History of chocolate

 

Hello everyone, today we are looking at the history of something most people like, that is chocolate.

The word “Chocolate” is likely derived from Nahuatl words such as chocolatl or xocoatl, though scholars still debate the exact origin. The first record of the English word chocolate was in 1604.

Some say that begins with sacred rituals in ancient Mesoamerica maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t but here are some of the information I have found.

The earliest known use of cacao traces back over 5,000 years in what is now Mexico.

The earliest confirmed civilization to use cacao, likely as a ceremonial drink was by The Olmecs way back around 1500 BCE. The is archaeological evidence that shows traces of theobromine a cacao compound in ancient pottery.

Then we have the Maya who cultivated cacao and drank it regularly as a thick, frothy, often mixed with chili, honey, or water drink. It is believed that it was a daily ritual.

It was considered “the food of the gods”, sacred enough to be buried with nobles. However, it wasn’t just for elites; many households consumed it daily.

Moving on to the Aztecs who valued cacao beans so highly they used them as currency, worth more than gold.

They drank xocolatl, a bitter, spiced chocolate beverage believed to give strength and vitality. Cacao was considered a divine gift from the god Quetzalcoatl.

Around the 1500’s chocolate had found its way to Europe with Spanish conquistadors encountered cacao in 1519 and brought it to Spain.

It was initially used as medicine; but soon became a fashionable drink among European elites. It was around this time that sugar was added, transforming the bitter drink into something closer to modern hot chocolate.

Over the next three centuries, chocolate spread across Europe, sparking debates about its religious and medicinal value.

It was in 1847 that chocolate became solid when Joseph Fry discovered that mixing cocoa powder, sugar, and melted cocoa butter produced a smooth, mouldable paste, something no one had achieved before. This mixture could finally be poured into a mould and set into a bar, making it the world’s first solid eating chocolate.

It was during World War 1 that Chocolate became a global commodity, especially after World War I, when soldiers received chocolate rations.

Over time new forms emerged such as white chocolate, couverture, and countless others. Also, production skyrocketed, with major markets expanding in Asia and Africa.

By 2018, the global chocolate trade exceeded US$100 billion.

 

Week 11 of 2026

 

Good morning, I had 8.5hrsn of sleep and feel pretty damn good. It is currently 22c or 71f, we are looking at a top temp of only 25, with rain.

It has rained on and off all day and far from hot, I had a nap between 11 &12. I think I should have had another one as at 6.30pm I went into have a wash and get changed for bed, but when I took my PD band off, I became unstable and confused, I improved after eating something.

I have had a lot of pain in my left shoulder all day, even had Tim apply some Deep Heat to it.

Steps:5,073 = 2.5k’s                

Good morning, Monday, woke to rain again it’s another cool start to the day, I had 9hrs of sleep and was out of bed by 4.50am.

I have changed the sheets and the cover on Tims chair, vacuumed and swept as well as sweeping outside the front door.

I washed the sheets toss them in the dryer and folded and put them away when done.

I have had a good day.

Tasha looks like she is in a lot of pain this is due to how much lifting and carrying stuff over the weekend and the fact that her pelvis is screwed.

Steps: 8,330=4.2k’s or 2.6 miles

Hello everyone, I had a good night sleep with around 8hrs, I was up at 4.40am as I was awake. It is wet outside but not raining at the moment, the temp is 21c or 70f.

It has been a good day not hot nor cold and I have felt good all day.

Checked the mail and found four letters including one that was returned to sender saying the address was wrong, but we will see as I just sent a new letter off to that penpal. The addressed was the same as the return address on the last letter I received from this penpal.

Steps: 5,876 = 3k’s or 1.8 miles

              

Hello everyone, I had a good night slept for around 7hrs, the temp at 5am is 20c or 68f.

By 8.30am I had vacuumed, swept out the front, feed the birds washed the towels and hung them up to dry, I cleaned the filters in the washing machine and cleaned the toaster oven. The toaster oven was disgusting and took a while to get clean.

I have read around 50 blogs this morning which is about normal for me.

