>> Why do overhead cables never flap around in the wind? Come to think of 
>> it, why doesn't rain short out power cables?
> 
> Those cables are pulled rather tight, also take a close look at high 
> tension wires, they'll have some funny looking thing hanging off of them 
> that looks like some sort of paddle, This also helps with the wind. And 
> they're too far apart to short out in the rain. Fresh water is actually 
> not a great conductor, and air is even a worse conductor. Submerge them 
> in salt water, and they'll short for sure.

Rain water isn't chemically pure. (Depending on pollution levels.) Once 
the pylon gets wet, it's entire surface is covered in a continuous sheet 
of water, which also covers all of the cables. So why don't they short out?

>> Poisonous berries. Now, let's think about this for a moment. The 
>> purpose of fruit is to be eaten, thus dispercing the seeds it 
>> contains. So... WHY WOULD YOU MAKE IT POISONOUS?! That defies the 
>> object of the exercise!
> 
> They may be toxic to mammals, but birds might be immune to the toxin. 
> It's a protective measure. Many mammals can digest the seeds, Birds, on 
> the other hand pass the seeds right through. Same reason hot peppers are 
> hot.

[Actually, apparently peppers are hot due to an antifungal toxin...]

Seems plausible, I guess...

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