Category: INTERESTING

INTERESTING: When an elephant returns toddler’s shoe, does that demonstrate an essence of humanity?

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13358837/Adorable-moment-elephant-toddlers-shoe-falls-zoo.html

Adorable moment elephant returns toddler’s shoe after it falls into zoo enclosure
by Shannon Mcguigan
Published: 04:33 EDT, 28 April 2024 | Updated: 04:33 EDT, 28 April 2024

*** begin quote ***

This is the adorable moment a clever elephant returned a toddler’s tiny shoe after it was dropped into a zoo enclosure.

In the cute clip, the huge creature can be seen gently scooping up the tiny blue and yellow shoe using its enormous foot and lengthy trunk.

Slowly grasping the minuscule footwear, the friendly giant delicately returned the shoe dropping it back into the young visitor’s hand.

*** and ***

But the kind elephant’s good deed didn’t go unnoticed as a zookeeper later rewarded Shanmai a watermelon for their kind gesture.

*** end quote ***

Glad the act was rewarded.  I am always fascinated when “animals” demonstrate human-like qualities.

Perhaps us humans are too egotistical to recognize that life is precious.

Remember the gorilla that protected the injured child, kept him safe, and herded his family inside so the keepers could rescue him?

—30—

INTERESTING: The giraffe is doing something to get 17 out of 20 experiments

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13263997/ants-conscious-dolphins-currency-food-animal-intelligence.html

Did you know ANTS are self-aware? Or that giraffes can do mental math? New book documents the little-known brilliance of animal intelligence that may surprise you

  •     The book explores how animals engage in complex mental math and language
  •     Even insects, like ants and bees, prove to be more perceptive than expected
  •     ‘The Animal Mind’ by nature writer and photographer Marianne Taylor is out now

By Matthew Phelan Senior Science Reporter For Dailymail.Com
Published: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 | Updated: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 

*** begin quote ***

Giraffes can do math in their heads

Technically speaking, it’s a miracle of evolution that a giraffe can get its blood pumping 14 to 19 feet up to its brain to do much high-quality thinking at all. 

But to the surprise of researchers at the Barcelona Zoo, the tall, hooved creatures are actually capable of doing complex mental math, engaging in statistical inference to assess probabilities and make predictions.

The study, conducted with four of the zoo’s giraffe’s by animal behaviorists as Barcelona University, two male and two female giraffes were shown two clear boxes filled with vegetable sticks. 

Each had a mix of carrot and courgette sticks (zucchini), with carrots being the preferred option. But soon, the researchers started putting up barriers to the boxes, hiding visual cues and eliminating scent information.

In a stunning game of intellect, the giraffes managed to select which container was more likely to produce their preferred carrot sticks in 17 out of 20 experiments.

This was based on the relative frequencies of food in the containers, and not on other information such as their sense of smell, the researchers said.

*** end quote ***

I would assume that we, as humans, could learn a lot more if we were a little more humble in our position as the apex predator.

Aside from being beautiful, seems like giraffes have some “intelligence”.  I wonder if they will ever exceed or replace us?

—30—

INTERESTING: The giraffe is doing something to get 17 out of 20 experiments

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13263997/ants-conscious-dolphins-currency-food-animal-intelligence.html

Did you know ANTS are self-aware? Or that giraffes can do mental math? New book documents the little-known brilliance of animal intelligence that may surprise you

  •     The book explores how animals engage in complex mental math and language
  •     Even insects, like ants and bees, prove to be more perceptive than expected
  •     ‘The Animal Mind’ by nature writer and photographer Marianne Taylor is out now

By Matthew Phelan Senior Science Reporter For Dailymail.Com
Published: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 | Updated: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 

*** begin quote ***

Giraffes can do math in their heads

Technically speaking, it’s a miracle of evolution that a giraffe can get its blood pumping 14 to 19 feet up to its brain to do much high-quality thinking at all. 

But to the surprise of researchers at the Barcelona Zoo, the tall, hooved creatures are actually capable of doing complex mental math, engaging in statistical inference to assess probabilities and make predictions.

The study, conducted with four of the zoo’s giraffe’s by animal behaviorists as Barcelona University, two male and two female giraffes were shown two clear boxes filled with vegetable sticks. 

Each had a mix of carrot and courgette sticks (zucchini), with carrots being the preferred option. But soon, the researchers started putting up barriers to the boxes, hiding visual cues and eliminating scent information.

In a stunning game of intellect, the giraffes managed to select which container was more likely to produce their preferred carrot sticks in 17 out of 20 experiments.

