Meat-Eating Dinosaurs: Predators of the Prehistoric World

  

This week I am sharing a bit about meat-eating dinosaurs, also called carnivorous dinosaurs.

These were some of the most formidable animals ever to walk the Earth. They lived during the Mesozoic Era, from about 252 million to 66 million years ago. Most belonged to a group known as theropods, which typically walked on two powerful hind legs and had sharp teeth, grasping claws, and keen senses.

One of the most famous carnivores was the Tyrannosaurus rex it was one of the largest land predators, with a massive skull and bone-crushing bite.

Another well-known but not by me was the Velociraptor was much smaller than films often suggest, but it was agile and carried a curved claw on each foot.

Also mentioned in the book I’m using was the Spinosaurus, also not one I have heard of but then I am not really into dinosaurs anyway this one was recognised by the tall sail along its back, had a long, narrow snout and may have hunted fish as well as other prey.

These creatures are built to hunt they used different strategies to obtain food. Some chased living prey, while others may also have scavenged carcasses. Forward-facing eyes helped certain species judge distance, strong legs provided speed or stability, and serrated teeth sliced through flesh. Fossilised bones with bite marks, along with preserved teeth and footprints, help palaeontologists reconstruct these feeding behaviours.

 

Although the giant non-bird dinosaurs disappeared at the end of the Cretaceous Period, their story did not end completely. Birds evolved from small feathered theropods, making today’s birds living members of the dinosaur family tree. By studying meat-eating dinosaurs, scientists continue to learn how ancient ecosystems worked and how predators adapted to a changing world.

 

Lung Capacity

 

Today I am looking at our lung capacity.

Lung capacity describes the amount of air the lungs can hold and move during breathing. It is not a single measurement; instead, it includes several volumes that show how the lungs work during normal breathing, deep inhalation, and forceful exhalation.

The key measurements are:

Tidal volume: the amount of air moved in or out during an ordinary breath.

Vital capacity: the greatest amount of air a person can exhale after taking the deepest possible breath.

Total lung capacity: all the air in the lungs after a maximum inhalation, including air that cannot be voluntarily breathed out.

Residual volume: the air left in the lungs after the strongest possible exhalation; it helps prevent the lungs from collapsing.

Our lung capacity varies with age, height, body size, physical fitness, posture, and health. It may be reduced by conditions that narrow the airways, damage lung tissue, restrict chest movement, or weaken breathing muscles. Regular aerobic activity can improve how efficiently the body uses oxygen, although it may not greatly change the lungs’ anatomical size.

To test our lung capacity is tested using something called a spirometry it measures how much air a person can breathe out and how quickly they can do so. The results are compared with expected values for someone of a similar age and height. Some measurements, including total lung capacity and residual volume, require additional lung-function tests.

 

Week 40 of 2026

 

Had another good night, I woke at 4.30am and it is a cool start to the morning.

The day is cold and wet around 11am Tim walked inside said something about mowing the back lawn and then said he was going to get ready for work. He has been called in to do rail from Newie to Central; he should be home around 9.30pm

Blain and his girlfriend came down to see me when they were visiting Tasha, they arrived just after Tim left for work.

I have a lot of lower back pain on my left side this afternoon so much pain that moving is difficult.

Steps: 6,521

Another good night woke at 4.57 to the sound of rain the temp is 13c or 55f and not supposed to go above 18c.

My back pain has eased, and I can move with wanting to cry.

I was sitting in my armchair when I noticed Sue turn up, she brought over some chocolate cake.

Tim spent all day out the back doing whatever, at least he isn’t just sitting around watching his phone.

I had wanted to do more stuff myself but the pain in my lower back stopped that.

Steps: 6, 995

Another good night, slept through till 4.11am but after peeing I went back to sleep till 4.50am when I got up it is a chilly 8c or 46f.

I was able to walk down and post some letters as the back pain isn’t as bad yesterday.

Tim has had another productive day took the cans to cash in, then found a couple of pallets which he broke up this afternoon as well as finishing the back lawn and then mowing the front lawn. After all that his back is aching. I suggested he apply a heat patch which he did, only to say20-minutes later that it wasn’t working as it was barely warm. I took it an applied it to my hip area I will leave it there overnight.

