tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62119295482404001842024-03-14T07:09:24.718-07:00Teddy's Rat LabTeddy's Rat Lab by Brain&Brain Press, featuring "Speaker to Lab Animals"Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067034722507056802noreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-2747553428612677872018-02-15T15:26:00.001-08:002018-02-15T15:26:58.312-08:00<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My Brain is
Full</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The human brain is not a computer, but yes, it really does store,
represent and retrieve information!</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About two years ago, Dr. Robert Epstein penned an essay for AEON
entitled "The Empty Brain." [<a href="https://aeon.co/essays/your-brain-does-not-process-information-and-it-is-not-a-computer">https://aeon.co/essays/your-brain-does-not-process-information-and-it-is-not-a-computer</a>]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Epstein is a research psychologist, and
former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the essay, Epstein started off decrying the modern, casual attempt to
equate the functions of the human brain with modern digital computers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A computer has physical memory representation
and processes information in a manner prescribed by algorithms. The human
brain, in contrast, lacks physically identifiable memory structures, has no
fixed algorithms, and cannot perform the functions attributed to computer
"processing."</div>
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<br /></div>
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In short, his logic amounts to:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you can open up a computer and find each
function physically represented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I might
quibble with that, but he has a valid point as he continues to say that the human
brain has no central processor, no "clock," no memory core, and you
cannot find a physical representation of any of the information that the brain
utilizes in its function. So we should stop using terminology appropriate to a
computer in referring to the function of the brain. The article seems to
resurface in social media every 4-6 months, and every time it does so, I get
called in to comment, or get drawn into a discussion of why the basic premise:
"The brain is not a computer" is true, but nearly everything else in
the article is at best, misinformed, and at worst, junk science.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Generally speaking, the first thing that happens in these
discussions is that commenters tend to denigrate the "soft-science" profession
of psychology and the specific qualifications of the author.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to avoid that, because psychology is a
very useful tool in the neurosciences, it's just that I feel the author has
insulated himself from the "hard-science" findings of
neurophysiology, neurology and neurosurgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If Dr. Epstein had had a colleague in Neuroscience read the essay, he
would likely have been told that many of his illustrations and examples of his
premise are incorrect or misleading.</div>
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<br /></div>
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On the other hand, it may be that he felt that the actual
neurophysiological findings were too technical for a lay audience, and he
wished simply to concentrate on the central premise -- the brain is not a
computer - with simple explanations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After all, he was editor-in-chief of Psychology Today, a publication that
distills psychological research and development into articles with broad appeal
across both the sciences and lay audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Such distillation requires that an article be understandable by readers
with an education well below the MD or PhD level, and much scientific rigor and
accuracy can be lost in translation.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Or it may simply be the approach of psychology as a
field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a neuroscience researcher, I
am interested in the function of the brain -- human or otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having been trained initially in physiology
& pharmacology, I tend to take a very mechanistic view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also work with Neurologists and
Neurosurgeons as part of my day-job, and their viewpoint differs from
mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may be more mechanism
oriented in some ways (what brain area connects with another; what happens when
I cut in this place; why is this area acting abnormally), and less detail
oriented in others (not necessarily interested in whether this single <u>cell</u>
is connected to another).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Psychology, however, frequently takes a different approach,
concentrating on the external evidence of brain function.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, a psychologist would be much more oriented
upon whether a patient can remember a string of numbers than whether those
numbers actually have some form of representation in the brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is actually an approach often taken by
modelers who use a "Black Box" nonlinear systems approach to the
brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a nonlinear model, it is not
necessary to map every single connection and modulation, but rather to define
the input and output patterns of a given system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From these, it is possible to calculate
nonlinear mathematical solutions which can transform input to output.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a useful type of model when the actual
detail is so utterly computational complicated that a detailed model is
unworkable using current technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Epstein's
essay clearly relies on such a conceptual approach, but ignores that fact that
Neuroscientists <u>do</u> know much of the detail of how the brain processes
and encodes information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I therefore propose that aside from the central premise -- that
the human brain is not a computer -- many of the examples and conclusions in
the essay are biased by the author's own field and approach to brain function
and neglects or ignores experimental evidence to the contrary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for my secondary concerns regarding the
validity of Dr. Epstein's essay, I will simply state that he should have
consulted colleagues in the more biological/organic corners of the Neuroscience
field before making his claims and formulating his conclusion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is actually familiar territory for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SF congoers who attended the LibertyCon 27
convention in Chattanooga, TN in 2014 may recall a rather heated discussion
involving myself and physicist and SF author Dr. Travis S. Taylor. Guests
tended to gather around the pool in the late evening, and discussion topics
range widely... and wildly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been
asked by many people to comment on Taylor's "quantum connection"
theory of the mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The short form of
the theory is that some of the "unexplainable" phenomena of the mind
(attraction, common interest, prayer/positive thinking, etc.) could be
explained by a quantum connection, and further, Taylor proposed that
neurofilaments and neurotubules in brain cells could serve as
"antennae" to pick up this quantum signal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taylor's usual explanation for the phenomenon
included the challenge: "Do you like beer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why or why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can't explain
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's unknowable with conventional
science." - my response:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Yeah, I can pinpoint the preference right down to the specific
molecules making up the taste receptors in the tongue. Anything you propose, I
can explain with conventional physics and Neuroscience."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a fun and amicable argument, and we
actually concluded that I think his idea of a quantum connection is interesting
and could be true, but largely untestable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The problem simply being the selection of the wrong examples for his
premise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which takes us back to the AEON essay:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Epstein entreats his readers to stop
using a flawed analogy for the function of the human brain; thus, the human
brain is not a computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, in the
process, Epstein uses many other flawed analogies to support his conclusion
that there is neither "representation" nor "processing" of information
in the brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is that while
we may not have a discrete identifiable location for memory storage -- the
truth is that neuroscientists can observe the phenomena of memory processing in
very real ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus the analogies used
to counter a flawed analogy are themselves flawed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The initial premise is correct (within
certain bounds) but his examples and conclusions are faulty.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So let's take this apart:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, the brain is not a
computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We actually had this
discussion in a graduate student class yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The brain is not a computer - at least, not a digital one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, the brain is closest to an analog
computer, but even that is a flawed analogy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of my favorite thought experiments is to consider that the brain
acts as if it were a steampunk analog calculator... but that's a topic for
another blog! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/2011/02/your-brain-on-steampunk.html">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/2011/02/your-brain-on-steampunk.html</a>]
There is no central processing unit, no "memory core", no
"clocks" that synchronize computation steps, and no place in the
brain where one could "open it up and see the information."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first problem to crop up in the analogy is that one
could counter that it is not possible to "see" a representation of
memory in a computer, either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absent the
tools to measure current running through semiconductors and resistors, and
charge held in capacitors, it is not possible to see the representation of a
picture or any other information content in a computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even then, one does not simply see a color, a
line or an object.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, the computer
stores bits--ones and zeros, represented by presence and/or absence of voltage,
current, or charge--and those bits represent other information such as color,
shading, presence or absence of lines or shapes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On its own, the computer representation also
not a "picture," although it <u>can</u> be argued that there is a
discrete storage location for the information.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for there not being a "representation" of memory
information in the brain, one need only look at the evidence that the visual
and auditory cortex of the brain are organized into groups of brain cells that
only respond to a single visual (i.e. line, rotation, position, color) or
auditory (frequency, movement, location) feature of the respective sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are highly topographic mappings of
information onto the structure and function of the brain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But let's take it one step further:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My colleague Jack Gallant at UC Berkeley [<a href="https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/jack-l-gallant">https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/jack-l-gallant</a>]
would certainly argue that the brain does indeed store and represent a recognizable
pattern for pictures and visual scenes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
2011, Dr. Gallant published a study in which his team identified brain signals
that corresponded to visual scenes in memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Using an MRI scanner to track blood and oxygen usage in the brain at
resolutions down to cubic millimeters of brain tissue, the team created a
"library" of brain activity patterns that resulted when a person
looked at particular pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later,
the same subjects were told to "daydream" a scene involving some or
all of the pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gallant's team was
able to identify a "movie" of the daydream constructed from human brain
patterns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the subject imagined each scene
in their daydream, the team compared the resulting brain patterns with the
library of patterns correlated with previously viewed images.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The identified pictures were placed in
sequence, and compared to the subject's report of their daydream with a very
high correlation between the two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus
Gallant and I would argue that here is evidence that the human brain <u>does</u>
both store and represent memory information in the brain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unlike a computer, the storage location is not fixed, and
the "storage medium" is not standardized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, there are identifiable patterns within
the brain that correspond to the stored--i.e. remembered--information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore, there is ample evidence that
such information is "processed."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A particular region of the brain, the hippocampus, is
involved in the processing of memory in all species of mammals, with a similar
structure fulfilling the same function in reptiles and birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Animals and humans with damage to this part
of the brain have difficulty formulating new memories, and may also have
difficult retrieving memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1971,
researchers John O'Keefe and Jonathan Dostrovsky noticed that certain cells in
the hippocampus of rats were active only when the rat was in a particular
position in the cage or test chamber [<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993%2871%2990358-1" target="_blank" title="Persistent link using digital object identifier">https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(71)90358-1</a>].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The finding led to nearly 50 years of
research into "place cells" in the hippocampus, which correlate their
activity with various elements of location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cells have been identified with preferences to corners, edges, head
directions, body directions, and both future and past movements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more cells are recorded from a single
subject, the more detailed a "cognitive map" of the environment can
be created from the activity of these neurons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Furthermore, the "map" may disappear or reorganize when the subject
moves to a new environment, room, chamber or cage, but will reappear in the
original form when returned to the original environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, a representation of place exists in the
hippocampus, and moreover, it is a <u>memory</u> of a representation, since it
can completely disappear and be re-formed in the original format.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Place cells and place fields have been
identified in mice, rats, gerbils, cats, dogs, monkeys and even humans,
demonstrating that this is a function associated with the physical nature of
the brain, and not just an "emergent" phenomenon of human cognition.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1994, Matt Wilson and Bruce McNaughton demonstrated that
place cells were not only involved in a physical representation, but that they
were an important component of memory [<a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.8036517">https://doi.org/10.1126/science.8036517</a>].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Utilizing a track that limited a rat's
movement through the environment to specific lanes--and hence a specific
sequence of activating various place cells, the team demonstrated that the <u>same
cells</u> were activated during sleep in the <u>same sequence</u> as when the
animal had passed through them in the test session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By making the rat's behavior and reward
dependent on remembering a previous sequence of movement, and then manipulating
whether this sleep-replay could occur, Wilson, McNaughton and their colleagues were
eventually able to demonstrate that the replay was an important phase of memory
formation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the spatial information
was to be remembered, it <u>had</u> to be replayed during sleep!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the major questions raised by both the scientists
studying place cells, and the outsiders looking in, was that there was
(evidently) no clock, no map, and no coordinate system driving the representation
of spatial position in the brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
in 2005, Edvard and May-Britt Moser and their teams reported that neurons in
another part of the brain--the entorhinal cortex, which lies
"upstream" from the hippocampus--had neurons which fired in a regular
grid pattern throughout the environment [<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.31.061307.090723">https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.31.061307.090723</a></span>].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While not a square representation analogous
to the Cartesian coordinates of a world map, the "Grid cells" nevertheless
formed a triangular or hexagonal spatial mapping which could serve as the basis
for the hippocampal place cells!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, with just a few examples, we shoot down the "no
representation," "no storage," "no controller" and
even the "no processing" portions of the AEON articles premise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In yet another example, of identifying
computer or electronic-like functions of the brain, Dale Purves published an
article in 1996 that began to lend credence to the concept that the human brain
had a function analogous to a CPU clock-cycle [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC39674/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC39674/</a>].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people have viewed a demonstration of
the stroboscopic effect: if a bright light is flashed on a moving object, it
can appear to be still. Photographers use it to create stop-action images that
reveal the wonders of nature: the beat of a hummingbird's wing, popping a balloon,
a drop of water. It is the basic mechanism of a movie film and video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sequence of images projected in a stroboscopic
manner can create the illusion of motion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Other illusions are also possible, as seen in the "wagon wheel
effect" in which video of a moving object appears to rotate backward because
the "frame rate" of the video (or the original photography) does not
match the rate of rotation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Picture a wagon wheel with 12 spokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the motion of the wheel is captured
exactly at, say, 4 times the speed of revolution, the spokes will always be in
the same orientation, so playback of those photos makes it appear that the
wheel is standing perfectly still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
the capture speed is slightly slower, the spokes turn a slight additional
amount with each photo, and the playback looks as if the wheel is rotating
forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the capture speed is
slightly faster than rotation, the spokes move less with each capture, and in playback,
the wheel appears to be moving backward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It's the same principle that caused video of CRT-style computer screens
to have scan lines and dark bands: the screens typically refreshed at 30 or 60
times per second, but pre-HD video capture was at 29.97 times per second.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Purves research demonstrated that even in continuous
light--i.e., no strobes, no frames--the human brain can sometimes perceive a "wagon-wheel
effect."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To summarize a <u>lot</u> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of further research, the human brain <u>acts</u>
as if it has a 10-times-per-second "frame rate."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore, we know from various
Neuroscience experiments, that the mammalian brain relies on many basic
"rhythms" (at roughly 4, 6, 12, 20 and 40 Hz) that can act similarly
to a clock function for the brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are not quite computer-like, for they are highly variable, and in fact, one of
the key flexibilities of the human brain is the ability to alter certain
rhythms with conscious and unconscious control.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With these examples, we've pretty much shot down the corollary
statements to Dr. Epstein's premise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
what about his example of the flawed memory of a $1 bill?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that there are many artists and individuals
who can draw, paint, sculpt and create beautiful detail from memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is perhaps the easiest of his
demonstrations to shoot down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
example shown is simply less effective memory and offers no "proof"
to the lack of representation in the brain, whereas I have provided four very
real examples above--including literature citations--which disprove Epstein's
claims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As stated from the start, his
counter to a flawed analogy is to simply trot out more flawed analogies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No, the brain is not a computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's <u>better</u>! The brain is a wonderful
thing filled with emergent properties and untapped potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking of it as a computer is... limited...
