Category Archives: The Evidentialism Files

Broke The Looking Glass


I was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with Type I diabetes on a Friday the 13th. But the rest of the world finds it jinxy for other reasons:

  1. Religious associations: In Christian tradition, Friday is considered unlucky as it’s believed to be the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. The number 13 is associated with Judas, the 13th guest at the Last Supper who betrayed Jesus.
  2. Norse mythology: A legend tells of 12 gods dining in Valhalla when Loki, the trickster god, arrived uninvited as the 13th guest, causing chaos.
  3. Historical events: The arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307, is often cited. King Philip IV of France ordered this mass arrest, leading to the order’s eventual dissolution. The Templars were accused of heresy and other crimes, though many historians believe these charges were fabricated. This event added to the day’s ominous reputation.
  4. Cultural reinforcement: Literature, films, and media have perpetuated the superstition, sometimes making it a self-fulfilling prophecy.
  5. Triskaidekaphobia: The general fear of the number 13 contributes to the day’s negative associations. The top of the clinical “number phobias,” which include 4 and 666.

I Believe In Live And Let Live


Some factslaps about Mercury:

  1. Smallest Planet: Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system, even smaller than some moons, like Ganymede and Titan.
  2. Closest to the Sun: Mercury orbits closest to the Sun, at an average distance of 36 million miles, but it’s not the hottest planet—that title goes to Venus.
  3. Extreme Temperatures: The temperature on Mercury swings dramatically, ranging from 800°F (427°C) during the day to -330°F (-201°C) at night.
  4. Long Days, Short Years: A single day (sunrise to sunrise) on Mercury takes 176 Earth days, while a year lasts just 88 Earth days.
  5. No Atmosphere: Mercury has almost no atmosphere to trap heat or protect it from meteoroid impacts, which is why its surface is heavily cratered.
  6. Large Iron Core: Mercury’s core makes up about 85% of its radius, the largest proportion of any planet in the solar system, contributing to its high density.
  7. No Moons or Rings: Unlike most planets in the solar system, Mercury has no moons or rings orbiting around it.

Snorkeling Lake Balboa

Los Angeles County Fire Department primarily uses the Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk helicopters to fight wildfires, including Tuesday’s at Lake Balboa. These are advanced, specially modified versions of the UH-60 Black Hawk military helicopter.

Key features of the LA County Firehawk include:

  1. Water capacity: They can carry up to 1,000 gallons (3,785 liters) of water or fire retardant.
  2. Quick refill: They can refill their tanks in about 60 seconds using a retractable snorkel.
  3. Multirole capability: Besides firefighting, they’re equipped for rescue operations and can transport firefighters.
  4. Night flying ability: They’re equipped for nighttime operations, which is crucial for round-the-clock firefighting efforts.
  5. Speed: They can travel at speeds up to 160 mph, allowing for rapid response.

The process you’re witnessing is called “snorkeling” or “drafting.” The helicopter hovers low over the water surface, lowers a snorkel or pump, and fills its tank in a matter of seconds. This allows for rapid refilling and return to the fire site.

Lake Balboa, being a reliable water source in the San Fernando Valley, is frequently used for this purpose during wildfire events in the Los Angeles area. This strategy allows firefighters combat fires in urban or wildland-urban interface areas where traditional ground-based firefighting might be challenging.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​