This was based on the relative frequencies of food in the containers, and not on other information such as their sense of smell, the researchers said.

*** end quote ***

I would assume that we, as humans, could learn a lot more if we were a little more humble in our position as the apex predator.

Aside from being beautiful, seems like giraffes have some “intelligence”.  I wonder if they will ever exceed or replace us?

—30—

INTERESTING: The giraffe is doing something to get 17 out of 20 experiments

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13263997/ants-conscious-dolphins-currency-food-animal-intelligence.html

Did you know ANTS are self-aware? Or that giraffes can do mental math? New book documents the little-known brilliance of animal intelligence that may surprise you

  •     The book explores how animals engage in complex mental math and language
  •     Even insects, like ants and bees, prove to be more perceptive than expected
  •     ‘The Animal Mind’ by nature writer and photographer Marianne Taylor is out now

By Matthew Phelan Senior Science Reporter For Dailymail.Com
Published: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 | Updated: 07:37 EDT, 3 April 2024 

*** begin quote ***

Giraffes can do math in their heads

Technically speaking, it’s a miracle of evolution that a giraffe can get its blood pumping 14 to 19 feet up to its brain to do much high-quality thinking at all. 

But to the surprise of researchers at the Barcelona Zoo, the tall, hooved creatures are actually capable of doing complex mental math, engaging in statistical inference to assess probabilities and make predictions.

The study, conducted with four of the zoo’s giraffe’s by animal behaviorists as Barcelona University, two male and two female giraffes were shown two clear boxes filled with vegetable sticks. 

Each had a mix of carrot and courgette sticks (zucchini), with carrots being the preferred option. But soon, the researchers started putting up barriers to the boxes, hiding visual cues and eliminating scent information.

In a stunning game of intellect, the giraffes managed to select which container was more likely to produce their preferred carrot sticks in 17 out of 20 experiments.

This was based on the relative frequencies of food in the containers, and not on other information such as their sense of smell, the researchers said.

*** end quote ***

I would assume that we, as humans, could learn a lot more if we were a little more humble in our position as the apex predator.

Aside from being beautiful, seems like giraffes have some “intelligence”.  I wonder if they will ever exceed or replace us?

—30—

INTERESTING: Don’t “save” on a cruise line tours

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://www.aol.com/news/eight-passengers-stranded-african-island-133209907.html?ICID=ref_fark

Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them
NBC Universal
Marlene Lenthang and Arnav Jain
Updated April 2, 2024 at 2:28 PM

*** begin quote ***

A dream cruise vacation has turned into a nightmare for eight passengers left stranded on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe after their ship left without them because they were late to return from a private tour.

*** end quote ***

There is a reason why you pay the Cruise Line their “vig” for an official Cruise Line sponsored “local tour”.  If an  “official tour” is late, then the boat waits for you.  Otherwise, you’re on your own.  Not worth saving a few bucks!

—30—

INTERESTING: Was there a Planet V and what does that imply?

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://radiofarside.substack.com/p/how-deep-is-your-woo

How Deep Is Your Woo?

Cuz we’re living in a world of fools

Radio Far Side

Mar 25, 2024

*** begin quote ***

In the 1500s, Tycho Brahe produced one of the greatest libraries of astronomical observations ever. Based on his work, Johannes Kepler formulated his Three Laws of Planetary Motion, in 1609 and 1619. He found that all orbits are ellipses, that bodies accelerate as they move toward the Sun and decelerate as they move away, The third law stated that the square of a body’s period was proportional to the cube of its semi-major axis (average distance from the Sun). Kepler also found a harmonious relationship between the orbits of the planets, such that we discovered new planets from the orbital positions given by Kepler. From these laws, Newton derived his laws of Universal Gravitation.

*** and ***

Besides the asteroid belt, there are Centaurs, TNOs, Damocloids, and Trojans which may be part of the Planet V debris cloud. Some of them have ephemera that clearly resonate with the asteroid belt, and a couple of them may be lost moons of Planet V, as well.

So do we have any evidence that any of this scenario is even approaching reality?

Why, yes, we do.

“The successful predictions include: (1) satellites of asteroids; (2) satellites of comets; (3) salt water in meteorites; (4) ‘roll marks’ leading to boulders on asteroids; (5) the time and peak rate of the 1999 Leonid meteor storm; (6) explosion signatures for asteroids; (7) the strongly spiked energy parameter for new comets; (8) the distribution of black material on slowly rotating airless bodies; (9) splitting velocities of comets; (10) the asteroid-like nature of Deep Impact target Comet Tempel 1; and (11) the presence of high-formation-temperature minerals in the Stardust comet dust sample return.”

