In the fine tradition of Iceburgs, Rhinos afloat only show a small percentage of their mass above the water line. The rest of the package is out of sight.
This phenomenon may apply to knowing a Rhino in almost all respects. We look at one another, and have to understand We can only comprehend each other to a Limited Degree. On dry land too.
It may also account for how little We know of ourselves.
The most active dinosaur digs are in western North America, Argentina, and East Asia. Lots and lots of things to dig up.
What captures the Rhino Imagination is what anyone would make of a wandering bone, before all the 19th century Science and the related explanations of prehistoric events.
We figure the bone would be attributed to giant Mythic Creatures. And come to think of it, how wrong would those assumptions be?
Today ‘Your Inner Rhino’ acknowledges Mr. James Hall, born in 1811. He was an influential Geologist and Paleontologist in the United States. A major contribution was his expertise in Stratigraphy, the study of geologic layering, which helped categorize fossil finds in the 19th century; the age of the rocks pinpointed the age of the remains.
Mr. Hall was greatly admired and held a variety of prestigious offices. Today would be his 206th birthday, in case you want to toss that into a conversation.
And yes, that is a Layer Cake… in his honor.
Rhinos are pretty sure that Hugs are universally useful. Hugs and little acts of kindness.
Seems to make sense to Us.
In 1948, Ms. Eleanor Abbott was recovering from polio in the hospital. There she created a board game for small children called CANDYLAND. It is a simple race-to-the-finish game for those who cannot read or count. A very Rhino sort of game.
The game has proven a great success over the years, albeit with a junior audience. Those of Us without reading or counting skills still have our Influence. Hooray for Us!
M. Cuvier proposed a system called the Correlation Theory. The idea is that the way any body part works is usually the same. Toes work the same, no matter the critter they are attached to or when it lived. The more specific the details, the closer you are to figuring out the fossil or bone you have.
There are obvious problems, and the Naturalist has to keep checking and adjusting any conclusion. But it’s a good system.
Paintings of Dinosaurs usually show them with reptilian skin, in colors and patterns similar to today. The assumption is that camouflage is useful to both predator and prey, and doubtless was 160 million years ago too.
But We will probably never Know for sure. So you can color them any way you like. Who’s to say you’re wrong??
Time to get your Crayolas! Now you can print off this drawing, and Color it any way you like. This is your chance; go for it!
Then you can tape it (or them) on your refrigerator. Good Times: Your Inner Rhino!
Ms. Florine Stettheimer (b.1871) was a painter in the early 20th Century, establishing an aesthetic reflecting her personal view of the deluxe New York society among whom she moved. She was progressive in many ways, politically as well as artistically. A ‘Your Inner Rhino’ kind of girl.
What Rhinos find intriguing is her singular version of the essence of city life and the languid nature of the privileged.
Ms. Stettheimer makes her world available to the viewer. That is all any artist can do, right?
It is a good thing that We Rhinos are modest. It helps to balance out Rhino Giftedness, so lavishly supplied by Nature.
Rhino Humility is a big factor in keeping Us lovable.
How many other critters are born with Perfect Pitch? Hmm?
As you probably know, Rhinos cannot read. That is why We like books with pictures.
Or with ketchup. (har-har: old Rhino joke!)
Your Inner Rhino 