Sunday Times Q30

[Rumrat]

Confirmation required for Q30. I'm working on a). True. But its a guess based on the fact that eyes have the aqueous humour  b). True (googled it). c). True. But only on the basis that human hair is edible. (and Kosher incidently). So reckon it could be d). Any other offers?

[Eiregirl]

I've been working on this one today without any luck.

I think I'm going with c.  How can hair have more energy than pasta if hair is by nature a protein?  Most predatory animals avoid hair (and nature dictates they would probably eat it if it had nutritional value) and I'm not even sure that keratin (the protein in hair & fingernails) is digestible.  I couldn't find any reference to any starving person eating hair.

But where is this survival advice coming from?  Haven't found anything to contradict (d)...Banff's website says animals are attracted to the odor of sex...but all other wisdom (internet or otherwise) says that bears & cougars usually retreat to human noise.  Argh!  Any other thoughts on this?

[AdrianR]

found positve for (a) SAS survival guide by John Wiseman.  Hair is the wrong answer I'm sure because who in their right mind would boil precious water (the key to survival) to eat hair!! And - Ever had one stuck in your mouth - horrible. 

New dilema: Q8.  I was certain of La Scala, but today's ST talks of La Fenice having reopemed and being the palce to go for opera.  Help!!

[Rumrat]

Must admit still thinking could be c) myself (because of the better than pasta bit) - hence initial query. Try www.albalagh.net and www.kashrut.com both refer to L-Cysteine an amino acid mainly extracted from human hair (especially in USA) and used in bakery products , baby milk formula and dietary supplements. What do you think? Thanks for confirmation about 30a). Not sure what you mean about Q8. La Scala is in Milan and La Fenice is in Venice.

[Compintone]

With 30d I think people are making the (wrong) assumption that it's human lovemaking that is referred to. Many wild animals make noises when they copulate, hence signalling easy prey for predators.

Despite the fact that there is a pitfully small amount of water in an eye and it wouldn't sustain you any time at all, I increasingly favour c) as an option.

[mgdickinson]

if 30 d refers to animal lovemaking how could it be a survival tip.it must refer to human lovemaking

[Compintone]

Good point!

WhaT iwas trying to say to make was that I supsect predators will resond to any sounds of lovemaking, human or otherwise. I don't expect too many bears or cougars get to hear humans at it but they probably hear lots of other animals.