The two most stunning confirmations have been the presence of asteroid moonlets and that comets appear to be the same as asteroids. 

*** end quote ***

While this may TL;DR for most readers, I found this to be most persuasive.

Could an advanced alien civilization have existed on Planet V?

Far beyond my abilities, but certainly seem an interesting possibility.

—30—

INTERESTING: NLRB has begun to end the amateur model of college sports

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FROM 1440 https://join1440.com/

Dartmouth Athletes Unionize

The Dartmouth men’s basketball team voted to unionize yesterday, the latest step in challenging the long-standing amateur model of college sports. The 13-2 vote means the players will be allowed to negotiate on issues like compensation and working conditions, including practice hours. Dartmouth has until March 12 to file an objection to the union.

Last month, the National Labor Relations Board ruled the players are employees of the university after the varsity players submitted a petition in September to the NLRB requesting to unionize. Dartmouth filed motions last week to ask the NLRB office to reconsider its ruling.

The union vote comes amid a broader effort to cut back restrictions on compensation for student-athletes. The NCAA has historically barred college athletes from receiving compensation beyond scholarships (athletic scholarships are banned in the Ivy League) and some related costs of education. The NCAA proposed in December a new subdivision that would allow some schools to enter into name, image, and likeness deals directly with their students.

# – # – # – # – # 

Well, it’s about time to end the farce of “amateur student athletes”.  Everyone in this charade is make a lot of money except the athletes.  It’s slavery.

—30—

INTERESTING: Striped marlin chage their stripe’s shades

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https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/news/colour-change-group-hunting?utm_placement=newsletter

> Researchers find striped marlin communicate with each other by changing the shade of their stripes during high-speed hunting; discovery sheds light on the evolution of predatory group behaviors in fish (More)

# – # – # – # – # 

Who knew?

Imagine if humans had that ability.  No more hand signals in a military ambush.  No more need to “remember” to use your turn signals when driving.  

Or, you can tell when a woman is going to get enraged at you.  But you can kinda know that already.  It would be nice to have a warning.

Laugh!

—30—

INTERESTING: Flaco, the beloved Eurasian Eagle Owl, may dem,onstrate a cheap way to address NYC’s rat proble,

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://nypost.com/2024/02/23/us-news/flaco-the-owl-who-escaped-central-park-zoo-dead-after-apparent-nyc-building-collision/

Flaco, beloved owl who escaped Central Park Zoo year ago, dead: officials
By  Richard Pollina
Published Feb. 23, 2024
Updated Feb. 24, 2024, 1:14 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

Though the Eurasian Eagle Owl is not native to North America, Flaco had been successfully feasting on the plentiful bounty of rats in Central Park and around the city since his escape.

“He has been very successful at hunting and consuming the abundant prey in the park,” the zoo said last year.

The Eurasian Eagle Owl is one of the larger owl species, with a wingspan of up to 79 inches and weighing three to nine pounds, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

*** and ***

The Eurasian Eagle Owl is not currently on the endangered species list but has been flagged as a “concerned” species given the decline in local populations worldwide. 

*** end quote ***

Now I’m just a fat old white guy retired injineer but could the Universe have just sent us a “messenger” in the shape of Flaco, the beloved Eurasian Eagle Owl, as to how to control rats in NYC?

We know that NYC rats are BIG problem.  Some of them are the size of small pigs.  And they breed prolifically.  

Since NYC residents can’t seem to control them and the Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerk City are equally helpless, let solve this species’ “concerned” status.

I’m always reluctant to mess with the Universe, but maybe a few breeding pairs of Flaco’s cousins, could bring the rat population under control.  Hell, maybe Eurasian Eagle Owl could replace the other “rat” in the City  — the pigeon. 

A win for all involved at a minimal cost.

Maybe John Oliver could get NYC to make the Eurasian Eagle Owl the City’s official bird?  It worked for the Pūteketeke in New Zealand!

(Hey John Oliver, feel free to steal this idea for a signed picture of you with an Eurasian Eagle Owl.  Otherwise, © 2019 Ferdinand J. Reinke All Rights Reserved. Laugh!)

