The folding fan (Chinese: 折扇), invented in Japan...In 988 AD, folding fans were first introduced in China by a Japanese monk from Japan as a tribute during the Northern Song dynasty; these folding fans became very fashionable in China by the Southern Song dynasty....
While the folding fans gained popularity, the traditional silk round fans continued to remain mainstream in the Song dynasty.
Most Americans are vaguely familiar with scurvy in sailors (the citrus used by the Brits to prevent this is why they are called Limeys).
And of course Pellegra from corn was a major health problem in the southern USA.
we saw this in our heavy drinkers in Africa, who ate local corn sazda but not much else.
But BeriBeri? Various epidemics here including in the Philippines where imported polished rice was given out to local during famine after the clueless Yanks took over.
But I am doing an investigation into ancient Japan, the Heian period, and medical articles suggest deaths from that.
So I asked Grok:
In Heian Japan (794–1185), the diet of the aristocracy, heavily reliant on polished white rice, led to beriberi, a disease caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. White rice, stripped of its nutrient-rich husk, was a status symbol, but its lack of thiamine caused symptoms like fatigue, nerve damage, heart failure, and death.
Commoners, who ate less processed grains like barley or millet, were less affected. Historical records, like court diaries, note unexplained illnesses and deaths, especially among elites, likely linked to beriberi. For example, the disease may have contributed to the high mortality rates in the imperial court, though exact figures are scarce due to limited medical understanding.
By the Edo period, beriberi was better documented, but in Heian times, its cause was unknown, and no effective treatments existed. Dietary diversification or unpolished rice could have mitigated it, but social preferences delayed such changes.
one article I read said 20 percent of the deaths back then And at least one death Kashiwagi , in Gengi was probably partly due to beriberi, since his legs got weak.
...................,
modern story of how a Japanese military doc found how to stop beriberi from killing their sailors in the Japanese Russia war in the early 1900s.
I should note at this time that white rice has a longer shelf life than brown or partially polished rice. Our organic brown rice is healthier, but the germ etc. has oil and gets racid after six months.
So what about the Philippines? At least one book on the multiple epidemics of people and animals (Foot and mouth disease killed the waterbuffalo so people couldn't plow), mentioned deaths because the Yanks supplied imported polishe Rice.
So I asked Grok:.....
Beriberi, caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, was a significant health issue in the Philippines, particularly due to the widespread consumption of polished white rice, which lacks the thiamine-rich husk.
Historically, the disease was prevalent in rice-dependent regions like the Philippines, where milling practices removed essential nutrients.
Historical Context and Impact
Early 20th Century: Beriberi was a major public health problem in the Philippines, especially among populations relying on polished rice. Research from the period, such as a 1911 study, highlighted its preventability through dietary changes.
Infantile Beriberi: A critical issue in the Philippines, infantile beriberi affected babies of thiamine-deficient mothers, leading to high mortality rates.
Studies from 1947 estimated 12,000–20,000 deaths annually in the 1920s–1930s, with symptoms like heart failure and cyanosis in infants aged 2–6 months.
Colonial Period:
During the Spanish and American colonial eras, beriberi was noted among soldiers and prisoners. For instance, in 1898, Spanish soldiers in Baler suffered from beriberi due to poor diet during a siege, with 12 deaths reported.
Japanese Occupation (1942): Malnutrition, including beriberi, surged due to food shortages, affecting both civilians and prisoners in camps like Santo Tomas.
Symptoms and Types
Dry Beriberi: Affects the nervous system, causing numbness, weakness, and potential paralysis.
Wet Beriberi: Impacts the cardiovascular system, leading to edema, heart failure, and high mortality if untreated.
Infantile Beriberi: Seen in breastfed infants of deficient mothers, causing rapid heart failure and death if not addressed.
Causes and Risk Factors
Dietary Cause: Polished white rice, stripped of thiamine, was the primary culprit.
The shift to milled rice in the late 19th century, driven by taste and economic factors, increased beriberi cases.
Other Factors: Alcoholism, bariatric surgery, and conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum increased risk. Breastfeeding mothers with low thiamine intake endangered infants.
Interventions and Decline
Early Interventions: By 1910, American researcher Robert R. Williams in Manila identified rice bran extract as a cure, leading to thiamine’s isolation in 1935.
Rice Enrichment: Post-World War II, enriched rice programs in the Philippines significantly reduced beriberi incidence. By the 1950s, death rates dropped in areas using enriched rice, with costs as low as 35 cents per person annually.
Tikitiki Treatment: Filipino physician Proceso Gabriel developed a tikitiki extract (from rice bran) for beriberi treatment, a notable contribution to local medicine.
Modern Status
Beriberi is now rare in the Philippines due to improved diets, food fortification, and awareness of thiamine-rich foods (e.g., whole grains, meat, beans). However, it persists in vulnerable groups, such as alcoholics or those with restrictive diets.
