Motto: Only today is not tomorrow and only tomorrow is not the day after tomorrow! (deep Romanian wisdom… from the category “winter is not the same as summer…”)
Today I have tried four types of champagne - one glass out of each bottle, which is quite reasonable. All were exquisite.
Today is December the 30th. Tomorrow will be the 31st – last day of this year. 2011 is therefore gone, already behind us. The day after tomorrow will actually be the first day of the last year of humankind's short (and petty...) history. At least this is what we read in the newspapers and what the Maya calendar seems to show. We could very well say that the day after tomorrow will be the beginning of the end.
This may also be considered a necessary evil, as endings mark new beginnings all the time.
Let’s take as example my four glasses of champagne. The first one was raised with my current boss, on the occasion of his ‘good-bye’ lunch. He was an excellent boss. He will continue to be an excellent boss, only … for other people. What will he do from now on? He will go ahead in his career, with a new beginning. A new phase in his professional and personal life (well, no matter how much we try to fool ourselves, it is true that the two sides of our lives are very much depending on each other and feeding themselves with the other’s time).
The second and the third glasses of champagne (quite close in time from each other) were raised for more ordinary endings – the year and the training period for some of our colleagues. We raised the glasses to mark the transition towards the next phase. Which is? Next years, next trainee round, next, next… The king is dead, long live the king! This spiral of …-end-beginning-end-beginning-end-… is as old as some famous dilemmas about what came first – the egg or the hen; the lawyer, the politician or the prostitute?... So hard to say and at the same time and so little relevant for the mess we are facing today!...
What about the fourth glass? Well, this one I believe just came natural after the other three. It was champagne day, a day for celebration and smiles. I am not sure if there was anything to celebrate, but what seemed really important was the spirit. And today’s spirit was one for celebration, smiles and hugs, fun and optimism. The spirit of the famous “tomorrow is another day!”.
Then why do we torment ourselves so much when something is coming to an end? It is really difficult to part with familiar things, to step out of our comfort circle. Whenever the decision to change something is within our power, when we have the freedom and responsibility to choose the way to follow, we are prone to stress ourselves, to have doubts about our choices and to wonder endlessly “what if?...” We are afraid of choosing the wrong path, of always regretting we did not take the other one, we did not know better to go the other way.
What seems hard to understand is that … we will always regret the alternative. Sooner or later, the path we take gets harder and harder. Life is never easy and no matter where we are heading, we face hurdles and pain, challenges and set-backs. Life not fair, not smooth, all charming roses that touch our senses with their scent also tear our flesh with the attached thorns. What we always forget to remember is that if we turn back the time to the moment of the initial choice, it really did look better than the alternative path. And so we can never really know whether the alternative wouldn’t have been worse. We always compare the reality with imagination, what we have with what we dream we could have had. And we have to admit that reality looses almost every time in this comparison – which is pretty unfair.
It is completely another story when the change is actually external and unavoidable. Usually that kind of change we embrace with a mix of fear, hope and anticipation. We almost never regret such change, most probably because we do not blame ourselves for the consequences. When there is a scapegoat for whatever bad things happen to us, we make peace with the reality, it does not look so serious or complicated. Is this strange? Maybe … but it is also very human. It explains the successful dictatorships in countries with large numbers in the population. It is quite easy to control a huge mass of people if you give them a direction and a sense of togetherness (be it in front of hardship or religion or common interest). Such regimes did not leave much space for thinking and spiritual growth, but kept the people at the same time busy and rather comfortable. I am not saying it is right, just that it is… not so difficult. People tend to accept their ‘faith’ whenever there is a third party to blame for whatever goes wrong and they can leave at peace with their own conscience and freedom of choice (or lack of it…).
So, I am coming closer to the end of today’s posting and I cannot say that I had a real subject. What I had was a wish to take a glimpse into the year ahead – 2012. What will it bring? Like I already said – the end of the world (as we know it?...), most probably resulting from a multitude of crisis (financial, industrial, commercial, social, political, sovereign, cultural, religious, moral and so on).
