Monday, December 30, 2013
100-Year-Old Photos From Antarctica
"100-Year-Old Box of Negatives Discovered by Conservators in Antarctica"
Almost one hundred years after a group of explorers set out across the frozen landscape of Antarctica to set up supply depots for famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, a box of 22 never-before-seen exposed but unprocessed negatives taken by the group’s photographer has been unearthed in one of those shacks, preserved in a block of ice...
Why Do Superheroes Wear Their Underwear on the Outside?
"Why Do Superheroes Wear Their Underwear on the Outside?"
Short answer: "DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz said that it was because comic book artists modeled their superheroes after wrestlers and circus performers of the time, who wear short shorts over their leggings."
Short answer: "DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz said that it was because comic book artists modeled their superheroes after wrestlers and circus performers of the time, who wear short shorts over their leggings."
Sunday, December 29, 2013
The Danger of Government-Managed Science
Nobel Laureate Randy W. Schekman: "The Danger of Government-Managed Science"
Key quote:
Key quote:
Many of you can recount similar stories where an investment in basic science has resulted in a direct application to medicine and technology. And yet we find a growing tendency for government to want to manage discovery with expansive so-called strategic science initiatives at the expense of the individual creative exercise we celebrate today.(Via Don S.)
Thesis In One Sentence
LOLMyThesis: Where students summarize their graduate thesis in one sentence.
A few of my favorites so far:
A few of my favorites so far:
It depends.
Law, Harvard University.
I melted the Earth and all I got was this lousy solidified magma ocean and a dense layer of gunk at the bottom.
Earth & Planetary Sciences, MIT
Look at this zombie. Isn’t it racist and sexist? Yes, it is.
English Literature, DePaul University
Rats like cocaine
Psychology, Reed College
It turns out that old people prefer old age homes full of young, attractive people Hospitality Management, Penn State University.
A History Of Leakers Of Secret Gov't Documents
"From Snowden To Manning... To Ben Franklin And Sam Adams? A History Of Leakers Of Secret Gov't Documents". (Via Howard R.)
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Ants That Can Flow Like a Fluid, or Move Like a Solid
NYT: "Ants That Can Flow Like a Fluid, or Move Like a Solid"
If you aren't creeped out by a glob-of-fire-ants, there's also a video at the link.
If you aren't creeped out by a glob-of-fire-ants, there's also a video at the link.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Why It's Nearly Impossible to Castrate a Hippo
"Why It's Nearly Impossible to Castrate a Hippo". (Via Alex Knapp.)
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Tolkien Nerd on Smaug
"The Tolkien Nerd's Guide to 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'"
Update: Link was broken, now fixed!
Update: Link was broken, now fixed!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Light Posting Notice
Admin note: Posting will probably be lighter than usual the rest of this holiday week due to external obligations.
Monday, December 23, 2013
[Off Topic] Hsieh Forbes OpEd: Obamacare Spends 'Other People's Money' To Make Healthcare Expensive And Scarce
Off topic: Forbes has just published my latest OpEd: "Obamacare Spends 'Other People's Money' To Make Healthcare Expensive And Scarce".
I discuss 4 dangers of a health system based on spending 'Other People's Money' and how to avoid them. In other words, it's not just that the money will run out some day!
Those dangers include:
I discuss 4 dangers of a health system based on spending 'Other People's Money' and how to avoid them. In other words, it's not just that the money will run out some day!
Those dangers include:
1) Doctors will be increasingly expected to save money “for the system”Click through for the full text.
2) This will further fuel the nanny state
3) Health benefits will become increasingly politicized
4) Sooner or later, government spending Other People’s Money means the government taking your money
How To Build An Indestructible Gingerbread House
Civil engineers explain: "How To Build An Indestructible Gingerbread House"
Pre-Christmas Breakups
An economist explains why so many couples break up just before the Christmas holidays. (Via Ryan Sager.)
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Google Symptom Searches
"The #1 Google-searched symptom for 2013 was "pregnancy symptoms". "Influenza symptoms" was #2.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
I, For One, Welcome My Supercomputer Radiology Overlords
"Automated diagnostics: How supercomputers fit in radiology's future"
Thursday, December 19, 2013
USA Today on MRSA
USA Today has a detailed article on the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria: "Dangerous MRSA bacteria expand into communities".
