We Do Not Regret The Error

If you never write a falsehood you're not writing enough truth.

Mama Said Knock You Out - It turns out that in 1823, there were two different British ships named Woodford, each owned by different people named Chapman, each of which rescued another ship within a few months of each other. I was conflating the two. This is an inherently fun mishap, and realizing it made it easier to find one vital fact that I’d been stymied on before. I am happy to report that the crew of the Woodford, including LL Cool J’s possible great-great-great grandfather, did indeed get paid their salvage reward—not for the Susannah & Mary, which was rescued by the other Woodford, but for the England.

Triangle Sitting - In the original version of this article, I referred to the quadrille as a “contra dance.” My friend Kit, who carefully rations his “um, actually” quota, let me know that the quadrille is not considered a “contra dance,” but rather a “contredanse.” I am delighted by the error.

We Should Have More Medical Reversals - I am positively overjoyed to report that this article is now out of date. According to a press release from uniQure today, the FDA does now intend to approve their Huntington’s treatment, reversing their previous reversal. Here’s hoping that this is the version of the FDA that sticks.

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