Timm received to parcels today and so did Jessica and they all arrived around the same time. Then a short while later a parcel came for me.

By 5pm I was starting to feel really tired and will be in bed by 7pm

Steps: 4,664 = 2.9k’s or 1.8miles

I was up early 4.40am, it is a nice cool dry morning. I slept well managed around 8hrs sleep, my BGL was 6.0 and the temp was 23c or 73f at 5am.

I have felt good this morning and productive I like feeling like I can get things done.

It has been a nice cool day there was some heat between 11 and 2 but not overly hot.

The podiatrist changed my appointment for tomorrow from 8am to 8.30am

Steps: 5,729 = 2.9k’s or 1.8miles

Hello everyone, I had a good night sleep getting around 8hrs and 30 minutes.

It is 21c or 70f and it’s only going to be around 26c today.

Sue and I had podiatrist appointments all went well, then we went to the Square to do some shopping. As we left this morning it started to rain and has rained on and off all day. Not a hot day nor a cold day just nice.

The table I ordered for Jess yesterday was delivered this morning that was a shock.

Jessica went and checked the p o box and cancelled it as she will be moving soonish.

Also, this arvo Jess bought me & Tim a pizza from Crust Pizza, just a Hawaiian pizza I really liked it don’t know about Tim.

Steps: 4,160 = 2k’s or 1.2 miles

KELLI’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS 32 TODAY

After a good night sleep, I was up at 4.30am, well it was a good night once I settled down, I couldn’t settle at first and decided to try wearing the Beechband and it made a bloody great difference.

My BGL:7.1 and 19c or 66f, a dark and overcast morning, Tim decided to walk down to the shops instead of driving due to the cost of fuel.

It cost Tasha $125 to fill her car with the prize being $2.18 per litre although many places had it at $2.45 per litre.

It did warm up and Tim ended up going out the back and doing whatever.

Steps:9,451=4.8k’s or 2.9miles

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Friday

 This the last school photo I have of myself I am in 5th class and I am the last girl on the right second row of girls with red and black shoes.

New Links

 

My post with links to other posts and a few photos as well

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/getting-to-know-youme.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/share-your-world.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/spring-hodgepodge-in-autumn.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/share-my-world.html

 

 

 

 

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Eye Diseases and disorders

 

This week we are looking at eye diseases or disorders at least 2.2 billion people worldwide have some form of vision impairment or eye condition that’s about 28% of the population. This figure doesn’t include things like dry eye or conjunctivitis or any other condition that doesn’t affect sight, if it did the percentage would be more like 50% of the population.

Eye diseases include any condition that affects the cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve, eyelids, or the visual pathways in the brain. Some are mild and temporary; others can cause permanent vision loss if untreated.

Eye conditions for into one of eight categories these are the following.

Refractive Disorders (Most Common Worldwide)

These affect how light bends in the eye.

• Myopia (short‑sightedness) – distant vision blurred
• Hyperopia (long‑sightedness) – near vision blurred
• Astigmatism – uneven focus due to irregular cornea
• Presbyopia – age‑related loss of near focus (40+)

Treatment: glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Lens Disorders

Cataracts

Clouding of the lens causing blurred or dim vision.

• Extremely common with age
• Treated with cataract surgery (one of the safest surgeries worldwide
  
  
  

Retina Disorders

These affect the light‑sensitive layer at the back of the eye.

Age‑Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

• Damages central vision
• Leading cause of blindness in older adults
• Two types: dry and wet

Diabetic Retinopathy

• Caused by diabetes damaging retinal blood vessels
• Can lead to blindness if untreated

Retinal Detachment

• Retina pulls away from the back of the eye
• Medical emergency
• Symptoms: flashes, floaters, curtain over vision

Macular Hole / Macular Pucker

• Distortion or loss of central vision

Optic Nerve Disorders

Glaucoma

• Damage to the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure
• Causes gradual, irreversible vision loss
• Requires lifelong management

Optic Neuritis

• Inflammation of the optic nerve
• Often linked to autoimmune conditions

Corneal Disorders

Keratoconus

• Cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape
• Causes distorted vision
• Treated with cross‑linking, contacts, or corneal transplant