We will be hearing much more about this issue in coming years.
We will be hearing much more about this issue in coming years.
British Library Adds One Million Public Domain Images to Flickr
"The British Library Adds One Million Public Domain Images to Flickr".
Here's the direct link: British Library.
Here's the direct link: British Library.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Burger Delivery Pneumatic Tubes
New Zealand restaurant to install pneumatic tube system to deliver burgers to diners at 87 mph (140 kph).
Click through to watch video. (Via VAViper.)
Click through to watch video. (Via VAViper.)
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Folding a Life-Size Origami Elephant Out of a Single Sheet of Paper
"Folding a Life-Size Origami Elephant Out of a Single Sheet of Paper"
Monday, December 16, 2013
LEGO Rivendell
"Tolkien's Rivendell comes to life with 200,000 LEGO bricks -- exclusive interview with builders Alice Finch & David Frank". Click through to see lots more images.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
A Closer Look at Google's New Robot Army
Meet your new overlords: "A Closer Look at Google's New Robot Army"
Last Meals
"The last meal offers an irresistible blend of food, death, and crime that drives a commercial and voyeuristic cottage industry."
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
The Back Story of the Russian Meteorite
"Scientists have pieced together the history of the space rock that slammed into the atmosphere over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk on Feb. 15, creating a shock wave that injured 1,200 people. It's a long, convoluted tale that picks up just after the solar system started coming together 4.56 billion years ago..." (Via Instapundit.)
Trickiest Tongue Twister
"Researchers at MIT may have come up with the trickiest tongue-twister ever"
iPad Mini Cover Also Lego Baseplate
"Here's a LEGO baseplate building surface for your iPad mini".
Fully compatible with Lego, also includes standard iPad sleep/wake magnets. And folds behind the iPad mini. Version for first iPad Mini already available, with Retina version coming soon.
Fully compatible with Lego, also includes standard iPad sleep/wake magnets. And folds behind the iPad mini. Version for first iPad Mini already available, with Retina version coming soon.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Monday, December 09, 2013
Sunday, December 08, 2013
Saturday, December 07, 2013
AI Dystopian Book Review
James Barrat isn't very keen on our future robotic overlords.
Detailed review of his book, Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era.
Detailed review of his book, Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era.
Thursday, December 05, 2013
MillionShort
"Imagine a search engine that simply removed the top 1 million most popular web sites from its index. What would you discover?" (Via Tyler Cowen.)
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Electricity Theft???
Man plugs in car at school external power outlet, arrested and jailed for electricity theft.
According to the article, he "stole" approximately 5 cents' worth of electricty.
Update: These additional details make the man look much less sympathetic. (Via P.B.)
According to the article, he "stole" approximately 5 cents' worth of electricty.
Update: These additional details make the man look much less sympathetic. (Via P.B.)
Reversible USB Plugs
"Next-gen USB plugs will be reversible, rectifying the tech industry's most heinous crime".
Some day, humanity will look back on the era of non-reversible USB plugs as a time of barbarity.
Some day, humanity will look back on the era of non-reversible USB plugs as a time of barbarity.
Air Gaps Not So Secure
"Scientist-developed malware prototype covertly jumps air gaps using inaudible sound".
NPR version of the story: "Even Disconnected Computers May Face Cyberthreats"
NPR version of the story: "Even Disconnected Computers May Face Cyberthreats"
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Was Vermeer's Secret The Camera Obscura?
"Vermeer's Secret Tool: Testing Whether The Artist Used Mirrors and Lenses to Create His Realistic Images". (Via H.R.)
Which Seat Should You Pick at the Movie Theater?
"Which Seat Should You Pick at the Movie Theater?"
From the article:
From the article:
According to Frey, the audio sweet spot is 2/3 back and in the middle. That’s where audio engineers sit to balance the sound, and where you’ll get the full effect of the chopper buzzing by or the building exploding.
Monday, December 02, 2013
Amazon Drone Questions and Skepticism
The Atlantic is fairly positive on the idea: "A Drone Delivery Expert Answers the Big Questions About Amazon's Plans"
IEEE Spectrum is more skeptical: "Amazon Promises Package Delivery By Drone: Is It for Real?"
