The Wizard is married!

I don't think I posted that I got married on Dec 21, 2025 to my longtime partner Dwight. We had a small wedding in a banquet room, with about 25 guests. The ceremony was performed by a Green Priest (also a United Minister), Shawn was  able to incorporate the cardinal directions, and the Handfasting cord which was knotted with each of the elements, Earth, Fire, Water and Air, and also Spirit. That was a great deal as I am a practicing Wiccan. It was still a Christian ceremony which important as Dwight is a strong Roman Catholic. It was a nice poignant  ceremony!

My husband Dwight (seated), One of our two witnesses and me

The Wizard's New Vehicle!

I just purchased a new (for me) vehicle. It's a JEEP Cherokee TrailHawk Edition, Full time 4 wheel drive (should help in the winter!)

I think it looks sharp in Firecracker Red with black accents. I've already bought 50 rubber ducks to place on other JEEPS I encounter.

Significance of Rubber ducks:

The connection between rubber ducks and Jeep owners is a fun modern tradition called “Duck Duck Jeep” 🦆🚙

It started around 2020 when a Canadian woman named Allison Parliament began placing rubber ducks on Jeeps she liked as a small gesture of kindness. The idea quickly spread through Jeep communities across North America and eventually worldwide.

Here’s how it works:

• A Jeep owner places a rubber duck on another Jeep they admire.
• Often the duck has a note saying things like:
  • “Nice Jeep!”
  • “You’ve been ducked!”
• The person who receives the duck may:
  • Keep it on their dashboard
  • Collect multiple ducks
  • Pass ducks along to other Jeep owners

For many Jeep enthusiasts, it became a symbol of:

• Community 🤝
• Positivity
• Shared adventure culture
• Recognition for custom builds or unique Jeeps

You’ll often see Jeeps with entire rows of rubber ducks lined across the dashboard at car meets or while driving around town.

The tradition especially caught on with owners of the iconic Jeep Wrangler, though other Jeep models participate too.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

Q & A: Urine

Q: How can pee still be light yellow when a person that drinks a lot of coffee? Or lots of Pepsi?

A: Coffee is mostly water, so even though it’s a diuretic (meaning it can make you urinate more), it still contributes a significant amount of fluid to the body ☕💧

Urine colour mainly depends on how concentrated it is. The yellow colour comes from a pigment called urochrome. When there’s plenty of water in the urine, that pigment gets diluted, making the urine appear pale yellow or almost clear.

So someone who drinks a lot of coffee can still have light yellow urine because:

• Coffee contains a lot of water
• Their overall fluid intake may be high
• Their kidneys are balancing hydration effectively
• Regular coffee drinkers often develop some tolerance to caffeine’s diuretic effect

A few other things can affect urine colour too:

• Vitamins, especially B vitamins, can make urine bright neon yellow
• Dehydration makes urine darker amber
• Certain foods and medications can change colour

Light yellow urine is generally considered a normal sign of decent hydration 👍

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

The Hollow Hunger Chapter 4: The Rules of Hunger

The creature stood between them and the only way out.

Still.

Silent.

Watching.

Maya’s pulse hammered in her ears, but she forced herself not to move. Not yet.

Beside her, Lena’s breathing had gone shallow, almost panicked.

“Don’t run,” Maya whispered.

Lena let out a weak, disbelieving laugh. “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” Maya said, eyes locked on the thing. “It wants that.”

The creature’s head tilted slightly.

As if it were listening.

Learning.

“You can understand us,” Maya said, louder now.

The creature didn’t respond.

But its smile widened—just enough to confirm it.

“Two remain…” Maya repeated quietly. “You said that.”

A pause.

Then—

“Yes.”

The voice didn’t come from its mouth this time.

It came from everywhere.

The walls.

The floor.

Inside their heads.

Lena clutched her temples. “Make it stop…”

Maya swallowed hard. “Why us?”

A flicker of movement.

The creature took a single step forward.

Not fast.

Not threatening.

Just… certain.

“Six threads,” it said. “Woven together.”

Maya frowned. “What does that mean?”

“You,” it continued, ignoring the question. “Bound. Close. Shared.”

“Friends,” Lena whispered.

The creature’s eyes shifted to her.

“Yes.”

Maya’s mind raced.

“It said ‘bound by blood or bond’,” she murmured, recalling the paper. “So it doesn’t just pick random people…”

“It picks groups,” Lena said, voice shaking. “People who are connected.”

“Easier to break,” the creature added softly.

