Yoda Steers Drivers Away From The Dark Side
Casual reading for the intellectually curious.
Friday, July 9, 2010
First Aid for Heat-Induced Illnesses
Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA)
Extreme heat brings with it the possibility of heat-induced illnesses. The following table lists these illnesses, their symptoms, and the first aid treatment.
Extreme heat brings with it the possibility of heat-induced illnesses. The following table lists these illnesses, their symptoms, and the first aid treatment.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Erasing all digital footprints 'impossible'
By Alejandro MartÃnez-Cabrera
San Francisco Chronicle
It's been almost two decades since mainstream users began trekking into the library-slash-playground known as the World Wide Web. Now, several years into that excursion, many are taking a long hard look at the trail they've left behind.
It's been almost two decades since mainstream users began trekking into the library-slash-playground known as the World Wide Web. Now, several years into that excursion, many are taking a long hard look at the trail they've left behind.
Young Workers
https://www.osha.gov/youngworkers/index.html
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U. S. Department of Labor
This site provides safety and health information for young workers and others. It answers questions often asked by the working teen. Details about workers' rights and links to training and other educational tools may also be found here. You can look over your State's youth employment laws. Also, watch young workers in action on workplace safety!
Government Internships
Government internships provide students with the opportunities to expand their knowledge while gaining hands-on experience. To access internship opportunities within the federal government for undergraduate, graduate and law students, please visit Intern Opportunities within the Federal Government. You may also wish to view additional information on federal student internships.
U. S. Federal Government
Government internships provide students with the opportunities to expand their knowledge while gaining hands-on experience. To access internship opportunities within the federal government for undergraduate, graduate and law students, please visit Intern Opportunities within the Federal Government. You may also wish to view additional information on federal student internships.
Night Awaits a Plucky Solar Plane
By John Collins Rudolf
Christian Science Monitor
With favorable weather and a forecast of clear, sunny skies, the Solar Impulse, an experimental solar-powered plane, took off from an airfield in Switzerland early Wednesday morning with a goal to stay aloft for a full 24 hours.
New Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
In March of 2010, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act—the new health law. The law creates a new program – the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan -- to make health coverage available to you if you have been denied health insurance by private insurance companies because of a pre-existing condition.
In March of 2010, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act—the new health law. The law creates a new program – the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan -- to make health coverage available to you if you have been denied health insurance by private insurance companies because of a pre-existing condition.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Nut? What Nut? The Squirrel Outwits to Survive
I was walking through the neighborhood one afternoon when, on turning a corner, I nearly tripped over a gray squirrel that was sitting in the middle of the sidewalk, eating a nut. Startled by my sudden appearance, the squirrel dashed out to the road — right in front of an oncoming car.
By Natalie Angier
New York Times
I was walking through the neighborhood one afternoon when, on turning a corner, I nearly tripped over a gray squirrel that was sitting in the middle of the sidewalk, eating a nut. Startled by my sudden appearance, the squirrel dashed out to the road — right in front of an oncoming car.
A Cold-War Spy Story
By Sean Gardiner
Wall Street Journal
Ever since news broke that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had rounded up alleged Russian spies in New York City, the lingering question has been: What were they after with all their B-movie spycraft?
By Sean Gardiner
Wall Street Journal
Ever since news broke that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had rounded up alleged Russian spies in New York City, the lingering question has been: What were they after with all their B-movie spycraft?
The Claim: Exposure to Plants and Parks Can Boost Immunity
This time of year, allergies and the promise of air-conditioning tend to drive people indoors.
By Anahad O'Connor
New York Times
This time of year, allergies and the promise of air-conditioning tend to drive people indoors.
A ‘Forest Fire of Hair Loss,’ and Its Scars
Matt Kelley was 38 when he first noticed a round, hairless spot in his beard. Within six weeks, every inch of his body that once had hair — including his eyebrows, eyelashes, arms and head — was completely bald. See the interactive graphic.
By Karen Barrow
New York Times
Matt Kelley was 38 when he first noticed a round, hairless spot in his beard. Within six weeks, every inch of his body that once had hair — including his eyebrows, eyelashes, arms and head — was completely bald. See the interactive graphic.
No Age Limit on Picky Eating
By Shirley S. Wang
Wall Street Journal
This is what Heather Hill eats: French fries, pasta with butter or marinara sauce, vegetarian pizza, cooked broccoli, corn on the cob and cakes and cookies without nuts.