IEEE Spectrum is more skeptical: "Amazon Promises Package Delivery By Drone: Is It for Real?"
Benford's Law And Multiple Choice Tests
"Benford's Law And The Art of Succeeding in Multiple Choice Tests"
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Courts, Tech, and Privacy
Some interesting tech-related issues are working their way to the Supreme Court, including searching laptops/electronic devices, compelled decryption, and location tracking.
Live-Tweetings Of Private Conversations Are Here To Stay
Forbes: "Why Live-Tweetings Of Private Conversations Are Here To Stay (And May Not Be A Bad Thing)"
Stuxnet Breakdown
Bruce Schneier notes: "Ralph Langer has written the definitive analysis of Stuxnet: short, popular version, and long, technical version"
Geeky Phone Cases
If you're looking for novel Christmas gifts, take a look at these geek-themed phone cases.
And if you use the coupon code "geekpress" during checkout, you will receive free shipping. (Note: I'm not receiving any kind of compensation for linking to his site.)
And if you use the coupon code "geekpress" during checkout, you will receive free shipping. (Note: I'm not receiving any kind of compensation for linking to his site.)
Saturday, November 30, 2013
International Air Travel In The 1930s
International air travel in the 1930s was "equal parts harrowing adventure and indulgent luxury". And no TSA. (Via Howard R.)
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Light Posting Notice
Admin note: Because of the holidays, posting will likely be light (or non-existent) until after the weekend. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Monday, November 25, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Breaking A Basic Rule of Chemistry?
"A study suggests atoms can bond not only with electrons in their outer shells, but also via those in their supposedly sacrosanct inner shells"
Imagining the Post-Antibiotics Future
"Imagining the Post-Antibiotics Future".
Eye-opening quote: [W]ithout antibiotics, one out of every six recipients of new hip joints would die". (Via Marginal Revolution.)
Eye-opening quote: [W]ithout antibiotics, one out of every six recipients of new hip joints would die". (Via Marginal Revolution.)
Thursday, November 21, 2013
An Astrophysicist On Nearby Asteroids
"Ask an astrophysicist anything you want about nearby asteroids!" (See comments section for the questions and answers.)
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Infinite Staircase Sculpture
"An Infinite Staircase by David McCracken".
"The welded aluminum stairsteps appear to create an infinite path into the sky, depending on the angle and/or the presence of clouds..."
"The welded aluminum stairsteps appear to create an infinite path into the sky, depending on the angle and/or the presence of clouds..."
Three-Sided Phone
"Samsung Said to Plan Galaxy Phone Using Three-Sided Display".
Related, "Folding smartphones will be my dream handsets".
Related, "Folding smartphones will be my dream handsets".
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Creepy Assassination Market
Forbes: "Meet The 'Assassination Market' Creator Who's Crowdfunding Murder With Bitcoins".
People have speculated about this for many years, but it's very creepy and disturbing now that it's apparently real.
People have speculated about this for many years, but it's very creepy and disturbing now that it's apparently real.
How a Sewing Machine Works
"How a Sewing Machine Works, Explained in a GIF". From the article:
Beneath the needle (as the GIF shows at a very slowed down speed) a hook rotates, capturing the thread from above and looping it around another thread, this one reeling from the bobbin below. The two threads interlock around the layers of fabric, binding them to one another.
Beneath the needle (as the GIF shows at a very slowed down speed) a hook rotates, capturing the thread from above and looping it around another thread, this one reeling from the bobbin below. The two threads interlock around the layers of fabric, binding them to one another.
[Off Topic] Hsieh Forbes OpEd: Legalize Real Health Insurance
Off topic: Forbes has published my latest OpEd, "The Only Obamacare Fix Is For Obama To Legalize Real Health Insurance".
Here is the opening:
Here is the opening:
The President has proposed a one-year “fix” to deal with the political fallout from his broken promise (or lie), “If you like your insurance plan, you will keep it.” Now it’s, “If you like your plan, you can keep it until after the 2014 mid-term elections. Maybe.”I discuss some relevant history of the US health insurance market and 3 concrete free-market reforms to move us in the right direction.
