Scientists at Duke University have discovered rudiments of culture in orangutans, which implies that culture is a common evolutionary trait shared among all the higher primates (assuming you credit humans with culture). Such links also suggest that culture is at least 14 million years old. Examples of behaviors culturally transmitted in orangs include:

• using leaves as protective gloves or napkins
• using sticks to poke into tree holes to obtain insects, to extract seeds from fruit or to scratch body parts
• using leafy branches to swat insects or gather water
• "snag-riding," the orangutan equivalent of a sport in which the animals ride falling dead trees, grabbing vegetation before the tree hits the ground
• emitting sounds such as "raspberries," or "kiss-squeaks," in which leaves or hands are used to amplify the sound
• building sun covers for nests or, during rain, bunk nests above the nests used for resting.

Before you scoff at these things being examples of culture, consider the Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie, and tell me if this is any more advanced than the raspberry.

The Science Channel, in league with CSICOP and Skeptical Inquirer magazine, is running a TV show Monday nights at 8 EST called Critical Eye that scientifically investigates extraordinary claims. Topics include alternative medicine, Big Foot, Atlantis, fortune telling and exorcism. I don't get cable, so I haven't been able to see any of these, but any deflation of the "speaking to the dead" crowd is good news. Reviews anyone?

Thanks to all who noticed my absence and were concerned. I have been out-of-country and wrongly assumed I'd have access to a reliable net connection so I could perform my blogging duties. Guest-blogger Tim stepped into the breach when I couldn't be found (my voice mail doesn't work across the border! :o( ). Thanks, Tim. Blogging will now recommence.