Graupel: What is it?

March 22, 2025

Graupel /grou′pəl/, also known as “soft hail” or “snow pellets,” is a unique type of precipitation that forms when super-cooled water droplets freeze onto falling snowflakes.

This process, called riming, creates small, round or conical balls of rime ice, typically measuring between 2 and 5 mm in diameter.

Graupel is distinct from hail, which is larger and harder, and from sleet, which is clear ice pellets.

Graupel forms in clouds when snowflakes encounter super-cooled water droplets.

These droplets freeze onto the snowflakes, creating a layer of rime ice that can completely cover the original crystal, resulting in a ball-like shape.

This process often occurs in winter storms or at higher elevations.

Graupel resembles small Styrofoam balls and is white or cloudy in color, unlike the clear appearance of sleet.

It is fragile and will disintegrate easily if handled, unlike hail which is hard.

The METAR code for graupel is GS.

Graupel can pose an avalanche risk because it does not bond well with other snow layers, acting like ball bearings in the snowpack.

It tends to roll off steep slopes and accumulate on gentler terrain, increasing the risk of avalanches.

Under a microscope, graupel particles exhibit a unique structure formed by the accumulation of frozen super-cooled water droplets on snow crystals.

The riming process obscures the original shape of the snowflake, transforming it into a rounded, ball-like form.

Observations using low-temperature scanning electron microscopes (LT-SEM) reveal frozen cloud droplets up to 50 μm in diameter on the surface of graupel particles.

The rime ice appears frosty and milky white, with a granular texture resembling miniature beads or snowballs.

This structure is difficult to capture with traditional light microscopes due to limitations in resolution and depth of field.

Google will still have to break up its business

Aimee

March 8, 2025

Google will still have to break up its business

Google will have to break up its business as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently reaffirmed its demand to do so following a federal court ruling last year that found the company had unlawfully maintained a monopoly in online search.

The DOJ’s latest filing emphasizes the need for Google to sell its Chrome browser, arguing that this divestiture would reduce Google’s dominance and allow competing search engines better access to users through the browser, which serves as a key gateway to the internet.

Key points from the DOJ’s proposal include

- The DOJ insists that Google must “swiftly and completely” sell Chrome, including all related assets, to a buyer approved by the DOJ and the court. This measure is intended to allow rival search engines access to a major entry point for internet searches, free from Google’s control.
- The DOJ seeks to prohibit Google from paying companies like Apple and Mozilla to make Google Search the default on their devices and browsers. This practice was deemed central to Google’s monopoly.
- The DOJ also proposed reforms to Google’s Android operating system to ensure fairer competition in mobile search.
- Unlike earlier proposals, the DOJ no longer seeks mandatory divestiture of Google’s AI investments, citing dependencies of companies like Anthropic on Google’s funding.

Google has opposed these measures, arguing they go beyond the court’s ruling and could harm consumers and the economy.

The company has proposed alternative remedies, such as restructuring its contracts with device manufacturers and allowing more flexibility for competitors in default search engine agreements.

The court is scheduled to hear arguments on these remedies in April 2025, marking a critical moment in one of the most significant antitrust cases since the Microsoft breakup attempt in 2000.

Google was founded on September 4, 1998, by American computer scientists Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were PhD students at Stanford University in California.

Together, they own about 14% of its publicly listed shares and control 56% of its stockholder voting power through super-voting stock.

The company went public via an initial public offering (IPO) in 2004.

In 2015, Google was reorganized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. Google is Alphabet’s largest subsidiary and is a holding company for Alphabet’s internet properties and interests.

Sundar Pichai was appointed CEO of Google on October 24, 2015, replacing Larry Page, who became the CEO of Alphabet.

On December 3, 2019, Pichai also became the CEO of Alphabet.

1913 Holmes Wrecker transformed roadside assistance

Alan

February 22, 2025

The 1913 Holmes Wrecker — In 1914, Ernest Holmes transformed the world of roadside assistance with the invention of the first tow truck, known as the “Holmes Wrecker.”

Holmes’ invention came about after he helped a friend recover a car from a creek, struggling with the primitive methods available at the time. That experience drove him to design the first-ever tow truck, outfitting his 1912 Cadillac with a crane and pulley system thus enabling it to safely recover vehicles that had broken down or been in accidents.

This innovation came at a time when automobiles were becoming more widespread, yet there were few systems in place for vehicle recovery.

Holmes’s creation filled a critical gap in the growing automotive industry, offering a practical solution for stranded drivers.

Holmes’s invention not only simplified the process of towing but also set the foundation for the future of the industry.

The robust construction and efficient design of the Holmes Wrecker provided a reliable method for recovering vehicles, making it an indispensable tool for motorists and businesses alike.

As the popularity of automobiles surged in the early 20th century, so did the need for towing services, leading to the rapid growth of an entirely new sector within the transportation industry.

Today, the legacy of the Holmes Wrecker endures in modern tow trucks, which often incorporate similar mechanical principles in their design.

The 1915 Holmes Wrecker stands as a testament to the innovation and ingenuity of the early automotive era.

It reminds us of how one man’s vision and resourcefulness helped shape an industry that continues to play a vital role in the lives of motorists around the world.

Holmes also invented the tilt-bed hauler that we see so much of today.

Here’s a picture of the tilt-bed carrier loading a truck, capturing the moment in time when Holmes’ groundbreaking ideas were beginning to take shape, soon to impact the automotive world on a global scale.

The 1913 Holmes Wrecker was sold directly to the United States Government, in limited quantity, at the tail end of World War I to be outfitted for military usage.

They would be used in full force during the second World War were in which Holmes Co supplied the Allies with 6 to 7 thousand military tier wreckers.

