The Seiche: 08/01/2006

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Google Books Now Allows PDF Downloads

I Miss Buster

From Digitally Obsesses - Interview: You're killing me, Buster: Talking with Tony Hale

Friday, August 25, 2006

Everyone Knows Warrantless Spying Is Illegal

From the Chicago Tribune - NSA ruling much like a pig in parlor

This may be the first public commission of federal crimes by a president that is uniformly ignored by members of both parties.

What Baseball Players And Chefs Have In Common

The young ones really stand out.

Most do not get good at what they do until their late 20's and hit their stride in their 30's.

Maturity + knowledge + experience

1. Arrested Development will win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series.

2. AD will get great ratings in syndication.

3. NBC will pick it up and convince Mitch Hurwitz to re-start the series in 2007 or 2008.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

A "Clerical Mistake"?

From the New York Times - Evolution Major Vanishes From Approved Federal List

Probably something the administration thought would not get noticed.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Good Bye Sleater-Kinney

Via baltimoresun.com - Sleater-Kinney steps aside with lively show

I saw Heavens To Betsy and Sleater-Kinney both play. SK was amazing and I did not mind driving six hours to see them.

I almost named Kitty Lofton Sleater-Kitty.

Sleater-Kinney .com

First Genetically Modified Plant Into The Wild

Via New Scientist - Escaped golf-course grass frees gene genie in the US

Friday, August 18, 2006

New Metal Ice Cube Trays Exist

I hate plastic ice cube trays. They're way too flimsy and breakable when twisting out the ice cubes making them useless for freezing things like homemade baby food, leftover herbs, and coffee.

I fondly remember metal ice cube trays and their elegant method of dislodging the cubes.

I haven't looked in the thrift stores yet but metal ice cube trays might be found there. They are definitely on eBay.

If not, new aluminum ice cube trays are available from The Vermont Country Store or Miles Kimball. Looks like they both use the same Chinese factory as the source.

John Gilmore Is A True American

John Gilmore wants to board planes without showing ID

The article indicates Mr. Gilmore will get his case heard before the Supremet Court.

It used to be that post-WWII Americans could do a send-up of Fascists by saying with a German accent "zee papers pleeez" - but now Americans accept this request and present their papers so they can travel in the land of the free. Mr. Gilmore refuses to accept this and that is why he is a great American.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

The Ascendance Of Michigan Wines

Via The Chicago Tribune - Move over, Napa: Michigan winemakers pursue world-class status

"Napa-North"? F that. I don't think the Michigan wine region needs to piggyback off any other name or region. It is strong enough to stand on its own. Two standout wines are Chateau Grand Traverse's Reserve Chardonnay and Black Star Farms' Arcturos Pinot Noir.

The Circle Of American Health And Wealth

Corn syrup rich foods leads to obesity -> obesity leads to low self-esteem -> low self-esteem leads to over-compensation via conspicuous consumption -> debt makes people depressed -> as a symptom of depression people overeat corn syrup laden foods.

Repeat...

More Push For Offshore Wind Turbines

Via GLRC - Untapped Power In Offshore Wind Turbines?

Via Justice Talking - Wind Power - The Wave of the Future?

Couldn't wind turbines be located on Native American land? That would be another way of getting around local opposition.

Monday, August 14, 2006

MIT Investigating Alternative Means Of Generating Energy

Via Wired - MIT's Energy 'Manhattan Project'

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Windmills In Lake Michigan?

Via MLive.com - Scientists consider windmills in Lake Michigan

This is one way to get around local opposition.

Erecting wind turbines in Lake Michigan would take the issue out of the hands of local politicians...

Immigration Of Instruments

Via American Chronicle - Traditional Music and Instruments of Appalachia

Tony Hale On A Possible Arrested Development Movie! - Printer Friendly - MovieWeb

Via Movieweb - EXCLUSIVE: Tony Hale Talks About a Possible Arrested Development Movie!

If everyone can coordinate their schedule it sounds like it will happen!

Come On!

Peak Oil Has Passed For Sweet Light Crude Oil

Via RIGZONE - OPEC July Output Seen Down 200,000 b/d

Iran's output is expected to be flat on the month at 3.9 million b/d. The Islamic republic has started to find buyers for its heavier crude grades, Gerber said.

In recent weeks Iran was storing up to 20 million barrels of unwanted crude oil on tankers.

Highest Sailing Lake In The U.S.

Via Jackson Hole Star Tribune- High-country sailing

...sailing Fremont Lake is a special experience. At 11 miles long and more than 600 feet deep it is the largest glacial lake in the Green River basin. The Wind River Mountains provide a magnificent backdrop, and with a surface elevation of approximately 7,400 feet it is one of the highest-elevation sailing opportunities in the United States.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Think Then Do?

Via NPR - Bending Mind and Body to Jump Higher

Can you jump higher because you think you can? I'm sure that is part of it but the body must be ready.

Are the New York Yankees perennially good because the players are that much better or because they expect to be good?

...Czechs consume more beer than any other country in the world - more than 150 liters, or 320 pints, annually per person.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Using Sails On Motorvessels

Via IHT - Free Flow: A fuel-saving system for ships relies on kites

Like an expanded version of a sailing canoe.

And a concept like putting a sail on a trawler which results in the most beautiful and functional of boats - the motorsailer - the a Nimble Nomad for example.