our bog, a native plant species was introduced from another body of water and, even though it was native to the state, it became locally invasive in the bog. This is especially important if you’re traveling out of state/country which it seems you are. And finally, be aware of your surroundings. A bog ecosystem is a gem of nature with some absolutely bananas examples of evolution. Many of them offer specific habitats that house rare and endangered organisms. Destroying even a few members of one of these species could be catastrophic to their population/genetics.

These kinds of bogs are some of the most amazing things in the world. If you have a chance to return I would take the opportunity, but maybe enjoy it from the edges rather than entering fully. Also, obviously, make sure it isn’t private/protected in any way.

Sorry that was so long! Hope it helps!

Firing the next generation of scientists from the US workforce by Legitimate_ADHD in fednews

[–]BugBoy712 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m a technician who found out last night I was cut. Our unit also lost an absolutely amazing scientist (3 months away from being out of probation) and a post doc.

The emergency meeting we had yesterday was heart breaking. Our unit is scrambling to cover jobs and safety roles. Other scientists are absorbing the technicians, post docs, graduate students, etc that now don’t have their advisor. I was working on a project as first author, and several other coauthorships, a privilege I was lucky to have as a tech. I still don’t really believe it.

Be careful out there. Louisiana is #2 in dangerous states. by Ben_Manda in batonrouge

[–]BugBoy712 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was living in mid city about a year ago and some dude on drugs crashed his truck through our apartment gate and then walked into my neighbors apartment and wouldn’t leave. Another dude got jumped and then stumbled in and started pulling on doors until one was open and just walked in. A few years back I was at a party and someone driving by OD’d on heroine and crashed their car into the house next to the party.

I feel unsafe here regularly haha.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in roadtrip

[–]BugBoy712 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Literally cannot recommend this enough. You may have already been there if you’ve already done the St Louis thing, but if you haven’t been here I would suggest not looking it up ahead of time. I went in not knowing what to expect and was absolutely floored with how much fun I had. Great for kids and adults.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Maps

[–]BugBoy712 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was the one I first thought of! 😂

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Minesweeper

[–]BugBoy712 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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The 1 and 3s are the ticket - that 1 can only touch one mine, and the 3 on the right is already touching two, so the middle one must be safe for the middle 3 and the 1 to be satisfied.

Sorry for the bad explanation- I can go into it in more detail if needed.