Category Archives: Naturally Speaking

better early than late, for once

by in Naturally Speaking, R Outlook, R vs History | Leave a comment

So. On August 10, 1821, Missouri achieved Statehood. We salute Missouri therefore. A fine state, full of fine folk, who, We gather, prefer the product to the advertisement.

You may be less aware of the Hypsibema Missouriensis, Missouri’s state dinosaur. In actual fact, Rhinos were not around when this critter was in action, but it makes a good picture, and at ‘Your Inner Rhino’, that counts for a lot. One thing to notice is, it had a thousand teeth, which is a lot, for grinding up vegetation. Impressive dentition.

Rhinos average about 28 teeth.In case you wondered.

In Hindsight

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Contrary to popular rumor, Rhinos can, and do, back up. It is not a graceful business, but it does sometimes get us where We need to go.

Nature did not design Us to easily peer past our own grandiose amplitude. Thus, when confronted with situations demanding reverse gear, We have minor misgivings. We prefer to turn and move out.

Kangaroos cannot go backward, We are told. For all Rhinos know, it’s true.

the Dinner Bell

by in Department of the Interior, Naturally Speaking, R Life Lessons | Leave a comment

As you are probably aware, in the Wild there are no stores. Rhinos do all our mealtime shopping right at the source, be it field or stream or where-have-you, day or night, We see what’s fresh and fruity and get down to business. Soup’s on!

We press on from season to season, following Nature’s signs and provisions. Occasionally there are issues with uncooperative weather, but mostly, We thrive.

We generally consume 100 pounds of food each day, so you can see why Rhinos do not hesitate to chew. Got to keep fit and robust.

Hilly Terrain and its Quirks

by in Naturally Speaking, Plain and simple, R Attitude | Leave a comment

 

One phenomenon of moving around the countryside is that Uphill is a lot harder to achieve than Downhill.

In our Rhino efforts to conserve Energy, Downhill appeals to Us, right? Whether by wheel, toboggan, ski, or sled, Downhill is swift and terrible; what could be nicer?! (For the sake of discussion, We are assuming that a Rhino comes safely to a stop near the destination.)

Uphill poses the problem; how badly do We want to get there?

What goes up…

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Colorado is quite a state, established in 1876. All of the state is high, and higher, with much mountain and peak activity. Up you go, down you go. To the East, things flatten out a bit, but the Rocky Mountains are more plentiful in Colorado than anywhere else.

You may not be aware of this, but Rhinos are sensitive to mountainous terrain. If you want to go from A to B, in Colorado, you usually have to go to X, which is often a daunting climb, followed by an alarming descent. All beautiful scenery, but the A-to-X-to-B business is vastly more demanding than a straight shot would be. As the Crow flies, not so bad; as the Rhino hikes, Unforgettable.

What Colorado has a lot of is Nature, and much of it as Nature made it. Thank you, Coloradoans & Coloradans, one and all.

In Bloom

by in Naturally Speaking, R Life Lessons | 2 Comments

Lilacs are a somewhat overwhelming plant; the scent can hardly be categorized, it is so mesmerizing. Also, they are lovely. Today We salute the Lilac.

Of optional interest, Lilacs are almost edible, but a very little goes a long way. A bit here, a bit there…

Intelligent Rhinos keep track of these matters.

Stormy Weather

by in Naturally Speaking, Plain and simple, R Life Lessons | Leave a comment

Today ‘Your Inner Rhino’ acknowledges Theophrastus. He lived in Lesbos around 340 bc, and was a Philosopher, studying with Aristotle and his merry men.

Among other things, Theophrastus studied Meteorology. (That is Weather, not Meteors, as We had assumed.) He had many intriguing ideas, and influenced studies of Weather for 2000 years. Oh yes.

Surprise! Rhinos know all about the Weather already. We just consult White Pelicans and Stellagamas and Snake-eyed Skinks, etc. They are hosts to encyclopedic data on what’s coming and when. We Rhinos benefit from having informed contacts and from being good listeners. Smart Critters are all over the place.

Heavens!

by in Naturally Speaking, Plain and simple, Rhino Nifty | 1 Comment

Some Readers have mentioned the Zodiac and the Constellations that crowd the skies.  There they see fishes and bulls and mythological figures, all made up of stars and twinkles.

Rhinos spend less time on the Constellations. We have one major short-cut in “seeing” Constellations; for Us, all the Constellations are Rhinos. Roughly, one for each of us, ever.

It’s hard to argue with Rhino Logic, right?