History Challenge & Journal

[dtaai-maai]

I'm not sure about "just from ships at sea" (I'd be more inclined to think sabotage and aerial attacks), but I think the number might well be extremely low, perhaps just a handful from very few incidents, mainly on the basis that many years ago I did a lot of research on both wars for a Remembrance Day show, and I don't remember coming across anything relating to deaths actually in the US.

I do remember reading about a German spy ring (who were caught), but I think they were spies, not saboteurs. I'd be more inclined to suspect the Japanese.

[sateeb]

[pharvey]

Really didn't phrase the question clearly or correctly - apologies.

I'll just give the answer......

"In 1945, a balloon bomb launched by Japan landed in Oregon. It was happened upon by a woman and five children, who died when it exploded. These were the only World War 2 casualties on US soil after America entered the war."

Will try and do better in future!!

[pharvey]

OK, what is/was "Sokushinbutsu" - [HINT] something that was practiced in northern Japan.

[dtaai-maai]

Really didn't phrase the question clearly or correctly - apologies.

I'll just give the answer......

"In 1945, a balloon bomb launched by Japan landed in Oregon. It was happened upon by a woman and five children, who died when it exploded. These were the only World War 2 casualties on US soil after America entered the war."

Will try and do better in future!!

Oh come on!! My answer must be worth some points! Or a pat on the back. Or a 'good effort'...

[dtaai-maai]

OK, what is/was "Sokushinbutsu" - [HINT] something that was practiced in northern Japan.

Something to do with cherry blossoms and Buddhism... that's it! Piece of cake! Reincarnation as a cherry blossom tree.

[pharvey]

Oh come on!! My answer must be worth some points! Or a pat on the back. Or a 'good effort'...

Sincere apologies DM, and in the words ('ish) of Michael Palin: -

"Let us praise dtaai-maai. Oh DM, oooh you are so big. So absolutely huge. Gosh, we’re all really impressed here I can tell you. Forgive us, O DM, for this dreadful toadying and barefaced flattery. But you are so strong and, well, just so super. Fantastic. Amen."

[pharvey]

OK, what is/was "Sokushinbutsu" - [HINT] something that was practiced in northern Japan.

Something to do with cherry blossoms and Buddhism... that's it! Piece of cake! Reincarnation as a cherry blossom tree.

Not so "super fantastic" then.....

[dtaai-maai]

I think I feel a sulk coming on...

[lindosfan1]

Sokushinbutsu translates as instant Buddha. Therefore after they have died are they immediately beatified in a similar way christians make saints.

[pharvey]

Sokushinbutsu translates as instant Buddha. Therefore after they have died are they immediately beatified in a similar way christians make saints.

Close... Perhaps to be more precise, practising the act of Sokushinbutsu

[dtaai-maai]

Some kind of casting or moulding process?

[pharvey]

Some kind of casting or moulding process?

Sorry, no cigar....

[pharvey]

OK - lindosfan would be the closest - somewhat morbid (and unusual). but: -

"Between the 11th and 19th centuries, Buddhist monks in northern Japan practiced a kind of meditation called Sokushinbutsu, in which they would mummify themselves alive by slowly weaning themselves off food and water before eventually starving to death."

And my apologies for not being the best "quizmaster"!!

[pharvey]

And just or some further "useless information": -

"During the 1800s in the United States, it was considered a cruel and unusual punishment to feed lobster to prisoners and convicts."