Thursday, December 20, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Economy Face Off: Ron Paul vs. Paul Krugman
So on April 30th while Paul Krugman was guest hosting Bloomberg TV Ron Paul was brought on for a live debate. My quick take is neither side had time to back up the assumption presented- how was the prosperity and growth right after WWII achieved in America. I agree with Ron Paul's assertion that the depressions debt was .... and the federal government slashed spending and debt. But I believed that before the debate so I feel the debate was a tie. (one note: Krugman actually saying we are in a depression!)
According to the NON-scientific bloomberg TV twitter poll most people disagree and call Ron Paul the winner. https://twitter.com/#!/trish_regan/status/197496770253701120
According to http://azizonomics.com/2012/05/04/paul-vs-paul-round-2/ (another blog I enjoy):
The real debate occurred the last decade: (picture below taken directly from link above)
[also taken from the above link]
Ron Paul's response on FT:
Control of the world’s economy has been placed in the hands of a banking cartel, which holds great danger for all of us. True prosperity requires sound money, increased productivity, and increased savings and investment. The world is awash in US dollars, and a currency crisis involving the world’s reserve currency would be an unprecedented catastrophe. No amount of monetary expansion can solve our current financial problems, but it can make those problems much worse.
And Krugman:
Would a rise in inflation to 3 percent or even 4 percent be a terrible thing? On the contrary, it would almost surely help the economy.
How so? For one thing, large parts of the private sector continue to be crippled by the overhang of debt accumulated during the bubble years; this debt burden is arguably the main thing holding private spending back and perpetuating the slump. Modest inflation would, however, reduce that overhang — by eroding the real value of that debt — and help promote the private-sector recovery we need. Meanwhile, other parts of the private sector (like much of corporate America) are sitting on large hoards of cash; the prospect of moderate inflation would make letting the cash just sit there less attractive, acting as a spur to investment — again, helping to promote overall recover.
I have heard a few economist who already claim that our debt is too big to ever be repaid.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Space Shuttle Enterprise Flyby Yonkers on way to JFK
The Space Shuttle Enterprise fly around NY attached to NASA's modified 747 on its final trip to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum in New York City. Here are some great pictures take from the Yonkers waterfront.
This last one is an American flag on the side of a building Yonkers since I am very especially Patriotic Today!
The one above is great since it looks like it is from directly behind. Taken from the roof of a building.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
How to beat a patent troll and the patent system in general
Another great TED.com video to watch. I will be pulling stuff from memory so feel free to comment with corrections or additions.
Note: Drew is a new hero of mine and fark.com is one of my new favorite websites (based totally on the charisma in this video)
The patent system has been totally subverted for years (maybe decades). I remember reading around ten years ago (I do not remember the magazine) an article about how at that time two companies owned around 90% of the patents. First, let me be one to say that I do not think corporations should be treated as people and only a person (or team of people) should be able to own a patent. In the article, if my rusty memory serves, talked about how before the Internet bubble burst companies would patent troll other companies. One of the major companies that had a majority of patents acquired those patents by having a team of engineers writing and submitting proposals.
As mentioned in the video above this hurts innovation and drains economic development. Perhaps patents should be only maintained if viable progress has been made in leveraging it commercially (weather yourself or by leasing it) or else it becomes public domain. Now of course the issue is much more complicated, but just wanted to put an idea out there.
oh, and way to go Drew!
The patent system has been totally subverted for years (maybe decades). I remember reading around ten years ago (I do not remember the magazine) an article about how at that time two companies owned around 90% of the patents. First, let me be one to say that I do not think corporations should be treated as people and only a person (or team of people) should be able to own a patent. In the article, if my rusty memory serves, talked about how before the Internet bubble burst companies would patent troll other companies. One of the major companies that had a majority of patents acquired those patents by having a team of engineers writing and submitting proposals.
As mentioned in the video above this hurts innovation and drains economic development. Perhaps patents should be only maintained if viable progress has been made in leveraging it commercially (weather yourself or by leasing it) or else it becomes public domain. Now of course the issue is much more complicated, but just wanted to put an idea out there.
oh, and way to go Drew!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Cool math trick: Converting between miles and kilometers
taken from: http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/blogs/cool-math-trick-converting-between-miles-and-kilometers
Too great not to share:
The Fibonacci sequence is made up of numbers that are the sum of the previous two numbers in the sequence, starting with 0 and 1.
It's 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144…
1 is 0+1, 2 is 1+1, 3 is 1+2, 5 is 2+3, and 8 is 3+5. The number after 144 is 233, or 89+144.
The Fibonacci number describes the golden spiral, an ideal form much beloved by designers everywhere. Interestingly, it also neatly matches the relationship between kilometers and miles. Three miles is five kilometers, five miles is eight kilometers, eight miles is 13 kilometers. It's not perfect, eight miles is actually 12.875 kilometers, but it's close enough in a pinch.
If you need to convert a number that's not on the Fibonacci sequence, you can just break out the Fibonacci numbers, convert, and add the answers. For instance, 100 can be broken down into 89 + 8 + 3, all Fibonacci numbers. The next numbers are 144, 13, and 5, which add up to 162. 100 miles is actually equal to 160.934. Again, close enough.
Math is cool.
Too great not to share:
The Fibonacci sequence is made up of numbers that are the sum of the previous two numbers in the sequence, starting with 0 and 1.
It's 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144…
1 is 0+1, 2 is 1+1, 3 is 1+2, 5 is 2+3, and 8 is 3+5. The number after 144 is 233, or 89+144.
The Fibonacci number describes the golden spiral, an ideal form much beloved by designers everywhere. Interestingly, it also neatly matches the relationship between kilometers and miles. Three miles is five kilometers, five miles is eight kilometers, eight miles is 13 kilometers. It's not perfect, eight miles is actually 12.875 kilometers, but it's close enough in a pinch.
If you need to convert a number that's not on the Fibonacci sequence, you can just break out the Fibonacci numbers, convert, and add the answers. For instance, 100 can be broken down into 89 + 8 + 3, all Fibonacci numbers. The next numbers are 144, 13, and 5, which add up to 162. 100 miles is actually equal to 160.934. Again, close enough.
Math is cool.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Spring Time Special: Cheap and lazy lawn care
I know next to nothing about yard work, but I know a lot of people that either have to or chose to do their own lawn maintenance. I did come across an interesting article on lawn care via lewrockwell.com: http://www.richsoil.com/lawn-care.jsp
Here is a quick summary:
Must do:
-Set you mower as high as it will go (3 to 4 inches)
-Water only when your grass shows signs and drought stress and then water deeply (put a cup in your sprinkler zone and make sure it gets at least an inch of water) - water early in the morning or in the evening avoiding the hottest part of the day.
Optional:
- Fertilize with an organic fertilizer in the fall and spring.
-Have the pH professionally tested. add lime if it below 6.0 and gardener's sulfur if it is above 7.0
-check how much top soil you have. See how deep a shovel will go into the soil. How deep can you dig a hole in one minute? Four inches is OK, eight inches is great.
MOW HIGH:
I really like the counter-intuitive advice which makes sense with the explanation. Cutting grass lower will cause it not only to grow height faster, reduce root depth, but also promote weed grow. Since grass needs blades for food (photosynthesis) to feed the roots, cutting the grass lower will cause it to grow height faster (at the expense of the root system) since that requires more energy. Taller grass is healthier and the turf will thicken (as the grass can spend more energy on roots and new grass as opposed to height). Next, the sensitive grow point for grass is near the soil and for weeds the sensitive grow point is near the top. This is also why you should mow more frequently if you have a weed infestation. Lastly, leave the clippings on the lawn as it adds organic matter and nutrients back to the soil. Some people are concerned about "clumping" which can happen if you mow short or too infrequently.
In summary there are four perks to mowing higher:
1- More shade to soil leads to less watering
2- promotes deeper roots leads to less watering
3- thicker turf leads to fewer weeds
4- slower growth leads to less mowing
WATER INFREQUENTLY
This forces the lawn to deepen its root system and will also prevent weedlings which tend to have shallow roots. Shallow frequent watering actually promotes weeds! (ha, unintended consequence of auto-sprinkler system!)
Two methods to tell when it is time to water:
1-The grass will start to curl before it turns brown. When it starts to curl, that is the best time to water. Anything after that is time for "intensive care watering" (water half an inch, wait three hours and water an inch).
2-Take a shovel and stick it into the soil about six inches. Keep the sun to your left or to your right when you do this. Push the handle forward. If you can see any moisture, wait. If it's all dry, water. If you can't get your shovel to go into the soil this deep, you need more soil.
The first method is the best - especially if you have not yet trained your grass to make deep roots.
Watering on a schedule does not help in the war on weeds.
A tip for lawn care experts: If you have a good feel for how often your lawn needs watering and it is almost that time and there is a rain shower - maybe a quarter of an inch - that is the BEST time to water your lawn and give it that other 3/4 of an inch. Remember, the grass roots are down deep and most weed roots are near the surface. The idea is to keep the top three inches of soil as dry as you can for as long as you can. That quarter of an inch might make it so that your top three inches is well watered but the lower 9 to 20 inches is on the edge of being pretty dry. This gives the weeds some advantage over your grass!
Another thing about lawn care watering: I have discovered that if you are going to water an inch, it is better to water half an inch, wait 90 minutes and then water another half an inch. Maybe do this once a month. Sometimes when the soil gets really dry, it will repel water. This is called "superdeflocculation" (I think Mary Poppins would be impressed with this word!). If you put a little water in first, wait, and then put more, the soil is better prepared to take in more water.
Imagine a dry sponge - so dry it is stiff. And another sponge, slightly damp - soft and well wrung out. Now pour a cup of water onto each. The water runs off of the first sponge and all over the table. The water is soaked into the second sponge, not a drop is lost.
Remember: water has a strange and powerful attraction to itself. It would much rather stick to itself than disperse through the soil.
Another perk: every time you water, you wash away soil nutrients. So the less you water, the more fertile your soil!
Again, this was taken from the excellent article at http://www.richsoil.com/lawn-care.jsp
Go there for a full discussion and further discussion on fertilizers.
I don't think I have touched a lawn mower in the last decade. Also, my dad hated mowing the lawn so much that each cemented over more and more each year until it was all gone in the little quarter acre house plot I grew up in queens.
Anyway, this one is for you Dave. Happy mowing.
Here is a quick summary:
Must do:
-Set you mower as high as it will go (3 to 4 inches)
-Water only when your grass shows signs and drought stress and then water deeply (put a cup in your sprinkler zone and make sure it gets at least an inch of water) - water early in the morning or in the evening avoiding the hottest part of the day.
Optional:
- Fertilize with an organic fertilizer in the fall and spring.
-Have the pH professionally tested. add lime if it below 6.0 and gardener's sulfur if it is above 7.0
-check how much top soil you have. See how deep a shovel will go into the soil. How deep can you dig a hole in one minute? Four inches is OK, eight inches is great.