Corneal Ulcer

• Open sore, usually from infection
• Painful and urgent to treat

Eyelid & Surface Disorders

Blepharitis

• Inflammation of eyelid margins
• Causes irritation, crusting, dryness

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

• Viral, bacterial, or allergic
• Causes redness, discharge, irritation

Dry Eye Disease

• Very common
• Caused by poor tear quality or quantity

Childhood Eye Disorders

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

• Brain favours one eye
• Treatable if caught early

Strabismus (Eye Turn)

• Eyes misaligned
• May require glasses, exercises, or surgery

Rare but Serious Conditions

·       Uveitis – inflammation inside the eye

·       Retinoblastoma – childhood eye cancer

·       Graves’ Eye Disease – autoimmune swelling behind the eyes

·       Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension – pressure on optic nerve

When it comes to our eyes people should seek immediate help if they experience any of the following

• Sudden vision loss
• Flashes or a curtain over vision
• Severe eye pain
• Sudden double vision
• Chemical injury

These can indicate emergencies like retinal detachment, acute glaucoma, or infection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snakes around the world, well some of the world

 

The post for today is about which country has the most snake species, and it is Mexico with 438 known species. This is due to the multiple climate zones from arid deserts to humid jungles; there is also two major coastlines and there are mountains.

The types of snakes include rattlesnakes, coral snakes, vipers, boas, sea snakes as well as dozens of tiny burrowing species.

Since many of my readers are in the States, I will add that there are about 100 native snake species of those 100 only 22 are venomous, these consist of rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and coral snakes the only state that has no snakes is Alaska.

Moving on to the U K over there you will find only 3 native snakes and one established non-native snake. They are the Adder the UK’s only venomous snake found across England, Scotland and Wales, the Grass Snake and the Smooth Snake which is very rare and protected. The Aesculapian Snake is the non-native snake found in London and the north & south of Wales.

Lastly for those in Canada there are 25 native snakes these belong to three families the Colubridae the most common, Viperidae think rattlesnake and the Boidae rubber boa.

Because of the cold climate, snakes are concentrated in the southern parts of provinces such as: Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec

The Common Garter Snake is the most widespread and can even be found near the 60th parallel in the Northwest Territories.

Australia has 215 species, but we have the highest proportion of venomous snakes in the world.

Around 60% of Australian species are venomous, compared to ~17% globally.

 

 

 

 

History of Blackbutt Reserve

 

As I stated last week this week’s post concerns the history of Blackbutt Reserve.

Blackbutt Reserve exists today because a coal mine failed, a land auction flopped, and a handful of determined Novocastrians fought for decades to protect the bushland. It is now Newcastle’s largest natural reserve at 182 hectares.

The land sat entirely within a huge Scottish‑Australian Mining Company lease. Mining began in 1863, but because operations were underground, the surface bushland remained largely intact.

As coal declined and taxes rose, the company tried to sell off small subdivisions in Lambton, New Lambton, and Kotara between 1915–1928. In June 1932, 52 lots were auctioned—only five sold due to the Great Depression. This

failure opened the door for councils to buy the land for public use.

This why the failed 1932 land auction saved the bush

Joe Richley, president of the Northern Parks and Playgrounds Movement, convinced New Lambton Council to buy 6 hectares in 1934—the first piece of what became Blackbutt Reserve.

The in 1937 more land was purchased, and by 1938, the NSW Government resumed additional parcels. In 1938 there was a council shake up and the land came under Newcastle City Council trusteeship.

By 1940, the reserve covered 144 acres, from the 1950’s to the 1970’s there was expansion damage from fire and restoration started. In 1966 Community groups successfully fought off a proposed expressway through the reserve.

From the 1970’s saw captive animal displays, picnic areas, barbecues, and walking tracks.

The old mining pit closed in 1985 and was later redeveloped.

The renovated area reopened as Richley Reserve, named after Joe Richley, 1993.