not flawed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many features of
the brain which inspire and direct our current computer technology from parallel
computing, to neural networks, quantum computing and a renewed appreciation of
analog systems.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But to say that the brain is not a computer, and then to
follow that statement with conditions that can easily be disproven by recourse
to experimental evidence outside one's own field is parochial, misguided, and
misleading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in a society that
all too often doubts scientific professionals because of the flaws in
communication.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As professionals, we must do better than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-29658112894068240542016-05-06T13:09:00.000-07:002016-05-06T13:09:05.305-07:00Survey help requested<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Friends and Colleagues:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of our laboratory projects is looking at brain signals
that support memory. We use a delayed memory task as our test, and in the
task the subjects are asked to look at many different "clip-art" and
photographic images, and then indicate which pictures they have previously seen
in the course of testing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To better understand how the brain "encodes" such
information, we categorize each picture according to a number of different
features and characteristics - is it a cartoon? Photograph? Silhouette or
drawing? Is it in color or black & white - if color, which
colors? Are there certain recognizable features or items visible in the
picture? However, <u>we are certain that different people will categorize the
pictures in different ways</u>. Thus, before we can use these categories
or classifications in a study, we need to conduct a survey of as many people as
possible to find the most likely <u>common</u> classifications. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks to the Hampson Laboratory Webpage (<a href="http://hampsonlab.org/">http://hampsonlab.org</a>), we have created a
survey of 500 pictures that we use in our study. We are asking volunteers
to go to that page and take a survey in which we ask for classification of 25
images. There are instructions and hints on the first page (<a href="http://hampsonlab.org/default.html">http://hampsonlab.org/default.html</a>);
clicking on "Take the Survey" will bring up random set of 25
pictures. You enter your responses by licking next to the appropriate
features that <b><u>you</u></b> see in the image. We know that the <u>preselected
research categories are not necessarily a perfect match to the contents of all
pictures</u>, but choose the closest match from the list of options. At
the end of the page, "Submit" the Survey, and your responses will be
written to our server. You can also click on "Take Another
Survey" (and we hope you will!) and the webpage will return to the
beginning where you can click on "Take the Survey" to see a <u>new</u>
page of 25 pictures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The survey is completely anonymous - only the picture
identification and 1's or 0's representing your choices are recorded (you can
briefly see the data in the box on the Submit page). Unlike an earlier
version of the survey, there is no need for email or cutting and pasting the
results; everything is automatic. All of the pictures in the survey are
purchased or used under fair use, non-commercial research purposes only.
Your data contains no personal information. We conduct no diagnosis or
analysis of the people taking the survey, and the data is used solely to
develop anonymous population classifications that will be used for another
study. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We're hoping you take the survey more than once (i.e. more
than one page of 25 pictures); we have 500 different pictures, and 20 different
surveys. You can <u>choose</u> your survey page by bypassing the default
screen and editing the URL to read: <a href="http://hampsonlab.org/v2Survey1.html">http://hampsonlab.org/v2Survey1.html</a>
, ...<u>v2Survey2.html</u>, ...<u>v2Survey3.html</u>, etc. through ...<u>v2Survey20.html</u>.
Again, all results are logged on our server automatically. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for participating in the survey. I
appreciate your help. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
-Tedd Roberts / Rob Hampson <br />Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067034722507056802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-27223318067630912022015-07-22T22:23:00.001-07:002015-07-22T22:23:36.714-07:00...In which I "Hulk-out" on a conspiracy theory...<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.0"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$text0:0">I *really* try not to get drawn into discussions like this... as the man said, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry...</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$text0:0">However, a friend posted this: </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFn933bkKEsG8Rapq0MCmxS4ErpCz0jxOXeqdHNpVHNM-bf19EAUnYnH4Hnk4bB6OLuVSZznwsXcxiKYIyqPNJWInIyYRm7UC56jqe5o_RSjffRDy8cawv47B2bOwKod5PFoIu6Yd4UYI/s1600/11695817_375537619312299_2719537589398899976_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFn933bkKEsG8Rapq0MCmxS4ErpCz0jxOXeqdHNpVHNM-bf19EAUnYnH4Hnk4bB6OLuVSZznwsXcxiKYIyqPNJWInIyYRm7UC56jqe5o_RSjffRDy8cawv47B2bOwKod5PFoIu6Yd4UYI/s400/11695817_375537619312299_2719537589398899976_n.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$text0:0">[Image by the Skeptical Meme Society, shared by Dr. Mehmet Oz on Facebook.] </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$text3:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$text4:0">...and immediately ended up with people saying that there *were* conspiracies, and all it took was a few people at the top of the company, or a few peer reviewers, or sprinkling around some of the billions in profits...<br /><br />So, I got a bit heated. Here is my response:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$text4:0">First,
most pharma companies have minimal laboratory facilities for advanced
drug testing. If it takes animal research these days, it</span></span><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text0:0">'s
largely done via Material Transfer Agreement and a Research Services
contract to a university lab. In the long run, it is cheaper to contract
out the work on a fee-for-service basis than to invest in the
infrastructure and personnel to maintain all of the possible labs that
are needed in the course of testing.</span><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text1:0" /><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text3:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text4:0">So
there's no secret underground lair in the heart of an extinct volcano
where the demon Big Pharma threatens investigative journalists with the
piranha tank in order to keep the deep dark secret cures away from the
public! To believe otherwise is really a condemnation of one's own
rationale thought processes and education.</span><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text5:0" /><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text7:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text8:0">Those
same universities have a research publication policy - if you've ever
heard of "publish or perish" it applies to the research contracts, too.
No university would agree to contract terms that prevent a scientist
from publishing *any* results they obtain - it doesn't matter if they
are positive or negative. I was once in a contract negotiation where the
funding company wanted a 36-month embargo on publication to protect
their process trade secrets - the university would not agree to the
terms, and we did not get the contract. You see, agreement to the terms
would have jeopardized the tax-exempt/non-profit status of the
university.</span><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text9:0" /><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text11:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text12:0">So,
no, there's no big conspiracy to keep cures away from the public.
...And no, it's not possible for only the people at the top to know
about a cure and keep that secret - frankly, the people at the very top
don't know that much - they are upper level managers. The scientists
that do all of the development work are in middle management, with lab
techs under them (who know of the results) and bosses above them (who
also know the results).</span><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text13:0" /><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text15:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757045888:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text16:0">As
for Big Pharma profits - someone in the facebook thread read a profit-loss statement and
commented on billions in profits - they do not go into some huge Scrooge
McDuck giant vault where the CEO can sleep on a bed of gold coins at
night! Profits go back into the company - they pay dividends to
shareholders, they pay bonuses - yes, to the CEO - but also to most
everyone who works for the company.</span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$text0:0">For
John Ringo's The Last Centurion, I gave him a number (in 2007) of
$2,000,000,000 to bring a new drug to market. Today, that's more like
$10,000,000,000 (that's ten *billion* dollars, just for one new drug).
That money has to come from someone-somew</span></span><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text0:0">here.