Silence fell.

Heavy.

Suffocating.

Maya clenched her fists. “Why kill us one at a time?”

The creature’s smile stretched wider.

“Because you watch.”

Lena shook her head. “That’s sick…”

“You fear,” it continued. “You weaken. You fracture.”

Its gaze moved between them.

“Soon… you turn.”

Maya’s stomach dropped.

“Turn?” she echoed.

The creature’s eyes gleamed.

“As he did.”

A shape moved in the corner of the room.

Maya’s heart stopped.

“Don’t…” Lena whispered. “Don’t look…”

But Maya already had.

Chris stepped out of the shadows.

Or what used to be Chris.

His skin was pale—almost grey now.

His eyes… wrong.

Too bright.

Too empty.

And his mouth—

Still stained.

“Chris…” Lena choked.

He smiled.

That same unnatural smile.

“Not Chris,” the creature corrected.

“Then what is he?” Maya demanded.

“Hungry.”

Chris tilted his head, studying them like prey.

Maya stepped in front of Lena instinctively.

“Stay behind me,” she whispered.

The creature raised a hand.

Chris stopped.

Instantly.

Like a puppet.

“Not yet,” the creature said.

Then, to them—

“Rules must be followed.”

Maya seized on that. “Rules?”

The creature nodded slowly.

“Yes.”

Lena’s voice trembled. “What rules?”

The creature stepped closer.

Too close.

Maya could see its face now—really see it.

Skin stretched thin over sharp bones.

Eyes like burning glass.

And something deeper inside them.

Something ancient.

“Six begin,” it said.

“Six must end.”

Maya’s throat tightened. “You already took four.”

The creature nodded.

“Two remain.”

Lena shook her head. “No. No, we’re not playing this—”

“One will fall,” the creature continued, ignoring her.

“One will feed.”

Silence.

Maya felt the meaning before she understood the words.

Then it hit.

Hard.

“No,” she said immediately.

Lena’s voice broke. “No—no, that’s not—”

The creature smiled.

“Balance.”

Maya stepped forward, anger cutting through the fear. “We’re not turning on each other.”

The creature didn’t react.

Didn’t need to.

Chris took a step toward them.

Slow.

Deliberate.

“You will,” the creature said.

“Or you will both die.”

Lena grabbed Maya’s arm. “We can fight it. There has to be a way—”

Maya’s mind raced.

The study.

The symbols.

The books.

“There might be something here,” she said. “Something it doesn’t like.”

The creature’s eyes flicked briefly to the shelves.

That was enough.

Maya lunged for the nearest bookcase.

“STALL THEM!” she shouted.

Lena didn’t hesitate.

She grabbed a candle from the desk and hurled it.

It shattered against Chris’s shoulder.

He flinched—

Just slightly.

But enough.

Maya tore books from the shelf, scanning frantically.

Old texts.

Handwritten notes.

Symbols—

“There!” Lena shouted.

On the wall—

A carving.

A symbol matching the one on the door.

Chris lunged.

Lena screamed and stumbled back.

“MAYA!”

Maya grabbed a broken piece of wood from the shelf and rushed to the wall.

She pressed it against the symbol—

Hard.

For a moment—

Nothing.

Then—

A sound.

Like something burning.

The creature hissed.

Not loud.

Not dramatic.

But real.

Chris froze mid-step.

His body jerking slightly.

Like something pulling him back.

Maya’s eyes widened. “It works!”

The creature’s gaze snapped to her.

For the first time—

It looked angry.

“Clever,” it said.

The room darkened.

Not naturally.

The light itself seemed to shrink away.

The symbol under Maya’s hand began to crack.

Splinter.

Break.

“No—no—no—” she muttered, pressing harder.

The creature stepped forward.

Slow.

Unstoppable.

“Rules,” it said again.

“Must be kept.”

Chris moved again.

Faster this time.

Lena backed into the desk, knocking papers to the floor.

Her eyes darted wildly—

Then landed on the list.

The names.

Her name.

Maya’s name.

Only one would be crossed out next.

Lena’s breathing changed.

Something shifting.

Breaking.

“Maya…” she whispered.

Maya didn’t turn.

Couldn’t.

“I don’t want to die,” Lena said.

Maya froze.

The creature smiled.

“Yes,” it whispered.

“Now you understand.”

Maya turned slowly.

And what she saw in Lena’s eyes—

Was worse than the monster.

Doubt.

Fear.

And something else.