But the problems with ObamaCare go much deeper than cancelled insurance. As surprising as it sounds, most Americans never had real health insurance to begin with — and were not allowed to by law. And the only cure for our current health insurance mess is to legalize real health insurance...
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Top 30 Innovations of the Last 30 Years?
"What Are the Top 30 Innovations of the Last 30 Years?"
Overall, it's a pretty good list. Although (like most people), I'd probably tweak a few items such as "biofuels".
And ICYMI, my PJ Media piece: "Will Tomorrow's Medical Innovations Be There When You Need Them?"
Overall, it's a pretty good list. Although (like most people), I'd probably tweak a few items such as "biofuels".
And ICYMI, my PJ Media piece: "Will Tomorrow's Medical Innovations Be There When You Need Them?"
Rates of US Adoption of Consumer Technologies
Fascinating chart from Horace Dediu: "Rates of US Adoption of Consumer Technologies (10% to 90% penetration)". (Click on image to see full-size).
Here's a related image, showing the effects of the Great Depression/WW2:
Here's a related image, showing the effects of the Great Depression/WW2:
Ancient Seawater
Scientists find an ancient pocket of seawater in the Chesapeake Bay that's 100-150 million years old
Results from more testing showed the water was twice as salty as today’s ocean water. When they analyzed its chemistry, they found high levels of chloride and bromide, the fingerprint of seawater from another time, [USGS hydrologist Ward] Sanford said.
More tests and digging through research established that the chemistry was consistent with the “vast halite deposits created during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Basins,” the research paper said.
Friday, November 15, 2013
[Off Topic] Hsieh PJM OpEd: "Will Tomorrow’s Medical Innovations Be There When You Need Them?"
[Off topic]: PJ Media has just published my latest OpEd, "Will Tomorrow’s Medical Innovations Be There When You Need Them?"
(Note: The material in the opening vignettes was drawn from a pair of excellent talks last month at the 2013 meeting of the American Society of Emergency Radiology.)
(Note: The material in the opening vignettes was drawn from a pair of excellent talks last month at the 2013 meeting of the American Society of Emergency Radiology.)
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Did The Earth Move For You, Too?
"What Happens to Google Maps When Tectonic Plates Move?" (Via Howard R.)
Google Book-Scanning Ruled "Fair Use"
"Google wins book-scanning case: judge finds 'fair use,' cites many benefits". (Via @internetcases.)
More Scientific Serendipity
"Student Finds Way to Boost Conductivity 400 Percent Totally by Mistake".
(Via Francis Luong, who also noted, "The beauty of science is not in the accident but in the activity that follows.")
(Via Francis Luong, who also noted, "The beauty of science is not in the accident but in the activity that follows.")
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
New Roombas
"iRobot Shows Commitment to Home Robotics With New Roomba".
New features include a patented brushless cleaning system, smarter sight/navigation system, and longer battery life.
Of course, there's a promotional video with slow-mo animation and rock music:
New features include a patented brushless cleaning system, smarter sight/navigation system, and longer battery life.
Of course, there's a promotional video with slow-mo animation and rock music:
Blum: The Physical Side of the Internet
Andrew Blum: Discover the physical side of the internet. (Via Greg Diment.)
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Stuxnet Infects Russian Nuclear Plant and The Space Station
"Stuxnet has infected a Russian nuclear plant and the space station". More here.
Update: From Space.com, "No, Stuxnet Did Not Infect the International Space Station". (Via Rand Simberg.)
Update: From Space.com, "No, Stuxnet Did Not Infect the International Space Station". (Via Rand Simberg.)
Fastest Bow In The West
"Archer Lars Andersen can shoot 10 arrows in less than 5 seconds, without sacrificing power or accuracy."
Using Instagram To Intimidate Witnesses
The dark side of social media: "Police probe website targeting crime witnesses"
This is the criminal flipside of "crowdsourcing" requests for information.
This is the criminal flipside of "crowdsourcing" requests for information.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Scissors That Cut Perfectly Straight Lines
Clever idea: "Scissors That Cut Perfectly Straight Lines -- Every Time!".
Related Wired story. And the official website.
Related Wired story. And the official website.
Perfectly Synced Drones
"You Won't Believe These Perfectly Synced Drones Aren't CGI". (Via Howard R.)
