Vlad Dracula was born in either November or December (records are sketchy), 1431, in Transylvania. This Romanian principality at the time was under the rule of Hungary, immediately west. Dracula's father, Basarab the Dragon, was its royal governor. A member of the noble Basarab family, the Dragon had earned for himself a reputation in the "land beyond the forest" as a fierce warrior prince. At the time that his wife, the Princess Cneajna of Moldavia, gave birth to his second son, however, he was discontent in his position, eyeing instead the throne of Wallachia, located south of Transylvania on the Arges River.
Dracula was, therefore, a child of tumult. Before he could walk, before he could talk, he must have sensed the heat of the period, sensed the political rivalries and the subterfuge that were all a part of being a son in a royal family of a Renaissance-era Romania. Cutthroat was its nature. It was a land that knew battle, the discordance of small private armies on the march, the clanking of their breastplates being a daily and customary din. When blood wasn't being spilled over religious cause, it was spread over right of land. Fights were external and internal, and they were continuous.
Because Romania in the 15th Century sat on the border between the Eastern and Western cultures of the world, and because the Ottoman Turks and their Muslim rituals posed a threat to this Roman Catholic country, it became a virtual doorway linking the opposing cultures.
Since the 1100s, European crusaders on their way to save Byzantium — that is, to keep the Turks out of Europe — had crossed Romania to engage the white-hooded armies of the successive sultans. Much of the fighting took place directly above and below the Danube on the threshold of Romania/Bulgaria. Eventually, Bulgaria and its neighbor Serbia fell to the Turks. This left Romania an open doorway, through which the Turks seemed destined to charge at any moment.
But, the Turks were not the only agitators to Romania. Unbelievably, in the midst of the threat imposed by Turkey, the European dynasties surrounding it — Hungary, Germany and Poland — fought each other for its control. And as if that wasn't enough, the Romanians rebelled against each other for titles and land grants!
"There were internal problems regarding the heirs to the throne," says Badu Bogdan, a Romanian-American author who operates an excellent website on the historic Dracula. "In the Romanian states, there were several regal families, and they were fighting among themselves for who should rule the country. (There was) high political instability."
The root causes of this instability are not easily expressed in a summary nature, for they are very complex. However, they require some explanation at this point if we are to understand the direction of and the motives for Dracula's forthcoming politics.
A War-Torn History
Simply addressed, the story begins in turbulence, long before the Renaissance, long before the Middle Ages, long before the Ottoman Empire intimidated Europe and long before the formation of the Europe that we know today existed. Centuries before Christ, the Dacians who lived in the mountains of central Romania were forced to hold back an expanding Rome. Conquering these mountain people was not an easy task, Rome learned, and the Dacian defense was successful until 106 A.D., when the Carpathian Mountains caved in under the sandals of the Roman Guard. Romania remained an Imperial Roman province for nearly two hundred years and witnessed a slow transition from paganism to Christianity with the emergence of Constantine and his Holy Roman Empire.
Tranquility was short-lived. Soon, barbaric tribesmen in the form of Slavs, Goths and Huns — among them, Atilla — trampled the soil in the early centuries A.D., disrupting economy, commerce and culture. (Their "warlike fury swept the earth like a living flame," reads Jonathan Harker's journal in Dracula.)
By the 10th Century when the invasions halted, Romania was left with remnants of all the people who had, over the centuries, invaded it. The population was a polyglot mixture of Western and Eastern European influences, tasting of a blend of Roman, Byzantine (Greek), Hungarian, Florentine (Italian) and Saxon (Germanic) flavors. In mountainside villages, the architecture reflected this diversity. Poetic Grecian and Italian forms communicated with the heaviest accents of straight Germanic lines. In cities such as Bistritz, Sucovena, Brasov and Bucharest, fragments of Roman aqueducts still ran water past Moorish rooftops, Latin piazzas, Dutch-front hofbrauhauses. A bulbous tower of a Byzantine mosque might share the skyline with a narrow steeple of a Venetian cathedral.
This diverse concentration of nationalities — comprised particularly of Saxons and Hungarians — shifted as one power became predominant. Powerful, geographically close Hungary eventually dominated the land and engulfed Romania as a part of the Hungarian Kingdom.
The "Romania" was not, however, the entire country that we know today as Romania. Rather, it consisted of basically just the central part of the country, known as Transylvania, or the Carpathian Mountain Region. Connected to it were two "independent states,", Moldavia (east of Transylvania) and Wallachia (south of it) that were nevertheless thought of as Romania. As confusing as this might sound, it is important that we remember particularly Wallachia. Because of its geography, its commercial importance and the fact that it was the principality ruled over by the subject of this article, Dracula, it would become a major focus in the pages ahead.
Ancestry
According to the book, Transylvania — The Roots of Ethnic Conflict, published by Kent State Press, "The social organization of the Romanians...was relatively simple. The various groups of wandering herdsmen and soldiers were under the leadership of a voivode (warrior prince) and of a knez or kenez. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire These local leaders were the major official contact between the Romanians and the Hungarian political or ecclesiastical authority."
The ruling classes (or boyars) of Romania were the native Magyars and theSzekelys. There has been some confusion throughout the years as to what lineage Dracula was born into. Dracula author Bram Stoker claims he was Szekely. But, Radu Florescu and Raymond McNally, in their well-researched In Search of Dracula proclaim him to be of a race much older than either of the above races, one that dates directly back to the Dacians of the Pre-Roman Empire period.
Notwithstanding, many of Dracula's ancestors were warlord princes of Wallachia. One of the most notable, Basarab the Great, had driven the Mongols from the land in the mid-1300s. His son (Dracula's grandfather), named Mircea, had been a soldier, too, chalking up many victories against the Turks.
Dracula's father Basarab inherited Mircea's brains and stamina. For his chivalry, he was inducted into the Royal Order of the Dragon in 1431, only months before his son Vlad was born. This knighthood inadvertently gave the world a name that would endure in history books and in English literature for centuries. Foregoing his birth name, Basarab would refer to himself thereafter, and be referred to, as "The Dragon". In the Romanian tongue, Dragon is Dracul. Adding an "a" after the name denotes "son of". Thus, the Dragon's next heir, young Vlad, gained an eternal nickname: Dracula.
The Dragon
Before we follow the life of Dracula, let's spend a few moments on Dracula's father, Basarab the Dragon, who is himself an important historical entity and whose actions greatly affected his son's. Basarab was born out of wedlock in 1392 to Prince Mircea and one of his harem of concubines. When Mircea died, the Wallachian throne passed not to Basarab but to his brother, Mihail, whose birth had been legitimate. Basarab did not complain, but contented himself with becoming a royal page to Hungarian King Sigismund I at his palace in Luxembourg. There, he was treated to a classical education by Europe's finest teachers. When Sigismund drew up an army to route the Turks on the border region, dutiful and grateful Basarab followed, broadsword in belt, spear in hand.
Mihail passed away in 1421, leaving the state of Wallachia up for grabs. But, Basarab knew that several of his stepbrothers, as illegitimate as he, were vying for the throne. So was a cousin named Danejsti. Knowing that Danejsti was raising an army to take the principality for his own, Basarab sought the patronage of Sigismund to assign the princedom to him. Sigismund, claiming his page's young age and lack of experience, refused and, instead, supported Danejsti.
Basarab's hurt feelings soon diminished. He was soon off to Constantinople, the seat of the last vestiges of the Holy Roman Empire, to act as diplomat between his own church, the Roman Catholic, and the Eastern Orthodox. Pope Pius II in Rome, who was spearheading a movement to unite the two faiths, had petitioned Sigismund to send an envoy, one of considerable tact and speech, to convince the Holy Roman Emperor to savor the idea of unification with the Vatican. That Sigismund chose Basarab was a high compliment.
Byzantine Emperor John VIII Paleologus found the Hungarian-sent messenger a man of high ideal and decorum, but was forced to give him bad news. Although he was not closed indefinitely to the idea of further discussing a possible understanding between papist and non-papist faiths, the timing of the Pope's request, he said, was a bit premature. The Holy Roman Empire — that is, its people and their traditions — already had its hands full trying to remain intact from not only Mongolian attacks but also now constant Turkish ramrodding. The ethics of religious dogma would have to remain on hold until he could determine the strategy of the more corporal issue: defending the physical empire. Basarab graciously accepted the emperor's answer and reported back to Hungary.
Sigismund asked his ward to remain at Luxembourg to help him shape a possible crusade against the Turks. Basarab, promising his allegiance to His Majesty's wishes, nevertheless elected to take a hiatus back to Romania where he had earlier set his eyes on the daughter of Alexandru, prince of the Moldavian state. Princess Cneajna was now of marrying age, was beautiful and, best of all, very interested in her suitor. The couple married in 1427 at a High Mass. A boy child, Mircea II, was born to them a year later.
In 1431, while his wife was pregnant with their second child, Basarab was recalled to Hungary. The king's earlier designs of a Turkish crusade had flowered; now a strike against the Ottomans seemed imminent. The Turks had grown progressively dangerous; they had captured Serbia and Bulgaria; their dark shadow leaned suspiciously northwest towards Hungary. Aware that his country alone could not block a major enemy thrust, Sigismund sought the backing of other European dynasties that had a vested interest in keeping Europe Christian. To his court, then, he called together two-dozen heads of state to pledge themselves in a campaign. In a brilliant tour de force of partisanship, he admitted each representative into the highly respected and ancient Order of the Dragon, a society of knights whose principal aim, according to authors Florescu and McNally, "entailed the defense and propagation of Catholicism against...heretics". As his own compatriot, Sigismund selected Basarab, whose diplomacy in Constantinople had planted the seeds of acknowledgement between Eastern and Western churches.
Transylvanian Roots
As another prize, Sigismund begifted Basarab — now called the Dragon — the governorship of Transylvania. It was an attempt to atone for his refusal to support Basarab's earlier bid for Wallachia against Danejsti. While the Dragon's appointment made him content for the meanwhile, he still had his heart set on ruling Wallachia. As the principality's new governor, Basarab had access to Transylvania's armed militias, which, secretly and adroitly, he began to muster for a march against Danejsti when the time was ripe.
In the interim, he moved his family to the Transylvanian capital of Sighisoara, where he instantly took command of the mountainside citadel overlooking the town. In the family residence, a villa that still exists today, his princess gave birth to her second son. But, the Dragon's joy was cut short. He learned that Ottoman Turks had crossed the Danube and were pouring across Wallachia. Prince Danejsti, overwhelmed and frightened, had lain down his sword.
The Turks would have profound impact on the life of the boy who had just squealed his first cries in Sighisoara. And that boy, whose father had named Vlad Dracula, would have a very important impact on them.
The Turks
The Ottoman Turks had descended from a large conglomeration of other tribes in Asia Minor in the late 13th Century. "(Their) roots rested on Islamic foundations, but from the start it was a heterogeneous mixture of ethnic groups and religious creeds," reads Turkey: A Country Study, a report effected by the Library of Congress' foreign research library. "Muslims were thereby lumped together...and Turks as such were Turkish-speaking Sunni-Muslims."
During the 14th Century, their hordes began to move westward, gulping down at first only small states within the Eastern World, those belonging to other nomadic peoples. Spreading out, they soon infiltrated Western borders, seizing Bulgarian lands and penetrating the corps of the Holy Roman Empire. By the time of Dracula's birth, in the winter of 1431, the Ottomans ruled a vast territory that stretched from the Occidental East to the corners of Western Europe. Their first inroad into accessing Europe was none other than Romania.
Plans to make further ingress, however, would be thwarted. Often inflicting unspeakable terrors on the inhabitants of their conquered countries, a strategy to make even the bravest Catholic knight wobble in his armor, the Turks were in for a shock of their own. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Of course, in 1431 they could not have foreseen their encountering a quarter-century later of a certain Romanian named Dracula who would outride, outthink, outsmart and outfrighten them — right out of their sandals.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Mr. Ichikawa in Teheran 1.8883 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
hai who understood the Chinese language and could work with the British forces in Burma. Reporting the results of Britain's search, Mr. Horiuchi informed Tokyo that by September 10, 1941 ten linguists had been appointed in Shanghai.[1010]
400. Japan Seeks Funds to Operate Malayan Mines
Though the ties between Great Britain and China were being constantly strengthened by economic and military measures, relations between Great Britain and Japan were weakened by the same means, for the British freezing of funds was effective in upsetting Japan's economic stability.
Unless a direct payment could be made to Japanese who were operating mines in Malay, Foreign Minister Toyoda believed that negotiations would have to be begun with England for the appropriation of the funds necessary to keep these mines open. In order to be completely informed on the situation, Foreign Minister Toyoda, in the early part of September 1941, instructed his representative at Singapore to collect data on the number of Japanese employed in the mining industry, their monthly salaries in Shanghai dollars, the cost of maintaining the equipment to keep these mines in operation, and the amount of cash in possession of the mines.[1011]
401. British Embassy Burns All Important Documents
A Japanese diplomat in Nanking reported to Tokyo on September 5, 1941 that the British Embassy, feeling the strain of existing relations with Japan, had apparently burned all important documents.[1012]
402. The Fuso Maru, an Evacuation Ship, Schedules a Stop at Singapore
Since there seemed to be little hope remaining for the reestablishment of normal relations between the two countries, detailed plans were being made in September 1941 to evacuate British and Japanese subjects to London and Tokyo respectively. These plans became more significant as time passed.
Notifying Singapore on September 10, 1941 that The Fuso Maru was scheduled to arrive there late in September, 1941, Foreign Minister Toyoda suggested that arrangements be made to fill the 700 accommodations available for passage to Tokyo aboard this ship.[1013]
403. Japan Intercedes with Britain for Germans in Iran
On September 8, 1941 Mr. Ichikawa in Teheran notified Tokyo that British and Russian forces had reached that city. Although there was still much discussion regarding the treatment of German nationals residing in Kazavin and other cities in Iran, the German authorities were opposed to being held as prisoners of the British. Therefore, German residents in Teheran were appealing to Persia to arrange their immediate transfer to Turkey. If this could not be done, the German authorities intended to retire to the Ministry compound.[1014]
Mr. Ichikawa called on the Iranian Foreign Minister to enlist his assistance in the transfer of German nationals to Turkey, but because of British pressure, the Iranian Foreign Minister was pessimistic regarding this plan. Mr. Ichikawa then visited British and Turkish authorities to obtain their help, and the American Minister in Iran agreed to speak to the British authorities there. However, at the present time, Mr. Ichikawa stated, there was great anxiety among the German residents over the prospect of being forced to return to the Ministry compound since they would have to remain there until the conclusion of the war.
[1010] III, 743.
[1011] III, 744.
[1012] III, 745.
[1013] III, 746.
[1014] III, 747.
[209]
Fighting was still going on in many areas of Iran, with the Russian army moving in the west to the Mashhad area and to the south of this territory.[1015]
404. Canada Maintains Diplomatic Relations with Vichy
Mr. Yoshizawa, the Japanese representative in Ottawa, notified his government on September 8, 1941 that Prime Minister MacKenzie King had returned home by plane on the previous day. In keeping with the stand of the British government, Prime Minister MacKenzie King had stated at a press conference that Canada intended to maintain diplomatic relations with
Vichy.[1016]
405. Foreign Minister Toyoda Anticipates Anglo-Japanese Evacuation Agreement
According to a message transmitted to Teheran on September 10, 1941 Foreign Minister Toyoda expected that an Anglo-Japanese understanding on the evacuation facilities to be provided by both countries would be reached very shortly.
To expedite the evacuation of Japanese and British subjects, the two governments were expected not to withhold any necessary permits more than a fortnight from the time when they were submitted unless a suitable explanation was given. In the matter of traveling expenses, some standard method of settling problems that might arise would be arranged between the British Embassy in Tokyo and the Japanese Finance Ministry.[1017]
Not only was Great Britain to cooperate with Japanese leaving the United Kingdom, India, Burma or British colonial territory, but it was also to place no obstacle in the way of those wishing to leave British dominions or territories under either British or Allied occupation. In return, Tokyo gave assurance of the safe passage of British subjects from Japan, Manchukuo or occupied China.[1018]
406. Hiye Maru Is Used in Japanese Evacuation
Leaving Kobe on September 22, 1941 the Hiye Maru was to pick up evacuees at Bombay, India, Bandarshapur on the Persian Gulf and Mombasa, Kenya, before returning to Yokohama. Because the schedule was not to be altered, Foreign Minister Toyoda, in a message to Teheran, Iran, on September 12, 1941, warned that all passengers should be ready to board when the ship docked, and that Iraq be informed immediately to ensure the evacuation of Japanese residents from Bagdad.
Since suitable accommodations for all were impossible to obtain, the Japanese Foreign Minister ordered that preference be given the sick, aged, women and small children.[1019]
407. "Central China Post" Strike Remains Unsettled
While these evacuation negotiations were underway it was particularly important that no incident, no matter how insignificant, be allowed to upset the Japanese-British diplomatic situation. In July 1941 a strike had broken out in the office of the Central China Post, an English language newspaper published in Hankow. The British Ambassador in Chungking, because he believed the strike had been instigated by the Japanese, the Municipal government, and the Nanking regime, demanded that immediate settlement be effected by Japanese authorities.[1020]
A message from Hankow on September 12, 1941 revealed that the incident was not yet closed. Settling in the office of the Central China Post, one group of strikers had refused to surrender,
[1015] III, 748.
[1016] III, 749.
[1017] III, 750.
[1018] Ibid .
[1019] III, 751.
[1020] III, 752.
[210]
THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
whereupon the British Consul-General in Hankow filed a protest with the Japanese authorities there. However, since Japanese officials insisted that the movement was directed by Chinese attempting to impede the establishment of the New China and, consequently aiming to suppress the Central China Post, they said that any interference by Japan would be useless. They desired to let the strike run its natural course without intervention by local authorities.[1021]
408. Japan Prohibits Unauthorized Newspaper Articles
To prevent further trouble with newspapers, the printing of any articles regarding the creation of the "National Policy Cooperation", with the exception of those authorized by the proper authorities, was prohibited in Shanghai.[1022] On September 13, 1941 Japanese authorities in Shanghai requested that similar action be taken at Hankow.[1023]
409. Japan Denies Blockade of Hongkong Waters
In spite of strict precautions differences between the Japanese and the British arose over trade and shipping policies. On September 15, 1941 Japanese authorities in Canton, in answer to a British complaint, insisted that the Japanese blockading squadron had always respected Hongkong's territorial waters.[1024]
410. British Authorities Seize Egyptian Steamer
A British seizure of an Egyptian steamer, Star of Egypt, carrying a cargo of cotton and glycerin, caused Tokyo to instruct its officials at Shanghai to investigate the reason for this action and to negotiate for the release of the vessel.[1025]
Japanese authorities in Shanghai reported to Tokyo that on one occasion Japan had refused the China Trading Company a permit to send fifteen tons of glycerin to Hongkong. Since Japan stood to profit in trade negotiations by granting such permits, it was suggested that they not be withheld in the future.[1026]
411. British Seek to Check Germans in Black Sea Area
From an authentic intelligence report, the Japanese Embassy in London learned that British military authorities intended to extend the war with Germany into the Black Sea area since the German army had already planned to cross over into the Caucasus from the Bulgarian and Rumanian shores. In an effort to move its fleet into the Black Sea and forestall this German aggression, the British government was trying to persuade Turkey, Iran and Iraq of the danger of their position once German troops were in possession of the Caucasus. However, the Japanese intelligence report stated that Berlin realized the intentions of the British and therefore would delay any attack on Turkey. Nevertheless, the German army in Bulgaria was making preparations for invading the Caucasus.