MOW HIGH:
I really like the counter-intuitive advice which makes sense with the explanation. Cutting grass lower will cause it not only to grow height faster, reduce root depth, but also promote weed grow. Since grass needs blades for food (photosynthesis) to feed the roots, cutting the grass lower will cause it to grow height faster (at the expense of the root system) since that requires more energy. Taller grass is healthier and the turf will thicken (as the grass can spend more energy on roots and new grass as opposed to height). Next, the sensitive grow point for grass is near the soil and for weeds the sensitive grow point is near the top. This is also why you should mow more frequently if you have a weed infestation. Lastly, leave the clippings on the lawn as it adds organic matter and nutrients back to the soil. Some people are concerned about "clumping" which can happen if you mow short or too infrequently.
In summary there are four perks to mowing higher:
1- More shade to soil leads to less watering
2- promotes deeper roots leads to less watering
3- thicker turf leads to fewer weeds
4- slower growth leads to less mowing
WATER INFREQUENTLY
This forces the lawn to deepen its root system and will also prevent weedlings which tend to have shallow roots. Shallow frequent watering actually promotes weeds! (ha, unintended consequence of auto-sprinkler system!)
Two methods to tell when it is time to water:
1-The grass will start to curl before it turns brown. When it starts to curl, that is the best time to water. Anything after that is time for "intensive care watering" (water half an inch, wait three hours and water an inch).
2-Take a shovel and stick it into the soil about six inches. Keep the sun to your left or to your right when you do this. Push the handle forward. If you can see any moisture, wait. If it's all dry, water. If you can't get your shovel to go into the soil this deep, you need more soil.
The first method is the best - especially if you have not yet trained your grass to make deep roots.
Watering on a schedule does not help in the war on weeds.
A tip for lawn care experts: If you have a good feel for how often your lawn needs watering and it is almost that time and there is a rain shower - maybe a quarter of an inch - that is the BEST time to water your lawn and give it that other 3/4 of an inch. Remember, the grass roots are down deep and most weed roots are near the surface. The idea is to keep the top three inches of soil as dry as you can for as long as you can. That quarter of an inch might make it so that your top three inches is well watered but the lower 9 to 20 inches is on the edge of being pretty dry. This gives the weeds some advantage over your grass!
Another thing about lawn care watering: I have discovered that if you are going to water an inch, it is better to water half an inch, wait 90 minutes and then water another half an inch. Maybe do this once a month. Sometimes when the soil gets really dry, it will repel water. This is called "superdeflocculation" (I think Mary Poppins would be impressed with this word!). If you put a little water in first, wait, and then put more, the soil is better prepared to take in more water.
Imagine a dry sponge - so dry it is stiff. And another sponge, slightly damp - soft and well wrung out. Now pour a cup of water onto each. The water runs off of the first sponge and all over the table. The water is soaked into the second sponge, not a drop is lost.
Remember: water has a strange and powerful attraction to itself. It would much rather stick to itself than disperse through the soil.
Another perk: every time you water, you wash away soil nutrients. So the less you water, the more fertile your soil!
Again, this was taken from the excellent article at http://www.richsoil.com/lawn-care.jsp
Go there for a full discussion and further discussion on fertilizers.
I don't think I have touched a lawn mower in the last decade. Also, my dad hated mowing the lawn so much that each cemented over more and more each year until it was all gone in the little quarter acre house plot I grew up in queens.
Anyway, this one is for you Dave. Happy mowing.
I didn't win the free trip to watch the next SpaceX launch
Unfortunately I recieved this email today:
Dear Frank Hark,
We regret to inform you that you were not selected for the SpaceX launch NASA Social or the waitlist. Thank you for your interest in attending the NASA Social on April 29-30 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. We value your interest in SpaceX and NASA’s space program. The launch is targeted for Monday, April 30, at 12:22 p.m. EDT. There are multiple ways you can follow the NASA Social and the launch: There are several ways you can follow the NASA Social and view the launch online:· You can follow the conversation using the #NASASocial hashtag on Twitter. · NASA may broadcast a portion of the program on April 29. · You can watch the launch on April 30 on NASA TV or on SpaceX’s website. · NASA and SpaceX will provide regular launch and mission updates on @NASA, @NASAKennedy and @SpaceX.
If you would like to make your own arrangement to attend the launch, please see http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/view for more information. Thank you for applying and for following us. If you have any questions or concerns, e-mail us at HQ-Social@nasa.gov.
Oh well, I will be sure to watch the launch at one of the internet sites given above.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Zombie Survival Map: My new favorite website
http://www.mapofthedead.com/
It is missing police stations and few gun stores I know in the city, but I love the concept.
Enjoy
It is missing police stations and few gun stores I know in the city, but I love the concept.
Enjoy
Thursday, April 5, 2012
NASA Social: Watch the Launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket and Dragon Spacecraft at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida
Check out the link below to be a part of the SpaceX launch to the International Space Station April 30th, 2012.
http://www.nasa.gov/connect/social/social_spacex_043012.html
Do I need to have a social media account to register?
Yes. This event is designed for active social media users who follow SpaceX and NASA on Twitter (@SpaceX, @NASA, @NASASocial), Facebook (NASA, SpaceX) or Google+ (NASA, SpaceX). The goal of NASA Social is to allow people who regularly interact with each other via social networks to meet in person and discuss space exploration.
Users on all social networks are encouraged to use the hashtag #NASASocial. Updates and information about the event will be shared on Twitter via @SpaceX and @NASASocial and via posts to Facebook and Google+.
Click this link to register
http://www.nasa.gov/connect/social/social_spacex_043012.html
Do I need to have a social media account to register?
Yes. This event is designed for active social media users who follow SpaceX and NASA on Twitter (@SpaceX, @NASA, @NASASocial), Facebook (NASA, SpaceX) or Google+ (NASA, SpaceX). The goal of NASA Social is to allow people who regularly interact with each other via social networks to meet in person and discuss space exploration.
Users on all social networks are encouraged to use the hashtag #NASASocial. Updates and information about the event will be shared on Twitter via @SpaceX and @NASASocial and via posts to Facebook and Google+.
Click this link to register
TED: "Donations Hurt": a new perspective on medical equipment donation
Ongoing efforts around the world to develop alternative, low-cost medical devices that improve health care delivery in low-resource settings. Dr. Malkin is a Duke University Professor and the founder of Engineering World Health and the Global Public Service Academies. He is a member of the World Health Organization's Technical Advisory Group on Healthcare Technology and a member of the committee rewriting the WHO Medical Equipment Donation Guidelines. Dr. Malkin's laboratory at Duke has launched products for the developing world to treat hyperbilirubinemia, detect cervical cancer and prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
things you can do:
1) stop donating medical equipment
2) if you donate to charities that do donate medical equipment ask one question "how much of the equipment you donate is operating six months after you donate it?" Hint: an answer of 100% is a lie. In the speakers experience they have never seen more that 30% of equipment- including donation NEW not used equipment!
3) see that equipment is locally produced, at least partially.
Friday, March 30, 2012
NASA- Perpetual Ocean
Friday, March 23, 2012
Financial "Crisis" in Greece
I found this video hilarious! Since as I already said I think we are about to go over the cliff, at least this video gets some laughs.
PIIGS Debt Infographic
Here is a new blog I found that I have been catching up on:
http://howtosavetheworld.ca/
Which posted a link to the infographic below:
http://demonocracy.info/infographics/eu/debt_piigs/images/demonocracy.info-who_loaned_piigs_the_money-watermark-large.jpg
This is pretty disturbing. How did we allow this to happen?
http://howtosavetheworld.ca/
Which posted a link to the infographic below:
http://demonocracy.info/infographics/eu/debt_piigs/images/demonocracy.info-who_loaned_piigs_the_money-watermark-large.jpg
This is pretty disturbing. How did we allow this to happen?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The End of the Road Documentary
I really don't know what to do since these really big problems are more than any one person can really understand.
But this is simple, one of the top portions of our governments budget here in these Untied States is INTEREST on what we already owe. And if we continue to borrow this will get bigger and bigger. As Einstein said "compound interest is one of the most powerful forces in the Universe". I do not buy this theory that this excessive spending will spur growth from which the increase in revenue the government will be able to pay off the debt and interest.
Namely, there was an opportunity in the late 90s- the economic growth spurred among other thing but mostly from the Internet the government actually had surpluses. They response was only to spend more! As I believe Milton Friedman said (and please forgive if it is not exact) "It is idiotic to judge a policy only by its intent and not include its result". Since our current system only promotes spending (why save when inflation reduces money's value) the system must change. It is not going to be without pains, the only question is how much control we give up.
I really could my rant here, but I want to give a personal example. My parents taught me to save first and pay in full. It has served me well. Actually I have never leveraged my credit, probably to a fault. However, this idea of "cash is king" is B$. I purchased a new used car a few years ago and given my habit I could buy it in cash. I tried to leverage the all cash for a price negotiation and not a single place cared. In fact one dealer said "actually I prefer you go for a 0% loan, since I get a kick back from the bank, even if you pay it in full the first month". This is a symptom of a broken system. And I hope I am wrong, but things are only going to get worse. We must change.
Picture of the Day: Bacon Gun
I don't really have much to say other than:
One part of me thinks how insensitive and barbaric this is.
The other part yells lighten up and "mmmm... Bacon Gun."
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Simple tests to tell if someone is having a stroke
My father died of a stroke. It happened over ten years ago in mid April, 2001 and I had returned from a trip to Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) so I was actually home and If I had known the information below I may have saved his life. I will never know. Here is hoping you do if you are ever placed in the same situation. (Maybe I'll write more about the actual events another time.)
Taken from http://www.ehow.com/how_2050850_tell-someone-has-had-stroke.html
I also checked http://www.snopes.com/ and http://www.truthorfiction.com/. According to both the information is good.
Just remember FAST- FACE, ARMS, SPEECH, TIME
F- FACE- check for numbness or weakness in the face by asking the person to smile. If one side of the face droops or the person can't smile, it may mean stroke. The numberness or weakness is usually limied to one side of the face.
A-ARMS- look for muscle weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms with their eyes closed. If one arm drifts down or can't be raised, it may mean stroke. The person may also have trouble walking or keeping balance.
S- SPEECH- Ask the person to repeat a simple or phrase. If the speech is slurred or they have trouble remembering it may mean stroke.
T- TIME- Get Help immediately if any of the above test show signs of a stroke. Call 911 or get the person to a hospital. Tell emergency medical personnel you're dealing with a possible stroke, so they can start proper treatment right away.
Taken from http://www.ehow.com/how_2050850_tell-someone-has-had-stroke.html
I also checked http://www.snopes.com/ and http://www.truthorfiction.com/. According to both the information is good.
