What bugs are in the box? This is probably the most often discussed topic especially in seasonal changes and in varying water conditions.

With this being a huge subject, with a ton of varying opinions. Here are a couple of key players for fall……

As the seasons change, so do the insects that inhabit our bodies of water. Understanding the types of insects that are present can be crucial for fly fishermen looking to land a catch. In the fall season, one of the most common insects that can be found is the Blue Winged Olive (BWO).
BWOs can typically be found in bodies of water where the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. These insects prefer cloudy days, and hatches tend to occur mid-morning to mid-afternoon. BWOs are small in size, usually ranging from size 24 and smaller. The nymphs are excellent swimmers, and the emergers tend to rise on bubbles or hang in the surface film.
While the exact color of the BWO may not be as important as the stage of life the fish are feeding on, fly fishermen should be prepared with a variety of fly patterns to target the BWO. It's important to note that during the fall season, fish tend to slurp the emergers relentlessly and then become calmer when feeding on the duns. This is where patience and skill come into play. Fly fishermen should be as still as possible and present the fly drag-free and delicately. A parachute pattern can be particularly effective in this scenario.
In addition to the BWO, there are other common fall insects that fly fishermen should be aware of. These include the Mahogany Dun, October Caddis, and Tricos. Each of these insects has its own unique characteristics and behaviors that can be important to understand when selecting the appropriate fly pattern and presentation.
Ultimately, the key to successful fly fishing in the fall season is to pay close attention to the insects present in the body of water and to adjust your approach accordingly. This may involve changing your fly pattern, presentation, or even the time of day that you are fishing. With patience, persistence, and a little bit of knowledge, fly fishermen can increase their chances of landing that elusive catch.

​By Andrew Meggitt

​I have always enjoyed being outside and the outdoors. I am neither unique nor
alone in the love of the outdoors. While polymaths are individuals with diverse
knowledge and skills, for me this is rooted in my need to fulfill the need to clear
my soul with an existential look at nature.
Selfishly I prefer to be on trails alone so I try to find the most isolated spots or least
trafficked times on those trails. a walk in the woods, trees, park, prairie is good for
the mind and body. At one time I made vain attempts to write about the beauty of
the things I saw and felt while outside. There is no replacement for the real thing.
As I sit here now the birds in our trees are making a late May concerto. attempting
to explain this to someone reading and using the appropriate language to place
someone in the chair beside mine while the robins, cardinals, juncos, and many
other birds sing away like bell ringers of the Sycamores. The point is I did not have
the talent to enable a reader to hear the chirps, whoots, beeps and beautiful chips of
the birds. So I find solace in the fact that if we take the time to listen and observe
for ourselves there is elegance and meditation in the sites and sounds of the
outside.
I find the vineyard a more severe type of existential experience where the
phenomenologist in my person immerses in the moving shapes and growing season
of the vines. “Reclaiming the first person in all its immediacy and complexity -
acknowledging how entangled this perspective is with the world we perceive, lies
at the heart of phenomenology.” In essence, understanding how the grapes are, I
prefer not to look at them as a tool from which we make wine, but rather the
creative force that ties nature to us.
I do not remember where I first heard about Forest Bathing, as fate would have it
may have been my wife gave me the book. In 2019 Nat. Geo. couldn't decide if it
was a fitness trend or a mindfulness. It did start in the 1980’s “ as a physiological
and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the
forest atmosphere”). The purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to
tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the
country’s forests.”
While the roots of modern forest bathing are in Japan, we all understand that time
spent immersed in nature is good for us. There are numerous accounts throughout
culture and history of consciously connecting with what is around you. This is not
just for the wilderness lovers or the day hikers, we don’t need 100000 acres of
wilderness to connect with nature. A city park and classical music is shown to have
produced health benefits, such as a walk in the park, in the woods, and meditation.
The long term benefits to physical and mental health are documented by
professionals not espoused by a ranting winemaker. In short, do yourself an
enormous favor 4 times a week, take fifteen minutes to spend with nature and
yourself, stare at a tree if need be, watch a creek, find a space that works. You will
feel better. and please for heaven's sake don’t fall for one of the many cool titles
this practice has. Get grounded and get outside.