Then in 2014 construction at Carnley Avenue uncovered a 19th‑century brick‑lined mine shaft that had never appeared on any official maps—an unexpected archaeological find.

Today, Blackbutt spans 182 hectares, making it Newcastle’s largest and most ecologically significant reserve.

 

Week 10 of 2026

 

Here we are at the start of March and Autumn; I slept well getting just under 7hrs. It is a wet morning I hope it doesn’t rain all day.

Did the usual housework and cleaned off Tim’s bed side table and packed away the Cpap machine I knew he wouldn’t use.

It has been a cool dry day, saw Blain when he came to see his mum, looks like he may be moving home while they look for somewhere else to live.

This afternoon has been lovely and warm.

Steps:6,637=3.3k’s or 2 miles

Good morning, all, I slept well till 3.20am after that I was in pain and hot and tossing and turning till 4.20am when I had enough and got up.

My BGL was 5.5 and the temp at 4.30am was 22c or 71f. At 11am it was 27c or 80f.

Tasha came down and asked if they could store some of Blain’s stuff here as she doesn’t have enough room at her             place.

By 2pm it was 30c or 86f and I had to turn the air con on. Thankfully I only need it on for an hour.

Steps: 7,028 = 3.5k’s or 2.1 miles

Good morning anyone reading this, I have been up since 4am but I was in bed early last night and had a good 9hrs &30minutes of sleep.

My BGL was 5.5 and it was 21c or 69f, by 6am it started raining, also had T (Blain’s gf) come down looking for milk which I gave her.

What a morning Tasha had a skip bin delivered this morning and when he got home from work Tim started taking stuff up and tossing it into the bin, in helped by placing items on the walker and taking them to the bin. I decided to remove items allowing me to get out an old cupboard I then opened the front wooden door.

The mess behind the cupboard and door was awful so I cleaned that up it all took over an hour to do it. I cleaned the front of the wooden door but as I am short, I couldn’t reach the top of the door, I will see if Sam will come and finish it for me.

It is 5pm and I am feeling really unwell, I am very tired and really just not with it.

No steps as my watch died, it will not charge.

Been up since 4.10am, I am feeling much better this morning, I had a around 7.5hrs of sleep. My BGL was 5.8 and it is currently 22c or 70f.

Jess came over when she got home and asked if I could wash her work shirts as she has OT for the next two nights.

At midday I had to turn the air con as    it was 30c or 86f.

By 4pm I was ratshit and felt like crap due to tiredness I am now going to bed and it is only 6.30pm

Another early start and damn my body is moving a lot this morning and my let knee is crackling.

Tim has called in sick for work he hopes he will be ok by lunch time to do his arvo shift.

I went shopping with Sue and in was ratshit all morning, I left the house wearing a long skirt and shoes and I had to remove the skirt yes, I had shorts on under it and also took my shoes off.

I had an hour-long nap between 12 & 1pm, also Dawson came over for a visit he was here are 45 minutes.

Tim isn’t working at all today even though he started feeling ok by 10am.

This afternoon I wasn’t the best but I ate something and started to feel much better.

Steps:5,509= 3.7k’s

Up far to early for my liking 4.10am as I wasn’t able to get comfortable in bed with my left arm hurting and my right hip hurting.

 

It is 21c or 70f, but we are looking at a top temp of 30c. I got around 6hrs of sleep and my BGL was 6.6.

 

Went shopping with Sue after her doctor’s appointment, I was not the best, I think it was due to the heat and my swollen feet.

 

I had a one-hour nap and have been great for the rest of the day.

 

I emptied the money boxes I have been putting money in since 2021 which I will use as spending money on our cruise next month.  Total amount $300.

 

Steps: 5,426 = 3.5k’s

 

Good morning, another damn early start I was up at 4.15 and had a shower before starting my day. It is 21c or 69f my BGL is 6.6 and I had around 7hrs of sleep.

I went back to bed at 7am for an hour, I feel ok after that nap. At 9.45am I was watching TV and started to fall asleep and my back was aching. Then my hearing aid battery died so got up and changed seats.

