Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Stuff below the fold

No, not Laurelin, but an imitation of her?

Gold nanoparticles could make trees glow.

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The latest psychiatric disorder: Happiness.

It is proposed that happiness be classified as a psychiatric disorder and be included in future editions of the major diagnostic manuals under the new name: major affective disorder, pleasant type. In a review of the relevant literature it is shown that happiness is statistically abnormal, consists of a discrete cluster of symptoms, is associated with a range of cognitive abnormalities, and probably reflects the abnormal functioning of the central nervous system.


headsup thinkgeek.
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Green alert:
Latest health hazard...lead in reusable shopping bags.
It is so high that throwing them away will contaminate the environment.

actually, it's not the bags but the decorations on them, so just buy a plain bag.
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FYI: The archeology of Balochistan.
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One thousand dead in Haiti from cholera, but the US press seems to ignore the place.
where is Kayne west when we need him?

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The printing of money to stimulate the economy is called "quantitative easing".
In 2002, speech, Bernanke mentioned that the government can print money, and can stop deflation by printing more money. Of course, this results in inflation, meaning that the government owes less (i.e. the same number of dollars but the dollar is worth less).

(He referred to a statement made by Milton Friedman about using a "helicopter drop" of money into the economy to fight deflation.) Bernanke's critics have since referred to him as "Helicopter Ben"


The Anchoress worries that this idea might end up like the WKRP TURKEY DROP.

In the 1970's when Carter administration allowed severe inflation, and I essentially "lost" half of the real worth of my savings while working in Africa.
I think the same thing is going to happen again. Sigh.

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