Billions of Versions of Normal

Monday, March 02, 2026

6632 - Toxoplasma gondii and cats

These are a few snippets from the Wikipedia article. It's a long read but contains a lot of good information, especially if you have a cat.

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Toxoplasma gondii is a species of parasitic alveolate that causes toxoplasmosis. Found worldwide, T. gondii is capable of infecting virtually all warm-blooded animals, but members of the cat family (Felidae) are the only known definitive hosts in which the parasite may undergo sexual reproduction.

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In humans infection is generally asymptomatic, but particularly in infants and those with weakened immunity, T. gondii may lead to a serious case of toxoplasmosis.

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The life cycle of T. gondii may be broadly summarized into two components: a sexual component that occurs only within cats (felids, wild or domestic), and an asexual component that can occur within virtually all warm-blooded animals, including humans, cats, and birds.

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Tissue cysts can be maintained in host tissue for the lifetime of the animal.

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In warm-blooded animals, such as brown rats, sheep, and dogs, T. gondii has also been shown to be sexually transmitted. Although T. gondii can infect, be transmitted by, and asexually reproduce within humans and virtually all other warm-blooded animals, the parasite can sexually reproduce only within the intestines of members of the cat family (felids). Felids are therefore the definitive hosts of T. gondii; all other hosts (such as human or other mammals) are intermediate hosts.

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No approved human vaccine exists against Toxoplasma gondii. Research on human vaccines is ongoing.

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Looking at humans, studies using the Cattell's 16 Personality Factor questionnaire found that infected men scored lower on Factor G (superego strength/rule consciousness) and higher on Factor L (vigilance) while the opposite pattern was observed for infected women. Such men were more likely to disregard rules and were more expedient, suspicious, and jealous. On the other hand, women were more warm-hearted, outgoing, conscientious, and moralistic.

Published research has also indicated that T. gondii infection could potentially promote changes in a person's political beliefs and values. Those who are infected with the parasite tend to exhibit a higher degree of "us versus them" thinking.

For the whole article*** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasma_gondii

Sunday, March 01, 2026

6631 - Long joke Sunday

Four bikers were riding down a street when they saw a sign that reads: “Old Time Bar - all drinks 10 cents.“

They looked at each other in disbelief, thinking it’s too good to be true, but decided to go in.

The old bartender called out in a voice that boom across the room, “Come on in and let me pour one for you. What will it be, gentleman?”

Each of the bikers ordered a martini. In no time, the bartender served up four ice cold martinis shaken, not stirred, and said, that will be 10 cents each please.”

The bikers stared at the bartender for a moment then at each other. They couldn’t believe their luck. They paid the 40 cents, finished their martinis, and ordered another round.

Again, four excellent martinis were served, and the bartender repeated, “That’s 40 cents, please.”

They paid the 40 cents, but their curiosity got the better of them. Each of them now enjoyed two martinis and has spent less than a dollar.

Finally, one of the bikers asked, “How can you afford to serve martinis this good for just 10 cents each?”

The bartender chuckled, “I always wanted to own a bar. Last year, I won $25 million in the lottery and decided to buy this place. Every drink, wine, liquor, beer, it’s all the same price.”

“Wow, that’s quite a story“ one of the bikers said.

As they sipped their martinis, they couldn’t help but notice seven old people sitting at the end of the bar without drinks in front of them. They hadn’t ordered anything the entire time.

One of the bikers gestured toward them, and asked the bartender, “What’s with them?”

The bartender smirked. “Oh, they're all waiting for happy hour, when drinks are half price.”

Saturday, February 28, 2026

6630 - Saturday jokes

The Venn diagram of people who are upset that Alysa Liu said, "That's what I'm fucking talking about," and the people who voted for a man who said, "I grab em by the pussy," is a circle.

My wife keeps acquiring new tastes in music. First it was Sixpence None the Richer, then 50 Cent, now Nickelback. I think she's going through the change.

Trump Invites Caucasian Half Of Alysa Liu To Visit White House.

I couldn’t beat a computer in a game of chess, but it would be no match for me in kickboxing. In a related development, my monitor and my toe are broken. (Bilbo)

The Finland hockey team, who won Bronze, was not at the Olympic medal awards because they were Finish-ed.

State of the Union Fact Check: None Detected

If the president invites you to the White House or the State of the Union Address, you go.

If a pedophile invites you anywhere, tell them to fuck off.

What's worse than a racist, authoritarian president?

The people that support him.

Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes, that would be boring. Spend 30 seconds in my head, that'll freak you right out. (Bilbo)

Sometimes I feels like my brain has a lot of things to hold and no pockets.

Him: you know what would be sexy? Eating food off each other.

Her: You didn't do the dishes, did you.

Him: I did not.

People who think you get boring as you age have obviously never experienced the thrill of seeing two hummingbirds at the feeder at the same time. (Bilbo)

1) There are about 1.45 billion people in China.

2) There are approximately 8 billion people on earth.

Therefore: Nearly one in five people born are Chinese.

Conclusion: If you have four children and are expecting a fifth, it will be Chinese (if you don’t already have one).

Someone asked me what the 9th letter of the alphabet is. I had to think about it, but I was correct.

You know what seems odd to me?

Numbers that aren't divisible by two.

People in the 80s: I bet they have flying cars in 40 years.

Meanwhile on a pizza box in 2026: Open box before eating pizza.

The years passed, mankind became stupider at a frightening rate. Some had high hopes the genetic engineering would correct this trend in evolution, but sadly the greatest minds and resources were focused on conquering hair loss and prolonging erections.

Fly: Hey, bug on my back, are you a mite?

Bug: I mite be.

Fly: Stupidest pun I've ever heard.

Bug: What do you expect? I just made it up on the fly.

I went outside once... The graphics were great but the story was horrible.

Counter protester at MAGA rally with sign that says, 'I know more than the scietists'.

I'll bet the guy that named the sperm whale wasn't allowed to name things anymore.

Math: It's all fun and games until somebody divides by zero.

Piece of meat: I make you strong!

Piece of broccoli: I make you healthy!

Beer: I make you think you can dance!