eu-jin’s posterous

Stuff I'm interested in 



July 22, 2008

Hyperinflation

The Economist has a great article about historical cases of hyperinflation, and in particular about Zimbabwe now. Some interesting facts include

"A minibus driver taking commuters into Harare every day still charges his clients in Zimbabwe dollars—but at a higher price on the evening trip home—and changes his local notes into hard currency three times a day."

"(In Zimbabwe) rents are increasingly often paid for in groceries"

"In some cases, Peruvians started using lavatory paper, then in short supply, as currency."

http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11751346

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July 22, 2008

Academic Imposters

I've sometimes wondered how long before I would get caught if I pretended to write about something I knew nothing about in a fuzzy field ala Alan Sokal.

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July 21, 2008

Moldy Food

Many years ago, I had a room mate that would cut out the moldy bits from stale bread and claim that it was fine to eat it. I always thought it was a terrible money saving idea ...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/health/nutrition/22qna.html?ref=science

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July 21, 2008

Sirtuin Activators

Resveratrol, a sirtuin activator, is the substance found in red wine that purportedly increases longevity by triggering the famine reflex (i.e. starvation). This article talks about how researchers have found more potent sirtuin activators that are undergoing trials right now.

Unfortunately, starvation appears to decrease fertility, so sirtuin activators may also have the same effect.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/health/research/22long.html?ref=science&pagewanted=all

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July 21, 2008

Sunscreens

It's still not too clear if sunscreens based on chemical absorption of UV is harmful, but since sunscreens containing Zinc and Titanium that physically block UV are available (but more expensive), perhaps it's a good idea to use those instead of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and avobenzone if you can afford it.

Of course, wearing long sleeve shirt, pants, and a hat is better than any sunscreen.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/health/22well.html?ref=science

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July 20, 2008

low cost electric cars

Why relatively low cost and possibly safe electric cars won't be coming anytime soon --- lithium ion batteries tend to explode when overheated and the materials that go into batteries are expensive now.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121640867386365903.html?mod=hps_us_inside_tod

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July 17, 2008

Brain Foods

A meta-analysis of the effects of foods on the brain show the usual results --- eat lots of Omega-3 oils, berries, tumerin (curry powder), spinach, nuts, etc.

http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11745528

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July 15, 2008

Ghetto Latte

Damn, I'd never heard of or thought of the concept of a Ghetto Latte before. Since coffee shops make a profit on selling you an americano, the profit margins on lattes must be enormous since they are almost identical drinks.

http://starbucksgossip.typepad.com/_/2006/09/a_reader_asks_i.html

Apparently, that's why some stores ban serving espresso on ice.

http://www.andiamnotlying.com/2008/murky-coffee-arlington-hold-that-espresso-between-your-knees/

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July 13, 2008

Usain Bolt

It's amazing to watch the 200 m Olympic contender, Usain Bolt, run a recent race in 19.67 seconds; he's a lot taller than the other competitors, but his legs move just as fast, if not faster.

Comments [1]

July 12, 2008

Advertising

A fascinating article on how advertisements marketing new products exploit our habitual cues.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/business/13habit.html?ref=world&pagewanted=all

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