Just remember FAST- FACE, ARMS, SPEECH, TIME
F- FACE- check for numbness or weakness in the face by asking the person to smile. If one side of the face droops or the person can't smile, it may mean stroke. The numberness or weakness is usually limied to one side of the face.
A-ARMS- look for muscle weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms with their eyes closed. If one arm drifts down or can't be raised, it may mean stroke. The person may also have trouble walking or keeping balance.
S- SPEECH- Ask the person to repeat a simple or phrase. If the speech is slurred or they have trouble remembering it may mean stroke.
T- TIME- Get Help immediately if any of the above test show signs of a stroke. Call 911 or get the person to a hospital. Tell emergency medical personnel you're dealing with a possible stroke, so they can start proper treatment right away.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Survival of the fittest
I was looking for another TED talk when I stumble upon this one- sorry couldn't find the talk as a single video- this is one talk in two parts.
I like this concept of "Survival of the Fittest" no as the tyipcal zero sum game (x winners equal y losers) but fit as in how well we all fit together.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Amazing Space Shuttle Video!
absolutely-mindblowing-video-shot-from-the-space-shuttle-during-launch
Great video taken on the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB) during a Space Shuttle Launch with audio remastered by skywalker studios.
Great video taken on the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB) during a Space Shuttle Launch with audio remastered by skywalker studios.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Niel DeGrasse Tyson
Needless to say, I am a big fan. And I agree to his clarion call to double NASA's budget, if given the proper mission (like say Solar Power Satellites). Since he is in the news for his new book I'll share my favorite opinion he expressed on some talk show I saw. Since I don't remember the show (might have been the "the Daily Show with Jon Steward") or the exact quote I'll summarize my best and please forgive (and comment) if I miss something.
Basically he starts with most of our political leaders are educated as lawyers and there are very few doctors, engineers, or scientists in political office. He remembers from school that the people who became lawyers were the people who liked to argue and win- not necessarily be right- just win. Is it any wonder that our leadership (or country) is in the shape it is in when the leaders are only concerned with winning an augment and not the merit of the agrument itself or even the fact the situtation more likely doesn't have a "right" versus "wrong" answer.
We cannot continue with this right versus wrong mentality. We are ignoring too many problems. I have a real problem when most of our leadership seems proud they don't understand the nuiances of a problem and will only respond with catch phases.
Neil, I feel close enough to him to refer to him first name only in this blog, was on Science Friday Audio Podcast last week. I'll listen to it later on my phone, but in case you're interested this was the best link I could find:
http://www.sciencefriday.com/feeds/radio/
look along the right side under recent episodes.
Why Videos go viral- great insight from youtube
48 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute!
As described in the video above, it takes three things to make a video go viral:
taste makers, community, unexpectedness.
But these viral video can serve a more useful purpose than just entertainment. It is and will be a great way to spread new ideas.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Nothing more powerful than an idea: KONY 2012
Please watch, comment, share, and encourage others to as well.
Improv Everywhere: Ninja Ambush
P.s. I don't think these are real ninjas, but that is a great ambush tactic.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Japan February 2012 Trip: Final Thoughts
Well it is over a month since I left for Kobe Japan and I still have a few pictures , experiences, and thoughts to share.
In Kobe, everyone is in shape. I saw maybe two people the entire week that had maybe a few extra pounds, other than when I looked in the mirror. It might have a little to do with how expensive everything is, especially food. People also trend to run, in short bursts, everywhere. Actually at one point I did sprint across the street giggling madly, but no one reacted.
Below is a picture of a huge fish I did recognize the first few days because I only passed by at night and only I could miss a 100 foot statue repeatedly.
Above is the famous Kobe beef. From what I could gather it is high price is based more on rarity of Japanese beef (there is not a lot of space to raise cattle). Also, my friend Mike had a less than pleasant experience with it. So for this trip I settle for taking the picture above.
Again, I am pretty sure I mentioned how almost no one spoke English, so one night we search out "The Hobgoblin", a British bar. The beer was enjoyable, but the real just relief was speaking English to someone. There was one guy literally asleep sitting up at the bar that I have pictures of, but I don't see any reason to post incriminating photos of anyone- especially without their permission.
Below is a strange picture on a small vending machine, it made me laugh so why not share it:
At the airport there was this poster which warns you to be polite, not litter, and remember that you take up more space with winter jackets on:
There was also this poster with a 70s aesthetic that included a cowboy hat wearing smoker:
In Kobe, everyone is in shape. I saw maybe two people the entire week that had maybe a few extra pounds, other than when I looked in the mirror. It might have a little to do with how expensive everything is, especially food. People also trend to run, in short bursts, everywhere. Actually at one point I did sprint across the street giggling madly, but no one reacted.
Below is a picture of a huge fish I did recognize the first few days because I only passed by at night and only I could miss a 100 foot statue repeatedly.
The only shot glasses I found were for NY!
Below is a strange picture on a small vending machine, it made me laugh so why not share it:
And the Kobe Tower (I think):
Along every sidewalk was this yellow track with bumps very similar to what you see in the NY subway for the visually disabled. We didn't see any blind people but these tracks were everywhere.
And a few final thoughts:
Like 90% of women wear skirts, on Friday night it was closer to 99.9% regardless of the weather.
People point in both directions at intersections to show that they looked both way, walkers and drivers. I did a double finger-gun draw, fire in each direction, blow the smoke out the barrels, and reholster at most intersections (but nobody reacted).
Until we meet again Japan...
Monday, March 5, 2012
Japanese toys at the airport
Japan is know for its toys (or collectibles if you will). I didn't get a lot free time when I was in Japan last month for work, but I did have some at the Osaka-kensi airport. There is a small shopping mall that had a small toy store. I really was expecting more, but of course it was an airport toy store, I get take this to cutesy videos.
Also note: according to the book a Whole-New-Mind (why isn't the Amazon Associates gadget working) Japan's biggest export is now pop culture.
This one is for you Stephanie!
Also note: according to the book a Whole-New-Mind (why isn't the Amazon Associates gadget working) Japan's biggest export is now pop culture.
This one is for you Stephanie!
Police use of non-lethal weapons
Now let me just say I am pro-police. It is also probably the career I would have followed other than rocket science. I have many cops friends and know them personally. This comes especially import subject after the number of seemingly police abuses of non-violent protesters last fall in the occupy movement.
Stephen Coleman: The moral dangers of non-lethal weapons
What I find interesting from his report is how pepper spray in Australia only in lieu of shooting someone: an option between shouting and shooting. The way some American police callously dumped it on people was disturbing to say the least.
What is even more interesting is the cops I know will not use pepper spray. If you didn't know the version of pepper spray the police and military get is much stronger than anything you get as a civilian. That stuff sticks on you for hours and is definitely an "area-effect" weapon. In NY, the arresting officer will be spending at least the car ride in an enclosed area coughing as well. They may have to spend hours with them.
As far as I know only Sergeants or higher are issued Tasers in the NYPD and go through extensive training.
Stephen Coleman: The moral dangers of non-lethal weapons
What I find interesting from his report is how pepper spray in Australia only in lieu of shooting someone: an option between shouting and shooting. The way some American police callously dumped it on people was disturbing to say the least.
What is even more interesting is the cops I know will not use pepper spray. If you didn't know the version of pepper spray the police and military get is much stronger than anything you get as a civilian. That stuff sticks on you for hours and is definitely an "area-effect" weapon. In NY, the arresting officer will be spending at least the car ride in an enclosed area coughing as well. They may have to spend hours with them.
As far as I know only Sergeants or higher are issued Tasers in the NYPD and go through extensive training.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
More on the future: What will it be like
As I mentioned before, I listen to Doggcatcher when travel instead of the radio. I listened to two related TED.com talks one right after the other and that have good information. What I really love is just from there titles they seem to present conflicting ideas. (Note: I mention in one of my previous posts whether Doggcatcher is available for the iphone and like my clueless self the open screen says "podcasting for Android" so that the obvious answer I missed is that it is not available for iphone.
TED: Peter Diamandis: Abundance is our future
TED: Paul Gilding: The Earth is full
Fossil fuels are getting harder produce (or get to), nuclear power has significant grand risks, and I agree that solar has a lot of potential, but I really feel more effort should include Solar Power Satelites (SPS). I'll write more on it in the future, but Rebecca Costa mentions it in "The Watchman's Rattle".
On the second video, it is obvious to me that we must change our economic system that is based on endless growth. Not only should it change, or must change, but it will change.
These videos do re-enforce my belief that we can overcome the vast multitude of problems we face.
Most to follow...
TED: Peter Diamandis: Abundance is our future
TED: Paul Gilding: The Earth is full
Fossil fuels are getting harder produce (or get to), nuclear power has significant grand risks, and I agree that solar has a lot of potential, but I really feel more effort should include Solar Power Satelites (SPS). I'll write more on it in the future, but Rebecca Costa mentions it in "The Watchman's Rattle".
On the second video, it is obvious to me that we must change our economic system that is based on endless growth. Not only should it change, or must change, but it will change.
These videos do re-enforce my belief that we can overcome the vast multitude of problems we face.
Most to follow...
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The bright future technology will bring...
By 2000, the machines will be producing so much that everyone in the U.S. will be independently wealthy. With government benefits, even nonworking families will have, by one estimate, an annual income of $30,000 to $40,000... How to use leisure meaningfully will be a major problem.
prediction in TIME magazine, February 25, 1966
Of course a lot has changed since then. I remember reading somewhere that "futurists" at the turn of the 19th century, circa 1900, predicted that given the improvements from productivity from machine the average work day would drop to 6 hours a day with a 8 month work year. But what has actually happened: we work more on average. Competition and the wealth disparity means that all the bonus from the increased productivity is going to the most wealthy.
Just look at the fact that most corporations are making record profits, the major banks are sitting on a record amount of cash, and the dow jones (lower case on purpose) just closed above 13,000. Meanwhile most of the world is starving (even though the Earth can produce enough food for everyone) and average wages have not grown with the increase in productivity. I don't know what the future will bring, but I don't think any system can survive these kind of imbalances.
And this discrepancy is an artifact of our system. Why is there wealthy disparity? Why would the very top want to "spread the wealth". Like Ford wanted to pay his workers wages that they could afford to own a car which was radical for the time.
prediction in TIME magazine, February 25, 1966
Of course a lot has changed since then. I remember reading somewhere that "futurists" at the turn of the 19th century, circa 1900, predicted that given the improvements from productivity from machine the average work day would drop to 6 hours a day with a 8 month work year. But what has actually happened: we work more on average. Competition and the wealth disparity means that all the bonus from the increased productivity is going to the most wealthy.
Just look at the fact that most corporations are making record profits, the major banks are sitting on a record amount of cash, and the dow jones (lower case on purpose) just closed above 13,000. Meanwhile most of the world is starving (even though the Earth can produce enough food for everyone) and average wages have not grown with the increase in productivity. I don't know what the future will bring, but I don't think any system can survive these kind of imbalances.
