Read time: 5 minutes

Voyage members: 228

Mad Honey, Millionaire Misconceptions, Japanese Religion, & more!

Good Morning- The Maui wildfires have stirred national debate, with many questioning the U.S. government's response, particularly the $700 one-time payment to displaced residents, juxtaposed with support for asylum seekers and international aid. Amidst this discourse, one vital player often overlooked is the American Red Cross. Behind the scenes, hundreds of their disaster workers have provided over 79,900 overnight emergency shelter stays in hotels across Maui and Oahu in collaboration with the county government. They've also coordinated with agencies like HI-EMA and FEMA, offering displaced families safe and comfortable lodging. Beyond shelter, the Red Cross delivered 365,000 meals, casework, and support during hotel stays. Their efforts, involving over 850 trained disaster workers since the fires began, showcase commitment to helping Maui residents rebuild their lives, making them unsung heroes in this crisis. It appears that the assistance being provided to Maui residents has not received widespread media coverage, countering the narrative that suggests they are being ignored.

Global Insights

Mad Honey

In the remote mountains of Nepal and Turkey, a peculiar and potentially perilous substance is crafted by nature's alchemy – mad honey. Unlike the many varieties of honey found worldwide, mad honey is a rare breed, distinctive for its reddish hue and slightly bitter taste. Its source is equally unique: the world's largest honey bee, Apis dorsata laboriosa. However, what truly sets mad honey apart are its profound physiological effects. In moderate doses, it induces dizziness, lightheadedness, and euphoria, while higher quantities can lead to hallucinations, vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures, and, in rare instances, even death.

A firsthand account of a moderate dose of mad honey, shared by a reporter who joined honey hunters in Nepal on a harvesting expedition, paints a vivid picture: "I ate two teaspoons, the amount recommended by the honey hunters, and after about 15 minutes, I started to feel a high similar to weed. I felt like my body was cooling down, starting from the back of my head and down through my torso. A deep, icy-hot feeling settled in my stomach and lasted for several hours. The honey was delicious, and though a few of the hunters passed out from eating a bit too much, no one suffered from the projectile vomiting or explosive diarrhea I’d been warned about."

Another account provides further insight: "Within 40ish minutes, I could feel the honey creeping up on me. The back of my head started to tingle like I was getting a scalp massage. Then, from within, I felt a warmth around my heart, in my chest and abdomen. Things slowed down a little, and my state of mind became tranquil. By the time we left the restaurant, I was feeling good and strange."

The distinctive qualities of mad honey are not derived from the bees themselves but rather from the plants they feed on, specifically a genus of flowering plants known as rhododendrons. These plants contain neurotoxic compounds called grayanotoxins, and when bees feed on their nectar and pollen, these toxins find their way into the honey, rendering it "mad." Bees are more likely to produce mad honey in areas dominated by rhododendrons due to scarcity, as they consume more grayanotoxins when fewer plant varieties are available.

The rhododendron is Nepal's national flower, and its pollen, picked up by these gigantic bees, contains the chemical grayanotoxin, which can infuse their honey with its drug-like qualities. In spring, the pink flowers blanket the hills, at altitudes too high for domesticated honeybees to fly, so to harvest honey that contains grayanotoxin, locals have one option: to scale the cliffs. To the Gurung, hunting for honey seems to be as much about passing on tradition as it is about the honey itself.

"Only those who can control their fears and remain unflinching in the face of death can be a honey hunter," said Bais Bahadur Gurung (all of the villagers in the region go by the last name Gurung), the 65-year-old chief of the district. The role comes with great risk, but it's matched with equal amounts of respect and honor. Many of the senior hunters in Talo Chipla no longer collect honey today, but the villagers have faith in the upcoming generation. "Old men may have experience," Bais Bahadur explained, "but the young men have balls."

A common misconception of Millionaires

When it comes to building wealth, we've all heard the famous saying: "Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate." This statement, attributed to Andrew Carnegie, a key figure in the American Steel Industry, has been around for ages. But is it the whole truth? Let's dig into the facts.

First, it's important to know that real estate can be a profitable investment, especially in the long term. But it's not the main way people have become millionaires. Only about 10% of all millionaires made most of their wealth from real estate. The majority, a solid 88%, are entrepreneurs. These are people who built their wealth through businesses, investments, and their hard work.

Researcher Thomas Stanley, who studied affluent individuals extensively, found that only around 10% of millionaires got rich mainly from real estate. Similarly, only 10% made their wealth predominantly from stock trading. The vast majority of millionaires made their money through entrepreneurship – owning and running businesses.

The pattern holds in billionaires here as well. Only 1 in 10 billionaires can say real estate was their primary source of wealth. Most billionaires didn't limit themselves to real estate; instead, they built their fortunes by acquiring and managing businesses.

In simple terms, while real estate can be a good investment, it's not the only or even the most common way to become wealthy. Entrepreneurship, which involves starting and running businesses, is the most common path to financial success. So, as you embark on your journey to financial prosperity, keep in mind that the road to wealth often leads through the world of business and entrepreneurship.

Religion in Japan

Shintō, meaning "the way of kami," is Japan's indigenous belief system, distinct from Buddhism introduced in the 6th century AD. With no founder, fixed texts, or strict principles, it embodies Japan's spiritual heritage.