The Japanese believed that Great Britain did not want to deal harshly with Persia since British troops were not scheduled originally to enter the city of Teheran. However, when the Russian government had declared its intentions to march on Teheran and dispossess the ruler, Great Britain had been placed in a difficult position.
From an American source, Japanese intelligence learned that assistance to Moscow would be included in the Lend-Lease law at some time in the future. In order to ensure British vic-
[1021] III, 753.
[1022] III, 754.
[1023] III, 755.
[1024] III, 756.
[1025] III, 757.
[1026] III, 758.
[211]
tory over Germany, the United States was determined to give Russia the maximum amount of assistance.[1027]
412. Japan Requests Reciprocity in Evacuation Plans
Tokyo was concerned with the safe passage of the Fuso Maru due to arrive in Singapore late in September, 1941 although no agreement had been achieved by September 17, 1941, the Japanese expected the British to accord the Fuso Maru the same privileges which would be granted to the English ship Anhui. The Japanese government planned to extend every convenience to the Anhui, even to supplying it with fuel and water.[1028]
Since the Fuso Maru was preparing to transport Japanese nationals from British territory, Tokyo sent a report to Singapore stating the cost of passage aboard this ship. Japanese officials in Singapore were directed to collect the fares and pay all fuel, customs, and docking expenses.
Questions regarding the remittance of funds by the evacuees and the issuance of departure and exchange permits were to be settled by the British Ambassador and the Japanese Minister of Finance. Furthermore, both Japanese and British customs officials were to begin checking baggage three days before the ship's entry into port in order to reduce any delay in disembarking.[1029]
413. British Request License to Export Glycerin
On September 18, 1941 the British Commercial Attache in Tokyo notified the Chief of the Japanese Trade Bureau that Ambassador Craigie, upon instructions from London, had asked the Governor-General in Singapore to release cotton and machinery which the British had confiscated there, in return for a license to export glycerin from Japanese-held Shanghai. It was not revealed to Ambassador Craigie at this time that officials in Singapore had previously agreed to turn over the material without any conditions and that licenses for the export of glycerin to the British had already been issued at Shanghai.[1030]
Later the same day Tokyo informed Japanese officials in Shanghai that the British Consul-General had been directed to ask them for the license, which Tokyo directed should be issued immediately.[1031]
Tokyo suggested to Singapore that the cotton and machinery, which the British were expected to release in return for this license, be loaded onto the Fuso Maru.[1032]
414. Japanese Face Financial Difficulties in Canada
On September 24, 1941, Mr. Kawasaki in Vancouver sent a plea to Tokyo requesting amelioration of the situation which had resulted in Canada from the British order freezing Japanese funds. Not only had officials been unable to arrange passage home for Japanese subjects residing in Canada but since the sending of money to and from Japan was also curtailed, families in Tokyo dependent upon relatives in Canada, and Japanese students in need of remittance from their home in Japan, were in financial straits.[1033]
415. Tokyo Protests Against Canadian Censorship
Ambassador Yoshizawa in Ottawa, acting under orders from Tokyo, officially protested to the Canadian government against its prohibition of all code and clear text telegrams between
[1027] III, 759.
[1028] III, 760.
[1029] III, 761.
[1030] III, 762.
[1031] III, 762.
[1032] III, 762.
[1033] III, 764.
[212]
THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
the Canadian and American consulate offices which were not marked "Japanese Consul". Although Mr. Yoshizawa explained the difficulty in transmitting all Japanese messages through the Embassy network, Canadian officials firmly refused to rescind their previous order. In his report to Tokyo on September 24, 1941 the Japanese Ambassador expressed the opinion that Canada was particularly anxious to prevent the exchange of code messages between Vancouver and San Francisco.[1034]Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
416. British Authorities Delay Loading of Fuso Maru
On September 25, 1941 Tokyo was informed by the Japanese Consul-General in Singapore that the ship Fuso Maru was being delayed in that port by cargo loading problems. Basing their refusal on the fact that the Fuso Maru did not have enough cargo space to load all the cotton and machinery, local authorities in Singapore had withheld the necessary export permit. However, a discussion between the director of the Japanese Commercial Affairs Bureau and the British Commercial Counselor revealed that the delay in issuing this permit had been caused by a previous refusal of the Japanese maritime customs to allow a China soap company in Shanghai to export glycerin.
Attempting to offset further delay in loading the Fuso Maru, the Japanese Consul-General agreed to permit the Chinese firm to export fifty tons of the glycerin contracted for, and at the same time to secure a guarantee regarding the remaining seventy tons. In return, arrangements were to be made whereby the British Consul-General and the British Governor General in Singapore would be informed by their Ambassador in Tokyo that permission to load the Fuso Maru had been granted. Furthermore, a second Japanese ship was to take part of the Maru's cotton cargo.[1035]
Despite these arrangements, on September 27, 1941 the Fuso Maru was still in port. Though Tokyo accused Singapore authorities of scheming to delay the sailing of this vessel,[1036] Foreign Minister Toyoda told Mr. Riyoji in Singapore that there was no objection to delaying the departure of the Fuso Maru, and that all arrangements should be made to have it remain at anchor until the loading schedule was completed. The loading was to continue as planned, but no freight charges were to be paid at Singapore, since this matter would still have to be taken up with the British Embassy. Furthermore, Consul-General Horiuchi in Shanghai was instructed to proceed with issuance of the permit for the export of glycerin desired by the British.[1037]
As a result Foreign Minister Toyoda informed Singapore on September 30, 1941 that Ambassador Craigie in Tokyo had sent a message regarding the cargo of the Fuso Maru directly to the Governor General in that city.[1038] A few days later on October 2, 1941 Tokyo informed Shanghai that it was believed the British Consul-General in Shanghai had sent a telegram to the British Governor-General. Therefore, it was requested that the sailing of the Fuso Maru be further postponed to await the outcome of these latest developments.[1039]
Although the Japanese believed that the British Consul-General in Shanghai must have received Ambassador Craigie's telegram, no answer had been received by them on October 2, 1941. Consequently, finding it impossible to come to any agreement regarding permission for loading cotton and machinery, the Japanese ordered the Fuso Maru to sail. In one last attempt, however, Tokyo ordered its officials in Shanghai to remind the British Consul-General of his request for a glycerin permit.[1040]
[1034] III, 765.
[1035] III, 766.
[1036] III, 767.
[1037] III, 768.
[1038] III, 769.
[1039] III, 770.
[1040] III, 771.
[213]
417. Mr. Horiuchi and British Official Confer on Export Difficulties
On October 3, 1941 Consul Horiuchi, the Japanese representative in Shanghai, meeting with the British Consul-General, learned that the British official, since he had not received an export permit, did not regard the Japanese Consul's note as sufficient guarantee that the export of glycerin would be granted. Consul-General Horiuchi replied that he did not have the authority to interfere directly with the maritime custom's formal issuance of export permits, but, at the same time, he was certain that Japan would not hinder the shipment of 120 tons of glycerin. As proof of this statement, Consul Horiuchi pointed out that permits for 50 tons had already been granted on October 3, 1941 and a permit for 10 tons on the following day.
Although the Japanese believed these agreements had effected a satisfactory solution to the trade problem, England also desired permission for the safe passage of British naval tugs and motor launches bound for both the Suez and Singapore, insisting that this was relative to the original question. Since Shanghai reported on October 4, 1941 that this last request was handled through the Customs Investigation Committee and was just recently given to the British, Mr. Horiuchi accused British authorities of deliberately creating a delay in the negotiations.
Willing to continue attempts at compromise regarding trade, Consul-General Horiuchi in another conference with the British Consul-General insisted that not only would ships carrying glycerin be allowed to leave port safely but that permits for the British tug boats would also be issued. However, he warned that Japan would retaliate if the restrictions obstructing Japanese shipping continued.[1041]
418. Britain Issues Warning to Finland
The Japanese Minister in Helsinki notified Foreign Minister-----on September 30, 1941
that the British government, through the Norwegian Minister in Helsinki, had issued a warning to Finland on September 24, 1941 regarding its war with Russia. Unless Finland agreed to settle its border question with Russia, London would regard Finland as a belligerent and hostile nation.
In an effort to determine Finland's reply to Great Britain's demands, the Japanese Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire Minister in Helsinki called on the Finnish Foreign Minister on September 25, 1941. From the Conversation the Japanese Minister drew the conclusion that Finland would find it impossible to make definite promises to Great Britain's demands. The Japanese Minister in Helsinki questioned the Finnish Foreign Minister on the reasons surrounding Britain's presentation of its demands to Finland through the Norwegian Minister instead of through the American Minister. The Finnish Foreign Minister could not answer this question. However, he offered the theory that the United States might possibly have refused to submit Britain's demands to Finland.[1042]
419. Britain Prohibits Code Telegrams in Iran
By September 30, 1941, Mr. Ichikawa in Teheran reported to Tokyo that British domination of Iran was so complete that they were able to carry out an order prohibiting the sending and receiving of code telegrams. Apparently this edict included the French Legation as well as the German Legation.[1043]
420. Japan Threatens to Rescind Glycerin Permit
After receiving Mr. Horiuchi's version of his conference with the British Consul-General in Shanghai, Tokyo wired Shanghai on October 6, 1941 asking why the British official had not then already wired the English Governor General in Singapore and Ambassador Craigie in Tokyo
[1041] III, 772.
[1042] III, 773.
[1043] III, 774.
[214]
THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
admitting that Japan had issued export permits for the glycerin. Tokyo made it clear in this message that though permits for the two shipments of fifty and seventy tons of glycerin had been granted, actually neither of these shipments would be exported until Japan received guarantees from the British that the raw cotton and machinery could be loaded.[1044]
421. Shanghai Suggests Retaliation Against British
Apparently British and Japanese representatives had reached a satisfactory understanding in Tokyo regarding these differences. Yet Shanghai officials reported on October 6, 1941 that they had been unable to put such an agreement into effect because of the attitude of the British Consul-General. Therefore it was believed that appropriate counter-measures should be taken by the Japanese.
While cutting off all future export permits to the British would undoubtedly be effective, Shanghai realized that it would also result in a complete rupture of business relations between the two countries. As an alternate measure then, Japanese officials suggested that demands be made of the British Consul-General in Shanghai, for a guarantee that no obstacles would further delay the loading of cotton aboard Japanese ships at Singapore.[1045]
The following day October 7, 1941 Shanghai passed on to Singapore the information that the British Consul-General had apparently sent the necessary requisite telegram. But, since nothing more had come of it, the British having as yet failed to release the goods confiscated in Singapore, Shanghai suggested that Japan should, in retaliation, revoke the glycerin export permit issued by the customs inspector, or, if necessary call on the Japanese navy or gendarmerie to stop actual exportation of the glycerin. Nevertheless Mr. Horiuchi hesitated to take these steps since at the conference on October 4, 1941 he had definitely assured the British Consul-General no obstacles would be placed in the way of the export of glycerin.[1046]
In consideration of these circumstances Tokyo agreed on October 8, 1941 that, instead of forbidding the glycerin export, the British Consul-General in Shanghai should wire both the Singapore Governor-General and Ambassador Craigie that Japan was permitting the shipment of 50 and 70 tons of glycerin respectively. In return Britain was expected to accord certain facilities to the Japanese ships taking the cargo of raw cotton and machinery aboard.[1047]
When Shanghai officials inquired about the telegrams on October 9, 1941, the British Consul General stated that they had been sent on October 6, 1941 to Ambassador Craigie and the Singapore Governor-General. But since Mr. Horiuchi wished to transmit them, the British official promised to turn over the text of the telegram to the Japanese Consul-General.[1048]
On October 13, 1941 Tokyo requested the complete text of the British Consul-General's official communication to Ambassador Craigie and to the British official in Singapore.[1049]
422. Churchill Reports on British Position in Russo-German War
On October 2, 1941, the Japanese Ambassador in London informed the Embassy in Washington of Churchill's report made before Parliament on September 30, 1941 concerning the British part in the Russo-German war. Since the outbreak of war between Germany and Russia, Prime Minister Churchill warned, there had been an increased feeling of optimism on the part of the British government and people. However, while Germany's preoccupation with Russia was allowing Great Britain time to deliberate upon its own situation and build up its own resistance, Prime Minister Churchill stated, Great Britain must not relax its war efforts.
[1044] III, 775.
[1045] III, 776.
[1046] III, 777.
[1047] III, 778.
[1048] III, 779.
[1049] III, 780.
[215]
Russian resistance to German forces had been greater than at first expected. Even though Leningrad might possibly fall, there was the hope that Moscow and the Caucasus would hold out through the winter and that Germany's occupation of the Ukraine could be stopped.
With Germany's attention drawn to its eastern flank, shipping on the Atlantic during the past three months had become safer. Therefore, aid from the United States was able to reach Great Britain. Furthermore, Britain's coastal defenses and the disposition of its home troops had been improved to such an extent that even though Germany might start additional invasion attempts, the British government was confident that they could be repelled.[1050]
However, the British authorities claimed that Germany, once it had defeated Soviet Russia, would not be interested in the invasion of the British Isles but instead would continue moving toward the Near East. For this reason Great Britain desired to enlist the aid of Turkey and to consolidate its position in Syria, Iraq and Iran. Not wishing to put too much economic pressure on Turkey, the British Isles had resorted to dispatching divisions of troops to that territory amounting to approximately 750,000 men. In this way Great Britain evidently hoped to impress Turkey with the number of troops it would be able to maintain behind the line of battle.
In preparation for a possible engagement with the German forces in this area, General Wavell had made a recent trip to London besides holding conferences in Baghdad and Teheran. The preparations for a defensive warfare in that area were carried to such an extent that General Wavell was lining up British forces from the Far East and India for joint British-Soviet action in the Caucasus area and possibly within the borders of Russia itself.[1051]
In order to carry on this concerted warfare against Germany, however, Russia required continued aid from Great Britain. Because of the number of German troops and planes lost in the war with Russia Prime Minister Churchill believed that Great Britain was now on an equal footing with its enemy. In comparison with 1940, particularly the period following the evacuation of Dunkirk, Great Britain now possessed eighty divisions of armed forces of which thirty-seven were armored divisions. Recently Great Britain had even been able to carry on daily and nightly bombing attacks over Germany. Great Britain expressed great admiration for the occupied countries of Europe and put strong confidence in their ability to aid England in bringing about ultimate victory.
Japanese intelligence sources reported that Churchill's dynamic political leadership was holding the British government together and enabling it to carry on a unified projection of the war against Germany. With regard to the British attitude toward Japan, it could be seen both from newspaper accounts and general public opinion that Great Britain was dissatisfied with the trend of the present Japanese-American conversations and had little hope for reaching any rapprochement with the Japanese government. Although the British government had been making some attempts to turn the tide of anti-Japanese feeling in order to watch for the outcome of the Japanese-American conversations, it refused to negotiate with Japan even on minor points of the freezing legislation. In fact, England refused to take any direct steps toward improving relations with Japan.[1052]
423. Premier Gailani in Political Exile in Iraq
On October 6, 1941 Rome received the information that former Premier Gailani had been held in political exile in Iraq since the last part of July. Since the Turkish government had assured him that it would overlook his leaving the country, Premier Gailani hoped to return to Rome by way of Baghdad with the assistance of the German government.
In reporting on the conditions in Iraq, Premier Gailani stated that the country's political stability would be very hard to maintain in the future. The politicians who would eventually
[1050] III, 781.
[1051] III, 782.
[1052] III, 783.
[216]
THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
return to Iraq through Germany's assistance would not be in an enviable position, Premier Gailani stated.
In commenting on the British strength in the Near East, Premier Gailani insisted that in spite of the gross exaggeration of the British propagandists of the forces in Syria, Iraq and Iran, there were not more than a total of fourteen divisions in these countries. Furthermore, Premier Gailani did not believe that General Wavell's forces were in any position to defend the Caucasus.[1053]
424. Japan Navy Uses Chungking Currency for Secret Purchase
In the meantime, while settlements of trade negotiations were pending, Japan continued to obtain necessary materials by various devices. A dispatch from Tokyo to Shanghai on October 9, 1941 revealed the Japanese navy making purchases secretly by using Chungking currency. In order to prevent any disclosure of this activity Tokyo warned that complete contact be maintained with the Foreign Office. Any sudden fluctuations in market prices as a result of these purchases were to be avoided so that investigations would not occur.[1054]
425. British and Japanese Authorities Disagree on Shanghai Customs Officials
At the same time that negotiations were underway to remove export differences in Shanghai, the friction between the British and Japanese officials here was increased by a dispute over the appointment of customs officials in Shanghai. In September, 1941, Mr. Hirokichi Kishimoto, the chief secretary of the Inspector General of Chinese Maritime Customs in Shanghai, had informed Sir Frederick W. Maze, the British Inspector-General of Shanghai customs, that certain changes would have to be effected regarding trade conditions, before Japan would pay its customs expenses dating back as far as June 1941. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
During the discussions held for the purpose of settling British-Japanese customs problems, Tokyo proposed against United States opposition that a Japanese official be appointed to head the customs in Shanghai. Then, in a visit with Mr. Horiuchi, Sir Frederick W. Maze suggested that someone from a neutral country officiate over the customs, at least for the time being. The Japanese official refused to agree to such a proposition but then urged that Sir Maze take the responsibility of deciding the matter himself.[1055]
From a dispatch to Tsingtao, on October 14, 1941, it appeared that a suggestion had been offered whereby Japanese customs inspectors would send in reports on the character and standing of the present customs officials. But, Nanking doubted the wisdom of such a move, fearing that it might lead to chaos in the southern China customs. However if the existing policy, under which both the Peoples' Government and the Japanese army sent reports concerning the effectiveness of customs measures to Shanghai, proved unsuccessful, it seemed evident that the Japanese would take over complete control of the Shanghai customs.[1056]
By October 15, 1941, Mr. Horiuchi appeared hopeful that the protests already submitted by the American Ambassador in Tokyo would be retracted because of the present Japanese-American negotiations. It was felt, therefore, that this was the opportune moment to press Japan's demands in Shanghai. In so doing Japanese officials were to emphasize that Japan was anxious to comply with the needs of the present situation with regard to the Chinese customs in Shanghai, and to remove any causes for the friction which had been evident in the past.[1057]
[1053] III, 784-785.
[1054] III, 786.
[1055] III, 787.
[1056] III, 788.
[1057] III, 789.
