Thursday, December 26, 2002
A very interesting Game Theory analysis of the Iraq situation. It comes to some very interesting conclusions on why Hussein might choose to resist even if he is a rational actor, and why the administration may be playing the bloodthirsty, eager to invade card. Hopefully Julian is right here.
11:16:07 PM
Biotech yeast turns jug-wine into fine vintages. Gengineers are growing biotech yeast to allow cheap Chateau Thames Embankment to taste like Chauteau La-feet, eliminate hangovers, and extend shelf-life.
Instead, it is the other organism involved in winemaking - the yeast - which has been taught new tricks. GM yeast has dazzling potential because many of the "organoleptic" qualities of a wine - its colour, aroma and flavour - are created by chemicals spat out by yeast as it munches its way through the mush of crushed grapes. And the metabolic pathways that produce these chemicals have proved obligingly easy to manipulate...Link Discuss (via Robot Wisdom) [Boing Boing Blog]Already, some research groups have carried out small-scale experimental fermentations. One major experimental success has been to use modified yeast to correct the balance between sugar and fruit in grapes, which can peak at different times...
But experimental yeasts are also helping to eliminate undesirable compounds. These are the off-flavours that make wines taste sweaty, eggy, gassy or vinegary, the nasties that give you a bad head in the morning, and the carcinogens that get you in the long run.
9:41:03 PM
Things I've Learned
On Netslaves there was an interesting thread on Things I've Learned. My List:
- The most valuable things in life are not for sale.
- You can tell what kind of person someone really is by how they treat wait staff and housekeeping.
- Being a nice driver brings good parking karma.
- Define yourself by who you are and what you include in your life, not by what you are not and what you exclude.
- Don't go to bed unhappy.
- If it can be fixed with money, it's not really a problem.
- Money doesn't buy happiness, but not having money can make you miserable.
- In the end, you get what you give.
- Leaders find the best in people and bring it out. Leaders make themselves an example. Leaders set the stage and get out of the way. Leaders keep a cool head and perform miracles when necessary. Leaders do not micromanage and they do not boss people around.
- We make up most of our problems.
- You can't solve anyone else's problems.
- It is one thing to have an open mind; letting geese run around in it is quite another.
- Don't apologize unless you actually did something wrong.
- Always keep your word.
- It's okay to eat chicken with your fingers.
- You can only really do one thing at a time.
- A phone call is usually not more important than being with your friends.
- We would all be better off if we just took our own advice.
- Beds, shoes and office chairs are the least frivolous purchases you can make.
- Don't sit with your back to the door.
- Nothing is ever forgotten.
- Make time for love.
8:59:12 PM
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