Factropolis -- A Fun Fact Every Day!: The Inca devised an effective method for refrigerating foods using nothing more than clay, corn husks, spring water and feces.

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Inca devised an effective method for refrigerating foods using nothing more than clay, corn husks, spring water and feces.

See also:
- MNSU Latin American Prehistory

keywords: history, food and drink, incan empire, mesoamerica, culture and places, indian, spoil, preservation, machu picchu, atahualpa, scat, trivia, fun fact, fact of the day

37 Comments

There's plenty of "feces" here, but it isn't being used to keep stuff cool.

By Anonymous, at September 08, 2007 12:13 PM
Hi. Me again. What you've essentially described is a primitive compost heap. Do you know what organic material, like corn and feces, releases when it breaks down? The answer is heat. Using corn husks and feces wouldn't refrigerate your food; in fact, it would have just the opposite effect. I do happen to know a little biology and chemistry, so I know what I'm talking about here. Nice try, though. This one has that "ooh gross" factor that makes people tend to believe things. I don't know why, but it's been my experience that it works.

By Anonymous, at September 08, 2007 12:16 PM
I recently discovered Factroplois during an exhaustive web search for information on Hackman and Garcia survival knives used during the Vietnam war. I was hoping to find information on either of those knives to complete documentation of my collection.

In researching Factropolis, I was drawn to the interesting facts posted on the site. I was compelled to read most of them, and in doing so I reviewed the comments from readers, including the anonymous poster.

While I don't have information to support or dispuse the posted facts, I am a knife collector not a trivia buff, I must admit I am suspect of anyone that post comments under an anonymous name. Who actually knows who the individual is, where they are, or the source of their comments. I personally am very skeptical of comments made by individuals that can't stand up and be counted.

Oh, well, enough about my opinion. Guess I got carried away. Back to the reason for being here....

I hope to eventually find the information I am seeking, and hopefully the research staff at Factropolis can address topics on this issue at some point.

Thumbs up to your organization for the variety of info provided. Keep up the good work...

Kahne

By Kahne Swoerker, at September 08, 2007 3:14 PM
Since you asked, Kahne, here's a little bit of personal information:

I am an eductor. I teach or have taught: advanced and AP biology; standard, honors, and AP chemistry; honors and AP physics; Earth/environmental science; and standard and honors physical science. I graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor degree in Science Education from East Carolina University.

Although I teach science, I am interested in all fields of knowledge. I enjoy reading and researching. I also enjoy honest debate, but only with people who are capable of supporting their positions with actual evidence. I realize I sound like a broken record, but nobody seems to have picked up on that yet.

Why do I read and comment on Factropolis's "facts"? Because some people are eager to accept these "facts" at face value, without questioning their authenticity. Even though I feel that these people are a vocal minority, as an educator, I cannot ignore them.

And you see, everytime I express skepticism, or, in some cases, provide evidence that the "fact" is wrong, I get comments from people who wish I would stop. It's BECAUSE of those comments that I can't stop. I consider it my duty to present truth, or at least the pathway to truth, for anybody who comes seeking it. I can't make everybody want to know the truth about things...Factropolis and its gang of supporters has made that much clear...but maybe I can make somebody question what they're being told.

In fact, I invite people to question MY assessments of the veracity of these "facts", but only if they are prepared to look for supporting evidence. Don't come to me empty-handed and expect to destroy my position.

My mission is simple: I will continue to question the authenticity of Factropolis's "facts", at my discretion alone, until Factropolis either:
(A) shuts down completely,
(B) provides satisfactory evidence of their claims, or has satisfactory evidence provided by their readers*, or
(C)places a disclaimer on their front page explicitly stating that these "facts" are NOT true.

I hope that's clear enough.

In closing, Kahne, I'm glad you're skeptical of me. You should be. But you should also apply a healthy dose of skepticism toward Factropolis. I post anonymously because I don't care to have people know who I am. At least I don't lie to you.

By Anonymous, at September 08, 2007 5:34 PM
Agh, I added an asterisk in my mission statement and forgot to explain it.

*Satisfactory evidence includes URLs, books, journals, or articles with page and volume numbers (where appropriate), direct quotes that can be verified, etc. I DO NOT consider anecdotal evidence sufficient to support a dubious claim, because it's too easy to make up and too hard to verify.

By Anonymous, at September 08, 2007 5:39 PM
Mr. Anonymous,

As you can see I am still researching, and I returned to Factopolis to determine if they had considered my request for info on my research.