—30—

INTERESTING: Making of men in the USA — espeicially in Gooferment Skrules

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FROM FREEREPUBLIC

*** begin quote ***

America’s Lost Boys and Me

2/11/2024, 10:32:44 AM · 14 of 14

ABN 505 to mo

There seems to be a dearth of men in teaching nowadays. When I was in High school most of the teachers were WWII vets with a sprinkling of woman in the arts and language’s. There was serious discipline administered and sometimes physical force was applied when needed. I don’t think woman are capable of handling young men and should not be in charge of them weather, in schools or military settings.

*** end quote ***

Having been educated by WWII vets from grades 4 thru ~20, I tend to agree,  Turning boys into men is probably not best done by women.  

I guess that makes me a something or other.

But let us look at the results?

Pretty sad record.

And in Gooferment Skrules it’s uncontrolled chaos.

In my school days, that would have never been tolerate and met with overwhelming physical violence from the faculty.  Even the few lay and women teachers were down right insane.

Dona Nobis Pacem

American has lost its way.

—30—

INTERESTING: All the world’s literature is slowly coming to the internet — possibly unapreciated

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https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/agatha-christie/the-mystery-of-the-blue-train/text/single-page

The Mystery of the Blue Train

# – # – # – # – # 

The Mystery of the Blue Train revolves around a set of fabulous rubies, said to have been worn by Catherine the Great, now purchased by an American millionaire as a gift to his daughter. When she takes them with her on a luxury train to the Riviera, she is unaware that among her fellow passengers are her unfaithful husband, his not-so-secret mistress, a quiet Englishwoman who believes that nothing exciting ever happens to her—and the famous retired detective Hercule Poirot. And, possibly, a murderer.

# – # – # – # – # 

Standard E Books puts out a huge amount of “free” content.

*** begin quote ***

This ebook is thought to be free of copyright restrictions in the United States. It may still be under copyright in other countries. If you’re not located in the United States, you must check your local laws to verify that this ebook is free of copyright restrictions in the country you’re located in before accessing, downloading, or using it.

*** end quote ***

More than even a fat old white guy retired injineer can possibly consume.  I remember reading the Hardy Boys in my youth and would save my supermarket tips to buy their latest adventure.  Like my comic book collection, those were discarded when I went in the military.   Another “casualty” of the Viet Nam war.  My Charlie Chan’s, my Heinlein’s, and McDonald color series of Travis McGees.  Sigh!

Wonder what they would be worth today?

Anyway, I am rereading some favorites as they come out of copyright.

And, of course, donate to the site.  Small change but every bit helps.  I can imagine growing up today and having the internet as a library of dikw (i.e., data, information, knowledge, wisdom) without having to physically trade to the library to find that illusive book that never seems to be there.

Sigh!

I wonder if these resources are “pearls before swine” and completely not used by today’s barbarian culture.

Argh!

—30— 

INTERESTING: Note on the impracticality of invading Taiwan

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

FROM FREEREPUBLIC

*** begin quote ***

I was reading the third book in Ian Toll’s War in the Pacific Trilogy the other day. There was a segment on the decision to invade Formosa or the Philippines.

Here is a quote:

“On August 18, 1944, Nimitz estimated that the operation (Invasion of Taiwan) would require 505,000 army troops, 154,000 marines, and 61,000 navy shore personnel.”

So, assuming that modern warfare doesn’t require the same number of troops and the Taiwanese will not “fight to the last man” as the Japanese would…let’s cut those numbers in half.

How is China going to move 325,000 troops across the Straits of Taiwan? It took the US three years of almost unstopped work to get the transports and landing craft to do that. Plus two years of hard earned practice. And no country has accomplished that since the Korean War—where we still had the men and equipment to do it.

No..China is not invading Taiwan any time soon.

*** end quote ***

Seems like some unbiased assessment of the practicality.  And, China has “other bigger fish to fry” like the collapse of Evergrande and all the “fiscal contagion” that will cause.

—30—

INTERESTING: Humans can learn echolocation but xray vision is fascinating

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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13005513/From-boy-sonar-vision-man-slept-50-years-meet-people-real-life-superpowers-scientists-just-explain.html

From the boy with sonar vision to a man who hasn’t slept for over 50 years – meet the people with real-life superpowers that scientists just can’t explain

  • Meet the people who can show you what the human race is really capable of 
  • The girl with X-ray eyes
  • The Iceman
  • The boy with sonar vision
  • The man who did not eat or drink for 70 years
  • The man who didn’t sleep for 50 years

By Matthew Cox
Published: 10:04 EST, 28 January 2024 | Updated: 10:09 EST, 28 January 2024

*** begin quote ***

We have all wondered what superpower we would like to have given the chance.