Where would then be the beginning? Well… in the same crisis, as we should not think of any final and irrevocable ending. Something has to come out of any kind of end. Do you wonder what?... Well, you have to have a little patience. We will know that exactly at the same time next year, December 31, when we will say good bye to 2012, and look forward to a 2013 full of hope and optimism.
In the meanwhile let’s clean up our houses, get some decent food and drinks on the table, hug and kiss our family and friends, light some nice fireworks, then raise another glass of champagne and rejoice. Let’s welcome the young 2012, as pale and pessimistic (but full of hope!) as it may be!
Happy New Year!
Georgina
Friday, December 30, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
INFORMAVORE's SUNDAY No 487
Dear friends,
Please read too:
My best wishes for today and for each and every day!
And the best information I have hunted this week as follows:
Peter
SEARCH
INTERNET
The Internet gets physical: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/sunday-review/the-internet-gets-physical.html?_r=1
SEARCH & FIND: What, where, how.
How would you create the perfect search engine?
http://searchengineland.com/how-would-you-create-the-perfect-search-engine-104253
Search engines: improve your skills and find exactly what you want http://www.computeractive.co.uk/ca/benefits/2134212/search-engines-improve-skills-exactly#ixzz1hCjPDRmm
Software, gadgets, magazines and more in our webstore. Click here to see our latest offers.
One-Word Searches: Search Engines Doing More With Less:
How Bing Is Rethinking The Way We Search: Part 1 w/ Stefan Weitz: http://www.stonetemple.com/how-bing-is-rethinking-the-way-we-search-part-1-w-stefan-weitz/
Blekko –new and improved site, same mission:
http://blog.blekko.com/2011/12/21/blekko-new-and-improved-site-same-mission/
Biggest Search Events of 2011 & Predictions for 2012:
Great Web brands- Survey Monkey
What it's Like when the Net Giants 'Defriend' You: http://bigthink.com/ideas/41605
BLOGS and SOCIAL SITES
Bing- the future of search and social:
Why you shouldn’t avoid twitter any longer:
The Law of Online Sharing Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg will eventually have to deal with the fact that all growth has limits:
Information's Social Highways A startup studies the paths taken by viral messages: http://www.technologyreview.com/article/39294/?nlid=nldly&nld=2011-12-22
Social media’s envy effect:
GOOGLE
Google's Zeitgeist: Don't Dig Too Deep for Meaning:
Test your creativity with our search caption challenge: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/test-your-creativity-with-our-search.html
Tips & Tricks for the Google TV Pro:
WORDS, BOOKS, LIBRARIES
Humans Make Language, Language Makes Us Human: http://bigthink.com/ideas/40320
E-book lending lures readers back to libraries: http://www.forbes.com/sites/mobiledia/2011/12/21/e-book-lending-lures-readers-back-to-libraries/
Using tablet computers, e-libraries, and family literacy initiatives to encourage young children to read: http://www.llrx.com/features/childrenreadingtools.htm
Publishers vs. Libraries: An E-Book Tug of War: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/25/business/for-libraries-and-publishers-an-e-book-tug-of-war.html
SCIENCE
Probing the Unconscious Mind Cognitive psychology is mapping the capabilities we are unaware we possess http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=probing-the-unconscious-mind
Visualizing Human Intention Neuroscientists may predict what you will do before you do it. http://www.wfs.org/content/futurist/january-february-2012-vol-46-no-1/visualizing-human-intention
Crucial Advances in 'Brain Reading' Demonstrated:
Neuroscientists identify a master controller of memory
One gene appears to regulate the brain’s ability to form new memories: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/hippocampus-memory-genes-1222.html.
