Thursday, April 12, 2007

Bad T. Rex Comes Back As ...Chicken!

Hear ye! Hear ye! Seems the law of karma applies to the animal kingdom as well.

Who would have thought that the most fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex (or the mighty T. Rex), which was long ago erased from its carnivorous binging, had its genes passed to descendants we now love as the chunky, juicy chicken.

If you remember about two years ago, scientists found a well preserved bone of a T. Rex with fibers and proteins still intact allowing for an extraction of DNA. Now they have sufficient evidence linking them to birds, particularly your favorite fast food nugget order.

As BBC Reports: Researchers compared organic molecules preserved in the T. rex fossils with those of living animals, and found they were similar to chicken protein.

From being on top of the food chain to dropping almost at the bottom only taking the higher level over edible bugs.

See, there is justice in the universe :p

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Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Davao Holiday Pics!

That pungent odor of Durian fill the entire city. Yes, that is Davao in the southern Philippines for all you travelers out there.

Davao is the biggest city in Asia (and I think the world) found in Mindanao Island, which we call 'The Land of Promise.' It was explained to me that the island experience no storm throughout the year, thus it's a perfect place for farms growing all kinds of tropical fruits and vegetables.

It is true that you can find the sweetest pomelo, papaya, banana, and pineapple in Davao. I know. My 4-day stay mainly involved gorging on them fruits from breakfast 'til dinner. I failed to taste the province's favorite durian, but its presence was all over my nose. Although I didn't find it to be very offensive because as a local informed us, the farmers here found a way to grow hybrid durian fruit that isn't as foul smelling as it should be.

Davao City is very clean, the air breathable, and not too crowded. But you have to get out of the city for some exotic explorations. Like visit the Philippine Eagle Center where they house the endangered eagles and other exotic birds.

Oh yeah, them birds. I've seen a lot of them on this place. Every color you could imagine. Everywhere you go there are birds.

Or hit the beaches. Davao never lacks for white sand beaches over at Samal Island. A travel tip: travel guides or agents will offer you a trip to the beach (going to the famed Pearl Farm Resort) with around Php1,500 price tag per person. That includes a buffet lunch.

But if you don't have the budget just take a cab and ask the driver to drop you off at the Paradise Island wharf. The banca ride going to the resort is only Php10, with an entrance fee of Php75. Food is no problem as Paradise Island serves all kinds of barbecues and dishes, for a reasonable price.

You could end up spending only Php300 and enjoy a full day at the beach. Now that's a backpacker's delight!

Well anyway, check out my photos :)

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