It doesn't come from the president's magic pocket where he keeps "his"
money to pay for all of those special programs like the so-called "Obama
phones" (actually, he keeps those in his *other* pocket). No, that
money comes from the sales of other products by the company - and that
means the prior profits. Those profits are what exists after taxes, and
thus reported on annual financial reports. Capital investment in the
company is *also* post-taxes, so you have to really dig down to find out
how that profit is distributed and re-invested in the next stage of the
company.</span><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text1:0" /><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text3:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text4:0">Oh,
and by the way, the shareholders are not money-grubbing elites eating
up all the wealth stolen off the backs of the laborers - A company has a
stock issue when they want to do something that requires investment -
build a new lab, hire more people, try a new market - and they don't
have the cash *now* to do it. So, they sell stock to people who *do*
have the cash *now*. That way they raise way more cash than they could
get with a bank loan. Later, once the investment pays off, they pay out
to the investors - with interest, because that's what you do when people
loan you money. However, in the public sector - when someone loans you
money, they need some form of collateral to hold until the loan is paid
off. In the case of stock, that is a small ownership share in the
company. Stockholders are not merely investors, they are *owners* (and
in many cases, they are also employees) and so they *do* deserve a cut
of the profits (and frankly, it's a pretty small cut per stock).</span><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text5:0" /><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text7:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text8:0">What's
also not obvious in the profit-and-loss statements is the cost of doing
business in the global community - see, governments like to minimize
prescription costs when *they* are paying - foreign aid, nationalized
medicine, Congressional perks - any time a lower-than-cost price is
negotiated. When a drug is new, the cost is high to recoup that $10
billion investment. Once patents expire and the drug goes generic, or
*competitive drugs are released, all chance of recouping costs are over -
so it makes sense to recoup those costs early. But international
agreements often limit drug costs - plus Pharma companies are often
"encouraged" (or blackmailed) into provide free or steeply discounted
drugs for humanitarian reasons. China, frankly, steals the formula and
copies it - and they aren't the only ones. Even our dear friends north
of the border (i.e. the government of C-eh?-N-eh?-D-eh?) are on record
as having told several U.S. pharmaceutical companies that they *would*
provide drugs at the price the Canadian governemnt demanded - or else
they government would allow Canadian generics manufacturers to violate
the International Patent and produce cheap (in more ways than one)
drugs.</span><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text9:0" /><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text11:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text12:0">So
yeah, drug companies make profits, and still Americans pay higher
prices for drugs than Canada, Mexico, China, Japan - but that's largely
because our legal system limits the extent to which the government and
healthcare can criminally extort those same companies.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text12:0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.0"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$text0:0">Regarding
those "magic" cures out there - I fight this all the time with medical
marijuana claims. Let me state right out, that there are many positive
medicinal benefits that the Medical Field can develop using components
derived from Cannabis sativa.</span></span><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text0:0">
Smoking pot is of limited use - and really only medicinally sound in
cases where the euphoria induced by smoking pot is one of the desired
effects - for all other uses, synthetics and extracts are much more
scientifically and medicinally sound - mainly because of control of
dosing and route of administration. Ingestion is a *lousy* route of
administration - and burning, baking and boiling alters the chemical
compounds.</span><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text1:0" /><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text3:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text4:0">Hemp
Oil is NOT a cure-all - half of the things it is claimed to do (the
half that actually refers to scientific publications) is a result of
using pure extracts or synthetics! - not street pot! I once had someone
cite several papers at me concerning medical marijuana effects on cancer
cells - one of those reported on the cancer that took my
Father-in-Law's life - at a time when I was actively researching
cannabinoid effects on brain cells. I pointed out that in each
publication, the cannabinoid used was a *synthetic* - not occurring in
nature, and considerably altered from the 63 different cannabinoid
compounds found in marijuana smoke. Hemp Oil, Charlotte's Web*, and
"pick-your-favorite-bud-at-the-medical-pot-shoppe" are the modern day
equivalent of snake oil - yes, some people will see positive effects,
but in the end, it's due to many more factors than just the medMJ.</span><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text5:0" /><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text7:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text8:0">Another such example is the recent craze for claiming medical marijuana treats (or cures) autism. I was recently asked about the actual published research on the topic. A Google search shows hundreds of search results on marijuana and autism, with sources such as "Natural News" touting the beneficial effects - but they are *all* anecdotal, and not based on scientific research. <span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$text0:0">It
turns out that in 2013, there was an article in the scientific journal
Neuron (volume 78, Issue 8, pages 498-509) that showed that one of the
au</span></span><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text0:0">tism-related
mutations (Fragile-X) caused a change in brain cell-to-brain cell
signalling that involved the brain's normal neurotransmitter that acts
at the same location as marijuana (known as the endocannabinoid 1, or
CB1 receptor). These receiving sites for signals can operate in two
modes - always on, or in pulses. It turns out that the autism-related
condition does not have an always-on mode, only the pulse mode. </span><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text4:0">The
assumption from this study is that it is not the receptor that is
faulty, but the cells producing the endogenous marijuana-like chemical
normally present in brain. Thus, people surmise that replacing this
chemical with medical marijuana would restore normal function. The
truth is very likely that no, it won't, but that doesn't stop "Natural
News" and other sources as claiming that Big Pharma is withholding
evidence that marijuana cures autism. The authors never said this - and
in fact, the endogenous cannabinoid signalling and receptors in the
brain are tied into almost every brain function - such that if it really
were the "root cause" of autism, or the cure, then the autistic brain
wouldn't function at all (and we know that is not the case, it just
functions differently).</span><br data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text5:0" /><br data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text7:0" /><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text8:0">Another
article from 2013 in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
(Vol. 43, Issue 11, pages 2686-2695) found that there is an excess of a
different type of endogenous cannabinoid receptor in the blood of
autistic patients. This "CB2" receptor occurs in high quantities than
it normally does. In many cases, this pattern called "receptor
upregulation" means that the receptors are being under-stimulated (hence
too little of the triggering endogenous marijuana-like chemicals). </span><br data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text9:0" /><br data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text11:0" /><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text12:0">Again,
this was latched onto by medMJ proponents as something that could be
"treated" with medMJ. Two problems with that - (A) CB2 doesn't really
react to THC - the main active ingredient in marijuana, and (B) CB2 and
the cells in which the receptor is present are involved in immunity, not
brain function. </span><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text16:0"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text12:0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text8:0"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text16:0">There is a tendency for the medMJ crowd - or frankly any group touting the latest miracle cure - to shout back at scientists
urging restraint that "just because it isn't scientifically proven
doesn't mean its not true." </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text12:0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text8:0"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".6b.1:5:1:$comment1617597131858607_1618474358437551:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text16:0">Well, it's not scientifically proven,
there's no support for their claims, and in fact, it's probably *not* true. As I wrote last year (<a href="http://www.baen.com/Why_Science_is_Never_Settled.asp">http://www.baen.com/Why_Science_is_Never_Settled.asp</a> and <a href="http://www.baen.com/Why_Science_is_Never_Settled-Part2.asp">http://www.baen.com/Why_Science_is_Never_Settled-Part2.asp</a>) what is difficult in science is proving something to be *true* - proving it to be false is actually quite easy - and many such claims are proven to be false. In the case of many "quack" cures, there's even a fair amount
of evidence that they could be harmful.</span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757085889:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text12:0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text8:0">Frankly,
people need to learn to read scientific papers - it's not hard to learn
how to do, but it would require people to *work*, to *think* and to
*read* more than 140 characters on their phone screen!</span><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text9:0" /><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text11:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text12:0">[*Charlotte's
Web is a strain bred for high levels of cannabidiol, to enable use as a
treatment for juvenile epilepsy and other disorders sensitive to CBD.
It is a step in the right direction - selecting for the desired
chemicals. However, *any* tetrahydrocannabinol content in the compounds
shown to be *effective* against epilepsy negates the beneficial effect.
Thus Epidiolex - the drug developed by medicinal cannabinoid research -
is a pure extract, which known, controlled dosing and preparation.
Charlotte's Web does NOT meet this standard. Epidiolex is in an
oil-based spray absorbed through the mucus membranes in the mouth;
however, it is *not* burned, smoked, baked, boiled, or digested. Any and
all of those alter the drug - leading to much less certainty in
effects!]</span><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text13:0" /><br data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text15:0" /><span data-reactid=".2d.1:5:1:$comment10204744816442376_10204749757365896:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$text16:0">See, I *told* you that you wouldn't like me when I was angry!</span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span>Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-68512869821756221292015-05-13T14:21:00.002-07:002015-05-15T12:21:47.470-07:00Operation Baen Bulk 2015<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
[EDIT: UPDATE: Thank you Instapundit and Insty's readers!!!]<br />
[EDIT: Clarified the history of the Operation Baen Bulk] <br />
[EDIT 5/15/15 - Continuation of above clarification and an apology have been included at the end of this post.]<br />
<br />
If you've been a reader in past years, you may have heard about Operation Baen Bulk, a charitable effort that yours truly has taken part in since 2009.<br />
<br />
Here's a website that explains what we do: <a href="http://obb.teddroberts.com/">http://obb.teddroberts.com</a><br />
<br />
Operation Baen Bulk started out in 2009 when Keith Glass heard of soldiers deployed to Afghanistan who had little to access to "comfort items" that would be sold in the Post Exchange. That was because his unit was forward-deployed, their PX was a tent, and <u>many shelves were empty more often than not</u>!<br />
<br />
Keith made a plan (with the participation of several members of the Baen's Bar discussion groups - including your truly, who would complete the third OBB campaign in Christmas of 2010 and go on to lead the fundraising efforts ever since) to send shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hand sanitizer, wet-wipes, etc. <b>- in bulk - </b>so that the whole unit could share. In addition, winter had just set in and this unit had to patrol in the mountains, so some more friends raised money, got measurements, and sent multiple pairs of warm winter hiking socks for every member of the team.<br />
