Tag Archives: General

Does Twitter foster a false sense of closeness?

As I wrote here recently, I’ve joined the ranks of twitterers. Earlier today I was thinking about who I’m following. It breaks down into basically only 2 categories, which are not mutually exclusive: people I know well or reasonably well … Continue reading

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More Edible Books

Images from possibly my favorite event in a library, the Edible Book Festival, are up online for the 2008 festival!

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Prisoner’s Dilemma

Another spring cleaning post… I came across a small group of students talking in the hallway a couple of days ago, working on developing a Prisoner’s Dilemma-style matrix for reference work: the patron has the choice to fully divulge their … Continue reading

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Windows Me

I had a brief conversation earlier this evening with Stephanie, prompted by the fact that my office was freezing. Which it was because I had cranked the heat down when I got in, on account of the fact that it … Continue reading

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Eight random facts meme

I don’t usually do these meme blog posts, but I’ve been tagged by Sally, and when my favorite elected official comes calling, I shall answer. I grew up just outside of Boston and lived in Massachusetts my entire life, until … Continue reading

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The Red Shirt Phenomenon

Star Trek, statistical data analysis, and Tufte-style Powerpoint-bashing. It’s a rare treat to read something that combines all three. Analytics According to Captain Kirk, by Matt Bailey Conclusion: Never wear a red shirt. Avoid fights. Make sure Captain Kirk gets … Continue reading

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What is wrong with this picture?

Apparently F. W. Lancaster is a volcanologist. Click for the full-size version: I’ve been using Amazon for over a decade now, and this is literally the first time I’ve seen an error like this. Incidentally, Volcanoes in History, in Theory, … Continue reading

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Twelve Angry Mentos

One of my favorite literary events, the Edible Book Festival returns to Duke, on April 2. Who says you can’t eat in the library?

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The global instant noodle industry

Sad news for starving college students everywhere: Inventor of instant noodles dies, from BBC The inventor of instant noodles, Momofuku Ando, has died in Japan, aged 96, of a heart attack. Clearly ramen is not as bad for you as … Continue reading

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The old home town, year 3

Newton has fallen from grace. My old home town is no longer the safest city in the US. It has been surpassed by Brick Township, NJ; Amherst, NY; and Mission Viejo, CA. The 13th annual America’s Safest (and Most Dangerous) … Continue reading

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