This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on January 7, 2010). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint).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 5th and January 7th, I thought this stuff was interesting. You might think so too!
- The Online 78 Rpm Discographical Project: Incredible resource for dating old 78s.
- Best Buy Optimization Is a Big Stupid Annoying Waste of Money: "Would you pay $39.99 to improve your computer's processor speed by 200%? What about software updates that would take you two days to perform on your own? Or how about services that take an 'incomplete' computer and make it more useful? Good deals, right? Just one problem: None of these claims – made by real Best Buy sales clerks about the company's Geek Squad optimization services – is true."
- Word of the Year 2009: Distracted Driving: "Distracted driving — what many are guilty of when they use digital devices on the go — is rapidly entering law books around the world and earns the 2009 Word of the Year choice at Webster's New World(r) College Dictionary."
- The Science of Success: "Most of us have genes that make us as hardy as dandelions: able to take root and survive almost anywhere. A few of us, however, are more like the orchid: fragile and fickle, but capable of blooming spectacularly if given greenhouse care. So holds a provocative new theory of genetics, which asserts that the very genes that give us the most trouble as a species, causing behaviors that are self-destructive and antisocial, also underlie humankind's phenomenal adaptability and evolutionary success. With a bad environment and poor parenting, orchid children can end up depressed, drug-addicted, or in jail–but with the right environment and good parenting, they can grow up to be society's most creative, successful, and happy people."
- The Darwin Awards: "The Darwin Awards team is proud to announce the late, the great, the 2009 Darwin Award Winners! Named in honor of Charles Darwin, father of evolution, the Darwin Awards commemorate those who improve our gene pool… by removing themselves from it. This award is generally bestowed posthumously."