[217]
426. Japan Attempts to Adjust Its Currency
As equally important as the curtailing of Japanese trade and commerce was the effect of the British freezing order on Japanese currency. Since Japanese assets abroad were frozen, a permit was even required to import a one yen bill into Japan. Therefore Japanese subjects being evacuated from Singapore were ordered by Tokyo, in late September, 1941, to change all their funds into remittance drafts. Meanwhile, the Finance Minister was checking every possible means of getting currency through into Japan.[1058]
With regard to trade, Singapore was also notified in October, 1941 that in those transactions concerning the liquidation of accounts between Japan and Great Britain exchange drafts were to be substituted for yen notes.[1059]
Application had been made by Singapore for current expenditures,[1060] with the result that on October 8, 1941 Foreign Minister Toyoda in a secret dispatch announced that approximately 600,000 yen would be sent from Tokyo, exclusive of travel expenses.[1061] Furthermore, it was intimated that Singapore was, by its own methods, securing secret funds with the approval of the Japanese government.[1062]
427. Japan Curtails Allied Propaganda
While Great Britain was imposing restrictive measures on Japan, Tokyo, in turn, was effecting certain methods of retaliation. Although apparently rendering equal treatment to all belligerent countries, Tokyo revealed in a message to London on October 4, 1941 that its Bureau of Information gave only the Axis powers ample facilities for the dissemination of propaganda.[1063]
428. Japanese Official to be Recalled from Singapore
Moreover in view of the situation existing in Singapore, Tokyo was withholding the official recall of a Japanese official in that city. But he expected to return to Tokyo sometime after October 9, 1941.[1064]
429. Japan Fears British Strength in Far East
By comparing the situation existing on October 13, 1941 with that of February 1941 Tokyo in a message to Hsingking revealed certain outstanding changes in Far Eastern conditions.[1065] First of all because the British government had come to regard Japan as an enemy nation, increasing economic pressure had been applied, with the result that Japanese interests in mining and other business enterprises had been practically destroyed. More recently the freezing order issued by the United States subsequent to Japan's occupation of French Indo-China had halted southward expansion.[1066]
As economic measures weakened Japanese strength, Great Britain seized every opportunity to build up its own economic and military holds on the East. Singapore by October 9, 1941 had already given Tokyo a full report of the activities there. During the last part of November, 1941, Sir Robert Brooke-Popham had become Commander-in-chief of the army, navy and air forces east of India. Later as the German-Soviet war and United States aid created a more favorable situation in Europe for the allies, England set up a defense base in the East using
[1058] III, 790.
[1059] III, 791.
[1060] III, 792.
[1061] III, 793.
[1062] III, 792.
[1063] III, 794.
[1064] III, 795.
[1065] III, 796.
[1066] Ibid.
hai who understood the Chinese language and could work with the British forces in Burma. Reporting the results of Britain's search, Mr. Horiuchi informed Tokyo that by September 10, 1941 ten linguists had been appointed in Shanghai.[1010]
400. Japan Seeks Funds to Operate Malayan Mines
Though the ties between Great Britain and China were being constantly strengthened by economic and military measures, relations between Great Britain and Japan were weakened by the same means, for the British freezing of funds was effective in upsetting Japan's economic stability.
Unless a direct payment could be made to Japanese who were operating mines in Malay, Foreign Minister Toyoda believed that negotiations would have to be begun with England for the appropriation of the funds necessary to keep these mines open. In order to be completely informed on the situation, Foreign Minister Toyoda, in the early part of September 1941, instructed his representative at Singapore to collect data on the number of Japanese employed in the mining industry, their monthly salaries in Shanghai dollars, the cost of maintaining the equipment to keep these mines in operation, and the amount of cash in possession of the mines.[1011]
401. British Embassy Burns All Important Documents
A Japanese diplomat in Nanking reported to Tokyo on September 5, 1941 that the British Embassy, feeling the strain of existing relations with Japan, had apparently burned all important documents.[1012]
402. The Fuso Maru, an Evacuation Ship, Schedules a Stop at Singapore
Since there seemed to be little hope remaining for the reestablishment of normal relations between the two countries, detailed plans were being made in September 1941 to evacuate British and Japanese subjects to London and Tokyo respectively. These plans became more significant as time passed.
Notifying Singapore on September 10, 1941 that The Fuso Maru was scheduled to arrive there late in September, 1941, Foreign Minister Toyoda suggested that arrangements be made to fill the 700 accommodations available for passage to Tokyo aboard this ship.[1013]
403. Japan Intercedes with Britain for Germans in Iran
On September 8, 1941 Mr. Ichikawa in Teheran notified Tokyo that British and Russian forces had reached that city. Although there was still much discussion regarding the treatment of German nationals residing in Kazavin and other cities in Iran, the German authorities were opposed to being held as prisoners of the British. Therefore, German residents in Teheran were appealing to Persia to arrange their immediate transfer to Turkey. If this could not be done, the German authorities intended to retire to the Ministry compound.[1014]
Mr. Ichikawa called on the Iranian Foreign Minister to enlist his assistance in the transfer of German nationals to Turkey, but because of British pressure, the Iranian Foreign Minister was pessimistic regarding this plan. Mr. Ichikawa then visited British and Turkish authorities to obtain their help, and the American Minister in Iran agreed to speak to the British authorities there. However, at the present time, Mr. Ichikawa stated, there was great anxiety among the German residents over the prospect of being forced to return to the Ministry compound since they would have to remain there until the conclusion of the war.
[1010] III, 743.
[1011] III, 744.
[1012] III, 745.
[1013] III, 746.
[1014] III, 747.
[209]
Fighting was still going on in many areas of Iran, with the Russian army moving in the west to the Mashhad area and to the south of this territory.[1015]
404. Canada Maintains Diplomatic Relations with Vichy
Mr. Yoshizawa, the Japanese representative in Ottawa, notified his government on September 8, 1941 that Prime Minister MacKenzie King had returned home by plane on the previous day. In keeping with the stand of the British government, Prime Minister MacKenzie King had stated at a press conference that Canada intended to maintain diplomatic relations with
Vichy.[1016]
405. Foreign Minister Toyoda Anticipates Anglo-Japanese Evacuation Agreement
According to a message transmitted to Teheran on September 10, 1941 Foreign Minister Toyoda expected that an Anglo-Japanese understanding on the evacuation facilities to be provided by both countries would be reached very shortly.
To expedite the evacuation of Japanese and British subjects, the two governments were expected not to withhold any necessary permits more than a fortnight from the time when they were submitted unless a suitable explanation was given. In the matter of traveling expenses, some standard method of settling problems that might arise would be arranged between the British Embassy in Tokyo and the Japanese Finance Ministry.[1017]
Not only was Great Britain to cooperate with Japanese leaving the United Kingdom, India, Burma or British colonial territory, but it was also to place no obstacle in the way of those wishing to leave British dominions or territories under either British or Allied occupation. In return, Tokyo gave assurance of the safe passage of British subjects from Japan, Manchukuo or occupied China.[1018]
406. Hiye Maru Is Used in Japanese Evacuation
Leaving Kobe on September 22, 1941 the Hiye Maru was to pick up evacuees at Bombay, India, Bandarshapur on the Persian Gulf and Mombasa, Kenya, before returning to Yokohama. Because the schedule was not to be altered, Foreign Minister Toyoda, in a message to Teheran, Iran, on September 12, 1941, warned that all passengers should be ready to board when the ship docked, and that Iraq be informed immediately to ensure the evacuation of Japanese residents from Bagdad.
Since suitable accommodations for all were impossible to obtain, the Japanese Foreign Minister ordered that preference be given the sick, aged, women and small children.[1019]
407. "Central China Post" Strike Remains Unsettled
While these evacuation negotiations were underway it was particularly important that no incident, no matter how insignificant, be allowed to upset the Japanese-British diplomatic situation. In July 1941 a strike had broken out in the office of the Central China Post, an English language newspaper published in Hankow. The British Ambassador in Chungking, because he believed the strike had been instigated by the Japanese, the Municipal government, and the Nanking regime, demanded that immediate settlement be effected by Japanese authorities.[1020]
A message from Hankow on September 12, 1941 revealed that the incident was not yet closed. Settling in the office of the Central China Post, one group of strikers had refused to surrender,
[1015] III, 748.
[1016] III, 749.
[1017] III, 750.
[1018] Ibid .
[1019] III, 751.
[1020] III, 752.
[210]
THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
whereupon the British Consul-General in Hankow filed a protest with the Japanese authorities there. However, since Japanese officials insisted that the movement was directed by Chinese attempting to impede the establishment of the New China and, consequently aiming to suppress the Central China Post, they said that any interference by Japan would be useless. They desired to let the strike run its natural course without intervention by local authorities.[1021]
408. Japan Prohibits Unauthorized Newspaper Articles
To prevent further trouble with newspapers, the printing of any articles regarding the creation of the "National Policy Cooperation", with the exception of those authorized by the proper authorities, was prohibited in Shanghai.[1022] On September 13, 1941 Japanese authorities in Shanghai requested that similar action be taken at Hankow.[1023]
409. Japan Denies Blockade of Hongkong Waters
In spite of strict precautions differences between the Japanese and the British arose over trade and shipping policies. On September 15, 1941 Japanese authorities in Canton, in answer to a British complaint, insisted that the Japanese blockading squadron had always respected Hongkong's territorial waters.[1024]
410. British Authorities Seize Egyptian Steamer
A British seizure of an Egyptian steamer, Star of Egypt, carrying a cargo of cotton and glycerin, caused Tokyo to instruct its officials at Shanghai to investigate the reason for this action and to negotiate for the release of the vessel.[1025]
Japanese authorities in Shanghai reported to Tokyo that on one occasion Japan had refused the China Trading Company a permit to send fifteen tons of glycerin to Hongkong. Since Japan stood to profit in trade negotiations by granting such permits, it was suggested that they not be withheld in the future.[1026]
411. British Seek to Check Germans in Black Sea Area
From an authentic intelligence report, the Japanese Embassy in London learned that British military authorities intended to extend the war with Germany into the Black Sea area since the German army had already planned to cross over into the Caucasus from the Bulgarian and Rumanian shores. In an effort to move its fleet into the Black Sea and forestall this German aggression, the British government was trying to persuade Turkey, Iran and Iraq of the danger of their position once German troops were in possession of the Caucasus. However, the Japanese intelligence report stated that Berlin realized the intentions of the British and therefore would delay any attack on Turkey. Nevertheless, the German army in Bulgaria was making preparations for invading the Caucasus.
The Japanese believed that Great Britain did not want to deal harshly with Persia since British troops were not scheduled originally to enter the city of Teheran. However, when the Russian government had declared its intentions to march on Teheran and dispossess the ruler, Great Britain had been placed in a difficult position.
From an American source, Japanese intelligence learned that assistance to Moscow would be included in the Lend-Lease law at some time in the future. In order to ensure British vic-
[1021] III, 753.
[1022] III, 754.
[1023] III, 755.
[1024] III, 756.
[1025] III, 757.
[1026] III, 758.
[211]
tory over Germany, the United States was determined to give Russia the maximum amount of assistance.[1027]
412. Japan Requests Reciprocity in Evacuation Plans
Tokyo was concerned with the safe passage of the Fuso Maru due to arrive in Singapore late in September, 1941 although no agreement had been achieved by September 17, 1941, the Japanese expected the British to accord the Fuso Maru the same privileges which would be granted to the English ship Anhui. The Japanese government planned to extend every convenience to the Anhui, even to supplying it with fuel and water.[1028]
Since the Fuso Maru was preparing to transport Japanese nationals from British territory, Tokyo sent a report to Singapore stating the cost of passage aboard this ship. Japanese officials in Singapore were directed to collect the fares and pay all fuel, customs, and docking expenses.
Questions regarding the remittance of funds by the evacuees and the issuance of departure and exchange permits were to be settled by the British Ambassador and the Japanese Minister of Finance. Furthermore, both Japanese and British customs officials were to begin checking baggage three days before the ship's entry into port in order to reduce any delay in disembarking.[1029]
413. British Request License to Export Glycerin
On September 18, 1941 the British Commercial Attache in Tokyo notified the Chief of the Japanese Trade Bureau that Ambassador Craigie, upon instructions from London, had asked the Governor-General in Singapore to release cotton and machinery which the British had confiscated there, in return for a license to export glycerin from Japanese-held Shanghai. It was not revealed to Ambassador Craigie at this time that officials in Singapore had previously agreed to turn over the material without any conditions and that licenses for the export of glycerin to the British had already been issued at Shanghai.[1030]
Later the same day Tokyo informed Japanese officials in Shanghai that the British Consul-General had been directed to ask them for the license, which Tokyo directed should be issued immediately.[1031]
Tokyo suggested to Singapore that the cotton and machinery, which the British were expected to release in return for this license, be loaded onto the Fuso Maru.[1032]
414. Japanese Face Financial Difficulties in Canada
On September 24, 1941, Mr. Kawasaki in Vancouver sent a plea to Tokyo requesting amelioration of the situation which had resulted in Canada from the British order freezing Japanese funds. Not only had officials been unable to arrange passage home for Japanese subjects residing in Canada but since the sending of money to and from Japan was also curtailed, families in Tokyo dependent upon relatives in Canada, and Japanese students in need of remittance from their home in Japan, were in financial straits.[1033]
415. Tokyo Protests Against Canadian Censorship
Ambassador Yoshizawa in Ottawa, acting under orders from Tokyo, officially protested to the Canadian government against its prohibition of all code and clear text telegrams between
[1027] III, 759.
[1028] III, 760.
[1029] III, 761.
[1030] III, 762.
[1031] III, 762.
[1032] III, 762.
[1033] III, 764.
[212]
THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
the Canadian and American consulate offices which were not marked "Japanese Consul". Although Mr. Yoshizawa explained the difficulty in transmitting all Japanese messages through the Embassy network, Canadian officials firmly refused to rescind their previous order. In his report to Tokyo on September 24, 1941 the Japanese Ambassador expressed the opinion that Canada was particularly anxious to prevent the exchange of code messages between Vancouver and San Francisco.[1034]Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
416. British Authorities Delay Loading of Fuso Maru
On September 25, 1941 Tokyo was informed by the Japanese Consul-General in Singapore that the ship Fuso Maru was being delayed in that port by cargo loading problems. Basing their refusal on the fact that the Fuso Maru did not have enough cargo space to load all the cotton and machinery, local authorities in Singapore had withheld the necessary export permit. However, a discussion between the director of the Japanese Commercial Affairs Bureau and the British Commercial Counselor revealed that the delay in issuing this permit had been caused by a previous refusal of the Japanese maritime customs to allow a China soap company in Shanghai to export glycerin.
Attempting to offset further delay in loading the Fuso Maru, the Japanese Consul-General agreed to permit the Chinese firm to export fifty tons of the glycerin contracted for, and at the same time to secure a guarantee regarding the remaining seventy tons. In return, arrangements were to be made whereby the British Consul-General and the British Governor General in Singapore would be informed by their Ambassador in Tokyo that permission to load the Fuso Maru had been granted. Furthermore, a second Japanese ship was to take part of the Maru's cotton cargo.[1035]
Despite these arrangements, on September 27, 1941 the Fuso Maru was still in port. Though Tokyo accused Singapore authorities of scheming to delay the sailing of this vessel,[1036] Foreign Minister Toyoda told Mr. Riyoji in Singapore that there was no objection to delaying the departure of the Fuso Maru, and that all arrangements should be made to have it remain at anchor until the loading schedule was completed. The loading was to continue as planned, but no freight charges were to be paid at Singapore, since this matter would still have to be taken up with the British Embassy. Furthermore, Consul-General Horiuchi in Shanghai was instructed to proceed with issuance of the permit for the export of glycerin desired by the British.[1037]
As a result Foreign Minister Toyoda informed Singapore on September 30, 1941 that Ambassador Craigie in Tokyo had sent a message regarding the cargo of the Fuso Maru directly to the Governor General in that city.[1038] A few days later on October 2, 1941 Tokyo informed Shanghai that it was believed the British Consul-General in Shanghai had sent a telegram to the British Governor-General. Therefore, it was requested that the sailing of the Fuso Maru be further postponed to await the outcome of these latest developments.[1039]
Although the Japanese believed that the British Consul-General in Shanghai must have received Ambassador Craigie's telegram, no answer had been received by them on October 2, 1941. Consequently, finding it impossible to come to any agreement regarding permission for loading cotton and machinery, the Japanese ordered the Fuso Maru to sail. In one last attempt, however, Tokyo ordered its officials in Shanghai to remind the British Consul-General of his request for a glycerin permit.[1040]
[1034] III, 765.
[1035] III, 766.
[1036] III, 767.
[1037] III, 768.
[1038] III, 769.
[1039] III, 770.
[1040] III, 771.
[213]
417. Mr. Horiuchi and British Official Confer on Export Difficulties
On October 3, 1941 Consul Horiuchi, the Japanese representative in Shanghai, meeting with the British Consul-General, learned that the British official, since he had not received an export permit, did not regard the Japanese Consul's note as sufficient guarantee that the export of glycerin would be granted. Consul-General Horiuchi replied that he did not have the authority to interfere directly with the maritime custom's formal issuance of export permits, but, at the same time, he was certain that Japan would not hinder the shipment of 120 tons of glycerin. As proof of this statement, Consul Horiuchi pointed out that permits for 50 tons had already been granted on October 3, 1941 and a permit for 10 tons on the following day.
Although the Japanese believed these agreements had effected a satisfactory solution to the trade problem, England also desired permission for the safe passage of British naval tugs and motor launches bound for both the Suez and Singapore, insisting that this was relative to the original question. Since Shanghai reported on October 4, 1941 that this last request was handled through the Customs Investigation Committee and was just recently given to the British, Mr. Horiuchi accused British authorities of deliberately creating a delay in the negotiations.
Willing to continue attempts at compromise regarding trade, Consul-General Horiuchi in another conference with the British Consul-General insisted that not only would ships carrying glycerin be allowed to leave port safely but that permits for the British tug boats would also be issued. However, he warned that Japan would retaliate if the restrictions obstructing Japanese shipping continued.[1041]
418. Britain Issues Warning to Finland
The Japanese Minister in Helsinki notified Foreign Minister-----on September 30, 1941
that the British government, through the Norwegian Minister in Helsinki, had issued a warning to Finland on September 24, 1941 regarding its war with Russia. Unless Finland agreed to settle its border question with Russia, London would regard Finland as a belligerent and hostile nation.
In an effort to determine Finland's reply to Great Britain's demands, the Japanese Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire Minister in Helsinki called on the Finnish Foreign Minister on September 25, 1941. From the Conversation the Japanese Minister drew the conclusion that Finland would find it impossible to make definite promises to Great Britain's demands. The Japanese Minister in Helsinki questioned the Finnish Foreign Minister on the reasons surrounding Britain's presentation of its demands to Finland through the Norwegian Minister instead of through the American Minister. The Finnish Foreign Minister could not answer this question. However, he offered the theory that the United States might possibly have refused to submit Britain's demands to Finland.[1042]
419. Britain Prohibits Code Telegrams in Iran
By September 30, 1941, Mr. Ichikawa in Teheran reported to Tokyo that British domination of Iran was so complete that they were able to carry out an order prohibiting the sending and receiving of code telegrams. Apparently this edict included the French Legation as well as the German Legation.[1043]
420. Japan Threatens to Rescind Glycerin Permit
After receiving Mr. Horiuchi's version of his conference with the British Consul-General in Shanghai, Tokyo wired Shanghai on October 6, 1941 asking why the British official had not then already wired the English Governor General in Singapore and Ambassador Craigie in Tokyo
[1041] III, 772.
