Links posted on September 15, 2006
So you just got back from costa rica and that bump on your head just won't go away. I wonder what it could be?
The birth of the DJ - why does 'disco' derive from a French word? What is the origin of the Disc Jockey as we know it? Jitterbugging French Zoot Suiters flouting Goebbels, as it turns out.
"Bicycle helmets may backfire by encouraging cars to drive closer to the cyclist. Theory: Wearing a helmet makes you look like you know what you're doing, so drivers assume you can operate in tighter space. Evidence: A traffic psychologist rode a sensor-equipped bike around Britain, and when he wore a helmet, cars passed more than three inches closer, on average, than when he didn't. He was also hit by two vehicles while wearing the helmet. Bonus finding: When he dressed as a woman, drivers gave him more than five inches of extra space. Psychologist's interpretation: Helmets protect you in a low-speed tumble but may backfire in serious car traffic. Accident-prevention group's rebuttal: Wear your helmet, and we'll educate drivers to give you more space."
Life is delightful when you're poisoning pigeons in the park.