http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/antonin-scalia-error-supreme-court-dissent-epa
---Steve
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Agua Caliente Solar Project | Large Commercial, Industrial and Utility-Grade Solar Solutions | NRG Solar
Agua Caliente Solar Project | Large Commercial, Industrial and Utility-Grade Solar Solutions | NRG Solar: "The Agua Caliente Solar Project is the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) project in the world at 290 MW."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Monday, April 28, 2014
Heartland Institute Edits George Carlin's Words For Cheap Facebook Hits | Crooks and Liars
---SteveBecause the owners of this country don't want that. I'm talking about the real owners, now. The real owners, the big wealthy business interests that control things and make all the important decisions. Forget the politicians, they're an irrelevancy. The politicians are put there to give you the idea that you have freedom of choice. You don't. You have no choice. You have owners. They own you. They own everything. They own all the important land. They own and control the corporations. They've long since bought and paid for the Senate, the Congress, the statehouses, the city halls. They've got the judges in their back pockets. And they own all the big media companies, so that they control just about all of the news and information you hear. They've got you by the balls. They spend billions of dollars every year lobbying, lobbying to get what they want. Well, we know what they want; they want more for themselves and less for everybody else.
But I'll tell you what they don't want. They don't want a population of citizens capable of critical thinking. They don't want well-informed, well-educated people capable of critical thinking. They're not interested in that. That doesn't help them. That's against their interests. They don't want people who are smart enough to sit around the kitchen table and figure out how badly they're getting fucked by a system that threw them overboard 30 fucking years ago.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Chat Wars | Issue 19 | n+1
Microsoft was far too efficient to waste time improving a project beyond what was needed to defeat their competitors. In the late '90s I got a chance to tour the legendary Massachusetts computer company Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC, later bought by Compaq), and the difference in culture was remarkable. There were people at DEC who had been working on threading (the manner in which operating systems manage concurrent sets of linear processor instructions) for twenty years. Half the people had PhDs in their areas of specialty. Corners were never cut to release something earlier.
Ah, I thought. This is why Microsoft won.
---SteveSaturday, April 26, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
Tweet from Gina Ferrari (@WordYouDontKnow)
 | Gina Ferrari (@WordYouDontKnow) |
Law of Superstition: It's bad luck to be superstititious. | |
Download the official Twitter app here
---Steve
The American Scholar: The Best of the Bard - Our Editors
Light thickens; and the crow
Makes wing to the rooky wood:
Good things of day begin to droop and drowse;
While night's black agents to their preys do rouse.
—Macbeth, Macbeth: Act 3, Scene 2
The American Scholar: The Best of the Bard - Our Editors
Things without all remedy
Should be without regard: what's done is done.
—Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 2
---SteveWhy these are the ‘Ten Best Sentences’ | Poynter.
There are many pleasant fictions of the law in constant operation, but there is not one so pleasant or practically humorous as that which supposes every man to be of equal value in its impartial eye, and the benefits of all laws to be equally attainable by all men, without the smallest reference to the furniture of their pockets.
—Charles Dickens, "Nicholas Nickleby"
---Steve
Larry Page’s University of Michigan Commencement Address – News announcements – News from Google – Google
http://googlepress.blogspot.com/2009/05/larry-pages-university-of-michigan.html
blew me away. 53 years ago at his graduation my Dad said: "…we are entering a changing world, one of automation and employment change where education is an economic necessity. We will have increased periods of time to do as we wish, as our work week and retirement age continue to decline. … We shall take part in, or witness, developments in science, medicine, and industry that we can not dream of today. … It is said that the future of any nation can be determined by the care and preparation given to its youth. If all the youths of America were as fortunate in securing an education as we have been, then the future of the United States would be even more bright than it is today."
---Steve
blew me away. 53 years ago at his graduation my Dad said: "…we are entering a changing world, one of automation and employment change where education is an economic necessity. We will have increased periods of time to do as we wish, as our work week and retirement age continue to decline. … We shall take part in, or witness, developments in science, medicine, and industry that we can not dream of today. … It is said that the future of any nation can be determined by the care and preparation given to its youth. If all the youths of America were as fortunate in securing an education as we have been, then the future of the United States would be even more bright than it is today."
---Steve
Nitrogen metabolism
The majority of useful nitrogen for animal metabolism comes from proteins in the form of reusable ammonia (NH3). Nitrogen is fixated in form of ammonia by microorganisms (see chapter on amino acid synthesis) and all 'higher' forms of life (eukaryotes) depend on this primordial source of nitrogen extracted from the air. The 'usefulness' of proteins depends on four distinct properties:
1. total amount of protein ingestedDigestibility and amino acid composition define the biological value of dietary proteins. Hair and skin keratin is non-digestible and useless as such. Pretreatment like heating can improve protein usefulness. Animal proteins are a better mix for our diet than plant proteins based on their amino acid composition.