From the article:
Update: According to this article, some CGI was used. And here's the "making of" video. (Thanks, Dave J, for the pointers!)Autonomous quadcopter drones aren't all about flying into dangerous areas where humans fear to tread. Besides being disposable, they also make for perfectly precise pint-sized pilots, as this Lexus ad entitled Amazing In Motion demonstrates. When you watch it, keep in mind that not a single quadcopter in the commercial was faked through CGI—they're all real drones flying in perfect precision.The ad was made possible by the folks at KMel Robotics who've developed a whole suite of tools to program and control the swarm of quadcopters...
Thursday, November 07, 2013
Bulletproof Three-Piece Suits
"Toronto tailor introduces bulletproof three-piece suits". (Via Tyler Cowen.)
Helium-Filled Hard Drives
"Fast and Spacious Helium-Filled Hard Drives Ready for Liftoff".
No word on whether they sound like Donald Duck when retrieving data. (Via Howard R.)
No word on whether they sound like Donald Duck when retrieving data. (Via Howard R.)
How To Replace The iPhone 5's Battery
"How To Replace The iPhone 5's Battery".
Includes detailed pictures and description of necessary tools.
Includes detailed pictures and description of necessary tools.
Wednesday, November 06, 2013
QOTD on Big Data
QOTD on Big Data:
Big Data is like teenage sex;
everyone talks about it,
nobody really knows how to do it,
everyone thinks everyone else is doing it,
so everyone claims they are doing it.
-- Dan Ariely
[Off topic] Hsieh PJM OpEd: "Obamacare and the Wages of Spin"
[Off topic] PJ Media has posted my snarky piece, "Obamacare and the Wages of Spin".
The basic theme: Don't piss on my back and tell me it's raining.
The basic theme: Don't piss on my back and tell me it's raining.
Tuesday, November 05, 2013
The First Botnet
"How a grad student trying to build the first botnet brought the Internet to its knees"
What fMRI Can Tell Us About the Thoughts and Minds of Dogs
"What fMRI Can Tell Us About the Thoughts and Minds of Dogs".
As with fMRI studies of people, the data can be interesting but we have to be extremely careful about how we interpret it.
As with fMRI studies of people, the data can be interesting but we have to be extremely careful about how we interpret it.
Monday, November 04, 2013
Sunday, November 03, 2013
Wrapping Your Headphones Without Losing Your Mind
Lifehacker: "The Definitive Guide to Wrapping Your Headphones Without Losing Your Mind"
I really like the "Hook-em-Horns" and the "binder clip" methods. Each of those (and other methods) are illustrated with pics and a video.
I really like the "Hook-em-Horns" and the "binder clip" methods. Each of those (and other methods) are illustrated with pics and a video.
What Non-Americans Find Weird About America
"30 Non-Americans On The American Norms They Find Weird". (Via SDW.)
Fax Tone Transcribed
E.J. Brennan tweeted, "A fax machine called my #twilio voice number, this is how @twilio transcribed it."
(Click on image to see full size.)
(Click on image to see full size.)
Saturday, November 02, 2013
Beating Descartes' Demon
"A guy with schizophrenia describes how he discriminates between hallucinations and true perceptions". (Via Evan Brown.)
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
21st Century Traffic Ticket
Wired: "In a First, Police Ticket a Driver Wearing Google Glass":
The arresting officer issued the citation to Abadie for violating California’s Vehicle Code Section 27602, which states that “A person shall not drive a motor vehicle if a television receiver, a video monitor, or a television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal that produces entertainment or business applications, is operating and is located in the motor vehicle at a point forward of the back of the driver’s seat, or is operating and the monitor, screen, or display is visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle.”
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Douglas Hofstadter vs. Modern AI
Douglas Hofstadter vs. modern AI: "The Man Who Would Teach Machines to Think"
Why a Beer Bottle Erupts When You Whack It
"The In-Depth Science of Why a Beer Bottle Erupts When You Whack It".
The article notes: "The answer, it turns out, is super complicated, and has to do with the physics of small bubbles and the power of a reflecting pressure front."
Here's the video:
The article notes: "The answer, it turns out, is super complicated, and has to do with the physics of small bubbles and the power of a reflecting pressure front."