[1042] III, 773.
[1043] III, 774.
[214]
THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
admitting that Japan had issued export permits for the glycerin. Tokyo made it clear in this message that though permits for the two shipments of fifty and seventy tons of glycerin had been granted, actually neither of these shipments would be exported until Japan received guarantees from the British that the raw cotton and machinery could be loaded.[1044]
421. Shanghai Suggests Retaliation Against British
Apparently British and Japanese representatives had reached a satisfactory understanding in Tokyo regarding these differences. Yet Shanghai officials reported on October 6, 1941 that they had been unable to put such an agreement into effect because of the attitude of the British Consul-General. Therefore it was believed that appropriate counter-measures should be taken by the Japanese.
While cutting off all future export permits to the British would undoubtedly be effective, Shanghai realized that it would also result in a complete rupture of business relations between the two countries. As an alternate measure then, Japanese officials suggested that demands be made of the British Consul-General in Shanghai, for a guarantee that no obstacles would further delay the loading of cotton aboard Japanese ships at Singapore.[1045]
The following day October 7, 1941 Shanghai passed on to Singapore the information that the British Consul-General had apparently sent the necessary requisite telegram. But, since nothing more had come of it, the British having as yet failed to release the goods confiscated in Singapore, Shanghai suggested that Japan should, in retaliation, revoke the glycerin export permit issued by the customs inspector, or, if necessary call on the Japanese navy or gendarmerie to stop actual exportation of the glycerin. Nevertheless Mr. Horiuchi hesitated to take these steps since at the conference on October 4, 1941 he had definitely assured the British Consul-General no obstacles would be placed in the way of the export of glycerin.[1046]
In consideration of these circumstances Tokyo agreed on October 8, 1941 that, instead of forbidding the glycerin export, the British Consul-General in Shanghai should wire both the Singapore Governor-General and Ambassador Craigie that Japan was permitting the shipment of 50 and 70 tons of glycerin respectively. In return Britain was expected to accord certain facilities to the Japanese ships taking the cargo of raw cotton and machinery aboard.[1047]
When Shanghai officials inquired about the telegrams on October 9, 1941, the British Consul General stated that they had been sent on October 6, 1941 to Ambassador Craigie and the Singapore Governor-General. But since Mr. Horiuchi wished to transmit them, the British official promised to turn over the text of the telegram to the Japanese Consul-General.[1048]
On October 13, 1941 Tokyo requested the complete text of the British Consul-General's official communication to Ambassador Craigie and to the British official in Singapore.[1049]
422. Churchill Reports on British Position in Russo-German War
On October 2, 1941, the Japanese Ambassador in London informed the Embassy in Washington of Churchill's report made before Parliament on September 30, 1941 concerning the British part in the Russo-German war. Since the outbreak of war between Germany and Russia, Prime Minister Churchill warned, there had been an increased feeling of optimism on the part of the British government and people. However, while Germany's preoccupation with Russia was allowing Great Britain time to deliberate upon its own situation and build up its own resistance, Prime Minister Churchill stated, Great Britain must not relax its war efforts.
[1044] III, 775.
[1045] III, 776.
[1046] III, 777.
[1047] III, 778.
[1048] III, 779.
[1049] III, 780.
[215]
Russian resistance to German forces had been greater than at first expected. Even though Leningrad might possibly fall, there was the hope that Moscow and the Caucasus would hold out through the winter and that Germany's occupation of the Ukraine could be stopped.
With Germany's attention drawn to its eastern flank, shipping on the Atlantic during the past three months had become safer. Therefore, aid from the United States was able to reach Great Britain. Furthermore, Britain's coastal defenses and the disposition of its home troops had been improved to such an extent that even though Germany might start additional invasion attempts, the British government was confident that they could be repelled.[1050]
However, the British authorities claimed that Germany, once it had defeated Soviet Russia, would not be interested in the invasion of the British Isles but instead would continue moving toward the Near East. For this reason Great Britain desired to enlist the aid of Turkey and to consolidate its position in Syria, Iraq and Iran. Not wishing to put too much economic pressure on Turkey, the British Isles had resorted to dispatching divisions of troops to that territory amounting to approximately 750,000 men. In this way Great Britain evidently hoped to impress Turkey with the number of troops it would be able to maintain behind the line of battle.
In preparation for a possible engagement with the German forces in this area, General Wavell had made a recent trip to London besides holding conferences in Baghdad and Teheran. The preparations for a defensive warfare in that area were carried to such an extent that General Wavell was lining up British forces from the Far East and India for joint British-Soviet action in the Caucasus area and possibly within the borders of Russia itself.[1051]
In order to carry on this concerted warfare against Germany, however, Russia required continued aid from Great Britain. Because of the number of German troops and planes lost in the war with Russia Prime Minister Churchill believed that Great Britain was now on an equal footing with its enemy. In comparison with 1940, particularly the period following the evacuation of Dunkirk, Great Britain now possessed eighty divisions of armed forces of which thirty-seven were armored divisions. Recently Great Britain had even been able to carry on daily and nightly bombing attacks over Germany. Great Britain expressed great admiration for the occupied countries of Europe and put strong confidence in their ability to aid England in bringing about ultimate victory.
Japanese intelligence sources reported that Churchill's dynamic political leadership was holding the British government together and enabling it to carry on a unified projection of the war against Germany. With regard to the British attitude toward Japan, it could be seen both from newspaper accounts and general public opinion that Great Britain was dissatisfied with the trend of the present Japanese-American conversations and had little hope for reaching any rapprochement with the Japanese government. Although the British government had been making some attempts to turn the tide of anti-Japanese feeling in order to watch for the outcome of the Japanese-American conversations, it refused to negotiate with Japan even on minor points of the freezing legislation. In fact, England refused to take any direct steps toward improving relations with Japan.[1052]
423. Premier Gailani in Political Exile in Iraq
On October 6, 1941 Rome received the information that former Premier Gailani had been held in political exile in Iraq since the last part of July. Since the Turkish government had assured him that it would overlook his leaving the country, Premier Gailani hoped to return to Rome by way of Baghdad with the assistance of the German government.
In reporting on the conditions in Iraq, Premier Gailani stated that the country's political stability would be very hard to maintain in the future. The politicians who would eventually
[1050] III, 781.
[1051] III, 782.
[1052] III, 783.
[216]
THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
return to Iraq through Germany's assistance would not be in an enviable position, Premier Gailani stated.
In commenting on the British strength in the Near East, Premier Gailani insisted that in spite of the gross exaggeration of the British propagandists of the forces in Syria, Iraq and Iran, there were not more than a total of fourteen divisions in these countries. Furthermore, Premier Gailani did not believe that General Wavell's forces were in any position to defend the Caucasus.[1053]
424. Japan Navy Uses Chungking Currency for Secret Purchase
In the meantime, while settlements of trade negotiations were pending, Japan continued to obtain necessary materials by various devices. A dispatch from Tokyo to Shanghai on October 9, 1941 revealed the Japanese navy making purchases secretly by using Chungking currency. In order to prevent any disclosure of this activity Tokyo warned that complete contact be maintained with the Foreign Office. Any sudden fluctuations in market prices as a result of these purchases were to be avoided so that investigations would not occur.[1054]
425. British and Japanese Authorities Disagree on Shanghai Customs Officials
At the same time that negotiations were underway to remove export differences in Shanghai, the friction between the British and Japanese officials here was increased by a dispute over the appointment of customs officials in Shanghai. In September, 1941, Mr. Hirokichi Kishimoto, the chief secretary of the Inspector General of Chinese Maritime Customs in Shanghai, had informed Sir Frederick W. Maze, the British Inspector-General of Shanghai customs, that certain changes would have to be effected regarding trade conditions, before Japan would pay its customs expenses dating back as far as June 1941. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
During the discussions held for the purpose of settling British-Japanese customs problems, Tokyo proposed against United States opposition that a Japanese official be appointed to head the customs in Shanghai. Then, in a visit with Mr. Horiuchi, Sir Frederick W. Maze suggested that someone from a neutral country officiate over the customs, at least for the time being. The Japanese official refused to agree to such a proposition but then urged that Sir Maze take the responsibility of deciding the matter himself.[1055]
From a dispatch to Tsingtao, on October 14, 1941, it appeared that a suggestion had been offered whereby Japanese customs inspectors would send in reports on the character and standing of the present customs officials. But, Nanking doubted the wisdom of such a move, fearing that it might lead to chaos in the southern China customs. However if the existing policy, under which both the Peoples' Government and the Japanese army sent reports concerning the effectiveness of customs measures to Shanghai, proved unsuccessful, it seemed evident that the Japanese would take over complete control of the Shanghai customs.[1056]
By October 15, 1941, Mr. Horiuchi appeared hopeful that the protests already submitted by the American Ambassador in Tokyo would be retracted because of the present Japanese-American negotiations. It was felt, therefore, that this was the opportune moment to press Japan's demands in Shanghai. In so doing Japanese officials were to emphasize that Japan was anxious to comply with the needs of the present situation with regard to the Chinese customs in Shanghai, and to remove any causes for the friction which had been evident in the past.[1057]
[1053] III, 784-785.
[1054] III, 786.
[1055] III, 787.
[1056] III, 788.
[1057] III, 789.
[217]
426. Japan Attempts to Adjust Its Currency
As equally important as the curtailing of Japanese trade and commerce was the effect of the British freezing order on Japanese currency. Since Japanese assets abroad were frozen, a permit was even required to import a one yen bill into Japan. Therefore Japanese subjects being evacuated from Singapore were ordered by Tokyo, in late September, 1941, to change all their funds into remittance drafts. Meanwhile, the Finance Minister was checking every possible means of getting currency through into Japan.[1058]
With regard to trade, Singapore was also notified in October, 1941 that in those transactions concerning the liquidation of accounts between Japan and Great Britain exchange drafts were to be substituted for yen notes.[1059]
Application had been made by Singapore for current expenditures,[1060] with the result that on October 8, 1941 Foreign Minister Toyoda in a secret dispatch announced that approximately 600,000 yen would be sent from Tokyo, exclusive of travel expenses.[1061] Furthermore, it was intimated that Singapore was, by its own methods, securing secret funds with the approval of the Japanese government.[1062]
427. Japan Curtails Allied Propaganda
While Great Britain was imposing restrictive measures on Japan, Tokyo, in turn, was effecting certain methods of retaliation. Although apparently rendering equal treatment to all belligerent countries, Tokyo revealed in a message to London on October 4, 1941 that its Bureau of Information gave only the Axis powers ample facilities for the dissemination of propaganda.[1063]
428. Japanese Official to be Recalled from Singapore
Moreover in view of the situation existing in Singapore, Tokyo was withholding the official recall of a Japanese official in that city. But he expected to return to Tokyo sometime after October 9, 1941.[1064]
429. Japan Fears British Strength in Far East
By comparing the situation existing on October 13, 1941 with that of February 1941 Tokyo in a message to Hsingking revealed certain outstanding changes in Far Eastern conditions.[1065] First of all because the British government had come to regard Japan as an enemy nation, increasing economic pressure had been applied, with the result that Japanese interests in mining and other business enterprises had been practically destroyed. More recently the freezing order issued by the United States subsequent to Japan's occupation of French Indo-China had halted southward expansion.[1066]
As economic measures weakened Japanese strength, Great Britain seized every opportunity to build up its own economic and military holds on the East. Singapore by October 9, 1941 had already given Tokyo a full report of the activities there. During the last part of November, 1941, Sir Robert Brooke-Popham had become Commander-in-chief of the army, navy and air forces east of India. Later as the German-Soviet war and United States aid created a more favorable situation in Europe for the allies, England set up a defense base in the East using
[1058] III, 790.
[1059] III, 791.
[1060] III, 792.
[1061] III, 793.
[1062] III, 792.
[1063] III, 794.
[1064] III, 795.
[1065] III, 796.
[1066] Ibid.
Friday, May 22, 2009
RNA templates 7.tem.001200 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
For eight years, Nelson has been studying FMR1 and two related genes, called FXR1 and FXR2. All three of the genes encode proteins that bind to RNA and help regulate the process that builds proteins from RNA templates. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Previous research had shown that fruit flies that lack the Drosophila FMR1 gene have disrupted circadian rhythms when kept in darkness, but can still reset their biological clocks when exposed to light.
So Nelson and his colleagues tested mice that lack FMR1, FXR2 or both genes to see if their biological clocks are also thrown off. When normal mice are kept in complete darkness, they fall into sleeping-waking patterns slightly shorter than 24 hours. Mice lacking either FMR1 or FXR2 have yet shorter circadian rhythms when kept in the dark, but the difference is subtle, Nelson says. The mice have no trouble resetting their circadian clocks when the lights are turned on.
Previous research had shown that fruit flies that lack the Drosophila FMR1 gene have disrupted circadian rhythms when kept in darkness, but can still reset their biological clocks when exposed to light.
So Nelson and his colleagues tested mice that lack FMR1, FXR2 or both genes to see if their biological clocks are also thrown off. When normal mice are kept in complete darkness, they fall into sleeping-waking patterns slightly shorter than 24 hours. Mice lacking either FMR1 or FXR2 have yet shorter circadian rhythms when kept in the dark, but the difference is subtle, Nelson says. The mice have no trouble resetting their circadian clocks when the lights are turned on.
Friday, May 15, 2009
shot 7.sho.0002 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
When Brandon Granthon told his father he was moving to an apartment at Mulberry and Crescent streets in Harrisburg's crime-ridden Allison Hill neighborhood, Dwane Tennant recalled telling his son to reconsider.
For Granthon, 27, the rent was cheap, and he could walk across the Mulberry Street bridge to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, where he was a freshman studying computer science.
On Friday evening, Tennant watched as mourners placed candles, flowers, balloons and pictures of Granthon at a memorial set up at the apartment building near where Granthon was shot and killed early Tuesday.
"This area right here, it's real bad," said Tennant, who lives in uptown. "They got kids 12 and 13 years old out here with guns." Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Granthon, who school officials said carried a 4.0 grade-point average, was shot once in the chest and was found lying on his back less than a block from his apartment around 1:10 a.m. He died shortly after arriving at Harrisburg Hospital, making him the city's seventh homicide victim this year -- one shy of the total number of killings in 2008.
Tennant's first son, Kevin T. Evans, was shot to death July 19, 1996, minutes after he and three others robbed Brandon Wallace of cash and drugs at North Fifth and Harris streets. Wallace, then 19, was convicted of third-degree murder.
Police said they found cocaine on Granthon's body, but whether drugs were involved in the killing has not been determined, city spokesman Matthew Coulter said. The claim that Granthon was involved with drugs came as a surprise to those who knew him best.
"I didn't know a person who didn't like Brandon," his friend Ashley Green said. "Everyone adored him and respected him."
Granthon spent a lot of time volunteering, school officials said. He participated in a reading program where he and others read to students at Harrisburg and Steelton schools. He worked a bargain box rummage sale and volunteered at Downtown Daily Bread, a Harrisburg soup kitchen.
Teachers and staff at the university said Granthon was a leader and had a knack for applying what he learned to real-life situations.
"He consistently was a model to the other students," said Jenni Olivetti, a student services administrator. "They watched how he worked and would follow him."
Mourners gathered at the university campus on Market Street just after 5 p.m. and walked, candles in hand, across the Mulberry Street bridge, passing beautiful murals that included one sketch of a blond girl holding a sign with "peace" written on it.
They stopped at Mulberry and Crescent and stood, many sobbing and embracing each other, for more than a half-hour and placed lit candles in white, paper cups among the flowers, balloons and pictures. Granthon's 6-year-old brother, Mark Lindsay, drew a heart on a white piece of paper and placed it against a picture of his brother.
"It feels like I had my heart ripped out of my chest," said Brandon's mother, Theresa Granthon, as she clutched the stem of a small red balloon with "I love you" written on it.
Others struggled to make sense of it and pleaded for answers.
"I just want to know what happened and I want to know why," Green said. "I just want to know why."
For Granthon, 27, the rent was cheap, and he could walk across the Mulberry Street bridge to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, where he was a freshman studying computer science.
On Friday evening, Tennant watched as mourners placed candles, flowers, balloons and pictures of Granthon at a memorial set up at the apartment building near where Granthon was shot and killed early Tuesday.
"This area right here, it's real bad," said Tennant, who lives in uptown. "They got kids 12 and 13 years old out here with guns." Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Granthon, who school officials said carried a 4.0 grade-point average, was shot once in the chest and was found lying on his back less than a block from his apartment around 1:10 a.m. He died shortly after arriving at Harrisburg Hospital, making him the city's seventh homicide victim this year -- one shy of the total number of killings in 2008.
Tennant's first son, Kevin T. Evans, was shot to death July 19, 1996, minutes after he and three others robbed Brandon Wallace of cash and drugs at North Fifth and Harris streets. Wallace, then 19, was convicted of third-degree murder.
Police said they found cocaine on Granthon's body, but whether drugs were involved in the killing has not been determined, city spokesman Matthew Coulter said. The claim that Granthon was involved with drugs came as a surprise to those who knew him best.
"I didn't know a person who didn't like Brandon," his friend Ashley Green said. "Everyone adored him and respected him."
Granthon spent a lot of time volunteering, school officials said. He participated in a reading program where he and others read to students at Harrisburg and Steelton schools. He worked a bargain box rummage sale and volunteered at Downtown Daily Bread, a Harrisburg soup kitchen.
Teachers and staff at the university said Granthon was a leader and had a knack for applying what he learned to real-life situations.
"He consistently was a model to the other students," said Jenni Olivetti, a student services administrator. "They watched how he worked and would follow him."
Mourners gathered at the university campus on Market Street just after 5 p.m. and walked, candles in hand, across the Mulberry Street bridge, passing beautiful murals that included one sketch of a blond girl holding a sign with "peace" written on it.
They stopped at Mulberry and Crescent and stood, many sobbing and embracing each other, for more than a half-hour and placed lit candles in white, paper cups among the flowers, balloons and pictures. Granthon's 6-year-old brother, Mark Lindsay, drew a heart on a white piece of paper and placed it against a picture of his brother.
"It feels like I had my heart ripped out of my chest," said Brandon's mother, Theresa Granthon, as she clutched the stem of a small red balloon with "I love you" written on it.
Others struggled to make sense of it and pleaded for answers.
"I just want to know what happened and I want to know why," Green said. "I just want to know why."
Monday, May 4, 2009
health 3.hea.0002 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
A pair of health policy advisers — one representing John McCain and the other Barack Obama — took part in a forum (one might say mild-mannered debate) this afternoon at George Washington University. Through this event, they became the public faces of the committees counseling the candidates on health issues.
Health-policy analyst Jay Khosla parried questions about John McCain’s stance; physician Dora Hughes did the same for Barack Obama.
Before joining the McCain campaign, Khosla served as a counsel on health issues for the Senate Budget Committee and held a similar position for former Senate Majority Leader — and surgeon — William H. Frist.