After having another nap between 11 & 12 I am feeling great.

Tim is working tonight.

A late night for me it has just gone 9pm and I’m to bed, fingers crossed I sleep better.

Steps:3.939=2k’s

 

 

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Caturday with Luca

Good afternoon, everyone, here I am at last doing a post this week we have Caturday with Luca.








Hi everyone, here I am in the first photo sitting on mum’s chair giving her what she calls my I’m not moving look.








In the second photo I am playing with a toy

Photo Friday

 

Here is another school photo of me I am fourth from the right or sixth from the left, I was 11yrs old in this photo 

The Post with Links to Other Posts

 

My post with links to other posts and a few photos as well

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/getting-to-know-me.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/marching-into-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/sunday-stealing.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/tuesday-4.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/03/share-your-world.html

 

 

 

 

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Smallest Snake

 

This week we are looking at the smallest snake which is the Barbados threadsnake is a tiny, worm‑like species found only on the island of Barbados. It holds the record for the smallest known adult snake on Earth.

It’s about 10 cm (3.9–4.1 inches) long, it is roughly the thickness of a spaghetti noodle and weighs only 0.6 grams which is lighter than a paperclip.

What does it look like well it is smooth, shiny, and brown, resembling a tiny earthworm.

It can be found in Barbados, especially the island’s remaining patches of forest. It is critically endangered, partly because Barbados has lost most of its original forest habitat.

They are a burrowing species that spends most of its life underground, they feed mainly on ant and termite larvae.

Like other threadsnakes, it lays a single egg, and the hatchling is unusually large—about half the length of the mother.

While several blind snakes are small, including the Brahminy blind snake (often mistaken for the smallest), none are as short as the Barbados threadsnake. The Brahminy typically reaches 6–16 cm, making it small but not the smallest.

 

 

Blackbutt Reserve

 

This will be a two-part post starting with this, not far from where I live there is a nature reserve called Blackbutt Nature Reserve.

It is in the western suburbs of Newcastle, NSW, centred around Kotara and New Lambton, with major entrances at Carnley Avenue and Richley Reserve. It is one of the most accessible natural areas in Newcastle.

It sits just a few minutes inland from the coast and forms one of the city’s largest continuous bushland corridors.

Blackbutt spans roughly 182 hectares across several connected bushland pockets. There are three main public areas, these are, Carnley Avenue entrance, which is the most popular entrance, with wildlife exhibits, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and walking tracks.

Then there is the Richley Reserve entrance with large open lawns, ponds, BBQ areas, and access to longer bush trails.

There is also an entrance from Lookout Road which edges bushland buffers and has trail access points.

It is about a 10-minute drive from Newcastle’s CBD.

Because it is in the middle of suburban Newcastle it acts as a wildlife refuge for koalas, wallabies, birds, and reptiles. It is also a green corridor linking smaller bushland patches across the city.

It is very popular place for family gatherings as well as a popular place for school excursions and of course those who like to go on bush walks.

Next week I will share some of the history of the reserve

 

Week 9 of 2026

 

DAEMON’S BIRTHDAY HE IS 14 TODAY

Good morning, everyone Daemon is Sue’s grandson, my great-nephew. Anyway, I slept well getting 8.5hrs waking when the alarm would have gone off it was set.

My BGL was 5.8 the temp at 5am was 21c or 70f we are looking at a top temp of 31c or 87f.

I swept out the front and vacuumed the house, cleaned the kitchen read and comment on some blog posts, did my own blog post by 10am I was exhausted.

The weather reporter on the news said it reached 33c, but Tim said the thermometer in the back yard reached 40c.

Steps: 5,959=3k’s or 1.8 miles.

ANNIVERSARY OF MICK’S PASSING IN 2016

Hello Monday, I had a good 8.5hrs of sleep been up since 4.40am as I woke to pee and felt awake, it is currently 24c or 75f we are heading for another stinking hot day. My BGL was 5.8 this morning.

At 10am I have a dental appointment; Sue will come and take me it is only 2 minutes down the road.