Diagnosis involves blood/urine tests and neurological exams, with treatment using thiamine supplements (oral or intravenous). Early intervention reverses most symptoms, though severe cases may leave permanent damage.
For further details on historical beriberi in the Philippines, see studies like Acta Medica Philippina (1947) on infantile beriberi. For current prevention, consult resources like the Philippine Department of Health or WHO guidelines on nutrition.
During the Jomon period asphalt was used as a binder to fix a harpoon or a fishspear in its shaft, to tie a sring with a spoon-shaped lithic knife or a stone weight, and to mend broken pottery
The use of asphalt began about 3, 300 B. C., saw its climax in the latter part of the Late Jomon and Final Jomon periods (about 1, 500-300 B. C.), and was suddenly abandoned in the Yayoi period.During the Jomon period, asphalt was collected only in the oil-fields along the Japan Sea side areasof the Tohoku district where it came out to the surface. Tukinoki and Komagata in Akitaprefecture and Yunodai in Yamagata prefecture are well-known locations of the surface asphalt. InNiigata prefecture oil-layers lie near the surface and, therefore, crude oil came out to accumulate inponds located on foothills and is found half-soild along the pond shore. During the Jomon period, the asphalt collected in the oil-producing areas was distributed in the whole Tohoku district alongseveral trading routes
and since Gork noticed I was asking about the Jomon period added the history as above, including mentioning the trade
Trade Networks: Asphalt from Akita was traded across the Tohoku region and as far as the Kanto region, indicating a sophisticated exchange system. Archaeological evidence from 67 sites confirms its widespread use, peaking in the Late and Final Jomon periods (c. 1,500–300 BCE).
Asphalt is a composite of aggregates, sand, and bitumen; where bitumen acts as a liquid binding material that holds asphalt together.
Actually there was a trade in bitumin in the Middle East that goes back 40 000 years: as a glue to fix flint to their tools, and much later to waterproof things, and also a glue in construction.
and get out your Herodatus and your Livy and your Bible: Bitumen was why King Sargon (and Moses and Romulus/Remus) didn't sink into rivers and drown.
An ancient legend tells that, as a baby, King Sargon of Accad was placed in a reed basket coated with asphalt by his mother, Itti-Bel, and set adrift on the waters of the Euphrates river around 3800 B.C. This legend corresponds closely with the story of Moses being set adrift in the Nile river in an asphalt-coated basket.
Cynics who hate the idea that the Bible might be accurate would say that this proves the Bible is just made up. But I would say that women would place unwanted babies in such boats (or in the case of Moses, hide him in the rushes from inspector searching houses looking for illegal kids).
In ancient times, infanticide happened, but too many legends suggest it was looked down upon: often unwanted babies were left at crossroads (or in baskets on rivers), so the parents could say they didn't kill the kid, but that they left it to the gods if the kid should live or die. But legends of heroes saved by ordinary folk (Sargon, Moses, Romulus and Remus, Oedipus) were probably told to caution against the practice.
well, anyway: Bitumen in the middle East was used for construction,
The early uses of asphalt include cementing bricks together for the construction of buildings and pavements and for protecting exterior masonry surfaces. It was also used for trowling the surface of interior floors and stair treads, and for waterproofing baths and drains.
not only traded, but the ability to waterproof boats led to the ability to trade.
The Chumash and Tongva people used tar from the pits to build plank boats by sealing planks of California redwood trunks and pieces of driftwood from the Santa Barbara Channel, which they used to navigate the California coastline and Channel Islands.[5]
Since I am retired, it gives me time to dig into history stuff out of pure curiosity.
Sometimes what sets me off is a TV show or book I am reading.
Right now, I am digging into ancient Japan before 1000 AD, inspired by the Tale of Genji.
This has led me into all sorts of side roads: Feminism including the loss of rights for women as the Heian period evolved into the Samurai culture, psychiatry ( conversion reaction for frustrated women), silk and other textile history, beriberi (nobility ate polished rice...hmm did Kashiwabi die of beri beri?) and other nutritional diseases (from the low protein diet thanks to Buddhism... This lowers your ability to fight off TB and other infectious diseases, and the character Murasaki probably had TB), and the various epidemics that ravaged Japan in those days (the husband of the author of Tale of Genji died of smallpox).
But it also brings up non medical questions: No mention of technology so how did they get their iron pots etc?
So today, as an aside while digging into the pre Heian period, i.e. the Kufun period keyhole shaped burial sites I ran into a discussion of Iron.
Technology borrowed from Korea, and using the older technology using a bloomery instead of a blast furnace, which required a bellows and was used by that time in China.
