Link roundup -- science and such

[bruorton]

Science:

• Working to save the Ozark hellbender, one of the world's largest salamander species.
• Newly discovered hydrothermal vents near Antarctica reveal more alien worlds, where Volcanoctopi prey on yeti crabs.  Video of the site, taken by a robotic submersible, is pretty sweet.
• "Orca poop is a treasure trove of information."  So who better to assist researchers than Tucker, a "ball-obsessed" black Lab?
• 2011 was a good year for lemmings ("furry sausages with legs") which meant a great year for snowy owls in Canada -- leading to an unusual irruption this winter down into the US.  Maybe one will come our way...  (There are some great pics on flickr.)

And such:

•  Keith Little, one of the last Navajo Code Talkers of WWII has passed away.  Punished by his school teachers for speaking his native tongue, he dedicated his life after the war to encouraging young Navajos to embrace their culture.
• Contemplating the deathbed works of famous composers.
• How have I never heard of the game of Nomic?  And what is a "logical hand grenade"?
• So, the hapless Republican field is still conspiring to nominate the guy that none of them want.  Whatever.  But they can still entertain us -- I bet you'll never guess what Ron Paul's theme music was at his NH party last night!