The dental appointment went well the woman I saw was so nice and gentle she filled the two broken teeth on the top; she wants me to ring and tell hunter health I need another two broken teeth on the right side repaired. She also wants me to ask about being placed on the waiting list for a plate.

The temp reached 35c or 95f today.

Steps: 6,532 = 3.2k’s or 1.9miles

   THEA’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS 3 TODAY

I had another good night; I slept for around 9hrs & 30 minutes. My BGL was 5.9 and it is currently 23c or 3f the time is 5.30am.

By midday it has reached 31c or 88f, I have a shocking headache I suspect the heat is part of the cause.

I received the BeechBand arrived I have charged it and I am now wearing it, now to see if it helps at all.

I notice a slight change in myself after wearing it, but it can take a week or two to feel the full effect.

Steps: 6,740 = 3.4k’s or 3 miles

Good morning, everyone, I had a good night sleep I was out of bed by 4.50am this morning I did a load of washing and hung up to dry.

I am wearing the Beechband this morning and I have noticed I was able to walk and sweep the ramp out the front without any problem. I noticed at some point that it wasn’t working did some checking and yeah it needs to be charged every 3hrs, so I recharged it and all good again. It can take up to 6 weeks to really notice a difference.

By 4.30n I was able to turn the air con off and open the front door.

I had to put the beechband on to charge and within 5 minutes of removing it I went from ok to shocking.

Steps:6,532 = 3.2k’s or 1.9 miles

Slept well, woke to find it was raining, it’s 22c or 71f only supposed to read a top of 26c today or 79f, I had a good 9hrs of sleep and a hot shower after Tim left for work.

I did the usual morning stuff and I even emptied the recycle boxes into the recycle bin.

Around 1pm after Tim went back to work, I turned the air cons on as I was dripping in sweat.

Steps: 3,939 = 3k’s or 1.2 miles

Another good night had 9hrs of sleep it is currently 21c or 70f my BGL was high at first 7.8 then I washed my hands and tried again it came down to 6.4, still higher than I would like but better.

Sue and I had doctors’ appointments this morning, then we went to Woolies to get a few things. Mine was for a care plan so I could get my Medicare letter, so I don’t have to pay to see the podiatrist. Sue has been started on Metformin for her diabetes. She has to go back next week to do a care plan herself.            

This afternoon it started raining and it is not hot at all today; well, I wasn’t hot.

Steps: 5,52=2.8k’s or 1.7 miles

Another good night had 7hrs of sleep it is currently 21c or 70f my BGL was 5.0 at 5am, I was sweeping the floor and Tim comes out asking if he slept in and what day is it. I informed him it is Saturday and he hasn’t slept in, so he went back to bed.

It is a cool, dry day and this morning Tim hung the photos I wanted hung so I am happy now.

Tasha came down and told us that there was a huge blow up with Blain’s housemates and that him and Ta’lia have had enough and want to move somewhere else.

Tim did a baked lunch, and it was nice.

Steps: 6,722 = 3.4 or 2 miles

 

 

 

Caturday with Archie

Here it is Saturday and it is around 3.15pm and I am at last posting this.

Hi everyone, this is Archie the most adorable ginger kitty and this is not Saturday it is Caturday and I am the star of this weeks show.  

This is me when I was a little kitten don’t I look adorable, this first one is me laying on mum’s lap and the next one is me sitting, I didn’t know back then that my mum would take so many photos of me.

Of course back then I didn’t know what a phone or camera was but now I do and there are times when I see mum pick up her phone and points it at me and I jump up and run and hide fast.

 

Photo Friday

 

Hi everyone, for the next few Friday's I will be just sharing a photo, this weeks is an old school photo with me in it.  I am in the front row second from the fold line on the right.

The post with links to other posts

My post with links to other posts and a few photos as well

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/02/sunday-stealing_23.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-loving-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/02/share-my-world_24.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/02/tuesdays-4_25.html

  

Both Eyes Working Together

 

I’m pretty sure we all know that both our eyes work together which is one of the reasons humans are so good at judging distance, catching things, and navigating the world smoothly.