Shintō centers on "kami," sacred spirits embodied in natural elements and concepts essential to life. Humans can become kami after death, with the Sun Goddess Amaterasu holding a significant place. Shintō is an overall optimistic belief, viewing humanity as inherently good only being corrupted by evil spirits and life events. Purification rituals are often practiced to ward off evil spirits

Shintō shrines as seen all over Japan are places of worship and festivals ("matsuri") that connect kami with the world. Purity and the concept of "musubi" (harmony) are crucial. Shintō maintains a strong presence in contemporary Japan, with 70 percent of the population identifying with it.

Christianity in Japan

The introduction of Christianity to Japan occurred during a period of political turmoil in the late 16th century. Some regional lords in Kyūshū embraced Christianity, fostering the growth of the faith and engaging in trade with Western powers. However, the religion faced challenges as powerful warlords like Toyotomi Hideyoshi issued anti-Christian mandates in 1587. Subsequently, the Edo shogunate intensified its persecution of Christians with a ban on Christianity in 1612.

In 1873, Japan's long ban on Christianity was finally lifted - more than two centuries after it was first put in place. When Japan opened up its borders again after a long shut out from the Western world, around 20,000 Christians reappeared and came out of hiding,"

Today, Christianity is a minority religion in Japan, reflecting a complex religious history shaped by indigenous beliefs and external influences. Only 1.5% of the population are Christians

Trending

North Korea advances Naval strength

North Korea has revealed its first "tactical nuclear attack submarine" named Hero Kim Kun Ok, intended for patrolling the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan, according to state media reports on Friday. During a launch ceremony on Wednesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un highlighted the submarine's role as one of the key "underwater offensive assets" in the country's naval forces. Over the past year, North Korea has been actively improving its navy, introducing new weaponry like an underwater drone, warships, and, most recently, its first operational missile submarine, which was unveiled on Friday.

Scotland exploring 4 day work week

Scotland's government is exploring the adoption of a four-day workweek policy and encouraging private-sector involvement, which is a relatively uncommon practice at present. The plan involves conducting a pilot program among some of its civil servants, as reported by The Times. First Minister Humza Yousaf, who leads the Scottish National Party, is expected to provide further details about this initiative on Tuesday, with a proposed start date toward the end of this year

Bike ride from Italy to England

A 20-year-old Italian student, Claudio Barchiesi, recently completed a 1,500km (932 miles) cycling journey across Europe to reach his grandparents' home in Barrow, Suffolk, England. The impressive trip spanned 15 days and took him through eight countries, starting from Barzano, Italy. Barchiesi aimed to raise one euro for each kilometer ridden for charity, successfully collecting 4,285 euros so far. He trained intensively for two months before embarking on the journey.

2,000 Rhinos being released into the Wild

A big step for rhino conservation is happening as nearly 2,000 semi-wild rhinos owned by South African breeder John Hume will be released back into natural reserves across South Africa and other parts of Africa over the next decade. African Parks, a conservation group based in Johannesburg, has taken over the Platinum Rhino project, which is the world's largest private captive rhino breeding operation.

History & Culture - The Real Peaky Blinders

"Peaky Blinders," the hit TV show, has brought the Birmingham underworld to the forefront of entertainment. While the series is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from the real-life gang known as the Peaky Blinders, who operated in the Midlands during the late 1800s. In this article, we'll dive into the historical truths behind the legend and separate them from the show's dramatizations.

The Mysterious Name's Origin

The true beginnings of the name "Peaky Blinders" are still a puzzle. Some think it came from sewing razor blades into their caps' peaks, but this idea is up for debate. Another theory is that the name came from their use of caps to hide their faces during crimes. Either way, the name became famous, staying on long after the original Peaky Blinders were gone.

The roots of gangs like the Peaky Blinders can be traced back to the harsh living conditions and money struggles of late 19th-century England. Poverty pushed young boys into pickpocketing as a way to survive. In places like the Midlands and northern England, poverty led to a culture of crime, with theft, muggings, and other illegal activities becoming a way of life. Birmingham, a growing industrial city, saw the rise of pickpocketing and a violent youth culture.

Birth of the Peaky Blinders

The Peaky Blinders emerged in Birmingham's Small Heath area, gaining notoriety for their brutal assaults and violence. These gangs had members of all ages, and informal hierarchies formed. Some members became prominent figures, like Thomas Gilbert, known as Kevin Mooney, one of the most well-known Peaky Blinders. This is who the character Tommy Shelby was based on.

Youth gang culture took over Birmingham's streets, leading to "land grabs" and rivalries with other gangs. Corruption within law enforcement and other areas allowed the Peaky Blinders to operate without much trouble. Efforts to control them, such as appointing an Irish police constable in 1899, often failed because of widespread bribery. The Peaky Blinders diversified their criminal activities, including smuggling, robbery, bribery, protection rackets, fraud, and hijacking. But their specialty remained street-based local crimes, like robbery and assaults.

The Peaky Blinders reached their peak in the early 20th century but faced challenges from rival gangs like the Birmingham Boys, led by Billy Kimber. Interestingly, Kimber was once a Peaky Blinder himself.

Over time, the Peaky Blinders' power faded, making room for other criminal organizations, like the Sabini Gang in the 1930s.

The Peaky Blinders left a lasting mark on Birmingham's history and continues to inspire popular culture. While their power diminished, their legacy lives on in the hit TV series. The real Peaky Blinders was a complex part of history, leaving behind a captivating mix of facts and legends that still fascinate audiences today.

Fast Facts

• Sri Lanka has the lowest divorce rate, with 0.15 divorces per 1,000 residents

• Antarctica holds the world’s most freshwater

• proper nutrition can increase job productivity by 25%

• No human has been to the moon since 1972

• Brazil has 4 time zones

Quote of the week

“I started my career without fans”

-Christian Bale