<br />
<br />
Next we heard about an ammo supply platoon that had to pull stock and make deliveries at all hours of the day and night. Ammo was stored in large "conex" containers (think semi-sized truck trailer without wheels) and those things are <u>dark</u> inside, even during the day. Our contact asked if we could send flashlights and replacement batteries, because they just didn't have enough issue flashlights. We sent several cases of the super-bright Surefire flashlights, and several months worth of batteries.<br />
<br />
By this time, the winter holidays were approaching, so with out friends at Baen Books, we sent books, cookies, candy, small gifts and holiday decorations to as many troops/units as we could contact.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNMnkGFpJvAOuDFR4EDOlrzCpm1EEBeGDEqjrFs3K0CNXmRMK3AZymgO_8ZYg6l7ZxBeOGD-YoQQysF51uZiM7ZlVfCSZw5XXzRUggmjzB2Tg0ap70_rghmHBZ8RqLe1-8tlSQcNc7rQ/s1600/OBBMug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNMnkGFpJvAOuDFR4EDOlrzCpm1EEBeGDEqjrFs3K0CNXmRMK3AZymgO_8ZYg6l7ZxBeOGD-YoQQysF51uZiM7ZlVfCSZw5XXzRUggmjzB2Tg0ap70_rghmHBZ8RqLe1-8tlSQcNc7rQ/s200/OBBMug.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
But back to the Ammo Supply Platoon... Since the unit had to make those middle-of-the-night deliveries, they asked if we knew of any travel coffee mugs that could stand up to being bounced around in military vehicles. So we designed and ordered stainless steel mugs (picture at right), and raised the funds by selling a mug to our friends - for each mug purchased, we could have three manufactured - thus we sent 2 mugs to <u>any</u> of the troops we were supporting for each one sold. The campaign was so popular, we had to have a second run of mugs made. We sold over 200 mugs, and sent nearly 500 mugs to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Korea and Germany.<br />
<br />
Fast-forward six years, and we have run 6 almost-yearly campaigns to send "comfort items" - snacks, books, personal hygeine supplies, unusual requests that are not readily available to deployed troops. In many cases, we've also sent regional favorites to give the troops a "taste of home" while they serve our country abroad. We have supported more than 10 units in 6 countries, plus other individual requests as they come in. Donation support trickled in, with each campaign able to support a higher volume. [Many times with the assistance of Instapundit and our friends at PJMedia, Vodkapundit, PJ Tattler, Otherwhere Gazette, and others.] <br />
<br />
Then in 2013, we changed direction, slightly. There were fewer troops deployed, but a record number of soldiers recovering from combat injuries. Since we are a loose affiliation of Science Fiction fans, we decided to buy Kindle eBook readers, pre-load them with free books, and send to facilities where troops were recovering from combat-related injuries. Since those injuries could involve limbs and eyesight, we choose eBook readers that could adapt to large-print and one-handed, stand-alone operation.<br />
<br />
Once we had the idea, we started asking for donated books directly from the publishers and authors...<br />
<br />
The response was astounding, and we were able to load the readers with over 500 titles - science fiction, fantasy, adventure, reference and classic literature.<br />
<br />
<b>We raised over $5000 and sent 80 Kindles, divided among 5 facilities.</b><br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsFfkrxcS590TqP7ej3vBv13aA848KddclaHuwEvR7mpoO9531juepDk95uA7ZUxgi0YqCZSeDx_yN5EBwARcEYuRPF8NQKyZeKmotVVIZEaIPyvtcQHUbQm0_R6gNBbLTuaFOJixaLo/s1600/OBBCoinFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsFfkrxcS590TqP7ej3vBv13aA848KddclaHuwEvR7mpoO9531juepDk95uA7ZUxgi0YqCZSeDx_yN5EBwARcEYuRPF8NQKyZeKmotVVIZEaIPyvtcQHUbQm0_R6gNBbLTuaFOJixaLo/s200/OBBCoinFront.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJWtqu-TY_mnkDLO2rKWk20USKVQZsc6YfCQd7nyQFrMWdwQp3EONuelTRr8lmcqgQiubDMz6NzbzyUhDk-RDdo3oVsEMuM3SUVufEzRl2GbHGT3O_t6ZsDjHl5Nykk15bMM9-19nZ2I/s1600/OBBCoinBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJWtqu-TY_mnkDLO2rKWk20USKVQZsc6YfCQd7nyQFrMWdwQp3EONuelTRr8lmcqgQiubDMz6NzbzyUhDk-RDdo3oVsEMuM3SUVufEzRl2GbHGT3O_t6ZsDjHl5Nykk15bMM9-19nZ2I/s200/OBBCoinBack.jpg" width="200" /></a>This year, we are at it again. In previous years, we asked strictly for donations, and were able to gave a limited number of thank-you gifts out to top contributors. This year is a little different, since contributors can get an immediate token of our appreciation if they buy a 2015 Limited Edition Operation Baen Bulk Challenge Coin. You can see the front and back of this coin at the left. It is 2" diameter, 1/8" thick, minted from antique brass and feels nice and weighty in your hand. All of the coins in this minting are engraved with the year (2015). There was a previous, serial-numbered minting exclusively for the 2009-2012 OBB teams, but we're making this coin available to anyone and everyone for $27.50. We're using the same cost model as the OBB mugs above, so 2/3 of the cost of the coin will go directly to OBB, with only 1/3 of the cost going to minting, shipping and handling.<br />
<br />
We're taking straight donations, or you can order an OBB coin directly from <a href="http://obb.teddroberts.com/">http://obb.teddroberts.com</a>. <i>Please note that while Teddy's Rat Lab, Brain&Brain Press and TeddRoberts.com are hosting the website and merchant site, we are not receiving any profit from the sale. </i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi99sRnHJfK0MkfLIuTUYcd2u3rDZGe0MPobcun4rKAMyEbZCCeJzhVeD8lwUktMgbLUjpBMWmCO6L9lwQTj6ER3OPYOY4EKqEiw3G2ycLQm2wyRQSSKzFOJW5sco-sATGasRjdyECEs/s1600/s-Long-Evans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi99sRnHJfK0MkfLIuTUYcd2u3rDZGe0MPobcun4rKAMyEbZCCeJzhVeD8lwUktMgbLUjpBMWmCO6L9lwQTj6ER3OPYOY4EKqEiw3G2ycLQm2wyRQSSKzFOJW5sco-sATGasRjdyECEs/s1600/s-Long-Evans.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a lab rat... just because... well, see below!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i> </i> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_v8_w1myBkpLbuRhABHxddBUaI6_xeZX9VCEFrXsir7SabHeImugq7BezjoTsxNMpQOWpOj8QUuqwTLVeS5UIuMvRVE9Tffqf0IHCmsAGEKgglljrvjD4oR_jeNjwi_BVWVsHkcI-90/s1600/DinerCoinFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_v8_w1myBkpLbuRhABHxddBUaI6_xeZX9VCEFrXsir7SabHeImugq7BezjoTsxNMpQOWpOj8QUuqwTLVeS5UIuMvRVE9Tffqf0IHCmsAGEKgglljrvjD4oR_jeNjwi_BVWVsHkcI-90/s200/DinerCoinFront.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOip8VFHE2M3HJD1NuOt6F1E7Z9RUVuGV06yQaJsZzWl636HX34lKjqb_fhJFe5a3mssajG-b7tUMZEP9zVjL8JSOgIb4yUiAtB1lzRgIKEP4AShhY3i5FSp7PnDZPTVnCH5baapnZWQ/s1600/DinerCoinBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOip8VFHE2M3HJD1NuOt6F1E7Z9RUVuGV06yQaJsZzWl636HX34lKjqb_fhJFe5a3mssajG-b7tUMZEP9zVjL8JSOgIb4yUiAtB1lzRgIKEP4AShhY3i5FSp7PnDZPTVnCH5baapnZWQ/s200/DinerCoinBack.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
While we were at it, we made a few other coins, and the proceeds from those sales will also go to support OBB2015. For fans of author Sarah A, Hoyt and may be familiar with the Sarah's Diner Facebook group and/or the Baen's Bar Sarah's Diner conference, we have a Sarah's Diner coin featuring artwork by Robert A. Hoyt. The Dragon flipping pancakes refers to the iconic sign of The George Diner in Sarah's fictional town of Goldport, CO. Some of you may also know that Sarah is heavily influenced by the work of Robert A. Heinlein, (note similarity in the naming of her eldest son, above) so the back side of the coin features one of Heinlein's famous phrases: TANSTAAFL - "There Ain't No Such Thing As a Free Lunch." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIiFXDv_pLHiyyXOkfPvPFTJx6JBzgUz7y2WZHjy5MMwMi9tAVigCgd7-sVjsMTw02KJ-0gay63vAYTTXXzppl2tO4dGewM4RBw6VGtaEg3jK1MX34Zds1ABTeBhOfARMmNU4INIcpgY/s1600/MadScienceCoinFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIiFXDv_pLHiyyXOkfPvPFTJx6JBzgUz7y2WZHjy5MMwMi9tAVigCgd7-sVjsMTw02KJ-0gay63vAYTTXXzppl2tO4dGewM4RBw6VGtaEg3jK1MX34Zds1ABTeBhOfARMmNU4INIcpgY/s200/MadScienceCoinFront.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Fans of John Ringo's recent series starting with the 2013 novel Under A Graveyard Sky - may recall that the philosophy of the key scientist in that novel could be paraphrased as <i>What part of Mad Scientist did you not understand?</i> That phrase, and a few other characteristic utterances of Mad Scientists have been captured in the Mad Science coin for Teddy's Rat Lab and fans a/k/a "Speaker's Lab Rats."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EsIR146vo8DXnwhMCb-ZGy26Eeu9FoNXvUgFW143iUBXHFmmfyC1ngkvrsDPlyhQh0evNmwAPRrOxCEjBUsrnIbxCRwkqFu6GaHgRx1DcQc-XiqN7l5tmgmcuBBORFc0z1nuM6bQ1_Q/s1600/MadScienceCoinBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EsIR146vo8DXnwhMCb-ZGy26Eeu9FoNXvUgFW143iUBXHFmmfyC1ngkvrsDPlyhQh0evNmwAPRrOxCEjBUsrnIbxCRwkqFu6GaHgRx1DcQc-XiqN7l5tmgmcuBBORFc0z1nuM6bQ1_Q/s200/MadScienceCoinBack.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Artwork for the front face of the coin is by Speaker, and is also available in a slightly modified version as a button from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mystik-Waboose-Clothier/109151045780060">Mystik Waboose Clothier</a>.<br />
<br />
These additional coins are available at <a href="http://teddroberts.com/ecommerce.html">http://teddroberts.com/ecommerce.html</a>, once again, all profits will go to Operation Baen Bulk. These coins are 1&3/4" in diameter, 1/8" inch thick and finished in gold-plated brass. Both the Diner and Mad Science coins are serial numbered from 1-200. For an extra charge, customers can request a specific S/N or the lowest available numbered S/N [Be advised, as of this writing, S/Ns below 24 are taken, with numbers below 50 going fast. S/Ns 1-23, 26, 31, 42, 50, 51, 69, 86, 87 and 100 are already reserved.] <br /><br />[EDIT 5/15/15: Clarification and Apology:<br />
<br />
An earlier version of this blog appeared as if I was claiming credit for Operation Baen Bulk: I would like to issue a clarification and an apology.<br />
<br />
I have
been the "front man" for Operation Baen Bulk for many years. I am the
person whose name gets associated with it, but I am far from the only
person or even the most important person in the effort.<br />
<br />
Keith
Glass started OBB in the Fall of 2009. There were lots of little
efforts going on, but Keith took on the task of herding cats and got us
all organized - he's a logistics type, and he's done it extremely well.<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
Since 2009 it's been a group effort. We've run 6 different campaigns
in 6 years - not including the current one. At various times, there
have been other people involved - identifying sources for supplies,
*buying* those supplies, shipping, donating, etc. There are times Keith
has been too busy, and times I have been too busy. During much of this
time, Keith has done the "heavy lifting" - like 2013, when he configured
and loaded over 80 Kindles with >500 free books.<br />
<br />
It has never
been my intent to claim credit in place of, nor to supplant Keith. I
call myself the "front-man" because basically, that's what I have done -
write announcements, shill for funds, help coordinate. Keith is the
founder and the one behind the scenes making it work. Any use of the
pronoun *"we"* was never intended to usurp credit, but merely to take
the attention off of persons involved with OBB, and *onto* the troops
whom we supply.<br />
<br />
Operation Baen Bulk will likely undergo some
changes in the future. We are currently funded with an ongoing
campaign. There are funds coming in and we *will* deliver what we
promised. There may be a name change, there may not. There is
currently a personnel change, but I would like to resolve that and get
back to serving the troops.<br />
<br />
As always, "we" appreciate your support.<br />
End EDIT] </div>
Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-48132722247244916422015-05-09T16:13:00.001-07:002015-05-09T16:13:25.935-07:00News from the World of Neuroscience<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
This week,an article appeared at NOVA-Next, the companion web site for the PBS NOVA TV series. For those of you who have followed this blog in the past, you will recognize some of the key personnel, and the project they are working on.<br />
<br />
Here is the latest in the quest for a memory prosthetic:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/body/memory-prostheses/">http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/body/memory-prostheses/</a> <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h1 class="entry-title single-title instapaper_title normal" itemprop="headline">
Inside the Memory Machine</h1>
<h3 class="byline vcard">
<span class="author">By <a class="url fn" href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/author/carrie-arnold/" rel="author" title="Posts by Carrie Arnold">Carrie Arnold</a></span> on <time class="updated" datetime="2015-05-6" pubdate="">Wed, 06 May 2015</time></h3>
"Sam Deadwyler and Robert Hampson had spent the 1980s and early 1990s
studying how neurons behaved in the rat brain while they performed a
simple memory task. Two levers sat side-by-side on one wall of the rat’s
cage. After the rat pressed one of the levers, it had to run over to
the other side of the cage and stick its nose into a tiny opening. Then,
to get its reward, the rat had to go back to the levers and press the
other lever. In all of this running back and forth, the rat had to
remember both which lever it had pressed and which lever it still needed
to press.