​By: Andrew Meggitt

​In my many life questioning philosophical conversations with fellow polymuse Dan. One
conversation with no answer that grows on the verbal agar often is that of the children, family
and the values we think we are instilling in the children. There are many rabbit holes Lewis
Carroll would be proud of.
We have at times discussed this in relation to greed and the selfish, not the wealthy or rich but
the greedy. There is a difference, wealth and riches can be measured by many vessels, the soul,
happiness, family, ecumenical well being, spirituality and well money. Greed is well, greed -
selfish desire for wealth and power or food. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy or rich.
98.00 % of us have at sometime in our life have said under our breath, that would be nice. Nice
house or whatever, we all suffer from the chartreuse monster at some point. As we are about to
send the young men into the world from our house we have had numerous talks about greed is
bad and wealth is good. It is a fine line is it not. What is wealth Dad? Wealth is happiness with
your place in the world, are you contributing, are you serving the community in some way, do
you help with conservation, are you kind and honest. Values will be different in every home.
We place value on very different parts of our own lives, mine are love, family and the wonderful
public lands we have in the USA.
At some point I have to help them understand that they need to provide for themselves and/or
whoever they choose to have in their lives, if they do not already both are far smarter than I am.
All this said it is a work in progress, time will tell.
In recent times I have observed greed and selfishness, the grab it now mentality. We have
observed this play out in the workplace, in the political arena and many other places. It is
detrimental to those third parties caught in the trample for the pursuit of more. This in turn
creates negative environs in which we are forced to continue to navigate while picking up
survivors on the way, often confused as to why they may have been treated in a certain way for
example.
The question at hand is when is enough and what is enough, the pursuit of more is engrained in
the national psyche, but the pursuit of what. This flows from understanding your own value
system and being able to change course and maintain your own integrity. More is not terrible,
could be more love, more spirituality, more income, more family. When we think of an action
we are about to take, would we want it read in our eulogy, is it something that makes us proud?

​​By: Dan Wynn

​As someone who studied plant science at university,
I was fascinated to learn about plant intelligence. We tend to think of intelligence as something only found in organisms with brains and nervous systems, but research has shown that even plants are capable of exhibiting sophisticated behavior and information processing. Plant intelligence is a manifestation of environment and evolutionary processes that we can study and learn from.

For example, their are many plants that can learn and remember, which is surprising given that they lack a central nervous system like animals. However, studies have shown that plants can learn from past experiences and remember them for weeks or even months. For instance, the Mimosa pudica plant, also known as the sensitive plant, rapidly closes its leaves and droops its stem when its leaves are touched or disturbed. But if the plant is repeatedly touched or disturbed in the same way, it eventually stops responding, suggesting that it has learned and remembered that the stimuli are not harmful.

Plants can also communicate with each other through chemical and electrical signals. For instance, through underground fungal networks, plants can share nutrients and even send stress signals. Plants can also communicate through airborne chemicals, such as when a damaged plant emits toxins to warn neighboring plants of danger. Interestingly, some plants even produce sounds. Tomato and tobacco plants emit high-frequency sounds during droughts or when their leaves are cut, and primrose flowers produce sweeter nectar in response to the sound of bees’ wings.

Plants manifest problem-solving like behavior in response to changing environments. For instance, when a plant is shaded by a neighboring plant, it may grow taller or lean towards the light to maximize its exposure. Plants can also respond to mechanical cues, such as the touch of a nearby plant, by adjusting their growth patterns to avoid overcrowding. In some cases, plants can even anticipate changes in their environment, such as blooming at the right time to attract pollinators.

Plants have a form of memory known as "priming," where they can remember previous experiences and adjust their response accordingly. For instance, some plants can remember how many days it has been since they were last exposed to cold temperatures and only begin growing again when they deem it safe. Other plants can remember when to begin growing again in the spring, blooming only when pollinators have re-emerged from winter hibernation. Plants can also "learn" from their environment, such as adapting to changes in light conditions or temperature to optimize their growth.

Their are some many more observations of plants That suggests that plants are far more complex and sophisticated than we ever imagined. From communicating with each other through underground networks to problem-solving and adapting to their environment, plants exhibit behaviors that are much more advanced than simple reactions. As we continue to learn more about plant intelligence, it's clear that we have much to gain from studying these remarkable organisms. 