The top 10- species discovered in 2011:
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-05/gallery-top-10-new-species-2010
Chinese Fossils Shed Light On Evolutionary Origin of Animals from Single-Cell Ancestors: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222142444.htm
Ironing out Details of Earth's Core: Researchers Obtain Highest-Pressure Vibrational Spectrum of Iron: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220102530.htm
First Ever Direct Measurement of Earth's Rotation:
TECHNOLOGY
Is there a Moore
The Chinese Solar Machine: http://www.technologyreview.com/article/39356/?nlid=nldly&nld=2011-12-19
Chemicals and Biofuel from Wood Biomass:
To Survive, Some Biofuels Companies Give Up on Biofuels Companies such as Gevo hope to become profitable by turning corn into chemicals: http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/39371/?nlid=nldly&nld=2011-12-21
New Biofuel inspired by fir trees:
http://earthsky.org/energy/new-biofuel-inspired-by-fir-trees
Towards Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Hydrogen Generation: Algal Protein Gives Boost to Electrochemical Water Splitting:
The Best Predictions of 2011 Drawing from a variety of sources throughout the past year, the editors of THE FUTURIST take a look at some of the best predictions for the world’s future: http://www.wfs.org/content/futurist/january-february-2012-vol-46-no-1/best-predictions-2011
THE FUTURIST Magazine's Ten Favorite Predictions for 2011: http://www.wfs.org/content/futurist-magazines-ten-favorite-predictions-for-2011
Ultimate guide for tablets: http://savedelete.com/ultimate-guide-to-tablets.html
Marc Andreessen: Predictions for 2012 (and beyond: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57345138-93/marc-andreessen-predictions-for-2012-and-beyond/
My 10 Favorite Technologies of 2011 A year of new gadgets and wonders that greeted the world: http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/helloworld/27434/?nlid=nldly&nld=2011-12-21
Gadgets in 2011 : Top 5 of Everything – Part I: http://savedelete.com/gadgets-in-2011-top-5-of-everything-part-i.html
Need a new material? New tool can help Exhaustive reference system and interactive toolkit could revolutionize materials research, potentially enabling new types of manufacturing:
Novel Device Removes Heavy Metals from Water:
EDUCATION, CULTURE, ART
MIT launches online learning initiative
'MITx' will offer courses online and make online learning tools freely available.: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/mitx-education-initiative-1219.html
How to learn almost anything for free: http://askbobrankin.com/how_to_learn_almost_anything_for_free.html?awt_l=4jAx_&awt_m=JcwurCgoG8P6SL
Just Enough Aversity Breeds Resilience http://bigthink.com/ideas/41587
Why Humans Are So Sociable These Days: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220205212.htm
Prejudice Comes from a Basic Human Need and Way of Thinking, New Research Suggests: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140627.htm
EarthSky 22: Mayan calendar and December 21, 2012: http://earthsky.org/human-world/earthsky-22-the-mayans-and-2012
'We are the 99 percent' chosen as year's top quote: http://www.news-press.com/article/20111218/NEWS01/111218016/0/WEATHER01/-We-99-percent-chosen-year-s-top-quote
We are natural born multi-taskers: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140459.htm
Miki Saxon’s Selection; Quotable Quotes by H.L. Mencken:
Celebration of the Future:
Who is alive and who is dead: http://www.whosaliveandwhosdead.com/
BUSINESS
The 50 most innovative companies 2011: http://www.technologyreview.com/tr50/
Why failure drives innovation:
COURAGE IN LEADERSHIP: FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO THE BOARDROOM: http://www.iveybusinessjournal.com/topics/leadership/courage-in-leadership-from-the-battlefield-to-the-boardroom
The 50 best blogs for future leaders:
http://www.onlinecolleges.net/2011/12/19/50-blogs-future-leaders/
Fire, Snowball, Mask, Movie: How Leaders Spark and Sustain Change: http://hbr.org/2011/11/fire-snowball-mask-movie-how-leaders-spark-and-sustain-change/ar/1
Can Charisma Be Taught? The 90% Theory And Why That Can Be Enough:
http://www.terrystarbucker.com/2010/10/10/can-charisma-be-taught-the-90-theory-and-why-that-can-be-enough/
I’m still learning. The day I stop reading, the day I stop learning – that’s the day I stop leading & likely the day I stop breathing: http://davidkanigan.com/2011/12/22/mike-myatt-five-leadership-focus-areas-for-2012-business-management-goals-focus-leadership/
Developing future leaders- It’s imperative not to wait:
