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I know who you are and I saw what you did!
Merry Chris…ummm, Have a Happy, Politically Correct, Non-sectarian Holiday Season!
This time is of Year is supposed to be a time of Hope and Good Cheer for all, so from the realm of Science comes a little Hope for the future. Along with a few cynical asides. Because I just can’t help myself.
Very positive step forward in the treatment of MS. And another step forward in dealing with the effects. I cannot avoid a creepy reference to Countess Batholy.
Your mind works, but your body doesn’t? You can now control a robot arm with your brain. Major step forward.
Detergent could be the next tool for cleaning up oil spills. Just spread the soap, then use a magnet to suck it up. What, you didn’t know soap was magnetic?
The only things certain are death and taxes. Well, we’re making progress on death. One man’s unbelievable becomes another man’s research paper. I recommend the links in that story as well.
Marijuana may actually REDUCE your chances of cancer. So you’ll live long enough to serve your full sentence for it!
Silkworms can be engineered to make much stronger spider silk, possibly in commercial quantities.
Since we’re obviously not going to do anything soon to reduce carbon emissions, this might be part of our management plan. An example of research having beneficial side effects. Or maybe this as well
An exercise pill?!? Not sure if it the holy Grail or yet another excuse to be a couch potato. Will abuse of this first start in professional sports or in the audience of Oprah?
Now we evesdrop on bacteria. This is good thing, but I worry that DHS may try to tune into our wedding rings.
Using stem cells and annoying anti-abortion zealots pays off. This form of macular degeneration may now be treatable. Another interesting discovery about treatments with stem cells, this one on preventing organ rejection.
Though the concept of decay heat nuclear generators everywhere isn’t my idea of wise, the idea of using this to suck up waste heat and turn it to power is interesting. Imagine a dry cask of nuclear waste made with these things, generating electricity as it decays. Or a solar mirror station aimed at it.
Science can be used for good or evil. Or houses. 3d printers are affordable and available on EBay and Amazon. This genii is out of the bottle, for good or ill.
Even this abstract is enough to make ones eyes glaze over. Translation: They’ve found a drug that removes the plaques that many theorize cause the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. And a possible vaccine!
Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. Acne medicine to treat schtzopherenia?
This is a legitimate breakthrough in AIDS treatment. And this is still in the future, but Xmas is about hope, no?
Solar gets cheaper. People are making advances with little government help. IBM has a new battery that could give a car 500 mile range. We’re actually 1st or 2nd in the world in renewable investment, but it’s mostly private. The National Science Foundation spent some money and look what they got! UC -Berkley made these! Sharp did this! Imagine what a Manhattan Project directed toward solar could do. *sound of dead horse being beaten*
Boxturtle (A search on science and humbug landed me here. Merry Xmas!)
101 Comments
Thanks, Boxturtle, and third world countries are really far ahead of the U.S. in use of solar hot water heaters, when here in TX it’s insane to use another source of power.
Yeah, but Texas is HEAVILY invested in carbon based energy. And the carbon based energy is HEAVILY invested in state and local politicians. Texas could well become a leader in Solar Energy if not for the above.
Solar water heaters are so simple. My uncle made one by laying a couple hundred feet of black hose on his roof. On a sunny day, the water temp from that hose was about 105. Home water heaters put out at most 140 or so, so 105 is pretty good.
Boxturtle (How shall we support our coal miners if we move to solar?)
Hmmm… That article actually says that cannibidiol may prevent the spread of metastasis in aggressive cancers, not that it may reduce the occurrence of cancer. A drug that may reduce the rate of metastasis would indeed be a breakthrough. I’d like to read about the study parameters and so forth but unfortunately, I can’t read anymore of that piece than the front page, presumably because I won’t send Joan Walsh any money.
There was an absurd diary up last night that was saying that it was Dave Dayen’s “duty” to remain at fdl but it seems to have been taken down. Anybody else see that?
Happy XEve Morning,
Thanks for all the links and for finding some good news.
Hope you’re feeling better this morning.
Thanks BoxTurtle! Nice collection of links to some really good stuff.
Oh, Merry Christmas and good morning all.
Didn’t see it, but I’m glad it was taken down. It seems the silly just keeps on giving. Harumph and Ha!