Something dangerous.

A decision forming.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

FYI - How effective were arrow slits in castles?

Arrow slits, also known as loopholes or embrasures, were crucial elements of medieval castle design, serving a vital defensive purpose during sieges and battles. These narrow openings in the walls allowed defenders to observe and shoot at attackers while remaining relatively protected. In examining their effectiveness, we delve into their design, historical context, and impact on castle defense.

Design and Function

Arrow slits were narrow vertical openings in castle walls, often widening inward like a keyhole to provide a wider field of fire. They were typically positioned at varying heights and angles to cover multiple approaches, such as gates, walls, and courtyards. The design allowed defenders to shoot arrows, crossbow bolts, or even firearms outward while presenting a minimal target to attackers.

Historical Context

The widespread use of arrow slits can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, evolving as a response to the development of more powerful ranged weaponry. Prior to their introduction, simple holes or gaps in walls were used for archers to shoot through. However, these were vulnerable to enemy fire and limited in their defensive capabilities.

As castle construction advanced, especially during the High Middle Ages (11th to 13th centuries), the design of arrow slits became more sophisticated. Castles were no longer just simple fortifications but intricate defensive structures designed to withstand prolonged sieges.

Advantages in Defense

1. Protection for Defenders:

• Arrow slits provided a substantial advantage by allowing defenders to shoot arrows while minimizing exposure to enemy fire.
• The narrowness of the slits made it difficult for attackers to accurately target defenders inside the castle.

2. Strategic Positioning:

• By strategically placing arrow slits at key points, such as along curtain walls, gatehouses, and towers, defenders could cover multiple approaches.
• This forced attackers to navigate through a hail of projectiles from multiple angles, slowing their advance and inflicting casualties.

3. Controlled Fields of Fire:

• The design of arrow slits allowed defenders to have a controlled field of fire, directing arrows precisely at specific targets.
• This precision was crucial for hitting individual attackers, commanders, or siege engines, weakening the enemy's resolve and capabilities.

4. Psychological Warfare:

• The constant threat of arrows raining down on attackers could create a sense of fear and intimidation.
• This psychological impact could demoralize besieging forces, especially if casualties mounted without making significant progress.

5. Adaptability to Weaponry:

• As weapons technology evolved, so did the design of arrow slits. They were modified to accommodate crossbows, firearms, and other ranged weapons.
• Some arrow slits were widened or angled to allow for larger weapons like early cannons or culverins.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite their effectiveness, arrow slits had some limitations that attackers could exploit:

1. Limited Visibility:

• Defenders inside arrow slits had limited visibility of the battlefield, especially at ground level.
• Attackers could take advantage of blind spots, such as close to the base of the walls, to approach undetected.

2. Vulnerability to Siege Engines:

• While arrow slits were effective against infantry and light siege equipment, they were vulnerable to larger siege engines.
• Trebuchets, catapults, and battering rams could target and damage the walls around arrow slits, rendering them unusable.

3. Risk of Blockage:

• Prolonged sieges could result in debris, rubble, or even corpses piling up outside arrow slits.
• Defenders had to clear these obstructions regularly to maintain their field of fire, risking exposure to enemy fire.

4. Weather Limitations:

• Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, could hinder the effectiveness of arrow fire.
• Wet or damp bowstrings and arrows could affect accuracy and range, reducing the defensive capabilities of the slits.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of arrow slits extends beyond medieval castles, influencing the design of fortifications and defensive structures for centuries to come. Even as firearms became more prevalent and siege warfare evolved, the basic concept of providing defenders with protected firing positions persisted.

1. Modern Military Architecture:

• Elements similar to arrow slits can be found in modern military architecture, such as bunker designs and fortified positions.
• The principle of offering protection to shooters while allowing them to engage targets remains a fundamental aspect of defensive structures.

2. Cultural and Architectural Significance:

• Arrow slits are iconic features of medieval castles and fortresses, contributing to their distinctive appearance.
• Their presence in popular culture, literature, and media has solidified their image as symbols of medieval warfare and defense.

3. Tourism and Preservation:

• Many historic castles with well-preserved arrow slits are popular tourist attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into medieval military tactics.
• Restoration efforts often focus on maintaining and showcasing these defensive features to highlight the castle's history.

In Conclusion

Arrow slits played a vital role in medieval castle defense, offering defenders protection, strategic advantage, and psychological impact during sieges and battles. Their design evolved in response to changing warfare tactics and weaponry, influencing the development of defensive structures for centuries.