This is what Heather Hill eats: French fries, pasta with butter or marinara sauce, vegetarian pizza, cooked broccoli, corn on the cob and cakes and cookies without nuts.
The Parking Lot as a ‘Solar Grove’
By John Collins Rodolf
New York Times
One day early in 2004, Robert Noble, an architect specializing in sustainable design, asked himself why parking lots in the United States weren’t covered in solar panels and used to generate clean energy. A few firms had been building carports with solar panels for some time, but none had acquired a major presence or branched out much beyond the residential market.
Taurine is listed as an ingredient in many energy drinks. What is taurine? Is it safe?
Mayo Clinic
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Taurine is an amino acid that supports neurological development and helps regulate the level of water and mineral salts in the blood. Taurine is also thought to have antioxidant properties.
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Taurine is an amino acid that supports neurological development and helps regulate the level of water and mineral salts in the blood. Taurine is also thought to have antioxidant properties.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Nighthawks State of Mind
IN 1941, Edward Hopper began what would become his most recognizable work, one that has become an emblem of New York City. “‘Nighthawks,’” Hopper said in an interview later, “was suggested by a restaurant on Greenwich Avenue where two streets meet.” The location was pinpointed by a Hopper expert, Gail Levin, as the “empty triangular lot” where Greenwich meets 11th Street and Seventh Avenue, otherwise known as Mulry Square. This has become accepted city folklore. Greenwich Village tour guides point to the lot, now owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and tell visitors that Hopper’s diner stood there. But did it?
By Jeremiah Moss
New York Times
IN 1941, Edward Hopper began what would become his most recognizable work, one that has become an emblem of New York City. “‘Nighthawks,’” Hopper said in an interview later, “was suggested by a restaurant on Greenwich Avenue where two streets meet.” The location was pinpointed by a Hopper expert, Gail Levin, as the “empty triangular lot” where Greenwich meets 11th Street and Seventh Avenue, otherwise known as Mulry Square. This has become accepted city folklore. Greenwich Village tour guides point to the lot, now owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and tell visitors that Hopper’s diner stood there. But did it?
Microsoft Calling. Anyone There?
Microsoft’s engineers and executives spent two years creating a new line of smartphones with playful names that sounded like creatures straight out of “The Cat in the Hat” — Kin One and Kin Two. Stylish designs, an emphasis on flashy social-networking features and an all-out marketing blitz were meant to prove that Microsoft could build the right product at the right time for the finickiest customers — gossiping youngsters with gadget skills.
By Ashlee Vance
New York Times
Microsoft’s engineers and executives spent two years creating a new line of smartphones with playful names that sounded like creatures straight out of “The Cat in the Hat” — Kin One and Kin Two. Stylish designs, an emphasis on flashy social-networking features and an all-out marketing blitz were meant to prove that Microsoft could build the right product at the right time for the finickiest customers — gossiping youngsters with gadget skills.
Larry King's exit marks the end of a gentlemanly era in TV talk
By Tom Shales
By Tom Shales
Washington Post
No More Mr. Nice Guys. Such is the prognosis for the post-King world -- Larry King, of course, who has had a rocky year in the ratings and who recently announced his retirement from the flagship talk show he hosts on CNN. His departure is as imminent as the announcement, from those ever-befuddled CNN executives, of his replacement.
No More Mr. Nice Guys. Such is the prognosis for the post-King world -- Larry King, of course, who has had a rocky year in the ratings and who recently announced his retirement from the flagship talk show he hosts on CNN. His departure is as imminent as the announcement, from those ever-befuddled CNN executives, of his replacement.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
For the Dishwasher’s Sake, Go Easy on the Detergent
I’VE been writing on some weighty topics lately — too little money, too many choices, too few jobs. It’s time, I decided, to move on to some questions that haunt me almost every day.
By Alina Tugend
New York Times
I’VE been writing on some weighty topics lately — too little money, too many choices, too few jobs. It’s time, I decided, to move on to some questions that haunt me almost every day.
Friday, July 2, 2010
I’ll Take a Scoop of Prosciutto, Please
By Elizabeth Weil
By Elizabeth Weil
New York Times
The heavily tattooed woman walking the Shih Tzu ordered Secret Breakfast, the most popular ice cream flavor at Humphry Slocombe. The proprietor, Jake Godby — a man so shy and socially awkward that it never occurred to him when he opened an ice cream parlor that such an establishment might attract children — makes the ice cream with bourbon and toasted cornflakes, including so much Jim Beam that the scoops always run soft. The day was a sunny Friday, ice cream weather. Just before noon customers started lining up near the corner of Harrison and 24th Streets, an unrehabilitated crossroads in San Francisco’s Mission district: first, a gold-chained Latino laborer who ordered Chocolate Smoked Sea Salt; then three 20-something guys — each part hipster, part geek — who stared anxiously at the flavor board, as if they had come in on a dare.
