The tutor visits the distinction between the similar-sounding structures rhizoid and rhizome. Rhizoids are simple structures that resemble roots but are are more primitive. They provide anchorage and some absorption of water and nutrients. Fungi and mosses have rhizoids in …

Biology: the difference between a rhizoid and a rhizome Read more »

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The tutor comments about the reproductive pathways of zygospore fungi, including black bread mold. With a zygospore fungus, such as black bread mold, the part you see above the surface comprises sporangia (singular: sporangium), which release spores. Spores have n …

Fungi: reproductive cycle: zygospore fungi Read more »

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The tutor shares reflections about, from his point of view, the first day of spring, 2016, in Campbell River. As many of my readers realize, I’m a Maritimer. The mild weather on Canada’s west coast continues to impress me, even …

Weather and Seasons: first day of spring, 2016, Campbell River Read more »

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The tutor defines insulin response and insulin resistance and explains their connection. Recall: herein, ACV means apple cider vinegar. In yesterday’s post I mentioned my discovery that apple cider vinegar potentially increases the effectiveness of insulin. As carbohydrates are digested, …

Biology: insulin response and insulin resistance Read more »

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The tutor seeks the truth about a celebrated health food, apple cider vinegar. Herein, ACV means apple cider vinegar. Fifteen years ago, I overheard my boxing coach recommend ACV to a fighter who was struggling to make weight. Since then, …

Lifestyle: diet and weight loss: apple cider vinegar Read more »

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The tutor explains why a chemical system will exist at equilibrium. Over my last couple of posts I’ve defined reaction and equilibrium. I’ve also explained why a reaction will proceed spontaneously. (For background see here and here.) Today, the focus …

Chemistry: why equilibrium persists Read more »

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The tutor explains why a reaction goes forward. Consider, from my previous post, the following reaction: C3H8 + 5O2→3CO2+4H20,   Î”H=-2219 kJ/mol This reaction proceeds from left to right because, by so doing, it follows nature’s two preferred trends: Entropy rises …

Chemistry: why a reaction proceeds from left to right Read more »

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The tutor explains the distinction between reaction and equilibrium. A reaction is stated as reactants→products An example: C3H8 + 5O2→3CO2+4H2O A reaction is thought to proceed until at least one of the left side ingredients is gone. An equilibrium is …

Chemistry: difference between reaction and equilibrium Read more »

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The tutor investigates higher household usage over last year. For Nov11-Jan11, our daily household usage this year was 6kWh above last year. My wife points to the new electric fireplace downstairs as the culprit. More specifically, she means that it’s …

Lifestyle: the Hydro bill Read more »

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