And this discrepancy is an artifact of our system. Why is there wealthy disparity? Why would the very top want to "spread the wealth". Like Ford wanted to pay his workers wages that they could afford to own a car which was radical for the time.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Japan revisited: My visit to a Buddist temple
So I got back two weeks ago, but I am only now back on a regular schedule. Well I still have a few pictures to share, stories to tell, and wacky observations to make.
On my last day we finished early on Friday afternoon so we had a few hours to walk around and got the opportunity to visit a Buddhist temple. It was impressive how quiet it was (of course it was early Friday afternoon and no one else was around) and how large given how tight the rest of the city is. I already mentioned how extremely small the side streets were.
This was the entrance.
What the picture above may not show well is that board contains paper which are prayers that are placed there and are supposed to raise to heaven. (the previous sentence may in fact be totally incorrect.)
While we were there a ceremony was going on and I took this video. I do not have the foggiest idea of what is going on but I did try and show the elaborate art on the ceiling. I took the video trying to be as quiet as possible and didn't notice a huge rope hanging from a huge bell right next to me. Thankfully I didn't knock into it.
Overall it was a great experience. On an additional note the hotel had both a bible and a Buddhist bible(?). (Sorry for my ignorance and I am actually interested in Buddhism.) I still didn't see any ninjas, but as everyone reminds me they still might have been there!
On my last day we finished early on Friday afternoon so we had a few hours to walk around and got the opportunity to visit a Buddhist temple. It was impressive how quiet it was (of course it was early Friday afternoon and no one else was around) and how large given how tight the rest of the city is. I already mentioned how extremely small the side streets were.
While we were there a ceremony was going on and I took this video. I do not have the foggiest idea of what is going on but I did try and show the elaborate art on the ceiling. I took the video trying to be as quiet as possible and didn't notice a huge rope hanging from a huge bell right next to me. Thankfully I didn't knock into it.
Overall it was a great experience. On an additional note the hotel had both a bible and a Buddhist bible(?). (Sorry for my ignorance and I am actually interested in Buddhism.) I still didn't see any ninjas, but as everyone reminds me they still might have been there!
Monday, February 27, 2012
App Review for Android: Dogg Catcher
One of my favorite things recently has been using the app for my Droid Bionic called Dogg Catcher. You will have to pay $5.99 (or so) for it, but I feel it is really worth it. I've upgraded my phone and thankfully Google or Verizon automatically transferred it to my new phone (which did not happen with Dragon's T9 mobile text-to-speech app which I haven't found very useful, but to be fair I haven't spent much time using it). And just so you know I am pretty much against paying for apps- I would say fugal, but others would say cheap. I actually had a conversation with a one-use friend who recommended it. (Damn, what was the term Ed Norton used in "Fight Club" to describe people you meet once and have a conversation with and then never see or talk to again- like everything else you get when you travel that is single-use.)
What it does: Dogg Catcher allows you to track and download to your phone articles, videos, and podcasts from the web to your mobile phone. You can then review them on your phone at a later time.
One of the things I loved to do was go to the library and take out audio books and listen to them while driving. I found it so much better then listening to the same six songs played over and over again that are played on the radio. Of course, now I don't have the free time to go to the library. I have also looked into audible.com and I refuse $15 for an electronic file especially when I will most likely listen once and I can get most at the library for free. I agree with an article I read on cracked.com about the term Forced ARTifical Scarcity (FARTS)- most of prices we pay are determined by general opinion. Prices would have to drop to around 5 bucks before I start buying audio files even though I waste money in other strange ways.
Now I can keep up on a number of podcasts and videos and review them while traveling, whether it is driving, flying, or riding the train.
Here are a few of the podcasts I really enjoy (all free once you pay the app fee):
I really feel this helps because I get so much information on science, current events and history. I recommend it to you as well.
What it does: Dogg Catcher allows you to track and download to your phone articles, videos, and podcasts from the web to your mobile phone. You can then review them on your phone at a later time.
One of the things I loved to do was go to the library and take out audio books and listen to them while driving. I found it so much better then listening to the same six songs played over and over again that are played on the radio. Of course, now I don't have the free time to go to the library. I have also looked into audible.com and I refuse $15 for an electronic file especially when I will most likely listen once and I can get most at the library for free. I agree with an article I read on cracked.com about the term Forced ARTifical Scarcity (FARTS)- most of prices we pay are determined by general opinion. Prices would have to drop to around 5 bucks before I start buying audio files even though I waste money in other strange ways.
Now I can keep up on a number of podcasts and videos and review them while traveling, whether it is driving, flying, or riding the train.
Here are a few of the podcasts I really enjoy (all free once you pay the app fee):
- SciFri: Science Friday Audio Podcast: weekly show covering diverse topics in science
- Freakonomics Radio: from the authors of the book
- TEDtalks: videos from TED.com which I have blogged about before, TED- ideas worth spreading
- Stuff You Missed in History Class
- Stuff You Should know
- Skeptoid: Critical Analysis of Pop Phenomena
- Stuff from the Future
I really feel this helps because I get so much information on science, current events and history. I recommend it to you as well.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Sharing Knowledge: The awesome Khan Academy
Old Paradigm: Knowledge is Power
New Paradigm: Share Knowledge is True Power
I love the Khan Academy. This entire concept is one of the things that really shows the power of the internet and gives me hope for the future of humankind.
Now I just wish I could remember what book I read that quote above from. Create power, share the knowledge.
New Paradigm: Share Knowledge is True Power
Now I just wish I could remember what book I read that quote above from. Create power, share the knowledge.
Stopping your Google Search History
On March 1st Google is changing their Privacy Policy. Your Web search history will then be used by all of Google's other products.
More detail information is available here:
http://lewrockwell.com/rep3/remove-your-google-search-history.html
If you want to stop Google from gathering this information for their other products then follow these four simple steps:
1) Sign into your Google account.
2) Go to https://www.google.com/history
3) Click "remove all Web History."
4) Click "ok"
This does not stop Google from gathering the information from gathering and storing this information, it only stops them from using it in their other products.
Click the link above for more information if interested. Just thought I would share...
More detail information is available here:
http://lewrockwell.com/rep3/remove-your-google-search-history.html
If you want to stop Google from gathering this information for their other products then follow these four simple steps:
1) Sign into your Google account.
2) Go to https://www.google.com/history
3) Click "remove all Web History."
4) Click "ok"
This does not stop Google from gathering the information from gathering and storing this information, it only stops them from using it in their other products.
Click the link above for more information if interested. Just thought I would share...
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Broken Feedback Loops: CEO pay
One of our biggest problems are the broken feedback loops in our society. A lot of rewards are given for unknown or even counter-intuitive reasons.
http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/22/technology/att_ceo_pay/index.htm
So according to this article, AT&T cut $2,000,000 from there CEO’s pay for 2011 due to the bad gamble that cost the company $4,000,000,000. No, I believe CEOs get more credit than they deserve (just like I feel presidents do). And he still made over 20 million- so he lost less than 10% of his pay on gambling $4 trillion. Of course this is another example of the unbalanced rewarding at the top of risky behavior.
How are not the average workers getting more of the profits when things are going well? Plus corporations are currently making record profits.
This is a fundamental problem with our current society. This reminds me of the story from the 90s. Congress was so upset that CEO was so much larger than theirs- (in my opinion). Congress then made a bill that all public corporations had to disclose CEO compensation with the intention of reducing it. Now their thinking was that people would not accept such outrageous pay. And the result of this new mid-90s legislation- CEO pay has increased steadily to even more outrageous levels since ever other CEO knows what everyone is making. So they all negotiate ever higher packages and golden parachutes.
I really don’t understand how their compensation is not more performance based or made with more long term vesting. Too often they are reward for short term gains which leads to policy with long term ramifications. I am of course thinking of many examples, but Enron is a specific one that comes to mind. A lot of those a$$holes got away with millions and just fundamentally immoral actions.
http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/22/technology/att_ceo_pay/index.htm
So according to this article, AT&T cut $2,000,000 from there CEO’s pay for 2011 due to the bad gamble that cost the company $4,000,000,000. No, I believe CEOs get more credit than they deserve (just like I feel presidents do). And he still made over 20 million- so he lost less than 10% of his pay on gambling $4 trillion. Of course this is another example of the unbalanced rewarding at the top of risky behavior.
How are not the average workers getting more of the profits when things are going well? Plus corporations are currently making record profits.
This is a fundamental problem with our current society. This reminds me of the story from the 90s. Congress was so upset that CEO was so much larger than theirs- (in my opinion). Congress then made a bill that all public corporations had to disclose CEO compensation with the intention of reducing it. Now their thinking was that people would not accept such outrageous pay. And the result of this new mid-90s legislation- CEO pay has increased steadily to even more outrageous levels since ever other CEO knows what everyone is making. So they all negotiate ever higher packages and golden parachutes.
I really don’t understand how their compensation is not more performance based or made with more long term vesting. Too often they are reward for short term gains which leads to policy with long term ramifications. I am of course thinking of many examples, but Enron is a specific one that comes to mind. A lot of those a$$holes got away with millions and just fundamentally immoral actions.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A Game of Porclien Thrones
I have since returned from my travels in Japan and I am still dealing with adjusting back to east coast time- but that is for another post. I figured I would add to my experiences while there. As I already mentioned, they have the pinnicle of washroom commode technology. So I'll start with some pictures of this technological marvel:
And another perspective:
Just to be complete the urinals were a different style notably going much lower to the floor:
The adventures continue...
And here is a close up of the arm control panel. Imagine yourself to be commander of the starship Enterprise just like I did. Just don’t ask about my sound effects!
Now this is obvious the Cadillac version and winner of the “Games of Thrones”. I did, however, also experience the full variety of posterior mounts (not sure I being as clever I as think at 5:30 in the morning). There are actually normal toilets, but there was also “the Squat”. Now I have read that squatting, as they do in most of Asia, is much healthier when than our seated position. I tried it and I stick with our unhealthy seated position. Unfortunately I didn’t get a picture. The worst was “the hole”. I didn’t have the guts to try this model out. Here is it shown below:
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Wandering Japan
Last night we took the hotel shuttle to the Kobe city center (I think). We got spun around and almost totally lost before realizing we weren't very far from our hotel at all.
Once we were oriented we walked the underground shopping district. This went on for blocks although I have no idea how far it goes. We feared getting lost again so we didn't last long.
The translated sign, as I mentioned previously, do have some funny results but this one is just distrubing outside a restaurant.
We finished our journey right by china town and ate dinner at a dumpling house. I found this full-size (actually bigger than actual size) Bruce Lee Statue.
Exhausted by this time we went right back to the hotel. It has taken four brutal days, but I think I am 90% adjusted to the 14 hour time difference. Just in time to head back to New York.