​

By: Dan Wynn

​I recently watched a documentary about glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer that is incredibly devastating. It was a sobering reminder of the need for sustainable and innovative approaches to healthcare. Traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can have a significant impact on the environment, producing hazardous waste and consuming fossil fuels.
But, there's some good news! A groundbreaking new treatment for glioblastoma is showing promise in extending the lives of patients, and it's based on the power of viruses.
Viruses have not been viewed in the best light in the past few years, but this is a totally different perspective.  It may sound strange, but some viruses can target and kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Scientists have found that the polio virus can be modified to target and destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy brain tissue in patients with glioblastoma.
The process of modifying the polio virus involves introducing genetic modifications that prevent it from replicating in normal cells while allowing it to replicate in cancer cells. This technique has already shown remarkable success in clinical trials, with some patients experiencing complete remission of their tumors.
As the polio virus treatment not kills cancer cells, but it also stimulates the immune system to fight off the cancer. By triggering an immune response, the treatment helps to prevent the recurrence of the cancer.
One of the most exciting things about virus-based cancer treatments is that they are more eco-friendly than traditional treatments. Unlike chemotherapy and radiation, which can have significant environmental impacts, virus-based therapies are a more sustainable option.
As research continues, we may see this innovative approach to cancer treatment become more common in the medical field. The use of viruses to treat cancer represents a new frontier in sustainable healthcare, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about and treat this deadly disease.
The polio virus treatment for glioblastoma is an exciting and promising development in sustainable healthcare. By harnessing the power of viruses, we can offer new hope to patients while also minimizing our impact on the environment. It's amazing to think about the potential impact this could have on the lives of so many people.
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​By: Dan Wynn

Hidden beneath the forest floor lies an awe-inspiring organism that reigns as the largest known on the planet. Armillaria ostoyae, fondly referred to as the honey fungus, stretches its vast mycelium network across vast expanses. In Oregon, USA, an individual Armillaria ostoyae fungus claims an astounding estimated area of 2,385 acres (965 hectares). Let's delve into the captivating world of this colossal fungus and explore its ecological significance.

Disease and Adaptation:
While Armillaria may seem inconsequential to humans, its pathogenic nature plays a crucial role in the health of trees. By causing root rot, this fungus can lead to the decline and demise of its arboreal hosts. Its impact serves as a stark reminder of how diseases and pathogens can jeopardize the well-being and survival of organisms, including our own. Studying Armillaria's adaptability and spread offers valuable insights into disease management and prevention strategies.

Ecological Balance:
Armillaria assumes its place as a vital component of forest ecosystems, diligently contributing to the decomposition of fallen wood and nutrient recycling. As we ponder its existence, we are reminded of the delicate equilibrium within ecosystems. Preserving biodiversity and nurturing healthy ecological interactions prove essential for the welfare of all species, including humanity. Armillaria embodies the intricate web of connections within nature, unveiling the profound interconnectedness of life.

Interconnectedness:
Through its extensive underground mycelium, Armillaria forges a labyrinthine network, intertwining with its surroundings. This exemplifies the interdependence of ecosystems and the intricate relationships between organisms. Just as Armillaria's actions reverberate through the forest, our human actions cascade through the environment, affecting other species and shaping our shared future. Recognizing this interconnectedness impels us to foster sustainable practices and harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

Armillaria ostoyae, the gargantuan honey fungus, stands as a testament to the marvels of nature. Its sprawling mycelium network epitomizes its colossal size and remarkable longevity, estimated to be thousands of years old. While its relevance to the human condition may not be direct, studying Armillaria unravels broader ecological concepts and provides insights into the delicate balance of life on Earth. By deepening our understanding of this colossal organism, we gain a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of nurturing a harmonious relationship with the natural world.

