This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on January 28, 2009). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
Sometime between January 27th and January 28th, I thought this stuff was interesting. You might think so too!
- Babies Know – a Little Dirt Is Good for You: "'What a child is doing when he puts things in his mouth is allowing his immune response to explore his environment,' Mary Ruebush, a microbiology and immunology instructor, wrote in her new book, 'Why Dirt Is Good' (Kaplan). 'Not only does this allow for 'practice' of immune responses, which will be necessary for protection, but it also plays a critical role in teaching the immature immune response what is best ignored.' One leading researcher, Dr. Joel V. Weinstock, said in an interview that the immune system at birth 'is like an unprogrammed computer. It needs instruction.' He said that public health measures like cleaning up contaminated water and food have saved the lives of countless children, but they 'also eliminated exposure to many organisms that are probably good for us. Children raised in an ultraclean environment,' he added, 'are not being exposed to organisms that help them develop appropriate immune regulatory circuits.'"
- Feb. 17 Digital TV Conversion Is Still on After House Vote: "Bucking the Obama administration, House Republicans on Wednesday defeated a bill to postpone the upcoming transition from analog to digital television broadcasting to June 12 — leaving the current Feb. 17 deadline intact for now." A very welcome bookend to my grousing the other day. The Feb. 17 date has been trumpeted for a few years now, delaying it would just cause more problems and more confusion. Just flip the switch and get it done with already.
- Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance—Now With Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem!: "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies — Pride and Prejudice and Zombies features the original text of Jane Austen's beloved novel with all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie action. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton–and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she's soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy. What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers–and even more violent sparring on the blood-soaked battlefield as Elizabeth wages war against hordes of flesh-eating undead."
- Graffiti Removal – City of Kent, Washington: "Immediate removal within 24-48 hours is the key to successful graffiti prevention. Property owners can take back their neighborhoods by helping to clean up graffiti. Any effort to remove graffiti makes a big difference. Remove graffiti immediately and work with your neighbors to ensure your neighborhood remains clean. If you have been the victim of graffiti vandalism, you may complete a case report by utilizing the Kent Police Department's online reporting system."