I was surprised and somewhat delighted to find your comments. Even though you didn't identify yourself, you did provide some insight into your position. The fact that you are a college graduate and an educator has my respect, althought I am not sure if your position is in public or private schools, or if indeed you are University Professor. If you are, then I should correct my salutation to read "Mr. Professor".

I too appreciate intelligent conversation and debate. And I want to address the last line of your recent comments. I never suggested that you lie, I only stated that I am always somewhat skeptical of a man that has an opinion without an identification.

Now, since you took the time to share some of your background, I feel compelled to do the same.

I don't have your level of education, at least not from a formal perspective. I don't have a University Degree, nor do I hold a respected position in education.
I do however have years of practical knowledge, life experience and common sense.

The thrust of your comments in attempting to defrock the postings of Factropolis is based on them, or someone, providing documented evidence. I beg to differ with you in that regard, and I offer my recent research as evidence. In researching the Hackman and Garcia knives, I can find no website that identifies those knives. I can find threads that discuss them, and postings of them either for sale, or that have been sold, with no documented evidence of their existance, but I have both of the knives, therefore logic and common sense both tend to prove their existance. I say this only to dispell the notion that documentation is not always the sole proof of evidence.

While on the subject of documentation, I re-read your comments about the Inca refrigeration method. You scoffed at the idea and stated that method would produce the reverse results.
I know for certain that method was used, and not only by the Inca's, but also the American Indian, the Cherokee specifically. I am from the Great Smokie Mountains and I had many dealings with the local Cherokee's, not the ones you see in the tourist traps, the real ones.

It was common knowledge that food preservation during the summer months was essential. I will expand on the "clay" statement used by Factropolis in that it wasn't just clay, but rather clay pots. The process involved diverting cold spring water to a rock lined pool, the food, primarily meat, was wrapped in green corn husk, which are water repelling, and stacked around the pool, the clay pot was used to cover the wrapped food, and then the clay pot was covered in feces to discourage animals from finding a free meal. In your comments you failed to address the part about the spring water, which was the source of refrigeration. I am suprised at your oversight, with your background in biology and chemistry. No, I don't have a website to support my comments, just as no one can provide a website to support the knives I am researching.

In closing, I understand your position to provide truth, justice and the American Way, sort of a Superman stance... I hope you continue to question all that you don't understand, and I would encourage your comments on Factropolis postings. In fact, now that we have met, I look forward to intelligent discussions of your posted comments. Yours from an educated position and mine from reality.

It appears that Factropolis doesn't offer explanations of their findings, they merely report it.

There is a difference between Anonymous Opinion and Knowledge, I look forward to debating other topics with you. Please let me know how to address you in future correspondence.

Let the better man win..

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 08, 2007 7:16 PM
Kahne,

I am not a professor, and while I must confess that I like the moniker "Mr. Anonymous", you may address me as you see fit. I appreciate your desire to have a name, but I decided long ago that I prefer the comfort of anonymity.

In regard to your knives: if you desired to prove their existence (not that I'm questioning them, mind you), I would be satisfied to see a photograph. I could even be swayed by seeing a website selling them. In my way of thinking, you have provided (or could easily provide) evidence of their existence.

I also thank you for taking the time to provide a clear explanation of how the whole dung/clay/water/corn refrigeration method is supposed to have worked. Your reasonable, profanity-free explanation is certainly convincing. I wish that other people could understand how easily such evidence could have been presented. Instead, they chose to resort to name-calling, or they merely presented anecdotes. Understandably, neither one was likely to impress me.

I'll address the remainder of your comments point by point.

1. "I never suggested that you lie"

Thank you. I never meant to imply that you had, however. I was merely pointing to the fact that, unlike Factropolis, I don't attempt to deceive the gullible.

2. "I say this only to dispell the notion that documentation is not always the sole proof of evidence."

I take this to mean that there are other ways of proving something than by providing documented evidence. On this point I must disagree, at least for now. I don't see how a person could prove anything without evidence. As I said before, you could even provide documentation of the existence of your knives, if pressed to do so. There's always evidence if something is real.

3. "I do however have years of practical knowledge, life experience and common sense."

As do I. I've not merely spent my life with my nose in a book.

4. "I had many dealings with the local Cherokee's, not the ones you see in the tourist traps, the real ones."

Would you be willing to share the names and any possible contact information for any of these authentic Cherokees? I would love to talk to them in person.

5. "In your comments you failed to address the part about the spring water, which was the source of refrigeration. I am suprised at your oversight, with your background in biology and chemistry."