Hughes, herself a physician, formerly worked for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy as Deputy Director for Health on the Senate Committee on Health. Before that, Hughes was the senior program officer at the Commonwealth Fund, a national health foundation based in New York City.
But when a question from the audience asked who the candidates’ other health and research advisers were, both Khosla and Hughes demurred.
It wasn’t even clear from his somewhat strained response whether Khosla knows who the others are. He mentioned that many excellent people are advising McCain, but when pushed for names, he eventually could name only Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former Congressional Budget Office director who’s also advising the candidate on science. For more names, Khosla asked the debate’s moderator, National Public Radio correspondent Julie Rovner, to contact others on the candidate’s campaign staff.
He did offer that a health-care professionals coalition — physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, and others — participates weekly in a conference call to discuss health problems and policy recommendations. Members of this coalition identify, from the “ground level,” emerging issues, Khosla said, and a synthesis of their comments gets “funneled to Sen. McCain.”
Khosla did give up a few additional names as being in the McCain inner circle: Grace-Marie Turner, founder of the Galen Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, and health-care analyst Gail Wolensky, who ran the Medicare/Medicaid programs in the George H. Bush administration.Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Hughes did acknowledge knowing who Obama’s other health advisers are, but noted that their services in many cases were being provided confidentially, so she thought it inappropriate to name them. However, she did offer up that the 1989 Nobel Prize winner Harold Varmus, a former director of NIH, was among them. Other names that she mentioned: David Blumenthal, a health care analyst with an endowed chair at Harvard Medical School and David Cutler (presumably the one that’s a renowned software engineer behind a number of projects, including several of Microsoft’s more recent operating systems). http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN.INFO
Today's forum was organized by the nonpartisan Scientists & Engineers for America. A recording of today's event is slated to become available at their website this evening
Health-policy analyst Jay Khosla parried questions about John McCain’s stance; physician Dora Hughes did the same for Barack Obama.
Before joining the McCain campaign, Khosla served as a counsel on health issues for the Senate Budget Committee and held a similar position for former Senate Majority Leader — and surgeon — William H. Frist.
Hughes, herself a physician, formerly worked for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy as Deputy Director for Health on the Senate Committee on Health. Before that, Hughes was the senior program officer at the Commonwealth Fund, a national health foundation based in New York City.
But when a question from the audience asked who the candidates’ other health and research advisers were, both Khosla and Hughes demurred.
It wasn’t even clear from his somewhat strained response whether Khosla knows who the others are. He mentioned that many excellent people are advising McCain, but when pushed for names, he eventually could name only Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former Congressional Budget Office director who’s also advising the candidate on science. For more names, Khosla asked the debate’s moderator, National Public Radio correspondent Julie Rovner, to contact others on the candidate’s campaign staff.
He did offer that a health-care professionals coalition — physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, and others — participates weekly in a conference call to discuss health problems and policy recommendations. Members of this coalition identify, from the “ground level,” emerging issues, Khosla said, and a synthesis of their comments gets “funneled to Sen. McCain.”
Khosla did give up a few additional names as being in the McCain inner circle: Grace-Marie Turner, founder of the Galen Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, and health-care analyst Gail Wolensky, who ran the Medicare/Medicaid programs in the George H. Bush administration.Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Hughes did acknowledge knowing who Obama’s other health advisers are, but noted that their services in many cases were being provided confidentially, so she thought it inappropriate to name them. However, she did offer up that the 1989 Nobel Prize winner Harold Varmus, a former director of NIH, was among them. Other names that she mentioned: David Blumenthal, a health care analyst with an endowed chair at Harvard Medical School and David Cutler (presumably the one that’s a renowned software engineer behind a number of projects, including several of Microsoft’s more recent operating systems). http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN.INFO
Today's forum was organized by the nonpartisan Scientists & Engineers for America. A recording of today's event is slated to become available at their website this evening
Thursday, April 30, 2009
telomere 9.tel.003 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
A new experiment suggests that the enzyme telomerase can extend the lifespan of mice by about 26 percent.
Some cells can keep dividing forever, essentially becoming immortal thanks in part to telomerase. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire But evidence for whether this enzyme affects aging and longevity in larger organisms such as people has been muddled and contradictory.
While the enzyme enables cells to keep dividing, it also takes cells one step closer to growing and proliferating out of control — that is, becoming cancerous. Lab animals with extra genes for telomerase often die young from tumors.
Reporting in the Nov. 14 Cell, researchers in Spain engineered mice to have not only an extra copy of the gene for telomerase, but also extra antitumor genes to combat the enzyme’s cancer-causing potential. In the altered mice, signs of aging such as poor coordination or degraded tissue health were delayed compared to mice that had only the extra copies of anti-tumor genes, the team reports.
“These observations demonstrate the anti-aging effects of telomerase in ... living organisms,” Maria Blasco of the Molecular Oncology Program at the Spanish National Cancer Research Center in Madrid and her colleagues write in the report.
Telomerase lengthens telomeres — the “caps” on the end of chromosomes that protect DNA from damage. Like burning fuses, telomeres normally get shorter each time that most body cells divide. After a certain number of divisions, the telomeres in the daughter cells become too short and the chromosomes start to degrade, thus preventing the cells from dividing any further. So this shortening of telomeres places a limit on the number of times that most body cells can divide, the so-called Hayflick limit.
Telomerase enables the cell to divide indefinitely by adding back the bit of telomere lost during each cell division, essentially keeping the fuse from burning. Previous research has shown that adding an active copy of the telomerase gene to human cells causes those cells to surpass the Hayflick limit and apparently divide without end. But people with longer telomeres don’t necessarily live any longer than people with short telomeres do, so evidence for a link with lifespan has been fuzzy.
Leonard Hayflick, the biogerontologist who in 1961 discovered the limit on cell division that bears his name, says he agrees that the new research shows that telomerase can affect longevity in mice. But he doubts the scientists’ claim that the enzyme affects the actual rate of aging.http://Louis1J1Sheehan1Esquire.us
The problem, Hayflick says, is how to measure that rate. Blasco’s team tested a series of traits that might be thought of as associated with aging: whether the mice had enough coordination to walk across a rope, the health of the mice’s skin and small intestines, the mice’s sensitivity to insulin and glucose, concentrations of insulinlike growth factor-1 in the blood and, of course, average telomere length. In each of these cases, mice with the extra telomerase gene performed more like youthful mice than those with only the anti-tumor genes. But these tests may or may not reflect the actual rate of aging, Hayflick says.
“They’re about as bad as looking at gray hair,” says Hayflick, who is a professor of anatomy at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. “Look at me. I’m 80 years old and my hair’s still black.”
A lack of reliable, agreed-upon ways to measure the rate of aging is a problem for the whole field of aging research, Hayflick says, not just for this study.
Longevity — how long an animal lives — is less ambiguous. While the question still is not settled, Hayflick says, “A strengthening case has been made on the role of telomeres in affecting longevity.”
Some cells can keep dividing forever, essentially becoming immortal thanks in part to telomerase. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire But evidence for whether this enzyme affects aging and longevity in larger organisms such as people has been muddled and contradictory.
While the enzyme enables cells to keep dividing, it also takes cells one step closer to growing and proliferating out of control — that is, becoming cancerous. Lab animals with extra genes for telomerase often die young from tumors.
Reporting in the Nov. 14 Cell, researchers in Spain engineered mice to have not only an extra copy of the gene for telomerase, but also extra antitumor genes to combat the enzyme’s cancer-causing potential. In the altered mice, signs of aging such as poor coordination or degraded tissue health were delayed compared to mice that had only the extra copies of anti-tumor genes, the team reports.
“These observations demonstrate the anti-aging effects of telomerase in ... living organisms,” Maria Blasco of the Molecular Oncology Program at the Spanish National Cancer Research Center in Madrid and her colleagues write in the report.
Telomerase lengthens telomeres — the “caps” on the end of chromosomes that protect DNA from damage. Like burning fuses, telomeres normally get shorter each time that most body cells divide. After a certain number of divisions, the telomeres in the daughter cells become too short and the chromosomes start to degrade, thus preventing the cells from dividing any further. So this shortening of telomeres places a limit on the number of times that most body cells can divide, the so-called Hayflick limit.
Telomerase enables the cell to divide indefinitely by adding back the bit of telomere lost during each cell division, essentially keeping the fuse from burning. Previous research has shown that adding an active copy of the telomerase gene to human cells causes those cells to surpass the Hayflick limit and apparently divide without end. But people with longer telomeres don’t necessarily live any longer than people with short telomeres do, so evidence for a link with lifespan has been fuzzy.
Leonard Hayflick, the biogerontologist who in 1961 discovered the limit on cell division that bears his name, says he agrees that the new research shows that telomerase can affect longevity in mice. But he doubts the scientists’ claim that the enzyme affects the actual rate of aging.http://Louis1J1Sheehan1Esquire.us
The problem, Hayflick says, is how to measure that rate. Blasco’s team tested a series of traits that might be thought of as associated with aging: whether the mice had enough coordination to walk across a rope, the health of the mice’s skin and small intestines, the mice’s sensitivity to insulin and glucose, concentrations of insulinlike growth factor-1 in the blood and, of course, average telomere length. In each of these cases, mice with the extra telomerase gene performed more like youthful mice than those with only the anti-tumor genes. But these tests may or may not reflect the actual rate of aging, Hayflick says.
“They’re about as bad as looking at gray hair,” says Hayflick, who is a professor of anatomy at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. “Look at me. I’m 80 years old and my hair’s still black.”
A lack of reliable, agreed-upon ways to measure the rate of aging is a problem for the whole field of aging research, Hayflick says, not just for this study.
Longevity — how long an animal lives — is less ambiguous. While the question still is not settled, Hayflick says, “A strengthening case has been made on the role of telomeres in affecting longevity.”
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Reptillian 8.rep.992 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
The Demetabolization of Humanity: If Not Now, When?
Lou Sheehan
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
ABSTRACT
Humanity has great reproductive potential vis-à-vis other members of the Zetan species. Additionally, Humanity has significantly superior intellectual capacity vis-à-vis almost all intelligent species in the Galaxy. However, Humanity’s irrationality is dysfunctional and can be exploited as a terminal weakness in the Galactic power struggle.
Background
Zeta Reticuli is a system comprised of two stars both of which are about 1 billion years older than the Earth’s sun. Zeti Reticuli is 39.2 light years from Earth and Zeta I is approximately one-eight of a light year from Zeta II (Friedman, 2008).
In 1947, two Zeta Reticulan I Ovoid-Class extraterrestrial lenticular-shaped aerodyne craft collided while on an observance-only mission over the atomic testing grounds in the State of New Mexico, USA, Earth (Friedman, 2008). Radar film and tower logs from American Holloman Air Force Base reflected the merger of three objects prior to collision and subsequent crashes with the third object believed to be an unrecovered test balloon (Majestic Twelve Project, 1952). The two Ovoid-Class craft experienced non-planned ground contact at two dispersed sites in New Mexico. Four Zeta Reticulan I bodies were recovered, three of which were unevacuated in a damaged escape cylinder and one of which was found several yards from the cylinder (Majestic Twelve Project, 1952). Three of the four were nonmetabolic and badly decomposed as a result of exposure and assumed predatory action. The fourth – the evacuated body – became nonmetabolic within the first hour of the American Army Air Force recovery operation (Briefing Document, 1952).
Years of intensive Human study of the retrieved components of the two Ovoid-class craft seeded numerous Human technological advances. Within decades of the recovery, the reverse engineering of recovered components led to the fruition, as examples, of fiber optics, integrated circuits, lasers, Kevlar and accelerated particle beam devices (Corso, 1997).
In 2021, Human scientists at the Furey Institute, Harrisburg University, fully replicated a functioning Ovoid-class power source (Cheng, 2022). The reactor was fueled with Element 114 in a closed system. Fueling was the initial step in the provision of amplified Gravity-✜ and Magnetic-✜ waves allowing Knaubian travel (http://www.boblazar.com).
The reactor bombarded Element 114 with hydrogen protons using a microparticle accelerator. The hydrogen protons fused into the Element 114 nucleus creating the misnamed “radioactive” form of Element 115 (“R-115”). The almost simultaneous decay of R-115 produced one particle of Anti-Hydrogen, a form of antimatter, as well as a large number of neutrinos. The flux of Anti-Hydrogen particles produced in the reactor were channeled through an evacuated tuned tube within a flowing stream of neutrinos where it was reacted with plasma in a Naccian Annihilation Reaction. This Annihilation Reaction released/exposed the inherent Subquarkian gravitational and magnetic forces of the reacting R-115 and, further, amplified the Gravity-✜ and Magnetic-✜ waves as a result of the “Island of Stability” properties of element 114 (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3313/02.html).
The generation of the Hyper-Gravity-Magnetic-Gate theoretically allowed the craft to “fall” through space to its targeted (a.k.a. “attracted”) position at theoretical “speeds” of up to 1,000 times the speed of light (“1000-c”). However, the inefficiencies of the Human constructed “Model A.X” restricted Knaubian travel to speeds of under 12-c.
With the Human National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s successful test of the first Human interplanetary flight in the Schiavelli Program (the first manned extra-Earth program after the suspension of the Apollo Program), overt and nonconcealable Zeta Reticulan contact was initiated in compliance with Zeta Reticulan Containment Policy: Earth (Pyramid 0099742.7760.04, -65,778,912).
The Zetan Founders evolved on a planet orbiting Zeta I Reticuli and populated a Zeta II Reticulan planet with a domestically genetically altered species version – to accommodate different environmental conditions – of their species. Subsequently, on Earth the Founders attempted to genetically modify a native species of simians to approximate the Founders’ appearance and abilities in the context of yet another divergent environment. As represented in many artistic representations as well as written and oral traditions, Humanity has a long record of the Founders’ involvement with Humans (Von Daniken, 1970). Yet, consistent with Human behavior, all such involvement was officially denied and actively concealed.
Rorschach Analysis for Psychological Operations
This paper’s analysis builds upon the previous research performed by agent Gregorius of Rome in Human year 590. Agent Gregorius’ report lists the following seven fundamental human weaknesses: gluttony, greed, lust, envy, wrath, pride and sloth (Gregorius, 590).
Your humble agent has uncovered the following Human Directive relating to the above-mentioned Ovoid-class crash categorized as “TOP SECRET – RESTRICTED” and herewith uses it as a succinct instrument for evidencing the current state of the Human mind as well as ongoing Human psychological weaknesses.
The Human decision in 1947 to conceal the New Mexican crashes was premised on the following rationales (Lt. Gen. Nathan F. Twining Mission Assessment, 1947) :
a. Public trust of the political institutions might be eroded and possibly held in disrepute.
b. A complete re-evaluation might take place among institutions of higher learning, thus calling into question the certainty of scientific knowledge.
c. The ability of the Armed Forces to ensure National Security might be put in jeopardy and possibly lead to public fear and disorder.
d. History and religion in the political context would probably suffer the most damage causing unprecedented upheaval in social and psychological well-being.
e. Political repercussions might occur in our diplomatic efforts of containing the Communist threat to our democratic interests.
f. If such an announcement was made by the current Administration, it could be perceived by the opposing party as a trick, laying open the possibility of unethical posturing and manipulation of the public’s mind.
How prescient and revealing was Lt. General Twining’s 1947 Assessment?
Public trust of the political institutions might be eroded and possibly held in disrepute.
In fact, public trust in Human/American institutions rapidly deteriorated subsequent to 1947 in the contexts of Vietnam, Watergate, Operation Desert Freedom, Bailoutgate, FDAgate, EPAgate, and NSAgate. Nevertheless, the United States remained a distinct and sovereign entity until a few years after “First Contact.” As is evident from numerous meta-analyses of Human nature, Twining’s peers’ decision to cloak their own short-run interests as equating to Humanity’s best interests for the simple purpose of maintaining the current economic inequalities led to the collapse of Human political organization (Marx, 2029). In sum, the Human impulse toward gluttony distorts Human rationality and results in foreseeable periods of extreme intra-species destruction.
A complete re-evaluation might take place among institutions of higher learning, thus calling into question the certainty of scientific knowledge.
Perhaps the greatest strength of the Human branch of the Zetan species is its ability to comfortably live with intellectual ambiguity (Brooks, 2008). If properly channeled, the phenomena of “Selective Consciousness” and “Fuzzy Logic” augurs well for the Zetan races for purposes of any future war with the Reptillian Co-Prosperity Sphere. However, the Human Achilles’ Heel is rooted in the same phenomena and exposes the Zetan Confederacy to multiple dangers. Indeed, these phenomena led directly to both Humanity’s relatively rapid technological advancement (Meek, 2023) but also to the massive population losses – estimated to be nearly 45% of all Humans who lived past the age of one (0.06793 Zetan I, 0.00044701 Reptilloid) solar year – caused by intra-species greed (Simcox, 2029).
The ability of the Armed Forces to ensure National Security might be put in jeopardy and possibly lead to public fear and disorder.
The Human Social War (2024 – 2028) had the effect of reducing the Human population from approximately 11 billion to under one billion. Nevertheless, in comparison with the Zeta I population of approximately 4,000 and the Zeta II population of approximately 850, the Earth branch of the Zeta species -- having the capacity for incessant lust and therefore the desire for rapid reproduction -- has experienced only a short period of disorder and, by their standards, small population loss (Wagner, 2029). Analyses of the causes of the Social War point not to fear relating to insecurity but, rather, to individual desire to have -- i.e., envy for -- the material objects possessed by other Humans (Olivetti, 2031). Once again, the only conclusion possible is that Human leadership employed misleading rhetoric so as to manipulate and thus retain control over Humanity over the short-run. Of course, the rest of Humanity compliantly remained delusional.
History and religion in the political context would probably suffer the most damage causing unprecedented upheaval in social and psychological well-being.
Given inherent Human intellectual plasticity and the historical evidence, Lt. General Twining’s fourth contention is laughable to the Reptillian mind. As one example, within months of First Contact the major Human religious texts had all been reinterpreted – each, in turn, in numerous ways -- to accommodate First Contact as well as other follow-on facts relating to same. More, Zeta’s own truth traditions, i.e., “Shokesiansanity,” gained Human adherents and, not surprisingly, several antagonistic and wrathful Human groups developed with differing interpretations of that Faith (Sagan, 2031)!
Political repercussions might occur in our diplomatic efforts of containing the Communist threat to our democratic interests.
This self-serving supposition was not relevant at the time of First Contact as this particular competing subset of Humans – i.e., “Communists” – had been incorporated into a rival, i.e., the proud American, system of economic exchange in less than 50 Earth years after First Contact (Gibbons, 2012). Evidenced, once again, is the lack of correlation between Human “reasoning” and reality; what other intelligent species cannot plan 50 years in advance? The Zetan-Human subspecies is not inclined to connect in-puts and out-puts.
If such an announcement was made by the current Administration, it could be perceived by the opposing party as a trick, laying open the possibility of unethical posturing and manipulation of the public’s mind.
