On The Price of Beer
April 13, 2007 | People & Society
Mind Hacks: A research report published in Applied Economics has found that the number of patients with violence-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms is related to the price of beer. [...] The researchers examined admissions to 58 hospital accident and emergency departments over a five year period and found that as the price of beer increased, violence-related injuries decreased. (pdf)
Bacterial Toxin in the Genetically Modified Corn
April 12, 2007 | Nature & Environment | Science
Hans-Hinrich Kaatz: The bacterial toxin in the genetically modified corn may have ‘altered the surface of the bee’s intestines, sufficiently weakening the bees to allow the parasites to gain entry.
—Spiegel Online via WorldChanging via Hypsographic Gleanings
Where Have All the Leaders Gone?
April 12, 2007 | People & Society
Lee Iacocca's new book: "I hardly recognize this country anymore. The President of the United States is given a free pass to ignore the Constitution, tap our phones, and lead us to war on a pack of lies. Congress responds to record deficits by passing a huge tax cut for the wealthy (thanks, but I don't need it). The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs. While we're fiddling in Iraq, the Middle East is burning and nobody seems to know what to do. And the press is waving pom-poms instead of asking hard questions. That's not the promise of America my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I've had enough. How about you?"
Firewalk'd
April 3, 2007 | Life | People & Society | Travel
On Friday night, I, along with nearly 4,000 other people, walked barefoot over 12 feet of hot burning coals. At least 1,200 degrees. About eight or ten steps. Barefoot. It's quite an experience.
You can imagine the legal disclaimer (edited for brevity):
In consideration of my participation in the seminar I agree to release and hold harmless RRI for any liability whatsoever for any damage or injury, personal or mental, which might incur as a result of my voluntary decision to walk barefoot on a bed of hot burning coals. I am fully aware and understand that, at a seminar sponsored by RRI and its promoters, I will be given the opportunity to walk barefoot on burning wood coals, which will range in temperature between 1,200 - 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. If I do choose to walk on the coals, I affirm that I have not been coerced or persuaded in any way to do so, and I acknowledge that I make this decision voluntarily and without reservation. I am fully aware and acknowledge that there is no guarantee regarding my safe passage. I am fully aware that I may suffer serious injury, including severe burns or other physical or mental damage.
Thirty lanes of firewalkers, in the first floor of a Meadowlands NJ parking garage, at midnight, in the dark, with loud drums pounding, people chanting, and dancers with glow sticks twirling about. Kool-aid; drank.
Update: Hannah posts (with good links); I comment.