It is a classic icebreaker question – flying, pausing time or going invisible – but we never expect our answers to come true.

However, a smattering of unique individuals across the globe have powers which seem impossible to explain.

*** end quote ***

I find the vision one inexplicably fascinating.

Imagine all the expensive testing that could be concentrated to those who need it quickly and easily.

Like training dogs to smell disease and low blood sugar.

Give some real meaning to that joke about ‘cat scan’ and ‘lab(rador) work’.

—30—

INTERESTING: Miss Japan? At least she’s a female

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68078061

Ukrainian-born model winning Miss Japan re-ignites identity debate
24th January 2024, 04:25 EST
By Shaimaa Khalil, Tokyo correspondent

*** begin quote ***

Ai Wada, the organiser of the Miss Japan Grand Prix pageant told the BBC that judges had chosen Ms Shin as the winner with “full confidence”.

“She speaks and writes in beautiful and polite Japanese,” Ms Wada said. “She is more Japanese than we are.”

Ms Shiino had announced in Instagram earlier last year when she received Japanese nationality, saying that she “may not look Japanese”, but her mind had “become Japanese” because she had grown up in Japan. 

*** end quote ***

I immediately remembered: “‘Pusher’ Ross: Well, you tell ‘im. You talk better English than I do!”.

The organizer’s quote just struck me as funny.

What makes someone “Japanese”?  

Or an “American” for that matter.  I’d like to believe that it’s a desire for freedom and liberty to “be all that you can be”.  Some how that ethic has been lost on many native born Americans.  As demonstrated by those from China and India that arrive with little or nothing and within a few decades they are “prosperous”.  But those born here with the same opportunities or even more never can rise from a self-inflicted poverty.

I’m sure that the Gooferment “welfare”  — handouts that are enough to starve  — blunts any ambition.

So sad that one has to be “Japanese” to win a beauty contest in Japan but not “ambitious” to be an “American”.

Argh!  Makes me sad!

—30—

INTERESTING: Indo-Pacific species demonstrates they are the “smartest”

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https://www.iflscience.com/first-dolphins-to-work-out-how-to-steal-bait-from-crab-traps-caught-in-the-act-71683?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter

First Dolphins To Work Out How To Steal Bait From Crab Traps Caught In The Act

  • World-first footage shows that even among the three famously intelligent dolphin families, the Indo-Pacific species manages to excel again.

Stephen Luntz  — Freelance Writer

*** begin quote ***

Crab traps exist all over the world, but it’s only off Bunbury that dolphins have worked out how to safely steal the bait.

Superb film has been obtained of dolphins stealing bait from crab traps and escaping to tell the tale to their fellow pod members in what may be a unique behavior caught on film for the first time. Moreover, when crab fishers tried to make the traps dolphin-proof, their first efforts didn’t succeed for long. It wouldn’t be fair to call it an arm’s race when only one side has any, but it certainly seems the dolphins are up for the challenge of solving problems humans put between them and a meal that can’t swim away.

*** end quote ***

At first it made me laugh.  Then, it made we wonder if we don’t understand “intelligence”.  

Dolphins, of any “family”, might be more intelligent than humans?

—30—

INTERESTING: Houston forced nonprofits to work together?

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12785247/Houston-Democratic-city-homelessness-housing.html

How one Dem-run city SOLVED its homelessness crisis…and did it on the cheap: Houston forced nonprofits to work together, then exploited city’s loose planning regulations to build one-bed apartments for vagrants

  •     A collective effort made of 100 different nonprofits has found a way to get apartments for homeless people
  •      In the past dozen years, 30,000 homeless Houston residents have been housed and supported 
  •     The city made sure to take a more direct and cheaper approach to do so 

By Emma Richter For Dailymail.Com
Published: 17:24 EST, 23 November 2023 | Updated: 17:24 EST, 23 November 2023

*** begin quote ***

A democrat-run city has managed to solved its homeless crisis with nonprofits that have worked together to obtain one-bedroom apartments for vagrants. 

Houston, Texas has gone on to create one of their ‘most important innovations’ – the Coalition for the Homeless, along with exploiting the city’s loose planning regulations. 

The independent agency, known as The Way Home, co-ordinates with 100 nonprofits to combat homelessness under a collective effort in the city. 

*** end quote ***

Well, “solved” might be an overstatement.  I’m not sure that it can be “solved” without addressing the drug addiction and mental illness that seems to be at the root of the “problem”.

The reporting make it sound like “loose planning regulations” are the problem.  Maybe it’s regulations in the first place that are the “problem”?