Once we were oriented we walked the underground shopping district. This went on for blocks although I have no idea how far it goes. We feared getting lost again so we didn't last long.
The streets are very narrow and I was always amazed that almost all of them allowed car traffic.
The moon looked awesome last night through the cityscape, but the picture above does not do it justice.
We finished our journey right by china town and ate dinner at a dumpling house. I found this full-size (actually bigger than actual size) Bruce Lee Statue.
Japanese Offices
I already mentioned how I noticed few waste baskets. So here are few other things I notice that are different.
-the lights turn off automatically at 12 noon to signal to stop working and have lunch
-Music comes on at 7:50 AM and the announcer leads an exercise regime. Out of the 4 co-workers only one got up to do them.
-The conference room entire walls are white-boards, which are awesome.
-the lights turn off automatically at 12 noon to signal to stop working and have lunch
-Music comes on at 7:50 AM and the announcer leads an exercise regime. Out of the 4 co-workers only one got up to do them.
-The conference room entire walls are white-boards, which are awesome.
-They have no cubicles, so you can look eye to eye to the person at the desk opposite you. And most people sit ram-rod straight backed
-They use two receptions that sit like robots everyday and don’t seem to even talk to each other. Very different from receptions in America
Monday night we wandered around to find a I don’t really know what is going on in this sign, but it looks pretty strange. So either the fish is eating the pig or the pig finished eating the fish whole some time ago. Somehow we were able to resist the urge to go in.
A few streets down we came upon this place:
Of course I couldn’t resist with a place so “considerably small…” and small by choice. The sign made us all laugh. We entered and there were shoes neatly placed around the edge so we followed suit and removed our shoes. Once we were seated I actually didn’t feel the place was all that small. The waitress spoke no English so we ended up ordering three random dishes and figured out the place was actually a Korean restaurant. No one was disappointed and no food was left uneaten.
I did manage to make a spectacle of myself when I had to crawl along the bench between our table and the one next to us. There was no way I could stand so I just went with it. Apparently everyone at the table next to us was watching and as soon as I made it passed ready to reorient myself to stand one SOB at the next table walked past me into the small restroom. Curses, foiled again, so I just laid there until the rest was free.
A few streets down we came upon this place:
Of course I couldn’t resist with a place so “considerably small…” and small by choice. The sign made us all laugh. We entered and there were shoes neatly placed around the edge so we followed suit and removed our shoes. Once we were seated I actually didn’t feel the place was all that small. The waitress spoke no English so we ended up ordering three random dishes and figured out the place was actually a Korean restaurant. No one was disappointed and no food was left uneaten.
I did manage to make a spectacle of myself when I had to crawl along the bench between our table and the one next to us. There was no way I could stand so I just went with it. Apparently everyone at the table next to us was watching and as soon as I made it passed ready to reorient myself to stand one SOB at the next table walked past me into the small restroom. Curses, foiled again, so I just laid there until the rest was free.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I think I am turning Japanese: Vendor Machine Heaven
I have already mentioned my experience with commodes while I am in Kobe, Japan this week. I have always heard about Japanese technology domination and how advance they are (by some accounts five years ahead!). So far I have not seen any evidence of that. Some laptops are a little smaller, but hey so are most of the people (height and girth- the average person is rather thin). Most cell phones look worn and well used, but nothing really advanced. There is area this is really advanced- vending machines. They are everywhere. Mostly cigarette and drink machines are seen on about every street. But last night we really experienced the advanced nature of Japanese society. I was able to purchase beer from a vending machine. The machine was hidden in a nook on a tiny side street. The machine was worn and looked like it has taken quite a beating. Of course, this isn’t really a technical issue. I just really like beer and being able to purchase it from a vendor machine.
My real question is how they enforce the drinking age. I couldn’t make out what it is here in Japan, at least not from the vending machine itself. Of course I have the same question for there cigarette machine, although I believe the smoking age is 20 or so I gathered from the machines. I think the Japanese are just very lawful. I am a New Yorker and we are known for jay walking. Hey, I am not going to wait for a light when no cars are coming- I have places to be. Last night a lady gave the look of death as I crossed a small street against the light. So it must be general culture to conform and follow the accepted rules.
The real example of an advanced vending machine I experienced at work. The floor of the building of the meeting I was attending didn’t have a typical coffee machine. Three varieties of tea, one Japanese and two Chinese, were provided free of charge via a small machine. The only coffee was available via a vending machine. Sometimes I need a good coffee (America!- side note: Do you know why coffee is so popular in America and not tea like in most of the rest of the world? The Boston tea party- the original anti-corporation protest that started it all- do not tell me it is not American to protest corporate greed. The tea that was thrown overboard in protest of taxes in Boston Harbor belonged to the East Indian Trading company- one of the first corporations. Thank you “Priates of the Caribean”. You enjoy your coffee knowing it is precisely what helped identify you as an American revolutionary. Side note end: I would say I am sorry for the ramble, but I am not.) So I looked over the selection of vendor beverages and saw numerous options with “café” on the can. I choose one, a “Café au Lait” and put in my 100 yen coin. When I retrieved the can I was surprised to find it was heated, almost too hot to hold. And that is the real technical advantage. Hot or cold canned beverages. For overall and layman's perspective this might not seen as a huge technical feat, and I sure do not know much about vending machine design, but my assumption is that there were probably almost 100 things that had to be created to produce these hot/cold vending machines. Usually the further into details you go the more challenges you must overcome. The term “the devil is in the details” comes to mind.
My real question is how they enforce the drinking age. I couldn’t make out what it is here in Japan, at least not from the vending machine itself. Of course I have the same question for there cigarette machine, although I believe the smoking age is 20 or so I gathered from the machines. I think the Japanese are just very lawful. I am a New Yorker and we are known for jay walking. Hey, I am not going to wait for a light when no cars are coming- I have places to be. Last night a lady gave the look of death as I crossed a small street against the light. So it must be general culture to conform and follow the accepted rules.
The real example of an advanced vending machine I experienced at work. The floor of the building of the meeting I was attending didn’t have a typical coffee machine. Three varieties of tea, one Japanese and two Chinese, were provided free of charge via a small machine. The only coffee was available via a vending machine. Sometimes I need a good coffee (America!- side note: Do you know why coffee is so popular in America and not tea like in most of the rest of the world? The Boston tea party- the original anti-corporation protest that started it all- do not tell me it is not American to protest corporate greed. The tea that was thrown overboard in protest of taxes in Boston Harbor belonged to the East Indian Trading company- one of the first corporations. Thank you “Priates of the Caribean”. You enjoy your coffee knowing it is precisely what helped identify you as an American revolutionary. Side note end: I would say I am sorry for the ramble, but I am not.) So I looked over the selection of vendor beverages and saw numerous options with “café” on the can. I choose one, a “Café au Lait” and put in my 100 yen coin. When I retrieved the can I was surprised to find it was heated, almost too hot to hold. And that is the real technical advantage. Hot or cold canned beverages. For overall and layman's perspective this might not seen as a huge technical feat, and I sure do not know much about vending machine design, but my assumption is that there were probably almost 100 things that had to be created to produce these hot/cold vending machines. Usually the further into details you go the more challenges you must overcome. The term “the devil is in the details” comes to mind.
Travels in the east: further ponderings while upon the porcelain throne of amenities
Kobe overall, as I mentioned before, is extremely neat and clean. I notice about 40-50 percent of people wear those surgical masks on the streets. I have heard that the Japanese were extreme germ-a-phobes and this is an obvious example. They were the first country to deal with anti-biotic resistant germs due culture fear of germs and resultant overuse of anti-septic.
But one experience has trumped all others- the act of a dump itself. So far I have noticed the minor difference is bathroom stall doors go also to the floor as opposed to American ones which is usually a foot off, bad news for self-hating politicians who like to play footsies in public restrooms. The real difference is the toilet itself. There is the obvious difference when you first see one. On the left-hand side of the toilet (when front one, right –hand side when sitting) is a armature with a number of buttons. There is also a wire or pipe connection and the seat is noticeably thicker than a typical American one.
The new experience continues when you first sit down because the seat is heated. It is actually quite disconcerting the first time (now it is old hat). The seat has a substantially difference feel. Now from here is where you have a choice. You can do nothing and you experience is really limited to the heated seat. All you have to do is just ignore the command console on the right-hand side. Naturally, curiosity got the best of me. I pushed the symbol that looks like a butt getting hit by a water jet. The warm water hit with such force and at such an angle that tickled so much I almost jumped straight up. I began laughing uproarishly (ok, that might not be an actual word). And those of you who know me personally know I laugh big. I didn’t stand up and kept laughing. I now stayed on the seat strict to prevent the imaged jet of water spraying all over the bathroom , although in truth I don’t really expect that now that I my butt is being tickled and I can think clearly. So at first I stayed laughing hysterical on the commode assuming the water would shutoff on its own. It quickly became obvious that it wasn’t shutoff on its own while I am sure the rest of the floor on my hotel was wondering what was going on. I decide to look down at the control panel and I am slightly confused. It takes longer than it should to realize that maybe the button titled “OFF” would shutoff the water. I hit the button it thankfully stops. All in all quite the new experience.
I recommend these and actually this is my new bar for success- getting one of these installed at home.
But one experience has trumped all others- the act of a dump itself. So far I have noticed the minor difference is bathroom stall doors go also to the floor as opposed to American ones which is usually a foot off, bad news for self-hating politicians who like to play footsies in public restrooms. The real difference is the toilet itself. There is the obvious difference when you first see one. On the left-hand side of the toilet (when front one, right –hand side when sitting) is a armature with a number of buttons. There is also a wire or pipe connection and the seat is noticeably thicker than a typical American one.
The new experience continues when you first sit down because the seat is heated. It is actually quite disconcerting the first time (now it is old hat). The seat has a substantially difference feel. Now from here is where you have a choice. You can do nothing and you experience is really limited to the heated seat. All you have to do is just ignore the command console on the right-hand side. Naturally, curiosity got the best of me. I pushed the symbol that looks like a butt getting hit by a water jet. The warm water hit with such force and at such an angle that tickled so much I almost jumped straight up. I began laughing uproarishly (ok, that might not be an actual word). And those of you who know me personally know I laugh big. I didn’t stand up and kept laughing. I now stayed on the seat strict to prevent the imaged jet of water spraying all over the bathroom , although in truth I don’t really expect that now that I my butt is being tickled and I can think clearly. So at first I stayed laughing hysterical on the commode assuming the water would shutoff on its own. It quickly became obvious that it wasn’t shutoff on its own while I am sure the rest of the floor on my hotel was wondering what was going on. I decide to look down at the control panel and I am slightly confused. It takes longer than it should to realize that maybe the button titled “OFF” would shutoff the water. I hit the button it thankfully stops. All in all quite the new experience.
I recommend these and actually this is my new bar for success- getting one of these installed at home.