It's really not that surprising; given that Factropolis made NO mention of how the water was supposed to have been used, that springs are often hot rather than cold, particularly in volcanically active areas like the Andes mountains, and that my background is in biology and chemistry rather than history. I don't see how anybody in my position would get the impression that the spring water was used in this fashion.

6. "I hope you continue to question all that you don't understand."

In this instance, you're right...I clearly have much more to learn about the preservation techniques of ancient people. That's why I asked for any contact information that you might have. For most of the rest of these "facts", however, I understand all too well.

7. "Yours from an educated position and mine from reality."

Those two are not mutually exclusive.

8. "It appears that Factropolis doesn't offer explanations of their findings, they merely report it."

I think "findings" is too generous a word, but that's my opinion. I would probably have said "made-up nonsense." Again, that's just me.

9. "There is a difference between Anonymous Opinion and Knowledge"

I'm not entirely certain what you're trying to say here, unless you mean to imply that my comments are less knowledge and more opinion because I make them anonymously. I can provide documentation for everything I say, or else I don't say it. If I can show you the evidence, why does it matter if you know my name?

10. "Let the better man win.."

I was mostly with you right up to this point. I'll be glad to discuss any of my comments or evidence with you, but not if you're viewing this as some sort of competition.

Good luck with your knife research, Kahne. I'm sure we'll have much to discuss soon.

By Anonymous, at September 08, 2007 10:36 PM
Mr. Anonymous.

Top of the morning to you,

Whew, well it seems you have provided lots of issues to address:

FIRST: I don't care what your name is, I never asked for your name. I did ask how you would like to be addressed...any only because it seems that there other anonymous posters, to the multiude of topics on this website, and I thought you might want to consider some way to distinguish your anonymous comments from those left by other anonymous posters. Either way, I don't care...but you should.

THIRD: Evidence and documentation, we could debate this for eternity. You stated something to the effect that documented evidence itself proves its existance. Really??? I can think of several examples to disprove that statement, Crop Circles, Lochness Monster, UFO's and Bigfoot. There are tons of documented evidence, photo's, eyewitness reports, wreckage debris, hair samples, and footprint molds. Based on your requirements, that proves their existance. Well, we can all sleep better now, no longer having to lie awake wondering if all that stuff is real or not.

Thank you for addressing my knife issues, but you didn't understand that either. My research is not to prove the existance of the knives, but rather to validate the companies that manufactured them. I have the knives, so I don't need to prove their physical existance.

SECOND: The refrigeration thing. I thought we had that one resolved, but then you stated that you didn't consider cold spring water in conjunction with refrigeration, that you only thought of hot springs??? Well partner, I have to say, I had to take a step back back and re-read your credentials again and wonder somewhat about your teaching methods. You slammed the findings of the website, without admittedly doing even as much as a courtesy search of the posted information. Your theme in life, as you stated, was to dispell the mis-truths, and yet, in this case, you are the one that did just what you are accusing Factropolis of, providing false information. Next time do some real research.

THIRD: You say you haven't spend your life with your nose in a book, well you must be of a young age since you seem to base all your statements on published documentation rather than including life's experiences.

FOURTH: My association with the Cherokee's. That event in history took place over 50 years ago, in my childhood. I recalled from memory those details, but at the time I didn't have the vision to document the information and/or the provider. I guess at the time I never anticipated the need to have to prove the food preservation processes of the tribal Cherokee Nation. I haven't had contact with those individuals in many moons, but I will search my memory bank to deliver names, although I doubt that many if any are even still alive. Let's assume they are, and that you do indeed contact them. How do you address yourself? I can hear the conversation now, "Hi, I am Anonymous, I am talking with Kahne, I am sure you rememmber him, he doesn't really know me, but some 50 years ago he said that you said that your food was preserved the way he told me it was, was that true?" Come on now, does that even sound intelligent???

Futhermore, the American Indian in those early times didn't have access to Zip-lock bags or aluminum foil so they had to resort to natural means. Historically not much credit was given to the American Indian, so I guess you wouldn't either. The explanation given was not only factual, but plausible and I must say much more accurate than your hastily conceived initial response to the posting.

FIFTH: "Let the better man win..."
No, I dont see this as a competition, well especially when debating with someone that only takes a documented written evidence approach. But then again, life itself is a contest, as an example you yourself grade your students, and based on the results the higher achievers attain the most recognition, thus they win over the others. Everything is a competition in one form or another.....

