One reason why Arizona doesn't observe
daylight saving time?
daylight saving time?
1 hour ago
Saturday, October 31, 2009
What's more important to you - Rumors or Science?
Some people are refusing to get a Flu shot because of rumors they've heard. The seem to be saying "Don't bother me with facts".
Wondering about that 'other' driver?
There may be a good reason to wonder. Forbes is reporting the discovery of a 'bad driver' gene.
10.29.09, 12:00 PM EDT
1 in 3 people have DNA that may make things tougher behind the wheel, researchers say
THURSDAY, Oct. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Are you a bad driver? Maybe you can blame it on your genes.
In a small study, researchers found that people with a gene variation performed 20 percent worse on simulated driving tests and did as poorly a few days later. Almost one in three Americans have the variation, the team said.
Forbes reports -- 17,000 Child Deaths Linked to Lack of Insurance
17,000 Child Deaths Linked to Lack of Insurance
10.29.09, 02:00 PM EDTKids without coverage are more apt to die while hospitalized, study finds
THURSDAY, Oct. 29 (HealthDay News) -- An estimated 17,000 children in the United States might have died unnecessarily over nearly two decades because they didn't have health insurance, according to a report from researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Don't Blog, or Tweet, or I guess, use the internet
The CIA is buying a piece of the action -- They're investing in Visible Technologies, a software firm that specializes in monitoring social media.
So, if you do it, say it, or post it on the 'net, you'd best figure that the spooks may be right over your shoulder.
So, if you do it, say it, or post it on the 'net, you'd best figure that the spooks may be right over your shoulder.
There are excellent reasons for Copyright laws. They encourage creative people to er... um... create.
There is also misuse of Copyright laws.
EFF, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, of which I am a member, takes to task some of the naughty people who misuse Copyright laws.
EFF says, "Bogus copyright and trademark complaints have threatened all kinds of creative expression on the Internet. EFF's Hall Of Shame collects the worst of the worst."
There is also misuse of Copyright laws.
EFF, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, of which I am a member, takes to task some of the naughty people who misuse Copyright laws.
EFF says, "Bogus copyright and trademark complaints have threatened all kinds of creative expression on the Internet. EFF's Hall Of Shame collects the worst of the worst."
Riding a commuter train in Maryland? Assume the position
prepare to have your bags searched
Security Theater comes to a commuter train near you.
Will the madness never end?
Sequoia Voting Systems to reveal its source code
Sequoia Voting Systems has announced that, after fighting tooth & toenail for years to keep its source secret, that they are going to let the public see the code.
They are not making the source code Open Source. They aren't going to let anyone else "touch" their precious code. They will only allow the public to look behind the curtain.
This just 5 days after the Open Source Digital Voting Foundation (OSDV) announced the release of its code, which is uh... open source.
They are not making the source code Open Source. They aren't going to let anyone else "touch" their precious code. They will only allow the public to look behind the curtain.
This just 5 days after the Open Source Digital Voting Foundation (OSDV) announced the release of its code, which is uh... open source.
George Orwell lives: Black is White
Justice Scalia, in Tucson the other day, argued that Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U.S. 537 (1896), was correct, and that, "You can change as fast as you like through the legislature. Pass a law.”
He disdains Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
He disdains Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
Apparently -- in the Justice's view -- between 1896 & 1954, the state Legislatures did away with the so-called 'Separate but Equal' doctrine that perpetuated discrimination.
Or, perhaps Mr. Scalia believes that justice delayed is not justice denied".
It appears that, in Mr. Scalia's view, fifty-eight years is just a short wait while the various state legislatures get around to it.
I respectfully disagree.
A President Honors a Troop
The president travels to Dover Air Force Base for the return of the caskets of 18 Americans slain in the line of duty and meets with grieving families.
Another tool for keeping yourself healthy
Google Flu Trends now looks at 20 countries in 38 languages.
While typical flu surveillance systems may take days or weeks to collect and release data, Google search queries can be counted immediately. Google Flu Trends provides another tool to help public health officials and the general public make better informed decisions about the flu season.
If you like the creative arts, go to an airport
“Do I have the right to refuse this search?”
Today’s guest author is Deirdre Walker. She retired recently as the Assistant Chief of the Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Police. She spent 24 years as a police officer.“Do I have the right to refuse this search?”
This is a question I heard many times during my law enforcement career. Often my answer was no. But occasionally it would be “yes,” followed by an admonition to have a good day.
For the last half of my career, I would have documented each interaction, whether or not it involved an arrest. I would have written down the nature and length of the interaction, the gender, race, and age of the person, and the outcome of the contact (arrest, citation, etc.).
