Odds and Ends, Sun 6 April 2008
1. Stylophone Original
<http://www.firebox.com/product/1902>
"So what exactly is a Stylophone? Well, basically, this bizarre little
battery-operated instrument is a box packed with transistors,
resistors, diodes and other old-school electronic bits and bobs. The
idea is to press the integral stylus against the various metal keys in
order to close the circuit and emit a peculiar but unique squeal."
Try Stylophone online - Demo
<http://www.firebox.com/product/1902#playit>
2. Parkour
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkour>
"Parkour ... is an activity with the aim of moving from one point to
another as efficiently and quickly as possible, using principally the
abilities of the human body." Also known as Free-running.
YouTube videos (turn down the volume if you don't like the music)
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jquXcwooV6A>
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEeqHj3Nj2c>
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdahQf0S7yc>
3. "A Victim Treats His Mugger Right"
<http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89164759>
"He was walking toward the stairs when a teenage boy approached and
pulled out a knife." You might not believe what happens next.
4. "Oddest title is crowned"
<http://www.thebookseller.com/news/55684-oddest-title-is-crowned.html>
"'If You Want Closure in Your Relationship, Start With Your Legs' was
crowned the winner of the Diagram Prize for Oddest Title of the Year."
5. "Daily caffeine 'protects brain'"
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7326839.stm>
"Caffeine appears to block several of the disruptive effects of
cholesterol that make the blood-brain barrier leaky"
6. "Glasses don't mean you're a nerd, just smart: study"
<http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/27/2201085.htm>
"New research shows that wearing glasses does not mean you are a nerd,
but it could be a sign that you are more intelligent."
7. "'Stereotype threat' affects women's driving"
<http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/24/2197722.htm>
"New research suggests calling women lousy drivers may be a self-
fulfilling prophecy because it disrupts their focus and makes them
more likely to run over pedestrians."
