INTERESTING: In children’s movies there’s no SADNESS?

Thursday, June 20, 2024

The movie IN/OUT2 introduced some new emotions like ENNUI (Boredom) and NOSTALGIA.  But there’s no SADNESS?  I guess in children’s movies there’s no SADNESS?.  Maybe I need to design a character.  Is there a GREEK GOD of “sadness”?

—30—

Oizys: Greek goddess of misery, greif, and depression | Pagans ...

Oizys: Greek goddess of misery, greif, and depression | Pagans …

*** and ***

"Greek Goddess of Sadness" Sticker by jamjammed | Redbubble

Akhlys: Greek God of Sadness

Hesiod’s account from the Shield of Heracles is chilling: “And beside the (the Keres and the Fates) was standing Akhlys, dismal and dejected, green and pale, dirty-dry, fallen in on herself with hunger, knee-swollen, and the nails were grown long on her hands, and from her nostrils the drip kept running, and off her cheeks the blood dribbled to the ground, and she stood there, grinning forever, and the dust that had gathered and lay in heaps on her shoulders was muddy with tears.”

*** and ***

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/twxM_3c9LEI/hq2.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEoCOADEOgC8quKqQMcGADwAQH4AZQDgALQBYoCDAgAEAEYZSBbKEwwDw==&rs=AOn4CLCG7_HF7TFOo_O9ADe6FrFESvPXHQ

Norse God of Sadness

—30—


INTERESTING: Since the States regulate casinos … …

Thursday, June 13, 2024

https://www.fark.com/comments/13274582/170624178/Woman-hits-slot-machine-jackpot-gets-screwed-out-of-her-winnings-by-casino-What-else-is-new#c170624178

*** begin quote ***

(Yahoo) Woman hits slot machine jackpot, gets screwed out of her winnings by casino. What else is new (ca.finance.yahoo.com) divider line  

*** and ***

kbronsito

DrD'isInfotainment: Good for her. She should sue the fark outa that Casino

It should not be necessary though. States give casinos a license to print money. They should regulate them to force them to pay these kind of wins. If the casino wants to recoup because the machine is defective, it can deal with courts to take it out on the manufacturer. It’s bad enough their business model is already to screw over patrons, why make it easier by letting them weasel out of paying the rare jackpot? (Besides the corruption, I mean.) 

*** end quote ***

Since the States regulate casinos … …  

… … shouldn’t they step in a force the casino to pay off? 

Why should this “winner” have to spend money to go to a Gooferment court to recover from a Gooferment regulated enterprise?

Sigh!

An excelled point by this FARKer.

—30—


INTERESTING: Since the States regulate casinos … …

Thursday, June 13, 2024

https://www.fark.com/comments/13274582/170624178/Woman-hits-slot-machine-jackpot-gets-screwed-out-of-her-winnings-by-casino-What-else-is-new#c170624178

*** begin quote ***

(Yahoo) Woman hits slot machine jackpot, gets screwed out of her winnings by casino. What else is new (ca.finance.yahoo.com) divider line  

*** and ***

kbronsito

DrD'isInfotainment: Good for her. She should sue the fark outa that Casino

It should not be necessary though. States give casinos a license to print money. They should regulate them to force them to pay these kind of wins. If the casino wants to recoup because the machine is defective, it can deal with courts to take it out on the manufacturer. It’s bad enough their business model is already to screw over patrons, why make it easier by letting them weasel out of paying the rare jackpot? (Besides the corruption, I mean.) 

*** end quote ***

Since the States regulate casinos … …  

… … shouldn’t they step in a force the casino to pay off? 

Why should this “winner” have to spend money to go to a Gooferment court to recover from a Gooferment regulated enterprise?

Sigh!

An excelled point by this FARKer.

—30—


INTERESTING: Since the States regulate casinos … …

Thursday, June 13, 2024

https://www.fark.com/comments/13274582/170624178/Woman-hits-slot-machine-jackpot-gets-screwed-out-of-her-winnings-by-casino-What-else-is-new#c170624178

*** begin quote ***

(Yahoo) Woman hits slot machine jackpot, gets screwed out of her winnings by casino. What else is new (ca.finance.yahoo.com) divider line  

*** and ***

kbronsito

DrD'isInfotainment: Good for her. She should sue the fark outa that Casino

It should not be necessary though. States give casinos a license to print money. They should regulate them to force them to pay these kind of wins. If the casino wants to recoup because the machine is defective, it can deal with courts to take it out on the manufacturer. It’s bad enough their business model is already to screw over patrons, why make it easier by letting them weasel out of paying the rare jackpot? (Besides the corruption, I mean.) 

*** end quote ***

Since the States regulate casinos … …  

… … shouldn’t they step in a force the casino to pay off? 