—30—

INTERESTING: Dog leads to cat; rescue

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-67349494?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter

Dog leads owner to cat stuck 100ft down Cornish mine shaft
Published  —  5 days ago (EDITOR’S NOTE: 08 Nov 2023)

Daisy alerted her owner to Mowgli’s predicament

By Christine Butler & Charlotte Cox  — BBC News

*** begin quote ***

A lucky cat was rescued by firefighters after falling 100ft (30m) down a mineshaft in Cornwall – and it was all thanks to a quick-thinking dog.

After six days of searching, Mowgli’s owner Michele Rose said she had “almost given up hope” of finding her missing pet.

But she said she saw her dog Daisy “going berserk”, running in and out of woods near their home in Harrowbarrow.

Daisy’s intervention led to the rescue of her feline friend, Ms Rose said.

*** end quote ***

Stories like this prompt two reactions on my part:

1) It’s good practice for a child rescue; and

2) What was done to prevent a child from falling in the same hole?

Inquiring minds want to know.

—30—

INTERESTING: The individual choices that played a role in the Titanic disaster

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://www.boredpanda.com/interesting-history-uncovered-pics/

History
Nov 12, 2023
50 Fascinating History Facts And Pics You May Not Have Been Shown At School
Gabija PalšytėRokas LaurinavičiusGabija Palšytė and Rokas Laurinavičius

*** begin quote ***

#26 Charles Joughin, The Chief Baker Aboard The Titanic, Emerged As An Improbable Survivor Of The Tragic Sinking Of The Ship

During the British Titanic inquiry, he faced questioning by Mr. Cotter, a part of the investigative effort to determine the circumstances of the ship’s demise. Here is an excerpt from his interrogation: Mr. Cotter: “What did you do with the children when you put them into the boat?” Joughin: “Handed them into the boat or dropped them in.” Mr. Cotter: “Threw them in?” Joughin: “Threw them in.” Mr. Cotter: “And what did you do with the mother?” Joughin: “We wanted to throw her in, and I think she preferred to try and step in.” Mr. Cotter: “What happened?” Joughin: “She missed her footing.” Mr. Cotter: “You said that you never went into your boat. Why did you not go, seeing that you were in charge?” Joughin: “I would have set a bad example if I had jumped into the boat. None of the men felt inclined to get into the boat.” Mr. Cotter: “When you found your boat had gone you said you went down below. What did you do when you went down below?” Joughin: “I went to my room for a drink.” Mr. Cotter: “Drink of what?” Joughin: “Spirits.” The Commissioner: “Does it very much matter what it was?” Mr. Cotter: “Yes, my Lord, this is very important because I am going to prove, or rather my suggestion is, that he then saved his life. I think his getting a drink had a lot to do with saving his life.” Despite his responsibilities in assisting women and children into lifeboats, Joughin repeatedly returned to his cabin for alcoholic drinks. As the final lifeboats left, he remained composed and rode the sinking Titanic down to the icy waters. In general, a person under the influence of alcohol is more susceptible to freezing to death due to vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels, which causes blood to move away from vital organs toward the skin’s surface, increasing the risk of hypothermia. However, the frigid temperature of the North Atlantic Sea that night, approximately -2 degrees Celsius (26.4 degrees Fahrenheit), was cold enough to constrict Joughin’s blood vessels, offsetting the effects of the alcohol. Joughin reported feeling relatively calm in the water and experienced no pain. Joughin spent two hours in the water before managing to climb onto an overturned lifeboat. He was later rescued by a passing lifeboat. This incredible tale of survival underscores the extraordinary circumstances and individual choices that played a role in the Titanic disaster.

*** end quote ***

I’m not sure what lessons one can take from this.  Other than, luck has a lot to do with survival!

—30—

INTERESTING: An alternative for Israel

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-12620821/invasion-Gaza-Israel-better-way-Colonel-TIM-COLLINS.html

I fear a full-scale invasion of Gaza by Israel will end in a bloody quagmire. But there is another, better way… writes Colonel TIM COLLINS, drawing on the lessons of Iraq and Northern Ireland

By Colonel Tim Collins For The Daily Mail

Published: 17:23 EDT, 11 October 2023 | Updated: 01:56 EDT, 12 October 2023 

*** begin quote ***

The overthrow of Hamas by Fatah, backed by Israel, would be a step forward for democracy in Palestine – and would isolate the theocratic Iranian regime which has long bankrolled and armed Hamas.

