COOL AS A … HORSE? How Animals Cool Down in the Summer Heat
When the summer heat has you dripping in sweat, cold air conditioning can be the perfect remedy. But for animals with heavy fur coats, big bodies, and unusual skin types, the science of cooling off becomes an art form. This summer, impress your friends with these fun facts about how animals stay cool in the heat. Dog Days of Summer Just like when you breathe heavily from overexerting yourself, your dog or cat can break out into a steady pant when they feel overheated. But rather than trying to catch their breath, canines and felines are expelling heat from their bodies and guzzling up the cool air. Believe it or not, they are not the only animals that do this. Birds pant to stay cool, and lizards often sit with their mouths open as a way to chill out. Not So Dumbo With their massive stature and leathery skin, it’s no wonder elephants have a few tricks for keeping cool. Of course, a good roll in the mud always helps, but elephants also use their genetics to their advantage. Their large ears often serve as fans on particularly hot
days, while their trunks provide them with a personal hose-down for the heat. A few spritzes from the river and a gentle wave, and the elephant remains one cool mammal. Feverish Foals Like their dog and cat counterparts, horses pant as a way to keep their temperatures down, but they also have something in common with their human riders. Horses actually sweat to cool down, too, and if you have ever noticed a sleek, almost foam-like substance emanating from a horse’s skin, you’ve seen them sweat it out. Considering their racing abilities and the fact that we use their speed to classify a vehicle’s power, it’s no wonder horses need such a drastic way to cool their engines. While animals have cooling mechanisms down to a science, human innovation has given us the luxury of air conditioning. This summer, make sure your unit is running at peak performance to keep your family cool all season. If you need assistance or maintenance, call the experts at Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley at 845-256-6158.
HAVE A LAUGH!
Creating golden, crisp, and delicious hash browns at home requires a little diligence and elbow grease, but that’s exactly what Dad deserves to start his special day. NO. 1 DAD HASH BROWNS
INGREDIENTS
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, or 6 tablespoons ghee • 3 russet potatoes (about 1/2 lb.), peeled
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste • Pinch of cayenne pepper, plus more to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. In a small saucepan, heat butter over medium heat until foamy. Reduce heat if needed to avoid browning. Skim off white milk solids to make clarified butter (ghee). Transfer to a bowl and reserve. (This step won’t be needed if using ghee.) 2. Using the large holes on a box grater, grate potatoes. Transfer to a large bowl of cold water and stir until water becomes cloudy. Rinse potatoes under cold water, then squeeze out liquid using cheesecloth or a kitchen towel, removing as much moisture as possible. Season potatoes with salt, pepper, and cayenne. 3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat reserved butter (or ghee) to medium-high. Add potatoes and cook until a crust forms underneath, about 5 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, break up potatoes and continue to cook, adding more butter (or ghee) if potatoes begin to stick. 4. Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels; season with additional salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste. Serve.
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Inspired by Bon Appétit
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