I applaude your intelligence, but I question your logic. That being said, I now feel obligated to review any other comments you made on other Factropolis posting and apply my knowledge against your education on any topics that I have information on. As I stated earlier, I am not a trivia buff, but then again, I do know stuff.

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 09, 2007 10:54 AM
Good morning, Kahne

Yes indeed, there is much to chew on. I'll use the point-by-point format again, if you don't mind.

1. "I don't care what your name is, I never asked for your name."

True enough. By the time I wrote that I was already thinking about what else I wanted to say, and I failed to carefully reread your original two comments. My mistake.

Thus far, I've been the only anonymous poster to leave skeptical comments. Still, I'll label my comments "Mr. Anonymous" from here on out, strictly for purposes of distinction.

2. "You stated something to the effect that documented evidence itself proves its existance....Crop Circles, Lochness Monster, UFO's and Bigfoot. There are tons of documented evidence, photo's, eyewitness reports, wreckage debris, hair samples, and footprint molds. Based on your requirements, that proves their existance."

No, it was not my assertion that documentation ALWAYS proves something. I merely said that it was impossible to support something without it. From a scientific perspective, you cannot prove something anyway - you can only disprove it.

I'll use one of your examples, UFO's. Sure there are grainy photographs and shaky videos, but these shouldn't be held as strict evidence of the existence of flying saucers until it can be shown that (A) the documentation is authentic, and (B) there are no possible explanations that are less extraordinary. Until that point, the evidence is not conclusively in favor of the existence of flying saucers and little green men.

Extraordinary claims require extraodrinary evidence, Kahne. That's not my opinion; that's a scientific maxim. If I'm expected to believe any of the unusual claims made by Factropolis, I'm going to need a significant weight of evidence.

3. "I have the knives, so I don't need to prove their physical existance."

I realize that. I was merely using them as illustration to show that you COULD prove their existence, if you were pressed to.

4. "I thought we had that one resolved, but then you stated that you didn't consider cold spring water in conjunction with refrigeration, that you only thought of hot springs???"

I said that you had provided a believable explanation. I never said I believed it. That's why I asked you for some sort of contact information by which I might independently verify your information.

And really, even if the Cherokees DID use cold spring water to refrigerate food, the "fact" was not about them. The "fact" was about the Incas, who lived in South America in and around the Andes mountains. The Andes are volcanically active, and volcanoes are often surrounded by springs that are heated by subterranean magma pockets. I don't deny the existence of cold springs in the Andes, I'm just saying that cold springs are not the first thing that come to mind when I think of the Incan empire.

Nevertheless, I won't make this oversight again. From now on, whenever somebody mentions spring water in conjunction with refrigeration, I'll assume they mean cold spring water.

5. "Next time do some real research."

What??? You chide me to do real research, but all you've provided is anecdotal evidence now revealed to be fifty years old? If I may be so bold, sir, isn't that a bit like the clay refrigeration pot calling the kettle black?

6. "You say you haven't spend your life with your nose in a book, well you must be of a young age since you seem to base all your statements on published documentation rather than including life's experiences."

Well that's not fair. I may be younger than you, but I don't base my actions on book learning alone, rather than experience. For example, it's my experience that many of Factropolis's "facts" are wrong. So when I read this one, I immediately assumed it was. But wait, you tell me it isn't? So are you now saying I should have relied on research and evidence rather than my own experience? See, this is confusing.

7. "That event in history took place over 50 years ago, in my childhood. I recalled from memory those details, but at the time I didn't have the vision to document the information and/or the provider."

So is it possible that your memory of these events may have dulled or changed in the course of five decades? I'm only 28 and I have a hard time remembering some things I saw and did as a child. That's why I asked for evidence. Forgive me for not trusting your memory completely, but I know how unreliable my own can be.

8. "I can hear the conversation now, 'Hi, I am Anonymous, I am talking with Kahne, I am sure you rememmber him, he doesn't really know me, but some 50 years ago he said that you said that your food was preserved the way he told me it was, was that true?' Come on now, does that even sound intelligent???"

No, it certainly doesn't. I'm surprised you would make that assumption, given what must be a vast store of experience with human interactions. It really makes me step back and question your years of life experience, practical knowledge, and common sense.

9. "Historically not much credit was given to the American Indian, so I guess you wouldn't either."

Again, that's not fair. I have enormous respect for the American Indians, both North and South. I think it's remarkable that they could find ways to preserve food, even before the invention of electricity, Zip-loc bags, or aluminum foil. Don't assume that just because I question the truthfulness of YOUR explanation, I also deny that Indians had ingenious preservation methods. That would be an extremely foolish leap of logic for me to make.