Steps:9,040

DR BABU 18-1-2027 at 3.40pm

Slept well, I was awake and up by 4.15am, had my shower before coming out to clean the kitchen, sweep and vacuum then have breakie. The temp at 6am was 6c or 43f.

Tim rang the doctors to make an appointment and while talking to the receptionist it was discovered that she was once a bus driver and ask Tim he knew someone and he did another driver he has known for 15yrs.

Received a parcel containing two very nice white pillowcases that I never bought and have no idea why I have them. Yes, there is a return address but it’s the business address and that doesn’t help. Ok I now remember ordering them.

Steps: 8,555

I slept well and was up at 4.50am it is going to be a hot day, I am just not 100% with it this morning my left knee and calf is so painful.

Shopping with Sue this morning and even though I felt mentally good the pain in my leg has made walking so difficult.

When I got home, I changed my clothes and sat with a heat pack on my left knee.

This afternoon when I turned the TV on ready to watch the evening news, I had no free to air. It too me half an hour and a lot of figuring with the antenna to get it back.

Steps: 6,795

I slept well and was up at 4.50am it is going to be another hot day; Sue and I have appointments with the podiatrist.

When I got home, I did the laundry and hung it up to dry and by the time I was done I was in so much pain, I had to sit and do nothing for a while.

Tim found a box of stuffed toys that we sorted through and decided to toss some of them in the washing machine. Tim said he wanted to give some of the away.

This evening Tim moved my recliner from near the front door to near the dining room. I am in two minds about this as I like that now I recline it right back, but I don’t like that I can no longer see out the front door while in the recliner.

Steps:  7,832

I was up at 4.20am and found the kitchen a mess, so that was my first task of the day, no it was the second task as I had to sweep and vacuum first as the ground felt awful.

It will much cooler today with rain, we only had light showers during the day.

This morning I was so restless, I tried to have a nap twice the first time was a failure the second time I manage to sleep for 25-minutes.

Tim is working today, he is doing rail which for those who may not know is when the buses replace the trains due to either track work or an accident.

He has also bought another box trailer that needs some work, he is going to sell the one he already has.

Steps:7,381

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Behaviour of a Persian Blue Cat and some links

 

Here are this week’s links

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/09/a-spring-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/09/getting-to-know-you-or-me-or-someone.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/09/sharing-my-world_0425302334.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/09/september-hodgepodge.html

Today I am looking at the Persian Blue cat, my daughter also has a Persian Blue named Molly along with Luca who is a Tuxedo.

They are usually calm, gentle, and affectionate cats. They are known for its beautiful blue-grey coat, quiet personality, and relaxed nature. Persian Blues often enjoy peaceful homes where they can feel safe, comfortable, and loved.

Persian Blue cats are generally quiet and well-mannered. They are not usually very noisy or demanding, although they may softly meow when they want attention, food, or comfort. They prefer calm environments and may become shy or unsettled around loud noises, busy rooms, or sudden changes.

These cats often form strong bonds with their owners. They may enjoy sitting nearby, resting on a favourite chair, or curling up beside someone they trust. While they can be affectionate, they are usually not as energetic or playful as some other breeds. Many Persian Blues prefer gentle play, short activity sessions, and plenty of rest.

These are their  personality traits

·       Calm: Persian Blue cats usually like a relaxed and predictable routine.

·       Affectionate: They often enjoy gentle attention from people they know well.

·       Quiet: They are not normally loud cats and may communicate softly.

·       Independent at times: They may enjoy company but also need quiet space to rest.

·       Sensitive: They can be affected by stress, noise, or sudden changes in the home.

Because Persian Blue cats are gentle and sensitive, they should be handled carefully. A calm voice, slow movements, and regular routines help them feel secure. They also need daily grooming because their long coat can become tangled. With patience, kindness, and a peaceful environment, a Persian Blue cat can become a loving and loyal companion.

 

A bit more about dinosaurs

 

Today I’m sharing a little more about dinosaurs, such as the word dinosaur means “terrible lizard.” It comes from two ancient Greek words: deinos, meaning “terrible” or “fearfully great,” and sauros, meaning “lizard.” The name was created in 1842 by the British scientist Sir Richard Owen to describe a group of large, extinct reptiles whose fossils had been discovered. Although the name includes the word “lizard,” dinosaurs were a distinct group of reptiles rather than ordinary lizards.

