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The Club PUBlication  09/28/2020

9/28/2020

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​THE CUTTING EDGE


​Ancient DNA reveals new insight on Vikings
One of the most sweeping genetic surveys of ancient DNA ever done offers some surprises about the people we call Vikings.

Ninety researchers, led by Eske Willerslev of the University of Copenhagen, reported in the journal Nature on their analysis of the genomes of 443 ancient humans from Europe and Greenland. They found considerable genetic variety in the remains, indicating migration of Southern Europeans, before the Viking Age of roughly 750 to 1050, to the area of Denmark.
The earliest evidence of a Viking expedition comes from a burial site dated to around 750 in Salme, Estonia, where two ships were buried; seven men in one, 34 in another, with weapons, provisions, dogs and birds of prey. The DNA analysis showed that four of the men were brothers and they were related to a fifth man, perhaps an uncle. One of the report’s authors, archaeologist Neil Price said: “We kind of suspected that you go raiding with your family, but it shows that they really did.

“There’s a story behind that,” he said, “ ‘Saving Private Ryan’ or something.”


Joshua trees temporary declared endangered
California officials took the unusual step of granting temporary endangered species status to the western Joshua tree, but will allow 15 solar energy firms to raze Joshua trees that stand in the way of their shovel-ready projects.

The action reflects a difficult reality: Climate change represents a clear threat to both public health in California and to the long-term sustainability of the western Joshua tree. Supporters claim that Yucca brevifolia faces the threat of extinction due to climate change, wildfires and habitat destruction from urban sprawl.


Why some bees have larger brains than others
Panurgus banksianus, the large shaggy bee, lives alone, burrowed into sandy grasslands across Europe. It prefers to feed on yellow-flowered members of the aster family.

The large shaggy bee also has a very large brain.

In a study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, scientists scrutinized hundreds of bee brains. Bees with specialized diets seem to have larger brains, while social behavior appears unrelated to brain size. That means when it comes to insects, the rules that have guided brain evolution in other animals may not apply.

Ferran Sayol, an evolutionary biologist at University College London, and his co-authors studied brains from 395 female bees belonging to 93 species from across the U.S., Spain and the Netherlands.

One pattern that emerged was a connection between brain size and how long each bee generation lasted. Bees that only go through one generation each year have larger brains, relative to their body size, than bees with multiple generations a year.
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Looking at the bees’ diets revealed a more surprising tendency. In birds, “we know that species that have a broader diet tend to have bigger brains,” Sayol said. The challenge of finding and consuming a wide variety of foods may demand a large brain. However, Sayol said, “We found the opposite in bees.” The biggest brains were in dietary specialists, such as the aster-loving large shaggy bee.




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The Club PUBlication  09/21/2020

9/21/2020

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​3 mini-vacations in the Midwest that offer spectacular scenery and won't             break the bank

These three quick trips feel worlds away. 

By  Sue Campbell and Nicole Hvidsten Star Tribune
 
SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 — 12:00PM

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Take in sprawling views of the mighty Mississippi at the Buena Vista Park overlook in Alma, Wis.
As much as we love our own four walls, there comes a time when we crave a change of scenery. Even a fast trip can relieve stress, provide perspective and feed wanderlust. Here are three Midwest getaways, ranging from a day trip to two nights away, to refresh your mind and spirit. (We visited destinations over the summer; check to make sure they’re open before you go and, of course, only travel when you feel safe and aren’t endangering others.)

Great River Road around Lake Pepin
Some visitors to the Mississippi Valley hike or bike, bird watch or fish. Our plan: Meander by car, stopping to shop, eat, walk and relax, and see how far we get along the Lake Pepin loop.

In Maiden Rock, my husband and I braked for Cultural Cloth and sampled a sugar cookie with lavender and ginger from the Smiling Pelican Bakeshop next door. Since the pandemic, the owner bakes all week, then, Saturdays only, sets goodies on the porch, trusting customers to leave the right payment. Lines form before 9 a.m. and she’s typically sold out by 10:30 a.m., so plan ahead.

A short drive and scenic overlook later, we reached Stockholm Pie and General Store, a must if you’re traveling with kids. That’s because of the inviting fill-your-own-bag candy and marble offerings for less than $2. (Note: Bring your own hand sanitizer.)

In Pepin, Derick and Julianne Dahlen used visits to Italy as inspiration for Villa Bellezza, an event center and complex including vineyards, tasting room, restaurant — and chapel. Sit distanced outside at the piazza, complete with burbling water fountain, and order wine made from grapes grown on site to pair with a cheese plate or pizza.

