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steve2470

steve2470's Journal
steve2470's Journal
December 18, 2023

Physicist Discovers 'Paradox-Free' Time Travel Is Theoretically Possible

https://www.sciencealert.com/physicist-discovers-paradox-free-time-travel-is-theoretically-possible

original article: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6382/aba4bc , article in pdf format

As movies such as The Terminator, Donnie Darko, Back to the Future and many others show, moving around in time creates a lot of problems for the fundamental rules of the Universe: if you go back in time and stop your parents from meeting, for instance, how can you possibly exist in order to go back in time in the first place?

It's a monumental head-scratcher known as the 'grandfather paradox', but a few years ago physics student Germain Tobar, from the University of Queensland in Australia, worked out how to "square the numbers" to make time travel viable without the paradoxes.

"Classical dynamics says if you know the state of a system at a particular time, this can tell us the entire history of the system," Tobar explained back in 2020.

"However, Einstein's theory of general relativity predicts the existence of time loops or time travel – where an event can be both in the past and future of itself – theoretically turning the study of dynamics on its head."


Much more at the article. Sorry, since I don't know physics, I have no idea how to edit the article better.
December 13, 2023

Want a new resource for World War Two History ? Consider WW2TV on Youtube

WW2TV on Youtube link

Now, the disclaimers: 1- I am not paid or compensated, etc for this post in any way, shape or form.
2- I am not certifying the programs offered are totally error-free, but I do think they are high quality
3- The programs are definitely not for the total novice to WW2 history. Once you know the basics, then consider it
4- The presenter is from the UK and lives in Normandy, France. The shows do tilt towards the UK perspective. However, the American, French, Polish and other perspectives are presented at times.

YMMV and HTH !

December 13, 2023

"The old he-coon walks just before the light of day" : Do you remember this famous Florida politics quote ?

https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4458009/user-clip-hecoon

If you are short on time, here is the context: 1994 Florida governor's race. Lawton Chiles uttered that famous phrase.

Safe to click Wikipedia entry

What does it mean ? Per Google Bard AI ( Safe to click ) :

The phrase "The old he-coon walks just before the light of day" is a metaphorical expression with several layers of meaning, originating from Florida politics. Here's a breakdown:

**Literal Meaning *

* **He-coon * Refers to a mature male raccoon, known for its cunning and experience.
* **Light of day * Represents dawn, the start of a new period.

**Metaphorical Meanings *

1. **Experienced Politician * The he-coon symbolizes a seasoned political figure, well-versed in the game and operating strategically. They may be cautious and avoid direct confrontation, waiting for the right moment to act.
2. **Underdog Strategy * The phrase suggests the he-coon's preference for operating in the twilight, unseen but effective. It could represent an underdog candidate who waits until the last minute to campaign, surprising their opponents.
3. **Political Cunning * The he-coon's nocturnal nature implies a certain shrewdness and ability to navigate complex situations. It could represent a politician who uses their experience and knowledge to outmaneuver their rivals.

**Historical Context *

The phrase gained national attention in 1994 when then-Florida Governor Lawton Chiles used it during a gubernatorial debate against Jeb Bush. Chiles, known for his folksy demeanor and political savvy, used the metaphor to portray himself as the experienced "old he-coon" against his young opponent. The image resonated with voters, particularly older Floridians, and helped Chiles secure a come-from-behind victory.

**Overall *

"The old he-coon walks just before the light of day" is a colorful and evocative phrase that can be interpreted in various ways depending on the context. It generally represents the wisdom, cunning, and strategic approach of an experienced individual, particularly in a political setting.

I hope this explanation helps!


Hope you enjoyed this. I was watching the latest Resolute Square / Lincoln Project ] video podcast (
) , and Rick Wilson referenced it.

