a dog's
cold nose
PROGRESS in the March of Science. Researchers in Sweden and Hungary believe they have solved the mystery surrounding dogs' noses and why they are so cold, according to Sky News.
A study revealed the phenomenon is down to their sniffers serving as ultra-sensitive heat detectors - and not anything to do with body temperature regulation.
They recorded the temperature of dogs' noses in different ambient temperatures and concluded that the tip of the nose serves as a sensory function.
There are many who would dispute this. The real purpose of a dog's cold nose is surely to sniff at his master/mistress as he/she emerges from a hot shower and see how high he/she can jump.
Satisfaction
OLE, ole, ole! The Sharks are at the top of the regional log in Super Rugby, and deservedly so after their demolition of the Pumas, er Jaguares, last Saturday, playing the most enterprising, entertaining rugby we've seen in a long time.
And this on top of a highly successful four-match tour Down Under and an exhausting flight home.
There's no room for complacency – it's the Stormers this week, also at home at King's Park – but there's certainly room for satisfaction at seeing a young side jell in this way into a truly formidable combination.
Especially pleasing is the deftness of the interpassing and directional change among the threequarters; also of the crossing of the gain line by metres, even when tackled, and quick recycling of the ball. Also the pin-point box kicks. Also the marauding play of the pack. The Jags just didn't know what had hit them.
I've a feeling this competition is going to get just better and better.
Ole, ole ole!
Birds?
OVERHEARD in the Street Shelter for the Over-Forties: "Men call women 'birds'. It must be because of all the worms they pick up."
Labrador shake
lNVESTMENT analyst Dr James Greener in his latest grumpy newsletter describes stock market reaction to the coronavirus as akin to a wet labrador.
"The markets whipsawed in both directions far and fast, ejecting investors and traders like water from a wet labrador having a good shake.
"To what extent this was also a reaction to the outcome from the current phase of that never-ending circus the Americans use to find the most contentious and unsuitable person to be their leader for the next four years, is uncertain.
"The up-tick after the record-setting one-day fall in most indicators has all the classic hallmarks of the distastefully named 'dead cat bounce' (not to be confused with a band of the same name).
"The rand is setting new all-time lows against most important currencies, setting the scene for us to watch those politicians who said they would simply 'pick it up' when this happened.
"In fact, after a long period where worldwide the omniscient deciders have coaxed interest rates ever lower, now, when there's an event like this, there is not all that further down to go.
"The seat belt sign is on folks. The price of Krugerrands has outperformed the all share index by around 20% in the last couple of months."
Tailpiece
AN INVESTOR comes to see a famous stockbroker. "Can you tell me how much you charge?"
"Of course. I charge R1 000 per question."
"That's a bit steep, isn't it?"
"Yes it is. And what's your third question?"
Last word
A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. - George Bernard Shaw
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