<br />
<br />
"While the rats performed this task, Deadwyler and Hampson, both
neuroscientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina,
recorded neural activity in the hippocampus, a seahorse-shaped
structure deep in the brain that is the headquarters of learning and
memory. They had designed a device containing 16 tiny electrodes and
implanted it into the rat’s brain to record electrical activity. Up
until that point, the best scientists could do was measure single
neurons, but this device could record the activity of a whole group of
neurons, giving Deadwyler and Hampson a much more detailed and accurate
picture.<br />
<br />
"They focused on two regions of the hippocampus: CA3, which showed the
highest activity when the rat pressed the first lever, and CA1, which
showed highest activity when the rat had to decide which lever to push
at the end of the task. After hundreds of repetitions, Deadwyler and
Hampson noticed that when the rats pressed the first lever, they found
that a group of neurons in CA3 fired in a specific pattern. Then, when
the rats had to decide which lever to press the second time, they also
found that CA1 patterns fired in a specific pattern.<br />
<br />
"'This pattern was the code of the memory, and it was nearly identical
from time to time to time—and the system worked from rat to rat to
rat,' Hampson says. Based on the activity they observed, they could even
tell when the rats were going to make an error. 'The rats are not
making mistakes randomly. They’re responding the way they are because
the hippocampus encoded the wrong information,' he adds."</blockquote>
<br />
Read on at the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/body/memory-prostheses/">NOVA Next website</a>!<br />
Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-7355693067308682822015-04-07T09:00:00.000-07:002015-04-07T09:00:29.702-07:00Of Politics, Puppies and Professionalism<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
First off, I am grateful and proud of the Hugo nomination of my article "Why Science is Never Settled" in the category of Related Work. Do I think it is my "best"? Well, I think my <u>best</u> article was the one published 3 years ago, so certainly not eligible this year. My best last year? Certainly. Related Work? By all means. Science is a process, not a conclusion, pronouncement or law. There are all too many instances of misrepresentation in SF and public media, and they fall on all protions of the political spectrum. Sadly, there is politics in science, but in my opinion, it has no place there.<br />
<br />
Do I think my work is the Best Related Work this year? Not necessarily. There are two entries that really talk about the nuts-and-bolts of writing, another explores some common themes in futurist writing regarding the nature of humanity. The fourth Work is a collection of snarky emails, FB posts and tweets. Seems to me that a collection of blog posts and pithy responses to hate mail won in this category a few years back. Still, my Work talks about the Science part of the name: "<u>Science</u> Fiction" I am proud of it, and hope that the Work speaks for itself.<br />
<br />
Personally, while I might be inclined to vote for myself (who wouldn't?) I do have sufficient honor that I choose not to do so. If I voted today, my vote would likely go to <i>Letters from Gardner</i>, by Lou Antonelli. It's about <u>writing</u> - the process, learning to edit, how to handle rejection, and ultimately how to get published. It's not a collection of fanfiction, self-congratulatory pats on the back or "challenges to the conventional wisdom" which are neither challenges, conventional nor wisdom.<br />
<br />
Now on to the political part of this post - association with the Sad Puppies campaign. I do not apologize for being associated with the group. <u>They are not </u>the people calling names. <u>They are not</u> the ones who silence dissent by mangling and distorting words. <u>They are not</u> the ones who publish legally actionable falsehoods and then weasel into a correction and retraction that is neither. They are not the ones who would rather trade on <u>feelings</u> in contravention of facts. <u>They are the</u> not the ones who <i>don't even bother</i> to look up the facts. <u>They are not</u> the ones who can't bother to see that the <i>SP recommendations include females, non-whites, non-privileged, liberals, libertarians, moderates</i> - and yes, conservative white males. Frankly, there is not a single one of them who had so much <u>privilege</u> as to spend their college years traveling Europe couch surfing and living off of rich friends. <br />
<br />
The thing is - I always thought it was the <u>work</u> which was nominated. The author produced it, but the vote was supposed to be based on the quality of the book, story, article, 'zine, movie and/or TV show. Thus, I don't claim, that <u><i><b>I</b></i></u> was nominated, but that my <u><i><b>ARTICLE</b></i></u> was nominated. If all that you-the-voter are basing your decision on is <u>me</u>, then by all means, don't vote for me or my article, because that very bias indicates that you have no idea what I've written. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/disneycreate/images/7/7e/Sad-puppy-face-246x300.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130527014135" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/disneycreate/images/7/7e/Sad-puppy-face-246x300.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130527014135" height="200" width="164" /></a>---<br />
<br />
At this point, I was going to say that I have friends on both sides of the divide - SP or otherwise. Unfortunately, that is not true. I <u>do</u> have friends with multiple positions regarding politics, sexuality, firearms, education priorities, favorite Pratchett character (Vimes, of course) - and whether Putin memes are funny. I do have friends among the Sad Puppies nominees. I do <u>not</u> have friends among the shrill harpies. <br />
<br />
Case Closed.<br />
<br />
See, I am a professional. I have been in the field of science in one job or another for 35 years. I have been a fully-credentialed (PhD) scientist for 28 years. I have lived in ghetto housing and worked 22 hour days to complete experiments, grant proposals, manuscripts and presentation slides. I used to take bread, peanut butter and jelly with me to scientific meetings to save on meal costs. Yet, during all of that time, there is not a single year which I have not published in my field, performed experiments, written grant proposals and directed others in the pursuit of science. There is not a single year that I have not put forth 100% effort into science. - Well, actually, that's not quite true. In 1999 I nearly died of a raging infection that went septic. That was July, and I spent the remainder of the year in a hospital bed. On the other hand, during that >6 month recovery, I still managed to submit two grant proposals (one of my own, own with a colleague) and both got funded. We also submitted two papers - both published - with one of those in Nature. [So, maybe 90% dedication that year, with the remainder devoted to staying alive.] <br />
<br />
I stand here with a nominated work. I wrote it professionally. Yes, I use a pen-name. That way my peer-reviewed experimental and academic work can always be distinguished from my work in the SF/F field. You can look me up, Google will likely provide both names, but I'm not going to do your homework for you. <br />
<br />
Because... <br />
<br />
Judge my Related Work on it on its merits, not on me. If you like the Work, fine. If you don't like it, also fine. But don't pre-judge <u>me</u> without reading the Work - and don't <u>ever</u> assume you know all there is to know about me.<br />
<br />
Let me close with an example that I think epitomizes this current culture war regarding the Hugos. This year, Best Fanzine includes <i>The Revenge of Hump Day</i>, edited by Tim ("Uncle Timmy") Bolgeo. You may know the name from the Archon controversy where the convention rescinded his invitation to be Fan Guest of Honor. It was due to a malicious campaign started by an individual who called him racist because of a tacky, tasteless joke in <i>The Revenge</i>. The person who started the campaign actually tried to cause a disturbance at Archon and had to be removed by Con Security. So essentially, the person <u>claiming</u> that <u>someone else</u> would cause a problem - <i><u>was the problem</u>.</i><br />
<br />
There's too much false accusation, lies and rabble-rousing in this campaign. It needs to end, and this year's vote on these nominations is a battlefront. The people screaming loudest, most shrill-y, most vehemently --- are the problem. <i><br /></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Where do you stand? </b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Stand my ground, I won't give in / No more denying, I've got to face it / Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside / If I don't make it, someone else will / Stand my ground. </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
-- "Stand My Ground" - Within Temptation.</blockquote>
Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-11368372412660622172015-04-04T17:01:00.004-07:002015-04-04T17:05:06.963-07:00With Thanks and Best Wishes to All (2015 Hugo Nominees for Best Related Work). <a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
Today the short-list of nominations for the 2015 Hugo Awards was announced. I am proud to have an article nominated in the Best Related Work category. I am thankful for the selection and humbled by the support of the voters.<br />
<br />
I am rather proud of the nominated work - <a href="http://www.baen.com/Why_Science_is_Never_Settled.asp">Why Science is Never Settled</a> (on the Baen.com website, and available in their Free Library in the Free Nonfiction 2014 collection). Note that this is a two-part article the link above takes you to Part 1 - Part 2 is <a href="http://www.baen.com/Why_Science_is_Never_Settled-Part2.asp">here</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.baenebooks.com/images/Product/large/9781625792785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.baenebooks.com/images/Product/large/9781625792785.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
I am proud of it because I didn't set out to trash any specific concept, but shine a light on how science works (how it should work) and what happens when that goes wrong. Scientific inquiry is a method, a process, and a journey. It changes constantly as new facts and phenomena are revealed.<br />
<br />
As for it being a worthy nomination, I am glad that some voters thought so. I received a few nominations last year for <a href="http://www.baen.com/ZombieScience.asp">A Terrible Thing to Lose</a> - which was both an examination of John Ringo's zombie apocalypse thriller while also being an examination of the zombie theme and a look at real science behind the zombie genre.<br />
<br />
That's what I try to do - bring real science into the field of science fiction and fantasy. My personal favorite article was the first I wrote for Baen - <a href="http://www.baen.com/ScienceinSF.asp">Putting the Science in Science Fiction</a> - where I examined the two-way relationship between science and SF. There is much of current science that seems like (and was inspired by) science fiction, and so many sources for science fiction are found in cutting-edge science. Personally, the passion of my research career has been shaped by SF - whether it is the 32 years of physiology & pharmacology, the 13 years of neural prosthetics research, or the brand new direction of investigating brain effects of space radiation. I continue to read SF, write SF, and *do* SF in my day job.<br />
<br />
But I am not alone in my nomination, there are other worthy works right up there with me:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5160aAnKqxL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5160aAnKqxL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Michael Z. Williamson's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-From-Internet-Michael-Williamson-ebook/dp/B00QZV08SW">Wisdom From My Internet</a> is a collection of funny, snarky and pithy emails, tweets and facebook posts. Mike oscillates between cynical, irreverent and just plain funny - and that's in real life. His science fiction is rollicking fun, his observations on the digital age of social media are no less so.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91RypWqk-yL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91RypWqk-yL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="124" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
John C. Wright's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Transhuman-Subhuman-Essays-Science-Fiction-ebook/dp/B00K4D7LO6">Transhuman and Subhuman: Essays on Science Fiction and Awful Truth</a> is an astounding collection of essays. If you have not read Wright's fiction, please do so. He crafts words into images and scenes like a Master. His nonfiction is no less compelling, and I urge everyone to at least sample his work.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511ZJF4ZhwL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511ZJF4ZhwL.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><br />
<br />
Lou Antonelli's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Letters-Gardner-Writers-Lou-Antonelli/dp/0692299424">Letters from Gardner: A Writer's Odyssey</a> chronicles an SF author's quest to be published. Part anthology of short fiction, part history, part writer's guide, Antonelli leads readers through the process, the highs, the lows (the rewrites) of a developing writer. It is a worthy Best Related contribution to SF's highest literary award.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91qTEcCikqL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91qTEcCikqL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="124" /></a><br />
Ken Burnside's The Hot Equations: Thermodynamics and Military SF is one of the essays that complete the anthology <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Riding-Red-Horse-Christopher-Nuttall-ebook/dp/B00QZD9H5K">Riding the Red Horse. </a>This is an ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL reading if you are writing fiction that involves spacecraft, aircraft, rockets, missiles, bombs, ballistics - anything that relies on Newton's laws. Burnside writes in an easily understood manner, and it doesn't matter if you are neither writing nor a fan of military SF, it's still an excellent guide.<br />
<br />
[By the way, when reading Riding the Red Horse, you may come across a familiar name. It's my first foray into fiction, I hope y'all like it!] <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, that's the short-list for Best Related Work. There's some really good stuff in there, and frankly, I need to reread some of it myself. I congratulate all of my fellow nominees, and will cheer on with pride whomever wins this category.<br />
<br />
Finally, I want to thank my editors: Toni Weisskopf and Tony Daniel at Baen. As long as they keep requesting - and the readers keep reading - I will gladly keep writing about the SCIENCE of science fiction.<br />
<br />Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-65723826315355249692015-02-24T20:32:00.002-08:002015-02-24T20:32:59.690-08:00Let's Go to Space!<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
I know I've been a bit slack in updating, but things have been a wee bit busy in the Rat Lab.<br />
<br />
Last Fall I was invited to present some ideas for space-based biomedical research at the 3rd Tennessee Valley Interstellar Workshop. Following the workshop, the TVIW organizers invited me to submit a paper to the Journal of British Interplanetary Studies, and Baen Books asked me to summarize my ideas for their website.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvmuXxzunAmtxxaO0Lfx7NnW-Q8pZone7WKXTAjIguh1qv3dZitMNYMnkSZHYjdB66QCMH2gixpsHjhkcTAvLVYY8iCt6xgJLf_Fi4C9_H5wUh9q2G9xRgz0XTAn0Wr6-g3yoHEveVHs/s1600/Translunar+Laboratory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvmuXxzunAmtxxaO0Lfx7NnW-Q8pZone7WKXTAjIguh1qv3dZitMNYMnkSZHYjdB66QCMH2gixpsHjhkcTAvLVYY8iCt6xgJLf_Fi4C9_H5wUh9q2G9xRgz0XTAn0Wr6-g3yoHEveVHs/s1600/Translunar+Laboratory.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Baen article is here: <a href="http://www.baen.com/TranslunarLab.asp">http://www.baen.com/TranslunarLab.asp</a> and part one of a podcast interview with Baen's Gray Rinehart is here: <a href="http://www.baen.com/podcast/mp3/Baen-Free-Radio-Hour-2015-02-20-Roberts-Magic-46.mp3">http://www.baen.com/podcast/mp3/Baen-Free-Radio-Hour-2015-02-20-Roberts-Magic-46.mp3</a>.<br />
<br />
If I have the addressing scheme correct, part two should be up on 2/27/2015 here: <a href="http://www.baen.com/podcast/mp3/Baen-Free-Radio-Hour-2015-02-27-Roberts-Magic-47.mp3">http://www.baen.com/podcast/mp3/Baen-Free-Radio-Hour-2015-02-27-Roberts-Magic-47.mp3</a>.