Argh! Grabbed the wrong study! This is the one I was intending to link.
Both are worthwhile reads. Let me see if i can find a free version of the original link.
Boxturtle (I beg forgiveness, too many links to juggle yesterday)
Missed that one. Written by whom? How could it be his “duty?”
I will miss David’s writing. Also, Jane will need 3 or 4 people to replace his production.
I saw it. I HOPED it was sarcasm. Probably best that it was taken down.
Boxturtle (Dday’s memory should be honored for what he’s done, not trashed for what he could do)
I can’t remember. My only comment was “DDay’s only duty is to himself and his family, who represent the only oath that he’s taken. To try to shame him into staying is just wrong”. And no BT, sure didn’t seem like sarcasm to me.
It’s already Festivus in Austin? wow, didn’t know that.
Thanks. Possibly good news for Eddie Van Halen. Not a large study but a big enough sample for results to be intriguing.
Oh and feeling better, thanks. The pain behind my eye has been reduced and I’m probably going to venture out to get my car registration updated in a bit.
Why, yes. Yes it is.
Having a fun visit with c-dyke? What’s for breakfast? It is a nice enough day that the CBL and me could jump on the bike and be up there in a few hours. Ha! (as demi would say)
Very good news!
Isn’t it wonderful to see posts that are their own ironic rendition? I also have stopped trying to reason with the obviously irrational.
I really should stop completely. I mean, I know that you can’t argue with the dogmatic because when we get to that point, actual reality is irrelevant. Those folks actually make shit up to support their absurd positions and when called on it, the person calling them out is suddenly guilty of “ad hominem” or is misquoted or is raked over the coals in other ways. I like FDL being a passionate, activist blog. I don’t want to be the left field infowars though.
Don’t think it was taken down but just aged off the recent diaries list as new diaries submitted.
Glad you’re better, ’tis the season to be healthy.
“never argue with a fool, people might not know the difference” – Twain
Boxturtle (But the Fool on the Hill sees the sun going down…)
I don’t think so dakine. It went up after pull up your cat and that’s still up.
Wonderful thanks, like her cooking for Festivus dinner. yay!
It seems that there’s always some bit of business to take care of. Bills to pay or cinnamon rolls to make.
CHS has a great recipe here that I’m going to try.
Mmmmm…..cinnamon rolls……
BTW, missed you at puyc. How’s Dan’l?
We had a nice huge 5 cheese baked ziti last night and my daughter went with me to take some out to the homeless. She’s very impressed with mama, but I don’t see it as that big of a deal. We are so fortunate and have so much and it doesn’t take much effort to drive a couple of miles to share.
I’ll take two please. And I’ll wait until the next batch is out of the oven.
Boxturtle (No, I don’t care if I burn myself because they’re too hot)
Good morning from Indianapolis, Firepeeps. I’m ready to head to my son’s home, where I’m cooking my traditional standing rib roast on the Weber grill. Family gift exchanges and other things to follow. And moderately yukky weather. :-(
What an excellent collection of stuff, BoxTurtle! Saving most of them for later today.
I am really gonna miss DDay. He and Greg Sargent are two people who seem to be able to write an extraordinary number of good posts every day. I know how much time even one little post takes, so I’m aghast at their production and their expertise on a variety of subjects.
You really should follow the link. The rolls with vanilla pudding, pecans and something else, I forget.
I’m wondering if walnuts would work just as well.
I have to wait a little while and then go out and get the ingredients and then after I make them, I’ll come back and bring you some.
Here it is, still up:
The Duty of David Dayen
I tried to make homemade cinnamon rolls once. I made such a gawdawful mess that I am forbidden to try it again.
Boxturtle (TJ Cinnamon’s rolls are quite good and can normally be cleaned with soap and water)
Good on you!
Yeah, that’s it. Thanks.
Between this comment and the one at #31 WordPress decided to boot me off and make me log in again.
I read the post and I really think it was meant gently, not as a lecture. And the commenters all set the record straight as to what David’s duty is, to himself and his family.
I wouldn’t make too much of it. The intent wasn’t bad, IMHO.
Great way to celebrate holidays. I think kids keep a warm feeling about home when there’s more than just indulgence going on. My own love to be the donor to some cause like WWF (the panda variety) and Heifer Intl.