Why Is the Gulf Cleanup So Slow?
There are obvious actions to speed things up, but the government oddly resists taking them.
by Paul H. Rubin
As the oil spill continues and the cleanup lags, we must begin to ask difficult and uncomfortable questions. There does not seem to be much that anyone can do to stop the spill except dig a relief well, not due until August. But the cleanup is a different story. The press and Internet are full of straightforward suggestions for easy ways of improving the cleanup, but the federal government is resisting these remedies.
There are obvious actions to speed things up, but the government oddly resists taking them.
by Paul H. Rubin
Wall Street Journal
As the oil spill continues and the cleanup lags, we must begin to ask difficult and uncomfortable questions. There does not seem to be much that anyone can do to stop the spill except dig a relief well, not due until August. But the cleanup is a different story. The press and Internet are full of straightforward suggestions for easy ways of improving the cleanup, but the federal government is resisting these remedies.
A Cold Man's Warm Words
Jefferson's tender lament didn't make it into the Declaration.
Jefferson's tender lament didn't make it into the Declaration.
By Peggy Noonan
Wall Street Journal
The tenderest words in American political history were cut from the document they were to have graced.
It was July 1, 2 ,3 and 4, 1776, in the State House in Philadelphia. America was being born. The Continental Congress was reviewing and editing the language of the proposed Declaration of Independence and Thomas Jefferson, its primary author, was suffering the death of a thousand cuts.
The tenderest words in American political history were cut from the document they were to have graced.
It was July 1, 2 ,3 and 4, 1776, in the State House in Philadelphia. America was being born. The Continental Congress was reviewing and editing the language of the proposed Declaration of Independence and Thomas Jefferson, its primary author, was suffering the death of a thousand cuts.
Overcoming taboo, Iraq turns to dogs to fight bombs
By Matt Robinson and Aseel KamiReuters
Washington Post
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A "dirty dozen" bomb-sniffing dogs whose canine nature makes them taboo in the Arab world is helping to win over Iraqis to the idea dogs are man's best friend -- especially when the animal saves your life.
By Matt Robinson and Aseel KamiReuters
Washington Post
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A "dirty dozen" bomb-sniffing dogs whose canine nature makes them taboo in the Arab world is helping to win over Iraqis to the idea dogs are man's best friend -- especially when the animal saves your life.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Arrests of alleged spies draws attention to long obscure field of steganography
A year ago in April, the government says, the accused operative known as Richard Murphy and his supposed wife, "Cynthia Murphy," booted up a computer in their comfy suburban Montclair, N.J., home. They visited a publicly available Web site and clicked on a picture. It looked innocent enough. It could have been a bunny rabbit, say, or a sunset. Anything at all.
By David Montgomery
Washington Post
A year ago in April, the government says, the accused operative known as Richard Murphy and his supposed wife, "Cynthia Murphy," booted up a computer in their comfy suburban Montclair, N.J., home. They visited a publicly available Web site and clicked on a picture. It looked innocent enough. It could have been a bunny rabbit, say, or a sunset. Anything at all.
Healthcare.gov
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
[This new web site launched today -- July 1, 2010]
'Globish' and the open-sourcing of English
By Ruth Walker
Christian Science Monitor
This form of 'English lite' is out from under the control of native speakers; does that matter?
This form of 'English lite' is out from under the control of native speakers; does that matter?
Keeping Your Phone on a Digital Leash
By Eric A. Taub
New York Times
What happens when you have misplaced your iPhone or Android? You know the feeling — panic. And so many of us can be seen tightly grasping our phones. Maybe we want to be quick on the draw in case a call comes in. Or maybe the cost of replacing the do-everything smartphone is too high. Or maybe the phones have just become a part of our selves.
What happens when you have misplaced your iPhone or Android? You know the feeling — panic. And so many of us can be seen tightly grasping our phones. Maybe we want to be quick on the draw in case a call comes in. Or maybe the cost of replacing the do-everything smartphone is too high. Or maybe the phones have just become a part of our selves.