http://www.greatleadershipbydan.com/2011/12/developing-future-leaders-its.html
Innovation- Matrix'-style learning cements new skills in brain
Repetition in the head can mean better performance on certain skills, researchers find: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45662193/ns/technology_and_science-innovation/#.Tu8EZDWcCGs
HEALTH & MEDICINE
Brain function — a new way to measure the economic impacts of aging: http://www.kurzweilai.net/brain-function-a-new-way-to-measure-the-economic-impacts-of-aging
Scientists May Be Able to Double Efficacy of Radiation Therapy:
Technological Healing A leading researcher says digital technologies are about to make health care more effective. But is so much data really beneficial?: http://www.technologyreview.com/article/39320/?nlid=nlcomp&nld=2011-12-21
The Mystery Behind Anesthesia Mapping how our neural circuits change under the influence of anesthesia could shed light on one of neuroscience's most perplexing riddles: consciousness: http://www.technologyreview.com/article/39289/?nlid=nlbio&nld=2011-12-20
What Makes Anesthetics Work: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222103120.htm
How Pregnancy Changes a Woman's Brain:
New Light On Medicinal Benefits of Plants: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095243.htm
Gene therapy for ears:
New plasma “brush” may mean painless plasma filling:
FOOD & COOKING
One Billion Holiday Wishes http://blogs.worldwatch.org/nourishingtheplanet/one-billion-holiday-wishes/
Making Drought Resistant Crops: http://bigthink.com/ideas/41619
Why Does Asian Food Taste So Different From Western Food?: http://gizmodo.com/5869188/why-does-asian-food-taste-so-different-from-western-food
Which Wheats Make the Best Whole-Grain Cookie Doughs:
MISCELLANEA
Why People’s Names Are So Hard to Remember: http://www.spring.org.uk/2011/12/why-peoples-names-are-so-hard-to-remember.php
The Mall as a Sanctuary: Study Finds Holiday Shopping Outlets Aren't Just Shrines to Spending:
SELECTED NEWS
SPAM & SPYWARE
VIRUSES & e-CROOKS
Seven Ways to Get Yourself Hacked As targeted scams become more common, it's vital to protect yourself:
Is your voicemail vulnerable to hackers:
What’s in your inbox?: http://antivirus.about.com/od/emailscams/a/Whats-In-Your-Inbox.htm?nl=1
Firefox security tips and tools:
Bob Rankin- Ten Identity Protection tips: http://askbobrankin.com/ten_identity_theft_protection_tips.html?awt_l=4jAx_&awt_m=IjLrn7A3m8P6SL
A lot of hoaxes attacking us but stopped here: http://www.hoax-slayer.com/issue-122.shtml
WiFi
Intel Shows Off Its Smart Phone and Tablet for 2012 Prototype devices show Intel chips running devices that could challenge the iPhone and iPad early next year:
Mobile devices- five predictions for 2012: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57344294-94/mobile-devices-five-predictions-for-2012/
Bob Rankin- What is Windows Phone7?:
Thursday, December 22, 2011
CHRISTMAS AGAIN…
Motto (Serenity Prayer): God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.
As I enjoy a few moments of peace and solitude (as usually, flu comes with bad and good parts…), I just felt like writing something at Christmas time.
I am less than a day apart from jumping into this year’s Christmas holiday, which will be full of hugs & kisses, smells & tastes, stories & plans, and then… next group of hugs & kisses, smells & tastes, stories & plans... I will join friends and family, sharing with them some special days. Then we will all go back to day-to-day working and regular living.
Today I found myself thinking of those people who will not get warm family reunions this year. Some have no family to go to. For other the distance is too big. And some would rather hideaway on this holiday. On this latest category, I believe everyone has all the right reasons for hiding. Some are too tired, some are longing for quality time away from ‘crowds’, some just do not feel like sharing their unhappiness this year. They are tired of the smiling, of the questions and of the wishes (mostly the same each year). Some are afraid that they will have nothing new to share. Some are not willing to hide their discontent in this period and reckon it’s better to just pull back and hide for a couple of days. The holiday will go away eventually, the discontent hopefully also, even thou not necessarily at the same time.
There is a general perception that Christmas is a time of love and joy, so if some people do not feel loving (or loveable), joyful or energetic, then why pretend that they are, just for the sake of family and friends? On the other hand, why spoil others’ joyfulness and happiness with their presence?