Israel should not play into Iran’s hands. And as an Irishman, I know why.

In 1972, soon after the Troubles had been rekindled, support for the IRA soared after the Bloody Sunday massacre, when British paratroopers opened fire on a Catholic protest march through the city of Derry. Fourteen innocent people were killed and there was to be no peace in the province for another three decades.

The decision is Israel’s. Do they, in a spasm of vengeance, unleash a flood of Bloody Sundays in Gaza? Or could they, dare they, act with reason and mercy?

*** end quote ***

While as satisfying as killing every Hamas in Gaza might feel, there has to be some wisdom in the long term effects.

The idea of targeted reprisals has the merit of not repeating the lessons of Ireland.

Plus, the Hamas leadership safely in sympathetic countries needs to be targeted.  As well as anyone who gives them aid and comfort.  Time for Israel to turn loose their Mossad with “license to kill”.  

Marque and Reprisal is a very underused tactic.

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INTERESTING: But what alternatives did its economics crowd out; remember seen and unseen?

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://electrek.co/2023/10/03/worlds-first-artificial-energy-island/?utm_source=tldrnewsletter

The world’s first artificial energy island just got the go-ahead
Michelle Lewis | Oct 3 2023 – 7:58 am PT 

*** begin quote ***

The world’s first artificial energy island has secured its environmental permit, so it’s now all systems go in Belgium.

Princess Elisabeth Island is a pioneering electricity grid at sea that’s going to connect offshore wind farms to the Belgian mainland and also serve as a hub for future interconnectors with the UK and Denmark.

Belgian electricity transmission system operator Elia is the project’s developer, and obtaining the permit, which Elia applied for in January 2023, is a key milestone. Construction will take over two years, from March 2024 to August 2026. 

*** end quote ***

But what alternatives did its economics crowd out; remember seen and unseen? There are no “shareholders” looking for a profit. Just nameless faceless politicians and bureaucrats with endless supplies of Taxpayer “wealth” to amuse themselves “saving the planet”.  

Seriously, how do “we” know that was the best use of resources?

“That Which is Seen, and That Which is Not Seen” Frédéric Bastiat http://bastiat.org/

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INTERESTING: Dogs can id identical twins by scent

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://theconversation.com/your-unique-body-odor-could-identify-who-you-are-and-provide-insights-into-your-health-all-from-the-touch-of-a-hand-210231

Your unique body odor could identify who you are and provide insights into your health – all from the touch of a hand

Published: September 20, 2023 8.26am EDT

Authors

  •     Chantrell Frazier Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Food Science, Framingham State University
  •     Kenneth G. Furton     Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University
  •     Vidia A. Gokool     Postdoctoral Researcher, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

*** begin quote ***

Researchers have been studying the discriminating potential of human scent for over three decades. A 1988 experiment demonstrated that a dog could distinguish identical twins living apart and exposed to different environmental conditions by their scent alone. This is a feat that could not be accomplished using DNA evidence, as identical twins share the same genetic code.

*** end quote ***

Wow. 

Now all we have to do is have a scent capturing device for crime scenes and we don’t need DNA if it’s not available.

Fascinating stuff, imho.

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INTERESTING: A new brain cell: demonstrates (again) about how little we know

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/new-type-brain-cell-astrocyte/

Scientists discover a new type of brain cell

  • There are hints that it could lead to new treatments for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other brain disorders.
  • An image of a neuron with a blue light coming out of it.
  • Most of the cells in the brain are either neurons or glial cells. The former send messages, while the latter protect the former. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell found near synapses. Researchers believe they have discovered a new type of astrocyte that actively participates in neurotransmission, making them a sort of hybrid between neurons and glial cells. 

Kristin Houser

*** begin quote ***

A new brain cell: Researchers at the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering and the University of Lausanne believe they’ve definitively proven that some astrocytes do actively participate in neurotransmission, making them a sort of hybrid of neurons and glial cells.

According to the researchers, this third type of brain cell, which they call a “glutamatergic astrocyte,” could offer a way to treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other disorders of the nervous system.

“Its discovery opens up immense research prospects,” said study co-director Andrea Volterra.

*** end quote ***

Once again demonstrating how little we really know about anything.

Hope this research leads to new treatments for brain disorders before I need them.