Older Folks Watch More TV, Get Less Out of It
Those over 65 devote three times more of their waking hours to TV than younger people, study finds.
By Jenifer Goodwin
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
THURSDAY, July 1 (HealthDay News) -- Too much Wheel of Fortune andCSI may not be good for seniors' mental state, new research suggests.
Those over 65 devote three times more of their waking hours to TV than younger people, study finds.
By Jenifer Goodwin
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
THURSDAY, July 1 (HealthDay News) -- Too much Wheel of Fortune andCSI may not be good for seniors' mental state, new research suggests.
Climate, Obesity and the Aflac Duck
In the wake of Chris Mooney’s latest analysis of ways to bridge the science-society gulf, I’ve been engaged in a fascinating e-mail discussion with a range of people either engaging in, or analyzing, climate communication. Several responses, alluding to everything from the obesity epidemic to the Aflac duck, are worth highlighting here.
By Andrew C. Revkin
New York Times
In the wake of Chris Mooney’s latest analysis of ways to bridge the science-society gulf, I’ve been engaged in a fascinating e-mail discussion with a range of people either engaging in, or analyzing, climate communication. Several responses, alluding to everything from the obesity epidemic to the Aflac duck, are worth highlighting here.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Installing Your Own Home Security System
By John Biggs
INSTALLING a security system has long been considered the domain of professionals — uniformed men and women who build an electronic shield around your home and monitor it from a command center.
By John Biggs
New York Times
INSTALLING a security system has long been considered the domain of professionals — uniformed men and women who build an electronic shield around your home and monitor it from a command center.
If Cars Could Fly
Is it a plane? Is it a car? No, it’s a super flying car-plane!
If you have ever had the burden of trying to decide between driving or flying to work, soon you will be able to do both. Terrafugia, a company based in Woburn, Mass., is building a car that can also fly.
By Nick Bilton
New York Times
Is it a plane? Is it a car? No, it’s a super flying car-plane!
If you have ever had the burden of trying to decide between driving or flying to work, soon you will be able to do both. Terrafugia, a company based in Woburn, Mass., is building a car that can also fly.
Fostering China’s Taste for Nuts
By William Neuman
By William Neuman
New York Times
How might the Chinese best like to snack on their almonds? Pickled with chili peppers? Wrapped in seaweed like sushi? Or perhaps mixed with donkey hide glue, a substance prized in traditional Chinese medicine?
Goalkeeping Gets Easier in the Finances Arena
New Mint.com Feature Offers User-Friendly Options That Help Savers Set Up Budget Objectives and Stick to Them
By Katherine Boehret
Wall Street Journal
When most people hear the word "budget," they groan about all the numbers and spreadsheets involved in setting financial goals. Instead they procrastinate and continue spending without any specific savings goals. Case in point: I recently postponed a meeting with my financial planner because I didn't have the energy after a long business trip to work through my finances.
New Mint.com Feature Offers User-Friendly Options That Help Savers Set Up Budget Objectives and Stick to Them
By Katherine Boehret
Wall Street Journal
When most people hear the word "budget," they groan about all the numbers and spreadsheets involved in setting financial goals. Instead they procrastinate and continue spending without any specific savings goals. Case in point: I recently postponed a meeting with my financial planner because I didn't have the energy after a long business trip to work through my finances.
Into the Great Green Beyond
By John Collins Rudolf
New York Times
At the end of an eco-conscious life, there is a final choice a person can make to limit his or her impact on the planet: a green funeral.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Discovering the Virtues of a Wandering Mind
In the past, daydreaming was often considered a failure of mental discipline, or worse. Freud labeled it infantile and neurotic. Psychology textbooks warned it could lead topsychosis. Neuroscientists complained that the rogue bursts of activity on brain scans kept interfering with their studies of more important mental functions.
By John Tierney
New York Times
In the past, daydreaming was often considered a failure of mental discipline, or worse. Freud labeled it infantile and neurotic. Psychology textbooks warned it could lead topsychosis. Neuroscientists complained that the rogue bursts of activity on brain scans kept interfering with their studies of more important mental functions.
Bill Wilson’s Gospel
On Dec. 14, 1934, a failed stockbroker named Bill Wilson was struggling with alcoholism at a New York City detox center. It was his fourth stay at the center and nothing had worked. This time, he tried a remedy called the belladonna cure — infusions of a hallucinogenic drug made from a poisonous plant — and he consulted a friend named Ebby Thacher, who told him to give up drinking and give his life over to the service of God.
by David Brooks
New York Times
On Dec. 14, 1934, a failed stockbroker named Bill Wilson was struggling with alcoholism at a New York City detox center. It was his fourth stay at the center and nothing had worked. This time, he tried a remedy called the belladonna cure — infusions of a hallucinogenic drug made from a poisonous plant — and he consulted a friend named Ebby Thacher, who told him to give up drinking and give his life over to the service of God.