I happen to have all of those ingredients except the pudding and I have decided that I am going to go out and get my car registration.
Hopefully there won’t be long lines today. Happy cinnamon bunning, girlfriend.
It’s honestly a tortured compliment, and I can’t see DDayen getting upset about being the object of a complaint about leaving FDL.
That happened to me yesterday, while I was typing a comment! When I hit submit, I went to a page that said I had to be logged in to comment. Argh!
No, I didn’t think the Dayen was meant in a mean spirited way but it was definitely not snark either. Just somebody who has an overly broad definition of what “duty” means.
Sorry to run off, but roast-cooking duty beckons, and it’s 1/2 hour drive to my son’s. Have a wonderful holiday, everyone, no matter how you celebrate. I probably will stop by briefly tomorrow to wave at Margaret!
*poof*
We had all been watching A Muppet Christmas Carol and I just got the point where I jumped up and said I’m going out and why. When Katie and I got back, they boys said hey, you missed the end. Katie said We just lived it.
The Dayen piece I meant to say. Sheesh Peggy!
That’s sorta how I read it, as a compliment to David’s skills, expertise, and prolific writing.
*poof* again for realz…
Took the words right off my fingertips.
I’m out also. Have a wonderful Holiday all.
Oh he’s wedged into the chair next to me being all warm and cozy and sleeping
Good morning everyone and a Merry Christmas to all.
Thanks for the post BoxTurtle.
Sounds like the Ohio River Valley is going to get hit pretty hard with snow. Be careful out there msmolly.
Funny, I have two cats introducing themselves to me as pettable, gradually. ChiDy’s pets.
Good Morning, Mr. Canyon
It’s raining here. But, just looking at the video of snow on the newscasts makes me brrrrrrrr.
I know you prolly still miss your kitty. Have you thought to get another pet?
Good morning demi. How is your son doing today?
Kuroneko is in the midst of her morning charging around the house antics.
Will have to wait until he awakes. Slow improvement and healing. Thanks for asking. Having his sister here surely helped. We played a nice game of monopoly and the kids played some new board games they brought for him. I think it keeps his mind of his troubles.
Thanks for asking.
Pets are part of my several families, at PA and now here, so no need.
And I have a pet tree, here
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2cx2LsT_ylKK2NewMxhHKQ8szHUx-OY9EC-wKjAl8ho?feat=directlink
While we were playing boards games at the kitchen table, Picky kept jumping up into the middle of everything. Too funny.
Late to the Thread (darn eggnog)
Greetings to all my firepup friends.
Was it the eggnog or was it the rum? ;)
My darn cats cannot resist the sight or sound of rolling dice. Makes playing Yahtzee almost impossible.
Boxturtle (House Rule: If a cat bats a dice before it’s read, it’s a re-roll)
That’s why you throw in raisins, they drop to the bottom and sop up the lethal stuff. Then you eat them.
;-)
Excellent roll rule.
We let the kids have our bedroom and we’ve been sleeping on the couch. Goggie with mister and kitteh with me. Fun city. It reminded me of when I was young and when grandma spent the night at Christmas, I would sleep on the couch while she got my bed. Nice memories.
But, with the same end result, no? ((Ruth))
I actually sat and watched my nine year old peanut enjoying “The Sound of Music”. (She’s musical like her daddy)
What a joy.
Going to go shopping to get the stuff for the rolls. The house should smell terrific when everyone gets up.
I may or may not be checking back in. Stay warm and safe all.
Sorry to have missed ya demi. My best to you and yours.
Jimmy
Saved up for the ending.
Like maybe around volcanic areas or desserts ?
JClausen,
God jul og godt nytt år! goo yuhl oh goot neett ohr!
Yup. My thought was to wrap some of the material around the shower drain. It sometimes annoys me the amount of energy that pours down that drain.
Under blacktop. As insulation around ovens. How much less energy would your computer suck from the power company if the CPU’s were wrapped in it? The dryer vent. The chimney.
Boxturtle (And so on)
Off to do the things we can’t do tomorrow in the snow. Thanks for good company.
Good morning firedogs. Darn, I’m late! I slept until 8:30. It was glorious.
Thanks for the links BT, and the post and host.
Hey,
This Wartburg German knows No Norwegian.
