News and other tidbits that Chad Cloman finds interesting enough to share
Weird as it may seem, many 9-volt batteries are internally made from six AAAA batteries—which are the right voltage and (approximate) size to replace AAAs. So if you find yourself desperately needing some AAA batteries, consider using that extra 9v sitting in the junk drawer. The linked article has pictures showing how to take it apart with a pair of pliers.
Link: http://www.axecollector.com/…
(via Lifehacker)
Here’s a fun way to enhance your typing skills. It’s a free game called Word Shoot, where you shoot enemies by typing short words.
Link: http://cognitivelabs.com/…
(via Lifehacker)
An interesting article on efforts to iodize salt in developing countries. Apparently the added iodine has a significant boosting effect on the IQ of children.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/…
(via digg)
The US Mint has implemented some regulations that prohibit people from melting down pennies or nickels. Apparently the base metals are worth more than the coins.
Link: http://money.cnn.com/…
(via digg)
From the article: “Of the 383 pieces of legislation that were signed into law during the two-year 109th Congress, more than one-quarter dealt with naming or renaming federal buildings…” I used to think it was a good thing if Congress just spun its wheels and didn’t accomplish much, but now that it’s happening, I’m not so sure anymore.
Link: http://www.cnn.com/…
(via digg)
This hilarious Mad TV clip had me laughing out loud. It was so good that I watched it twice. The language is coarse and NSFW, but it was suitable for nighttime television.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/…
At about 2:45 into this video, the speaker (Michael Shermer) begins a short test. It’s worth taking. Leave any thoughts in the comments.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/…
(via Neatorama)
“Climbing Huashan is a game for the brave.”
Link: http://www.bond-diamonds.com/…
(via digg and Neatorama)
Consumer Affairs has listed the top 10 scams of 2006, seven of which have some online aspect. Number 8 is quite insidious.
Link: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/…
(via digg)
This video shows what happens when a man gets trapped on a perpetual staircase (made famous by M.C. Escher, but officially known as Penrose stairs).
The movie is called “Hallucii,” and there is a related web site. If the YouTube video doesn’t work, Hallucii can be downloaded or watched at the official site.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/…
Here’s an example of some quality line-painting work.
Toolhaus.org has some useful tools related to eBay feedback. My favorite one allows you to view just the negative feedback of an eBay user—no more scrolling through page after page to check on the negatives. For power users, there’s a related bookmarklet and Firefox extension.
Link: http://www.toolhaus.org/