While effective in many aspects, arrow slits also had limitations and vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. Nevertheless, their legacy endures in the architectural heritage of castles, the symbolism of medieval warfare, and the principles of modern military fortifications. As enduring symbols of medieval defensive ingenuity, arrow slits continue to fascinate and educate people about the challenges and strategies of medieval warfare.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

Origins: SPAM emails

The origins of email spam go all the way back to the earliest days of the internet 📧💻

The very first widely recognised spam email was sent in 1978 by a marketer named Gary Thuerk, who worked for Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). He sent a mass promotional message to about 400 users on ARPANET — the government-funded network that later evolved into the modern internet.

The email advertised new DEC computer systems and invited recipients to a product demonstration in California. Many users were furious because ARPANET was meant for research and military communication, not advertising. Ironically, the campaign reportedly generated millions of dollars in sales. 😄

The term “spam” itself has a strange and funny origin. It comes from a famous 1970 sketch by the British comedy group Monty Python. In the sketch, the word “Spam” (referring to the canned meat product Spam) is repeated over and over until it drowns out normal conversation:

“Spam, spam, spam, spam…”

Early internet users adopted the word in the 1980s because unwanted online messages felt exactly like that — repetitive, intrusive, and impossible to ignore.

By the 1990s, as email became mainstream, spam exploded. Common spam topics included:

• “Get rich quick” schemes 💰
• Miracle health cures
• Fake software offers
• Adult content
• Pyramid schemes
• Later, phishing scams and malware

One infamous event happened in 1994 when two lawyers, Laurence Canter and Martha Siegel, posted advertisements across thousands of Usenet discussion groups promoting immigration law services. Internet users were outraged, but the stunt became hugely profitable and inspired waves of commercial spammers.

As spam grew, companies and governments fought back with:

• Spam filters
• Blacklists
• CAPTCHA systems
• Anti-spam laws like the U.S. CAN-SPAM Act
• AI-based filtering systems

Today, modern email providers like Gmail and Outlook automatically block enormous amounts of spam every day — in some cases more than half of all email traffic worldwide.

Interestingly, spam also helped shape cybersecurity as we know it today. Many technologies used to detect scams, phishing, and malicious links were developed because spam became such a massive problem on the internet.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

Q & A: Psychology experiments

Q: Which psychological experiment greatly affects a lot of people?

A: There are several psychological experiments that have had a significant impact on our understanding of human behaviour and continue to be widely discussed and studied. One such experiment that greatly affects everyone's understanding of human behaviour is the Stanford Prison Experiment.

Stanford Prison Experiment

• Description: Conducted by psychologist Philip Zimbardo in 1971, the Stanford Prison Experiment aimed to investigate the psychological effects of perceived power and authority in a simulated prison environment.

• Setup: College students were randomly assigned roles as prisoners or guards in a mock prison set up in the basement of the Stanford psychology building. The study was supposed to last for two weeks.

• Findings: The study was abruptly terminated after only six days due to the extreme and unethical behaviours observed. The "guards" began to exhibit abusive and authoritarian behaviour towards the "prisoners," while the "prisoners" showed signs of extreme stress, anxiety, and even mental breakdowns.

• Impact: The Stanford Prison Experiment is often cited as a powerful demonstration of how situational factors, such as the roles people are assigned, can lead to drastic changes in behaviour. It revealed the potential for ordinary individuals to commit acts of cruelty when placed in positions of power and the psychological harm that can result from such environments.

Key Takeaways and Effects:

1. Ethical Concerns: The experiment raised serious ethical questions about the treatment of participants and the responsibility of researchers to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved.

2. Role of Authority: It highlighted the influence of authority figures and the tendency of individuals to conform to assigned roles, even when those roles lead to harmful behaviours.

3. Situational Explanations: The findings challenged the belief in stable personality traits and emphasized the importance of considering situational factors when explaining behaviour.

4. Reevaluation of Research Practices: The Stanford Prison Experiment led to changes in research ethics and raised awareness about the need for stringent guidelines when conducting psychological studies involving human subjects.

Criticisms and Controversies:

1. Ethical Violations: The experiment has been heavily criticized for its lack of ethical oversight, as participants were subjected to emotional distress without adequate protection.

2. Demand Characteristics: Some argue that the participants' behaviour may have been influenced by the expectations of the experimenters, known as demand characteristics.

3. Small Sample Size: Critics point out that the small sample size and selection bias (mostly white, middle-class male participants) limit the generalizability of the findings.