October 20, 2023

Third roll call vote soon for House Speaker, on C-Span

[link:

|]

and at

https://www.c-span.org/video/?531284-1/house-session

8 members still have not voted present.
October 12, 2023

Yes, the Nazis did KILL babies during World War Two



Yes, the Nazis killed babies during World War Two. This was part of their systematic extermination of Jews, Roma, and other groups they considered to be "undesirable." Babies were killed in gas chambers, by shooting, and by other means. The Nazis also carried out a program of forced sterilization on women who they considered to be "racially inferior." The exact number of babies killed by the Nazis is unknown, but it is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

The Nazi genocide was a horrific event in human history. It is important to remember and learn from this atrocity so that it never happens again.


https://g.co/bard/share/b0de84a848e5

also this:

Others were sent to a hospital barracks to wait out the rest of their pregnancy in squalid conditions. “Sister Klara,” a midwife who had been sent to the camp for murdering a child, oversaw the barracks with a woman named “Sister Pfani.” They were in charge of declaring babies born in the ward stillborn, then drowning them in buckets, often in front of the mothers who had just given birth. Sister Klara’s role did not include assisting with deliveries.


https://www.history.com/news/auschwitz-midwife-stanislawa-leszczynska-saint


This is definitely not in-depth research but a quick look.
October 12, 2023

NON-POLITICAL THREAD ! I wish all the best for our Jewish and Israeli DU'ers

Moderators: I know the rules. THIS IS NOT POLITICS.

I stand in support of you in this time of crisis.



Steve

October 3, 2023

Bismarck North Dakota reached 78 F (26 C) today !

https://www.weatheronline.co.uk/weather/maps/city?LANG=en&CEL=F&SI=mph&TIME=std&CONT=namk&LAND=ND&REGION=0018&WMO=72764&R=0&LEVEL=140&NOREGION=1&SORT=__&TEMP=___&WETTER=__&&TYP=__&SEITE=0

Isn't this really warm for North Dakota for early October, or is this considered "Indian Summer" ? I am in Florida (lifetime), so I really have no idea. Thanks in advance !

Steve
July 9, 2023

Twitter decline, Volume 234: Poll asking if the Nazis were the good guys in WW2...

https://twitter.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/1677900169239568384




I registered my strong disapproval and the poll was reported. If Twitter has any remaining sense, it will ban the two guys who posted the polls. Free Nazi speech, my ass.

on edit: Of course, the super anti-semitic poll question was horrible too.

eta2: corrected number of guys
June 26, 2023

Study that puts DeSantis in a horrible light re: COVID policies

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-022-01097-5

That study, about Sweden, is summarized here, per LA Times:

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-03-31/sweden-covid-policy-was-a-disaster

The country’s treatment of the elderly and patients with comorbidities such as obesity was especially appalling.

“Many elderly people were administered morphine instead of oxygen despite available supplies, effectively ending their lives,” the researchers wrote. “Potentially life-saving treatment was withheld without medical examination, and without informing the patient or his/her family or asking permission.”

In densely populated Stockholm, triage rules stated that patients with comorbidities were not to be admitted to intensive care units, on grounds that they were “unlikely to recover,” the researchers wrote, citing Swedish health strategy documents and statistics from research studies indicating that ICU admissions were biased against older patients.

These policies were crafted by a small, insular group of government officials who not only failed to consult with experts in public health, but ridiculed expert opinion and circled the wagons to defend Anders Tegnell, the government epidemiologist who reigned as the architect of the country’s approach, against mounting criticism.

The bottom line is that Swedes suffered grievously from Tegnell’s policies. According to the authoritative Johns Hopkins pandemic tracker, while its total death rate from February 2020 through this week, 1,790 per million population, is better than that of the U.S. (2,939), Britain (2,420) and France (2,107), it’s worse than that of Germany (1,539), Canada (984) and Japan (220).


If accurate statistics were ever compiled about the death rates in Florida in 2020 and 2021 from COVID, I am quite sure the death rates among over-65 and those with comorbidities would be very very high.

Chart:



June 26, 2023

Column: Did Sweden beat the pandemic by refusing to lock down? No, its record is disastrous

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-03-31/sweden-covid-policy-was-a-disaster

Study published in Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-022-01097-5

Throughout much of the pandemic, Sweden has stood out for its ostensibly successful effort to beat COVID-19 while avoiding the harsh lockdowns and social distancing rules imposed on residents of other developed nations.

Swedish residents were able to enjoy themselves at bars and restaurants, their schools remained open, and somehow their economy thrived and they remained healthy. So say their fans, especially on the anti-lockdown right.

A new study by European scientific researchers buries all those claims in the ground. Published in Nature, the study paints a devastating picture of Swedish policies and their effects.

“The Swedish response to this pandemic,” the researchers report, “was unique and characterized by a morally, ethically, and scientifically questionable laissez-faire approach.”


Excellent article. This SHOULD be thrown in DeSantis' face, with his bragging about his record in my state of Florida.

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