Scratch Pad

Thursday, December 28, 2006

50 Things

A fascinating list of discoveries from 2006--my favorite is the hen's teeth.

The Legal System Doesn't Always Work Well

The case of alleged rape against some Duke university lacrosse players has been a sad story of politics mixing with the justice system in an unhealthy--even destructive way. The piece at Opinion Journal makes the point.

In a later news piece, it looks like the DA may get disbarred. That it should get so far in the first place isn't a compliment, but at least something may happen to this out-of-control prosecutor. (The news piece gives some things that he said that were WAY out of line.)

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

The Language of Newborn Babies

An Associated Content piece explains the theory of Pricilla Dunstan about how to understand the cries of newborn infants. Dunstan has appeared on Oprah and at least one of the morning shows to demonstrate her skills. She asserts there are 5 "words" that babies say to indicate their basic needs.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Digital Effect From ILM

There is a way cool website that Industrial Light and Magic put up to let you explore how they made Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Big Pharma

I completely agree with this post by TigerHawk--I am infinitely grateful for new drugs and new drug research. And I don't even take anything that is not generic right now. But I have in the past, my family has, and the idea of new discoveries is comforting.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Survivial guide

http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/adventures/1682671.html?page=6

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Asbestos litigation fraud

http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/kstrassel/?id=110009343