In February 2023, commercial fisherman Tim Shaddock and his dog, Bella, embarked on a voyage from Mexico to French Polynesia. Weeks into their journey, a storm crippled their vessel, leaving them adrift in the vast Pacific Ocean. Surviving on raw fish and rainwater, they endured for months, battling starvation, dehydration, and the relentless elements. Finally, in July, a tuna trawler spotted their small catamaran near the coast of Mexico, thousands of miles from their intended destination. Remarkably, both Shaddock and Bella survived their ordeal, though severely emaciated, and were rescued, a testament to human resilience and the bond between human and animal.
By day, Dan Lane works at a Co-op in Exeter. By night, he's a globally recognized logo designer known as the "Lord of the Logos," creating iconic designs for bands like The Black Dahlia Murder and Aborted. His portfolio spans over 400 logos, including album artwork and merchandise designs for clients worldwide, a passion he pursues in his free time while maintaining his unassuming day job. He's built this impressive career largely through word-of-mouth and online networking within the metal music scene.
Hacker News commenters were generally unimpressed with the "Lord of the Logos" article. Several found the title misleading, as the designer's work, while prolific, wasn't particularly noteworthy or high-profile. Some criticized the writing style as hyperbolic and clickbaity, arguing the story wasn't deserving of such grand pronouncements. Others pointed out the irony of a Co-op employee designing logos for competing supermarkets. A few questioned the legality and ethics of designing logos for other companies while employed, especially given the potential for intellectual property conflicts. There was also a brief discussion about the prevalence of generic-looking logos.
Facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, Stanford professor Bryant Lin refused to abandon his students. Instead, he integrated his experience with esophageal cancer into his final course, "Living With Cancer," offering a uniquely personal and real-time perspective on the disease. He openly shared his treatment journey, physical struggles, and emotional reflections, providing students with invaluable insights into the medical, social, and ethical dimensions of cancer. Lin's dedication to teaching and his willingness to be vulnerable transformed his classroom into a space of shared humanity and learning, inspiring students even as he confronted his own mortality.
HN commenters discuss the Stanford professor's decision to teach a class about his cancer journey. Several praise his bravery and openness, viewing it as a powerful way to educate students and destigmatize illness. Some question the emotional toll on both the professor and the students, wondering about the appropriateness of such a personal subject in an academic setting. Others express skepticism about the framing of the NYT piece, suggesting it's overly sentimentalized. A few commenters also share their own experiences with cancer and teaching, drawing parallels to the professor's situation. The potential for triggering students facing similar challenges is also brought up, along with concerns about the blurring of lines between professional and personal life.
This 1993 New Yorker article profiles Abe Green, a man who spent over four decades as a fixture at the Beverly Hills Hotel pool. Green, a self-made millionaire, established a daily ritual of holding court poolside, becoming a peculiar part of the hotel's landscape. The piece explores Green's evolving relationship with the hotel, from his early days as a welcomed guest to his later years marked by increasing eccentricity and strained relations with management. It paints a portrait of a man seeking community and purpose in a glamorous yet ultimately transient environment, capturing a specific era of Hollywood history and the changing dynamics of the legendary hotel.
Hacker News users discuss the intriguing life of Abe Green, the subject of the New Yorker article. Several commenters express fascination with Green's dedication to a singular, seemingly mundane routine, spending decades poolside. Some question his motivations and mental state, pondering whether it represents a life well-lived or a form of obsessive escapism. Others romanticize his existence, viewing it as a unique pursuit of personal happiness, unburdened by societal expectations. A few commenters note the piece's portrayal of a bygone era of Hollywood glamour and the changing face of Los Angeles. There's also a short thread discussing the hotel itself and its history.
Subway Stories is a crowdsourced collection of short, true anecdotes about everyday life on the New York City subway. These vignettes capture the diverse range of human experiences that unfold underground, from chance encounters and acts of kindness to moments of absurdity and quiet observation. The website serves as a digital tapestry of the city's vibrant and often unpredictable subterranean world, offering a glimpse into the lives of the millions who pass through its tunnels each day. It's a testament to the shared humanity and unique character of the NYC subway, presenting a mosaic of moments that are both relatable and distinctly New York.
Hacker News users discuss the "Subway Stories" project, largely praising its nostalgic and artistic value. Some commenters share personal anecdotes of their own subway experiences, echoing the themes of chance encounters and shared humanity found on the site. Others analyze the technical aspects of the project, appreciating its minimalist design and questioning the choice of technology used. A few express skepticism about the authenticity of some submissions, while others lament the decline of similar community art projects in the internet age. The overall sentiment is positive, with many users finding the site to be a refreshing reminder of the unique human tapestry of the New York City subway system.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44044882
HN commenters largely praised the writing style of the Atlantic article, highlighting its immersive and detailed depiction of the fisherman's ordeal. Several noted the stark contrast between the vastness of the ocean and the fisherman's shrinking world as his resources dwindled. Some questioned the veracity of certain details, particularly the lack of EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) and the extended survival time without water, prompting discussions about survival techniques and the resilience of the human body. Others focused on the psychological aspects of solitary confinement and the potential for hallucination and mental breakdown in such extreme situations. A few commenters shared personal anecdotes of maritime experiences, adding further context to the discussion. The lack of an EPIRB was a recurring point of contention, with many expressing disbelief that a commercial fishing vessel wouldn't be equipped with such a vital safety device.
The Hacker News post "Alone and Adrift in the Pacific," linking to an Atlantic article about a commercial fisherman lost at sea, has generated a moderate number of comments, primarily focusing on the psychological and physical challenges of survival in such a dire situation.
Several commenters discuss the mental fortitude required to endure extreme isolation and deprivation. One user highlights the importance of maintaining hope and purpose, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, suggesting that this mental resilience played a crucial role in the fisherman's survival. Another comment expands on this, emphasizing the debilitating effects of despair and the need to actively combat negative thoughts. The discussion touches on the potential for hallucinations and the distortion of reality caused by prolonged solitude and stress.
A thread emerges around the practicalities of survival, with commenters sharing their knowledge of seafaring and emergency procedures. One individual with apparent maritime experience details the essential steps to take when lost at sea, including rationing supplies, preserving energy, and signaling for help. The importance of staying hydrated is repeatedly stressed, as is the ingenuity needed to collect rainwater and make the best use of limited resources. Someone mentions the critical role of luck in such situations, acknowledging that even the most skilled and prepared individuals can be overwhelmed by unforeseen circumstances.
The comments also reflect a degree of awe and admiration for the fisherman's resilience. One commenter expresses disbelief at the sheer length of time he survived, while another points out the remarkable physical and psychological strength required to endure such an ordeal. There's a palpable sense of respect for the human capacity to overcome seemingly impossible challenges.
A few commenters offer more skeptical perspectives, questioning specific details of the story or expressing reservations about the narrative's veracity. However, these remain a minority, with the overall tone of the comments being one of empathy, fascination, and appreciation for the fisherman's extraordinary tale of survival.