​By: Dan Wynn

​As we enter a new era of automation and artificial intelligence, the future of work is becoming increasingly uncertain. Many jobs that were once considered secure are at risk of being automated, and workers need to adapt to stay relevant. In this context, polymaths – individuals with diverse knowledge and skills – will be essential in the workforce of the future. Here are some reasons why:

1. Adaptability: Polymaths are versatile and can adapt to a wide range of tasks and challenges. In a rapidly changing work environment, the ability to learn new skills quickly and adapt to new technologies will be highly valued.
2. Creativity: Polymaths are also creative thinkers, able to connect ideas from different domains and come up with innovative solutions to problems. As automation takes over routine tasks, creativity will become increasingly important in the workforce.
3. Cross-disciplinary knowledge: Polymaths have knowledge and skills across multiple domains, giving them a broader perspective on the world. This can be highly valuable in a variety of roles, from project management to strategic planning.
4. Flexibility: Polymaths are often comfortable working in a variety of contexts and environments, making them highly adaptable to changing work situations. This flexibility will be crucial in a world where remote work and gig employment are becoming more common.
5. Resilience: Polymaths are also resilient, able to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to new situations. This resilience will be highly valued in a world where the pace of change is increasing.
6. Collaboration: Finally, polymaths are often highly collaborative, able to work well with others from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. As teams become more diverse and global, the ability to collaborate effectively will be critical for success.

The future of work is uncertain, but one thing is clear: adaptability, creativity, cross-disciplinary knowledge, flexibility, resilience, and collaboration skills will be highly valued in a wide range of roles and industries. As we prepare for the workforce of the future, we should encourage and support the development of polymathic skills and knowledge.

In a world that values specialization and expertise, it can be easy to feel like you need to narrow your focus and become an expert in just one field. However, there is value in being a polymath – someone who has a diverse range of interests and skills. Not only does being a polymath make you a more well-rounded person, but it also allows you to approach problems from a unique perspective and make connections that others may miss. In this blog post, we'll explore how you can embrace your inner polymath and cultivate a diverse range of interests.
 
Be Curious
The first step in becoming a polymath is to be curious. Don't be afraid to explore topics that are outside of your comfort zone or expertise. Read books, watch documentaries, attend lectures, and try new things. You never know what might pique your interest or lead you down a new path of learning.
 
Make Time for Learning
Learning takes time and effort, but it is essential to becoming a polymath. Make time for learning by setting aside dedicated time each week to explore new topics or practice new skills. This could be as simple as spending an hour each evening reading or taking an online course.
 
Connect with Others
Connecting with others who share your interests is a great way to learn and grow. Join a club or group related to one of your hobbies or interests, attend networking events or conferences, or participate in online communities. Not only will you learn from others, but you'll also make new friends and connections.
 
Embrace Failure
Failure is a natural part of learning and growing. Don't be afraid to try new things and make mistakes. Failure is an opportunity to learn and grow, so embrace it and use it as a stepping stone to success.
 
Find Cross-Disciplinary Connections
One of the benefits of being a polymath is the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated fields. Look for cross-disciplinary connections between your interests and other areas of study. For example, if you're interested in music and psychology, you might explore the connection between music and emotional well-being.
 
Practice Creativity
Creativity is essential to becoming a polymath. Practice creativity by trying new things, experimenting with different mediums, and taking risks. You never know what you might discover or create.
 
Keep an Open Mind
Finally, keep an open mind. Don't be afraid to challenge your assumptions or beliefs. Stay curious and open to new ideas, and you'll be on your way to becoming a polymath.
 
Embracing your inner polymath requires a commitment to lifelong learning, curiosity, and an open mind. By cultivating a diverse range of interests and skills, you'll not only become a more well-rounded person, but you'll also be better equipped to solve problems and make connections that others may miss. So go ahead and embrace your inner polymath – the world needs more curious, creative, and open-minded individuals.

​​Welcome to the Polymath Muse blog, a space dedicated to the exploration of inspiration, creativity, and the power of ideas. The name "Polymath Muse" embodies our belief that true intellectual growth and exploration comes from a diverse range of interests and perspectives, while also acknowledging the importance of inspiration and motivation in driving this exploration.
As polymaths, we are committed to exploring a wide range of topics and interests, recognizing that knowledge and inspiration can come from unexpected places. Our hope is that through this blog, we can inspire and motivate others to explore new ideas and perspectives, and to approach intellectual growth with a sense of curiosity and wonder.
Whether it's through discussing art, science, literature, philosophy, or any other topic, we hope to create a community that values the power of ideas, and recognizes the transformative role that creativity and inspiration can play in intellectual exploration.
So join us on this journey, as we explore the vast and wondrous landscape of the human intellect, and seek out the inspiration and ideas that can guide us on this journey of growth and discovery. Welcome to the Polymath Muse.

​By: Dan Wynn