10. "But then again, life itself is a contest, as an example you yourself grade your students, and based on the results the higher achievers attain the most recognition, thus they win over the others. Everything is a competition in one form or another....."

Obviously, I disagree. The grade I give a student is a reflection of the effort the student puts into his or her work. If that student chooses to let his or her scores stand competitively against other students, well, that's their business. I award no prize to the student who does the best.

This might just have to be a point we agree to disagree on, though.

11. "I applaude your intelligence, but I question your logic."

Again, I thank you on both counts. You should always question everything.

12. "That being said, I now feel obligated to review any other comments you made on other Factropolis posting and apply my knowledge against your education on any topics that I have information on."

Please do, but once again, I don't think that your "knowledge" and my "education" must necessarily be mutually exclusive. Happy fact-finding, Kahne.

By Mr. Anonymous, at September 09, 2007 12:08 PM
Mr. Anonymous,

Shame on you for attempting to discredit my information by suggesting poor memory recall due to my age. I never said I didn't recall the details, I said I would have to search my memory bank for the names.

Now, back to the basics. The whole issue here was the concept of the posted information, which I have addressed, and you never did. Therefore my comment stands, and all you ever did was just say it wasn't possible.

The Inca's had an advanced civilization similar to ancient Egypt. I doubt, even without a chemistry or biology degree, that their first thought would have been to head to the hot springs for refrigeration. My comments about the Cherokee use of this process was because I knew them, I didn't know any Inca's. At any rate, my explanation was how it worked, not who invented it. But put yourself in either of their positions, how would you have done it? Oh, wait, never mind, that would only get us back to the hot spring thing again.

I don't have to defend my position, or that of Factropolis. As they say down south "I don't have a dog in this fight". My intent was just to inform readers that you had no idea what you were talking about. And you continue to proved that.

The rest of you lengthy list of issues are unrelated to the subject. They are simply your ramblings in an effort to avoid facing the consequences of your intial incorrect statement on the subject.

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 09, 2007 2:48 PM
For somebody who doesn't have a dog in this fight, you sure seem to be taking a lot of potshots.

I didn't claim you couldn't remember because of your age. I said your memory of those events could be called into question because it was FIFTY YEARS AGO! I don't care if your memory is as sharp as a tack...five decades is a long time to recall something accurately.

What do you mean, I haven't addressed the original issue? Of course I did. When you presented a plausible explanation for the use of clay, dung, corn husks, and spring water as a refrigeration method, I readily admitted that it was reasonable. Yet you CONTINUE to bring it up. Why, Kahne? Why? Is it because you're upset that I didn't immediately admit to your correctness when, yet again, the best evidence I have is your 50-year-old recollection?

How have I continued to prove that I had no idea what I was talking about? I've made 3 things very clear:

(1) I accepted your explanation as plausible, even though I want to verify it.
(2) I explained that I didn't immediately think of cold spring water, even though I should have.
(3) I felt that my education and life experience were sufficient reasons for me to doubt unsubstantiated "facts", rather than swallowing them.

I've made my position clear, Kahne. It is you who continues to pick apart my original claim as to why I thought this "fact" was wrong.

And don't you dare presume to tell readers I have no idea what I'm talking about. I check my facts before I present them. But of course, you don't see the value of that, do you? I was wrong in this instance, but only because I lacked the imagination to see how those items could be used for refrigeration. I feel very confident about all of the other skeptical comments I've made.

So, are you a Factropolis editor? It really seems like you're taking this whole thing personally. I'm sure you'll say you aren't, but can you prove it?

By Mr Anonymous, at September 09, 2007 5:13 PM
Mr. Anonymous and Kahne,

I have enjoyed reading your comments on this topic very much. I do not have the educational background of anonymous or the life experience of Kahne but I am an avid viewer of the History and Discovery channel and I find this site very interesting. I do not have the time to research all of these facts but I believe I have figured out a solution for Kahne's little challenge. Since Mr. Anonymous has classrooms full of students why don't you assign a class project to prove or disprove some of these facts and post your findings for all the viewers to read. Whether they end up being true or not I believe the students will benefit from this type of excercise. I am anxiously awaiting your findings.

By Frank Hopkins, at September 10, 2007 5:34 PM
Mr. Hopkins,

Excellent idea!!!