Health Tip: Keeping Fire Extinguishers at Home
Suggestions for where to store them
By Diana Kohnle
Suggestions for where to store them
By Diana Kohnle
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
(HealthDay News) -- Smoke detectors aren't the only devices that should be kept throughout the home in the event of a fire.
(HealthDay News) -- Smoke detectors aren't the only devices that should be kept throughout the home in the event of a fire.
Health Tip: Choosing Athletic Shoes
Suggestions for finding the right pair
Suggestions for finding the right pair
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
(HealthDay News) -- With all of the choices for athletic shoes, how do you make sure you're buying the right pair?
(HealthDay News) -- With all of the choices for athletic shoes, how do you make sure you're buying the right pair?
Monday, June 28, 2010
In Faulty-Computer Suit, Window to Dell Decline
After the math department at the University of Texas noticed some of its Dell computers failing, Dell examined the machines. The company came up with an unusual reason for the computers’ demise: the school had overtaxed the machines by making them perform difficult math calculations.
By Ashlee Vance
New York Times
After the math department at the University of Texas noticed some of its Dell computers failing, Dell examined the machines. The company came up with an unusual reason for the computers’ demise: the school had overtaxed the machines by making them perform difficult math calculations.
Online Bullies Pull Schools Into the Fray
by Jan Hoffman
New York Times
The girl’s parents, wild with outrage and fear, showed the principal the text messages: a dozen shocking, sexually explicit threats, sent to their daughter the previous Saturday night from the cellphone of a 12-year-old boy. Both children were sixth graders at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Ridgewood, N.J.
The girl’s parents, wild with outrage and fear, showed the principal the text messages: a dozen shocking, sexually explicit threats, sent to their daughter the previous Saturday night from the cellphone of a 12-year-old boy. Both children were sixth graders at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Ridgewood, N.J.
Manute Bol's Radical Christianity
by Jon A. Shields
As any churchgoer who tuned in to watch the recent NBA finals contest between the Lakers and Celtics already knows, the term redemption is probably now heard more often in NBA sports broadcasts than in homilies. A Google search under "redemption" and "NBA" generates approximately 2 million hits—more hits than "redemption" and "Christianity." The term can also be found in more than 2,600 stories on ESPN.com.
by Jon A. Shields
Wall Street Journal
As any churchgoer who tuned in to watch the recent NBA finals contest between the Lakers and Celtics already knows, the term redemption is probably now heard more often in NBA sports broadcasts than in homilies. A Google search under "redemption" and "NBA" generates approximately 2 million hits—more hits than "redemption" and "Christianity." The term can also be found in more than 2,600 stories on ESPN.com.
Justices Expand Gun Rights
Ruling Says Right to Bear Arms Supersedes Local Laws, Setting Off New Fights
Ruling Says Right to Bear Arms Supersedes Local Laws, Setting Off New Fights
By Jess Bravin
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court ruled Monday that armed self-defense is a constitutional right, a historic conclusion to a long battle over the meaning of the Second Amendment. See this interactive graphic for state laws.
WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court ruled Monday that armed self-defense is a constitutional right, a historic conclusion to a long battle over the meaning of the Second Amendment. See this interactive graphic for state laws.
Foreclosure alternative gaining favor
Short sales have been the hot solution for financially stressed homeowners and their lenders for the past year, but here's another potent.
By Kenneth R. Harney
Short sales have been the hot solution for financially stressed homeowners and their lenders for the past year, but here's another potent.
By Kenneth R. Harney
Seattle Times
WASHINGTON — Short sales have been the hot solution for financially stressed homeowners and their lenders for the past year, but here's another potent foreclosure alternative that's about to take center stage: deeds-in-lieu.
WASHINGTON — Short sales have been the hot solution for financially stressed homeowners and their lenders for the past year, but here's another potent foreclosure alternative that's about to take center stage: deeds-in-lieu.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
How to Turn an Old iPod Into Cash
By Jennifer Saranow Schultz
New York Times
Earlier this year, we started a recurring feature here at Bucks where we highlight others online who present novel cost-saving strategies we wish we had thought of. In our first installment, we detailed a creative tip for keeping thieves from trying to steal your important possessions. In this second installment, here are some tips we’ve found online for turning your possessions into cash and for saving on your commute that go beyond craigslist and public transportation.