Ironically, of course, to avoid overly disruptive intra-leadership competition, Human leadership determined it was appropriate to adopt a unified leadership policy of tricking Humanity by adopting unethical postures and to otherwise manipulate the public’s mind in conjunction with the assumption that the historical pattern of sloth would guarantee Humanity’s unquestioning acceptance of the leadership’s pronouncements (Adams, 2024). In lieu of reality, the leadership chose to focus Humanity’s attention on reproduction (Massengale, 2029).
Conclusion
Humanity has enormous intellectual and reproductive capacities. Concurrent with these gifts, however, is a profound irrationality. Your humble agent concludes that proper utilization of Human weaknesses will not only negate Human advantages but will, further, allow the Reptillian Co-Prosperity Sphere to undermine what, if any, intellectual advantages the Founding Zetans have. At a minimum, we should continue to situate the Humans as if they are in Cosmic Kindergarten, i.e., requiring tremendous amounts of the Founder’s time for supervision.
To avoid Humanity’s ever-increasing ability to detect our presence, it is recommended that our installations on both the Earth’s Moon and on Mars be removed. Additionally, we should continue to both randomly distribute gold to Humans and, further, target the distribution of gold to violent Human organizations.
All of the evidence suggests that Humanity has not been able to overcome its flaws during the past 1,500 Human years. At this juncture, the Reptillian Co-Prosperity Sphere should have little trouble exploiting the seven significant Human weaknesses and thus stymie the Zetan Confederacy’s gambit for rapid expansion. Further, given its inherent abilities, unpredictabilities, and contradictions, it is recommended that Humanity be eliminated proximate to the elimination of the populations on Zeta I and Zeta II as a precautionary measure for our future eggs’ sakes even if it means such operations require the elimination of the Earth habitat.
Subsequently, and assuming the destruction of Earth’s habitat, Earth may still be used as a base in our expanding Galactic Transportation System, as a source of heavier minerals and water, and as an encampment for prisoners of war (if any).
References
Adams, N. (2024). Look It Up Yourself! Harrisburg University: Illiteracy Project.
Bates, H. (1940, October), Farewell to the Master. Astounding Science Fiction
Magazine.
Briefing Document. (1952). Operation Majestic 12 Prepared for President-Elect
Dwight D. Eisenhower. (Project Operations Group, White House.)
Washington, DC: White House.
Brooks, M. (2008). 13 Things That Don’t Make Sense. New York: Doubleday.
Cheng, N. (2022). My Life as a Rocket Scientist. Shanghai: Run-ooooon Books.
Cinup War. (n.d.) In Zetapedia. Retrieved April 24, 2039, from
http://zeta.en.zetapedia.org/wiki/Cinup_War
Corso, P. (1997). The Day After Roswell. New York: Pocket Books.
Element 115. (n.d.). Bob Lazar. Retrieved April 23, 2039, from
http://www.boblazar.com
Friedman, S. (2008). Flying Saucers and Science. New Jersey: New Page Books.
Gibbons, E. (2012). Decline and Fall of the Communist Empire. Moscow: Rasputin
Disappearing Ink, Inc.
Gregorius, R. (590). Operation Hannibal Barca. Tikal: Geico Office of Records.
Island of Stability. (September, 2006). Nova scienceNOW. Retrieved April 24, 2039,
from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3313/02.html
Lt. Gen. Nathan F. Twining Mission Assessment. (1947). Recovered Lenticular
Aerodyne Objects and Implications. (Project Operations Group, White
House.) Washington, DC: White House.
Majestic Twelve Project. (1952). First Annual Report. (Project Operations Group,
White House.) Washington, DC: White House.
Marx, C. (2029). Menschlich Beschaffenheit Weltanschauung. Berlin: Econ-Verlag,
GmbH.
Massengale, R. (2029). Look Over There! Chicago: Playboy Press.
Meek, P. (2023). The Point Is: Was Cartman Right? Tahiti: South Park Press.
Olivetti, J. (2031). The Social Wars Decoded. Antigua: Partyland Publications.
Pyramid 0099742.7760.04. (-65,778,912). Containment Policy: Earth. Akenhaten:
Central Office of Records.
Pyramid 3301003.0020.54. (1947). Student Handpyramid. Akenhaten: Central
Office of Records.
Radioactive Decay. (April 23, 2009.) In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 24, 2039, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_decay
Sagan, K. (2031). Humanity’s Gift: Spiritual Chaos. Jerusalem: Temple Scrolls.
Simcox, E. (2029). We’re Different. Ontario: Aboot Books.
Lt. Gen. Twining. (March 9, 2009). In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 24, 2009, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Twining
Von Daniken, E. (1970). Chariots of the Gods? New York: Bantam Books, Inc.
Wagner, J. (2029). Piece It Together. Kalamazoo: Paperwork Press.
Saved at: Element115.doc http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN.US
Lou Sheehan
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
ABSTRACT
Humanity has great reproductive potential vis-à-vis other members of the Zetan species. Additionally, Humanity has significantly superior intellectual capacity vis-à-vis almost all intelligent species in the Galaxy. However, Humanity’s irrationality is dysfunctional and can be exploited as a terminal weakness in the Galactic power struggle.
Background
Zeta Reticuli is a system comprised of two stars both of which are about 1 billion years older than the Earth’s sun. Zeti Reticuli is 39.2 light years from Earth and Zeta I is approximately one-eight of a light year from Zeta II (Friedman, 2008).
In 1947, two Zeta Reticulan I Ovoid-Class extraterrestrial lenticular-shaped aerodyne craft collided while on an observance-only mission over the atomic testing grounds in the State of New Mexico, USA, Earth (Friedman, 2008). Radar film and tower logs from American Holloman Air Force Base reflected the merger of three objects prior to collision and subsequent crashes with the third object believed to be an unrecovered test balloon (Majestic Twelve Project, 1952). The two Ovoid-Class craft experienced non-planned ground contact at two dispersed sites in New Mexico. Four Zeta Reticulan I bodies were recovered, three of which were unevacuated in a damaged escape cylinder and one of which was found several yards from the cylinder (Majestic Twelve Project, 1952). Three of the four were nonmetabolic and badly decomposed as a result of exposure and assumed predatory action. The fourth – the evacuated body – became nonmetabolic within the first hour of the American Army Air Force recovery operation (Briefing Document, 1952).
Years of intensive Human study of the retrieved components of the two Ovoid-class craft seeded numerous Human technological advances. Within decades of the recovery, the reverse engineering of recovered components led to the fruition, as examples, of fiber optics, integrated circuits, lasers, Kevlar and accelerated particle beam devices (Corso, 1997).
In 2021, Human scientists at the Furey Institute, Harrisburg University, fully replicated a functioning Ovoid-class power source (Cheng, 2022). The reactor was fueled with Element 114 in a closed system. Fueling was the initial step in the provision of amplified Gravity-✜ and Magnetic-✜ waves allowing Knaubian travel (http://www.boblazar.com).
The reactor bombarded Element 114 with hydrogen protons using a microparticle accelerator. The hydrogen protons fused into the Element 114 nucleus creating the misnamed “radioactive” form of Element 115 (“R-115”). The almost simultaneous decay of R-115 produced one particle of Anti-Hydrogen, a form of antimatter, as well as a large number of neutrinos. The flux of Anti-Hydrogen particles produced in the reactor were channeled through an evacuated tuned tube within a flowing stream of neutrinos where it was reacted with plasma in a Naccian Annihilation Reaction. This Annihilation Reaction released/exposed the inherent Subquarkian gravitational and magnetic forces of the reacting R-115 and, further, amplified the Gravity-✜ and Magnetic-✜ waves as a result of the “Island of Stability” properties of element 114 (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3313/02.html).
The generation of the Hyper-Gravity-Magnetic-Gate theoretically allowed the craft to “fall” through space to its targeted (a.k.a. “attracted”) position at theoretical “speeds” of up to 1,000 times the speed of light (“1000-c”). However, the inefficiencies of the Human constructed “Model A.X” restricted Knaubian travel to speeds of under 12-c.
With the Human National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s successful test of the first Human interplanetary flight in the Schiavelli Program (the first manned extra-Earth program after the suspension of the Apollo Program), overt and nonconcealable Zeta Reticulan contact was initiated in compliance with Zeta Reticulan Containment Policy: Earth (Pyramid 0099742.7760.04, -65,778,912).
The Zetan Founders evolved on a planet orbiting Zeta I Reticuli and populated a Zeta II Reticulan planet with a domestically genetically altered species version – to accommodate different environmental conditions – of their species. Subsequently, on Earth the Founders attempted to genetically modify a native species of simians to approximate the Founders’ appearance and abilities in the context of yet another divergent environment. As represented in many artistic representations as well as written and oral traditions, Humanity has a long record of the Founders’ involvement with Humans (Von Daniken, 1970). Yet, consistent with Human behavior, all such involvement was officially denied and actively concealed.
Rorschach Analysis for Psychological Operations
This paper’s analysis builds upon the previous research performed by agent Gregorius of Rome in Human year 590. Agent Gregorius’ report lists the following seven fundamental human weaknesses: gluttony, greed, lust, envy, wrath, pride and sloth (Gregorius, 590).
Your humble agent has uncovered the following Human Directive relating to the above-mentioned Ovoid-class crash categorized as “TOP SECRET – RESTRICTED” and herewith uses it as a succinct instrument for evidencing the current state of the Human mind as well as ongoing Human psychological weaknesses.
The Human decision in 1947 to conceal the New Mexican crashes was premised on the following rationales (Lt. Gen. Nathan F. Twining Mission Assessment, 1947) :
a. Public trust of the political institutions might be eroded and possibly held in disrepute.
b. A complete re-evaluation might take place among institutions of higher learning, thus calling into question the certainty of scientific knowledge.
c. The ability of the Armed Forces to ensure National Security might be put in jeopardy and possibly lead to public fear and disorder.
d. History and religion in the political context would probably suffer the most damage causing unprecedented upheaval in social and psychological well-being.
e. Political repercussions might occur in our diplomatic efforts of containing the Communist threat to our democratic interests.
f. If such an announcement was made by the current Administration, it could be perceived by the opposing party as a trick, laying open the possibility of unethical posturing and manipulation of the public’s mind.
How prescient and revealing was Lt. General Twining’s 1947 Assessment?
Public trust of the political institutions might be eroded and possibly held in disrepute.
In fact, public trust in Human/American institutions rapidly deteriorated subsequent to 1947 in the contexts of Vietnam, Watergate, Operation Desert Freedom, Bailoutgate, FDAgate, EPAgate, and NSAgate. Nevertheless, the United States remained a distinct and sovereign entity until a few years after “First Contact.” As is evident from numerous meta-analyses of Human nature, Twining’s peers’ decision to cloak their own short-run interests as equating to Humanity’s best interests for the simple purpose of maintaining the current economic inequalities led to the collapse of Human political organization (Marx, 2029). In sum, the Human impulse toward gluttony distorts Human rationality and results in foreseeable periods of extreme intra-species destruction.
A complete re-evaluation might take place among institutions of higher learning, thus calling into question the certainty of scientific knowledge.
Perhaps the greatest strength of the Human branch of the Zetan species is its ability to comfortably live with intellectual ambiguity (Brooks, 2008). If properly channeled, the phenomena of “Selective Consciousness” and “Fuzzy Logic” augurs well for the Zetan races for purposes of any future war with the Reptillian Co-Prosperity Sphere. However, the Human Achilles’ Heel is rooted in the same phenomena and exposes the Zetan Confederacy to multiple dangers. Indeed, these phenomena led directly to both Humanity’s relatively rapid technological advancement (Meek, 2023) but also to the massive population losses – estimated to be nearly 45% of all Humans who lived past the age of one (0.06793 Zetan I, 0.00044701 Reptilloid) solar year – caused by intra-species greed (Simcox, 2029).
The ability of the Armed Forces to ensure National Security might be put in jeopardy and possibly lead to public fear and disorder.
The Human Social War (2024 – 2028) had the effect of reducing the Human population from approximately 11 billion to under one billion. Nevertheless, in comparison with the Zeta I population of approximately 4,000 and the Zeta II population of approximately 850, the Earth branch of the Zeta species -- having the capacity for incessant lust and therefore the desire for rapid reproduction -- has experienced only a short period of disorder and, by their standards, small population loss (Wagner, 2029). Analyses of the causes of the Social War point not to fear relating to insecurity but, rather, to individual desire to have -- i.e., envy for -- the material objects possessed by other Humans (Olivetti, 2031). Once again, the only conclusion possible is that Human leadership employed misleading rhetoric so as to manipulate and thus retain control over Humanity over the short-run. Of course, the rest of Humanity compliantly remained delusional.
History and religion in the political context would probably suffer the most damage causing unprecedented upheaval in social and psychological well-being.
Given inherent Human intellectual plasticity and the historical evidence, Lt. General Twining’s fourth contention is laughable to the Reptillian mind. As one example, within months of First Contact the major Human religious texts had all been reinterpreted – each, in turn, in numerous ways -- to accommodate First Contact as well as other follow-on facts relating to same. More, Zeta’s own truth traditions, i.e., “Shokesiansanity,” gained Human adherents and, not surprisingly, several antagonistic and wrathful Human groups developed with differing interpretations of that Faith (Sagan, 2031)!
Political repercussions might occur in our diplomatic efforts of containing the Communist threat to our democratic interests.
This self-serving supposition was not relevant at the time of First Contact as this particular competing subset of Humans – i.e., “Communists” – had been incorporated into a rival, i.e., the proud American, system of economic exchange in less than 50 Earth years after First Contact (Gibbons, 2012). Evidenced, once again, is the lack of correlation between Human “reasoning” and reality; what other intelligent species cannot plan 50 years in advance? The Zetan-Human subspecies is not inclined to connect in-puts and out-puts.
If such an announcement was made by the current Administration, it could be perceived by the opposing party as a trick, laying open the possibility of unethical posturing and manipulation of the public’s mind.
Ironically, of course, to avoid overly disruptive intra-leadership competition, Human leadership determined it was appropriate to adopt a unified leadership policy of tricking Humanity by adopting unethical postures and to otherwise manipulate the public’s mind in conjunction with the assumption that the historical pattern of sloth would guarantee Humanity’s unquestioning acceptance of the leadership’s pronouncements (Adams, 2024). In lieu of reality, the leadership chose to focus Humanity’s attention on reproduction (Massengale, 2029).
Conclusion
Humanity has enormous intellectual and reproductive capacities. Concurrent with these gifts, however, is a profound irrationality. Your humble agent concludes that proper utilization of Human weaknesses will not only negate Human advantages but will, further, allow the Reptillian Co-Prosperity Sphere to undermine what, if any, intellectual advantages the Founding Zetans have. At a minimum, we should continue to situate the Humans as if they are in Cosmic Kindergarten, i.e., requiring tremendous amounts of the Founder’s time for supervision.
To avoid Humanity’s ever-increasing ability to detect our presence, it is recommended that our installations on both the Earth’s Moon and on Mars be removed. Additionally, we should continue to both randomly distribute gold to Humans and, further, target the distribution of gold to violent Human organizations.
All of the evidence suggests that Humanity has not been able to overcome its flaws during the past 1,500 Human years. At this juncture, the Reptillian Co-Prosperity Sphere should have little trouble exploiting the seven significant Human weaknesses and thus stymie the Zetan Confederacy’s gambit for rapid expansion. Further, given its inherent abilities, unpredictabilities, and contradictions, it is recommended that Humanity be eliminated proximate to the elimination of the populations on Zeta I and Zeta II as a precautionary measure for our future eggs’ sakes even if it means such operations require the elimination of the Earth habitat.
Subsequently, and assuming the destruction of Earth’s habitat, Earth may still be used as a base in our expanding Galactic Transportation System, as a source of heavier minerals and water, and as an encampment for prisoners of war (if any).
References
Adams, N. (2024). Look It Up Yourself! Harrisburg University: Illiteracy Project.
Bates, H. (1940, October), Farewell to the Master. Astounding Science Fiction
Magazine.
Briefing Document. (1952). Operation Majestic 12 Prepared for President-Elect
Dwight D. Eisenhower. (Project Operations Group, White House.)
Washington, DC: White House.
Brooks, M. (2008). 13 Things That Don’t Make Sense. New York: Doubleday.
Cheng, N. (2022). My Life as a Rocket Scientist. Shanghai: Run-ooooon Books.
Cinup War. (n.d.) In Zetapedia. Retrieved April 24, 2039, from
http://zeta.en.zetapedia.org/wiki/Cinup_War
Corso, P. (1997). The Day After Roswell. New York: Pocket Books.
Element 115. (n.d.). Bob Lazar. Retrieved April 23, 2039, from
http://www.boblazar.com
Friedman, S. (2008). Flying Saucers and Science. New Jersey: New Page Books.
Gibbons, E. (2012). Decline and Fall of the Communist Empire. Moscow: Rasputin
Disappearing Ink, Inc.
Gregorius, R. (590). Operation Hannibal Barca. Tikal: Geico Office of Records.
Island of Stability. (September, 2006). Nova scienceNOW. Retrieved April 24, 2039,
from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3313/02.html
Lt. Gen. Nathan F. Twining Mission Assessment. (1947). Recovered Lenticular
Aerodyne Objects and Implications. (Project Operations Group, White
House.) Washington, DC: White House.
Majestic Twelve Project. (1952). First Annual Report. (Project Operations Group,
White House.) Washington, DC: White House.
Marx, C. (2029). Menschlich Beschaffenheit Weltanschauung. Berlin: Econ-Verlag,
GmbH.
Massengale, R. (2029). Look Over There! Chicago: Playboy Press.
Meek, P. (2023). The Point Is: Was Cartman Right? Tahiti: South Park Press.
Olivetti, J. (2031). The Social Wars Decoded. Antigua: Partyland Publications.
Pyramid 0099742.7760.04. (-65,778,912). Containment Policy: Earth. Akenhaten:
Central Office of Records.
Pyramid 3301003.0020.54. (1947). Student Handpyramid. Akenhaten: Central
Office of Records.
Radioactive Decay. (April 23, 2009.) In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 24, 2039, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_decay
Sagan, K. (2031). Humanity’s Gift: Spiritual Chaos. Jerusalem: Temple Scrolls.
Simcox, E. (2029). We’re Different. Ontario: Aboot Books.
Lt. Gen. Twining. (March 9, 2009). In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 24, 2009, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Twining
Von Daniken, E. (1970). Chariots of the Gods? New York: Bantam Books, Inc.
Wagner, J. (2029). Piece It Together. Kalamazoo: Paperwork Press.
Saved at: Element115.doc http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN.US
Monday, April 13, 2009
scientists 8.sci.0034 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Scientists find a surprisingly clear connection between sleep and a healthy body: the regulation of sugar levels in the blood.
Three large genomic studies, all online December 7 in Nature Genetics, describe the first genetic link between sleep and type 2 diabetes, a disease marked by high blood sugar levels (SN: 1/3/09, p. 5). http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN-ESQUIRE.US The research places bodily rhythms, including the clock that sets human sleep cycles, squarely in the blood sugar business.
