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The term "Roger that" is very common, but were did it come from?

Its origin traces back to World War II, when military and aviation personnel relied on the phonetic alphabet for clear communication via two-way radios. Initially, "R" was represented by "Roger" in the phonetic alphabet, before the current NATO phonetic alphabet where "Romeo." stands for "R" was adopted in 1957.

The use of “R” for confirmation comes from even longer before, dating back to the Morse code era. In Morse code, replying with "R" indicated the message had been received.

This practice carried over to two-way radio communication, were they substituted "R" with "Roger" for clarity. Despite "Roger" being replaced by "Romeo" (and previously "Robert," for a time) the term "Roger that" remains a popular legacy of WWII-era communication.

Economy

Trillion Dollar Credit Card Debt Not Bad?

In 2023, American consumers accumulated an unprecedented level of credit card debt, surpassing the trillion-dollar mark. Luckily, this number is not as dire as it first seems to be.

Although there's a noticeable increase in credit card debt in nominal terms, when adjusted for inflation, it's almost 20% lower than its late 2008 peak, as per WalletHub's analysis using data from the New York Fed. Economists believe Americans are well-prepared to manage their debt.

Russell Price, chief economist at Ameriprise Financial, explained to CNN, “Consumers still have a lot of money left over to be able to spend, so the credit card data is often misinterpreted. The dollar value of credit-card debt is at an all-time high, but so is population, employment and consumer income.”

He also highlighted that the data does not account for the approximately 55% of borrowers who settle their balances in full each month, a point also noted by the New York Fed.

Looking at the larger economic scene, the US job market remains robust, and wage increases are outpacing inflation. January saw the addition of 353,000 jobs, maintaining the unemployment rate at 3.7%. The stock market is stable, sentiment regarding the economy has notably improved recently, and holiday spending was robust.

This sustained job market vitality enables Americans to continue managing their debts, save money, and maintain spending levels.

Therefore, despite the upsurge in credit card debt and existing economic challenges, the overarching view suggests that Americans and their economy are, to date, resilient.

Entertainment

The Surprising Inspiration for the Sci-Fi Epic, Dune

“Dune: Part Two” has made quite the impact, drawing in large crowds with its stunning visuals, sound, music, and story. But were did the idea of Arrakis, the desert planet central to the story come from? While sci-fi stories set on desert planets are a bit of a (overused) troupe nowadays, published in 1965, Dune is certainly not new to the scene.

When Frank Herbert witnessed ecologists working on the sands along Oregon's coast, it sparked inspiration for his iconic sci-fi novel, Dune.

Near Florence, Oregon, a vast expanse of sand dunes separates the Pacific Ocean from dense forests. These dunes are in a constant state of flux, reshaping the landscape dramatically over time, reminiscent of scenes from another planet.

It was the encroaching dunes threatening local infrastructure in the 1950s that first drew Frank Herbert, then a budding journalist, to the area. He saw firsthand how the US Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and other agencies were combating this threat by stabilizing the sands, an effort akin to terraforming.

This visit profoundly influenced Herbert, later serving as a key inspiration for Dune, where controlling desert sands is a central plot element. Herbert's depiction of the desert planet Arrakis and its inhabitants' efforts to terraform their world echoes the real-life attempts to manage Oregon's dunes.

According to a biography written by Herbert’s son Brian Herbert, the idea of transforming the dunes made a huge impression. “Dad realized he had something bigger in front of him than a magazine article,” Brian Herbert wrote. “He sat back at his desk and remembered flying over the Oregon dunes in a Cessna. Sand. A desert world. He envisioned the earth without the technology to stop encroaching sand dunes, and extrapolated that idea until an entire planet had become a desert.”

Herbert's connection to nature was deep-rooted, nurtured by his upbringing in the Pacific Northwest. His broad interests fueled his science fiction narratives, with dunes becoming a focal point after learning about Oregon's terraforming efforts.

His observations during a visit to Florence, where he surveyed the dunes and discussed strategies with scientists, informed his later work. The SCS's initiatives, particularly the planting of European beachgrass to anchor the shifting sands, directly paralleled the fictional endeavors of Dune's Fremen people. "Downwind sides of old dunes presented the first plantation areas. The Fremen aimed first for a cycle of poverty grass with peatlike hair cilia to intertwine, mat and fix the dunes by depriving the wind of its big weapon: movable grains." Herbert wrote, describing the Arrakis project in Dune’s appendix.

Herbert's article "They stopped the moving sands" never saw the light of day, but his experiences significantly shaped Dune's world. From that we got the iconic novel, and some excellent films too!