Other eating options include longtime favorite the Harbor View Cafe, still known for fresh, seasonal cooking. When we visited, indoor seating was limited due to COVID, but takeout orders were available to eat on the patio. A less expensive option is E&S Fresh Market, an old-fashioned country store. Head back to the meat counter, where they’ll custom-make your sandwich for less than $5, then walk to the beach to sit under towering cottonwoods to enjoy it.

Farther south, in Alma, a pretty path coils up to Buena Vista Park, where your climb to the bluff top is rewarded with spectacular views of the river (including Lock and Dam No. 4) and its backwaters below. Don’t miss the Commercial Gallery, run by Kristine Kjos, a weaver and seamstress. She has curated works by local artists and sells her own creations, from silk face masks and delicate shawls to linen hand towels. Look for her loom set up near the cash register.

When you reach Nelson before crossing the river, pop into Nelson’s Creamery, known for its cheese selection. A side room offers wine for tasting and purchase. There’s also a cart selling ice cream cones. Eat what you buy on the shaded back patio while you visit with the house cats.

On the Minnesota side of Lake Pepin, the road brings you closer to the water so the river feels more alive, buzzing with boats. Keep an eye out for signs to Reads Landing, a brewery with yet another inviting patio beckoning you to sit awhile.
Our next stop at Hok Si La park to stretch and survey the beach convinced us it would make a nice day destination all on its own.

By the time we maneuvered Lake City and its charming marina, then in the middle of major road construction, we decided to call it a day. Wiser visitors might pick up the pace to make time for Wabasha, or Old Frontenac and the expanded state park there, or Red Wing, with its famed Barn Bluff hike and views. A better idea is to split the loop and take one leisurely side of Pepin at a time, with an overnight rest in between. Options abound, along with those amazing river views.
— Sue Campbell

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Rainbow Falls is the lowest of the Black River falls. A suspension bridge leads visitors to a sandy beach on Lake Superior.
Upper Peninsula Waterfalls
“This is even better than Minnesota,” my friend Laura says midway through a blissful day of hiking from one gorgeous waterfall to another.

It sounds like heresy to lovers of Gooseberry and Tettegouche falls, but you can chase — and find — beautifully flowing water by driving east past Bayfield, Wis., and crossing into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

We left the Twin Cities on a Friday evening and reached our cabin rentalabout four and a half hours later.

Saturday morning, we cooked breakfast, packed snacks and headed straight to the Black River, where the North Country Trail runs alongside the water. Serious hikers can park at the trailhead for the nearly 6-mile descent to Lake Superior. We opted to drive the distance, stopping at designated lots near each of five falls, then following well-marked trails and the increasing roar of the water to observation decks, where we were awed by the rushing, tannin-darkened water below. Each stop revealed a new perspective on the surrounding Ottawa National Forest and the cliffs and boulders edging the water, and each set of falls had its own personality.

From Great Conglomerate, to Potawatomi to Gorge falls, we strolled down then panted and puffed our way back up. At Sandstone, we ventured onto rocks jutting into the river to bask in the sun and watch fellow travelers make daring leaps to plant themselves farther from shore. At Rainbow Falls, the spray of the water sparkled in colorful arcs.

After seeing that last fall, we continued to Black River Harbor Recreation Area, where we crossed a suspension bridge that swayed beneath us and followed a path to a sandy Lake Superior beach, where a few hardy souls swam and others sat in groups dotting the shore.

The next day we headed to the Presque Isle River, on the western edge of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. As we approached another suspension bridge, the river felt narrower and steeper. A sign warned of strong currents and dangerous undertows and told us not to swim (or fall) in the water. It’s easy to forget any danger, walking through the magical old-growth forest on a boardwalk lined with delicate ferns and dainty wildflowers. To find the falls, we headed upriver on the West River Trail, noting the pronounced potholes formed over years of water eroding rock.

When we had looked, listened and relaxed, we walked back to cross the bridge and head downstream. Once again, we landed at a Lake Superior beach, this one narrow, rocky and rugged with a calm bay where we watched a family of ducks swim and dive for food.

A trip here pairs nicely with a drive deeper into the park, to Lake of the Clouds, tucked between two Porcupine ridges and known for its beautiful, calm blue waters that reflect the sky above. There’s a hiking path connecting the escarpment, which draws lots of tourists for the view, to the lake below, which tends to be less crowded.

We headed back to the cities that night, wishing we could have stayed just one more day in this self-proclaimed God’s Country, but happy for the magic worked on our minds by the fast-moving waters.

Stay: We looked up rentals through Big Snow resort, which runs Blackjack and Indianhead mountain ski areas in Wakefield. Lodge rooms also available, and rates are discounted during the offseason.