Thank you for your suggestion and your comments. Hopefully Mr. Anonymous will feel the same.
I still need to respond to his previous comments, which I will, but I have been traveling today, and it would take more energy to do tonight than I want to invest.

Stay tuned, it should get very interesting...

Have a good evening,

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 10, 2007 10:02 PM
Because it makes perfect sense to waste valuable classroom time and resources to have students debunk a website that is obviously a fake. :/ Mr. Anonymous has given clear evidence with his many links that many of the so called "facts" at this site are simply baloney. And not one of his detractors has been able to provide the same. Actions do speak for themselves.

By A. Mouse, at September 10, 2007 10:37 PM
A. Mouse,

What have you been reading???

Ya might wanna go back and re-read it all, since Mr. Anonymous has sorta reconsidered and agreed that the ingredients of the Topic could possibly be used as a source of refrigeration, instead of a compost heap.

If the content of the text is too long or complicated, hang around, the Cliff notes will soon be coming to a book store near you.

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 10, 2007 11:01 PM
Mr. Anonymous,

Good morning. I apologize for the delay in responding, sorta had a hectic schedule here.

First let me say that horizons have been broadened by our discussion. In that respect it has been both intelligent and interesting. You are an avid researcher and your interest in correcting misinformation is to be commended.

I even find it astonishing that using the same bacis ingredients of the inital Topic we both suggested plausible yet opposing results. Application is everything.

My contention with your comments has never been with your information, but rather with your knee jerk reaction to the subject. It appears that once you assumed the Topics were all false you immediately began to discredit them without even considering the alternatives, at least the tone of some of your comments certainly implied that.

Instead of reading, comprehending and considering, you took the words literally. That position I would gather probably tends to come from your role as an educator. In that capacity you are already armed with the answers on the subject matter, and therefore you can respond rapidly and with authority.

Sometimes it takes a public "Kahne Whipping" to get someones attention. It appears I got yours. Now you are thinking...and that is progress.

There is a measurable distinction between responding and reacting. I look forward to your future comments on all posted Topics, and hopefully in the future you will take time to really read the content, rather than skimming the words, and then consider the alternatives before formulating a response.

As Sir Winston Churchill expressed, the pen is mightier than the sword.

Good day, I look forward to more debate.

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 11, 2007 10:25 AM
Mr. Kahne, in previous threads, Mr. A has provided links to outside sources to demonstrate his stance. That is all that he has asked for here, and you only appear to be running around him in circles.

You have yet to provide conclusive evidence that this fact is true or provide sources for your claims, other than a 50 year old memory.

Why is it so preposterous that people want to verify facts?

By A. Mouse, at September 11, 2007 1:01 PM
A. Mouse,
I do not believe it would be wasting any resources to have students investigate this. Even if they find out it is not true, they will learn how the Inca lived and possibly another way they accomplished this and many other interesting things. They will also learn different ways to research topics and I think it would be a fun activity opposed to the many boring assignments we all had to live through. Lighten up a little, it was just an idea.

By Frank Hopkins, at September 11, 2007 3:23 PM
Mr. Hopkins,

Well spoken...

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 11, 2007 9:55 PM
Mr. Anonymous and A. Mouse

Well, you finally did it...you showed your true colors.

In addition to not being man enough to identify yourself, now you have resorted to the childish prank of name disguise.

Seems comments from both names are from the same individual

Go fish...

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 11, 2007 10:11 PM
After reading all of the comments on all of these facts I have come to the conclusion Anonymous is a very paranoid person so I would like to give him/her some advice.

Please do not look at your computer screen to long, look up and make sure the sky isn't falling!

By JJ, at September 11, 2007 10:39 PM
I really know of no way to distinguish myself from Mr. A, or why you jumped to that assumption? I assure you, I am not. I do share similar values.

By A. Mouse, at September 11, 2007 11:22 PM
A. Mouse,

Yes you do, and you had the same momma too...

Get real...

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 12, 2007 11:41 AM
I believe you're mistaken, Mr. Kahne. And until you provide evidence to the contrary, I'm afraid I'll just have to assume you don't know what you're talking about.

By A. Mouse, at September 12, 2007 7:11 PM
A. Mouse and Mr. Anonymous,

Surely you jest...

I am not required to prove anything to the contrary, since comments from "both" posters have already proven it to be true.

Initially I was impressed with the vocabulary of Anonymous, not the logic, just the vocabulary, and now I understand his reason for wanting to remain unidentified. As soon as Anonymous met resistance to his comments, he crawled back under the desk to lick his wounds. A. Mouse then suddenly appeared with no real posted substance on any topic and in support of Anonymous, which I find inconceivable since the Topic of the posting was spring water refrigeration and Anonymous immediately thought of hot springs??? Who in their right mind would support that?