I carry the baggage of this history with me as I’ve traveled over the last eight years, mindlessly placing my luggage on the conveyer belt and removing my shoes for TSA inspection.
Recently, something changed.
You say you want faster internet service?
A Case Study
When Competition Threatens, Try Throwing a Tantrum
Posted 10/28/09 at 03:32:23 PM by Bart Salisbury
There’s a definite object lesson here, but I’m not sure what it is. It could be that competition is a good thing. It also could be that monopolies don’t take kindly to threats to their turf. What is obvious, however, is if you need your local cable provider to do something you got to be prepared to poke them in the eye (preferably with a sharp stick).
The suburban hamlet of Monticello, Minnesota, just outside of Minneapolis, had a hankering for fiber optic cable for all its residents. The town approached it’s regional telco, TDS Telecommunications, with the request and was rebuffed. TDS didn’t see the need to make such an investment in Monticello now or any time in the foreseeable future. In response, the citizens of Monticello passed a referendum to build their own fiber optic system, which would compete with TDS’s cable service to the town.
(click the link, because this is just starting to get juicy)
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Benefits of Sexual Reproduction Lie in Defense Against Parasites
Indiana University graduate student describes research studying populations of New Zealand freshwater snails that reproduce either sexually or asexually to determine if sexual reproduction offers advantages in parasite-rich environments
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Darpa Looks to Send the Internet Into Orbit
This could be huge for satellite internet service right here on Earth too. I'm thinking specifically of rural areas where it is currently uneconomic to build out broadband internet service.
Want to use your computer? First a word from our sponsor.
Apple Applies for Patent on OS With Embedded Advertising
Jeff Porten reported today in Macworld.com that Apple, apparently, wants you to watch commercials in order to use your computer!Clever fools: Why a high IQ doesn't mean you're smart
Having a high I.Q. is kinda like having a bright searchlight.
Where you point the searchlight is more important than the simple fact that it's bright.
Where you point the searchlight is more important than the simple fact that it's bright.
I'm trying to understand Sheriff Arpaio
Sheriff accuses feds of sneaking into press conference
I'm really trying to understand this. Sheriff Arpaio calls a press conference. Calling a press conference is inviting the press to come to a conference. The press has a job. Their job is to report to the public. In this regard, the press represents 'the public'.
Please. Please. Somebody explain to me how the Sheriff figgers he's having a private press conference???
I'm really trying to understand this. Sheriff Arpaio calls a press conference. Calling a press conference is inviting the press to come to a conference. The press has a job. Their job is to report to the public. In this regard, the press represents 'the public'.
Please. Please. Somebody explain to me how the Sheriff figgers he's having a private press conference???
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Identifying Molecules in Infrared Could Lead to New Medicines
Identifying Molecules in Infrared Could Lead to New Medicines
Illustration showing chemical bonds between atoms.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers has created a new, ultra-sensitive technique to analyze life-sustaining protein molecules. The technique may profoundly change the methodology of biomolecular studies and chart a new path to effective diagnostics and early treatment of complex diseases.
Researchers from Boston University and Tufts University near Boston recently demonstrated an infrared spectroscopy technique that can directly identify the "vibrational fingerprints" of ...
Illustration showing chemical bonds between atoms.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers has created a new, ultra-sensitive technique to analyze life-sustaining protein molecules. The technique may profoundly change the methodology of biomolecular studies and chart a new path to effective diagnostics and early treatment of complex diseases.
Researchers from Boston University and Tufts University near Boston recently demonstrated an infrared spectroscopy technique that can directly identify the "vibrational fingerprints" of ...
Documentary on the science of music collects top prize at science film festival in Paris
"The Music Instinct" Wins International Recognition
Documentary on the science of music collects top prize at science film festival in Paris
October 26, 2009
View a video about the "The Music Instinct."
The Music Instinct: Science and Song, is a television documentary that brings together researchers and musicians to investigate the biological, emotional and psychological impact of music. Elena Mannes and Margaret Smilow, director and producer (respectively), of the two-hour documentary--developed with major funding from the National Science Foundation--were awarded the Grand Prix at Pariscience 2009, an international science film festival.
A group of researchers led by neuroscientist Daniel Levitin joined musicians Bobby McFerrin, Yo-Yo Ma, Evelyn Glennie, Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley to explore the connections between music and the human mind, the body and the universe.
Documentary on the science of music collects top prize at science film festival in Paris
October 26, 2009
View a video about the "The Music Instinct."