Here's the video:
Website Runs Windows 1.01 In Your Browser
"Nostalgic for old school computing? This website runs Windows 1.01 in your browser"
Monday, October 28, 2013
Star Wars Blooper Reel
This long-lost Star Wars blooper reel has now been released to the public. (It had been shown earlier this summer at Comic Con.)
Note: There's no sound until 0:50.
Note: There's no sound until 0:50.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
What Is the Exactly Perfect Time to Drink Your Coffee?
Chronopharmacology update: "What Is the Exactly Perfect Time to Drink Your Coffee?"
Short answer: "[B]etween 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, when your cortisol levels are dropping before the next spike".
Short answer: "[B]etween 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, when your cortisol levels are dropping before the next spike".
Star Trek Continues Webseries
An interesting Kickstarter project:
Here's the video of the first episode.
(Via Howard R.)
Update: I haven't watched the episode yet. One of my friends did, and he warned that the production values were excellent but that he really disliked the ending.
Star Trek Continues is a non-profit, fan produced webseries that was launched in May 2013 with its first episode, “Pilgrim of Eternity.” The show is being produced to complete the final two years of the original 5-year mission. Our inaugural episode brings back original series guest star, Michael Forest as Apollo. The accuracy of the sets, lighting, filming and the quality acting and characterization brought great praise and support from Star Trek TOS fans all over the world.(Note: This is being done with the permission of CBS, which holds the Star Trek rights.)
Here's the video of the first episode.
(Via Howard R.)
Update: I haven't watched the episode yet. One of my friends did, and he warned that the production values were excellent but that he really disliked the ending.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
[Off Topic] Hsieh Forbes OpEd on Northwestern Peanut-Free Football Game
[Off topic]: Forbes has published my latest OpEd, "Northwestern University Did Right In Offering A Peanut-Free Football Game".
(TL;DR: NU's move was not "political correctness" run amok, nor a "war on peanuts", but rather a nice gesture to fans -- and smart marketing.)
(TL;DR: NU's move was not "political correctness" run amok, nor a "war on peanuts", but rather a nice gesture to fans -- and smart marketing.)
Flat Design And The Gadgets Of Tomorrow
"How Flat Design Is Preparing iOS For The Gadgets Of Tomorrow". (Via Jennifer A.)
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Short Story: "To Move"
"To Move": A one-paragraph short story about mind uploading by Michael Williams.
(Click through to read it on his site, so he gets the traffic!)
(Click through to read it on his site, so he gets the traffic!)
Meta-Analysis of Meta-Analyses
This meta-analysis of meta-analyses just appeared in a major radiology journal:
Informative Reporting of Systematic Reviews in Radiology
Radiology November 2013 269:2 313-314;
In this issue of Radiology, Tunis and colleagues report on a study designed to evaluate whether the completeness of reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in 11 radiology journals improved between 2007 and 2011; reporting has improved, albeit slowly, but attributing the slow change entirely to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses may be too generous.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Universal Law of Urination In Mammals
"Universal law of urination found in mammals":
You'll never look at Dumbo in the same way again. Elephants, cows, goats and dogs all take roughly 21 seconds to empty their bladders. A "law of urination" now explains the physics behind what happens when you just gotta go.(Via Instapundit.)
Patricia Yang and colleagues at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta use high-speed video to study how fluids and animals interact; they have previously investigated how dogs shake themselves dry.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Unreliable Research?
"Scientists like to think of science as self-correcting. To an alarming degree, it is not"
First Fossilized Blood-Engorged Mosquito Found
"A Fossilized Blood-Engorged Mosquito Is Found For the First Time Ever"
Six Decades of the Most Popular Names for Girls, State-by-State
"Map: Six Decades of the Most Popular Names for Girls, State-by-State".
As blogger Doug Mataconis notes, "It's like watching the advance and retreat of armies across a battlefield".
As blogger Doug Mataconis notes, "It's like watching the advance and retreat of armies across a battlefield".
Sunday, October 20, 2013
What Does A Real Astronaut Think Of 'Gravity'?
"What Does A Real Astronaut Think Of Gravity?" (Note: Contains spoilers.)
