Wednesday, November 20, 2024

What are some little-known facts about the Titanic?

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Some little-known facts about the Titanic:

  1. Just imagine, it took almost 73 years to find the wreck of the Titanic. The image below shows the remaining plate debris from the Titanic wreck.

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2. The Titanic was as tall as an eleven-story building and nearly as long as four city blocks, making it one of the largest ships in the world.

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3. Millvina Dean (1912-2009) was only a few months old when she boarded the Titanic with her family. She was the youngest victim of the accident.

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4. The estimated age of the first snowflakes that formed the iceberg the Titanic hit was 15,000 years old.

5. None of the 30 technicians on board survived. They remained on board to keep the power running as long as possible so that others could escape.

6. The Titanic carried 64 lifeboats, each capable of carrying 20 people. Most of the lifeboats were not even filled to capacity.

7. The richest passenger on the Titanic was John Jacob Astor IV. His net worth was about $85 million, or two billion dollars today. Astor perished with the Titanic.

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8. With a production cost of 200 million dollars , this film cost more than Titanic itself.

9. The Titanic's shipbuilders, Harland and Wolff, insist that the Titanic was never touted as unsinkable as it was in the film. They claim that the 'unsinkable' myth was a result of people's interpretation of articles in The Irish News and The Shipbuilder magazine. They also claim that the myth arose after the disaster.

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10. First class tickets varied widely in price, ranging from $150 (about $1,700 today) for a simple bed, to $4,350 (about $50,000 today) for one of the two Parlor suites. Second class tickets were $60 (about $700) and third class passengers paid between $15 and $40 ($170 - $460).

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11. Hitting an iceberg wasn't the only reason the Titanic sank.

To make it clearer, a 30-foot line mark is visible on the ship, just in front of the coal bunker room. The area where the mark is located is also the area where the ship hit the iceberg. This leads experts to believe that the fire must have damaged the area first, then the iceberg caused further damage.

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12. Jack and Rose may be fictional characters, but their story was partly inspired by real Titanic passengers Henry Samuel Morley and Kate Florence Phillips.


Why do bananas cause acid reflux?

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Bananas are generally considered a low-acid fruit and are often recommended as a safe choice for people who suffer from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, in some individuals, bananas can trigger or worsen acid reflux symptoms. This counterintuitive reaction can occur due to several factors:

1. Natural Sugar and Starch Content

  • Bananas are rich in natural sugars (fructose and glucose) and starch. In some people, these compounds can ferment in the stomach or intestines, leading to bloating, gas, or pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES weakens or becomes relaxed, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing acid reflux.

2. Ripeness Level

  • The ripeness of a banana can play a role in how it affects acid reflux. Ripe bananas (yellow with brown spots) contain more sugars and can be more likely to ferment and cause gas or bloating. Green or underripe bananas, which are higher in resistant starch, may have less of this effect but can still cause discomfort in sensitive individuals.

3. Individual Sensitivities and Allergies

  • Some people may have an intolerance or mild allergic reaction to bananas, leading to inflammation or irritation in the digestive tract. This can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms by causing additional pressure or discomfort in the stomach.

4. Potassium and Relaxation of Muscles

  • Bananas are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate muscle contractions, including those of the digestive system. In rare cases, potassium might contribute to the relaxation of the LES, allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus.

5. Underlying Digestive Issues

  • People with underlying digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or fructose malabsorption, might experience increased symptoms after consuming bananas. These conditions can lead to bloating, gas, and abdominal pressure, worsening acid reflux.

6. Volume and Timing of Consumption

  • Eating bananas in large quantities or consuming them close to bedtime can increase the likelihood of acid reflux. A full stomach creates pressure that can push acid into the esophagus, especially when lying down shortly after eating.

7. High-Fiber Content

  • Although bananas are often praised for their fiber, the fiber content can sometimes cause gas or bloating in individuals with sensitive stomachs. This added pressure can worsen reflux symptoms.

