Friday the 13th Superstition & Economics
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the historical events associated with Friday the 13th?

  • The creation of the forbidden fruit
  • Cain killing Abel (correct)
  • Balder's sacrifice by Hoder
  • The Last Supper of Jesus

    • What is the estimated economic impact of Friday the 13th on businesses in the US?

  • $2 billion loss
  • $900 million loss (correct)
  • $500 million loss
  • $1 billion loss

    • Which of the following statements about Friday the 13th is supported by the 2008 study mentioned?

  • More accidents occur than on other Fridays.
  • It leads to increased workplace productivity.
  • Traffic accidents are fewer on this day. (correct)
  • The day causes a rise in thefts and fires.

    • What innovative approach is being developed by Climeworks to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels?

    <p>Direct air capture technology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mythological character is associated with the negative perception of the number 13 due to a dinner party incident?

    <p>Loki</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major environmental concern is critiqued about DAC plants like Mammoth?

    <p>They are too costly and not scalable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the expected carbon capture capability of Climeworks' planned plant in Louisiana by 2030?

    <p>1 million tons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which significant achievement did SpaceX accomplish with the Polaris Dawn mission?

    <p>Captured the highest altitude record for a human spaceflight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What innovative method did Brent Seales employ to study the ancient scrolls from Herculaneum?

    <p>He applied X-ray technology for imaging.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key activity were the crew members of the Polaris Dawn mission involved in during their mission?

    <p>Completing the first-ever civilian spacewalk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Friday the 13th Superstition

    • Many people globally fear Friday the 13th, experiencing anxiety.
    • This fear is sometimes associated with the crucifixion of Jesus on a Friday, although not necessarily the 13th.
    • A Scandinavian legend links the number 13 to the Norse god Loki convincing Hoder to kill Balder during dinner amongst twelve gods.
    • A biblical event, Cain killing Abel, is associated with Friday the 13th.

    Economic Impact of Friday the 13th

    • Businesses lose around $900 million (USD) in the US on Friday the 13th, and it may be worldwide, due to people avoiding work, travel, and purchases.
    • Studies show that fewer traffic accidents, fires, and thefts occur on this day than on other Fridays.

    Climeworks Mammoth Direct Air Capture Plant

    • Climeworks launched Mammoth, the world's largest direct air capture (DAC) plant on May 8, 2024, in Iceland.
    • Mammoth is powered by geothermal energy, and it captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
    • The captured CO2 is mixed with water, pumped underground, and reacts with volcanic rock to form stone.
    • Mammoth can remove 39,000 tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing over 7,000 cars from the road.
    • Critics argue that DAC plants are costly and don't fully resolve carbon emission issues, while environmentalists say they are crucial supplements.

    SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission

    • SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn, a commercial space mission, reached a new space altitude record on September 15, 2024, reaching 870 miles above Earth.
    • The mission, funded by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, involved a civilian crew.
    • The crew included Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, becoming the first women to reach that altitude.
    • The mission assessed the impact of increased radiation levels on the Dragon capsule for future lunar and deep-space missions.

    Pompeii Scrolls Project

    • Over 1,800 papyrus scrolls, preserved by the lack of oxygen during the Mount Vesuvius eruption, were discovered in Herculaneum in 1752.
    • In 2009, X-ray technology allowed for imaging without physically unwrapping the scrolls.
    • The challenge of deciphering the carbon-based ink on charred papyrus led to the "Vesuvius Challenge."
    • Students globally used AI to decode the scrolls, and a team successfully deciphered parts of a scroll in October 2023, with cash prizes awarded.

    Alex Morgan Retirement from Soccer

    • American soccer icon Alex Morgan retired from professional soccer on September 5, 2024, and wants to focus on her young family.
    • Morgan had an illustrious 15-year career with international and club experience, winning back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles and consecutive gold medals in the 2012 Olympics.
    • Morgan played her final game for the San Diego Wave on September 8, 2024.

    Ancient Egyptian Sword Discovery

    • Egyptian archeologists discovered a gleaming bronze sword marked with Ramses II’s insignia in a 3,200-year-old military fort.
    • The discovery is significant due to the sword's preservation and Ramses II's royal emblem implying it belonged to a high-ranking military official.
    • The fort itself revealed insights into life of soldiers. Grain storage facilities, baking ovens, and clay pots with fish and animal remains were discovered.

    Hurricane Helene

    • Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, as a powerful Category 4 storm on September 26, 2024, causing widespread damage.
    • It was the most powerful hurricane to hit the region since 1851.
    • Many areas, including Asheville, NC, experienced record-breaking rainfall. Severe flooding devastated communities.
    • Federal aid was deployed to support recovery efforts.

    Earthworms' Impact on Plant Growth

    • Groundbreaking studies reveal earthworms' substantial impact on plant growth and crop yields.
    • Two studies show that earthworms increase global food production by 6.5% (approximately 140 million tons annually), comparable to Russia's grain harvest.
    • Earthworms improve soil by creating channels, aerating it, and making nutrients accessible to plants.
    • Earthworms also protect plants from microplastic pollution by boosting the plant's immune system.

    Spider Manipulates Firefly Signals

    • Orb-weaver spiders (Araneus ventricosus) strategically manipulate male fireflies' mating signals to attract them as prey.
    • The spiders wrap male fireflies in a light layer of silk, making their light signals more visible, while trapping other insects in a heavier layer of silk.
    • The altered flashes appear as female firefly signals, drawing more male fireflies toward them.
    • Scientists suspect firefly-signal manipulation is venom-related.

    US Presidential Election of 2024

    • The US Presidential election, set for November 5, 2024, pits candidates Vice President Kamala Harris versus former President Donald Trump.
    • The Electoral College system determines the winner by electoral votes, not necessarily popular votes.
    • Each state gets electoral votes based on its total number of Senators and Representatives.
    • A candidate needs a minimum of 270 electoral votes to win.

    Mysterious Global Seismic Event Traced

    • A slow and constant seismic wave, lasting for nine days, was detected in September 2023.
    • Scientists traced the event to a landslide and mega-tsunami in Greenland's Dickson Fjord.
    • The mega-tsunami's wave travel in the confined fjord created a "seiche," a standing wave that shook the Earth.
    • Scientists concluded that rising temperatures in Greenland melted the glacier, causing the landslide and subsequent earthquake effect, and these events were widespread.

    Banksy's Animal Artwork Exhibition in London

    • Banksy unveiled a series of striking animal sketches around London from August 5-13, 2024, captivating local residents.
    • The artworks appeared daily on different walls and areas of London.
    • The final piece was placed on the shutters of the London Zoo.

    Big Basin Redwood Regeneration

    • Despite the intense CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020, 90% of the giant redwoods in Big Basin Redwood State Park began to demonstrate rapid regrowth.
    • Research shows that redwoods have adaptations for combating fire. They store excess energy and have bud tissue that enables leaf regrowth, with stored energy dating back as far as the 1920s.

    Octopus Hunting Strategies

    • Octopuses are powerful leaders in hunting groups.
    • A study of octopus hunting behaviors show the octopuses act as hunting leaders, actively leading fish to prey in coral crevices.
    • Octopuses use their bodies to trap prey, and their fish partners will then devour any escaped prey.
    • Octopuses may also discipline fish who do not participate efficiently, particularly ambush predators.

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    Description

    Explore the intriguing superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th, including its links to historical events and legends. Additionally, discover the economic impact of this day, where businesses worldwide reportedly lose millions due to people's avoidance behaviors. Delve into both the cultural and financial aspects of this unique phenomenon.

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