Timeline of Superlative Modifiers
July 6th, 2008 Filed Under fun, ideas
I would like to see a timeline of superlative modifiers, when they came into fashion and when they became uncool.
extra- (L. outside, 1922-1945)
super- (L. above, 1940-1958)
ultra- (L. beyond, 1979-1984)
mega- (Gk. great, 1984-1993)
hyper- (Gk. beyond, 1994-2000)
meta- (Gk. after, 2001-present)
I bet Lexus-Nexus could run this query, actually.
Stumble it!Project: Nuclear Paddle
January 23rd, 2008 Filed Under activeprojects, games, ideas, science
This is a skeleton design for an action science game in Flash, which teaches the atomic particles and elements of the periodic table, and implements basic concepts of nuclear interactions and decay.
Foster’s Kiss Tattoo
January 18th, 2008 Filed Under ideas, saulism
I’m thinking about getting a tattoo of Foster’s Kiss over my heart, in recognition of my reception into the inner circle of self-religion. I’m saved–from antiquated dogma and superstitious intolerance. Thou art god. I am god!
“Did you know that all Fosterites are tattooed? Real Church members, I mean, the ones who are eternally saved forever and a day–like me? Oh, I don’t mean tattooed all over but–see that? Right over my heart? That’s Foster’s holy kiss. George worked it in so that it looks like part of the picture…so that nobody could guess. But it’s his kiss–and Foster put it there hisself!” She looked ecstatically proud.
They examined it. “It is a kiss mark,” Jill said wonderingly, “like somebody had kissed you there wearing lipstick. I thought it was part of the sunset.”
“Yes, indeedy, that’s how George fixed it. Because you don’t show Foster’s kiss to anyone who doesn’t wear Foster’s kiss–and I never have, up to now. But,” she insisted, “you’re going to wear one, both of you, someday–and when you do, I want to tattoo ‘em on.”
Jill said, “I don’t understand, Patty. How can he kiss us? After all, he’s–up in Heaven.”
“Yes, dearie, he is. Let me explain. Any priest or priestess can give you Foster’s kiss. It means God’s in your heart, God is part of you…forever.”
Mike was suddenly intent. “Thou art God!”
“Huh, Michael? Well–I’ve never heard it put that way. But that does express it…God is in you and of you and with you, and the Devil can’t get at you.”
“Yes,” agreed Mike. “You grok God.”
– Robert Heinlein, Stranger in a Strange Land
Geek Album: 2038 by Colonel Panic
November 12th, 2007 Filed Under featured, fun, ideas
2038: A New Epoch
Colonel Panic and the Machines
1) Candyflip (BSD + X = love)
2) Bill and Steve and Steve and Steve
3) kill(2) Send a Signal
4) DEADBEEF
5) Gates to the Windows of Hell
6) Unix Won’t Rape You
7) Ode to Be
8) U R OS/Xy
9) Sit Ubuntu, Sit
10) A. Tanenbaum (Christmas Bonus Track)
Happiness = log(Wealth)
May 9th, 2007 Filed Under ideas, random
I’ve heard that Happiness = log(Wealth). I compiled a chart of happiness levels.
| Happiness Level ($e) | Total Wealth (including all assets) | General Title |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $0-1.00 | Crackhead |
| 1 | $1-10 | Refugee |
| 2 | $10-100 | Homeless |
| 3 | $100-1,000 | Student |
| 4 | $1,000-10,000 | Working Class |
| 5 | $10,000-100,000 | Professional |
| 6 | $100,000-$1m | Partner/Tenured |
| 7 | $1m-10million | Nouveau Riche |
| 8 | $10m-100m | Old Money |
| 9 | $100m-1billion | Politician or media megastar |
| 10 | $1b-10b | Sheik or mini-mogul |
| 11 | $10b-100b | Mogul |
Money doesn’t make you happy, but it sure is nice not having to worry about it.
Update: added the exponential currency prefix ($e).
