18 Dec 2007
by ryanin Health, News
Back in May, a Washington Post article detailed the effects of diacetyl of workers at popcorn factories. Known to some as “popcorn lung”, the chemical causes a rare but fatal lung disease, which only a transplant could cure.
Now four major popcorn manufacturers (the Orville Redenbacher, Act II, Pop Secret and Jolly Time brands) have agreed to remove the chemical. The only question that remains is what is being done to help those already affected. The linked article says that over 500 lawsuits are pending, and that many settlements have happened confidentially, but the House has also passed a bill to limit damages. Sounds like a few corporations want to have their cake and eat it, too.
Popcorn makers removing chemical
07 Nov 2007
by ryanin News, Signs of the Horsemen, Spot the Sarcasm
Programs that focus exclusively on abstinence have not been shown to affect teenager sexual behavior, although they are eligible for tens of millions of dollars in federal grants, according to a study released by a nonpartisan group that seeks to reduce teen pregnancies.
Next on ABC News: America’s Bombing Campaign Not Producing Desired Goodwill Among Bombed; People Do Bad Things Despite Pleas to Stop; Oil Prices Rise Despite Constant Demand: Who’s To Blame?
ABC News: Report: Abstinence Not Curbing Teen Sex
26 Sep 2007
by ryanin News, Uhm... yeah Tags: booze, budget, stateofmichigan
Of all the stupid things, if the State can’t work out a budget by next Monday, “non-essential services” will start to be shut down. So, when you can’t renew your license at the Sec. of State, you also won’t be able to drown your sorrows as package liquor distribution will stop. You can still buy, but if the shutdown lasts, how long will your local store have you favorite bottle in stock?
Wonder if this applies to beer, too.
No booze or bets if state shuts down
15 Sep 2007
by ryanin General, News
Bits and pieces in no particular order:
- I joined the Chelsea Wellness Center; I need to lose weight, J– gets a discount through the hospital, and it’s easy to use.
- I love wikis but don’t get to use them enough. U of M IT has begun offering installation of MediaWiki for use around campus. My project team is now converting our development docs over to the wiki. I’m taking meeting notes. It’s a good thing.
- Bats sucks (the flying ones, not the wooden ones). Rabid bats suck even more, especially when you have to get the shots.
- J– and I are getting the shots.
- Lawn mowers are ridiculously expensive for what they do. Seriously, it takes balls to say you should pay $300 for a machine to cut grass for a 20×16 patch of earth?
- I miss Douglas Adams. I’m re-reading Salmon of Doubt, a collection of his works culled posthumously from his computers and the sad thought hit me that there are no more books of his to look forward to.
- Heroes is awesome. Almost as good as Battlestar Galactica. We have the last two discs of Heroes in the house now so we can finish season 1 this weekend.
- I have a new favorite word, courtesy of William Tozer via Alan Gutierrez; Coshirking: “A coffee break lasting more than one hour where local industry gossip is exchanged over open laptops.”
- IT Crowd, Season 2 is showing up on the bittorrent sites. Definitely worth the download.
30 Aug 2007
by ryanin Beer, News
He was possibly the most important driving force in the world-wide beer community over the past 30 years. Starting with his first publication of “World Guide to Beer” in 1977, he has always been a strong voice for the beer community.
A great loss to the brewing community, Michael Jackson (not the dancing one) has passed away. Raise a glass for Mr. Jackson.
Michael Jackson Passes Away
21 Aug 2007
by ryanin Gaming, News
As a follow-up to this post, Guitar Hero II frakkin’ rocks (rawks?)! My constant nagging netted me a copy of the game (with guitar) for my birthday. (Oh, yeah, it’s my birthday.)
I also got, can you believe it, Bioshock on the PC. But, I’ve been playing Guitar Hero since we got back from dinner, so I have no comment on it yet.
Considering I went to work on my birthday, it’s been a very good day. And get Guitar Hero. Seriously.
15 Aug 2007
by ryanin News
The critter is gone. Nothing was broken, although I will say it’s extremely hot covered up in the heat. Yes, I’m a total chicken, but I wasn’t about to be bitten.
15 Aug 2007
by ryanin News, Uhm... yeah
If you’re looking for a startup business, may I recommend pest removal, especially of the bat variety. We have a critter currently holed up in our spare bedroom and finding someone to not just remove it, but also inspect the attic for entry points is impossible. Of the 5 numbers I found via Google in SE Michigan, 2 don’t do bats, 1 doesn’t service our area (thanks Google), 1 didn’t answer, and 1 said they could be out “maybe next Tuesday”.
If you don’t mind flying rodents, skunks, or whatever else stalks people’s houses, there is some serious money in it and no shortage of demand apparently. Me, I have to figure out how I’m going to take out a 4 ounce bat with a tennis racket (which I have yet to procure) in a confined space slightly smaller than the space needed to swing the tennis racket.
Expect updates on broken light fixtures, broken mirrors, or a recounting of the excruciating process of getting rabies shots. Or, perhaps all of the above.
07 Aug 2007
by ryanin Ann Arbor, News
Looks like fun driving in the city for the next few days.
- Today, the westbound I-94 ramp to U.S.-23 and the entrance ramp from eastbound I-94 to Ann Arbor Saline Road.
- Wednesday, the westbound I-94 ramp to State Street.
- Thursday, the westbound I-94 ramp to Ann Arbor Saline Road and the eastbound I-94 ramp to U.S.-23.
- Sunday, the eastbound I-94 ramp to State Street.
- Monday, the eastbound I-94 ramp to Ann Arbor Saline Road.
- Aug. 14, the westbound I-94 ramp to Jackson Avenue.
- Aug .15, the eastbound I-94 ramp to Jackson Avenue.
24-hour shutdowns scheduled for Ann Arbor I-94 ramps
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