Eat and drink: Jagger’s Ore House in the old mining town of Ramsay serves up big portions of pizza and pub food. Sky Bar Mountaintop Grill in Wakefield is known for fish fry Fridays and stellar views. Merriweather’s Hoop ’n Holler Tavern offers calming Lake Gogebic views. And the bartenders are friendly at tiny, vintage Nora’s Bar & Red Carpet Lounge in Hurley, Wis. If you Airbnb, the Super One Foods in Ironwood has wide offerings and masked employees and shoppers. 
— Sue Campbell

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Both the Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum, left, and the historic Winneshiek Hotel have a commanding presence on Water Street.
Decorah, Iowa
If you’re itching for a laid-back overnight trip, head south. Less than three hours from the Twin Cities — and a straight shot down U.S. Hwy. 52 — Decorah is the perfect place for a scenic game of Choose Your Own Adventure.

For the active: If you’re a cyclist, be sure to pack yours (or rent one from Decorah Bicycles) to take advantage of Decorah’s many trails. The impressive 11-mile Trout Run Trail circles the city, following the Upper Iowa River and crisscrossing trout streams. There’s a variety of terrain and scenery along the way — including public art sculptures — and the trail is equally suited for walkers and wheelchairs.

Volunteers with Decorah Human Powered Trails maintain more than 26 miles of off-road trails for mountain biking — the river and bluffs make Decorah a surprising destination. Trails such as Palisades, Van Peenen and Dunning are as popular with hikers and trail runners as they are bikers.

If you still have energy on the way home, add the Cannon Valley Trail to your itinerary. There’s a trailhead for the 20-mile loop in Cannon Falls, and the trail winds through Welch and Red Wing for peak fall color viewing.

For the nature lover: Minnesota has lakes, Decorah has the Upper Iowa River. We have Minnehaha Falls, Decorah answers with Malanaphy and Dunning springs.

They say Malanaphy Springs is best viewed from the river, but it can be equally picturesque on foot. The mile-long walk to the falls isn’t smooth — choose your shoes accordingly — and pack a lunch for a scenic picnic. The state preserve is also a forest, with hundreds of native plants to admire.

Dunning Springs Park is an easy walk, and it’s nearly impossible to not stick your toe in the running water. Admire the falls from below, or cross the stone bridge and climb the steps for a different view. Before leaving, head down the road to the Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve. It’s exactly what it sounds like — a cave with ice deposits well into summer. You can learn about its fascinating history, but you can’t go too far into the cave due to safety concerns. Don’t forget a flashlight.

Siewers Springs is home to the Decorah Fish Hatchery, where you can see trout being raised for release into area streams. Try your hand at fishing in the springs across the street, where you’ll also find the city’s famous eagle nest (or catch them on the live cam). The area has plenty of parking, a bathroom and is on the Trout Run Trail, making it a good place to start or end your day.

For the meandering: Downtown Decorah’s crown jewel, the Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum, was closed when we visited, but we’re eager to return to see its extensive collection of Norwegian American artifacts. The main building replicates life in 19th-century Norway and, just outside, Heritage Park has a collection of historic buildings. Plan a trip when the museum’s folk-art school reopens, and visit the store for cozy sweaters and plenty of Uff Da tchotchkes.

Water Street’s shops range from the independent Dragonfly Books to the gallery Agora Arts, a downtown fixture for decades. You’ll also find antiques, a leather shop, clothing boutiques, a toy store and the Blue Heron Knittery, among others, along with coffee shops, restaurants and the Oneota Co-op, where you can pick up picnic supplies.

Finish your stroll at the historic Hotel Winneshiek, built in 1904. Stay the night, pop in for a drink at the bar and if you’re lucky, sneak a peek at the Opera House, with its original tin walls and ceiling.

Wherever your adventure leads, plan a stop at one of the area’s wineries or breweries — we were fans of Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. And for a nostalgic nightcap? Stand in line at the no-frills Whippy Dip ice cream stand, dishing up soft serve since 1954.
— Nicole Hvidsten



Sue Campbell is the managing editor for features. Her teams cover lifestyle, arts & entertainment, food & drink, home & garden, travel and books. Sue also edits the quarterly Star Tribune magazine. 
[email protected] 612-673-4032 SuePCampbell

Nicole Ploumen Hvidsten is an editor and design director for the Star Tribune. She's worked as a reporter, copy editor and designer before settling into her roles as a designer and editor for the Star Tribune Magazine.
[email protected] 612-673-7563
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The Club PUBlication  09/14/2020

9/14/2020

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​Long thought loners, teen male elephants follow the leader
By CHRISTINA LARSON Associated Press

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Connie Allen via New York Times Male elephants, shown at the Boteti River in Botswana, have a more complex social structure than believed. Older males often take a position at the front with younger males tagging along behind them.
WASHINGTON – A line of elephants trundles across a dusty landscape in northern Botswana, ears flapping . As they pass a hidden camera , photos record the presence of each elephant.