The traditional Japanese furnace, known as a tatara, was a hybrid type of furnace. It incorporated bellows, like the European blast furnace, but was constructed of clay; these furnaces would be destroyed after the first use.
but what is that about bog iron? Here is a video about one way to find it (from water, but in some bogs it is in the sand).....
I am posting here because I will follow up a lot of this on my tablet that I use for reading.
I enjoy digging into these things: but of course, now adays I don't have to do all that surfing: Grok can dig a lot of this up quickly but it's not so much fun.
In ancient Japan, smelting bog iron was a key process for producing iron, particularly during the Yayoi (c. 300 BCE–300 CE) and Kofun (c. 300–710 CE) periods, when iron tools and weapons became widespread. '
Bog iron, a type of iron ore found in wetlands and marshes, was a primary source due to Japan’s limited high-grade iron ore deposits.
Here's a concise overview based on available evidence:
Process of Smelting Bog Iron in Ancient Japan
Collection of Bog Iron:
Bog iron, formed by iron oxides precipitated in bogs or swamps, was gathered from wet lowlands. It appeared as rusty, nodular deposits and was relatively accessible compared to mined ores.
Tatara Furnace:
The primary smelting method involved the tatara, a traditionalJapanese furnace. This was a low, rectangular clay furnace fueled by charcoal and air-blown using bellows.
The process, known as tatara sei-tetsu (tatara iron-making), combined bog iron with charcoal in the furnace, heated to around 1,200–1,500°C. Air was blown in to raise the temperature and reduce the ore to iron.
Bloomery Smelting:
Ancient Japan used a bloomery process, producing a spongy mass of iron called a "bloom." The bloom contained iron and slag (impurities), which was later hammered to remove slag and consolidate the iron into workable metal.
This was distinct from later, more advanced methods like blast furnaces, as it didn’t fully melt the iron, keeping the process labor-intensive but suited to small-scale production.
Fuel and Materials:
Charcoal was the primary fuel, sourced from abundant forests. Its high carbon content was crucial for reducing iron oxides.
Sand or clay was sometimes added to create slag, aiding in separating impurities from the iron.
Historical Context
Yayoi Period: Iron use began with imported tools from the Korean Peninsula, but local smelting likely started as communities learned to exploit bog iron. Archaeological sites, like those in northern Kyushu, show evidence of early iron-working.
Kofun Period: Iron production expanded, supporting the creation of weapons, armor, and agricultural tools. The tatara system became more refined, with regional centers of production.
Cultural Significance: Iron was vital for agriculture (e.g., plows, sickles) and warfare, contributing to social stratification and the rise of elite classes, as seen in Kofun burial goods.
Limitations and Challenges
Low Yield: Bog iron was impure and yielded less iron compared to mined ores, requiring significant labor.
Environmental Impact: Charcoal production led to deforestation in some areas, as smelting consumed large amounts of wood.
Technological Constraints: The bloomery process limited output, and high-quality steel (like that used in later samurai swords) required advanced forging techniques developed in later periods.
Archaeological Evidence
Excavations, such as at sites in Okayama and Shimane, reveal tatara furnace remains, slag heaps, and iron tools, indicating widespread bog iron smelting.
The San’in region (modern Tottori, Shimane) was a hub due to its bog iron deposits and proximity to forests for charcoal.
Additional Notes
While bog iron was critical in early Japan, by the Heian period (794–1185 CE), iron sand (satetsu) became more prominent, refined through advanced tatara techniques to produce high-quality steel for swords.
If you want more details, such as specific archaeological finds or comparisons with Korean or Chinese smelting, I can search X or the web for recent discussions or studies. Alternatively, I can generate a diagram of a tatara furnace if you’d like a visual (please confirm).
Would you like me to dive deeper into any aspect or provide a visual aid?
Trumpieboy is a businessman so can make deals with the Arab world who are also business oriented.
But one reason Biden insulted the Saudis did not persue a close releationship was civil rights: The lack of rights of women in that country.
Years ago I read this book by Jean Sasson that inspired this film: there are a series of books about her life: Amazon link.
...
a short narration from the book:
,,,
..a CSPAN interview about the original book (there are a series of books about Princess Sultana's life)
......
The irony of the book is that at least women in Saudi are allowed to be educated and have some rights (especially if the men in charge of them allow them freedom).
But in one of the later books, they discuss the Houthis whose attitude toward women is worse as is the Taliban of course).
I lived enough in Africa to recognize the tribal reasons for things like forced marriages, veiling/modest clothing, keeping women from being independent: Because in a time when women could not support themselves independently, it is only the family who is able to protect them, and for older women that means the protection of a father, husband, or son... that is why in a poor and primitive world, widows and single moms face starvation, where wars allow the equivalent of tribal raids, kidnapping, slavery, and criminals in charge women are not safe. Hence laws to limit women's freedom are about keeping her safe.
