To Be And To Last #7
This week we explore the role of nuclear bombs in fire fighting, creative solutions to the locust swarms in Asia and Africa, and human stories from across America.
Locust plague -> chicken feed
In the midst of COVID-19, locust swarms across Africa and Asia are putting millions at risk of starvation. In Pakistan, a promising experiment seeks to transform deadly locusts into quality chicken food. Locusts only fly at night, so farmers are earning as much as US$125 for bagged locusts that are then processed for Pakistan’s 1.5B chickens. (h/t Asia Uncovered)
Listening to people’s stories
“I am the grandson of a slave. My grandfather was freed when he was ten years old, but once you're free, where do you go? And how do you make a living? How do you get educated in South Carolina in those days?” - Ed
Following a strong recommendation from Coach George Raveling, I’ve been listening to the book Tell Me Who You Are. It’s a collection of short autobiographies from around the US that opens a door to others’ experiences even in a time when we can’t travel.
Fighting Fire With… A Nuclear Bomb
In 1966, the USSR used a nuclear bomb to extinguish a gas well fire in Urta-Bulak, Uzbekistan. The fire had burned for nearly 3 years through all manner of fire fighting, so they finally settled on a plan to bury a nuclear bomb next to the well. You can see for yourself what happened next:
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