Cellphone Charges, Rung Up by a Thief
IT’S summer vacation time, people, and that is the perfect moment for a vacation bummer story. This one is brought to you by T-Mobile.
by David Segal
New York Times
IT’S summer vacation time, people, and that is the perfect moment for a vacation bummer story. This one is brought to you by T-Mobile.
When Capitalism Meets Cannabis
ANYONE who thinks it would be easy to get rich selling marijuana in a state where it’s legal should spend an hour with Ravi Respeto, manager of the Farmacy, an upscale dispensary here that offers Strawberry Haze, Hawaiian Skunk and other strains of Cannabis sativa at up to $16 a gram.
By David Segal
New York Times
ANYONE who thinks it would be easy to get rich selling marijuana in a state where it’s legal should spend an hour with Ravi Respeto, manager of the Farmacy, an upscale dispensary here that offers Strawberry Haze, Hawaiian Skunk and other strains of Cannabis sativa at up to $16 a gram.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Fighting Crime Where the Criminals Are
THERE was a predictable chorus of criticism from civil rights groups last month when the New York Police Department released its data on stop-and-frisk interactions for 2009. The department made 575,000 pedestrian stops last year. Fifty-five percent involved blacks, even though blacks are only 23 percent of the city’s population. Whites, by contrast, were involved in 10 percent of all stops, though they make up 35 percent of the city’s population.
by Heather Mac Donald
New York Times
THERE was a predictable chorus of criticism from civil rights groups last month when the New York Police Department released its data on stop-and-frisk interactions for 2009. The department made 575,000 pedestrian stops last year. Fifty-five percent involved blacks, even though blacks are only 23 percent of the city’s population. Whites, by contrast, were involved in 10 percent of all stops, though they make up 35 percent of the city’s population.
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Culture of Exposure
by David Brooks
New York Times
The most interesting part of my job is that I get to observe powerful people at close quarters. Most people in government, I find, are there because they sincerely want to do good. But they’re also exhausted and frustrated much of the time. And at these moments they can’t help letting you know that things would be much better if only there weren’t so many morons all around.
The Openness Elixir
In the marketplace of ideas, progress depends on freedom—and the expectation of error
By Trevor Butterworth
In the marketplace of ideas, progress depends on freedom—and the expectation of error
By Trevor Butterworth
Wall Street Journal
The word "slick" did not come to mind as Tony Hayward, the embattled chief executive of BP, foundered in a sea of congressional questioning this week. Never in the face of righteous political indignation did expertise look so unconvincing and so unworthy of its status. But in many respects Mr. Hayward and BP were simply unlucky: They were caught out by an event they didn't think would happen and then compounded the problem by sounding clueless when asked to explain what went wrong or how they would fix it.
The word "slick" did not come to mind as Tony Hayward, the embattled chief executive of BP, foundered in a sea of congressional questioning this week. Never in the face of righteous political indignation did expertise look so unconvincing and so unworthy of its status. But in many respects Mr. Hayward and BP were simply unlucky: They were caught out by an event they didn't think would happen and then compounded the problem by sounding clueless when asked to explain what went wrong or how they would fix it.
Scientists Suggest Links Between Personality, Size of Brain Regions
But openness and intellect didn't correspond to any particular brain structure, researchers found
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- An individual's personality appears to be linked partly to the size of different parts of the brain, new research from the University of Minnesota reveals.
by Alan Mozes
MedlinePlus (NLM&NIH)
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- An individual's personality appears to be linked partly to the size of different parts of the brain, new research from the University of Minnesota reveals.
What? No More Coffee and Chocolate?
By: Stephanie | June 25, 2010 | Category: General
By: Stephanie | June 25, 2010 | Category: General
GovGab Your U. S. Government Blog
One of my two year old's favorite tricks is when I make his toy caterpillar turn into a toy butterfly under a dishtowel cocoon. He squeals with glee every time the butterfly emerges from the dishtowel! (You have to love inspiration from The Very Hungry Caterpillar.)
One of my two year old's favorite tricks is when I make his toy caterpillar turn into a toy butterfly under a dishtowel cocoon. He squeals with glee every time the butterfly emerges from the dishtowel! (You have to love inspiration from The Very Hungry Caterpillar.)