I am not going to argue with such a Christmas approach, because each person is different and no one can ever really feel another’s pain or live another’s live in their stead. What I am going to do is wish them all the best on those holidays, just the same as I wish to any traditional Christmas-spirited joyful soul, who is probably still running around, buying last-minute presents, preparing delicious food, hugging & kissing around.
Well… I am not going to argue, but I am going to tell them: this posting is for you people!
This year I have experienced some moments when hideaway seemed like the best answer to address the blurry vision of the future that lies ahead. We are living historical times and it is not necessarily a good thing. It is also not necessarily a bad thing. And in this general context, some of us are facing personal changes. It is only natural that when the whole world questions us, we start also questioning ourselves. Are we in the right place, doing the right thing, choosing the right path, building the right future? Could anyone answer that for us?
Sometimes those questions have answers which we just do not want to see. Or we see but do not accept. We take pride in being free in taking our own decisions. However huge part of the changes in our life is not triggered by own decisions, but actually is a result of external factors and other people decisions. We can call that ‘fate’ or ‘luck’ (good or bad), we can blame it on the external decision-makers or on ourselves. Still none of those excuses or blame-games would change anything in the present. The sooner we realize and accept that, the faster we will get ahead living the next stage of our life. We must direct our energies ahead, start exercising again the freedom of choice and rediscover our own-decision-making-mechanism from this point onward.
What does this have to do with lonely Christmas time? I think a lot. Lonely holiday is nothing else than long time for thinking. As you do not play and hug and eat and share stories and plans with others, you will of course sit and do mostly the same by and with yourself. And the direction in which you explore (past or future) will actually shape the post-holiday period that will come after that.
Do not lie to yourself even if you plan a noisy family Christmas – if you recognize your state of mind in a part of the above description, it may very well mean that you plan to enjoy your loneliness in the middle of a noisy funny family Christmas reunion. And you’d better snap quickly out of it or sleep it over before Santa comes.
I wish you all a warm and rewarding Christmas!
May 2012 bring some hopes back into our future or… some future back into our hopes!
Hugs & kisses,
GeorginaClaus
As I enjoy a few moments of peace and solitude (as usually, flu comes with bad and good parts…), I just felt like writing something at Christmas time.
I am less than a day apart from jumping into this year’s Christmas holiday, which will be full of hugs & kisses, smells & tastes, stories & plans, and then… next group of hugs & kisses, smells & tastes, stories & plans... I will join friends and family, sharing with them some special days. Then we will all go back to day-to-day working and regular living.
Today I found myself thinking of those people who will not get warm family reunions this year. Some have no family to go to. For other the distance is too big. And some would rather hideaway on this holiday. On this latest category, I believe everyone has all the right reasons for hiding. Some are too tired, some are longing for quality time away from ‘crowds’, some just do not feel like sharing their unhappiness this year. They are tired of the smiling, of the questions and of the wishes (mostly the same each year). Some are afraid that they will have nothing new to share. Some are not willing to hide their discontent in this period and reckon it’s better to just pull back and hide for a couple of days. The holiday will go away eventually, the discontent hopefully also, even thou not necessarily at the same time.
There is a general perception that Christmas is a time of love and joy, so if some people do not feel loving (or loveable), joyful or energetic, then why pretend that they are, just for the sake of family and friends? On the other hand, why spoil others’ joyfulness and happiness with their presence?
I am not going to argue with such a Christmas approach, because each person is different and no one can ever really feel another’s pain or live another’s live in their stead. What I am going to do is wish them all the best on those holidays, just the same as I wish to any traditional Christmas-spirited joyful soul, who is probably still running around, buying last-minute presents, preparing delicious food, hugging & kissing around.
Well… I am not going to argue, but I am going to tell them: this posting is for you people!
This year I have experienced some moments when hideaway seemed like the best answer to address the blurry vision of the future that lies ahead. We are living historical times and it is not necessarily a good thing. It is also not necessarily a bad thing. And in this general context, some of us are facing personal changes. It is only natural that when the whole world questions us, we start also questioning ourselves. Are we in the right place, doing the right thing, choosing the right path, building the right future? Could anyone answer that for us?