2. digestibility of proteins
3. amino acid composition of proteins
4. total caloric intake
Nucleic acids, on the other hand, are not needed as dietary supplement. Excess nucleic acid in the diet is degraded and secreted and most nucleic acid synthesis in cells is provided by protein degradation (in form of amino acid precursors). Since all nitrogen containing compounds are dependent on protein supply, protein deficiency is one of the major nutritional problems in the world. This is specifically important for children and pregnant women, since the developing organism has a several fold higher need for proteins in the diet than the adult. Low protein intake results in lowered protein synthesis and thus in a lower supply of essential proteins involved in food digestion (proteases) and blood plasma transport (lipoproteins).
---Steve
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
The effects of different levels of energy intake on protein metabolism and of different levels of protein intake on energy metabolism: A statistical evaluation from the published literature
http://www.nzdl.org/gsdlmod?e=d-00000-00---off-0fnl2.2--00-0----0-10-0---0---0direct-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0--4----0-0-11-10-0utfZz-8-00&cl=CL2.8&d=HASH0184e572fd4122fe657c2048.8>=1
For a number of years, Pcal% has been suggested as a useful dietary indicator for protein sufficiency (MILLER and PAYNE, 1961; BEATON and SWISS, 1974), but its limitations have also been recognized (BEATON and SWISS 1974; PAYNE, 1975; FAO/WHO/UNU, 1985). The relevance of the simple ratio, even when correctly calculated (average protein: average energy), as a basis for assessing diets has been questioned since it does not take into account individual variability in the needs for energy and of the extent to which these are independent of variability in protein requirements. For the US diet, the Pcal% stays at about 16% (15.4 to 17.5) across a wide range of age, sex and income groups, despite a more than two-fold range in protein availability (PELLETT and YOUNG, 1990), and even for poor developing countries, average Pcal% values from food balance sheet data (YOUNG and PELLETT, 1991) are usually in excess of Pcal% = 11%.
---Steve
For a number of years, Pcal% has been suggested as a useful dietary indicator for protein sufficiency (MILLER and PAYNE, 1961; BEATON and SWISS, 1974), but its limitations have also been recognized (BEATON and SWISS 1974; PAYNE, 1975; FAO/WHO/UNU, 1985). The relevance of the simple ratio, even when correctly calculated (average protein: average energy), as a basis for assessing diets has been questioned since it does not take into account individual variability in the needs for energy and of the extent to which these are independent of variability in protein requirements. For the US diet, the Pcal% stays at about 16% (15.4 to 17.5) across a wide range of age, sex and income groups, despite a more than two-fold range in protein availability (PELLETT and YOUNG, 1990), and even for poor developing countries, average Pcal% values from food balance sheet data (YOUNG and PELLETT, 1991) are usually in excess of Pcal% = 11%.
---Steve
Dietary protein, calcium metabolism, and skeletal homeostasis revisited
Epidemiologic studies, taken as a whole, do not satisfactorily describe the chronic impact of low-protein diets. When bone mineral density (BMD) is the primary outcome, most (44–53) but not all (54–58) epidemiologic studies show a positive relationship between protein intake and BMD. Stated another way, most of the epidemiologic evidence shows that when other known dietary factors are controlled, individuals who consume low-protein diets have lower BMD. Using the NHANES III database, we found that in 1882 non-Hispanic white women 50-y-old and older, after adjusting for age and body weight, a low protein intake was associated with a significantly lower hip BMD (53). Similarly, Hannan et al (52) studied 615 participants in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study over a 4-y period and found that lower levels of protein intake were associated with significantly higher rates of bone loss at the hip and spine. Persons in the lowest quartile of protein intake showed the greatest rates of bone loss. These findings are consistent with earlier work of Freudenheim et al, who reported that a low protein intake was associated with greater loss in bone density from the wrist in 35–65-y-old women (44).
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
Intestinal Bacteria & B12
It is possible that some vegans can ward of overt vitamin B12 deficiency, and even mild B12 deficiency, through B12 production by bacteria in the small intestine. However, this is an unusual condition, especially in Western countries, and should not be relied upon, including by raw foodists.
