September 2011
6 posts
6 tags
8 tags
Neutrinos Surpass The Speed of Light
“[T]he finding could open up a new understanding of the universe. The neutrinos may have taken a shortcut along a fifth dimension (beyond the three dimensions of space and one of time), as proposed by exotic theories. Another option: There is no ultimate speed limit. Or perhaps there is, but light can’t reach it.”
“[Or,] The faster-than-light neutrino might simply be pointing...
7 tags
Leap Seconds
“It turns out that being on a revolving imperfect sphere floating in space, being reshaped by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and being dragged around by gravitational forces makes your rotation somewhat irregular. Who knew?”
Thus, we created leap seconds— necessary to keep computers and Google data centers running smoothly as well.
6 tags
"Only those who risk going too far can possibly...
-T.S. Eliot
5 tags
What teachers really want to tell parents
By Ron Clark, Special to CNNupdated 9:12 AM EST, Tue September 6, 2011
Editor’s note: Ron Clark, author of “The End of Molasses Classes: Getting Our Kids Unstuck — 101 Extraordinary Solutions for Parents and Teachers,” has been named “American Teacher of the Year” by Disney and was Oprah Winfrey’s pick as her “Phenomenal Man.” He founded The...
5 tags
Novely, the New Cocaine?
Us novelty-seekers may be more risqué than we think. Studies by the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) found that the stimulation of a new experience or mini-adventure stimulates the brain’s reward system the same way that drugs of abuse do; read: amphetamines & the mesolimbic dopamine pathways.
“Finding that novelty may stimulate the same anatomically distinct brain reward component...
August 2011
16 posts
5 tags
“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past...”
– Marcel Pagnol
3 tags
14 tags
Top Ten Fittest Cities in the U.S.
Coincidentally, I’ve visited 7 out of these 10 places in the past year. These places share a commitment to public parks and bike lanes, and active citizens with low rates of obesity, smoking, and chronic illnesses, like heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. The annual American Fitness Index (AFI) was also an indicating factor. Full story here.
Washington DC
Boston
Minneapolis / St. Paul
...
4 tags
Underground River Discovered Beneath the Amazon
‘Rio Hamza’ has been discovered, 4km under the Amazon. Hundreds of km wider than the Amazon, the subterranean Hamza was detected via a mathematical model measuring the changes in temperature of underground wells. Full story here.
6 tags
10 Businesses That Love Hurricanes
Despite their blustery, evacu-nature, hurricanes still hold a fond spots in some business’ hearts, maybe it’s because they’re all female? Anyhow Irene, there’s hope for you yet.
Outdoor products manufacturer
Roofing, building, and construction materials suppliers
Tree limb removal
Water damage restoration
Hotels (perhaps, unless tourism is hit hard)
Grocery stores...
5 tags
Books, Now With Soundtracks
“Much of the music — about nine hours’ worth for the typical [eBook] novel — is instrumental or ambient noise. But during livelier passages, a reader may hear the patter of footsteps, a booming gong, a crackling fire or the tick of a grandfather clock.” ~NYTimes
6 tags
Quake Damages Underwhelm. →
5 tags
Earthquake near you? →
5.9 quake shakes DC, NYC, and ripples across to Michigan.
5 tags
Pinterest: Find inspiration on digital bulletin... →
5 tags
Polar Bear Swims to Iceland
The first polar bear to swim to Iceland in 15 years. Full story here.
4 tags
4 tags
6 tags
Marine Feminism
The Sea Dragon is a peaceful creature, relying on its spectacular camouflage to evade predators. Like its seahorse cousin, the males of this species carry the female’s young in their tails until they hatch. You can admire their pas de deux courtship amongst the seaweed here.
11 tags
5 tags
How to Ward off Monsters
The Groupon Guide to: Warding Off Monsters
Folk wisdom dictates that every monster has a weakness. Cataloging and stockpiling these tricks and trinkets will protect you and your family throughout the upcoming monster season. Here’s how to thwart the most commonly encountered monsters:
Vampire: Allergic to garlic, sensitive to sunlight, indifferent to silver, and terrified of...
5 tags
Visualize U.S. Debt
http://usdebt.kleptocracy.us/
July 2011
11 posts
7 tags
Technology is the New Smoking
We’ve all been there; You’re at an outing or a dinner table with friends but itching to check your email or Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or Google+ or Yammer or what ever digital hit of serotonin you prefer. Have you ever “gone to the bathroom” in order to check email or come up with a socially appropriate excuse to pull out your smartphone just so you can check your @ replies on Twitter?
...
5 tags
9 tags
Go Organic: You are what you wear on your feet.
.
You do not need to torture animals to torture your feet with the season’s latest fashions. To open your eyes to the cruelty that goes into each pair, see Olsen Haus’ truth page. Olsen Haus’ shoes are entirely vegan. The Spring ‘11 collection shown above features a colorful take on gladiators, nautical, and mixed neutrals. I think Lady Gaga would approve.
Humanitarian...
5 tags
Social Decision Making
5 tags
July’s late hours bring meteor showers
Late July and early August are prime times for pulling an all-nighter on a blanket in your backyard. Between midnight and dawn is the best window for viewing. The Delta Aquarids should shoot steadily from late July through early August, with predicted rates of 15-20 meteors per hour.
Unfortunately, the full moon on August 13 will obscure the apex of the Perseids, often considered the best show...
