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MUNDANE MYSTERIES: What Are Cobwebs & Where Do They Come From?

In addition to having been the classic joke nickname that I was given as a kid, the “cobweb” is also a classic Halloween decoration…a sticky, delicate blanket that stretches across ceilings & walls as a remnant of a past spider’s occupation. Some homes don’t need the artificial version, however, since genuine cobwebs are consistent nuisances that require perpetual prodding with dusters. But, where do cobwebs really come from?

The word “cobweb” describes any web spun by a member of the family of spiders known as Theridiidae, which features an impressive array of different species that can be found in residential homes. But, colloquially, folks tend to use “cobweb” to refer to abandoned threads of webbing that end up cleared away with brooms. When they’re in use, cobwebs tend to be sticky yet unstructured, without the intricately amazing design of real spider webs that are woven by other species. Spiders construct their webs as a way of trapping prey, but when one location ends up being less-than-fruitful, they just move somewhere else. That, along with the death of each web’s weaver, is usually what leads to the abandoned cobwebs that we see, which eventually fall apart & dangle limply from room corners as they collect & trap dust.

That flypaper characteristic, however, is what makes you notice a cobweb in the first place. Because, as they accumulate dust particles, cobwebs become more visible. You probably also notice single, isolated web strands, which are most likely from spiders’ interior travels as they search for places to settle in.

If you’d prefer to cut back on the cobweb clutter in your casa, simply dusting regularly can reduce their visibility (or even their existence). Also, be sure to look for & seal cracks around doors & windows which could allow access to eight-legged interlopers. Or, just do what I do: simply wait it out & get the extra mileage out of your cobwebs until after you’ve used them for authentic Halloween decorations. It’s only 9 months away, they’ll be fine until then!

Got a Mundane Mystery you’d like solved? Send me a message via social media (@AndyWebbRadioVoice), or shoot me an email at [email protected].

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: The Difference Between Buzzards & Vultures

You know those odd-looking birds that circle above lost cartoon characters & skulk along the roadside after an unfortunate car-meets-wildlife incident? What are those bald-headed birds of prey called? Vultures, or buzzards? While they may be synonymous here in America, in other parts of the world, buzzards & vultures are actually two different kinds of birds.

“Vulture” may be the easiest of the two to define, since the name describes the same animal in all English-speaking countries. Vultures are scavengers known for their distinct, featherless heads, and there are 23 different species throughout the world, including the turkey vulture & the Andean condor.

While “buzzard” has become a common slang term for vultures here in the US, it’s actually used much differently overseas. In the UK & elsewhere, buzzard is a name for a kind of hawk: medium- to large-sized raptors that feed on small birds, mammals, and carrion. There are 26 hawk species with the word buzzard in their name, including the European honey-buzzard, the lizard buzzard, and the common buzzard.

So how did vultures became buzzards in America? Well, we have early European colonists thank (or blame) for that. When settlers first saw vultures flying high above them in the sky, they likely noticed a resemblance to the broad-winged, dark-feathered birds of prey from back home in England. But, by the time they’d had the chance to see vultures up close & realize that they weren’t actually hawks, the name buzzard had already gained traction.

This isn’t the only case of Americans using an animal name in a confusing way. Here, opossums are often called possums for short, even though possum is the name of an entirely different marsupial species native to Australia. So, if you’re traveling abroad & want to tell someone you saw a buzzard eating a possum, you may want to choose your words carefully.

Got a Mundane Mystery you’d like solved? Send me a message via social media (@AndyWebbRadioVoice), or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Closings and Cancellations 1/26/21

Schools:

Frederick County Public Schools- FCPS will offer all-virtual instruction. Offices are open on time. Students who access FCPS buildings for internet capabilities will not be permitted to do so today due to inclement weather. Afterschool and evening activities canceled.

Berkley County Public Schools – Closed

Waynesboro Area School District- 2 hour delay

Clark County Schools- Closed.

Loudon County Schools- 2 hour delay with admin offices opening on-time.

Howard County Schools- Virtual instruction will take place. Buildings are closed. Meal Service Cancelled. HCPS in-person afterschool activities w/ HCPS students/staff & community-sponsored programs in HCPS buildings are canceled.

Greencastle/ Antrim School District- Closed

New Life Christian Academy of Frederick- Virtual learning only.

Frederick Christian Academy- open at 10 am.

Clark County Schools- Closed.

St. John’s Regional Catholic School- 2 hour delay

Government:

Ft. Detrick – open at 10am

FBI Winchester: First shift has a 2 hour delay or unscheduled leave. Federal agencies in the D.C. area are open Tuesday and have the option to allow unscheduled leave/telework.

Maryland State Government- Liberal leave

Medical:

The Meritus drive thru COVID testing opens at noon.

Meritus wound center will open at 12:30.

 

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Cats Love To Sit On Computer Keyboards

If you’ve been working from home, or have ever used a computer at your place, then you probably know that computer keyboards are prime real estate in the eyes of pretty much every cat. They’ll frequently bypass their comfy cat bed over in the corner & just sprawl right out across your laptop. But why? It hardly seems random, and, as it turns out…it’s not.

