As Ariz. turns 100, let’s talk old coots’ bushy eyebrows

Well then, so happy birthday, Arizona! One hundred years old today. Imagine that.

Just think, 100 years ago today we were a brand-new state. We were peopled by the sons and daughters of pioneers. We were peopled by adventurers and optimistic folks making a new start and seeking opportunity.

Our leaders were progressive thinkers who wrote a Constitution and laws to protect ordinary folks from big ranching and big mining companies and corrupt appointed judges and state and county officials.

And look how far we’ve come in a century. Me, oh, my.

Such an interesting place we live in. Sometimes it’s even amusing. Right or wrong, at least it’s never dull and, for the most part, it is always beautiful.

And as long as we’re talking about getting older, here’s today’s question:

It turns out that when guys get older they put out more of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone. This seems to be formed mostly in adrenal glands and hair follicles and in old guys’ nether regions. And it is why old coots have more hair in their noses and ears and on their eyebrows.

Now here is the interesting part: Predators go for the old and weak and infirm, right?

One idea is that predators can sense the odors given off by this hormone and that helps them sort out the easiest kill.

So, old guys, keep that stuff trimmed up and stay away from big cats.