I Speak of Dreams

University Diaries on the AH gene

Link: University Diaries.

UD has already, on this blog, reported the discovery of the AH gene, predisposing carriers, in the words of the study, "to chronic behavior in an obnoxious, boorish, selfish, overbearing, and generally offensive manner (pp. 128 - 129)."

AH-Carriers have "four alleles... which [we] refer to as rectalleles." Depending on the combination of alleles in carriers, they may be "complete AH's" or lesser varieties of these.

That explains a lot!

Understanding by Design

I've updated the index of Dana Huff's reflections on Understanding by Design.

Do You (or Your Parents) Take A Lot of Medications? Get This

Book of Joe  found this nifty tool, which magnifies the prescription labels.  Link: bookofjoe: Mag Rx — 'If you can't read the labels, taking pills can be bad for your health'.

Yodel Party

From PZ Myers I was lead to Cocktail Party Physics, and an entry called  makes me wanna yodel, which lead me to the vocal delights of Kerry Christenson, "Alpine and Western Yodeling Master".

I grew up hearing, enjoying, and even (badly) yodelling myself, part of the Ditz heritage I suppose.

And Christenson also plays the accordian (hear that, Joey?) and alp horn.

Become a Financier--Really!

My nephew Jesse Robbins is organizing BarCampBankSeattle on July 21st-22nd!.

What is BarCampBank?

The aim of BarCampBank is to foster innovations and the creation of new business models in the world of banking and finance.

When & Where

• Dates: July 21st - 22nd, 2007
• Location: Still being decided (but in Seattle)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on both days will be available, along with beverages and snacks.
• Accommodation:
  • Ample indoor space to set up a sleeping bag or tent & the ability to rent them in advance if you’re coming from far away.
  • Several nearby hotels if that is a better option for you
• Costs: We invite sponsorship from interested organizations, and will ask for participants to contribute to cover the remainder.

I also encourage you to read the blog (building) The Black Rock Federal Credit Union.

• Technology that Credit Unions Should be Adopting Now
• RipplePay
• Flexing the Muscles of Community Finance
• Why Does Thrift Take Courage?

Other links you might find useful: Wesabe

• Is the Verb "To Credit Union"?

Made Me Laugh

Dr. Rob, who keeps the blog Musings of a Distractible Mind, wrote an entry solving the very serious problem: why do some men think that putting ketchup on tacos is a normal thing to do.  Go read Taco Time.

Awwwww...Heartwarming

Link: The Adventures of Accordion Guy in the 21st Century › A Craigslist Wedding.

Skeuomorph

Skeuomorph is a  new word Ennis taught me today.

It refers to a derivative object which retains ornamental design cues to structure that was necessary in the original.

The wikipedia entry distinguishes skeuomophic features from

path dependent technologies such as the QWERTY keyboard which first appeared on the typewriter in 1873.

I've used a lot of path-dependent technologies today--such as my keypad, and my car.  But skeuomorphic? Surely some coins, but right now I can't think of any others.

 

Holiday gifts

77 items under $77

I'm thinking of sending this to PZ Meyers -- you can order one here.

Ballista, trebuchet, catapult: I know somebody who would enjoy putting one of these together for his son.  You can order one for yourself here.

Recycling is good, correct?  So wouldn't you want an oil lamp made out of a genuine recycled grenade?  Get yours here.

Save Money on Health Care

The good folks down under have just mounted a self-diagnostic service that can save you beaucoup bux on health care.

Read Second Sight for more info.