4. Replication Issues: Attempts to replicate the Stanford Prison Experiment have yielded mixed results, casting doubt on the reliability of its conclusions.

Despite its controversies, the Stanford Prison Experiment remains a significant and widely studied psychological study. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for abuse of power and the need for ethical guidelines in research. The experiment continues to spark discussions about human behaviour, authority, conformity, and the impact of social roles on individual actions.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

The 411 - Parrots

In world war 2 was there a parrot that was arrested as a spy? There’s no well-documented case from World War II of a parrot being officially arrested as a spy 😄 — but there absolutely were birds suspected, detained, and even used for espionage during wartime.

The stories you may be thinking of are usually about carrier pigeons. During WWII, Britain and Germany both used pigeons to carry coded messages across enemy territory. Britain’s secret “Operation Columba” dropped thousands of pigeons into occupied Europe so resistance fighters could send intelligence back to the Allies.

Because of that, birds became genuinely suspicious objects during the war. Some pigeons were intercepted or shot down by military forces, and people sometimes joked about “spy birds.” There are also later real-world incidents — especially between India and Pakistan — where pigeons were detained on suspicion of espionage.

As for parrots specifically, there’s a famous wartime legend about Winston Churchill owning a foul-mouthed parrot named “Charlie” that supposedly shouted anti-Nazi insults for decades after the war. But Charlie was never arrested, and historians think much of that story was exaggerated.

So the short answer is:

• Spy birds? Absolutely real 🕊️
• Birds detained as suspected spies? Yes
• A parrot officially arrested as a WWII spy? Probably a myth or mix-up with pigeon stories.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

TIP: Start planning for retirement with these steps

Planning for retirement is an essential financial goal that requires careful consideration and proactive steps. Here are some key steps to help you get started on your retirement planning journey:

1. Set Retirement Goals

• Determine your desired retirement age and lifestyle. Consider factors such as travel, hobbies, healthcare expenses, and living arrangements.
• Calculate your estimated retirement expenses based on your desired lifestyle. Include essentials like housing, healthcare, food, utilities, and discretionary spending.

2. Assess Your Current Financial Situation

• Take stock of your current assets, savings, investments, and retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k), IRAs, RRSPs).
• Calculate your net worth by subtracting your liabilities (debts) from your assets.
• Review your budget to understand your current income, expenses, and savings rate.

3. Estimate Retirement Income

• Determine your expected sources of retirement income, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, annuities, rental income, and part-time work.
• Understand how much you can expect to receive from each income source and at what age you can start claiming benefits.

4. Understand Social Security Benefits

• Check your Social Security statement online to view your earnings history and estimated benefits.
• Understand how your claiming age affects your benefit amount. Delaying benefits can increase your monthly payments.

5. Create a Retirement Savings Plan

• Set a target retirement savings goal based on your retirement expenses, income sources, and desired lifestyle.
• Contribute regularly to retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs, or other employer-sponsored plans.
• Take advantage of employer matching contributions, if available.

6. Invest Wisely for Retirement

• Choose an appropriate asset allocation based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and retirement goals.
• Diversify your investments to spread risk across different asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.).
• Consider low-cost index funds or target-date retirement funds for a simple, diversified approach.

7. Maximize Retirement Account Contributions

• Contribute the maximum allowable amount to your retirement accounts each year, if possible.
• For 2024, the contribution limit for a 401(k) is $20,500 ($27,000 for those aged 50 and older), and for an IRA, it's $7,000 ($8,000 for those aged 50 and older).

8. Consider Healthcare Costs

• Estimate your healthcare expenses in retirement, including premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and long-term care costs.
• Explore options for healthcare coverage, such as Medicare, Medigap policies, or employer-sponsored retiree health benefits.

9. Plan for Long-Term Care

• Long-term care expenses can be substantial. Consider long-term care insurance or other strategies to cover potential costs.
• Review your estate plan and designate powers of attorney and healthcare proxies in case of incapacity.

10. Pay Off High-Interest Debt

• Prioritize paying off high-interest debt, such as credit cards or personal loans, before retirement.
• Being debt-free can reduce financial stress and free up more funds for retirement savings.

11. Monitor and Adjust Your Plan

• Regularly review your retirement plan and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your life, financial goals, or market conditions.
• Stay informed about retirement planning strategies, tax laws, and investment opportunities.