Travels to the east: My first day in Japan
So I have arrived in Kobe and I will be here for the next week. I took a flight from JFK in NY with a change over in Seattle. Total travel time from wheels up to wheels down, not including trips to and from airports- 19 hours. Kobe and the surrounding area is very neat and clean with will laid out infrastructure.
One of the first things I notice were three large Ferris wheels, like the large on in London, on the hour bus ride from Kensi Airport to my hotel, the Okura Kobe. Also, there is some construction ongoing right next to the hotel. The construction workers wear outfits that look like they below in a 70s B sci-fi movie. The have rows of blinking Christmas lights on the chest. I don’t think a picture does it justice so I have included this so video.
After arriving at the hotel we took a quick walk around to locate a quick bite of food and some provisions for the room. After doing a quick round of an open air shopping mall we settle on buying a pizza. It was small and really expensive. I thought I was immune to price shock being from NY and paying Manhattan prices, but our 10” pizza was 1680 yen- about 23 dollars. Two 1.5 liter bottles of soda and 4-pack of green tea were about 12 dollars. At a 7-11 in NY I would estimate the equal to be around six bucks, at most.
One of the first things I notice were three large Ferris wheels, like the large on in London, on the hour bus ride from Kensi Airport to my hotel, the Okura Kobe. Also, there is some construction ongoing right next to the hotel. The construction workers wear outfits that look like they below in a 70s B sci-fi movie. The have rows of blinking Christmas lights on the chest. I don’t think a picture does it justice so I have included this so video.
After arriving at the hotel we took a quick walk around to locate a quick bite of food and some provisions for the room. After doing a quick round of an open air shopping mall we settle on buying a pizza. It was small and really expensive. I thought I was immune to price shock being from NY and paying Manhattan prices, but our 10” pizza was 1680 yen- about 23 dollars. Two 1.5 liter bottles of soda and 4-pack of green tea were about 12 dollars. At a 7-11 in NY I would estimate the equal to be around six bucks, at most.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Ridiculous official designations for the month of February
National Pull your Sofa Off the Wall Month
February 7: Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day (although I sure one finger gets waved all year)
February 9: Read in the Bathtub Day (Save water and do it with a friend)
February 11: Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day (I can't even think of a silly comment)
February 18: Thumb Appreciation Day (Not the digit I was thinking of, but hey it is important- how would people hitchhike)
February 23: Curling is Cool Day (The strange Canadian Sport or Hair Styling Act?)
February 28: Public Sleeping Day (This one I might celebrate)
These make me wonder who makes official designations. Almost effort to waste more time looking it up. Almost...
February 7: Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day (although I sure one finger gets waved all year)
February 9: Read in the Bathtub Day (Save water and do it with a friend)
February 11: Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day (I can't even think of a silly comment)
February 18: Thumb Appreciation Day (Not the digit I was thinking of, but hey it is important- how would people hitchhike)
February 23: Curling is Cool Day (The strange Canadian Sport or Hair Styling Act?)
February 28: Public Sleeping Day (This one I might celebrate)
These make me wonder who makes official designations. Almost effort to waste more time looking it up. Almost...
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Skyrim: Potion components
Elder Scroll V: Skyrim is an excellent game for Xbox 360 and PS3 that I have been wasting a lot of time with. If you are not familar with the game then ignore this post.
One of thing you can do is mix ingredients to make potions, however the combinations are unknown at the outset of the game. You can experiement and find combinations that work. You can also look online (I went here) and find an alphically listing of ingredients with all four of their different effects. Of course the formats I found online are not the easiest for finding components with the same effects to successfully make a potion. So after a little copy and paste and further excel macro magic (my excel abilities are not God-like, I am an Excel-GOD- haha I crack myself up, but seriously excel marcos are useful) I compiled the list below which is sorted by effect.
I find this format easier for producing potions with the available ingredients I have. Feel free to share this with anyone and comment if you find any mistakes. Also let me know if you can think of a better organization or even if you find a better web page.
I wish I could figure out a better format, but I hopefully some people may find this useful (if you are already wasting time on Skyrim.) Happy Dragon Hunting.
(Note: I updated this post when I notice nirnroot was mis-spelled nimroot. It is now corrected)
Vampire Dust Cure Diease
Charred Skeever Hide Cure Disease
Hawk Feathers Cure Disease
Mudcrab Chitin Cure Disease
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crimson Nirnroot Damage Health
Deathbell Damage Health
Ectoplasm Damage Health
Falmer Ear Damage Health
Human Flesh Damage Health
Human heart Damage Health
Imp Stool Damage Health
Nightshade Damage Health
Nirrnroot Damage Health
Red Mountain Flower Damage Health
River Betty Damage Health
Skeever Tail Damage Health
Troll Fat Damage Health
Void Salts Damage Health
Small Antlers Damage Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daedra Heart Damage Magicka
Glow Dust Damage Magicka
Hagraven Feathers Damage Magicka
Hanging Moss Damage Magicka
Luna Moth Wing Damage Magicka
Namira’s Rot Damage Magicka
Nordic Barnacle Damage Magicka
Butterfly Wing Damage Magicka
Eye of Sabre Cat Damage Magicka
Human heart Damage Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bear Claws Damage Magicka Regen
Blue Butterfly Wing Damage Magicka Regen
Blue Mountain Flower Damage Magicka Regen
Chaurus Eggs Damage Magicka Regen
Chicken Egg Damage Magicka Regen
Glow Dust Damage Magicka Regen
Hanging Moss Damage Magicka Regen
Human heart Damage Magicka Regen
Nightshade Damage Magicka Regen
Spider Egg Damage Magicka Regen
Spriggan Sap Damage Magicka Regen
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blisterwort Damage Stamina
Blue Butterfly Wing Damage Stamina
Bone Meal Damage Stamina
Canis Root Damage Stamina
Cyrodilic Spadetail Damage Stamina
Giant’s Toe Damage Stamina
Spider Egg Damage Stamina
Crimson Nirrnroot Damage Stamina
Nirrnroot Damage Stamina
Rock warbler Egg Damage Stamina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creep Cluster Damage Stamina Regen
Daedra Heart Damage Stamina Regen
Frost Mirriam Damage Stamina Regen
Giant’s Toe Damage Stamina Regen
Histcarp Damage Stamina Regen
Juniper Berries Damage Stamina Regen
Large Antlers Damage Stamina Regen
Silverside Perch Damage Stamina Regen
Skeever Tail Damage Stamina Regen
Wheat Damage Stamina Regen
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Dartwing Fear
Cyrodilic Spadetail Fear
Daedra Heart Fear
Namira’s Rot Fear
Powdered Mammoth Tusk Fear
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grass Pod Fortify Alteration
River Betty Fortify Alteration
Spriggan Sap Fortify Alteration
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Butterfly Wing Fortify Barter
Dragon’s Tongue Fortify Barter
Hagraven Claw Fortify Barter
Tundra Cotton Fortify Barter
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bleeding Crown Fortify Block
Briar Heart Fortify Block
Honeycomb Fortify Block
Pearl Fortify Block
Slaughterfish Scales Fortify Block
Tundra Cotton Fortify Block
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creep Cluster Fortify Carry Weight
Giant’s Toe Fortify Carry Weight
Hawk Beak Fortify Carry Weight
River Betty Fortify Carry Weight
Scaly Pholioa Fortify Carry Weight
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Butterfly Wing Fortify Conjuration
Blue Mountain Flower Fortify Conjuration
Bone Meal Fortify Conjuration
Frost Salts Fortify Conjuration
Hagraven Feathers Fortify Conjuration
Lavender Fortify Conjuration
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beehive Husk Fortify Destruction
Ectoplasm Fortify Destruction
Glow Dust Fortify Destruction
Glowing Mushroom Fortify Destruction
Nightshade Fortify Destruction
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Butterfly Wing Fortify Enchanting
Hagraven Claw Fortify Enchanting
Snowberries Fortify Enchanting
Spriggan Sap Fortify Enchanting
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bear Claws Fortify Health
Blue Mountain Flower Fortify Health
Giant’s Toe Fortify Health
Glowing Mushroom Fortify Health
Hanging Moss Fortify Health
Wheat Fortify Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice Wraith Teeth Fortify Heavy Armor
Sabre Cat Tooth Fortify Heavy Armor
Slaughterfish Scales Fortify Heavy Armor
Thistle Branch Fortify Heavy Armor
White Cap Fortify Heavy Armor
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dragon’s Tongue Fortify illusion
Dwarven Oil Fortify Illusion
More Tapinella Fortify Illusion
Scaly Pholioa Fortify Illusion
Taproot Fortify Illusion
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beehive Husk Fortify Light Armor
Hawk Feathers Fortify Light Armor
Honeycomb Fortify Light Armor
Luna Moth Wing Fortify Light Armor
Skeever Tail Fortify Light Armor
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Falmer Ear Fortify Lockpicking
Namira’s Rot Fortify Lockpicking
Pine Thrush Egg Fortify Lockpicking
