A Fool's Wisdom » Humanity

The Miracle of Human Action

Lloyd — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 01:02:06 +0000

As a measure of how much modernization has changed things, as recently as 1923 over 100,000 died in the Kanto quake, which was not nearly as strong, but also generated tsunamis. Remember that when people (as they inevitably will) start talking about the relatively low death toll from today’s events as “a miracle“: it was only a miracle comprising knowledge, understanding of history and plate tectonics, planning, engineering, construction, communications, discipline, and other sorts of hard human work.

The low cost in lives and injuries does not, however, diminish the pain and suffering encompassed in each of those lives. It does not make it easier to witness one’s house or office destroyed. It does not clean debris from a formerly vibrant seashore, or put out a raging fire, or comfort an orphan.
Derek K. Miller, “The modernization of Japan saved hundreds of thousands of lives today“, March 11, 2011

Peaceful Revolution

Lloyd — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:48:08 +0000

Having watched the first part of the BBC documentary film series, “The Power of Nightmares” written and produced by Adam Curtis, which is freely available for download, I found it to be an interesting lesson on the recent history of Egypt, one of birthplaces of modern Islamic terrorism.

This context makes the peaceful overthrow of the Egyptian Dictator Muhammad Hosni Sayyid Mubarak all the more awesome!

I’m eager and anxious to see what comes next for the Egyptian people, and other people peacefully fighting for their freedom!

It’s in You to Give

Lloyd — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:37:38 +0000

One of my goals for 2010 was to donate blood regularly.

I’m proud to report that I donated blood four times in 2010 bringing my life time donations to 20.

I’ve already given blood once in 2011!

Because blood is the most precious gift.

Call 1-888 2 DONATE [Canadians] to make the appointment to save a life.

Before We Found Our Way

Lloyd — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:40:01 +0000

The video is a remix by YouTube member damewse with the explanation “NASA is the most fascinating, adventurous, epic institution ever devised by human beings, and their media sucks.” The audio is the late, great Carl Sagan taken from one version of the audiobook version of Pale Blue Dot. See the YouTube page for full credits.

Social

Lloyd — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 23:07:19 +0000

With our second child I’m re-experiencing the wonder I felt at how biologically gregarious we are.

Our baby girl E’s comfort and pleasures revolve around our presence, particularly that of our toddler brother.

Just Start Pumping

Lloyd — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:33:49 +0000

The chest compressions move enough oxygen to the brain, because the oxygen is already in the body. Studies have shown CCC to be more effective than traditional CPR, possibly because it is much easier to remember and administer, and anyone can do it. Just start pumping.
Marshall Brain, “How Continuous Chest Compression saves lives“, The Seattle Times, Oct 5th, 2010

The video notes not to use this on children under eight, or the rare case of respiratory failure or drowning.