12. Seek Professional Guidance

• Consider working with a certified financial planner (CFP) or retirement specialist to create a personalized retirement plan.
• A financial advisor can provide guidance on investment choices, tax strategies, retirement income planning, and more.

13. Educate Yourself

• Take advantage of retirement planning resources, seminars, workshops, and online tools.
• Stay informed about retirement planning topics, such as Social Security rules, Medicare enrollment, and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies.

14. Stay Healthy and Active

• Maintaining good health can reduce healthcare costs in retirement. Invest in your physical and mental well-being.
• Stay active socially and mentally to enjoy a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

15. Enjoy the Journey

• While it's important to plan diligently for retirement, also remember to enjoy the present moment and pursue activities that bring you happiness and fulfillment.
• A well-planned retirement allows you the freedom to explore new interests, travel, spend time with loved ones, and pursue lifelong passions.

By taking these steps and staying committed to your retirement goals, you can work towards a secure and comfortable retirement lifestyle. Remember that starting early and being consistent with your savings and investment efforts can have a significant impact on your future financial well-being.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

THE NSD Powerball

The term “NSD Powerball” doesn’t refer to a lottery or gambling draw like the U.S. Powerball. It’s actually something completely different — a hand and wrist exercise device.

The NSD Powerball (made by Nano-Second Technology Co., Ltd.) is a gyroscopic training tool. Inside the device is a rapidly spinning rotor. When you get it spinning, it creates strong resistance through gyroscopic force, which makes your hand, wrist, and forearm muscles work very hard just to keep it under control.

Think of it like this: instead of lifting weights, you’re fighting a spinning force that gets stronger the faster you spin it. At high speeds, it can feel surprisingly intense, almost like holding onto a vibrating, torque-loaded engine in your hand.

People typically use it for grip strength, rehabilitation, and sports conditioning. It’s often used by climbers, tennis players, musicians, and people recovering from wrist or forearm strain. Some versions are simple pull-string starters, while others are “auto-start” or even include speed counters and Bluetooth tracking so you can measure your RPM.

So in short: it’s a compact gyro-based strength trainer, not a lottery system, even though the name “Powerball” often confuses people with the gambling game 🎯

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

Q & A: Einstein's Brain

Q: Is it true that after Albert Einstein died, his brain was stolen?

A: Yes — it’s true, and the story is one of the strangest episodes in scientific history. 🧠

When Albert Einstein died on April 18, 1955, at Princeton Hospital in New Jersey, the pathologist performing the autopsy, Thomas Stoltz Harvey, removed Einstein’s brain. Harvey did not initially have clear permission from Einstein or his family to keep it.

Einstein had actually requested that his body be cremated to avoid becoming a public relic or spectacle. His body was cremated, but Harvey preserved the brain anyway. Afterward, Einstein’s son, Hans Albert Einstein, reportedly gave conditional permission for the brain to be used strictly for scientific research.

Harvey then kept the brain for decades. He sliced it into hundreds of sections, preserved pieces in jars, and sent samples to researchers around the world. At various times, parts of Einstein’s brain were literally stored in ordinary containers — including mason jars and cider boxes — in Harvey’s home and office. 😳

Scientists later studied the brain looking for anatomical clues to Einstein’s intelligence. Some studies claimed unusual features:

• Differences in the parietal lobes (areas linked to mathematical and spatial reasoning)
• A higher density of certain brain cells
• Unusual folding patterns

But many neuroscientists caution against drawing strong conclusions. Human brains vary naturally, and intelligence is influenced by far more than physical structure alone.

The story became even more bizarre in 1978 when a journalist discovered Harvey still carrying parts of Einstein’s brain around the United States in jars in the trunk of his car during a road trip.

Today, some preserved sections and microscope slides of Einstein’s brain are held at places like the National Museum of Health and Medicine and the Mütter Museum.

So the short answer is:

• His brain was removed during autopsy ✔️
• It was kept without clear initial permission ✔️
• It became the subject of decades of scientific study ✔️

“Stolen” is often used because the removal and retention were ethically questionable, especially at the beginning.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

The Hollow Hunger Chapter 3: What Watches in the Dark

The gravel crunched under Maya’s shoes as she paced in tight circles, her mind racing faster than her body could keep up.

Three gone.

No—four.

Evan was gone now too.

Snatched right in front of them.

Lena sat on the ground, arms wrapped around herself, rocking slightly. “We should go. We should go right now. Get in the car and just—just drive.”

Maya stopped pacing.