4 tags
Forecast Your Weekend Activities
Select your activity (BBQing, Water Skiing, Woodgathering…) then your location, and ‘Run the Weather Machine!’ to see if Zeus condones your disposition. http://chanceofweather.com/
5 tags
Cartwheel
o \o/ _ o _| \ / |_ o_ \o/ o
/|\ | /\ _\o \o | o/ o/_ /\ | /|\
/ \ / \ | \ /) | ( \ /o\ / ) | (\ / | / \ / \
By the time you are 9, you should be able to skip, swim, and cartwheel.
"Cartwheels have a long tradition in the city of Düsseldorf, Germany. According to the legend,
upon hearing that their city had won...
4 tags
Coconut Water
Coconut water, the drink of many talents — hydrating, removes toxins, and aids in digestion. It also has the same level of electrolytic balance as our blood. Translation: It’s a great cure for hangovers. Plus, it possesses natural anti-viral, anti-fungal, & anti-microbial properties that’ll help our immune systems. Other fun facts: a Coconut is the largest seed, the trees...
6 tags
Online Dating - Friend or Faux
OK Cupid analyzes the most common lies people tell in online dating here.
As more of my friends pair off, the remaining turn to online dating. Hey, free food, and the mystery has to be enticing. If you’re not into being matched by an algorithm, try planning your perfect date at www.HowAboutWe.com. The freshest take on online dating I’ve seen so far this year.
4 tags
Google Reverses Its Social-Network Curse →
June 2011
18 posts
5 tags
4 tags
"Paris is always a good idea." ~Audrey Hepburn
“Making money isn’t what makes for living,” says Jonathon, a server at a Parisian cafe, when asked about the french ethic. “How much can you enjoy bits of paper?”
That just about sums up the allure of Paris: the belief here that happiness consists of something intangible and fleeting. That success can’t be measured. That your experiences matter above all else....
4 tags
Summer Camp, for Adults
Miss the days of roasting s’mores, swimming in lakes, & making new friends? Summer camp is a formative annual experience for many kids. My first week away was in 3rd grade. Life sped up to warp speed - girls were on their second boyfriend by Tuesday. But apparently summer camp, unlike Trix, is not just for kids. Check out Club Getaway in Kent, CT where you can sign up to do yoga, the...
3 tags
8 tags
Tis the season of betrothals
This graph shows the annual surge that occurs every summer for “wedding gift” queries on Google search, from Insights for Search. This year is no exception, our fridge is adorned with invitations.
When you enter the ‘adult world’, you start paying for health insurance, 401k, Roth IRA, gas, car, car insurance, food, gym, cell phone, rent, utilities, everything. An...
4 tags
Lasagna Cupcakes
In the UK you may call this a lasagna fairy cake; in Australia, a lasagna patty cake. I call it delicious. Shaping casseroles into mini sized, self-contained portions brings finger food fare to a whole new level.
Photo Credits: Rachelleb.com & thecupcakeblog.
5 tags
Why are manhole covers round?
This chin scratcher is still a popular brain-teaser asked in interviews to test cognitive thought processes. What can you come up with? Take a ponder, then see how many of the answers you came up with here.
7 tags
Hairdressers & Fly Fishers Flock To Feathers
Feathers have transitioned from earrings to charms to hair accessories. These extensions can be straightened, washed, & curled along with the rest of your hair, making them a low-maintenance statement piece. The trend is nothing new, but has caught fire in the past weeks - selling suppliers out and forcing fashionistas to take matters into their own hands. Women storm tackle shops to pay up...
6 tags
Google Guitar
Check out www.google.com - It’s a playable guitar. Today’s doodle is in tribute to Les Paul, born on June 9, 1915 - guitarist, innovator, inventor. You can even record a riff and play it back; the modern day harpsichord obituary.
5 tags
Top Ten Happiest Countries
Luxembourg is the only country that tops the U.S. in pure wealth. However, when measured on citizens’ overall “Joy of Life”, as determined by “life satisfaction”, work-life balance, and sense of community, the U.S. ranks 17th.
Of course any statistical analysis begs a discussion of context, framing, and completeness. The three economists commissioned by French...
4 tags
Real Life X-Men
Photo Credit: Bing
4 tags
Anti-Anti Bacterial
Not only do anti-bacterial products simply strengthen bacteria and may lead to hyper-evolved superbugs, but they are bad for your health. A University of Michigan study found that people exposed to triclosan, an agent in anti-bacterial soaps, were more likely to be diagnosed with allergies. A decrease in immune functions has also been linked to use of anti-bacterial products; our bodies are made...
5 tags
The Glass is Half... Liquid
One of our survival instincts that developed in response to our metacognition (namely, awareness of our mortality) was a neural mechanism that generates unrealistic optimism.
The average brain engages in a self-deluded belief that its future will be better than its present, and better than most people’s presents; it’s the optimism bias.
Even more interesting, is that while those with mild...
4 tags
3 tags
5 tags
4 tags
Artificial Sweetener - Oxy Moron?
Artificial sweetener may be derived from ‘artificial’ ingredients, but as long as it makes the recipient taste sweet, then does it make a difference if your sweetness comes from sugar or Splenda? (In the metaphorical sense; health arguments aside.) Likewise, does it matter where your mood comes from?
Many of my friends have a strong aversion to prescription mood enhancers, to the point of...