The Music Instinct: Science and Song, is a television documentary that brings together researchers and musicians to investigate the biological, emotional and psychological impact of music. Elena Mannes and Margaret Smilow, director and producer (respectively), of the two-hour documentary--developed with major funding from the National Science Foundation--were awarded the Grand Prix at Pariscience 2009, an international science film festival.
A group of researchers led by neuroscientist Daniel Levitin joined musicians Bobby McFerrin, Yo-Yo Ma, Evelyn Glennie, Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley to explore the connections between music and the human mind, the body and the universe.
Xerox hopes to print computing smarts on fabric, plastic
Electronic Clothes? My shirt can be my computer. I can hardly wait!
Xerox hopes to print computing smarts on fabric, plastic
October 26, 2009 3:18 PM PDT
by Stephen Shankland
And you thought computer chips were pervasive now.
In conjunction with a conference in Europe this week, Xerox has announced a new ink technology for printing electronic circuitry on everything from clothes to roll-up computer displays.
Xerox's process uses ink containing silver metal that can be used to wire up processing circuitry. It works on surfaces such as plastic that earlier have shown an inconvenient tendency to melt under the high temperature of liquid silver; Xerox's process works with an ink compound with a much lower temperature, the company said.
Xerox's process can print fine details of electronic circuitry on flexible plastic.
(Credit: Xerox)
"We've found the silver bullet that could make things like electronic clothing and inexpensive games a reality today....
Xerox hopes to print computing smarts on fabric, plastic
October 26, 2009 3:18 PM PDT
by Stephen Shankland
And you thought computer chips were pervasive now.
In conjunction with a conference in Europe this week, Xerox has announced a new ink technology for printing electronic circuitry on everything from clothes to roll-up computer displays.
Xerox's process uses ink containing silver metal that can be used to wire up processing circuitry. It works on surfaces such as plastic that earlier have shown an inconvenient tendency to melt under the high temperature of liquid silver; Xerox's process works with an ink compound with a much lower temperature, the company said.
Xerox's process can print fine details of electronic circuitry on flexible plastic.
(Credit: Xerox)
"We've found the silver bullet that could make things like electronic clothing and inexpensive games a reality today....
Were the Northwest pilots arguing Mac vs PC?
Now, the truth comes out: The Mac vs PC controversity at 30,000 Ft.
Were the Northwest pilots arguing Mac vs PC?
October 27, 2009 10:17 AM PDT
by Chris Matyszczyk
Perhaps, like me, you always turn to your left when you board a plane.
Not because first class is that way, but merely to take a quick look at the pilots to see what they're doing and whether there's the faintest whiff of spliff or Johnny Walker wafting from their cabin.
So I am fascinated beyond excitement at what two Northwest Airlines pilots might have been doing on their laptops Wednesday night.
You see, these experienced men, Richard Cole and Timothy Cheney, were piloting a red eye from San Diego to Minneapolis when they seem to have forgotten to take in the final Minneapolis part of the journey.
They were somewhere over Wisconsin when, according to The New York Times, a flight attendant happened to call them, with a vaguely relevant question about the time of arrival. The time of arrival at Minneapolis, a city they had already overflown some time before.
Were the Northwest pilots arguing Mac vs PC?
October 27, 2009 10:17 AM PDT
by Chris Matyszczyk
Perhaps, like me, you always turn to your left when you board a plane.
Not because first class is that way, but merely to take a quick look at the pilots to see what they're doing and whether there's the faintest whiff of spliff or Johnny Walker wafting from their cabin.
So I am fascinated beyond excitement at what two Northwest Airlines pilots might have been doing on their laptops Wednesday night.
You see, these experienced men, Richard Cole and Timothy Cheney, were piloting a red eye from San Diego to Minneapolis when they seem to have forgotten to take in the final Minneapolis part of the journey.
They were somewhere over Wisconsin when, according to The New York Times, a flight attendant happened to call them, with a vaguely relevant question about the time of arrival. The time of arrival at Minneapolis, a city they had already overflown some time before.
Monday, October 26, 2009
If we have a serious pandemic, will the internet meltdown?
The Government Accountability Office gave itself what you might think is an esoteric question:
If a global pandemic like the H1N1 flu forces a whole pile of to stay home and telecommute
using our home Internet services, could the Internet handle the extra traffic and, more
importantly, could financial markets continue to function given their dependency on the
availability of plenty of bandwidth? The answer: No and yes.The GAO report is available at this link as PDF in both Highlights & Full Report (77 pages).
Influenza Pandemic: Key Securities Market Participants Are Making Progress, but Agencies Could Do More to Address Potential Internet Congestion and Encourage Readiness
GAO-10-8 October 26, 2009
How cool is this! A terrific detective story -- and it's real!