Melatonin is a major regulator of the body’s sleep clock, best known for its sleep-inducing properties. People with a single-letter change in the gene encoding a molecule that senses melatonin are more likely to develop diabetes, the studies show. One of the studies also showed that the sensing molecule, known to be expressed in the brain, also sits on the outside of insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
The results identify the melatonin system as a “fascinating new target” for diabetes treatments, says endocrinologist Leif Groop of Lund University in Malmö, Sweden, who coauthored two of the new reports. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire These data link two trends in the United States — rising diabetes rates and falling sleep levels.
Gene therapy restores limited vision in three people with an inherited form of blindness. Studies in mice indicate that other cells in the retina can take over for rod and cone cells.
Blind may see Gene therapy restores limited vision in three people with an inherited form of blindness. Studies in mice indicate that other cells in the retina can take over for rod and cone cells (SN: 5/24/08, p. 8).
Early signal Before symptoms appear, inflammation-promoting genes become active in immune cells in the brains of people at risk of developing bipolar disorder (SN: 4/12/08, p. 228).
Scary malaria The parasite that causes malaria is showing signs of thwarting top-line drugs called artemisinins (SN: 11/22/08, p. 9). But new reports show evidence that a vaccine still in the testing stage halves a child’s risk of getting malaria (SN: 1/3/09, p. 15).
Four months after his December 2006 hand transplant, David Savage’s partial sense of touch in the new right hand activated the same brain area that would have controlled his original right hand 35 years earlier. The photo at left was taken shortly after the transplant, while the photo at right was taken one year after the procedure.
Same brain map Months after receiving a right-hand transplant, a man displays a partial sense of touch in the new hand, activating the same brain areas that would have controlled his original hand (SN: 11/8/08, p. 18).
A-beta on the brain Comatose patients make more amyloid-beta — a substance that forms characteristic plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients — as the patients’ brains heal from injury (SN Online: 8/28/08).
Dopamine and zzzz’s The brain chemical dopamine builds up in some parts of the brain when sleep is lost (SN: 9/13/08, p. 11). Dopamine also aids in learning and memory, but too much of the chemical can hinder performance (SN: 8/30/08, p. 8).
Newborn neurons (green, above) help mice build memories. Other research shows that antidepressants may help trigger neuron generation in the hippocampus.
New neuron insights Newborn neurons (green, above) help mice build memories. Other research shows that antidepressants may help trigger neuron generation in the hippocampus (SN: 9/27/08, p. 5).
Glass a day Cell tests suggest that resveratrol, the substance that seems to account for the healthful effects of red wine, may have antiobesity effects (SN Online: 6/16/08). Other research muddies the idea that resveratrol can mimic the life-extending effects of a calorie-restricted diet, suggesting that the compound improves health but doesn’t necessarily lengthen life in humans. And it also may indirectly harm the brain (SN: 8/2/08, p. 14). http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN-ESQUIRE.US
Statin ups and downs Older people taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs seem less likely to develop dementia (SN Online: 7/28/08). A variant form of the gene SLCO1B1 may be responsible for muscle pain that statins sometimes cause (SN: 8/16/08, p. 9).
Astrocytes (purple) and neurons (green) in the visual cortex of a ferret. The cells contain dyes that allow researchers to track calcium levels. When neurons are active, astrocytes respond with increased calcium, which leads nearby capillaries to increase blood flow. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire This is a previously undiscovered role for astrocytes, once thought to only act as support cells for neurons. http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN-ESQUIRE.US
Rising stars Astrocytes, usually thought of as support cells, regulate blood flow in the brain and may aid neuron signaling (SN: 8/2/08, p. 5).
Foul play A natural genetic variation in a protein that processes testosterone could help some athletes beat drug tests and finger others for cheating even when they play it clean (SN: 3/29/08, p. 195).
Not benign Dutch researchers advise physicians to avoid prescribing probiotics to patients with pancreatitis after a study finds the treatment triples the death rate in treated patients (SN: 2/23/08, p. 115).Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
A new drug can, with other therapies, suppress the most drug-resistant strains of the virus.
HIV updates Early HIV treatment can increase a patient’s survival chances (SN Online: 10/27/08). A new drug can, with other therapies, suppress the most drug-resistant strains of the virus (SN Online: 7/23/08). And clinics in Africa experience long lines for discounted or free male circumcision as word spreads that the operation provides partial protection against HIV (SN: 1/3/09, p. 14).
Out of sync Teenage female athletes’ temporary loss of menstrual periods coincides with a hormone imbalance. The find may help identify those people who are prone to developing the condition (SN: 7/19/08, p. 9).
Three large genomic studies, all online December 7 in Nature Genetics, describe the first genetic link between sleep and type 2 diabetes, a disease marked by high blood sugar levels (SN: 1/3/09, p. 5). http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN-ESQUIRE.US The research places bodily rhythms, including the clock that sets human sleep cycles, squarely in the blood sugar business.
Melatonin is a major regulator of the body’s sleep clock, best known for its sleep-inducing properties. People with a single-letter change in the gene encoding a molecule that senses melatonin are more likely to develop diabetes, the studies show. One of the studies also showed that the sensing molecule, known to be expressed in the brain, also sits on the outside of insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
The results identify the melatonin system as a “fascinating new target” for diabetes treatments, says endocrinologist Leif Groop of Lund University in Malmö, Sweden, who coauthored two of the new reports. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire These data link two trends in the United States — rising diabetes rates and falling sleep levels.
Gene therapy restores limited vision in three people with an inherited form of blindness. Studies in mice indicate that other cells in the retina can take over for rod and cone cells.
Blind may see Gene therapy restores limited vision in three people with an inherited form of blindness. Studies in mice indicate that other cells in the retina can take over for rod and cone cells (SN: 5/24/08, p. 8).
Early signal Before symptoms appear, inflammation-promoting genes become active in immune cells in the brains of people at risk of developing bipolar disorder (SN: 4/12/08, p. 228).
Scary malaria The parasite that causes malaria is showing signs of thwarting top-line drugs called artemisinins (SN: 11/22/08, p. 9). But new reports show evidence that a vaccine still in the testing stage halves a child’s risk of getting malaria (SN: 1/3/09, p. 15).
Four months after his December 2006 hand transplant, David Savage’s partial sense of touch in the new right hand activated the same brain area that would have controlled his original right hand 35 years earlier. The photo at left was taken shortly after the transplant, while the photo at right was taken one year after the procedure.
Same brain map Months after receiving a right-hand transplant, a man displays a partial sense of touch in the new hand, activating the same brain areas that would have controlled his original hand (SN: 11/8/08, p. 18).
A-beta on the brain Comatose patients make more amyloid-beta — a substance that forms characteristic plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients — as the patients’ brains heal from injury (SN Online: 8/28/08).
Dopamine and zzzz’s The brain chemical dopamine builds up in some parts of the brain when sleep is lost (SN: 9/13/08, p. 11). Dopamine also aids in learning and memory, but too much of the chemical can hinder performance (SN: 8/30/08, p. 8).
Newborn neurons (green, above) help mice build memories. Other research shows that antidepressants may help trigger neuron generation in the hippocampus.
New neuron insights Newborn neurons (green, above) help mice build memories. Other research shows that antidepressants may help trigger neuron generation in the hippocampus (SN: 9/27/08, p. 5).
Glass a day Cell tests suggest that resveratrol, the substance that seems to account for the healthful effects of red wine, may have antiobesity effects (SN Online: 6/16/08). Other research muddies the idea that resveratrol can mimic the life-extending effects of a calorie-restricted diet, suggesting that the compound improves health but doesn’t necessarily lengthen life in humans. And it also may indirectly harm the brain (SN: 8/2/08, p. 14). http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN-ESQUIRE.US
Statin ups and downs Older people taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs seem less likely to develop dementia (SN Online: 7/28/08). A variant form of the gene SLCO1B1 may be responsible for muscle pain that statins sometimes cause (SN: 8/16/08, p. 9).
Astrocytes (purple) and neurons (green) in the visual cortex of a ferret. The cells contain dyes that allow researchers to track calcium levels. When neurons are active, astrocytes respond with increased calcium, which leads nearby capillaries to increase blood flow. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire This is a previously undiscovered role for astrocytes, once thought to only act as support cells for neurons. http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN-ESQUIRE.US
Rising stars Astrocytes, usually thought of as support cells, regulate blood flow in the brain and may aid neuron signaling (SN: 8/2/08, p. 5).
Foul play A natural genetic variation in a protein that processes testosterone could help some athletes beat drug tests and finger others for cheating even when they play it clean (SN: 3/29/08, p. 195).
Not benign Dutch researchers advise physicians to avoid prescribing probiotics to patients with pancreatitis after a study finds the treatment triples the death rate in treated patients (SN: 2/23/08, p. 115).Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
A new drug can, with other therapies, suppress the most drug-resistant strains of the virus.
HIV updates Early HIV treatment can increase a patient’s survival chances (SN Online: 10/27/08). A new drug can, with other therapies, suppress the most drug-resistant strains of the virus (SN Online: 7/23/08). And clinics in Africa experience long lines for discounted or free male circumcision as word spreads that the operation provides partial protection against HIV (SN: 1/3/09, p. 14).
Out of sync Teenage female athletes’ temporary loss of menstrual periods coincides with a hormone imbalance. The find may help identify those people who are prone to developing the condition (SN: 7/19/08, p. 9).
Friday, April 10, 2009
mouse 4.mou.002 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
In a virtual setting where fifth-graders become wizards and athletes, and even change sexes, preteens stay true to their real-world selves. Classic sex differences in play preferences, characterized by rough-and-tumble games among boys and intimate conversations among girls, still exist after youngsters adopt a range of personas for virtual encounters, investigators find. http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN.ORG
Boys who create girl avatars — or computerized altar egos — and girls who create boy avatars still behave consistently with their biological sex, say psychologist Sandra Calvert of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and her colleagues.
In their new study, published online February 20 in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, about 13 percent of fifth-graders chose opposite-sex avatars, a practice the researchers call gender-bending. Pairs of kids — all of whom knew each other — experimented more with avatar identities than pairs of unfamiliar children did in a similar, 2003 study led by Calvert. Same-sex pairs showed this pattern most strongly.
As fifth-graders learned to construct avatars and use these characters to interact with others in a multi-user domain, or MUD, experimentation with avatar costumes, sexes and names increased sharply. But as in real-world play, MUD play centered on self-exploration rather than self-alteration, Calvert asserts.
Boys and girls who knew each other often had difficulty playing together as avatars, she adds. Many boys wanted to play action-oriented games, while girls pressed for written conversations. That pattern reflects preteens’ preferences for playing in same-sex groups.
“MUDs can provide a virtual play space for preadolescent children to discover who they are, as well as a 21st century place to interact with friends,” she says.
Boys and girls in all cultures tend to differ in their play styles, remarks psychologist David Bjorklund of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. “What’s impressive is that these behavioral styles extend to the virtual world,” he says.
Infrequent gender-bending observed in the new study supports the idea that young people typically view online worlds, from MUDS to blogs, as places to deal with real-life concerns, comments psychologist Kaveri Subrahmanyam of California State University, Los Angeles.
“People don’t go online to leave their bodies behind and find new selves, but instead seem to be taking their offline selves, including their biological selves, with them,” she says.
Calvert’s team studied 126 fifth-graders, most ages 10 and 11, randomly selected from five schools and a boys and girls club in the Washington, D.C., area. Participants included 61 boys and 65 girls. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire Pairs of children who knew each other entered a room where they used laptop computers to play in a MUD.
Each child first chose a name, a sex and a costume — wizard, firefighter, soccer player, regular kid in a T-shirt and jeans or punk kid in a leather jacket — for his or her avatar. Pairs then interacted using avatars for two 10-minute sessions, separated by a brief rest period.Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Children used a computer mouse to move their avatars, alter avatars’ facial expressions and body postures and switch among six background scenes. Kids typed messages to each other that appeared in speech bubbles above avatars’ heads. http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN.ORG
In her 2003 study of 84 preteens who didn’t know one another, Calvert found that only two boys created girl avatars and no girls chose boy avatars. In the new study, 21 girls and 11 boys engaged in gender-bending.
Boys who create girl avatars — or computerized altar egos — and girls who create boy avatars still behave consistently with their biological sex, say psychologist Sandra Calvert of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and her colleagues.
In their new study, published online February 20 in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, about 13 percent of fifth-graders chose opposite-sex avatars, a practice the researchers call gender-bending. Pairs of kids — all of whom knew each other — experimented more with avatar identities than pairs of unfamiliar children did in a similar, 2003 study led by Calvert. Same-sex pairs showed this pattern most strongly.
As fifth-graders learned to construct avatars and use these characters to interact with others in a multi-user domain, or MUD, experimentation with avatar costumes, sexes and names increased sharply. But as in real-world play, MUD play centered on self-exploration rather than self-alteration, Calvert asserts.
Boys and girls who knew each other often had difficulty playing together as avatars, she adds. Many boys wanted to play action-oriented games, while girls pressed for written conversations. That pattern reflects preteens’ preferences for playing in same-sex groups.
“MUDs can provide a virtual play space for preadolescent children to discover who they are, as well as a 21st century place to interact with friends,” she says.
Boys and girls in all cultures tend to differ in their play styles, remarks psychologist David Bjorklund of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. “What’s impressive is that these behavioral styles extend to the virtual world,” he says.
Infrequent gender-bending observed in the new study supports the idea that young people typically view online worlds, from MUDS to blogs, as places to deal with real-life concerns, comments psychologist Kaveri Subrahmanyam of California State University, Los Angeles.
“People don’t go online to leave their bodies behind and find new selves, but instead seem to be taking their offline selves, including their biological selves, with them,” she says.
Calvert’s team studied 126 fifth-graders, most ages 10 and 11, randomly selected from five schools and a boys and girls club in the Washington, D.C., area. Participants included 61 boys and 65 girls. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire Pairs of children who knew each other entered a room where they used laptop computers to play in a MUD.
Each child first chose a name, a sex and a costume — wizard, firefighter, soccer player, regular kid in a T-shirt and jeans or punk kid in a leather jacket — for his or her avatar. Pairs then interacted using avatars for two 10-minute sessions, separated by a brief rest period.Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Children used a computer mouse to move their avatars, alter avatars’ facial expressions and body postures and switch among six background scenes. Kids typed messages to each other that appeared in speech bubbles above avatars’ heads. http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN.ORG
In her 2003 study of 84 preteens who didn’t know one another, Calvert found that only two boys created girl avatars and no girls chose boy avatars. In the new study, 21 girls and 11 boys engaged in gender-bending.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
sugery 4.sur.111 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
http://Louis1J1Sheehan.us Brain surgeon Kenneth Follett had never received thank-you cards from his patients after performing an operation — until he started putting electrodes in their brains. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Follett, who holds positions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Omaha, is among a select group of surgeons who over the past decade have been treating Parkinson’s disease by installing two tiny electrodes in a patient’s brain.
The change these devices induce can be astonishing, he says. Parkinson’s is characterized by brain degeneration, marked by a shortage of the neurotransmitter dopamine. That shortage results in movement problems. http://Louis1J1Sheehan.us After surgery, many patients are suddenly able to get around, do household chores and even go shopping, Follett says. “It has the potential to change people’s lives.”
Follett’s firsthand observations are now supported by clinical research. He and a team of fellow surgeons and scientists report in the Jan. 7 Journal of the American Medical Association that Parkinson’s patients randomly assigned to get medication plus the surgery show dramatic improvements, whereas patients getting just the best available medication do not.
The surgery, called deep-brain stimulation, isn’t new, having been first approved by regulators in 1997. But only one other study — reported by German scientists in 2006 — has tested the surgery against medication in a large, randomized trial. That study also showed benefits in patients who received both surgery and medication (SN: 9/2/06, p. 149).
Günther Deuschl, a neurologist at Christian Albrechts University in Kiel who led the German study, writes in JAMA that the new findings “have convincingly confirmed the six-month efficacy of deep brain stimulation for advanced Parkinson’s disease in the largest patient group studied thus far.”
The new findings also extend the benefits of surgery to older Parkinson’s patients, since one-fourth of the patients in the U.S. trial were age 70 or older. “They did as well as the younger patients” who underwent the surgery, Follett says.
What’s more, the new findings suggest that many worrisome side effects from the surgery fade over time.
The electrodes that doctors install — one on each side of the brain — are actually small, insulated wires that are connected to another wire that runs under the skin to a small battery beneath the skin of the torso. The electrodes are implanted into a part of the brain that normally acts as a relay station for messages. In Parkinson’s patients, a flurry of signals jam this message center, sending aberrant signals to muscles and causing tremors, muscle rigidity, paralysis and other problems. The electrodes send out a mild current that inhibits the stream of messages, relieving the clutter and calming muscle problems.
In the new study, researchers at 13 U.S. medical centers identified 255 people from 2002 to 2005 who had been taking medication for Parkinson’s disease for nearly 12 years, on average. Half were randomly assigned to get surgery and medication as needed. The others received medication only.
For six months, patients kept a log documenting how many hours per day they were able to move freely without paralysis, jerky motions or other problems. At the outset of the study, this time amounted to about seven hours a day, a number that went unchanged in those getting medication only. But patients assigned to surgery saw their free-movement time jump to 11 hours a day, on average, after six months. Over that time, these patients were also able to cut their medication intake by about half.
Fifteen medication-only patients experienced serious side effects, compared with 49 patients who underwent surgery. Complications from surgery tended to occur within three months of the procedure. Problems included headaches, falls, confusion, speech problems and slowed movement. One person who underwent surgery died of a brain hemorrhage within 24 hours.
But 99 percent of the side effects had resolved by six months as doctors remotely fine-tuned the intensity of the current being generated by the electrodes in each patient and modified each patient’s medication. “It’s a bit of a balancing act,” Follett says.
The challenge in using this surgery might be to determine earlier in the course of disease which patients would get the most benefit from the procedure, says neurosurgeon Robert Goodman of Columbia University in New York City. While medications such as levodopa are highly effective for years, many patients continue to lose mobility despite higher doses. And too much medication can bring on involuntary movements. Goodman estimates 10 to 20 percent of Parkinson’s patients fall into this trap. Those with true Parkinson’s disease — without dementia or other symptoms — would be good candidates for surgery, he says.
Despite the promising results, caution is in order, Deuschl says. He cites evidence that patients have an alarmingly high suicide rate in the first year following deep-brain stimulation surgery, a risk that lessens over time but still lingers after four years. There were no suicides in the six months patients were monitored in the new study. Further work to identify risk factors is needed, Deuschl says. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Follett, who holds positions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Omaha, is among a select group of surgeons who over the past decade have been treating Parkinson’s disease by installing two tiny electrodes in a patient’s brain.
The change these devices induce can be astonishing, he says. Parkinson’s is characterized by brain degeneration, marked by a shortage of the neurotransmitter dopamine. That shortage results in movement problems. http://Louis1J1Sheehan.us After surgery, many patients are suddenly able to get around, do household chores and even go shopping, Follett says. “It has the potential to change people’s lives.”
Follett’s firsthand observations are now supported by clinical research. He and a team of fellow surgeons and scientists report in the Jan. 7 Journal of the American Medical Association that Parkinson’s patients randomly assigned to get medication plus the surgery show dramatic improvements, whereas patients getting just the best available medication do not.