What’s special about this group? It’s only males.

Female elephants are known to form tight family groups led by experienced matriarchs. Males were long assumed to be loners, because they leave their mother’s herd when they reach 10 to 20 years of age.

A new study shows that teenage males aren’t anti-social after all. Younger males were seen tagging along behind older males as they traveled. It’s more evidence in an emerging body of research that shows older males — like their female counterparts — play an important role in elephants’ complex society.

For the study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers analyzed photos of 1,264 sightings of male African savanna elephants. They found that younger males seldom traveled alone and older males most often led groups of mixed ages.

“Mature male elephants often take a position at the front of the line when they are leading the group,” said Diana Reiss, director of the Animal Behavior and Conservation Program at Hunter College. “In human societies, grandparents are valued because they make really important contributions — helping with child care and passing down knowledge gained over decades. We’re now learning this pattern is also true for some other long-lived mammals.”

Scientists have long known more about breeding herds of female elephants, said Connie Allen, a biologist at the University of Exeter and a co-author of the new paper. “But males also have multifaceted social lives, and their groupings aren’t only shaped by kinship ties,” she said.

When several young orphaned male elephants were introduced into a park in Pilanesberg, South Africa, in the mid-1990s, they were extremely aggressive and killed 40 white rhinoceros. But their behavior was moderated after six older male elephants were added.

“In some way, the older males created order, and all that pandemonium was quelled,” said Carl Safina, an ecologist at Stony Brook University.
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Conservation strategies should take into account the mentorship role that older males play, Allen said. “Males are more enigmatic.  But it turns out they aren’t such loners,” she said.
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The Club PUBlication   09/07/2020

9/7/2020

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Steering wheels no more? Artificial intelligence is making them superfluous.

​ By STEPHEN WILLIAMS • New York Times

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Grab one before they’re gone.

Forward thinkers in the automotive cosmos are predicting that, after more than a century as a cockpit staple, the steering wheel will go the way of leaded gas, a victim of “disruptive processes,” replaced by artificial intelligence. Essentially, there won’t be one.

For now, the steering wheel continues to link driver and car. Wrapped in soft leather or lush Alcantara, it might be something we caress. Sometimes we smack it in frustration. We spin it with two hands, or sometimes with two fingers, or sometimes our knees.

Besides the seat, it’s the only component in the vehicle with which we have intense physical contact, said Hans-Peter Wunderlich, creative director for interior design at Mercedes-Benz.

“The fingertips feel little things that we normally don’t notice,” he said. “If an unevenness is disturbing or the steering wheel does not fit snugly in our hands, we don’t like it.”

The German brand, one of many car-makers heavily researching an autonomous driving future, has not abandoned the steering wheel yet. But it is outfitting it with new high-tech touches. Arriving this year in the E-Class range is a wheel that houses a dual-zone sensor that can detect if the driver’s hands are on it. Additional touch control sensors are incorporated into the spokes that activate digital signals for a variety of safety functions.

“If you’re in automated mode, with the sensors we can detect the driving situations and we don’t have to disturb the driver,” said Marcus Fiege, manager of Mercedes’ steering wheel development, who is based in Stuttgart, Germany.
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Following suit
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Certainly, the technologies that are featured in the E-Class will appear in future Mercedes models and filter to other brands. Those carmakers, including Ford, Tesla and General Motors, also are looking beyond the near horizon.
Cruise, the autonomous-car unit of GM, has asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to allow the company to test a limited number of autonomous vehicles without steering wheels. The agency said it is reviewing GM’s petition.

But some driving habits — honed over a century — die hard. A steering wheel represents a degree of comfort and control. And some buyers have certain ideas about them.

“Thick. They want a thicker wheel,” said David Yavel, a client adviser at Rallye BMW in New York City. “Not in terms of diameter or circumference, but in terms of a thick nappa leather grip. And heated. A heated steering wheel is now a must for most customers.”

For a device that seems essentially straightforward, the modern steering wheel is really quite complicated. It has sprouted a vast array of buttons, levers for cruise control and headlamp flashing, paddle shifters, chopped-off bottoms, containers for air bags and, yes, heat coils.

It wasn’t always like this.


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