If not, I'll update it as necessary. When the JBIS article is released, I'll post it here.
Enjoy!
Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-38810857213248677662014-08-04T23:08:00.002-07:002014-08-04T23:08:07.111-07:00[rewind] All we have to fear is fear itself . . . [revised]<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
So it looks like I <u>am</u> going to say this twice. After my last post, there was some criticism, some critique, some helpful commentary . . . and some new information and disinformation on the topic. As a result - and because scientists <u>should</u> correct themselves when they are wrong - I am posting a revised, expanded and corrected post so that we get the most accurate, up-to-date and <u>calm</u>, evaluation of Ebola.<br />
<br />
To start with, there are some <b>TRULY HORRENDOUSLY IGNORANT</b> comments being made about Ebola on social media and the internet. This blog was originally posted to STOP some of these posts, but yes, I needed to have some of the information corrected.<br />
<br />
First and foremost, there has been criticism of my scientific credentials. To clarify, yes, I am a Neuroscientist - currently. That is what I <u>do</u>, and reflects only a part of my training. My degrees are in Physiology and Pharmacology and I obtained that training via a medical school curriculum. As a part of my formal coursework, I was trained in abnormal physiology and pathophysiology - i.e. disease. The pharmacology coursework covered many aspects of medications to combat disease - including antibiotics, antivirals, etc. Prior to my doctorate I worked for 2 years teaching microbiology. As a current medical school faculty member with research projects involving rodents to humans, I am current on Universal Precautions, receive yearly training in HIPAA, Blood-borne Pathogens, Patient Safety and Herpes B (<i>If you think Ebola is scary, don't even ask about HrpB</i>). So yes, I have valid credentials.<br />
<br />
Many commenters reference <u>The Hot Zone</u> by Richard Preston. It's a good book. I read it . . . in 1994. It is nonfiction, a true story - but two things MUST be considered about the book: First, it was written to be a <u>medical thriller</u> - all events are true, but not all true events are included in the book. Second - it is dated. The book was published 20 years ago - and written at least 3-4 years previously. Much of what we now know about the Ebola/Marburg viruses was unknown in 1992 (when Preston wrote first wrote the story for <u>New Yorker</u>). Current knowledge of the virus draws heavily from the outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC - formerly Zaire) in 1995, the smaller Gabon outbreak in 1994-1995, the ongoing outbreaks in Gabon 1994-2003, 1996 human-to-human secondary infection case in South Africa, the Cote d'Ivoire, Kikwit and , Sudan, Angola, Ugandan variants from 1994-2007.<br />
<br />
My point is, if all people are basing their knowledge on is an out-dated, 20 year old medical thriller - that knowledge is at best incomplete. <br />
<br />
For sources, I am using National Library of Medicine's PubMed Health (<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002315/">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002315/</a>), MSDS online, which has a great compendium of Ebola facts (<a href="http://www.msdsonline.com/resources/msds-resources/free-safety-data-sheet-index/ebola-virus.aspx">http://www.msdsonline.com/resources/msds-resources/free-safety-data-sheet-index/ebola-virus.aspx</a>) and Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18th ed. (<a href="http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=331&sectionid=40726956">http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=331&sectionid=40726956</a>) - available online through libraries and usually found in university and med school libraries. By the way, Harrison's is THE TEXTBOOK on general medicine for medical school and medical reference. You can rent the current edition for about $50, the Kindle and New Hardback run close to $100, but the 17th Edition (valid 2008-2011) is about $30-$40 used.
Now - back to my original points.<br />
<br />
1. [original] This is not Africa. We actually have fully-competent medical professionals in every metroplex, city, small town, and rural community who are trained to recognize illness. The reason Ebola is so deadly in Africa is that so many of the people who are sick get NO MEDICAL CARE!<br />
<br />
[revised/extended] Case in point from Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine regarding the Zaire/Sudan outbreak in 1976: "Both epidemics were associated with inter-human spread (particularly in the hospital setting) and the use of unsterilized needles and syringes—a common practice in developing-country hospitals. The epidemics dwindled as the clinics were closed and as persons in the endemic area increasingly shunned affected persons and avoided traditional burial practices." and regarding Ebola Zaire epidemic in 1994: "The epidemic smoldered until April, when intense nosocomial transmission forced closure of the hospitals; samples were finally sent to the laboratory for Ebola testing, which yielded positive results within a few hours. International assistance, with barrier nursing instruction and materials, was provided; nosocomial transmission ceased, hospitals reopened, and patients were segregated to prevent intra-familial spread. The last case was reported in June 1995."<br />
<br />
Thus, it doesn't actually require full Biosafety Level IV just to stop the spread - simple hygiene is sufficient - and that is something which <u>hospitals do normally</u>. To wit: "In a 1996 episode, a physician exposed to Ebola-infected patients traveled to South Africa with a fever; a nurse who assisted in a cutdown on the physician developed Ebola hemorrhagic fever and died despite intensive care. The index patient was identified retrospectively on the basis of serum antibodies and virus isolation from semen. No additional cases arising from care of the primary or secondary case were detected, nor did any secondary cases follow care of an unsuspected Côte d′Ivoire Ebola case in Switzerland. Thus, distant transport of Ebola virus is an established risk, but limited nosocomial spread occurs under proper hygienic conditions."<br />
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2. [original] Medical care for a viral infection consists of rest, plenty of fluids and nutrients, treatment for fever, treatment for nausea-vomiting-diarrhea, treatment with anti-viral medications - i.e. medications specifically designed to interfere with viral replication. Given appropriate supportive treatment - the mortality rate of even Ebola goes way down from what it is in Africa - in other words, even country doctors are able to treat it.<br />
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[revised/extended] Again, it was pointed out that "even country doctors" can't handle Biosafety Level 4. However, the Biosafety protocols are generally in place for studying the laboratory research. Level 4 is specified due to the high mortality rate historically associated with the virus and the fact that it can be spread by aerosols. Aerosols are fluid droplets temporarily suspended in the air - i.e. coughs and sneezes. It should be noted, however, that the tracked secondary infection cases are almost all associated with direct body fluid contact - blood, sputum, vomitus, semen. Even the single known tertiary transfer case (the South African Nurse in 1996) had direct contact with a patient's blood. <br />
<br />
Keep in mind that in many African societies, customs regarding the dead involved <u>kissing</u> the corpse and close contact with the body during burial preparations. Stopping that practice did as much to halt the outbreaks as implementing the "Western Standard of Care."<br />
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[Correction] I am also not making light of the effort required to keep a patient alive that has gone into end-stage disease. As a correction to what I said above, antiviral drugs don't work, but supportive therapy improves survivability. The main treatments are platelets and keeping blood volume elevated, because the primary cause of death is low blood pressure and NOT blood loss. Low blood pressure causes heart failure, lack of oxygen transport in the lungs, fluid buildup in the lungs, kidney failure fluid retention all through the body and eventually coma and organ failure. Supportive therapy is just that - keep the patient supported - their blood volume and blood pressure elevated, use dialysis techniques to reduce the fluid retention, platelets and clotting factors to reduce bleeding and let the cells of the body fight off the disease (not that it is not the "immune system" per se which counters the virus, but the infected cell's own mechanisms to block replication of the virus. In that respect, in western medicine it very likely will be the case that an Ebola/Marburg outbreak will be similar to other viruses in that among those with access to supportive care, the predominant fatalities will be the very young, elderly and immune compromised.<br />
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3. [original] Most airborne viruses are not lethal. The dozen or so "lethal" viruses all require some form of direct transfer through bodily fluids in order to infect a new patient. The reason for this is that what makes a virus deadly is how fast it multiplies - and what tissue it infects - in a human patient. That <u>usually</u> means the lungs, mucus, blood, organs - and that environment is hot (98.6 degrees F), moist (nearly 100% humidity) and full of soft cells. Air is not. Even Atlanta, Houston or Miami in the Summer does not reach those conditions. <br />
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[revised/extended] I will repeat - <u>most</u> truly airborne viruses aren't <u>lethal</u>. That doesn't mean they aren't dangerous, just that they are not associated with the high mortality of 1980's HIV, 1976 Ebola, Herpes B, etc. <br />
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Many comments here and on Facebook counter that American hospitals can't control nosocomial infections such as MRSA and norovirus - but there are some <u>extremely significant</u> differences in how those diseases vectors are spread and what they are sensitive to. Norwalk Virus (i.e. norovirus - for one nosocomial example) is eliminated by bleach and Betadine, but totally unaffected by "antibacterial" soaps, chlorhexidine gluconate and benzethonium chloride. Norovirus is present in feces, sputum and vomitus; it survives dry cool air, boiling water, ether, and acids, but to date it cannot be easily grown in cell culture. <br />
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The "filoviruses" of which Marburg, Ebola/Zaire, Ebola/Reston, etc. are members are susceptible to: bleach, alcohols, ethers, acids, lyes, lipid solvents (soaps), detergents, UV radiation, high temperature (60 degrees C) - they <u>can</u> survive drying if it is still in a cellular medium (dried blood) but on the whole, these viruses are extremely fragile compared to the types of viruses most commonly found in "hospital" infections. <br />
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So yes, the basic <u>nursing</u> principles of hand washing, masks, gloves, not sharing needles, and cleaning up body fluid spills will go a long way to containing an Ebola outbreak.<br />
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4. [original] In order to grow and multiply quickly in those conditions, viruses are adapted to live best in those conditions. That means the virus itself is actually quite fragile. It will not survive on a cool dry surface. Even in sputum (what you cough up) it will die in a few minutes exposure to air, and can be eliminated with alcohol wipes, dilute bleach, Lysol, or even just soap and water. <br />
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[correction] Ebola and Marburg <u>will</u> survive drying, but all known cases of dried viral survival involve drying virus-infected blood or tissues - in other words, the virus is in its preferred environment when dry - not isolated on a counter-top or doorknob.<br />
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5. [original] Viruses are not bacteria. The fact that Americans over-use antibiotics and there are resistant strains out there MEANS NOTHING to dealing with viruses. Presence or absence of TRICLOSAN in antibiotic soaps is <b>MEANINGLESS</b>. PUREL(tm) hand sanitizer works just fine - it's the alcohol that does the trick.<br />