---Steve
WHO_TRS_935_eng.pdf
The value accepted for the safe level of intake is 0.83 g/kg per day, for proteins
@100kg body weight, 83g protein/day
---Steve
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Why I Don't Buy the Resurrection Story: The Main Argument
hagiography," a sacred account of a holy person regarded as representing a moral and divine ideal. Such a genre had as its principal aim the glorification of the religion itself and of the example set by the perfect holy person represented as its central focus. Such literature was also a tool of propaganda, used to promote certain moral or religious views, and to oppose different points of view
---Steve
---Steve
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Monday, April 14, 2014
Did Access to Birth Control Reduce Poverty? | Peer-reviewed by my neurons
Did Access to Birth Control Reduce Poverty? | Peer-reviewed by my neurons: " Poverty reduction and strong marriages. The pill is everything a social conservative could ever want."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
J.D. Winteregg lobs electile dysfunction label at John Boehner | www.daytondailynews.com
J.D. Winteregg lobs electile dysfunction label at John Boehner | www.daytondailynews.com: " “If you have a Boehner lasting more than 23 years, seek immediate medical attention”"
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Sonic hedgehog, a member of a family of putative signal... [Cell. 1993] - PubMed - NCBI
Sonic hedgehog, a member of a family of putative signal... [Cell. 1993] - PubMed - NCBI: "Cell. 1993 Dec 31;75(7):1417-30.
Sonic hedgehog, a member of a family of putative signaling molecules, is implicated in the regulation of CNS polarity.
Echelard Y1, Epstein DJ, St-Jacques B, Shen L, Mohler J, McMahon JA, McMahon AP."
'via Blog this'
Sonic hedgehog, a member of a family of putative signaling molecules, is implicated in the regulation of CNS polarity.
Echelard Y1, Epstein DJ, St-Jacques B, Shen L, Mohler J, McMahon JA, McMahon AP."
'via Blog this'
Game of Thrones, series 4, episode 2, review: 'King Joffrey takes centre stage' - Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/game-of-thrones/10761153/Game-of-Thrones-series-4-episode-2-review-King-Joffrey-takes-centre-stage.html
Lady Olenna (Diana Rigg) set the scene nicely, greeting Sansa (Sophie Turner) with condolences for the loss of her brother: "War is war, but killing a man at a wedding? Horrid.... As if men need more reasons to fear marriage."
---Steve
Lady Olenna (Diana Rigg) set the scene nicely, greeting Sansa (Sophie Turner) with condolences for the loss of her brother: "War is war, but killing a man at a wedding? Horrid.... As if men need more reasons to fear marriage."
---Steve
WTF Taxes Aren't Voluntary??
Check out this article from USA TODAY:
Top frivolous reasons for not paying taxes
http://usat.ly/1iM4qkc
---Steve
Top frivolous reasons for not paying taxes
http://usat.ly/1iM4qkc
---Steve
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Taming the Mind : A Conversation with Dan Harris : : Sam Harris
http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/taming-the-mind
Dan: I was incredibly skeptical about meditation. I thought it was for people who lived in yurts or collected crystals or had too many Cat Stevens records. - See more at: http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/taming-the-mind#sthash.6Q4aQDU4.dpuf
---Steve
Dan: I was incredibly skeptical about meditation. I thought it was for people who lived in yurts or collected crystals or had too many Cat Stevens records. - See more at: http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/taming-the-mind#sthash.6Q4aQDU4.dpuf
---Steve
Friday, April 11, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Eye on Psych: Atheists and Their Capacity for Awe at Life
http://scottsworlds.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/atheists-and-their-capacity-for-awe-at.html
Researchers who have studied the experience of awe have defined it as a response to the experience of vastness combined with a need to make sense of an experience so vast it surpasses one's current understanding (Keltner & Haidt, 2003). Vastness implies something that is perceived as immense, e.g. in regards to size, scope, number, or even social bearing (e.g. a powerful leader). When this happens, a person may feel overwhelmed and therefore be motivated to acquire new knowledge to accommodate such an awe-inspiring experience into their world-view. According to a series of research studies, one of the consequences of experiencing a sense of awe is that one's perception of time is expanded, almost as if one feels that time is standing still (Rudd, Vohs, & Aaker, 2012). This is in contrast to the feeling that one does not have enough time, a great source of mental stress for many people. Hence, experiencing awe can induce a feeling that one does have plenty of time, and a sense of savouring one's momentary experiences more deeply. Rudd, Vohs and Aaker found that it was possible to experimentally induce feelings of awe in people (e.g. by reading a story about ascending the Eiffel Tower and seeing Paris from on high) and that doing so produced not only a feeling of expanded time, but an increase in momentary satisfaction with life.