America’s Heavy Icebreakers Are Both Broken Down
By Andrew C. Revkin
New York Times
The warnings have mounted for half a decade. The United States, despite having substantial scientific operations in Antarctica and seeing ever more activity in its Arctic waters, has been relying on a pair of aging, decades-old heavy icebreakers to maintain mobility in ice-cloaked seas.
By Andrew C. Revkin
New York Times
The warnings have mounted for half a decade. The United States, despite having substantial scientific operations in Antarctica and seeing ever more activity in its Arctic waters, has been relying on a pair of aging, decades-old heavy icebreakers to maintain mobility in ice-cloaked seas.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
UVA Reform: It’s Not PDQ
AS summer begins, Americans are buying up sunscreen, confident that applying it diligently will protect them from the rays that can lead to skin cancer, sunburn and wrinkles.
By Catherine Saint Louis
New York Times
AS summer begins, Americans are buying up sunscreen, confident that applying it diligently will protect them from the rays that can lead to skin cancer, sunburn and wrinkles.
New iPhone Arrives; Rivals, Beware
Apple’s new iPhone, its fourth in four years, reaches stores on Thursday. Ordinarily, this is where you’d expect to find a review of it. But honestly — what’s the point?
By David Pogue
New York Times
Apple’s new iPhone, its fourth in four years, reaches stores on Thursday. Ordinarily, this is where you’d expect to find a review of it. But honestly — what’s the point?
Warm But Watchful Parents Can Keep Kids From Heavy Drinking
Parenting style has a lot to do with whether bad habits form, survey finds.
Parenting style has a lot to do with whether bad habits form, survey finds.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- Although parents may not be able to stop their teen from experimenting with alcohol, a new study suggests that they do have a lot of influence when it comes to preventing their child from developing a heavy drinking habit.
California welfare cards can be used in many casino ATMs
Times review finds that in more than half of the state's casinos and gaming rooms, welfare recipients can get cash from state-issued EBT cards. Officials say they're moving to block such transactions.
by Jack Dolan
Los Angeles Times
Times review finds that in more than half of the state's casinos and gaming rooms, welfare recipients can get cash from state-issued EBT cards. Officials say they're moving to block such transactions.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Coming in 2011: New Labels for Light Bulb Packaging Labels Will Emphasize Lumens, Not Watts, as a Measure of Bulb Brightness
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Starting in mid-2011, the Federal Trade Commission announced today, consumers shopping for light bulbs will notice new labeling on packaging designed to help them choose among the different types of bulbs on the market – traditional incandescent bulbs, and newer high-efficiency compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The new labels will enable consumers to save money by selecting the most efficient bulbs that best fit their lighting needs.
Starting in mid-2011, the Federal Trade Commission announced today, consumers shopping for light bulbs will notice new labeling on packaging designed to help them choose among the different types of bulbs on the market – traditional incandescent bulbs, and newer high-efficiency compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The new labels will enable consumers to save money by selecting the most efficient bulbs that best fit their lighting needs.
The Era of the Oil Gusher
By some odd twist, oil gushers have come down in American cultural memory as a form of good news — evidence of riches found, like the popping of some geological champagne cork.
by Justin Gillis
New York Times
By some odd twist, oil gushers have come down in American cultural memory as a form of good news — evidence of riches found, like the popping of some geological champagne cork.
Arlington Cemetery officials knew about discarded tombstones found in stream
By Christian Davenport
By Christian Davenport
Washington Post
Offiicials at Arlington National Cemetery were aware that discarded tombstones were lining the banks of a small stream on the grounds for more than a decade but left them in the mud, officials said Tuesday.
Google Voice for everyone
6/22/2010 10:00:00 AM
A little over a year ago, we released an early preview of Google Voice, our web-based platform for managing your communications. We introduced one number to ring all your phones, voicemail that works like email, free calls and text messages to the U.S. and Canada, low-priced international calls and more—the only catch was you had to request and receive an invite to try it out. Today, after lots of testing and tweaking, we’re excited to open up Google Voice to the public, no invitation required.
