Episode #697

Episode #697

News Items

• Earth’s Hidden Moons
• How We Think
• The Mad Russian
• Engineering Photosynthesis

Who's That Noisy

• Answer to last week: Cassowary

Science or Fiction [ Show Answers ]

• Item #1 Science

  In the 17th century, 40% of children failed to live to adulthood. https://www.tullyhistoricalsociety.org/tahs/medical.php

• Item #2 Science

  Estimates of literacy in 18th century New England are from 90-100% for men, and 31-48% for women. http://www.history.org/foundation/journal/winter11/literacy.cfm

• Item #3 Fiction

  Beds were shorter than the modern standard, reflecting the generally shorter stature that was typical of the time. http://www.history.org/foundation/journal/winter08/stuff.cfm

Skeptical Quote of the Week.

‘ I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, which is all I think that any conscious entity can ever hope to do.’ - HAL 9000