---Steve
Researchers who have studied the experience of awe have defined it as a response to the experience of vastness combined with a need to make sense of an experience so vast it surpasses one's current understanding (Keltner & Haidt, 2003). Vastness implies something that is perceived as immense, e.g. in regards to size, scope, number, or even social bearing (e.g. a powerful leader). When this happens, a person may feel overwhelmed and therefore be motivated to acquire new knowledge to accommodate such an awe-inspiring experience into their world-view. According to a series of research studies, one of the consequences of experiencing a sense of awe is that one's perception of time is expanded, almost as if one feels that time is standing still (Rudd, Vohs, & Aaker, 2012). This is in contrast to the feeling that one does not have enough time, a great source of mental stress for many people. Hence, experiencing awe can induce a feeling that one does have plenty of time, and a sense of savouring one's momentary experiences more deeply. Rudd, Vohs and Aaker found that it was possible to experimentally induce feelings of awe in people (e.g. by reading a story about ascending the Eiffel Tower and seeing Paris from on high) and that doing so produced not only a feeling of expanded time, but an increase in momentary satisfaction with life.
---Steve
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Good riddance, Barbara Walters - Salon.com
http://www.salon.com/2013/05/13/the_long_gross_career_of_barbara_walters/
let's get things started off right, by reminding everyone how her entire public life has been an extended exercise in sycophancy and unalloyed power worship.
---Steve
let's get things started off right, by reminding everyone how her entire public life has been an extended exercise in sycophancy and unalloyed power worship.
---Steve
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
Slate: "Our National Debate About Climate Policy Is Broken"
I thought you would like this article from The Slate Magazine for iPad
"Our National Debate About Climate Policy Is Broken"
http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy/2014/04/08/fox_news_leading_cable_news_network_is_usually_wrong_about_climate_change.html
http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy/2014/04/08/fox_news_leading_cable_news_network_is_usually_wrong_about_climate_change.html
All those poor misinformed people that watch Fox News..
---Steve
Monday, April 07, 2014
Sunday, April 06, 2014
Worth a Shot | The Texas Observer
As for Mindy Syler Hale and her husband Brandon, they've started urging all their friends and family to receive the Tdap vaccination. What happened to Brooks, she says, put everything in perspective. "Think how you'd feel sitting there and looking at your child go through what we went through. Think about having to put your child on that helicopter and not knowing whether when you got to the hospital, he'd be alive. Even our pediatrician didn't know if he'd survive the flight."
Mindy now wonders if Brooks would have had more antibodies in his system, more immunity, if she'd been vaccinated during her pregnancy. "He might still have caught whooping cough," she says, "but it would have given him more of a fighting chance."
If that were the case—or if Brooks' father, Brandon, had been vaccinated against the disease—maybe Brooks would have avoided the Life-Flight to Lubbock. Maybe Mindy and Brandon wouldn't have had that heartbreaking two-hour drive. Maybe they wouldn't have had to look at him lying on a gurney, wearing an oxygen mask.
"It makes you wonder," Mindy says. "Whether we'd have gone through everything we went through." And yet Brooks survived. Despite everything that happened, he was one of the lucky ones.
---SteveSaturday, April 05, 2014
Smart Meters Are Not a Health Risk. The End. — Tech News and Analysis
So basically, if consumers are worried about RF, they should give up cell phones and microwaves before blocking smart meter installations.
Friday, April 04, 2014
Thursday, April 03, 2014
Skepticblog » Oso tragic, Oso foolish
http://www.skepticblog.org/2014/04/02/oso-tragic-oso-foolish/#more-25728
At least for some, the Washington mudslide was just evolution in action...
---Steve
At least for some, the Washington mudslide was just evolution in action...
---Steve
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Disease in Two Big Studies - NYTimes.com
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/01/low-vitamin-d-levels-linked-to-disease-in-two-big-studies/?_php=true&_type=blogs&action=click&contentCollection=N.Y.+%2F+Region&module=MostEmailed&version=Full®ion=Marginalia&src=me&pgtype=article&_r=0
---Steve
---Steve
Tweet from Dan Gillmor (@dangillmor)
 | Dan Gillmor (@dangillmor) |
Basically, the Supreme Court is saying that the penniless have as much right to buy elections as billionaires do. It's all about fairness. | |
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/high-court-voids-overall-contribution-limits
---Steve
Two evil people
Two evil people now dead: Enrique Plancarte, head of the Knights Templar drug cartel; and the fraudulent money man and bigot Charles Keating
---Steve
---Steve
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
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