More or Less: Behind the Stats How do you make something 10-times more lethal?
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Jun 11, 2025 Discover the intriguing concept of creating a military that’s ten times more lethal and what that really means for global power dynamics. Explore the bizarre valuation of a tree worth over £622,000, delving into the complexities of environmental assessments. Wonder if there are really more yoga instructors than fishermen, and uncover the surprising implications of an aging population on public services. Finally, hear about the whimsical claim of egg prices dropping by 400%, all while navigating the colorful realm of employment stats.
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Understanding "10x More Lethal" Army
- "Ten times more lethal" means a British brigade could defeat an opposition unit ten times its size compared to roughly equal size now.
- Lethality depends on technological advantages like drones and precise targeting, but a tenfold increase seems exaggerated and risky.
Misunderstanding Percentage Price Drops
- Saying prices fell by 400% is nonsensical; it would imply getting paid to buy eggs.
- The actual fall in egg prices after avian flu is about 40%.
Valuing the Sycamore Gap Tree
- The Sycamore Gap tree valued at £622,191 was assessed with the CAVAT system estimating replacement cost from nursery prices.
- CAVAT is designed for typical urban trees, not iconic or unique ones, so valuations may not capture true uniqueness value.