A sporadically promulgated annotated listing of arguably worthwhile, recently published online reading, new or revised websites of potential utility or ostensible interest, and other internet-accessible experiences that, were it not for the casually collected, cavalierly collated, & capriciously collocated components comprising these posts, could easily be overlooked - which would be, in some cases, a shame
Readings
The first Nowell complaint led to merry laughter by Eric Zorn Chicago Tribune 14 Dec 2006
I have a perverse affection for columns, such as this one, that debunk assumptions. In this case, the actual lyrics and meaning of some familiar Christmas Carols, including the one I’ve always (mistakenly, as it turns out) thought was titled “The First Noel,” are set forth. Besides, how often does DrHGuy have the opportunity to adorn a link the Trib with something complimentary? That’s gotta be worth something when Santa peruses his Naughty and Nice Lists.
The Not-So-Dismal Science: How economists measure whether you’re happy By Tim Harford Slate Dec. 9, 2006. The economic perspective should, after all, provide some insight into human happiness since, as the author notes, “since the 1930s, economic theory has proclaimed that the only standard of what makes people happy is what they do. You chose to eat another Twinkie? We, the economists, can only presume that this was the choice that maximized your happiness.” And how is happiness measured? Well, funny you should ask. There are two methods economists use:
The findings of the second method are especially impressive and insightful. Consider this:
Tushology By Rebecca Skloot. New York Times December 10, 2006.
It’s about time. DrHGuy has long labored as an admirer of female callipygian splendor, abetted only by his intuitive judgment and appreciation, finely honed by years of observation. Finally, science has shifted its attention from trivia such as finding solutions to disease and famine, discovering the basis of life, and exploring space to a task more central and essential to the human condition: formulas for calculating the quality of male and female buttocks.
As David Holmes, the scientist responsible fore the formulas notes, There’s an awful lot more to bums than you might think,”
Your Presents Are Requested By Doree Shafrir Slate Dec. 13, 2006
This is in the same vein as The Goldilocks Gift Story: Too Expensive, Too Cheap, & Just Right. Slate reviews or, in mothers cases rips, the gift suggestions emanating from these periodicals, Outside, New York, Wired, Cookie, Lucky, Real Simple, InStyle, Consumer Reports, Gourmet , andElle , rating their choices, presentation, organization, style, etc.
Web Sites
The shopping theme serves as a segue to Like.com, a search engine that analyzes both text and images as queries. Select a photo of a nifty watch, like the watch Paris Hilton is wearing in this picture (or type a description of the watch in the search box), and Like.com compares a “visual signature” for the query image to present you with an array of nifty watches from various retailers. Then, highlight the element of the watch you like (e.g., the strap, the watch face, etc), Like.com produces other watches with similar elements. Further refinements are possible with sliders that rank the relative importance of those elements.
It’s a double play. From a tech perspective, Like.com is the first true visual image search engine. From a National Enquirer point of view, Like.com is an entrée to ones favorite celebrity’s closet.