Imagine your laptop gets stolen. Wouldn't it be great to remotely spy on the machine and get it back?
October 23, 2009 5:32 PM PDT
Spying on a stolen laptop
This is HUGE for stroke & Parkinson's patients -- and others!
We got our first close look at the AlterG antigravity treadmill at a health expo in San Francisco earlier this year, and at the time, the price was floating up there somewhere near the space station.
But we've good news for those who like the idea of running like an astronaut: Fremont, Calif.-based AlterG on Monday plans to announce a more affordable model, the AlterG M300. The two treadmills in the M300 series deliver the same antigravity technology as AlterG's pricey $75,000 P200 series, but at a third of the cost--$24,500 to $27,000.
October 26, 2009 6:00 AM PDT
Lower price brings antigravity treadmill down to earth
AlterG's new M300 series is smaller than the original and lower in price.
(Credit: AlterG)But we've good news for those who like the idea of running like an astronaut: Fremont, Calif.-based AlterG on Monday plans to announce a more affordable model, the AlterG M300. The two treadmills in the M300 series deliver the same antigravity technology as AlterG's pricey $75,000 P200 series, but at a third of the cost--$24,500 to $27,000.
October 26, 2009 8:06 AM PDT
White House Web site makes open-source move
The WhiteHouse.gov Web site now employs open-source software called Drupal to manage and publish its content, a high-profile endorsement for the project and the 2-year-old start-up Acquia that supports it.Drupal is open-source software, meaning that anyone may see, modify, and redistribute the source code underlying the software that's actually installed on a computer. Specifically, Drupal is governed by the GNU General Public License. Acquia sells support for Drupal, and there are plenty of add-on modules to tailor it to particular uses.
I must be a mutant
"Genetic mutation may be why some people need less sleep than others
August 14, 2009
Mark Henderson, Science Editor
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6795361.ece
"Margaret Thatcher famously got by on four hours a night as Prime Minister, while George W. Bush wanted at least eight. The differing need for sleep extends even to those with countries to run.
"Scientists may now be able to explain why: new research suggests that some of us are genetically programmed to spend longer in the Land of Nod than others.
"Researchers have for the first time identified a genetic mutation linked to the amount of sleep people need.
"Those who carry the mutation sleep on average two hours less a night — but still function perfectly well."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6795361.ece
August 14, 2009
Mark Henderson, Science Editor
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6795361.ece
"Margaret Thatcher famously got by on four hours a night as Prime Minister, while George W. Bush wanted at least eight. The differing need for sleep extends even to those with countries to run.
"Scientists may now be able to explain why: new research suggests that some of us are genetically programmed to spend longer in the Land of Nod than others.
"Researchers have for the first time identified a genetic mutation linked to the amount of sleep people need.
"Those who carry the mutation sleep on average two hours less a night — but still function perfectly well."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6795361.ece
Grocery Store Musical - Improv Everywhere Strikes Again
I'm a BIG fan of Improv Everywhere!
"From pantless subway rides to invisible dogs, Improv Everywhere has orchestrated its fair share of stunts -- always bringing joy to the participating "agents" as well as the unaware public becoming an audience to the spontaneous scene. Founder Charlie Todd decided to create a musical flash mob in a random Queens, NY grocery market, asking composer and lyricist team Anthony King and Scott Brown (of 'Gutenberg! The Musical!') to create the perfect grocery store number."
http://www.urlesque.com/2009/10/21/grocery-store-musical/
"From pantless subway rides to invisible dogs, Improv Everywhere has orchestrated its fair share of stunts -- always bringing joy to the participating "agents" as well as the unaware public becoming an audience to the spontaneous scene. Founder Charlie Todd decided to create a musical flash mob in a random Queens, NY grocery market, asking composer and lyricist team Anthony King and Scott Brown (of 'Gutenberg! The Musical!') to create the perfect grocery store number."
http://www.urlesque.com/2009/10/21/grocery-store-musical/
I guess if you are in favor of rape, you oppose Sen. Franken's Amendment
"After Minnesota Sen. Al Franken's amendment to the 2010 defense appropriations bill passed by a 68-30 vote, rape victim Jamie Leigh Jones thanked Franken and said, "It means the world to me." That's because the amendment calls for withholding defense contracts from companies like KBR (a former Halliburton subsidiary) if they restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court."
http://www.truthout.org/1023099
http://www.truthout.org/1023099
My family & friends will be thrilled!
I'm finally going to be blogging instead of sending them so much email.
It's about time!
It's about time!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