My best to you my friend.
I’m been up since 4:30EST and at the office since 6:30. I am not jealous that you slept in until 8:30. Really. You believe me, don’t you?
Boxturtle (But, boy, if Santa wasn’t watching I’d have something to say!)
Or my RF linear amplifier, which can keep may radio room nice and toasty in the winter.
And just think of how much energy you could save by lining the walls of congress or the media news rooms.
You shouldn’t be jealous. I’m experiencing it for both of us. I’ve kept you in mind and heart the whole time!
Alright. I’m off to WalMart. Time to get into a fist-fight over a Furby.
Hit low.
Hit hard.
Hit first.
Boxturtle (And don’t let ‘em see your face)
JC, OK:
Frohe Weihnachten!
Superb, delightful and engaging diary BT. A three adjective review and I am not just being generous because of the season.
Extract the heat from that dryer vent and you could condense the steam and re-cycle the rinse water. Impressive.
Thanks
Good morning and Merry Christmas Eve everybody!
Good medical news in the post.
“Evil”?
I could understand a variety of adjectives being used to describe the 3d-printing of firearm parts (“problematic” comes to mind)…
… but “evil”?
Just back from Itchy Butt to pick up some supplies and get my car registration done. It’s a madhouse, I tell you! A madhouse!
Morning pupses! Here at the aitport: free wi fi!
Ruth…you’re getting snow? Whoa! I ‘m jealous. Flurries possie later inthr week in B ‘mmote bit I won’t hold my breath. Decided mot tp wear boots. Sun shining here. Too warm for the east coast layerd I ‘m wesring.
A hsppy Christmas etc. To all
The plane is here!
Ha. It was last night too. (Wavrs gp Peggy)
I snovim godom y feliz navidad!
Er, what is Itchy Butt? A shopping establishment, I presume?
I think your keyboard must be shrinking…
Such devices should work anywhere there is a sufficient temperature difference… the operative word being “sufficient”.
Yep. H.E.B, founded by Henry E. Butt. Therefore H.E.B = H.E. Butt, said fast = itchy butt.
Like Vonn’s, only in Texas.
I’ll stick with evil. Even the NRA will admit that there are people out there who should not have access to guns. Now they do without anyone knowing until they start shooting.
Boxturtle (Plastic guns won’t be detected by airport security, either)
You stick to what you said. It’s what you meant, and it’s what You wrote on Your Post.
I find it amusing when folks come and disagree with what a person writes as their opinion.
Well, I guess some folks react to the holidays with more judgement, which is actually kind of ironic.
Bwahahaha. I remember the discussion about HEB a while ago.
… you could describe the members of that “open-source” group as evil… or the group as whole or their methods or their goals.
It just seems a bit vague and indiscriminate to declare one particular use of a technology as evil…
I would describe a group who’s goal is to enable ANYONE to make a gun that can pass through metal detectors as evil.
It is just the same as publishing a recipe to make nerve gas via common household chemicals, only more likely to result in innocent deaths. The never gas will likely kill it’s maker, who is unlikely to have the expertize to handle it safely.
Frequently, scientists loose themselves in the discovery and fail to consider consequences. Or without knowing the consequences at the time.
Boxturtle (I suppose the thought is to make any gun restrictions irrelevant)
Dam Kindlr! Touchscreen.
I am on the plane now. Sleet in Bmore forecast tonight:) oh joy.
Four tinybaboes aboard. Packed.
Er… Kindle and tiny babies!
That is not their stated goal, and currently that is not possible with equipment available to untrained civilians.
But that situation will eventually change regardless of what this group does or doesn’t do.
The goal of the group is that anyone who feels threatened by a “gun-grabbing government”… or basically anything else… can print up an entire firearm instantly.
The tech is currently nowhere near that level while it is advanced enough for printing surgical implants and houses.
From their writings, yep… and then the (Libertarian) Jubilee. Like Somalia, but with more guns.
And thanks for explaining what it was that you considered as evil in regards to this particular use of this technology.
Over Easy Post ready for tomorrow. Hope it’s well received.
I’ll be here with jingle bells on. :)
I’ll be there with nothing on.
I will be there, but it will have to be worked around two young ladies opening their Christmas gifts. But I will be wearing PJs.