Pet Cremation Fraud?
Pet cremation fraud may be surprisingly widespread. Freaknomics just did an interesting (and disturbing) podcast, "The Troubled Cremation of Stevie the Cat":
Here's the full transcript.If there’s a death in your family and you choose to have your loved one cremated, wouldn’t you expect that the remains that are returned to you belong specifically to your beloved? Of course you would!Would you expect the same if the dearly departed happens to be the family pet? I suspect the answer is still yes. But in the fast-growing pet-cremation business, how do you know that the remains you’re getting back are indeed from your pet?That’s the question we ask in our latest podcast, “The Troubled Cremation of Stevie the Cat.”
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Death Watch?
"This 'Death Watch' Allegedly Counts Down the Last Seconds of Your Life".
What we need is the ability to "buy" extra life, like in the movie In Time!
What we need is the ability to "buy" extra life, like in the movie In Time!
Monkeys Understand Fairness
Even monkeys have an instinctive sense of "fairness" and object to unequal pay for equal work. (Via A.T.)
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Leading Economist Predicts a Bitcoin Backlash
"Economist Simon Johnson says governments will feel the urge to suppress the crypto-currency Bitcoin"/
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Why Do Stores Give Receipts?
Ask the Blogger: Why do stores give physical receipts?
Short answer: It's primary for the store (not the customer) as a way of preventing employee theft. (Via Instapundit.)
Short answer: It's primary for the store (not the customer) as a way of preventing employee theft. (Via Instapundit.)
Monday, October 14, 2013
Twirling Monitor Creates Incredible 3-D Sculptures
"What happens when you glue two monitors together and spin them? Magic."
Full Turn ECAL/Benjamin Muzzin from ECAL on Vimeo.
Full Turn ECAL/Benjamin Muzzin from ECAL on Vimeo.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
How Wine Labels Trick Us Into Buying
"Drinking With Your Eyes: How Wine Labels Trick Us Into Buying"
How Amazon Became the Everything Store
"The Secrets of Bezos: How Amazon Became the Everything Store"
Saturday, October 12, 2013
How Nokia Lost It In 2008
How a journalist tried to save Nokia.
Unfortunately, they weren't able to respond adequately to his letter or to the new market conditions. (Via Daring Fireball.)
Unfortunately, they weren't able to respond adequately to his letter or to the new market conditions. (Via Daring Fireball.)
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Chinese Government Has 2 Million Internet Monitors
BBC News: "More than two million people in China are employed by the government to monitor web activity". This comes from the Chinese government itself.
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
High-End Porta-Potties
If you're willing to spend the money, you can rent high-end portable toilets that are nicer than many in-house bathrooms.
CMU Researchers Claim NSA-Proof Messaging App
"CMU Researchers Claim To Have Created Messaging App Even NSA Can't Crack"
New Botulinum Toxin
NPR: "Why Scientists Held Back Details On A Unique Botulinum Toxin".
One interesting question is whether or not this form of "security by obscurity" will fail as it often does in other fields.
One interesting question is whether or not this form of "security by obscurity" will fail as it often does in other fields.
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
The Costa Concordia Parbuckling
"The Costa Concordia Parbuckling in Pictures [24 High Quality Photos]". (Via Jamie B.)
Extinct Tree Grown From Ancient Seed Stockpile
"Extinct tree grows anew from ancient jar of seeds unearthed by archaeologists". (Via Monica H.)
Update: Link was broken, now fixed!
Update: Link was broken, now fixed!
Monday, October 07, 2013
Light Posting Notice
Admin note: Posting may be lighter than usual this week because of external obligations.
Sunday, October 06, 2013
Thursday, October 03, 2013
Sokal Redux
"Science reporter spoofs hundreds of open access journals with fake papers". (Via William Dale.)
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Knights Vs. Snails?
What's the deal with all these armed knights fighting snails in 13th and 14th century illuminated manuscripts? (Via VAViper.)
[Off topic] Hsieh Forbes OpEd: Why the Federal Government Wants to Redefine The Word "Cancer"
October 2013 is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Hence, it's apropos that Forbes has just published my latest OpEd on this topic, "Why The Federal Government Wants To Redefine The Word 'Cancer'". Here is the opening:
I'd like to thank Dr. Milton Wolf for providing the quote at the end!