Ways to Minimize the Risk of Acid Reflux from Bananas:

  1. Choose the Right Ripeness: Opt for bananas that are slightly green if you suspect ripe ones trigger symptoms.
  2. Eat in Moderation: Stick to a single serving size (usually one medium banana).
  3. Consume with Other Foods: Pair bananas with low-fat, non-acidic foods like oatmeal or yogurt to reduce their potential impact on acid reflux.
  4. Identify Sensitivities: Pay attention to how your body reacts to bananas and consider eliminating them if they consistently trigger symptoms.
  5. Avoid Eating Late: Allow at least 2–3 hours between eating bananas and lying down or sleeping.

Why was art important to ancient Greece?

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They knew that art would be the only thing that survives them. Their legacy was in their statues, because bodies would not remain, buildings would crumble and bones reduced to dust. All that’s left would be the art. Look at the “Boxer at Rest” statue below. The realism of it is mesmerizing. This is what a boxer looks like, today. Nothing changed.

It’s universal. It transcends time. And it doesn’t hide the ugly truth, either. If you zoom in a little on the side of the head, you’ll see the boxer has a typical “cauliflower ear” one sees in a martial artist who’s been bashed around the head one too many times:

The boxer, when he sat for this statue, was aware he would die, as all men do. But he must have known, too, that in art he would be immortal. The bronze and marble never lies, it’s the most honest substance on God’s green earth. It would take nearly 2000 years before the Renaissance came along and this level of realism was once again realized…

What amazes me most about “Boxer at Rest” and other such works is that this statue was created abour 300 years before the birth of Christ. And yet even today, you’ll have a hard time finding artists skilled enough to recreate the image of a man in such sublime and hyper-realistic detail. 

Want to reduce the belly without suffering?

Weight Loss Drinks: Many people are suffering from belly fat in the world. Fats are the root cause of these problems. And once one gets a belly, it is very challenging to reduce it. Don't try to reduce the belly for that. Otherwise, it can lead to many health problems. Do you want to lose belly fat without much effort? So before going to bed at night, drink some drinks that increase the body's metabolism. When you drink beverages full of fat-burning ingredients, you will not only lose belly fat, but also improve your overall health. Now let's see what are the drinks to drink at night to lose belly fat.

1. Lemon water

Generally, many people think that drinking lemon water on an empty stomach after waking up in the morning can reduce belly fat. But drinking this lemon water before going to sleep at night can effectively reduce belly fat. Because lemons are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. These improve the metabolism of the body. And the acidity in it helps detoxify the liver. Squeeze lemon juice in warm water and drink it before going to bed at night.

2. Apple cider vinegar

Nowadays apple cider vinegar is popular among people due to its health benefits. It is especially helpful in losing weight. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink it before going to bed at night to keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce cravings for salty foods. Also, the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps dissolve the stored fats. But for that you need to drink apple cider vinegar mixed with water in proper amount.

3. Yellow milk

Turmeric milk is not only rich in medicinal properties but also helps in weight loss. Turmeric also contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant. It boosts the metabolism and helps in dissolving the accumulated fats in the body. So those who want to lose belly should drink a glass of turmeric milk before going to bed at night.

4. Young water

Water is not only a refreshing drink but also helps maintain the body's metabolism. Mainly because fresh water is low in calories and high in electrolytes, it helps in keeping the body hydrated. Drinking this water not only in the morning but also at night before going to bed can reduce belly fat.

5. Ginger tea

Drinking a glass of ginger tea before going to bed at night prevents digestive problems and improves the functioning of the digestive tract. If one's digestive system functions well, the accumulation of fats in the body is prevented and belly fat is prevented. Additionally, the warming properties in ginger increase the body's metabolism and burn fat effectively while sleeping. Drink this ginger tea every night before going to sleep and you will see a good change in your stomach. 