Spider Egg Fortify Lockpicking
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Briar Heart Fortify Magicka
Ectoplasm Fortify Magicka
Histcarp Fortify Magicka
Jazbay Grapes Fortify Magicka
Red Mountain Flower Fortify Magicka
Tundra Cotton Fortify Magicka
Void Salts Fortify Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canis Root Fortify Marksman
Elves Ear Fortify Marksman
Juniper Berries Fortify Marksman
Spider Egg Fortify Marksman
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bear Claws Fortify One-handed
Canis Root Fortify One-handed
Hanging Moss Fortify One-handed
Hawk Feathers Fortify One-handed
Rock warbler Egg Fortify One-handed
Small Pearl Fortify One-handed
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Dartwing Fortify Pickpocket
Nordic Barnacle Fortify Pickpocket
Orange Dartwing Fortify Pickpocket
Slaugterfish Egg Fortify Pickpocket
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abecean Longfin fortify restoration
Cyrodilic Spadetail Fortify Restoration
Salt Pile Fortify Restoration
Small Antlers Fortify Restoration
Small Pearl Fortify Restoration
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blisterwort Fortify Smithing
Glowing Mushroom Fortify Smithing
Sabre Cat Tooth Fortify Smithing
Spriggan Sap Fortify Smithing
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abecean Longfin Fortify Sneak
Beehive Husk Fortify Sneak
Frost Mirriam Fortify Sneak
Hawk Feathers Fortify Sneak
Human Flesh Fortify Sneak
Powdered Mammoth Tusk Fortify Sneak
Purple Mountain Flower Fortify Sneak
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chaurus Eggs Fortify Stamina
Garlic Fortify Stamina
Large Antlers Fortify Stamina
Lavender Fortify Stamina
Slaugterfish Egg Fortify Stamina
Torchbug Thorax Fortify Stamina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dragon’s Tongue Fortify Two-handed
Fly Amanita Fortify Two-handed
Troll Fat Fortify Two-handed
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blisterwort Frenzy
Fly Amanita Frenzy
Hagraven Feathers Frenzy
Human heart Frenzy
Troll Fat Frenzy
Falmer Ear Frenzy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chaurus Eggs Invisibility
Crimson Nirrnroot Invisibility
Ice Wraith Teeth Invisibility
Luna Moth Wing Invisibility
Nirrnroot Invisibility
Vampire Dust Invisibility
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imp Stool Lingering Damage Health
More Tapinella Lingering Damage Health
Orange Dartwing Lingering Damage Health
Slaughterfish Scales Lingering Damage Health
Slaugterfish Egg Lingering Damage Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hagraven Claw Lingering Damage Magicka
Purple Mountain Flower Lingering Damage Magicka
Swamp Fungal Pod Lingering Damage Magicka
Torchbug Thorax Lingering Damage Magicka
Wheat Lingering Damage Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Butterfly Wing Lingering Damage Stamina
Chicken Egg Lingering Damage Stamina
Nightshade Lingering Damage Stamina
Small Antlers Lingering Damage Stamina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Briar Heart Paralysis
Canis Root Paralysis
Human Flesh Paralysis
Imp Stool Paralysis
Swamp Fungal Pod Paralysis
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyrodilic Spadetail Ravage Health
Eye of Sabre Cat Ravage Health
Giant Lichen Ravage Health
Jazbay Grapes Ravage Health
Silverside Perch Ravage Health
Skeever Tail Ravage Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frost Mirriam Ravage Magicka
Grass Pod Ravage Magicka
Lavender Ravage Magicka
Orange Dartwing Ravage Magicka
Red Mountain Flower Ravage Magicka
White Cap Ravage Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee Ravage Stamina
Bone Meal Ravage Stamina
Deathbell Ravage Stamina
Honeycomb Ravage Stamina
Thistle Branch Ravage Stamina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Garlic Regenerate Health
Juniper Berries Regenerate Health
Luna Moth Wing Regenerate Health
Namira’s Rot Regenerate Health
Nordic Barnacle Regenerate Health
Vampire Dust Regenerate Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dwarven Oil Regenerate Magicka
Fire Salts Regenerate Magicka
Garlic Regenerate Magicka
Jazbay Grapes Regenerate Magicka
Moon Sugar Regenerate Magicka
Salt Pile Regenerate Magicka
Taproot Regenerate Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee Regenerate Stamina
Fly Amanita Regenerate Stamina
More Tapinella Regenerate Stamina
Scaly Pholioa Regenerate Stamina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bone Meal Resist Fire
Dragon’s Tongue Resist Fire
Elves Ear Resist Fire
Fire Salts Resist Fire
Fly Amanita Resist Fire
Mudcrab Chitin Resist Fire
Snowberries Resist Fire
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frost Mirriam Resist Frost
Frost Salts Resist Frost
Hawk Beak Resist Frost
Moon Sugar Resist Frost
Purple Mountain Flower Resist Frost
Silverside Perch Resist Frost
Slaughterfish Scales Resist Frost
Small Pearl Resist Frost
Snowberries Resist Frost
Thistle Branch Resist Frost
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bleeding Crown Resist Magic
Chicken Egg Resist Magic
Crimson Nirrnroot Resist Magic
Hagraven Claw Resist Magic
Lavender Resist Magic
Nirrnroot Resist Magic
Taproot Resist Magic
Tundra Cotton Resist Magic
Void Salts Resist Magic
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beehive Husk Resist Poison
Charred Skeever Hide Resist Poison
Falmer Ear Resist Poison
Garlic Resist Poison
Grass Pod Resist Poison
Mudcrab Chitin Resist Poison
Slaugterfish Egg Resist Poison
Thistle Branch Resist Poison
Troll Fat Resist Poison
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Dartwing Resist Shock
Glow Dust Resist Shock
Glowing Mushroom Resist Shock
Hawk Beak Resist Shock
Pearl Resist Shock
Pine Thrush Egg Resist Shock
Snowberries Resist Shock
Swamp Fungal Pod Resist Shock
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blisterwort Restore Health
Blue Dartwing Restore Health
Blue Mountain Flower Restore Health
Butterfly Wing Restore Health
Charred Skeever Hide Restore Health
Daedra Heart Restore Health
Eye of Sabre Cat Restore Health
Imp Stool Restore Health
Rock warbler Egg Restore Health
Swamp Fungal Pod Restore Health
Wheat Restore Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Briar Heart Restore Magicka
Creep Cluster Restore Magicka
Dwarven Oil Restore Magicka
Ectoplasm Restore Magicka
Elves Ear Restore Magicka
Fire Salts Restore Magicka
Frost Salts Restore Magicka
Giant Lichen Restore Magicka
Grass Pod Restore Magicka
Human Flesh Restore Magicka
Moon Sugar Restore Magicka
More Tapinella Restore Magicka
Pearl Restore Magicka
Red Mountain Flower Restore Magicka
Vampire Dust Restore Magicka
White Cap Restore Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bear Claws Restore Stamina
Bee Restore Stamina
Charred Skeever Hide Restore Stamina
Eye of Sabre Cat Restore Stamina
Hawk Beak Restore Stamina
Histcarp Restore Stamina
Honeycomb Restore Stamina
Large Antlers Restore Stamina
Mudcrab Chitin Restore Stamina
Orange Dartwing Restore Stamina
Pearl Restore Stamina
Pine Thrush Egg Restore Stamina
Powdered Mammoth Tusk Restore Stamina
Purple Mountain Flower Restore Stamina
Sabre Cat Tooth Restore Stamina
Silverside Perch Restore Stamina
Small Pearl Restore Stamina
Torchbug Thorax Restore Stamina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deathbell Slow
Large Antlers Slow
River Betty Slow
Salt Pile Slow
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chicken Egg Waterbreathing
Histcarp Waterbreathing
Nordic Barnacle Waterbreathing
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bleeding Crown Weakness to fire
Frost Salts Weakness to fire
Ice Wraith Teeth Weakness to Fire
Juniper Berries Weakness to fire
Moon Sugar Weakness to fire
Powdered Mammoth Tusk Weakness to Fire
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abecean Longfin Weakness to frost
Elves Ear Weakness to Frost
Fire Salts Weakness to frost
Ice Wraith Teeth Weakness to frost
White Cap Weakness to frost
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creep Cluster Weakness to Magic
Dwarven Oil Weakness to magic
Jazbay Grapes Weakness to magic
Rock warbler Egg Weakness to Magic
Salt Pile Weakness to Magic
Scaly Pholioa Weakness to Magic
Taproot Weakness to Magic
Torchbug Thorax Weakness to Magic
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abecean Longfin weakness to poison
Bleeding Crown Weakness to poison
Deathbell Weakness to Poison
Giant Lichen Weakness to poison
Pine Thrush Egg Weakness to poison
Sabre Cat Tooth Weakness to Poison
Chaurus Eggs Weakness to Poison
Small Antlers Weakness to Poison
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee Weakness to Shock
Giant Lichen Weakness to Shock
Hagraven Feathers Weakness to Shock
Void Salts Weakness to shock
One of thing you can do is mix ingredients to make potions, however the combinations are unknown at the outset of the game. You can experiement and find combinations that work. You can also look online (I went here) and find an alphically listing of ingredients with all four of their different effects. Of course the formats I found online are not the easiest for finding components with the same effects to successfully make a potion. So after a little copy and paste and further excel macro magic (my excel abilities are not God-like, I am an Excel-GOD- haha I crack myself up, but seriously excel marcos are useful) I compiled the list below which is sorted by effect.
I find this format easier for producing potions with the available ingredients I have. Feel free to share this with anyone and comment if you find any mistakes. Also let me know if you can think of a better organization or even if you find a better web page.
I wish I could figure out a better format, but I hopefully some people may find this useful (if you are already wasting time on Skyrim.) Happy Dragon Hunting.