“And tell them what?” she asked sharply. “That a shadow ate our friends?”

Lena’s voice cracked. “I don’t care! I just don’t want to die!”

Neither do I, Maya thought.

But something inside her—something stubborn and furious—refused to let this end like that.

“No,” she said quietly. “We don’t leave like this.”

Lena looked up, eyes wide with disbelief. “Are you serious?”

Maya turned toward Blackridge House.

The front door stood shut again.

Like nothing had happened.

Like it was waiting.

“You said your grandmother told stories,” Maya said. “About things like this.”

Lena hesitated.

Then nodded slowly.

“They’re not ghosts,” she said. “Not really. They’re… older. Hungrier. They hide in places where people stop looking.”

“Vampires?” Maya asked.

Lena swallowed. “Not the kind in movies.”

“Then what kind?”

“The kind that doesn’t need permission,” Lena whispered. “The kind that doesn’t show up in mirrors because it doesn’t have to. The kind that feeds… and feeds… until there’s nothing left.”

Maya’s stomach twisted. “And Chris?”

“Already gone,” Lena said. “Or worse.”

A long silence stretched between them.

The wind picked up, whispering through the broken trees.

Then—

A sound.

From the house.

A soft thud.

Like something being dropped.

Maya exhaled slowly. “We need answers.”

Lena shook her head. “We need to leave.”

“We don’t even know if it can follow us,” Maya snapped. “What if it doesn’t stay here?”

That hit.

Lena froze.

Because she hadn’t thought of that.

“What if it’s not the house?” Maya continued. “What if it’s us?”

Lena’s breath caught.

“No…” she said weakly.

Maya stepped closer. “It took Tyler first. Then Chris. Then Jordan. Then Evan. One by one.”

A pattern.

A deliberate pattern.

“Like it’s picking us off,” Maya said.

“Or choosing,” Lena whispered.

The word hung in the air.

Choosing.

Maya looked back at the house.

Then at Lena.

“We go back in,” she said.

Lena stared at her like she’d gone insane.

“No,” she said. “No way. Absolutely not.”

“If we don’t understand it, we can’t fight it,” Maya replied.

“Fight it?!” Lena’s voice rose. “Did you see what it did to Jordan?!”

Maya’s expression hardened.

“Yes,” she said. “And that’s exactly why we don’t run.”

Another sound from inside.

Closer this time.

A slow scrape.

Like something dragging across the floor.

Lena squeezed her eyes shut.

Then opened them again.

Terror still there.

But something else too.

Resolve.

“…Five minutes,” she said. “We go in. We find something—anything—and we leave.”

Maya nodded.

“Five minutes.”

They approached the house together.

Every step felt heavier than the last.

Maya reached the door.

Her hand hovered over it.

Just for a second.

Then she pushed.

The door creaked open.

The darkness inside seemed thicker now.

Alive.

Watching.

They stepped inside.

The air had changed.

It wasn’t just stale anymore.

It smelled… metallic.

Like blood left too long in the open.

“Stay close,” Maya whispered.

Lena didn’t let go of her sleeve.

The hallway looked different again.

Longer.

The shadows deeper.

The walls more warped.

“Was that door always there?” Lena whispered.

Maya followed her gaze.

A door stood halfway down the hall.

It hadn’t been there before.

“I don’t think so,” Maya said.

They approached it slowly.

The wood was old.

Scratched.

Marked with something.

Symbols.

Lena leaned closer. “I’ve seen this before.”

“Where?”

“My grandmother’s books,” she said. “Protective marks. Or warnings.”

“Which one is this?”

Lena hesitated.

“…Both.”

Maya pushed the door open.

Inside—

A study.

Old.

Dusty.

But different from the rest of the house.

Preserved.

Books lined the walls.

Real books.

Not decayed.

Not ruined.

A desk sat in the centre.

Covered in papers.

Candles—long burned out—sat nearby.

“This wasn’t here before,” Maya said.

“No,” Lena agreed. “It wasn’t.”

They stepped inside.

The door creaked shut behind them.

Neither of them noticed.

Maya moved to the desk.

The papers were covered in writing.

Faded.

But readable.

Dates.

Names.

“Tyler…” Maya whispered.

Lena’s head snapped up. “What?”

Maya pointed.

A list of names.

Six of them.

Written in ink that looked too fresh to belong in this place.

Tyler.

Chris.

Jordan.

Evan.

Maya.

Lena.

“No…” Lena breathed.

Next to each name—

A mark.

Four of them crossed out.