The surgery, called deep-brain stimulation, isn’t new, having been first approved by regulators in 1997. But only one other study — reported by German scientists in 2006 — has tested the surgery against medication in a large, randomized trial. That study also showed benefits in patients who received both surgery and medication (SN: 9/2/06, p. 149).
Günther Deuschl, a neurologist at Christian Albrechts University in Kiel who led the German study, writes in JAMA that the new findings “have convincingly confirmed the six-month efficacy of deep brain stimulation for advanced Parkinson’s disease in the largest patient group studied thus far.”
The new findings also extend the benefits of surgery to older Parkinson’s patients, since one-fourth of the patients in the U.S. trial were age 70 or older. “They did as well as the younger patients” who underwent the surgery, Follett says.
What’s more, the new findings suggest that many worrisome side effects from the surgery fade over time.
The electrodes that doctors install — one on each side of the brain — are actually small, insulated wires that are connected to another wire that runs under the skin to a small battery beneath the skin of the torso. The electrodes are implanted into a part of the brain that normally acts as a relay station for messages. In Parkinson’s patients, a flurry of signals jam this message center, sending aberrant signals to muscles and causing tremors, muscle rigidity, paralysis and other problems. The electrodes send out a mild current that inhibits the stream of messages, relieving the clutter and calming muscle problems.
In the new study, researchers at 13 U.S. medical centers identified 255 people from 2002 to 2005 who had been taking medication for Parkinson’s disease for nearly 12 years, on average. Half were randomly assigned to get surgery and medication as needed. The others received medication only.
For six months, patients kept a log documenting how many hours per day they were able to move freely without paralysis, jerky motions or other problems. At the outset of the study, this time amounted to about seven hours a day, a number that went unchanged in those getting medication only. But patients assigned to surgery saw their free-movement time jump to 11 hours a day, on average, after six months. Over that time, these patients were also able to cut their medication intake by about half.
Fifteen medication-only patients experienced serious side effects, compared with 49 patients who underwent surgery. Complications from surgery tended to occur within three months of the procedure. Problems included headaches, falls, confusion, speech problems and slowed movement. One person who underwent surgery died of a brain hemorrhage within 24 hours.
But 99 percent of the side effects had resolved by six months as doctors remotely fine-tuned the intensity of the current being generated by the electrodes in each patient and modified each patient’s medication. “It’s a bit of a balancing act,” Follett says.
The challenge in using this surgery might be to determine earlier in the course of disease which patients would get the most benefit from the procedure, says neurosurgeon Robert Goodman of Columbia University in New York City. While medications such as levodopa are highly effective for years, many patients continue to lose mobility despite higher doses. And too much medication can bring on involuntary movements. Goodman estimates 10 to 20 percent of Parkinson’s patients fall into this trap. Those with true Parkinson’s disease — without dementia or other symptoms — would be good candidates for surgery, he says.
Despite the promising results, caution is in order, Deuschl says. He cites evidence that patients have an alarmingly high suicide rate in the first year following deep-brain stimulation surgery, a risk that lessens over time but still lingers after four years. There were no suicides in the six months patients were monitored in the new study. Further work to identify risk factors is needed, Deuschl says. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Monday, January 5, 2009
coal furnaces 4.coa.0 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
December 27, 2008
Burning Coal at Home Is Making a Comeback
By TOM ZELLER Jr. and STEFAN MILKOWSKI
SUGARLOAF, Pa. — Kyle Buck heaved open the door of a makeshift bin abutting his suburban ranch house. Staring at a two-ton pile of coal that was delivered by truck a few weeks ago, Mr. Buck worried aloud that it would not be enough to last the winter.
“I think I’m going through it faster than I thought I would,” he said. http://louis-j-sheehan-esquire.sampa.com/louis-j-sheehan-esquire/blog
Aptly, perhaps, for an era of hard times, coal is making a comeback as a home heating fuel.
Problematic in some ways and difficult to handle, coal is nonetheless a cheap, plentiful, mined-in-America source of heat. And with the cost of heating oil and natural gas increasingly prone to spikes, some homeowners in the Northeast, pockets of the Midwest and even Alaska are deciding coal is worth the trouble.
Burning coal at home was once commonplace, of course, but the practice had been declining for decades. Coal consumption for residential use hit a low of 258,000 tons in 2006 — then started to rise. It jumped 9 percent in 2007, according to the Energy Information Administration, and 10 percent more in the first eight months of 2008.
Online coal forums are buzzing with activity, as residential coal enthusiasts trade tips and advice for buying and tending to coal heaters. And manufacturers and dealers of coal-burning stoves say they have been deluged with orders — many placed when the price of heating oil jumped last summer — that they are struggling to fill.
“Back in the 1980s, we sold hundreds a year,” said Rich Kauffman, the sales manager at E.F.M. Automatic Heat in Emmaus, Pa., one of the oldest makers of coal-fired furnaces and boilers in the United States, in a nod to the uptick in coal sales that followed the oil crises of the 1970s.
“But that dwindled to nothing in the early 1990s — down to as many as 10 a year,” he said. “It picked up about a year ago, when we moved about 60 units, and then this year we’ve already sold 200.”
Dean Lehman, the plant manager for Hitzer Inc., a family-owned business in Berne, Ind., that makes smaller, indoor coal stoves, said his stoves were on back order until March. And Jeffery Gliem, the director of operations at the Reading Stove Company and its parent, Reading Anthracite, in Pottsville, Pa., which supplies coal and stoves to 15 states in the Northeast and Midwest, said the uptick in interest was the largest he had seen in 30 years.
“In your typical year you might have five, six, seven thousand stoves being sold,” Mr. Gliem said. “This year it was probably double that.”
The coal trend is consistent with steep increases in other forms of supplementary heating that people can use to save money — most of them less messy than coal. Home Depot reports that it has sold more than 80,000 tons of pellet fuel, a sort of compressed sawdust, for the season to date. That is an increase of 137 percent compared with the same period last year, said Jean Niemi, a company spokeswoman.
Coal may never make economic sense in areas far from where it is mined. But in places within reasonable delivery range, the price tends to be stable, compared with heating oil or natural gas. Prices for natural gas more than tripled in recent years before plunging in the last few months amid the downturn.
Coals vary in quality, but on average, a ton of coal contains about as much potential heat as 146 gallons of heating oil or 20,000 cubic feet of natural gas, according to the Energy Information Administration. A ton of anthracite, a particularly high grade of coal, can cost as little as $120 near mines in Pennsylvania. The equivalent amount of heating oil would cost roughly $380, based on the most recent prices in the state — and over $470 using prices from December 2007. An equivalent amount of natural gas would cost about $480 at current prices.
Mr. Buck said he could buy coal for $165 a ton. On a blustery afternoon recently, he was still studying the manual for his $2,300 Alaska Channing stoker, which gave off an intense heat in the den. An automated hopper in the back slowly dispensed fine anthracite coal chips into the stove’s belly, and every couple of days, Mr. Buck emptied the ash. He said he hoped the stove would cut his oil consumption in half.
“Now, somewhere, you’ve got to take into account the convenience of turning up your thermostat, versus having two tons of coal to shovel and the hopper and ashes to deal with,” Mr. Buck said. But if the $330 worth of coal in his makeshift bin “heats the house for the winter,” he added, “you can’t beat it.”
Wesley Ridlington, a homeowner in Fairbanks, Alaska, bought an outdoor coal furnace for $13,000 in March and uses it as his main source for heat and hot water.
On a recent evening, as the temperature hovered around 23 below zero, Mr. Ridlington worked to free up the rotating burning plate inside the furnace, which he figured was jammed by a pebble. He did not seem to mind the glitch, or, for that matter, loading the furnace twice a week and emptying the ash pan every night. “It takes a little bit of time,” he said, “but for the savings, it’s worth it.”
Mr. Ridlington said he was typically burning 1,500 gallons of oil each winter to heat his 3,300-square-foot home. At last year’s prices, that would have cost about $7,000, he said. This winter, he expects to burn nine tons of coal at a cost of about $1,400. http://louis-j-sheehan-esquire.sampa.com/louis-j-sheehan-esquire/blog
“The initial cost was expensive,” he said. “But in three to five years, it’ll be paid for, even with prices going down. And if fuel goes back up again, it’ll be even more savings.”
Rob Richards, who owns a business in Fairbanks that sells spas, pool tables, and now outdoor coal furnaces, said that when oil prices were higher, he could promise fuel cost savings of more than 75 percent and a payback of 18 months for an outdoor coal furnace. With oil prices down again, orders for furnaces have dropped off, and the savings are closer to 50 percent with a few years’ time to recoup the cost, he said.
“Still, you’re looking at a quick payback,” Mr. Richards added.
Coal was a dominant source of heat for American homes for much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Americans were still burning more than 50 million tons for heating in 1950, according to the federal statistics.
But coal, primarily used today in power plants and steelmaking, has not been used for heating on a large scale for decades. Cleaner and more easily distributed forms of heating fuel — including natural gas, electricity and oil — displaced coal, and residential use dropped precipitously, to 2.8 million tons by 1975, and then to less than 500,000 tons by 2000.
Even with the recovery of the last couple of years, residential use of coal in the United States, at less than 300,000 tons today and representing a fraction of 1 percent of all coal use, is “not even a blip on the screen,” said Carol Raulston, a spokeswoman for the National Mining Association.
Still, even amid the steep decline, small upticks similar to the current one have appeared from time to time, and residential use of coal never entirely went away.
In Homer, Alaska, fall storms wash crude coal onto the beach from underwater deposits. In the mountains of eastern Kentucky or the hills of central Pennsylvania, residents can simply dig it out of the ground.
“As long as people have been mining coal up there,” said John Hiett of Kentucky’s Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, “people have burned coal in their houses.”
Government data suggest that about 131,000 households use coal as their primary source of heat, with perhaps 80,000 more using it as a secondary source. Those numbers are small enough that issues relating to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions have remained largely off the radar.
Burning coal does throw fine particles into the air that can pose problems for some people, similar to the problems involved in burning wood — though wood stoves and fireplace inserts are increasingly subject to regulation to cut down on pollutants.
“Coal stoves don’t have that,” said James E. Houck, the president of Omni Environmental Services, a firm in Portland, Ore., that tests air quality. “And there’s no regulatory pressure for them to have it.”
In some localities where residential coal burning is becoming a factor, that might be changing. In Fairbanks, air quality experts suspect the increase in coal burning — along with increased wood burning — is contributing to concentrations of fine particles well above federal limits.
“We see it as a real health hazard to Fairbanks,” said Jim Conner, the Fairbanks North Star Borough’s air quality specialist.
Concerns like these have not deterred companies marketing coal. Back East, the Blaschak Coal Corporation, a midsize supplier of anthracite in Mahanoy City, Pa., still emblazons company trucks and baseball caps with images of Santa Claus lugging a sack of coal.
“Everybody’s looking at wherever they can to save money,” said Daniel Blaschak, a co-owner of the company. “ ’Cause guess what? We no longer have disposable income. We are up to our necks in debt. And there’s very few things we can’t live without, but heat is one of them.”
Tom Zeller Jr. reported from Sugarloaf, Pa., and Stefan Milkowski from Fairbanks, Alaska. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire.
December 27, 2008
Burning Coal at Home Is Making a Comeback
By TOM ZELLER Jr. and STEFAN MILKOWSKI
SUGARLOAF, Pa. — Kyle Buck heaved open the door of a makeshift bin abutting his suburban ranch house. Staring at a two-ton pile of coal that was delivered by truck a few weeks ago, Mr. Buck worried aloud that it would not be enough to last the winter.
“I think I’m going through it faster than I thought I would,” he said. http://louis-j-sheehan-esquire.sampa.com/louis-j-sheehan-esquire/blog
Aptly, perhaps, for an era of hard times, coal is making a comeback as a home heating fuel.
Problematic in some ways and difficult to handle, coal is nonetheless a cheap, plentiful, mined-in-America source of heat. And with the cost of heating oil and natural gas increasingly prone to spikes, some homeowners in the Northeast, pockets of the Midwest and even Alaska are deciding coal is worth the trouble.
Burning coal at home was once commonplace, of course, but the practice had been declining for decades. Coal consumption for residential use hit a low of 258,000 tons in 2006 — then started to rise. It jumped 9 percent in 2007, according to the Energy Information Administration, and 10 percent more in the first eight months of 2008.
Online coal forums are buzzing with activity, as residential coal enthusiasts trade tips and advice for buying and tending to coal heaters. And manufacturers and dealers of coal-burning stoves say they have been deluged with orders — many placed when the price of heating oil jumped last summer — that they are struggling to fill.
“Back in the 1980s, we sold hundreds a year,” said Rich Kauffman, the sales manager at E.F.M. Automatic Heat in Emmaus, Pa., one of the oldest makers of coal-fired furnaces and boilers in the United States, in a nod to the uptick in coal sales that followed the oil crises of the 1970s.
“But that dwindled to nothing in the early 1990s — down to as many as 10 a year,” he said. “It picked up about a year ago, when we moved about 60 units, and then this year we’ve already sold 200.”
Dean Lehman, the plant manager for Hitzer Inc., a family-owned business in Berne, Ind., that makes smaller, indoor coal stoves, said his stoves were on back order until March. And Jeffery Gliem, the director of operations at the Reading Stove Company and its parent, Reading Anthracite, in Pottsville, Pa., which supplies coal and stoves to 15 states in the Northeast and Midwest, said the uptick in interest was the largest he had seen in 30 years.
“In your typical year you might have five, six, seven thousand stoves being sold,” Mr. Gliem said. “This year it was probably double that.”
The coal trend is consistent with steep increases in other forms of supplementary heating that people can use to save money — most of them less messy than coal. Home Depot reports that it has sold more than 80,000 tons of pellet fuel, a sort of compressed sawdust, for the season to date. That is an increase of 137 percent compared with the same period last year, said Jean Niemi, a company spokeswoman.
Coal may never make economic sense in areas far from where it is mined. But in places within reasonable delivery range, the price tends to be stable, compared with heating oil or natural gas. Prices for natural gas more than tripled in recent years before plunging in the last few months amid the downturn.
Coals vary in quality, but on average, a ton of coal contains about as much potential heat as 146 gallons of heating oil or 20,000 cubic feet of natural gas, according to the Energy Information Administration. A ton of anthracite, a particularly high grade of coal, can cost as little as $120 near mines in Pennsylvania. The equivalent amount of heating oil would cost roughly $380, based on the most recent prices in the state — and over $470 using prices from December 2007. An equivalent amount of natural gas would cost about $480 at current prices.
Mr. Buck said he could buy coal for $165 a ton. On a blustery afternoon recently, he was still studying the manual for his $2,300 Alaska Channing stoker, which gave off an intense heat in the den. An automated hopper in the back slowly dispensed fine anthracite coal chips into the stove’s belly, and every couple of days, Mr. Buck emptied the ash. He said he hoped the stove would cut his oil consumption in half.
“Now, somewhere, you’ve got to take into account the convenience of turning up your thermostat, versus having two tons of coal to shovel and the hopper and ashes to deal with,” Mr. Buck said. But if the $330 worth of coal in his makeshift bin “heats the house for the winter,” he added, “you can’t beat it.”
Wesley Ridlington, a homeowner in Fairbanks, Alaska, bought an outdoor coal furnace for $13,000 in March and uses it as his main source for heat and hot water.
On a recent evening, as the temperature hovered around 23 below zero, Mr. Ridlington worked to free up the rotating burning plate inside the furnace, which he figured was jammed by a pebble. He did not seem to mind the glitch, or, for that matter, loading the furnace twice a week and emptying the ash pan every night. “It takes a little bit of time,” he said, “but for the savings, it’s worth it.”
Mr. Ridlington said he was typically burning 1,500 gallons of oil each winter to heat his 3,300-square-foot home. At last year’s prices, that would have cost about $7,000, he said. This winter, he expects to burn nine tons of coal at a cost of about $1,400. http://louis-j-sheehan-esquire.sampa.com/louis-j-sheehan-esquire/blog
“The initial cost was expensive,” he said. “But in three to five years, it’ll be paid for, even with prices going down. And if fuel goes back up again, it’ll be even more savings.”
Rob Richards, who owns a business in Fairbanks that sells spas, pool tables, and now outdoor coal furnaces, said that when oil prices were higher, he could promise fuel cost savings of more than 75 percent and a payback of 18 months for an outdoor coal furnace. With oil prices down again, orders for furnaces have dropped off, and the savings are closer to 50 percent with a few years’ time to recoup the cost, he said.
“Still, you’re looking at a quick payback,” Mr. Richards added.
Coal was a dominant source of heat for American homes for much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Americans were still burning more than 50 million tons for heating in 1950, according to the federal statistics.
But coal, primarily used today in power plants and steelmaking, has not been used for heating on a large scale for decades. Cleaner and more easily distributed forms of heating fuel — including natural gas, electricity and oil — displaced coal, and residential use dropped precipitously, to 2.8 million tons by 1975, and then to less than 500,000 tons by 2000.
Even with the recovery of the last couple of years, residential use of coal in the United States, at less than 300,000 tons today and representing a fraction of 1 percent of all coal use, is “not even a blip on the screen,” said Carol Raulston, a spokeswoman for the National Mining Association.
Still, even amid the steep decline, small upticks similar to the current one have appeared from time to time, and residential use of coal never entirely went away.
In Homer, Alaska, fall storms wash crude coal onto the beach from underwater deposits. In the mountains of eastern Kentucky or the hills of central Pennsylvania, residents can simply dig it out of the ground.
“As long as people have been mining coal up there,” said John Hiett of Kentucky’s Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, “people have burned coal in their houses.”
Government data suggest that about 131,000 households use coal as their primary source of heat, with perhaps 80,000 more using it as a secondary source. Those numbers are small enough that issues relating to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions have remained largely off the radar.
Burning coal does throw fine particles into the air that can pose problems for some people, similar to the problems involved in burning wood — though wood stoves and fireplace inserts are increasingly subject to regulation to cut down on pollutants.
“Coal stoves don’t have that,” said James E. Houck, the president of Omni Environmental Services, a firm in Portland, Ore., that tests air quality. “And there’s no regulatory pressure for them to have it.”
In some localities where residential coal burning is becoming a factor, that might be changing. In Fairbanks, air quality experts suspect the increase in coal burning — along with increased wood burning — is contributing to concentrations of fine particles well above federal limits.
“We see it as a real health hazard to Fairbanks,” said Jim Conner, the Fairbanks North Star Borough’s air quality specialist.
Concerns like these have not deterred companies marketing coal. Back East, the Blaschak Coal Corporation, a midsize supplier of anthracite in Mahanoy City, Pa., still emblazons company trucks and baseball caps with images of Santa Claus lugging a sack of coal.
“Everybody’s looking at wherever they can to save money,” said Daniel Blaschak, a co-owner of the company. “ ’Cause guess what? We no longer have disposable income. We are up to our necks in debt. And there’s very few things we can’t live without, but heat is one of them.”
Tom Zeller Jr. reported from Sugarloaf, Pa., and Stefan Milkowski from Fairbanks, Alaska. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire.
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