One reason is the heat coming from your device. Cats are most comfortable when they don’t have to use their own energy to heat their bodies. Their “thermoneutral zone”, or temperature sweet spot, is between 86°F & 100°F. And, computer keyboards are often nice & toasty, just like heating vents, sunny spots, and pretty much all the other places your cat prefers to lounge.

But, what if your laptop doesn’t run hot? Your cat might still like to hang around it whenever you’re trying to get work done. I mean, after all, it’s where you are. And, that laptop is on your lap, which is prime feline territory. Plus, you’re staring at it constantly, all while your cat would prefer that it gets your immediate & direct attention. So, it gets between you & the screen to accomplish that.

Most folks probably welcome a visit from their favorite furry coworker to break up the monotony of emails, spreadsheets, and other work. But, with that said, being able to only see half of your screen & use only half of your keyboard…that isn’t the most ideal work scenario. And, unfortunately, giving your cat attention (even if it’s just to move them out of the way) can actually reinforce their behavior.

The best way to convince your cat to steer clear of the keyboard is to reward them whenever they settle down somewhere else. That might require setting up an appealing alternative spot, like a heated cat bed or a pillow-filled corner near a window. Then, tempt them over there with treats & pay plenty of visits to their new turf. Then, eventually they should lose interest in your boring old keyboard.

Got a Mundane Mystery you’d like solved? Send me a message via social media (@AndyWebbRadioVoice), or shoot me an email at [email protected].

{Katie’s Baby Blog} Happy Friday!

Happy Friday from our sweet BIG girl!!!

My mom sent me this picture (on left) this morning and I can’t believe how big my baby looks! She seems to grow and change overnight.

The second picture below is her playing and using her baby doll plates and silverware to feed my parent’s dog and our dog, Zoey 🙂 They are her besties!

And…if you can’t tell…this girl loves her jammies! She will beg me to let her stay in them all day; and sometimes we do 😉

 

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Marines Are Called “Jarheads”

The US military has always had its own interesting language. To “hit the silk” is to use a parachute. Something that’s 20 kilometers away is considered 20 “klicks”. A flashlight can be called a “moonbeam.”

Most of the terminology is pretty obvious in what it means, but there’s one term that’s a bit more ambiguous: some military folk refer to Marine Corps members as “jarheads.”

Why is that, and what is “jarhead” in reference to?

Well, there are a few theories. The Marines were founded on November 10, 1775, as a subset of different military branches, before later becoming its own branch. The Marines have long used a uniform with a high-collar, originally made of leather, which once led to the nickname “leathernecks”. That high collar was thought to have given a Marine the appearance of his head sticking out of a jar, thus leading to the “jarhead” moniker (which was adopted around World War II).

Another physical trait may have also led to the nickname: the Marines’ trademark haircuts are short on the sides and square & flat on top, which could’ve looked like a jar lid to some.

It’s also possible the “jarhead” label referred more to the overall Marine attitude, as opposed to physical characteristics. Marines have long been seen at as durable & able to endure tough physical training, which led to a belief among other service members that Marines are hard on the outside while being able to hold inside whatever beliefs or orders are sent down from above. This theory is actually probably more true than others, since, as early as 1918, “jarhead” was a slang term used for a mule. Since mules were considered loyal & hardworking animals who are able to follow orders, it’s possible the “jarhead” nickname was ported over to Marines, who considered it a favorable comparison.

The “jarhead” label may be well-received or not depending on the Marine in question, but many Marines embrace it, since it designates them as unwavering in their sense of duty. Unless you’re also a service member, though, it’s probably best to let them be the ones to use that moniker.

Got a Mundane Mystery you’d like solved? Send me a message via social media (@AndyWebbRadioVoice), or shoot me an email at [email protected].

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why People Are Seemingly Immune To Their Body Odor

How is that so many otherwise sensitive people expose others to their less-than-stellar body odor? I mean, surely they have to know that they, or their clothes, aren’t up to snuff, right? Right?

Compared to most animals, humans don’t have an acutely developed sense of smell. The human olfactory nerve easily becomes fatigued in areas where there are strong odors. So, in order for your brain to not be overloaded with information, your nervous system decides not to even try being bothered by your own body odor unless it changes dramatically. Whether you regularly smell like a spring bouquet of daisies or last night’s leftover table scraps, you’re unlikely to notice, even if you’re sensitive to other people’s B.O.

This fatigue principle applies to a lot of our other senses. Workers at automobile factories learn to block out all the machinery sounds, which would otherwise drive them insane. Residents of Hershey, PA, stop noticing the smell of chocolate that permeates the entire town. There’s even a phenomenon where students often can’t discriminate the tastes of different dishes served in their school cafeterias. (Of course, that might be explained by the fact that all cafeteria dishes do taste alike, but we might need a government grant to solve why that mystery exists.)

Got a Mundane Mystery you’d like solved? Send me a message via social media (@AndyWebbRadioVoice), or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Tim McGraw & Tyler Hubbard Perform Undivided

What better way to debut a new song than perform it for the Presidential inauguration? Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line wrote this song while he was quarantined alone on his tour bus battling COVID-19. So close to his family yet so far, parked in his drive way. He took advantage of his time alone to create a song that represents unity. Tim McGraw jumped at the chance to be a part of it. Check out their live performance here:

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