But yes it is a prison.
But in a modern world, is such protection needed? Especially in an affluent world?
You can see the need for women's education, and why caution is needed for those who speak out against these restritcions.
🔥Rogan: Donald Trump is the only person who could have survived what he was put through @joerogan “He’s the Final Boss of Fuck You.” pic.twitter.com/Eb6rHXLTQo
and the latest bad news is that the Pope is appointing people who will lack the courage to confront the culture of death, so I am discouraged more than ever. especially since the Trad Catholic seem more worried about the latin mass and the church of what's happening now is more concerned with global warming than with a policy that will eliminate useless eaters: the dirty little secret is that this is supposed to be volunatary but rogue medical and nursing personnel will take it in their hands to eliminate grandmom. This is known in minority communities, which is why so few minorities will sign living wills etc. Yes there is racism and class bigotry in medicine in the USA, and of course those European and Canadians show how this is done.
But we grandmoms have a weapon and can fight back:
I am old enough to remember my mom and her friends would get together once a week and pray the rosary for the conversion of Russia.
And voila, communism fell without a war and without massacres.
Stalin once quipped: How many troops does the Pope have? And the answer is this:
my previous post was about the wonderful K drama when life gives you tangerines. The plot is about a family and much of it is about trying to make a living, starting in poverty and working their way up to a middle class existance.
One of the major subplots in the middle of the drama was the unemployment and hardships suffered by the family due to the Asian financial crisis of 1997.
that lesson should be noticed by the Yanks who are opposing the DOGE cuts and the financial problems in the USA.
..
........
many Asians think that rich people manipulating the stock market for gain either precipitated the crisis or made it worse.
And high on the list of those manipulating the crisis was Soros.
At the combined annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in September 1997, a conflict raged over who was to blame for the nascent financial calamity, and what kind of economic model would emerge after it.
The main protagonists were Mahathir Mohamad, at the zenith of his power as prime minister of Malaysia, and George Soros, the billionaire who made bold bets against the currencies of Thailand and Malaysia in the run-up to the crisis. A few years earlier, Soros had defeated the Bank of England's efforts to prop up the pound. Mahathir, for his part, had presided over high growth rates for much of his 16 years in office that were now at risk of being undone.
With Thailand already subject to the strictures of an IMF-led bailout and Indonesia hurtling down the path toward one, Mahathir feared Malaysia could be next. Soros was portrayed by Mahathir and other nationalists as representing global capital, in all its fickleness — and drew scrutiny (and sometimes praise) for his ability to spot countries and assets that were starting to go awry.
Investopedia also discusses manipulation and interference that made the crisis worse.
The Bottom Line
In 1997, decades of economic policy planning that featured close relationships among government policy planners, regulators, the industries they regulated, and financial institutions came to a head when markets began putting downward pressure on Asian currencies.
italics mine....the markets did it.
This is like those headlines that shout a car drove into a crowd, or an AK47 killed people: as if these things were independent of human intervention.
Which is why the president of Malaysia blamed Soros:
With contagion, the risk of financial crisis to a country is not limited to its own vulnerabilities, but can be a result of market contagion that turns the underlying weaknesses into a crisis. This means, under globalisation, a financial crisis is no longer an isolated individual country problem but a collective problem that needs to be tackled collectively -- through an organised regional or global body whose job it is to prevent and resolve financial crises. so welcome to the New World Order.
italics mine.
So did big shots controlling the world manipulate things so that the ultimate result would be centralized control of the world economy?
are we seeing "markets" manipulating the economies of the world again, this time in the USA under an incompetent Biden, and no one except for conspiracy sites dare to ask the question: What is really going on?
Trump knows business, and knows how to play dirty in business: so right now he is manipulating the world wide financial situation by threats of tariffs: He points out that other countries take advantage of tariffs on the US while the US is not supposed to notice. So since what is good for the goose is good for the gander, he says change or else. Drop the tariffs or else. And saying to companies: Invest in the USA.
Not popular, but a fast way to equalize things to stimulate fair trade.
But China could be the problem: They are calling in the debts from a lot of countries who they sent "AID" but actually what they did was did stuff and it was a loan to be paid back and now the loan is due. And they are threatening war against Taiwan, the Philippines, and India (and if Russia doesn't watch out, Siberia is next on the list of lost Chinese possessions).
which is why Trumpieboy calls Russia crazy for not trying to make peace.
the kerfuffle about Greenland and Canada was actually a headsup that China was expanding their economic control of these countries so they could take over the Arctic trade routes. And this only makes sense if you know that they are also infiltrating Eastern Siberia with a lot of migrant workers.
Well, never mind.
I don't understand economics, but if you read history, you know that economic problems and depressions cause revolutions and wars.
The Chinese curse/blessing goes: May you live in interesting times.