The only thing more disenchanting that an idiot is an imbecile. "Each" of you have repeadly done justice to both of those titles.

If in fact you are an educator, which I now seriously doubt, I offer the following challenge: Offer your students an optional elective fun assignment, asking them to visit this website. Have them comment, respond, reply ro provide any statements they chose on any posted Topic. Input generated by them should provide substance for debate by other readers, and who knows, maybe everyone will benefit from a broader discussion of the subjects.

With that said, you have several response options:

1- no response, which only confirms your lack of identity, character and backbone

2- continue to state no relationship to each other, which is certainly to be expected

3- accept the challenge in some form and in doing so generate some level of self redemption

The choice is yours, choose wisely...

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 13, 2007 1:39 PM
Hi Kahne,

I left the fine vocabulary to Mr. Anonymous, because as far as I know, he is the only educator among us. I'm just your standard vocabulary-challenged environmental scientist, but thanks for the critique. Therefore, I cannot assist you in assigning children anything.

Additionally, I own a vagina, which is another difference I might share with "Mr." Anonymous. I'm actually surprised that you associated me with him, given the difference between vocabulary and tone. My support of him merely indicates that - I agree with his assertions that many of the facts on this site are unsupported and/or simply made-up.

I assume Mr. Anonymous has crawled off not to "lick his wounds", but rather to save himself from the unprecendented headache one gets in trying to communicate with a concrete block. A rude one, at that, who is more concerned with "public whippings" and displays of dominance than actually providing what was originally requested - supporting documentation. As a scientist, particularly one whose job it is to apply and enforce environmental regulations, I find supporting documentation pretty important. Are you ever going to answer that question? I'm sure it would only take a modicum of digging for you to prove that the Incas or the Cherokee used this method of refridgeration, if indeed this fact is true.

By A. Mouse, at September 13, 2007 2:34 PM
Additonally, I want to say that because the forums of this board are not moderated, and given the fine quality of comments such as left by Mr. Dax in the Henry VIII thread, it is unlikely that most school internet administrators would even allow it through their firewall, lest they be overrun by conservative parents wishing to protect their children from the imbeciles of the internet. Do you have any idea of the rigors of teaching? I've spent brief time assisting in the classroom and preparing lesson plans, in environmental education, and teachers are often required to prepare children for standardized tests, following state educational objectives. I'm not sure how one could fit Factropolis into a science classroom, given the randomness of the trivia here. But if Mr. A ever decides to rejoin us, perhaps he could provide more information in that regard.

I am curious, now, Kahne, since you have extricated the professions and identities of both myself and Mr. A, what exactly it is that you do for a living, other than collect knives and comment on trivia websites?

By A. Mouse, at September 13, 2007 2:59 PM
A. Mouse,

You "own a vagina", let me repeat what you said again, you "own a vagina"? Honestly, I can't think of an individual on this planet that would use that term to identify themselves as a female.

First allow me to acknowledge that your vocabulary has improved immensely, very similar in scope to Mr. Anonymous.

Second, your ramblings continue to be very transparent.

Third, I never suggested or implied that students use school time or school computers to access the website, again skimming on your part produces unnecessary comments.

Fourth, as expected you declined the challenge.

And last but not least, I have never directly asked for anyones name or requested information on their employment, therefore my employment is not relevant, but my comments are...

In closing, just for fun, perhaps you would care to elaborate to the readers information on the care and feeding of a vagina, since you claim to own one...

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 13, 2007 3:42 PM
Wow, you really are that thick, aren't you? Well, I'm glad you've pulled the wool over your own eyes. Have fun continuing to hold it there! I guess I'm not lady-like enough for you. Perhaps I should sigh, throw my hand over my forehead, complain about my menstrual cramps, and dramatically declare that the word of Kahne is supreme, or I could just indulge your outlandish requests and perverted fantasies by regaling you with tales of the female biology and psychology.

Unfortunately, I'll have to save my dramatics and tales for elsewhere, as you have shown consistently that you are not open-minded to learning anything here, nor are you willing to extend the same courtesy and respects you request of others. (As if you're posting under your real identity!) And you have still failed to answer the question or provide evidence to support your claims. I'm still waiting. Hmmm....maybe it's because you don't have any?

In fact, your only interest here seems to be to disprove the authenticity of other posters, and not their claims. It's a game that has become dull.

