Brief Note – Entangled States

All posts filed under: Brief Note

Short observations and reflections — published on the site and shared socially, but not sent by email.

Drunken Monkeys Confirmed

February 25, 2026

Boozy chimps fail urine test, confirm hotly debated theory – Ars Technica In short, “We find widespread physiological evidence of the consumption of alcohol by chimpanzees,” Maro said. “If there’s any doubt about the drunken monkey hypothesis—that there’s enough alcohol in the environment for animals to experience alcohol in a way analogous to humans—it’s been cleared up. Food and alcohol evolutionarily are, as it turns out, very much connected, especially in the lives of chimpanzees.” […]

Prayers for Pawtucket

February 16, 2026

by Nicholas Knisely

Brief Note

Devastated by the news of today’s shooting in Pawtucket, I am holding all the victims and their families in my thoughts and prayers. I am also praying for the first responders as they grapple with the senselessness of this tragedy.

Large and small – Gothic style churches dot RI landscapes

January 25, 2026

by Nicholas Knisely

Brief Note

Rhode Island is home to stunning Gothic churches characterized by pointed arches, stained glass, and intricate craftsmanship. These churches not only showcase the varied Gothic tradition but also serve as local landmarks. Notably, four of the seven highlighted are Episcopal congregations, with one unique church housed in a barn.

Immigration gave America a huge advantage

January 22, 2026

by Nicholas Knisely

Brief Note

This quote from John Steele Gordon came up in my daily review of passages that I’ve highlighted in my reading over the years: Worth keeping in mind right now.

Morality appears to be hard-coded in our brains.

January 21, 2026

by Nicholas Knisely

Brief Note

Some moral acts matter more than others, study shows: Researchers found a surprising finding […]. Even when participants were mentally overloaded—trying to remember long number sequences while judging others—their reactions to fairness and property violations stayed strong. “This suggests these judgments are automatic and intuitive, not the result of slow, careful thinking,” noted Ybarra, professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. From a study done that shows that morality matters in forming opinions of others, […]

On the nature of evil

January 18, 2026

by Nicholas Knisely

Brief Note

To my mind, more than anything else, the Gospels and the Parables in particular, are about teaching us as disciples to have empathy for others. Turns out that is also how we defeat evil.

Sneaky snow storm today

January 18, 2026

by Nicholas Knisely

Brief Note

Sneaky snow storm today: This early snow today is already a surprise – at least according to the regular forecast models. But the AI based models have been sniffing out a bigger event all week though. We’re in the “now-cast” at this point. This one could surprise us here in Southern New England. Bummer if we get a snow-day on a holiday though.