One of the earliest known dinosaurs was Eoraptor. It lived about 230 million years ago during the Late Triassic Period in what is now Argentina. Eoraptor was a small dinosaur that walked on two legs and was about the size of a large dog. Its name means “dawn thief.”

Dinosaurs were traditionally divided into two main classifications based on the shape of their hip bones:

Saurischia — “lizard-hipped” dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus rex, long-necked sauropods, and birds.

Ornithischia — “bird-hipped” dinosaurs, including Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and duck-billed dinosaurs.

Each classification contained many smaller groups and thousands of species. Interestingly, birds evolved from the lizard-hipped group, not the bird-hipped group.

Scientists know of more than 1,000 species of non-bird dinosaurs from fossils. The exact number keeps changing because about 50 new dinosaurs are named each year, while scientists sometimes decide that two named fossils belonged to the same species. Many more dinosaur species probably remain undiscovered.

How to Make a Safe U-Turn While Driving in Australia

 

I think anyone who drives has at some point made a U-turn, it may be a handy way to change direction, but if not done safely it may result in an accident or a fine it done somewhere it’s not legal to do.

So you should only make the turn where it is legal, and you have a clear view, also it should only be done when you can complete it without forcing anyone else to slow down or change course.

In Australia the road rules are broadly similar, but important details vary between states and territories. Always obey signs, traffic lights, lane arrows and line markings. Do not make a U-turn where a “No U-turn” sign applies, and do not cross dividing lines that prohibit it. At traffic lights, a U-turn may be permitted in some jurisdictions only when a sign allows it, while other jurisdictions apply different rules. Check the current road rules for the state or territory in which you are driving.

Make sure your car is position correctly. Move into the appropriate lane or as close as practicable to the centre of the road, subject to local rules, lane markings and traffic conditions.

Signal clearly indicate right for long enough to give other road users reasonable notice. Keep checking your mirrors and blind spots.

Remember you have to give way to everyone as you generally have to give way to other vehicles and road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Wait for a genuinely safe gap.

My research says that you can only make a U-turn at a roundabout if there are signs and lane markings permit a U-turn at the roundabout. However, I have never seen any of that and have often made a U-turn at a roundabout.

Also, even if a U-turn appears legal, it may not be sensible. Use some common sense and don’t do it near blind bends or hill crests, in heavy or fast-moving traffic, near busy pedestrian areas, or whenever your vehicle cannot complete the turn comfortably.

A U-turn should be one smooth turn and not a three-point turn.

In NSW, making a U-turn at an intersection without traffic lights contrary to a “No U-turn” sign carries a current penalty-notice fine of $339 and 2 demerit points.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid

Assuming the same rule applies in every state or territory.

Starting the turn before checking for motorcycles, bicycles or pedestrians.

Relying on another driver to stop or wave you through.

Turning across prohibited line markings.

Making the manoeuvre when visibility or road width is inadequate.

 

Our Lungs

 This week we are looking at our lungs which are two spongy organs in the chest that help us breathe. When we inhale, air travels through the nose or mouth, down the windpipe and into branching tubes inside the lungs. Tiny air sacs called alveoli move oxygen into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide—a waste gas—moves out of the blood to be exhaled. The diaphragm, a strong muscle beneath the lungs, contracts and relaxes to draw air in and push it out. Healthy lungs support every part of the body, so regular exercise, avoiding smoke and breathing clean air can help protect them.

They are protective by the rib cage which is a protective framework of bones around the chest. It is made up of the ribs, the breastbone and part of the spine. The ribs help shield the lungs and heart from injury, while the muscles between them assist breathing by allowing the chest to expand when we inhale and become smaller when we exhale.

Inside the lungs, the windpipe divides into two main tubes called bronchi, one leading to each lung. These branch again and again into smaller tubes called bronchioles, like the branches of an upside-down tree. At their ends are millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli, surrounded by very small blood vessels called capillaries. Their thin walls allow oxygen to pass into the blood and carbon dioxide to pass out. Soft, stretchy tissue helps the lungs expand and spring back with every breath.

The two lungs are not exactly the same. The right lung is larger and has three sections, called lobes. The left lung is smaller and has two lobes because it shares space with the heart. It also has a small, curved area called the cardiac notch, where the heart sits.