In late October, Deutsche Welle reported on interesting new methods of dating the past. Archaeologists use historical documents, pottery, and other cultural items to establish timelines for ancient civilizations. Still, these methods are prone to error. For example, when pottery is used to establish a date, the deeper the pottery is buried, the older it is believed to be. But this assumption is simplistic and often yields an imprecise measure.

Missiles have begun to fly in a troubled region on the coast of Asia. According to a Reuters report, “North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles into the sea on Thursday” (November 3), the latest in a record year of missile testing by the nuclear-armed North. One of the missiles launched was thought to have been a nuclear-capable ICBM. This event happened one day after the North fired a record-setting 25 missiles toward the South.

People often make promises that they fail to keep—and if you are like most people, you are tired of empty promises. There are few among us who haven’t experienced these from one person or another.

During political campaigns, we are bombarded with attack ads from candidates, often highlighting promises on which their opponents failed to deliver. Other leaders and individuals also make empty promises. You may be promised a promotion, a raise in pay and benefits, better hours, your own parking spot, and more. How often do those promises go unkept?

Throughout history, the thoughts in a person’s head have been private unless revealed by the individual. However, with new scientific discoveries, the thoughts in one’s head may no longer be private! Research from the University of Texas at Austin describes how a computer algorithm uses artificial intelligence and fMRI brain scans to decode a person’s thoughts (The Scientist, October 20, 2022).