Blogs

Ars Technica reports on a study which, upon examining the environmental impact of six common pesticides, found that an organic mineral oil intended to smother aphids was the worst of all tested, and the other tested organic pesticide rated fourth of the six:

We found that in addition to reduced efficacy against aphids compared to novel synthetic insecticides, organic approved insecticides had a similar or even greater negative impact on several natural enemy species in lab studies, were more detrimental to biological control organisms in field experiments, and had higher Environmental Impact Quotients at field use rates.
-- http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0011250

Take that stupid Hippies!

The venerable Ars Technica has coverage of a new official Pac-Man release to celebrate Pac's 30th birthday; Pac-Man Battle Royale. Ars wites:

The gameplay change is pulled off with some slightly tweaked mechanics. A level map is empty at the start of the round, only becoming randomly populated with dots and power pellets after a short time. Any player that grabs a power pellet temporarily doubles in size, affecting Pac-Man's speed and range of attack—get eaten by a powered-up Pac-Man and you’re out for the round.

Count me in!

Seen on a company chat group. Names changed to protect the pathetic:

Person A: freedom is choise,,
06:37 PM - Jun 14 - reply

person b: nice.. " choise " -- got your glasses on person a? just kiddin..
06:39 PM - Jun 14 - reply

Person A: choice.. don't be mean!
06:46 PM - Jun 14 - reply

person b: huh?! whose mean?
10:01 PM - Jun 14 - reply

First rule of Pendant Club; You're an idiot.

Hotblack Desiato, the front-man for the universe's loudest rock band, Disaster Area, in Douglas Adams' second Hitchhikers Guide book, The Restaurant at the End Of The Universe, was in fact named after an Islington real estate agent.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I never knew that.