To get back to the topic, here's some information on Incan food storage and prep:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca_cuisine#Food_preparation

http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=1398&page=1 (This is a fabulous on-line book on Incan agriculture. I recommend it! It discusses how they freeze-dried foods in the mountains on frigid nights.)

By A. Mouse, at September 13, 2007 4:22 PM
A. Mouse, good evening.

What a welcomed response. Finally we are getting somewhere.

I did have cause to pause and reflect on your first comment,
"dramatically declare that the word of Kahne is supreme". You have such a way with words. Thank you for sharing that feeling. I am beginning to like you.

Thank goodness you didn't "indulge my outlandish request". I was hoping you would recognize the humor intended. Score yourself an "A" on that one.

Now about the proof thing that you continue to bring up. When I first responded to Mr. Anonymous I stated that I had no weblink proof of evidence to offer. That statement in itself should have been clear enough. Since you persist in asking for something that I clearly stated I didn't have, here ya go:

http://www.mospeleo.org/ozark_caving/springs/sprghist.htm

It took us awhile to finally get back to the Topic. Now that I have gained your attention, and respect, hopefully we can stay focused.

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 13, 2007 8:07 PM
Hmm, not sure that your website offers anything new that has to do with the topic, but I'll accept your apology. As it is, I've quite exhausted my own research on this topic. Adieu!

By A. Mouse, at September 14, 2007 2:28 PM
A. Mouse,

???? It addresses cold spring water refrigeration, which IS the Topic.

No apology acceptance required, since none was offered.

Adieu to you too...

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 14, 2007 3:13 PM
Ah, thank you for giving us an excellent example of a straw man argument. The topic here was not "does cold water refrigeration exist", which Mr. Anon nor myself denied, but "what method of refrigeration was used by the Incas"? You offered personal evidence to Mr. Anonymous that the Cherokees used a cold refrigeration method using the materials referenced in the fact. Mr. Anonymous asked you for resources on the Cherokee so that he could look to verify. You gave none. I simply asked for the same evidence. Your link gives one half sentence about using cold water for refrigeration - which no one here has argued against. In fact, I even told you what to search for....I'm sure it would only take a modicum of digging for you to prove that the Incas or the Cherokee used this method of refridgeration...

As it is, I've already exhausted my patience on this topic, and with you. Apparently you didn't glean that from earlier comments, and insist on regurgitating personal attacks. It's poor entertainment, my friend...

By A. Mouse, at September 18, 2007 1:26 PM
A Mouse,

If this were entertainment, I would be charging for it.

Ok, now for the last time, I have repeatedly stated that I have no proof. I also have no intention of seeking any. The initial issue here wasn't the Topic as much as it was the absurd comments of Mr. Anonymous stating that the contents of the Topic would produce a compost heap. My comments addressed the way the contents of the Topic were used. Believe it or not. End of discussion, unless I need to continue to repeat myself on this issue.

Kahne

By Kahne, at September 19, 2007 8:19 PM
The key ingredient was the feces, which had to be gathered fresh from the anuses of short-haired, brown rats at three AM. This was cooled thoroughly with ice and mixed with the other ingredients daily.

It was a rigorous process being that they had to pick the turds out each morning with bloody toothpicks.

By Xetheare, at November 17, 2008 2:32 PM
Dear Mr A. & Kahne,
You are both assholes. It's actually a fact from July 2001, so there.

Regards,
TBK

By The Boogie Knights, at April 12, 2009 2:51 AM
Okay...in an attempt to be peaceful and end this bullcrap, I will say this:

Mr. Anonymous...I appreciate the fact that you think it is completely necessary for you to disprove the facts that Factropolis places on their blog. Better yet, with your teaching experience and the personality that I have "gathered" from your "Anonymous" posts, I will say that you are more than likely correct when you disprove the "facts".

However, the only reason you're on here is trying to disprove the facts (a.k.a. To see if you can prove them wrong). You're making a complete ass of yourself by doing this. If you're so intelligent, create your own website and put "the real facts" up on your own. The main reason people come here is to see something interesting, regardless if it is false or not.

You, yourself, have called this a joke website. So...let us get on with our day!

And lastly, you seem like what we in the psychology world call a "complainer" (yeah...I have a lot of fancy education too). And I bet you can tell what that word means without my explanation.

Again, just trying to make peace and put in my opinion. Just stop ruining our good time.

Thank you,

Anonymous 2

By Anonymous 2, at February 23, 2010 7:34 AM