(Note: I updated this post when I notice nirnroot was mis-spelled nimroot. It is now corrected)
Vampire Dust Cure Diease
Charred Skeever Hide Cure Disease
Hawk Feathers Cure Disease
Mudcrab Chitin Cure Disease
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crimson Nirnroot Damage Health
Deathbell Damage Health
Ectoplasm Damage Health
Falmer Ear Damage Health
Human Flesh Damage Health
Human heart Damage Health
Imp Stool Damage Health
Nightshade Damage Health
Nirrnroot Damage Health
Red Mountain Flower Damage Health
River Betty Damage Health
Skeever Tail Damage Health
Troll Fat Damage Health
Void Salts Damage Health
Small Antlers Damage Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daedra Heart Damage Magicka
Glow Dust Damage Magicka
Hagraven Feathers Damage Magicka
Hanging Moss Damage Magicka
Luna Moth Wing Damage Magicka
Namira’s Rot Damage Magicka
Nordic Barnacle Damage Magicka
Butterfly Wing Damage Magicka
Eye of Sabre Cat Damage Magicka
Human heart Damage Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bear Claws Damage Magicka Regen
Blue Butterfly Wing Damage Magicka Regen
Blue Mountain Flower Damage Magicka Regen
Chaurus Eggs Damage Magicka Regen
Chicken Egg Damage Magicka Regen
Glow Dust Damage Magicka Regen
Hanging Moss Damage Magicka Regen
Human heart Damage Magicka Regen
Nightshade Damage Magicka Regen
Spider Egg Damage Magicka Regen
Spriggan Sap Damage Magicka Regen
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blisterwort Damage Stamina
Blue Butterfly Wing Damage Stamina
Bone Meal Damage Stamina
Canis Root Damage Stamina
Cyrodilic Spadetail Damage Stamina
Giant’s Toe Damage Stamina
Spider Egg Damage Stamina
Crimson Nirrnroot Damage Stamina
Nirrnroot Damage Stamina
Rock warbler Egg Damage Stamina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creep Cluster Damage Stamina Regen
Daedra Heart Damage Stamina Regen
Frost Mirriam Damage Stamina Regen
Giant’s Toe Damage Stamina Regen
Histcarp Damage Stamina Regen
Juniper Berries Damage Stamina Regen
Large Antlers Damage Stamina Regen
Silverside Perch Damage Stamina Regen
Skeever Tail Damage Stamina Regen
Wheat Damage Stamina Regen
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Dartwing Fear
Cyrodilic Spadetail Fear
Daedra Heart Fear
Namira’s Rot Fear
Powdered Mammoth Tusk Fear
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grass Pod Fortify Alteration
River Betty Fortify Alteration
Spriggan Sap Fortify Alteration
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Butterfly Wing Fortify Barter
Dragon’s Tongue Fortify Barter
Hagraven Claw Fortify Barter
Tundra Cotton Fortify Barter
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bleeding Crown Fortify Block
Briar Heart Fortify Block
Honeycomb Fortify Block
Pearl Fortify Block
Slaughterfish Scales Fortify Block
Tundra Cotton Fortify Block
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creep Cluster Fortify Carry Weight
Giant’s Toe Fortify Carry Weight
Hawk Beak Fortify Carry Weight
River Betty Fortify Carry Weight
Scaly Pholioa Fortify Carry Weight
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Butterfly Wing Fortify Conjuration
Blue Mountain Flower Fortify Conjuration
Bone Meal Fortify Conjuration
Frost Salts Fortify Conjuration
Hagraven Feathers Fortify Conjuration
Lavender Fortify Conjuration
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beehive Husk Fortify Destruction
Ectoplasm Fortify Destruction
Glow Dust Fortify Destruction
Glowing Mushroom Fortify Destruction
Nightshade Fortify Destruction
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Butterfly Wing Fortify Enchanting
Hagraven Claw Fortify Enchanting
Snowberries Fortify Enchanting
Spriggan Sap Fortify Enchanting
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bear Claws Fortify Health
Blue Mountain Flower Fortify Health
Giant’s Toe Fortify Health
Glowing Mushroom Fortify Health
Hanging Moss Fortify Health
Wheat Fortify Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice Wraith Teeth Fortify Heavy Armor
Sabre Cat Tooth Fortify Heavy Armor
Slaughterfish Scales Fortify Heavy Armor
Thistle Branch Fortify Heavy Armor
White Cap Fortify Heavy Armor
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dragon’s Tongue Fortify illusion
Dwarven Oil Fortify Illusion
More Tapinella Fortify Illusion
Scaly Pholioa Fortify Illusion
Taproot Fortify Illusion
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beehive Husk Fortify Light Armor
Hawk Feathers Fortify Light Armor
Honeycomb Fortify Light Armor
Luna Moth Wing Fortify Light Armor
Skeever Tail Fortify Light Armor
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Falmer Ear Fortify Lockpicking
Namira’s Rot Fortify Lockpicking
Pine Thrush Egg Fortify Lockpicking
Spider Egg Fortify Lockpicking
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Briar Heart Fortify Magicka
Ectoplasm Fortify Magicka
Histcarp Fortify Magicka
Jazbay Grapes Fortify Magicka
Red Mountain Flower Fortify Magicka
Tundra Cotton Fortify Magicka
Void Salts Fortify Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canis Root Fortify Marksman
Elves Ear Fortify Marksman
Juniper Berries Fortify Marksman
Spider Egg Fortify Marksman
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bear Claws Fortify One-handed
Canis Root Fortify One-handed
Hanging Moss Fortify One-handed
Hawk Feathers Fortify One-handed
Rock warbler Egg Fortify One-handed
Small Pearl Fortify One-handed
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Dartwing Fortify Pickpocket
Nordic Barnacle Fortify Pickpocket
Orange Dartwing Fortify Pickpocket
Slaugterfish Egg Fortify Pickpocket
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abecean Longfin fortify restoration
Cyrodilic Spadetail Fortify Restoration
Salt Pile Fortify Restoration
Small Antlers Fortify Restoration
Small Pearl Fortify Restoration
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blisterwort Fortify Smithing
Glowing Mushroom Fortify Smithing
Sabre Cat Tooth Fortify Smithing
Spriggan Sap Fortify Smithing
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abecean Longfin Fortify Sneak
Beehive Husk Fortify Sneak
Frost Mirriam Fortify Sneak
Hawk Feathers Fortify Sneak
Human Flesh Fortify Sneak
Powdered Mammoth Tusk Fortify Sneak
Purple Mountain Flower Fortify Sneak
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chaurus Eggs Fortify Stamina
Garlic Fortify Stamina
Large Antlers Fortify Stamina
Lavender Fortify Stamina
Slaugterfish Egg Fortify Stamina
Torchbug Thorax Fortify Stamina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dragon’s Tongue Fortify Two-handed
Fly Amanita Fortify Two-handed
Troll Fat Fortify Two-handed
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blisterwort Frenzy
Fly Amanita Frenzy
Hagraven Feathers Frenzy
Human heart Frenzy
Troll Fat Frenzy
Falmer Ear Frenzy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chaurus Eggs Invisibility
Crimson Nirrnroot Invisibility
Ice Wraith Teeth Invisibility
Luna Moth Wing Invisibility
Nirrnroot Invisibility
Vampire Dust Invisibility
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imp Stool Lingering Damage Health
More Tapinella Lingering Damage Health
Orange Dartwing Lingering Damage Health
Slaughterfish Scales Lingering Damage Health
Slaugterfish Egg Lingering Damage Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hagraven Claw Lingering Damage Magicka
Purple Mountain Flower Lingering Damage Magicka
Swamp Fungal Pod Lingering Damage Magicka
Torchbug Thorax Lingering Damage Magicka
Wheat Lingering Damage Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Butterfly Wing Lingering Damage Stamina
Chicken Egg Lingering Damage Stamina
Nightshade Lingering Damage Stamina
Small Antlers Lingering Damage Stamina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Briar Heart Paralysis
Canis Root Paralysis
Human Flesh Paralysis
Imp Stool Paralysis
Swamp Fungal Pod Paralysis
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyrodilic Spadetail Ravage Health
Eye of Sabre Cat Ravage Health
Giant Lichen Ravage Health
Jazbay Grapes Ravage Health
Silverside Perch Ravage Health
Skeever Tail Ravage Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frost Mirriam Ravage Magicka
Grass Pod Ravage Magicka
Lavender Ravage Magicka
Orange Dartwing Ravage Magicka
Red Mountain Flower Ravage Magicka
White Cap Ravage Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee Ravage Stamina
Bone Meal Ravage Stamina
Deathbell Ravage Stamina
Honeycomb Ravage Stamina
Thistle Branch Ravage Stamina
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Garlic Regenerate Health
Juniper Berries Regenerate Health
Luna Moth Wing Regenerate Health
Namira’s Rot Regenerate Health
Nordic Barnacle Regenerate Health
Vampire Dust Regenerate Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dwarven Oil Regenerate Magicka
Fire Salts Regenerate Magicka
Garlic Regenerate Magicka
Jazbay Grapes Regenerate Magicka
Moon Sugar Regenerate Magicka
Salt Pile Regenerate Magicka
Taproot Regenerate Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee Regenerate Stamina
Fly Amanita Regenerate Stamina
More Tapinella Regenerate Stamina
Scaly Pholioa Regenerate Stamina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bone Meal Resist Fire
Dragon’s Tongue Resist Fire
Elves Ear Resist Fire
Fire Salts Resist Fire
Fly Amanita Resist Fire
Mudcrab Chitin Resist Fire
Snowberries Resist Fire
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frost Mirriam Resist Frost
Frost Salts Resist Frost
Hawk Beak Resist Frost
Moon Sugar Resist Frost
Purple Mountain Flower Resist Frost
Silverside Perch Resist Frost
Slaughterfish Scales Resist Frost
Small Pearl Resist Frost
Snowberries Resist Frost
Thistle Branch Resist Frost
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bleeding Crown Resist Magic
Chicken Egg Resist Magic
Crimson Nirrnroot Resist Magic
Hagraven Claw Resist Magic
Lavender Resist Magic
Nirrnroot Resist Magic
Taproot Resist Magic
Tundra Cotton Resist Magic
Void Salts Resist Magic
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beehive Husk Resist Poison
Charred Skeever Hide Resist Poison
Falmer Ear Resist Poison
Garlic Resist Poison
Grass Pod Resist Poison
Mudcrab Chitin Resist Poison
Slaugterfish Egg Resist Poison
Thistle Branch Resist Poison
Troll Fat Resist Poison
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue Dartwing Resist Shock
Glow Dust Resist Shock
Glowing Mushroom Resist Shock
Hawk Beak Resist Shock
Pearl Resist Shock
Pine Thrush Egg Resist Shock
Snowberries Resist Shock
Swamp Fungal Pod Resist Shock
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blisterwort Restore Health
Blue Dartwing Restore Health
Blue Mountain Flower Restore Health
Butterfly Wing Restore Health
Charred Skeever Hide Restore Health
Daedra Heart Restore Health
Eye of Sabre Cat Restore Health
Imp Stool Restore Health
Rock warbler Egg Restore Health
Swamp Fungal Pod Restore Health
Wheat Restore Health
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Briar Heart Restore Magicka
Creep Cluster Restore Magicka
Dwarven Oil Restore Magicka
Ectoplasm Restore Magicka
Elves Ear Restore Magicka
Fire Salts Restore Magicka
Frost Salts Restore Magicka
Giant Lichen Restore Magicka
Grass Pod Restore Magicka
Human Flesh Restore Magicka
Moon Sugar Restore Magicka
More Tapinella Restore Magicka
Pearl Restore Magicka
Red Mountain Flower Restore Magicka
Vampire Dust Restore Magicka
White Cap Restore Magicka
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bear Claws Restore Stamina
Bee Restore Stamina
Charred Skeever Hide Restore Stamina
Eye of Sabre Cat Restore Stamina
Hawk Beak Restore Stamina
Histcarp Restore Stamina
Honeycomb Restore Stamina
Large Antlers Restore Stamina
Mudcrab Chitin Restore Stamina
Orange Dartwing Restore Stamina
Pearl Restore Stamina
Pine Thrush Egg Restore Stamina
Powdered Mammoth Tusk Restore Stamina
Purple Mountain Flower Restore Stamina
Sabre Cat Tooth Restore Stamina
Silverside Perch Restore Stamina
Small Pearl Restore Stamina
Torchbug Thorax Restore Stamina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deathbell Slow
Large Antlers Slow
River Betty Slow
Salt Pile Slow
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chicken Egg Waterbreathing
Histcarp Waterbreathing
Nordic Barnacle Waterbreathing
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bleeding Crown Weakness to fire
Frost Salts Weakness to fire
Ice Wraith Teeth Weakness to Fire
Juniper Berries Weakness to fire
Moon Sugar Weakness to fire
Powdered Mammoth Tusk Weakness to Fire
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Abecean Longfin Weakness to frost
Elves Ear Weakness to Frost
Fire Salts Weakness to frost
Ice Wraith Teeth Weakness to frost
White Cap Weakness to frost
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Creep Cluster Weakness to Magic
Dwarven Oil Weakness to magic
Jazbay Grapes Weakness to magic
Rock warbler Egg Weakness to Magic
Salt Pile Weakness to Magic
Scaly Pholioa Weakness to Magic
Taproot Weakness to Magic
Torchbug Thorax Weakness to Magic
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abecean Longfin weakness to poison
Bleeding Crown Weakness to poison
Deathbell Weakness to Poison
Giant Lichen Weakness to poison
Pine Thrush Egg Weakness to poison
Sabre Cat Tooth Weakness to Poison
Chaurus Eggs Weakness to Poison
Small Antlers Weakness to Poison
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee Weakness to Shock
Giant Lichen Weakness to Shock
Hagraven Feathers Weakness to Shock
Void Salts Weakness to shock
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