Sometimes those questions have answers which we just do not want to see. Or we see but do not accept. We take pride in being free in taking our own decisions. However huge part of the changes in our life is not triggered by own decisions, but actually is a result of external factors and other people decisions. We can call that ‘fate’ or ‘luck’ (good or bad), we can blame it on the external decision-makers or on ourselves. Still none of those excuses or blame-games would change anything in the present. The sooner we realize and accept that, the faster we will get ahead living the next stage of our life. We must direct our energies ahead, start exercising again the freedom of choice and rediscover our own-decision-making-mechanism from this point onward.
What does this have to do with lonely Christmas time? I think a lot. Lonely holiday is nothing else than long time for thinking. As you do not play and hug and eat and share stories and plans with others, you will of course sit and do mostly the same by and with yourself. And the direction in which you explore (past or future) will actually shape the post-holiday period that will come after that.
Do not lie to yourself even if you plan a noisy family Christmas – if you recognize your state of mind in a part of the above description, it may very well mean that you plan to enjoy your loneliness in the middle of a noisy funny family Christmas reunion. And you’d better snap quickly out of it or sleep it over before Santa comes.
I wish you all a warm and rewarding Christmas!
May 2012 bring some hopes back into our future or… some future back into our hopes!
Hugs & kisses,
GeorginaClaus
Saturday, December 17, 2011
INFORMAVORE's SUNDAY No 486
My Dear Readers,
This issue of my newsletter is published in tandem.
with our first Guest Editorial written by my new friend,
Cancer is one of the greatest enemies of mankind- a very cruel
one and when I started to think –it was the era of the antibiotics and the Salk vaccine, I was firmly convinced that cancer will
eradicated in my lifetime. This was an absolutely erroneous prediction- today approximately 13% of us have the chance to
die from a form or other of this dreadful illness. Ganglionar cancer
has killed my son at the age of 31.
David Haas is telling us that we have to fight against cancer and
shows how we can due it. A noble, human initiative. Thank you David!
As regarding the newsletter there are so many interesting things
that I will ask you to discover them yourselves. I have enjoyed
very much the “vocabulary quiz”- good and fast- you have to take
instant decisions, like in peak experiments, in Flow, or in moments of kairos. Or, when you are in dead trouble.
Peter
SEARCH
INTERNET
Can the Entire Internet be Summarized?: http://bigthink.com/ideas/41534
The Web in 2012: Five predictions, starting with IE10: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-57342776-92/the-web-in-2012-five-predictions-starting-with-ie10/
Imagining 2076: Connect Your Brain to the Internet: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/science/imagining-2076-connect-your-brain-to-the-internet.html?_r=1
Researchers claim new data transfer rate world record: http://www.gizmag.com/data-transfer-record-186gbps/20859/
SEARCH & FIND: What, where, how.
Search Engines 101-Part 2:
Find multimedia on the Web: http://websearch.about.com/c/ec/41.htm?nl=1
Yahoo- 2011 year in review: http://yearinreview.yahoo.com/
The Top 2011 Searches from Bing: A Year of Breakthroughs and Heartbreaks: http://www.bing.com/community/site_blogs/b/search/archive/2011/11/28/2011trends.aspx
A source of news: http://www.scoop.it/t/news-on-world-events
Inside search engines' war on bad results: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21228436.200-inside-search-engines-war-on-bad-results.html
8 best free online PDF tools:
100 excellent hints and tricks for every computer user:
BLOGS and SOCIAL SITES
Microsoft Mixes Social Networking With Search Aimed at students, the new network shows that combining two of the Web's most popular activities has broader potential: http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/39353/?nlid=nldly&nld=2011-12-16.