Can you describe the experience of aging? Do you ever feel like your age is catching up to you?

Profile photo for Mansour Ansari
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Yes. See if you like this:

Aging—a ride that starts smooth but eventually feels like you’re cruising in a car that’s gradually losing parts on the highway of life. Let me walk you through it with some humor and a sprinkle of hard-earned wisdom. Writing an answer about this subject in a serious tone makes me depressed. So, i add some silly humor. It may help my mood later.

When you hit 50, you’re still feeling pretty good. Sure, there’s a little creaking here and there, but time? Oh, it’s still sneaky at this point. You think you’ve got plenty of it, though there’s this tiny voice in your head whispering, “Hey, buddy, just a heads-up: the river’s not flowing like it did when you were 20.” Do something!

Then you hit 60. And boy, does time speed up like someone’s hitting fast forward on your life’s remote control. That’s when you start thinking, “I’ve got to do something about this!” It’s a wake-up call—not just for your body, but for your priorities. You begin trimming the fat—not just off your waistline (hopefully), but out of your social circle too. Toxic people? Bye. Superficial relationships? Deleted. Subjects you used to obsess over? Don’t care anymore. You get rid of some dumb friends and quit associating with some stupid family members who have chosen their life path, for better or worst. In my case, the relatives that suddenly have become freaking religious found Jesus, and all they care about is the Holly book of an imaginary god. One thing I don’t give a f*** anymore is God. This unknown diety is either incompetent or just doesn’t give a shit. Either way, these “qualities” don’t belong to the resume of an almighty, all-knowing. This diety seems to have let go of all these galaxies to manage, yet very focused on a bunch of humans running around on Earth. Purticualy this diety very concerned about these humans do when naked or how they breed. Just none of it makes sense. So as you age, if you are smart, you lose the God thing. The ones that persist on cultivating a God of some sort, will gravitate more just to buy salvation. It's sorta like bribing the universe or an unknown diety - in case there is a God to have mercy on their poor, pathetic soul.

And then there’s 70. If you’re lucky enough to make it there, you realize that number has a certain gravitas. It’s like your entire life’s memories decide to hold a reunion in your brain, replaying moments from every corner of your past. At this stage, your perspective shifts. Time becomes your most valuable currency, and you’re done wasting it on meaningless drama, dumb friends, or artificial relationships. You’re focused on what matters, and your value system transforms into something streamlined and sharp.

My Perspective at 69
I’m on the brink of that 70 milestone, and I can tell you one thing: aging isn’t something to fear if you take care of yourself. For the past 14 years, I’ve been consistently working on both my body and mind. I’ve embraced low- and high-intensity exercises, studied challenging topics to keep my brain sharp, and turned a deaf ear to people and noise that don’t add value to my life. Politics? Nope, not worth the stress. I voted for democracy and progress and got a bloated racist dud with a side of dementia. Lesson learned. I now have zero news consumption.

Does Age Catch Up to You?
Here’s the truth: age will catch up to you if you let it. If you let yourself become weak, out of shape, bloated, and mentally checked out, time will knock you down faster than you can say “knee replacement.” But if you take a proactive approach—stay physically active, eat well, challenge your brain—you can improve every aspect of the aging process. Sure, we’re all headed for the same finish line someday, but the quality of the journey is up to you.

So, yes, aging is inevitable. But with the right mindset and habits, you can slow down its effects and make your golden years truly shine. And let’s face it, feeling strong and sharp at 70? That’s a victory worth chasing.

Ask me the same question next August when I am 70. I hope I will answer!

Image? So, i use Midjourney AI to build my images for my posts. Here is the Text prompt to creat this image or similar images:

A detailed illustration of the evolution from a young man in his twenties to an old man in his seventies in four pictures. The left side depicts early twenties, while the right side portrays the present-day older man. Each figure has an expression that reflects their period and skin tone, set against a black background -ar 16:9 --v 6.1