If you want to see my review of Dune: Part Two, you can find it here.

Environment

385-Million-Year-Old Forest Found in New York

The recent revelation of a 385-million-year-old forest in Cairo, New York, made headlines globally, but the area has been home to rare and ancient fossil forests for over a century.

Imagine a prehistoric landscape near the equator, featuring shallow seas and devoid of birds and invertebrates. In this scenario, an imposing mountain range, comparable to the Andes, overshadows delicate stretches of tree-like formations resembling palms. This depiction reflects New York state during the Devonian period, around 400 million years ago, marking a pivotal era when forests, as we recognize them today, emerged and triggered significant climate changes on Earth.

While Devonian rocks exist worldwide, Gilboa, New York, gained renown in the 19th and 20th centuries for its rare fossil forests, recognized as the world's oldest at approximately 380 million years old. However, the discovery of a 385-million-year-old forest in a nearby Cairo quarry in 2018 surpassed Gilboa's age. In January 2024, news emerged that the site secured funding for preservation, paving the way for its transformation into an educational and scientific preserve.

Fossil enthusiasts and rockhounds often explore the region, given that about 10% of New York boasts Devonian rocks. Dr. Charles Ver Straeten, a Devonian geologist and curator at the New York State Museum, believes numerous fossil forests lie hidden in the Catskills region, preserved beneath modern forests and soils.

Ver Straeten played a role in uncovering the world's oldest forest ecology at the Cairo quarry in 2009. Through years of exploration and the use of drones in 2018, the team identified 11 large root systems on the world's oldest forest floor. This ancient forest, with at least three tree types, offers valuable insights into the evolution of ancient forest ecosystems and climate changes.

The emergence of forests in the Devonian period played a pivotal role in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, contributing to global cooling. The Cairo and Gilboa environments differed, with Gilboa experiencing water-soaked forests and catastrophic floods, while Cairo witnessed a quieter setting with wet and dry periods.

The Gilboa Museum showcases some fossil casts from the Gilboa fossil forests, including the dominant Eospermatopteris trees. These trees, with onion-like bulbs, finger-like roots, and fronds, resembled modern ferns despite their appearance similar to palm trees.

The discovery of the Gilboa fossil forests in the late 19th century, during the construction of a dam for New York City's water supply, led to the evacuation of the thriving town. Despite the loss of homes, the fossils provided crucial information about Earth's earliest forests.

Fossil walks and explorations are now offered in the region, where participants can learn to identify fossils and even make discoveries. The Catskills, with their dense, tall, woody trees and remnants from Devonian times, offer a glimpse into the ancient past, inviting visitors to appreciate the evolution of the landscape over millions of years.

World News

Britain’s Oldest Striker

Britain's eldest striker continues to score goals for his local soccer team three times a week at the remarkable age of 90.

Mike Fisher, known as 'Ninja' by his teammates, maintains an average of three goals per game, showcasing his skills in amateur football for an impressive 75-year span, beginning in 1949. The former RAF veteran commits to playing every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for two local walking soccer teams since joining them at the age of 82.

Prior to his return to the sport in his 80s, Fisher played until his 40s before taking a hiatus. Rediscovering his passion for soccer, he now regularly plays for Old Corinthians at the non-league Rushall Olympic's ground in Walsall.

Even on his 90th birthday in late February, Fisher celebrated with his teammates by scoring five goals in a game against opponents 40 years his junior.

Despite his impressive track record, Fisher humbly acknowledges his nickname, saying, "They all call me 'Ninja' because they say I'm gone in the blink of an eye, just like that. One minute you think you've collared me, and the next minute I'm gone, and the ball is in the back of the net."

Reflecting on his enduring love for the game, Fisher shares, "I still love football, and I'll keep going for as long as I can—or at least while I'm still scoring on a regular basis. That feeling of scoring goals never gets old—even if I am."

Fisher's football journey began at 14 in the Luton and District League in Bedfordshire. He later moved to the Midlands after meeting his wife, Doris, in Blackpool, where he was stationed with the RAF.
With his commitment to staying fit and active, Fisher expresses gratitude for the role football plays in his life. He stated "The football gives me a reason to still get up and out and stay fit and active. I don't want to be sitting in a chair all day long."

Reflecting on his journey into walking football, Fisher remarks, "I thought I'd be way too old at 82, but I just gave it a go." Today, he continues to play against opponents in their 50s and 60s, waiting up front to contribute when needed—a bit like the classic poacher, Jimmy Greaves.

Mind Stretchers

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You carry it everywhere you go but it never gets heavy. What is it?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
Fowl (foul) Language 🤣 

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