First, do you have a link to the original research on this? I'm curious at how long it took for this increase to occur? And has this been found in both Asian and African elephants? (if I'm not mistaken, there is a lot more poaching of African elephants than Asian)Without looking at it, I think tuskless elephants are at a disadvantage. Although it may lessen poaching, it's not a good thing for the elephant, IMO.  Tusks are used for self-defense, eating, etc.

I see your point about it being an interest, and agree that is fun to learn and/or try new things,  but do you really enjoy leg day?  :PAs for diet, I was never that strict and find much of the advice to be a bit overboard.  But I do think the older one gets, the more important a good diet is especially for fat and energy levels.  I know I can't get away with some stuff I could when I was in my 30's and early 40's.  Eating 1/2 a lemon meringue pies start showing up a little more on my waist these days than it used to.

I think it should be treated more as a habit than a hobby.  It's not always enjoyable, but you go anyway because it's what you do.  And it's a very good habit to have.I would add:7) For older people +40.  It's OK to take time off here and there, but don't take too long. You lose much more strength more quickly when you're older.  I went back recently after a 3 month hiatus (beach season!!) and it's very tough trying to get back to the level I was when I left…but I know I will eventually.7A) Also for old people.  You will get injured or suffer sustained pain more often.  Just keep working out through the pain (but don't be stupid about it).  Physical therapists can be very helpful in these situations. Egs: Shoulder was hurting all the time and sometimes a lot. PT told me to do more upper back exercises to build different muscles that support the shoulders. It seems to have worked.

My little Dwarf Orange Crayfish are Dutch fans.  I should put a little Netherlands flag in their tank.  (serious note: these guys are more brown in the wild.  A Dutch breeder got some and bred them to be orange for national pride reasons)

ORANGE!!

I also agree that the Iraqis need to step up sooner or later and take charge of their own situation. 

That's the thing, though.  They are.  This is just how psychopathic, third world Muslim extremists do it. And unfortunately, that's what most Middle East/African nations are.  This COIN or “moral” warfare garbage hasn't, doesn't, and will not work on them.  Either total warfare, or don't even bother.I don't care if what I said is racist/prejudiced.  Show me an Islamic ruled nation that doesn't hate Jews, doesn't kill little girls for going to school, doesn't car/suicide bomb anyone who disagrees with them, OK's the beating/stoning/capital punishment of women, etc., etc.