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INTERESTING: If DJT45 rips up the “bail agreement”, then all hell would break loose

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https://dailycaller.com/2023/08/25/opinion-jd-foster-this-proves-that-trumps-prosecutors-are-playing-politics-and-it-has-nothing-to-do-with-his-charges-jd-foster/

JD FOSTER: This Proves That Trump’s Prosecutors Are Playing Politics, And It Has Nothing To Do With His Charges

  • J.D. Foster is the former chief economist at the Office of Management and Budget and former chief economist and senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He now resides in relative freedom in the hills of Idaho.

August 25, 2023 12:02 PM ET

*** begin quote ***

Whether you love Donald Trump and are daily festooned with MAGA paraphernalia, or despise everything about him, if you reflect on Trump’s trials you may have a real whiskey, tango, foxtrot moment.

The problem isn’t the indictments and whether they are bogus and political or sound and prudent. The lawyers and the courts will duke it out and someday we’ll know, or at least we’ll have the best answer the system can produce. No, the issue is Trump’s bail. 

*** and ***

If Trump were willing (I heard this notion so it’s not original with me), then he should change his mind and tear up the bail agreement. Show up, be arrested, and then be taken to jail. The Secret Service would immediately invoke their federal authority and force the county to empty out the jail to ensure the former President’s safety. Then watch the thousands, then tens of thousands, then more and more come to the jail to protest. Even MSNBC would be forced to cover it. 

Or, more likely, watch the Court and Willis squeak like little mice and say, never mind, Mr. Trump. See you in a few weeks. There would be plenty of embarrassment, but not for Trump.

*** end quote ***

I LOVE this idea.  

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INTERESTING: Some were raised by animals and yet survived

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12412255/The-real-life-Mowglis-Men-women-raised-animals-wolf-pack-troop-monkeys.html

The real-life Mowglis: Men and women who were raised by animals… from a wolf pack to a troop of monkeys

  •     Men and women claim they were raised by animals in their darkest moments 
  •     They claim animals – from wolves to stray dogs – took them in as one of their own 

By Rachael Bunyan
Published: 02:16 EDT, 19 August 2023 | Updated: 04:22 EDT, 19 August 2023 

# – # – # – # – # 

Fascinating that humans survive against all odds.

Sad that they have such dismal futures.

Interesting what is shows about the need for a human family.

—30—

INTERESTING: Didn’t anyone think about tructural fatigue from repeated trips?

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12228753/Underwater-survival-expert-says-materials-used-Titan-sub-tried-simply-didnt-work.html

Underwater survival expert reveals OceanGate’s biggest ‘red flags’ and says the unconventional combination of materials used to build its doomed Titan sub was NOT innovative because ‘it’s been tried and simply didn’t work’

  •     Rachel Lance, a Duke University biomedical engineer and underwater survival expert, on Thursday said OceanGate was using technology proven not to work
  •     Lance told CNN that the carbon fiber hull was already widely discredited, despite OceanGate’s CEO hyping it as innovative and safe
  •     She said some of the vessel’s design materials ‘were already large red flags to people who have worked in this field’ 

By Harriet Alexander For Dailymail.com
Published: 22:44 EDT, 23 June 2023 | Updated: 03:57 EDT, 24 June 2023 

*** begin quote ***

He also said in 2020 that the hull had ‘showed signs of cyclical fatigue’. 

Carbon fiber is prone to delamination, the process whereby a material fractures into layers while put under pressure.

Cameron said: ‘The way it fails is it delaminates. You have to have a hull, a pressure hull, made out of a contiguous material like steel, or like titanium, which is the proven standard.’

*** end quote *** 

When I first heard about the disastrous failure and that they had been running “tours” since 2021, I immediately wondered how they were dealing with “material fatigue”.   Anyone, who has unbent and recent a paperclip know that suddenly the clip just fails breaking apart.  When dealing with the tremendous pressure (i.e., the weight of the water above you pressing down), the material must flex every time it goes down and back up.  

Surprising it didn’t fail sooner.

Requiescat In Pacem.

—30—

INTERESTING: Goodhart’s Law — never ehard of it

Published on by reinkefjLeave a comment

https://builtin.com/data-science/goodharts-law

How to Mind Goodhart’s Law and Avoid Unintended Consequences

  • One of the first steps to solving a problem — data science or otherwise — is determining the right metrics to gauge success. Choose wisely.

Written by Will Koehrsen
Published on Oct. 19, 2021

*** begin quote ***

What Is Goodhart’s Law?

Goodhart’s Law is expressed simply as: “When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure.” In other words, when we set one specific goal, people will tend to optimize for that objective regardless of the consequences. This leads to problems when we neglect other equally important aspects of a situation. 

*** end quote ***

Hmmm, I never fell into that trap.

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