Each eye is sending slightly different views to the brain, which then blends them into a single, rich picture of the world.

Because your eyes are spaced apart, each one has a unique angle on whatever you’re looking at.

The left eye sees a bit more of the left side

The right eye sees a bit more of the right side

These differences are tiny but incredibly important.

The brain combines the two images in the visual cortex, and compares the differences then merges them into one seamless picture. This process is called fusion it’s so automatic you don’t notice it happening.

Depth perception comes from the differences

The slight mismatch between the two images is called binocular disparity. Your brain uses this to calculate distance, which gives you 3D vision accurate depth judgment with the ability to catch a ball, pour water, or thread a needle.

This is why closing one eye makes the world look flatter.

Eye muscles keep both eyes aligned with six tiny muscles around each eye coordinate perfectly, so both eyes point at the same target. This allows smooth tracking of moving objects, quick jumps when reading and stable vision even when your head moves.

If the eyes don’t align properly, the brain may suppress one image to avoid double vision. The brain chooses the best information even though both eyes send data, but the brain can prioritise the clearer image. It can switch dominance depending on the task ignore conflicting information if needed.

This is why many people have a dominant eye, like having a dominant hand.

It’s an elegant partnership between biology and brainpower.

 

Largest Snakes

 

 

I have been thinking about todays post since last night unsure about what I was going to write and decided to do another post about snakes as in what is the largest snake in the world?

Since the word largest has two definitions there are two answers one is the reticulated python, which is the longest snake species on Earth.

They can be up to 7.2 metres or 23 feet in length with rare reports of some reaching over 30 feet in length. Generally, adults are between 3 and 6 metres in length.

Reticulated pythons are native to South and Southeast Asia, living mainly in tropical forests and nearby wet, warm environments. Think countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and The Philippines.

Now if we are thinking about the heaviest snake, it would be the Green Anaconda which can exceed 200–250 kg in extreme cases. Its length is usually between 5 & 6 metres.

Green anacondas are native to tropical South America, especially in wet, swampy, slow‑moving freshwater environments.

Think areas such as the Amazon Basin (Brazil, Peru, Colombia) the Orinoco Basin (Venezuela, Colombia) The Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana) and Trinidad.

They are semi‑aquatic and move far more easily in water than on land. Their eyes and nostrils sit on top of the head, letting them stay almost fully submerged while hunting.

Next week we will check out the smallest snakes.

 

Bathurst 1,000

 

Hello everyone, this Monday I am writing a bit about the Bathurst 1000, for those who don’t know it is a car race.

In fact, the Bathurst 1000 is Australia’s most iconic motorsport event, it’s a 1,000 km (621 miles) endurance race held every October at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, NSW.

It’s the crown jewel of the Supercars Championship and a cultural institution for racing fans.

The Mount Panorama Circuit is a public road for most of the year but transformed into a world‑class racetrack during events. The circuit has dramatic elevation changes of 174 metres, tight technical sections, and the blisteringly fast Conrod Straight, where cars can hit 300 km/h, (187 mph).

The race involves 161 laps which is a total distance of 1,000.29km’s, with teams consisting of two drivers sharing one car. It is known for unpredictable weather, safety cars, crashes, and strategy battles.

It was first run in 1960 as the Armstrong 500 at Phillip Island. It moved to Bathurst in 1963, the distance was increased to 1,000 km in 1973.

The winners receive the Peter Brock Trophy, named after the nine‑time Bathurst champion known as the “King of the Mountain.”

Last year the winners were Matt Payne & Garth Tander, it was Payne’s first Bathurst win and Tander’s sixth, placing him equal third all‑time. It was a chaotic, rain‑affected race with late‑race drama, including a penalty reshuffling the final order.

This year’s race is scheduled for 8–11 October it is promoted as another massive chapter in the Enduro Cup, with fan events, displays, and family‑friendly entertainment.

There’s also the Bathurst 12 Hour, a GT endurance race held earlier in the year. It features GT3 supercars and international drivers. Recent editions have included major crashes and dramatic red flags. I have not heard of this race.