The regular wrecker was used in the American racing industry as it was the wrecker of choice for both NASCAR and IndyCar racing for multiple decades.

Own your health journey: Small steps that lead to Big Changes

brad

February 22, 2025

Own your health journey: Small steps that lead to Big Changes —

Taking control of personal health starts with small, intentional choices that shape daily life.

A balanced approach to well-being goes beyond quick fixes, requiring consistency and awareness.

How the body and mind are cared for influences energy, mood, and overall resilience.

Shifting habits and routines can create a lasting sense of vitality and strength.

Embracing this process leads to greater confidence in making choices that support long-term wellness.

Learn to Meditate

Finding moments of stillness each day can create a sense of clarity and calm that carries into daily life.

Meditation offers a simple way to step back from distractions, quiet the mind, and cultivate inner peace.

Just 10 to 20 minutes a day can reduce stress and encourage a more positive outlook, making challenges feel more manageable.

Over time, this practice strengthens emotional resilience and deepens self-awareness.

Making space for meditation can transform the way thoughts, emotions, and reactions are processed.

Embrace Time Outdoors

Spending time in nature offers a refreshing break from the demands of daily life, creating space for relaxation and renewal.

Fresh air, natural light, and open spaces help restore a sense of balance and calm.

Whether walking through a quiet green space or simply pausing to appreciate the surroundings, connecting with nature can ease tension and improve overall well-being.

This connection fosters a greater awareness of the present moment, encouraging mindfulness and gratitude.

Making time for nature strengthens both the body and mind, creating a lasting sense of harmony.

Nourish Yourself with a Balanced Diet

The way you fuel your body directly impacts energy, mood, and overall well-being.

A balanced diet provides the essential nutrients needed to support daily activities and long-term health.

Prioritizing a variety of wholesome foods helps maintain steady energy levels and keeps the body functioning at its best.

Over time, mindful eating fosters a stronger connection between food choices and overall wellness.

Nourishing yourself with intention creates a foundation for both physical strength and mental clarity.

Embrace Seasonal Eating

Incorporating a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables into your diet will enhance your nutrient intake and help support local agriculture.

Each season offers a unique selection of produce, allowing you to enjoy fresh flavors and essential nutrients at their peak.

This approach prevents meal monotony and ensures you’re consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

By choosing locally grown, seasonal produce, you also reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation, as it requires fewer resources like fuel and packaging.

Time Your Exercise for Quality Sleep

Consider how the timing and intensity of your exercise can impact your sleep quality.

Engaging in moderate activities like brisk walking or cycling can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy longer sleep duration.

However, intense workouts close to bedtime might make it harder to drift off.

For the best results, try scheduling your exercise in the morning or afternoon.

Aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise weekly to boost both your sleep and overall well-being.

Drink More Water

Staying hydrated can be a challenge, but technology provides effective tools to help you manage your water intake.

By using water reminder apps, you can receive notifications throughout the day, ensuring you meet your hydration goals even when your schedule is packed.

These apps often feature personalized water intake calculators based on your body metrics, visual progress trackers, and even rewards for hitting your daily targets.

For a simpler approach, setting reminders on your phone can be just as effective.

Embracing these tools supports your health and integrates seamlessly into your daily routine, making consistent hydration a manageable task.

Start a Yoga Practice

Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can boost both your physical and mental well-being.

Regular practice enhances flexibility, balance, and strength, which are vital for maintaining health as you age.

Beyond the physical benefits, yoga also promotes psychological and emotional resilience, helping you manage stress and stay motivated.

Studies have shown that yoga can improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, while also enhancing sleep quality and overall vitality.

Incorporating these strategies into your life can lead to profound improvements in your health and well-being.

Each choice, from mindful eating to engaging with nature, contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

By taking these steps, you not only enhance your physical health but also nurture your mental and emotional resilience, paving the way for a healthier future.

Students locked out of Canvas for unpaid bills

Alan

February 13, 2025

Students locked out of Canvas for unpaid bills

Students at the University of Montana have been locked out of their Canvas pages due to unpaid tuition or other bills.

The incident occurred yesterday causing significant disruption to students’ access to their online learning materials and classes.

The lockout has affected multiple students, leading to the formation of long lines as they attempt to resolve the issue.

This situation has caused considerable concern among the student body, with some speculating that the lockout may be related to recent changes in federal loan payments.

While Canvas itself does not have an automatic system to deny access due to financial issues, educational institutions can configure their systems to temporarily restrict access to crucial platforms like Canvas when there are outstanding financial obligations.

The decision to implement such measures is typically made by the school or institution’s administration and not by Canvas directly.

This incident highlights the potential consequences of unpaid bills on students’ academic progress and access to essential learning resources.

It also underscores the importance of clear communication between educational institutions and students regarding financial obligations and their impact on access to online learning platforms.

The White House Office of Management and Budget on Wednesday, Jan. 29, rescinded a memo ordering a federal funding freeze less than two days after it caused chaos and stoked fear that the directive could adversely affect millions of Americans.

Though the freeze was walked back by the Trump administration there are still some particulars related to the freeze that may still remain in place.

According to DOE spokesperson Madi Biedermann, the funding pause “only applies to discretionary grants at the Department of Education.”

What this might mean could be anyone’s guess. Curriculum and/or living arrangements/expenses might have been dependent on such discretionary grants.

What to know about Instructure

Instructure is an educational technology company primarily known for developing and providing the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).

Founded in 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Instructure provides products like Canvas LMS, Canvas Studio, Canvas Catalog, Canvas Network (for MOOCs), and various other tools and services aimed at enhancing education.

Canvas is a cloud-based learning platform that allows institutions to manage digital learning environments. It’s used by K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations worldwide to deliver course content, facilitate communication, and manage educational processes like grading and assessments.