Things you might like to know.

Nod Ripper, I think I might have read that same story on the Guardian. A cautionary tale for sure, if that hand gesture can save even one innocent life, we should all learn it and pass it along.

Yes, I think it's a good idea to have a recognised sign that isn't obviously calling for help, which they may not be able to do, but to quietly let you know that something is wrong that involves coercion and danger, so you can judge how best to handle the situation.

The benefits of tic-toc, where she apparently learned the sign.

Yeah, that's another reason I mentioned it. If the kids all know the sign, but the rest of us not so much, that could be a problem. So it seems worth spreading it around.

Something positive actually came out of Tik-Tok? That in itself is surprising.

I'm just glad the Guardian covered the story, as I eschew any social media shenanigans myself. It's all too toxic for my liking, yet good to see at least one good item can exist in a sea of nastiness.

And way late, by about thirty years, yet today I received my masters degree in history! Not sure what I'll do with it, teaching doesn't really appeal, might suck up another couple years of lectures and go for the PhD. Who knows, just really glad to at least finally finish this part!!~

Originally Posted by Carnifex
And way late, by about thirty years, yet today I received my masters degree in history! Not sure what I'll do with it, teaching doesn't really appeal, might suck up another couple years of lectures and go for the PhD. Who knows, just really glad to at least finally finish this part!!~

Congratulations! What did you cover for the Master's?

My focus was the American Civil War. Having done re-enactments in the past, and being fascinated with all the events that led up to the conflict and afterwards, it wasn't like actual work at all. The reconstruction period was my thesis, so basically American history from 1850 to 1880. I really wanted to do the Mexican-American war era, yet that premise got rejected.

Originally Posted by Carnifex
I really wanted to do the Mexican-American war era, yet that premise got rejected.

I wonder why. The 1845-1850 period is the most interesting part of the 19th Century to me although my main interest is 1780-1800.

A new world record for standing on top of a balloon at altitude. I don't usually have a problem with heights, but there's something about standing on top of that balloon that makes my legs go funny.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-59244336

Originally Posted by Carnifex
And way late, by about thirty years, yet today I received my masters degree in history! Not sure what I'll do with it, teaching doesn't really appeal, might suck up another couple years of lectures and go for the PhD. Who knows, just really glad to at least finally finish this part!!~

Congratulations!