Tootfinder

„Nach einem Bericht der „Bild"–Zeitung ist für Weimer aber nicht nur die Preisverleihung ein Problem. Die 56-jährige Tuttle habe mit der Filmcrew eine Woche zuvor bereits mit Palästinenserfahne und -tüchern posiert.“
Ah ja. Und?
https://www.de…

A minimal wake-vortex model explains formation flight of flapping birds
Olivia Pomerenk, Kenneth S. Breuer
https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.22043 https://arxiv.org/pdf/2602.22043 https://arxiv.org/html/2602.22043
arXiv:2602.22043v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: Collective patterns of motion emerge across biological taxa: insects swarm, fish school, and birds flock. In particular, large migratory birds form strikingly ordered V-shaped formations, which experiments and direct numerical simulations have demonstrated provide substantial energetic benefits during long-distance flight. However, the precise aerodynamic and morphological mechanisms underlying these benefits remain unclear. In this work, we develop a reduced-order model of the wake-vortex interactions between two flapping birds flying in tandem. The model retains essential unsteady flapping dynamics while remaining computationally tractable. By optimizing over a six-dimensional state space, which comprises the follower's three-dimensional relative position and three independent flapping parameters, we identify the energetically optimal leader-follower configuration of northern bald ibises. The predicted optimum agrees quantitatively with live-bird measurements. Because of its simplicity, the model allows for direct interrogation of the physical mechanisms responsible for this optimum. In particular, it isolates precisely how the follower's wing kinematics interact with the leader's wake to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. The model predicts an 11% reduction in total mechanical power for a follower in formation flight -- consistent with experimental estimates -- and shows that this saving arises from reductions in both induced and profile power, dominated by decreased profile power enabled primarily through reduced flapping amplitude and, secondarily, reduced upstroke flexion. These results provide a mechanistic explanation for the structure of V-formations and offer new insight into the aerodynamic principles governing collective flight.
toXiv_bot_toot

From Translink
Westham Island Bridge Repair Update
January 22, 2026

Delta, BC – Earlier this week, a marine vessel hit the Westham Island Bridge, causing damage that required the bridge to be closed to vehicle traffic. TransLink owns and maintains the bridge, and crews moved quickly to assess the damage and pursue the fastest possible repair.

TransLink has now received an updated assessment from our structural engineer following today’s inspection work.

State Representative James Talarico, and his recent interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert:
CBS said it did not block the interview from airing, but provided legal guidance that broadcasting it could trigger the Federal Communications Commission’s equal-time rule.
Colbert’s show instead posted the interview on YouTube.
When CBS Austin asked about Talarico announcing he's raised $2.5 million in the 24 hours following the interview, Jasmine Crockett said,
“I …

Jasmine Crockett brings Senate campaign to UT Austin as primary enters final weeks
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett spoke at the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday night as her campaign for the U.S. Senate heads into its final weeks. Her

Very Veggie Burritos Or Enchiladas #plantbased

Very Veggie Burritos Or Enchiladas
This very veggie burritos or enchiladas recipe offers two easy ways to serve the same hearty beans, veg, and salad-based filling

So, on the shoe thing, my adoration of footwear started early. This is a photo of me aged three in 1974, a bridesmaid at the wedding of my adored uncle who died last year. By all accounts I stared at my shoes the entire day, just transfixed by their shiny light blue glory. The tale is still told today 😄

"Feeling chirpy: how listening to birdsong can boost your wellbeing"
#Birds #Nature #Environment

How NFL players prepare for the coldest games of the year https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47601439/2026-nfl-playoffs-how-players-prepare-coldest-games-year

AI companies are raising at valuations that require them to grow at rates that are only achievable by chasing the broadest possible market with the most generic possible product.
A company that raises at a $500M valuation needs to show a path to billions in revenue,
which means it can't afford to be a niche tool that does one thing brilliantly for a specific audience.
It has to be a platform, horizontal, aimed at enterprise, built for no one in particular.
Ever…

Everyone in AI is building the wrong thing for the same reason
Every AI founder I talk to is on an accelerating treadmill, burdened by a nagging suspicion that the entire industry is moving too fast in a direction that doesn't quite make sense, with no idea about how to get off. There is an overwhelming feeling that if everyone stopped and

Feeling chirpy: how listening to birdsong can boost your wellbeing https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/04/feeling-chirpy-how-listening-to-birdsong-can-boost-your-wellbeing