(Read the full text of "Why The Federal Government Wants To Redefine The Word 'Cancer'".)
Hence, it's apropos that Forbes has just published my latest OpEd on this topic, "Why The Federal Government Wants To Redefine The Word 'Cancer'". Here is the opening:
The federal government wants to reduce the number of Americans diagnosed each year with cancer. But not by better preventive care or healthier living. Instead, the government wants to redefine the term "cancer" so that fewer conditions qualify as a true cancer. What does this mean for ordinary Americans — and should we be concerned?...I discuss the reasons behind the proposed redefinition, why it could matter from a political (as well as medical) standpoint, and implications for both patients and doctors.
I'd like to thank Dr. Milton Wolf for providing the quote at the end!
(Read the full text of "Why The Federal Government Wants To Redefine The Word 'Cancer'".)
Monday, September 30, 2013
Bruce Schneier Discusses the NSA Documents
MIT Technology Review: Bruce Schneier Discusses the NSA Documents.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Terminator the Second
"Terminator the Second is a parody of the film Terminator 2: Judgment Day, constructed solely of lines and phrases from the plays of William Shakespeare. Only proper nouns, pronouns and verb tenses are subject to change, enabling us to remain true to the words of Shakespeare in form, if less so in intent."
Here's the official site. They've already produced it as a live play, and a movie version is scheduled for DVD release on November 1.
They have a Facebook page as well.
Here's the official site. They've already produced it as a live play, and a movie version is scheduled for DVD release on November 1.
They have a Facebook page as well.
Researchers Build A Particle Accelerator On A Chip
Alex Knapp: "Researchers Build A Particle Accelerator On A Chip". (Video at the link.)
Friday, September 27, 2013
[Off topic] Hsieh PJM OpEd: How Patients Can Protect Themselves Against Big Medicine
[Off topic]: PJ Media has published the final segment of my 4-part series on the changing face of American medicine under ObamaCare, "How Patients Can Protect Themselves Against Big Medicine".
Earlier segments include:
Part 1: "Your Future Under Obamacare: Big Medicine Getting Bigger"
Part 2: "How Big Medicine Will Affect Patient Care"
Part 3: "The Eyes of Big Medicine: Electronic Medical Records"
Earlier segments include:
Part 1: "Your Future Under Obamacare: Big Medicine Getting Bigger"
Part 2: "How Big Medicine Will Affect Patient Care"
Part 3: "The Eyes of Big Medicine: Electronic Medical Records"
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Percussive Maintenance
"Excellent supercut of technology breaking down, then being beaten until it works again." (Via VAViper.)
Light Posting Notice
Admin note: Posting may be lighter than usual for the rest of the week due to external obligations.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The Average Women Faces In Different Countries
"The Average Women Faces In Different Countries". (Via Instapundit.)
Monday, September 23, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
British Politeness Translated
"Translation table explaining the truth behind British politeness becomes internet hit". Here it is:
| WHAT THE BRITISH SAY | WHAT THE BRITISH MEAN | WHAT FOREIGNERS UNDERSTAND |
|---|---|---|
| I hear what you say | I disagree and do not want to discuss it further | He accepts my point of view |
| With the greatest respect | You are an idiot | He is listening to me |
| That's not bad | That's good | That's poor |
| That is a very brave proposal | You are insane | He thinks I have courage |
| Quite good | A bit disappointing | Quite good |
| I would suggest | Do it or be prepared to justify yourself | Think about the idea, but do what you like |
| Oh, incidentally/ by the way | The primary purpose of our discussion is | That is not very important |
| I was a bit disappointed that | I am annoyed that | It doesn't really matter |
| Very interesting | That is clearly nonsense | They are impressed |
| I'll bear it in mind | I've forgotten it already | They will probably do it |
| I'm sure it's my fault | It's your fault | Why do they think it was their fault? |
| You must come for dinner | It's not an invitation, I'm just being polite | I will get an invitation soon |
| I almost agree | I don't agree at all | He's not far from agreement |
| I only have a few minor comments | Please rewrite completely | He has found a few typos |
| Could we consider some other options | I don't like your idea | They have not yet decided |