Top 10 Most Significant Search & Social Marketing Stories of 2011: http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2132875/Top-10-Most-Significant-Search-Social-Marketing-Stories-of-2011
Network Thinking:
GOOGLE
Google Advanced Search Techniques:
Is Google making us illiterate?:
Chrome 15 puts IE8 in rear-view mirror, takes No. 1 spot
First time in years that a non-Microsoft browser has been top dog: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9222706/Chrome_15_puts_IE8_in_rear_view_mirror_takes_No._1_spot
Why Google TV will win: http://gigaom.com/video/why-google-tv-will-win/
Exclusive: Google CEO's inner circle: Meet the L Team: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/16/us-google-idUSTRE7BF1T420111216
WORDS, BOOKS, LIBRARIES
Vowels control your brain: http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2011/12/07/143265882/vowels-control-your-brain
100 Most Beautiful Words in the English Language: http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1msJhz/deshoda.com/words/100-most-beautiful-words-in-the-english-language/
Vocabulary quiz: http://www.merriam-webster.com/quiz/index.htm
E-Books, Shmee-Books: Readers Return to the Stores: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/books/steve-jobs-biography-and-other-hot-titles-bookstore-lures.html
Review
In depth: Using the Kindle Fire vs. the Kobo Vox vs. the Nook Tablet:
SCIENCE
Human Brain and the Potato: Similarities Within the Mitochondrial Ion Channels: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201094255.htm
Tapping the Brain Orchestra:
Potential Explanation for Mechanisms of Associative Memory:
Biophysicists Discover Four New Rules of DNA 'Grammar' For 60 years, biologists have known of only two grammar-like rules that govern the language of DNA. Now they've found four more: http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/arxiv/27402/?nlid=nlbio&nld=2011-12-13
Speed of light lingers in face of new camera:
World's Smallest Frogs Discovered in New Guinea
Unlocking the Secrets of Snowflakes’ Shapes
Leon Lederman explains the mystery and beauty of the Higgs boson: http://earthsky.org/space/leon-lederman-explains-the-mystery-and-beauty-of-the-higgs-particle
Planet Earth: http://www.learner.org/resources/series49.html
Energy efficient hornets: http://scienceblogs.com/lifelines/2011/12/energy_efficient_wasps.php
Meet the Agta, a tribe where a quarter of men have been attacked by giant snakes: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2011/12/12/meet-the-agta-a-tribe-where-a-quarter-of-men-have-been-attacked-by-giant-snakes/
No Acid Burn for Naked Mole Rats:
ScienceShot: Ant 'Gas Gun' Paralyzes Prey:
TECHNOLOGY
Solar Cells Capture Lost Energy:
http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2011/12/solar-cells-capture-lost-energy.html?ref=em&elq=00b320d2d6344e3fb0770ada40ad5bac
Discovery of a 'Dark State
Ramping Up Wind Energy Research: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214125857.htm
Tilting at Water Turbines A collection of weird and wonderful devices designed to harvest energy from the ocean:
A Greener Way
Biofuel Research Boosted by Discovery of How Cyanobacteria Make Energy: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141613.htm
The Death of Range Fuels Shouldn't Doom All BiofuelsThe influential biofuels startup failed because its technology proved too expensive:
Highly resonant wood could be commercially produced for Stradivarius-quality "fungus violins”: http://www.gizmag.com/stradivarias-fungus-violins/20804/
Cryogenic treatments database: http://www.cryogenictreatmentdatabase.org/
5 Disruptive Technologies Happening Now From e-books to 3-D printing, TR spotlights the technologies that are destroying markets and creating new ones.
