05 Jun 2006
Coffee makes us more likely to say 'yes'

Hmmm, perhaps I'd better start making sales calls in the morning ...

If you're looking for a way to make someone say 'yes', coffee can help. Moderate amounts of caffeine can have an impact on the extent to which we can be persuaded, finds research published today in the European Journal of Social Psychology.

(link) [EurekAlert! - Breaking News]

08:26 /Technology | 2 comments | permanent link

On This Old McDonald's Farm, a First Hint of Agriculture: Figs

So agriculture is nearly 12,000 years old! I'd wager it goes back a bit further, but the evidence is so obscured by the detritus of later civilization as to be unrecognizable. In any event, we've been feeding ourselves by planning and planting for a long, long time.

In the ruins of a prehistoric village in the West Bank scientists have found remains of figs that they say appear to be the earliest known cultivated fruit crop.

(link) [New York Times]

08:21 /Agriculture | 0 comments | permanent link

Tehran warns of fuel disruptions

This is the fist (or, given the state of the Iranian military, the open palm) inside the glove. Especially for the Chinese, who are very dependent on Iranian oil for their surging economy.

Iran's top leader says energy supplies could be disrupted if the US makes a "wrong move" in their dispute.

(link) [BBC News | News Front Page | World Edition]

08:16 /Politics | 0 comments | permanent link

New law lets dogs chow down in restaurants

I wonder when this will become mandatory? After all, if they can mandate no smoking, they can mandate dogs allowed. Just as heretofore they've mandated no dogs at all! And actually, I'm kinda looking forward to that day, as it will finally put the lie to the government's claim of supporting capitalism for good.

You don't own your business, the government does. All you do is run it for them.

Gov. Jeb Bush on Friday signed the so-called "doggie dining" bill, which allows local governments to let restaurants permit dogs to eat with their owners outside.

(link) [CNN.com]

08:14 /Politics | 0 comments | permanent link