6/22/2010 10:00:00 AM
Official Google Blog
A little over a year ago, we released an early preview of Google Voice, our web-based platform for managing your communications. We introduced one number to ring all your phones, voicemail that works like email, free calls and text messages to the U.S. and Canada, low-priced international calls and more—the only catch was you had to request and receive an invite to try it out. Today, after lots of testing and tweaking, we’re excited to open up Google Voice to the public, no invitation required.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Least-Welcome Sign of Summer
by Anne Marie Chaker and Anjali Athavaley
by Anne Marie Chaker and Anjali Athavaley
Wall Street Journal
Carolyn Walker collects and sells shade plants from her home in Bryn Mawr, Pa. There's one plant she can't seem to get rid of this year—poison ivy. "I have noticed a lot more little seedlings of it in my garden," Ms. Walker says. She and her 19-year-old son have rashes on their arms. "I normally don't get it at all," she adds.
Carolyn Walker collects and sells shade plants from her home in Bryn Mawr, Pa. There's one plant she can't seem to get rid of this year—poison ivy. "I have noticed a lot more little seedlings of it in my garden," Ms. Walker says. She and her 19-year-old son have rashes on their arms. "I normally don't get it at all," she adds.
When Food and Pills Clash
Fresh Concerns on How Diet and Medicines Interact, From Pepper to Pomegranate
Americans increasingly view the food they eat as medicine to help lower cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure and control blood sugar. But as with prescribed drugs, the health-improving qualities of foods such as olive oil, nuts and fruit can interact with other medications, causing possible problems.
Fresh Concerns on How Diet and Medicines Interact, From Pepper to Pomegranate
by Shirley S. Wang
Wall Street Journal
Americans increasingly view the food they eat as medicine to help lower cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure and control blood sugar. But as with prescribed drugs, the health-improving qualities of foods such as olive oil, nuts and fruit can interact with other medications, causing possible problems.
Sand flies infect U.S. forces with parasite that leaves them with 'Baghdad Boil'
by Eric Athas
Mason Alsaleh was sound asleep when he was attacked at a U.S. Army outpost in northwest Iraq.
by Eric Athas
Washington Post
Mason Alsaleh was sound asleep when he was attacked at a U.S. Army outpost in northwest Iraq.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
My Father’s Gift to Me
When I was 12, my father came and spoke to my seventh-grade class. I remember feeling proud, for my rural school was impressed by a visit from a university professor. But I also recall being embarrassed — at my dad’s strong Slavic accent, at his refugee origins, at his “differentness.”
by Nicholas D. Kristof
New York Times
When I was 12, my father came and spoke to my seventh-grade class. I remember feeling proud, for my rural school was impressed by a visit from a university professor. But I also recall being embarrassed — at my dad’s strong Slavic accent, at his refugee origins, at his “differentness.”
What Broke My Father’s Heart
by Katy Butler
New York Times
One October afternoon three years ago while I was visiting my parents, my mother made a request I dreaded and longed to fulfill. She had just poured me a cup of Earl Grey from her Japanese iron teapot, shaped like a little pumpkin; outside, two cardinals splashed in the birdbath in the weak Connecticut sunlight. Her white hair was gathered at the nape of her neck, and her voice was low. “Please help me get Jeff’s pacemaker turned off,” she said, using my father’s first name. I nodded, and my heart knocked.
The Toys Are Us
NEARLY 2,000 years after St. Paul of Tarsus wrote his poetic epistles to the people of Corinth, we still equate our capacity for selfless love with the putting away of childish things. That is to say, the time comes for each of us to grow up and pack up our toys.
by David Hajdu
Wall Street Journal
NEARLY 2,000 years after St. Paul of Tarsus wrote his poetic epistles to the people of Corinth, we still equate our capacity for selfless love with the putting away of childish things. That is to say, the time comes for each of us to grow up and pack up our toys.
Israel and the Surrender of the West
One of the world's oldest stories is playing out before our eyes: The Jews are being scapegoated again.
By Shelby Steele
The most interesting voice in all the fallout surrounding the Gaza flotilla incident is that sanctimonious and meddling voice known as "world opinion." At every turn "world opinion," like a school marm, takes offense and condemns Israel for yet another infraction of the world's moral sensibility. And this voice has achieved an international political legitimacy so that even the silliest condemnation of Israel is an opportunity for self-congratulation.
One of the world's oldest stories is playing out before our eyes: The Jews are being scapegoated again.
By Shelby Steele
Wall Street Journal
The most interesting voice in all the fallout surrounding the Gaza flotilla incident is that sanctimonious and meddling voice known as "world opinion." At every turn "world opinion," like a school marm, takes offense and condemns Israel for yet another infraction of the world's moral sensibility. And this voice has achieved an international political legitimacy so that even the silliest condemnation of Israel is an opportunity for self-congratulation.
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