EDUCATION, CULTURE, ART
Brain's Cortex Plays an Essential Part in Emotional Learning:
Brain's Failure to Appreciate Others May Permit Human Atrocities: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214162103.htm
How music is good for your brain:
Famous castles in the world: http://www.everycastle.com/
Is Positive Psychology Prescriptive or Descriptive?: http://positivepsychologynews.com/news/kevin-simmons/2011121420096
The Voynich manuscript: http://beinecke.library.yale.edu/digitallibrary/voynich.html
Why Do People Defend Unjust, Inept, and Corrupt Systems?:
Less Knowledge, More Power: Uninformed Can Be Vital to Democracy, Study Finds: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141621.htm
Are We Happy Yet? The Unexpected Links Between Happiness and Choice:
Media megatrends 2012–2018: http://www.kurzweilai.net/media-megatrends-2012-2018
Learning in complexity: http://www.jarche.com/2011/12/learning-in-complexity/
BUSINESS
How to increase productivity in the digital workplace:
Find, Hire, Love and Promote the One Percenters:
Ambiguity breeds mediocrity: http://www.greatleadershipbydan.com/2011/12/ambiguity-breeds-mediocrity.html
Why the world still needs bosses:
http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/12/06/bosses-formal-authority-leadership/
The Thought Leader Interview: Meg Wheatley An expert on innovative leadership warns that too many companies are reverting to fear-driven management. Instead, executives should hold to their values and build healthy corporate communities: http://www.strategy-business.com/article/11406?gko=15f1d&cid=TL20111215
When You Work For A Jerk: A 6-Point Plan For Dealing With A Bad Boss: http://www.fastcompany.com/1801420/when-you-work-for-a-jerk-a-6-point-plan-for-dealing-with-a-bad-boss?#
Sexism and gender inequality: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111030151659.htm
Study Debunks Myths About Gender and Math Performance:
Immortality as Selfishness, Death as an Engine of Innovation: http://bigthink.com/ideas/41527
Before the How and the What comes the Why: http://www.gautamblogs.com/2011/12/before-how-and-what-comes-why.html
The hidden power of weakness: http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/the-hidden-power-of-weakness/
HEALTH & MEDICINE
The Rise of the Digital Doctor: http://mediacaffeine.com/the-rise-of-the-digital-doctor/
Why Tuberculosis Is So hard To Cure: http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2011/12/why-tuberculosis-is-so-hard-to.html?ref=em&elq=00b320d2d6344e3fb0770ada40ad5bac
Blood Clot Education for Patients & Professionals
Inbreeding in Bed Bugs: One Key to Massive Increases in Infestations: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206115049.htm
Device Tracks Blood Flow in the Brain A headset ultrasound monitor could make it easier to detect the dangerous aftereffects of brain injuries: http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/39313/?nlid=nlbio&nld=2011-12-13
Beating Superbugs With a High-Tech Cleanser:
Device Tracks Blood Flow in the Brain A headset ultrasound monitor could make it easier to detect the dangerous aftereffects of brain injuries: http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/39313/?nlid=nldly&nld=2011-12-13
I am not a physician, but in my opinion “Melanie’s Marvellous Measles” is a criminal book:
How the Bioweapon Ricin Kills: Scientists Solve Mystery Through Revolutionary New Technology: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125025.htm
Magnetic Stimulation of Brain May Help Some Stroke Patients Recover:
Medicine Needs Frugal Innovation A low-cost pocket ultrasound device can see into the human heart. So why do so few doctors use it?; http://www.technologyreview.com/business/39216/?nlid=nlbus&nld=2011-12-16
Please explore this new newsletter:
FOOD & COOKING
State of the World 2011: Innovations that Nourish the Planet: http://www.worldwatch.org/sow11
Welcome to Peak Water: Scientists Say Time Is up to Prepare for Melting Glaciers: http://www.alternet.org/water/153372/welcome_to_peak_water:_scientists_say_time_is_up_to_prepare_for_melting_glaciers_
"Computerized penetrometer" measures the crispness of apples: http://www.gizmag.com/computerized-penetrometer-apple-crispness/20864/
MISCELLANEA
SELECTED NEWS
SPAM & SPYWARE
VIRUSES & e-CROOKS
Seven Ways to Get Yourself Hacked As targeted scams become more common, it's vital to protect yourself: http://www.technologyreview.com/web/39354/?nlid=nldly&nld=2011-12-15 .
Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Microsoft Internet Explorer - Which Web Browser is Most Secured?:
Bob Rankin- Is your flash drive infected?:
What is scareware?: http://antivirus.about.com/od/roguescanners/a/roguescanner.htm?nl=1
Scareware and Fake AV: http://antivirus.about.com/od/roguescanners/Scanners_to_Avoid.htm?nl=1
Getting rid of scareware: http://antivirus.about.com/b/2011/04/02/scareware.htm?nl=1
WiFi
One Million Mobile Apps, and Counting at a Fast Pace:
New Statistics: The Rise of Smartphones, Apps and the Mobile Web: http://infodocket.com/2011/12/15/new-statistics-the-rise-of-smartphones-apps-and-the-mobile-web/
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