That ghost is just a kid in a sheet.
Recenetly, I posted a list of old files. Here’s the contents of one of those files — the abstract of my master’s thesis.
The concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficient of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was determined using data from osmotic pressure measurements and light scattering. The results showed that hydrodynamic interactions had a larger effect than was expected. A description of the procedures used to make the measurements and the data gathered are reported.
(from the WTF is quinoa? dept.)
Stolen from Tina’s Shark Tank:
- 1 Cup Quinoa
- 2 Cups apple cider
- assortment of sliced/diced/chiffonaded fall vegetables of your choice (I used sweet potatoes, parsnips, and Chinese cabbage), 1-2 cups, according to your personal taste
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- black pepper
- sea salt
In a skillet, brown the vegetables in canola oil. Add quinoa, cider, and spices (to taste). Stir and cover, cook 15 minutes until quinoa absorbs all the liquid. Would likely also be good with dried cranberries mixed in.
I’ve had a a continuous presence on the web for over 10 years . It’s pretty difficult to go that long without attracting some trolls, kooks, and generally clueless people. I’ve recently created a new topic to consolidate guestbook entries, comments and emails from such people.
(more…)(from the interesting juxtaposition dept.)
Tonight (2005-10-22), opposite the World Series, Encore Drama is showing John Sayles‘ Eight Men Out. For those who aren’t familiar with this film, here’s a summary from the IMDb:
A dramatization of the Black Sox scandal when the underpaid Chicago White Sox accepted bribes to deliberately lose the 1919 World Series.
Almost always amusing, but the Onion hits one out of the park with this one:
Philandering String Theorist Can Explain Everything
BATAVIA, IL—Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory physicist Laird Karmann, a noted string theorist and accused philanderer, said Monday that he can “explain everything” if his wife Elizabeth will just give him a chance. “Surely, anyone can see that, mathematically, the universe is composed of Riemann surfaces, having positive-definite metrics, across which the attached ‘loops’ or free ‘strings’ have a (1+1) dynamic topology,” Karmann said. “But string behaviors are Lorentzian, meaning that they—like me—need an intense dual-phase Wick rotation now and then just to stay in rational space. I mean, it was just a blowjob.” Elizabeth refused to accept her husband’s theory, suggesting that he study the transformational loop dynamics implicit in her hurled wedding ring.
(via Pharyngula)
The Hovind Files: Lying for Jesus
An interesting summary of the bullshit Hovind spews…
Look here.
One of the questions that comes up all the time is: How enthusiastic is our support for UNIX?
Unix was written on our machines and for our machines many years ago. Today, much of UNIX being done is done on our machines. Ten percent of our VAXs are going for UNIX use. UNIX is a simple language, easy to understand, easy to get started with. It’s great for students, great for somewhat casual users, and it’s great for interchanging programs between different machines. And so, because of its popularity in these markets, we support it. We have good UNIX on VAX and good UNIX on PDP-11s.
It is our belief, however, that serious professional users will run out of things they can do with UNIX. They’ll want a real system and will end up doing VMS when they get to be serious about programming.
With UNIX, if you’re looking for something, you can easily and quickly check that small manual and find out that it’s not there. With VMS, no matter what you look for — it’s literally a five-foot shelf of documentation — if you look long enough it’s there. That’s the difference — the beauty of UNIX is it’s simple; and the beauty of VMS is that it’s all there.
— Ken Olsen, president of DEC, DECWORLD Vol. 8 No. 5, 1984
How successful is VMS compared with UNIX and all its variants 21 years later?
Zippy visits the Brown Shoe headquarters in Saint Louis, MO.
(printed by fortune in one of my terminal windows today)
This product is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly may be required. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during shipment. Use only as directed. May be too intense for some viewers. If condition persists, consult your physician. No user-serviceable parts inside. Breaking seal constitutes acceptance of agreement. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure to perform. Slippery when wet. For office use only. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Do not write below this line. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Avoid contact with skin. Employees and their families are not eligible. Beware of dog. Driver does not carry cash. Limited time offer, call now to insure prompt delivery. Use only in well-ventilated area. Keep away from fire or flame. Some equipment shown is optional. Price does not include taxes, dealer prep, or delivery. Penalty for private use. Call toll free before digging. Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes only. All models over 18 years of age. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Postage will be paid by addressee. Apply only to affected area. One size fits all. Many suitcases look alike. Edited for television. No solicitors. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Restaurant package, not for resale. Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. Decision of judges is final. This supersedes all previous notices. No other warranty expressed or implied.
So there.