Why should this “winner” have to spend money to go to a Gooferment court to recover from a Gooferment regulated enterprise?

Sigh!

An excelled point by this FARKer.

—30—


INTERESTING: COuld AI “solve” a backlog of unread cuneiform scripts

Friday, May 31, 2024

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/expert-believes-he-has-solved-archaeological-mystery-surrounding-ancient-assyrian-symbol/

Expert Believes He Has Solved Archaeological Mystery Surrounding Ancient Assyrian Symbols
By Andy Corbley – May 16, 2024 

*** begin quote ***

Most of the time, Assyriologists, or people who study the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, are working on transcribing the various cuneiform scripts of tablets found during excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries, of which there are tens of thousands in museum collections that haven’t ever been read.

*** end quote ***

Here’s an unsolved trove of dikw (i.e., data, information, knowledge, wisdom) from the ancient world that’s ripe for study.  We’d probably learn more that ever comes for Tik Tok.

Hopefully someone turns AI loose on all the backlog.

—30—


INTERESTING: Ever hear of the “Lunar Standstill”?

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/21/world/stonehenge-moon-lunar-standstill-scn/index.html?ref=upstract.com

Rare lunar event may reveal Stonehenge’s link with the moon
By Katie Hunt, CNN
6 minute read
Published 1:16 PM EDT, Tue May 21, 2024

*** begin quote ***

To those gathering over the centuries at Stonehenge — the imposing prehistoric monument that has dominated Salisbury plain in southwest England for some 4,500 years — it was likely clear how the sun could have informed its design.

The central axis of the stone circle was, and still is, aligned with the sunrise at midsummer and sunset at midwinter, the stones dramatically framing the rising and setting sun when days were at their longest and shortest.

But do Stonehenge and potentially other megalithic monuments around the world also align with the moon?

The idea that Stonehenge was linked in some way to the moon gained ground in the 1960s. However, the concept hadn’t been systematically explored, said Clive Ruggles, professor emeritus of archaeoastronomy in the school of archaeology and ancient history at the University of Leicester.

This summer, archaeologists are using a little-known lunar phenomenon that happens every 18.6 years to investigate as part of their work in understanding why Stonehenge was built.

Lunar standstill

Like the sun, the moon rises in the east and set in the west. However, moonrise and moonset move from north to south and back again in the space of a month. The northern and southern extremes also change over a period of about 18 and a half years. The lunar standstill is when the northernmost and southernmost moonrise and moonset are farthest apart. 

*** end quote ***

In my old age, I’ve become more and more convinced that humanity has lost some dikw (i.e., data, information, knowledge, wisdom) along the way on the “road to progress”.  Some of what has been lost was NBD (no big deal) like beliefs in witches, “poisonous tomatoes”, and the “Divine Right of Kings”.  Some losses have been down right positive like superstitions, subsistence farming, and disease caused by spirits.  

I’ve never heard of the “Lunar Standstill” but obviously those primitive savages had.

What else did they know that we’ve lost?

We have a lot to be humble about.

—30—


INTERESTING: What’s the Roman dodecahedron but none found in Italy?

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

https://www.sciencealert.com/rare-roman-dodecahedron-found-in-england-baffles-archaeologists

Rare Roman Dodecahedron Found in England Baffles Archaeologists
06 May 2024
By Samantha Tipper, The Conversation

*** begin quote *** 

There have been numerous suggestions by archaeologists and the public as to what dodecahedra could have been. Some theorise that they were religious objects, knitting tools, measuring instruments or stress toys. Due to the high level of skill involved, some have suggested that they were a way for a master craftsman to demonstrate their expert abilities.

There is no uniformity in the size or shape of the dodecahedra found so far, nor in their metal composition or even in the level of craftsmanship. If they were important objects, we would expect to also discover contextual evidence in the archaeological record, such as depictions in paintings or mosaics.

It does feel that this object will remain a mystery for some time – which might be why so many people are fascinated by it.

*** end quote ***

I found this fascinating.  And never found in Italy, but seems to be Roman.

Your guess is better than mine.

—30—


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

Saturday, May 4, 2024

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

Sunday, April 7, 2024

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

Sunday, April 7, 2024

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

Sunday, April 7, 2024

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

Saturday, April 6, 2024

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?

Sunday, March 31, 2024

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

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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

Monday, March 4, 2024

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,

Thursday, February 29, 2024

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

Friday, February 16, 2024

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

Saturday, February 10, 2024

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

Friday, February 9, 2024

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

Monday, February 5, 2024

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

Sunday, February 4, 2024

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”

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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?

Monday, November 27, 2023

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

Friday, November 17, 2023

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

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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

Friday, October 13, 2023

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.

—30—