A tip o’ the hat to Al Fin for writing about this very interesting report in the Los Angeles Times about the work and vision of Carl Hodges. The Earth’s ice sheets are melting fast. Scientists predict that rising seas could swallow some low-lying areas, displacing millions of people. Hodges sees opportunity. Why not divert… Continue reading A new approach to biofuels?
Tag: Useful
New hope for dementia sufferers?
I’m extremely interested to hear of an experimental treatment given to a US dementia sufferer by an English physician. Two months ago Clem Fennell was fading fast. The victim of an aggressive type of dementia, the 57-year-old businessmen was unable to answer the phone, order a meal or string more than a couple of words… Continue reading New hope for dementia sufferers?
A vegetative state may not be so vegetative any more
I’m intrigued to read of a new method of communicating with brain-damaged persons, using brain scans. BRAIN-scanning technology could allow doctors to read the intentions of patients who are unable to communicate via speech or gesture, with profound implications for emotionally charged debates about euthanasia and the way in which severely brain-damaged patients are treated.… Continue reading A vegetative state may not be so vegetative any more
When the price of the gift isn’t important
Following my report about the Bruichladdich Distillery earlier this week, I note with interest that another famous Highland distillery, The Macallan, has a rather special one-of-a-kind offer through Harrods. For a mere $110,000 or so, you can be the proud owner of this: The oak case is hand-crafted by Viscount Linley, to give it that… Continue reading When the price of the gift isn’t important
A novel way to signal for help
One has to salute the lady’s ingenuity! An American hiker given up for dead was rescued from the side of a mountain when she alerted rescuers of her whereabouts by throwing her bra into a cable car. Jessica Brown had fallen off a ledge in the Austrian Alps and was stranded injured for 70 hours… Continue reading A novel way to signal for help
A Swiss Army Knife like never before!
I grew up with various Swiss Army knives stuck in my pockets. They were a natural accessory to a growing boy, almost as essential as clothing – perhaps more so. My favorite (until now) has been the monstrous special-edition XXL, created in 2007. It had 87 separate tools and 141 functions – although it could… Continue reading A Swiss Army Knife like never before!
Happy birthday to the teabag!
I’m sitting at my desk, typing this post, with a mug of hot tea at my right hand. It was brewed in the mug with a teabag (Twining’s Irish Breakfast tea, if you’re interested). I’m pleasantly surprised to learn that the teabag is 100 years old this month. What’s more, it’s an American invention, not… Continue reading Happy birthday to the teabag!
Nine meals from anarchy?
That’s the headline of a report in the Daily Mail in England. The phrase ‘nine meals from anarchy’ sounds more like the title of a bad Hollywood movie than any genuine threat. But that was the expression coined by Lord Cameron of Dillington, a farmer who was the first head of the Countryside Agency –… Continue reading Nine meals from anarchy?
Dentists and hypnosis and lasers . . . oh, my!
There are two interesting reports for those interested in things toothsome. First, a patient had two teeth removed under hypnosis, without the use of anesthetic. Mr Mason’s last visit to a dentist before the recent check-up had been in 1998. During the operation on May 20 he had two upper right molars removed along with… Continue reading Dentists and hypnosis and lasers . . . oh, my!
Strange furniture – but interesting
I’m obliged to Mary K. for sending me a couple of e-mails giving details of some rather odd-looking furniture designs that are nonetheless interesting. From Animi Causa we have the ‘Feel seating system’, as they call it. It’s 120 soft round balls, covered with an elastic material, which can be positioned in any way one… Continue reading Strange furniture – but interesting