Maya’s heart slammed in her chest.

“Those are the ones it took,” she said.

Lena stepped back. “We need to leave. Right now.”

Maya grabbed another paper.

This one older.

Much older.

The handwriting was different.

Shaky.

Desperate.

“It feeds in cycles,” Maya read aloud. “Six at a time. Bound by blood or bond.”

Lena shook her head. “No—no—”

“It chooses them,” Maya continued. “Draws them in. Weakens them. Turns them against each other.”

A cold realization settled over both of them.

“It didn’t just find us,” Lena whispered.

“We were picked,” Maya finished.

A sound behind them.

Soft.

Breathing.

They turned slowly.

The door.

Still closed.

But something stood in front of it now.

Blocking it.

Tall.

Thin.

Wrong.

Its eyes caught the faint light—

And glowed.

Maya’s voice dropped to a whisper.

“It’s real.”

The creature tilted its head.

Almost curious.

Almost amused.

And then it spoke.

Not with Tyler’s voice.

Not with Chris’s.

Something deeper.

Older.

“Two remain…”

Lena’s grip tightened on Maya’s arm.

“What does that mean?” she whispered.

The creature smiled.

“It means,” it said softly,

“…I’m almost finished.”

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

TIP: Which financial wellness expert do you need

Determining the right financial wellness expert depends on your specific needs and goals. Here are some common types of financial experts and the situations in which they can be most beneficial:

1. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

• When to Consult: If you're looking for comprehensive financial planning, including retirement planning, investments, taxes, estate planning, and more.
• Benefits: CFPs are trained to provide holistic financial advice tailored to your specific circumstances. They can help create a long-term financial plan and guide you through major life events.

2. Investment Advisor/Financial Advisor

• When to Consult: If you want advice on investing, managing your portfolio, and reaching specific financial goals.
• Benefits: An investment advisor can provide insights into the best investment options based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial objectives.

3. Tax Advisor/Accountant

• When to Consult: During tax season or if you have complex tax situations.
• Benefits: Tax advisors can help you minimize your tax liability, ensure compliance with tax laws, and provide tax planning strategies.

4. Debt Counselor/Financial Coach

• When to Consult: If you're struggling with debt management, budgeting, or financial habits.
• Benefits: A financial coach can work with you on creating a budget, developing a debt repayment plan, and improving your financial behaviours.

5. Estate Planning Attorney

• When to Consult: If you need to create or update your will, establish trusts, or plan for the distribution of assets.
• Benefits: An estate planning attorney can help you navigate the complexities of estate laws and ensure your wishes are carried out after your passing.

6. Insurance Advisor

• When to Consult: If you need guidance on various insurance products such as life insurance, health insurance, or disability insurance.
• Benefits: An insurance advisor can assess your insurance needs, recommend appropriate coverage, and help you find the best policies.

7. Retirement Specialist

• When to Consult: As you approach retirement age or if you want to plan for a comfortable retirement.
• Benefits: A retirement specialist can help you understand your retirement income sources, create a retirement savings plan, and optimize your Social Security benefits.

8. Student Loan Advisor

• When to Consult: If you have student loan debt and need help with repayment options, refinancing, or forgiveness programs.
• Benefits: A student loan advisor can help you navigate the complexities of student loans, find repayment solutions, and potentially reduce your loan burden.

9. Real Estate Financial Advisor

• When to Consult: If you're considering buying, selling, or investing in real estate.
• Benefits: A real estate financial advisor can offer insights into property investments, market trends, financing options, and rental property management.

10. Small Business Financial Advisor

• When to Consult: If you own a small business and need guidance on financial planning, cash flow management, tax strategies, or growth opportunities.
• Benefits: A small business financial advisor can provide tailored advice to help you achieve your business goals and navigate financial challenges.

11. Credit Counselor

• When to Consult: If you're struggling with credit card debt, credit score issues, or need help improving your credit.
• Benefits: A credit counselor can work with you to develop a debt repayment plan, improve your credit habits, and rebuild your credit score.

12. Financial Therapist

• When to Consult: If you have emotional or psychological barriers related to money management, spending habits, or financial decision-making.
• Benefits: A financial therapist can help you explore your beliefs and behaviours around money, address financial stress, and develop healthier money habits.

Before choosing a financial expert, consider your specific needs, goals, and the areas of your financial life that require attention. It's also important to research and vet potential advisors to ensure they have the qualifications, experience, and approach that align with your values and objectives.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model