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[revised/extended] I will repeat the list of disinfecting agents that will kill Ebola & Marburg virus (From <a href="http://www.msdsonline.com/resources/msds-resources/free-safety-data-sheet-index/ebola-virus.aspx">http://www.msdsonline.com/resources/msds-resources/free-safety-data-sheet-index/ebola-virus.aspx</a>): "Ebola virus is susceptible to sodium hypochlorite, lipid solvents, phenolic disinfectants, peracetic acid, methyl alcohol, ether, sodium deoxycholate, 2% glutaraldehyde, 0.25% Triton X-100, β-propiolactone, 3% acetic acid (pH 2.5), formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde, and detergents such as SDS." That means alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer, Lysol, Betadine, Chlorhexidine . . . even soap and water.<br />
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[original] U.S. Doctors do know how to deal with viral infections - see 1-5 above!<br />
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[revised/extended] I see no reason to change this assertion.<br />
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6. [original] Why are these patients going to Emory? Because Emory has a HOSPITAL. CDC and USAMRIID are RESEARCH institutions, not HOSPITALS. Hospitals have very effective infection control mechanisms in place. I run a research lab. I deal with lab animals. When I need to deal with human patients - I do so <b>IN A HOSPITAL</b>!<br />
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[revised/extended] I stand by the original statement. It is worth noting the following details of <u>laboratory infection</u> (from MSDS online): "One reported near-fatal case following a minute finger prick in an English laboratory (1976). A Swiss zoologist contracted Ebola virus after performing an autopsy on a chimpanzee in 1994. An incident in Germany in 2009 when a laboratory scientist pricked herself with a needle that had just been used to infect a mouse with Ebola, however infection has not be confirmed. Additional incidents were recorded in the US in 2004, and a fatal case in Russia in 2004. "<br />
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That's FIVE NAMED CASES . . . in 40 years! When coupled with the actual mortality due to Ebola/Marburg since the first outbreak in 1969 - less than 3000 total deaths - the risks of "casual" outbreak are extremely small.<br />
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7. [original] Yes, viruses have a high mutation rate. That is why we need new influenza vaccines each year. BUT! What mutates is the PROTEIN COAT around the viral DNA/RNA. Typically not the genes themselves. Thus, the virus is HIGHLY UNLIKELY to sudden become more lethal just in the course of infecting a few humans!<br />
<br />
See, what happens is, a virus "particle" attaches to a cell. As stated above, a virus is genetic material wrapped in a glycoprotein capsule. When the proteins attach to a cell, the proteins stay on the outside and the DNA/RNA enters the cell and starts to replicate. The cell is "taken over" to make DNA/RNA copies and build more glycoprotein capsules. The viruses are assembled, the cell dies, ruptures and releases more virus. HOWEVER since the original glycoprotein coat does not enter the cell and has to be built from scratch by the infected cells, that coating is the most likely to mutate. When that happens, the coat MIGHT be more likely to attach to different types of cells - but more likely, all that happens is that the bodies existing antibodies (and vaccines) won't quite recognize the new coat. This slows down immunity, but doesn't stop it in its tracks.<br />
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[revised/extended] While all of the above is true - the specifics for Ebola/Marburg is that the antibodies in the human don't do a whole lot of good anyway. The glycoprotein coat appears to function in a way to disguise the virus or discourage immune responses. There's new evidence regarding the mutation rate of Ebola which I will cover below.<br />
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8. [original] Viruses tend to become LESS LETHAL as they mutate. This is exactly the principle used in producing vaccines - take a virus, grow it in a cellular medium where it can reproduce and mutate to its own content - then harvest the mutations that have gotten less "virulent" - it's called ATTENUATED VIRUS and is how most vaccines are created simply because THAT IS WHAT VIRUSES DO. A more lethal virus is so unlikely that most research labs artificially create substances rather than let nature run its course.<br />
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[revised/extended] Again, please understand that what I originally responded to was a person on a Facebook thread going on about how viruses rapidly mutate into more lethal forms once an epidemic starts. That just isn't true. Again, I'm not saying that viruses don't mutate - they <b><u>do</u></b> - they change hosts, targets, animal vectors and means of transmission - again, mainly via changes to the glycoprotein coat. Thus, while all of the above is true - the specifics for Ebola/Marburg is that the antibodies in the human don't do a whole lot of good anyway. The glycoprotein coat appears to function in a way to disguise the virus and blind the normal immune processes (which is what mutation affects anyway) or discourage immune responses, so mutation of those characteristics is somewhat meaningless. There's even new evidence regarding the supposed mutation of Ebola during outbreaks which I will cover below.<br />
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9. [original] Yes, a change in transmission CAN occur throughout the course of an epidemic - however, what epidemiologists tend to find is that the alternate form was there all along, but not recognized. It's the sort of thing that requires tens and hundreds of millions of infected to occur. That's why we get things like bird flu and swine flu because the virus developed in a species untreated. Then when they jump to humans - they don't really take hold unless the victims <b>GET INEFFECTIVE MEDICAL CARE</b> (see #1&2).<br />
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[revised/extended] Regarding mutations: A commenter in the prior post mentioned that Ebola virus quickly mutates to a less lethal but longer incubation form. This point still makes my case - that viruses are more likely to mutate to less severe forms in humans. It is the long incubation in an animal reservoir which results in the previously unknown "deadly mutations." My statement was made <u>specifically</u> to counter rumors to the effect of "viruses quickly mutate to more deadly forms in the course of an epidemic." In fact, the respondent mentioned a mutation from a 85% fatal, 1 week incubation to a 60% fatal, 2 week incubation form. I believe that this refers to the two different virus strains identified from the very start in the 1976 Zaire/Sudan outbreaks. The more lethal strain was discovered first - largely <u>because</u> of its shorter incubation, and the longer incubation strain was discovered second - but in fact, this was <u><b>not</b> a mutation during the outbreak</u> but a very close proximity outbreak with two different strains which occurred in two locations. The emergence of different strains of a virus usually occurs as a result of incubation in animal vectors in between outbreaks - the mutation required to jump species accompanies the change in lethality, incubation, transmission, etc. It's why we have yearly updates to influenza and continually shift between avian, swine, etc. variants of the flu. The so-called "airborne" Ebola (Reston virus) likely hopped from pigs (not fatal) to monkeys (fatal) in the Philippines. When it emerged in a monkey colony in the U.S in 1989, it was totally non-lethal in humans. In fact, <u>none</u> of the humans in contact with the monkeys showed evidence of disease, and most showed no evidence of infection. <br />
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Here is where the information conveyed in The Hot Zone is counterproductive to current knowledge and public education: Since the emergence of Ebola Zaire in 1976, the actual mortality rate of the subsequent outbreaks has been ~50-60% - still with incubation periods of around 7-10 days (<u>only very rarely</u> is incubation as long as two weeks - and in fact, a patient lasting 12 days is likely to survive). Since discovery of Marburg virus in 1969, the total mortality from these viruses is about 3000 people - in 45 years! Thus The Hot Zone is out of date since most of the outbreaks in the past 20 years have had roughly two-thirds to one-half the mortality rate described in the book. <br />
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Of <u>course</u> it is still a deadly, scary disease! One chance in two of dying is not much of a comfort over a sure death - but outside of sub-Saharan Africa, the disease has been stopped in its tracks every time it has left the region.<br />
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10. [original - <i>with correction in italics</i>] For every parent who has had a sick child AND DIDN"T GET SICK or who has had a close family member with any number of viral infections WHO DIDN'T CONTRACT THE DISEASE - keep in mind that it is in fact VERY HARD for viruses to jump from human to human. T<i>he major examples that do</i> are common cold viruses - and only because they are slightly more stable in air (<i>and <u>way</u> more resistant to disinfection</i>) - but even then, the transfer is <u>still</u> from bodily fluid exchange (sputum from sneezes and coughs).<br />
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[revised/extended] Keep in mind, also that any person who is so far along in the progress of the disease to be coughing up blood is unlikely to be traveling by air to the U.S. Yes, there is a person who got off a plane and collapsed soon after, but what the <u>public</u> does not understand is that it takes <u>many</u> virus particles being given off to improve the possibility to infect a new person with a disease. Duration of incubation is important because it takes time for enough viral particles to build up in blood and the internal bleeding is a very late stage symptom. When an Ebola victim is most contagious, they are not moving around!<br />
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[update] The woman on the flight that landed at Gatwick didn't die of Ebola but of "natural causes." There is speculation because of the fact she was defecating and vomiting as she got off the plane - but dysentery from drinking contaminated water (one of the contributing factors to poor medical care in Africa) could do exactly the same. What about the poor workers who have to clean up the mess in the plane? British Public Health officials descended on Gatwick and put in place protocols to handle the situation, the cleanup, and record the information for everyone that not only was aboard the plane but was in any way associated with the plane. From a military Medical Command worker: "Mind you that the airline industry has protocols in place for dealing with body fluids on a plane." Indeed they do. All human waste has to be treated as potentially infectious, irrespective of whether it was just the baby spitting up milk when burped. <br />
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Also, there is a reported case in New York in a person coming from West Africa. However, at this time, Mt. Sinai is reporting that they do not suspect Ebola in their patient. They are running the tests based on his recent travel to be sure. <br />
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[original] SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS protect any person coming in contact with a person infected with any viruses - wear a mask, avoid contact with bodily fluids, wear latex/nitrile/rubber gloves if you have to handle bodily fluids, disinfect hands and surfaces that may have come into contact with bodily fluids. Extend the "glove" concept to sexual activity and these few precautions are used to effectively prevent viruses from influenza to herpes.<br />
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[revised/extended] I suppose I am over-reaching here, but the point is that Western Civilization does not exhibit the types of practices that spread Ebola/Marburg in Africa.<br />
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Has it happened before? Sure - Black Plague, smallpox, Spanish influenza, AIDS. But this is not the Middle Ages, nor is it 1985! The American public is more aware, more sophisticated, and more capable of dealing with precautions. Could a pandemic take hold and swamp our health care system? Yes, conceivably - but is it going to be Ebola? Very unlikely. Ebola is scary, rumors are flying . . .<br />
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[original and still valid] KNOW THE FACTS! and stop perpetuating the rumors and fear-mongering.
Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-49819095055903894512014-08-03T10:44:00.003-07:002014-08-03T10:44:54.546-07:00All we have to fear is fear itself...<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
OK, I am only going to say this once - but there are some TRULY HORRENDOUSLY IGNORANT comments being made about Ebola and the current scare. <br /><br />1. This is not Africa. We actually have fully-competent medical professionals in every metroplex, city, small town, and rural community who are trained to recognize illness. The reason Ebola is so deadly in Africa is that so many of the people who are sick get NO MEDICAL CARE!<br /><br />2. Medical care for a viral infection consists of rest, plenty of fluids and nutrients, treatment for fever, treatment for nausea-vomiting-diarrhea, treatment with anti-viral medications - i.e. medications specifically designed to interfere with viral replication. Given appropriate supportive treatment - the mortality rate of even Ebola goes way down from what it is in Africa - in other words, even country doctors are able to treat it.<br /><br />3. Most airborne viruses are not lethal. The dozen or so "lethal" viruses all require some form of direct transfer through bodily fluids in order to infect a new patient. The reason for this is that what makes a virus deadly is how fast it multiplies - and what tissue it infects - in a human patient. That *usually* means the lungs, mucus, blood - and that environment is hot (98.6 degrees F), moist (nearly 100% humidity) and full of soft cells. Air is not. Even Atlanta, Houston or Miami in the Summer does not reach those conditions. <br /><br />4. In order to grow and multiply quickly in those conditions, viruses are adapted to live best in those conditions. That means the virus itself is actually quite fragile. It will not survive on a cool dry surface. Even in sputum (what you cough up) it will die in a few minutes exposure to air, and can be eliminated with alcohol wipes, dilute bleach, Lysol, or even just soap and water. <br /><br />5. Viruses are not bacteria. The fact that Americans over-use antibiotics and there are resistant strains out there MEANS NOTHING to dealing with viruses. Presence or absence of TRICLOSAN in antibiotic soaps is MEANINGLESS. PUREL(tm) handsanitizer works just fine - it's the alcohol that does the trick.<br /><br />U.S. Doctors do know how to deal with viral infections - see 1-5 above!<br /><br />6. Why are these patients going to Emory? Because Emory has a HOSPITAL. CDC and USAMRIID are RESEARCH institutions, not HOSPITALS. Hospitals have very effective infection control mechanisms in place. I run a research lab. I deal with lab animals. When I need to deal with human patients - I do so IN A HOSPITAL!<br /><br />7. Yes, viruses have a high mutation rate. That is why we need new influenze vaccines each year. BUT! What mutates is the PROTEIN COAT around the viral DNA/RNA. Typically not the genes themselves. Thus, the virus is HIGHLY UNLIKELY to sudden become more lethal just in the course of infecting a few humans!<br /><br />See, what happens is, a virus "particle" attaches to a cell. As stated above, a virus is genetic material wrapped in a protein capsule. When the proteins attach to a cell, the proteins stay on the outside and the DNA/RNA enters the cell and starts to replicate. The cell is "taken over" to make DNA/RNA copies and build more protein capsules. The viruses are assembled, the cell dies, ruptures and releases more virus. HOWEVER since the original protein coat does not enter the cell and has to be built from scratch by the infected cells, that coating is the most likely to mutate. When that happens, the coat MIGHT be more likely to attach to different types of cells - but more likely, all that happens is that the bodies existing antibodies (and vaccines) won't quite recognize the new coat. This slows down immunity, but doesn't stop it in its tracks.<br /><br />8. Viruses tend to become LESS LETHAL as they mutate. This is exactly the principle used in producing vaccines - take a virus, grow it in a cellular medium where it can reproduce and mutate to it's own content - then harvest the mutations that have gotten less "virulent" - it's called ATTENUATED VIRUS and is how most vaccines are created simply because THAT IS WHAT VIRUSES DO. A more lethal virus is so unlikely that most research labs artificially create substances rather than let nature run its course.<br /><br />9. Yes, a change in transmission CAN occur throughout the course of an epidemic - however, what epidemiologists tend to find is that the alternate form was there all along, but not recognized. It's the sort of thing that requires Tens and hundreds of millions of infected to occur. That's why we get things like bird flu and swine flu because the virus developed in a species untreated. Then when they jump to humans - they don't really work that well unless the victims GET NO MEDICAL CARE (see #1&2).<br /><br />10. For every parent who has had a sick child AND DIDN"T GET SICK or who has had a close family member with any number of viral infections WHO DIDN'T CONTRACT THE DISEASE - keep in mind that it is in fact VERY HARD for viruses to jump from human to human. The sole exceptions are common cold viruses - and only because they are slightly more stable in air - but even then, the transfer is *STILL* from bodily fluid exchange (sputum from sneezes and coughs). <br /><br />SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS protect any person coming in contact with a person infected with any viruses - wear a mask, avoid contact with bodily fluids, wear latex/nitrile/rubber gloves if you have to handle bodily fluids, disinfect hands and surfaces that may have come into contact with bodily fluids. Extend the "glove" concept to sexual activity and these few precautions are used to effectively prevent viruses from influenze to herpes.<br /><br />KNOW THE FACTS! and stop perpetuating the rumors and fear-mongering. <br />
<br />
<br />
[Disclaimer: I am a neuroscientist, not a virologist, immunologist or epidemiologist. However, I was classically trained in physiology and pharmacology - so I had to learn how the physiology of the body reacts to viruses, how the immune system does its job, and how various drugs and pharmaceutical compounds affect those processes. In addition, my training was specifically in conjunction with a Medical School curriculum - I have received a lot of medical and emergency training in the course of my career as well as all of the training required to work and do
research in the hospital environment. Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-85901359747218640992014-07-25T11:55:00.000-07:002014-07-25T11:56:26.319-07:00Why science is never settled<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
We hear a lot these days that "There's a consensus" and "The science is settled." <br />
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Without getting into the politics of what people do and don't believe about certain hot-button topics - I always cringe when I hear someone claim that science could ever be "settled." The very nature of science is that it is never settled, always questioning, always seeking to find better theories, better algorithms, better models - and frankly push back the boundaries of knowledge.<br />
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On both sides of many issues we have groups frequently labeled as "believers" and "deniers." Frankly, both are <u>wrong</u>. Belief and/or denial have no place in science, because science is a <u>process</u>, not a <u>conclusion</u>. Science is a means of looking at something for which we have no explanation and determining how it works. Whether we choose to believe or deny the method by which we came to a conclusion does not change the data which was used in the process. Whether I "believe" in a theory of quantum connectedness that links all sentient minds (h/t Travis S. Taylor, Ph.D.) or not does not change the fact that there are brain processes which can be adequately explained without recourse to quantum physics - and those phenomena which have no <u>other</u> explanation.<br />
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Science is always changing - our techniques get better, measurements get more precise, and new theories are always produced.<br />
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To illustrate the points, Baen Books asked me to write on the topic "Why Science is Never Settled," and the article was so long we had to run it in two parts.<br />
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Part 1 ran last month and is linked here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.baen.com/Why_Science_is_Never_Settled.asp">http://www.baen.com/Why_Science_is_Never_Settled.asp</a><br />
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and Part 2 is up right now and is linked here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.baen.com/Why_Science_is_Never_Settled-Part2.asp">http://www.baen.com/Why_Science_is_Never_Settled-Part2.asp</a><br />
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Enjoy!Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-60108338322413179312014-03-12T21:06:00.002-07:002014-03-12T21:06:55.773-07:00Community<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
I used to belong to a community.<br />
<br />
No, this doesn't have anything to do with where I live. Yes, I do live <u>in</u> a nice community of homes, business and people. It's a small-ish town, although mainly a suburban community for two larger cities. It retains a certain element of small-town America: a nice Main Street, street fair, local churches, lodges and community centers. The police will check your house and property if you tell them you'll be out-of-town,your neighbors are nosy enough to know if something is wrong. We tend to look out for the little old lady neighbor or gather to help cut up a fallen tree.<br />
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But that is not the community of which I write...<br />
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No, I am speaking of a community of thoughts and actions. At one time in my life, I was a Boy Scout. As a young man I was trained, taught, molded and shaped by the experience. I learned to camp, to cook, to sew, to navigate, to build, and to save a life. Naturally, as an adult, I wanted that for my own sons, so I became an adult leader.<br />
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This was a community - people with whom I genuinely enjoyed spending a weekend each month, and a whole week in the summer. We were supportive of each other. I was "father" to a whole bunch of "sons" - and they were additional "fathers" to my own boys. We took turns driving, pulling the trailer, checking the gear, teaching the Merit Badges.<br />
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These were my friends, but more importantly, we were a support network. If I had a problem, I knew who to call - from car problems, to borrowing a saw, to finding a house painter. I also knew that I might also receive a call. One weekend, I had a kidney stone attack. One of the other leaders drove me home (in my own car), took me to the hospital and handed me off to my wife. He took my car home with him, got some sleep, had his wife take him back to camp to pick up his own car (plus his son, my sons and all of their gear) - then returned my car to my house - washed.<br />
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Some months later, I paid it forward - driving home a young man who'd accidentally ingested some river water and had been sick to his stomach all night long... and again, about a year later I transported another adult leader to home and medical care after a close call with a bee sting allergy.<br />
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We were a community. We supported each other, we were there for each other. Not all of us had the same amount of time in the group - there were always newcomers while some left or moved on. I had the same sense of community with (nearly) all.<br />
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But the time came when I had to leave. There were multiple reasons why, but it was my choice - first and foremost because the sense of community had failed.<br />
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For many years now, my friends have been largely online. My <u>closest</u> friends actually lives a few hundred miles away, and that is fairly typical, with the distances ranging from a few hundred to nearly 3000 miles. In such a far-flung community, there is plenty of chance to be supportive and instructive, but the personal touch is not there. Yet, a couple of months ago I started studying <i>Krav Maga</i>. It's not giving anything away to state that I am well over 50 years old and seriously overweight - starting any sort of exercise program is a challenge. Still, I love the exercise and the activity and I have a pretty good support network and motivation for a rigorous program of diet and exercise. <br />
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Still...<br />
<br />
Tonight at class, a fellow classmate mentioned that he'd missed seeing me on Monday. I had missed that class because of preparing for a minor medical procedure the next day. <u>During</u> class, while trying to learn a difficult move, that same classmate talked me through it, repeated times and critiqued and corrected my motions. Another member of the class is about my general age and body strength. We spar well together, and I genuinely enjoy working with him - but I had missed him the last 10 days while he was out of the country. There are advanced students who also instruct - one in particular reminds me of one of my Scouting colleagues - he has that same patience and genuine desire to help someone get better. He should know, he's a Third-degree Black Belt. Other members of the class - all adults, about two-thirds male, one-third female - are equally supportive, friendly and concerned with making sure we all work our best. The Academy Master runs the school as equal parts Martial Arts Academy and Leadership Academy. He, too, is supportive and sets the example for all of the students. I chose the school because my (now adult) oldest son chose it a year ago, so I watched and measured the character of the Master and students.<br />
<br />
See, I found another <b>community</b>. We do <u>not</u> have to agree with each other. I frankly have <u>no</u> idea regarding the politics, gender orientation, religion or wealth of my fellow students. Yes, as I get to know them better, I do learn a bit more - but what is <u>most</u> important is that we support, train and teach <u>each other</u>. We genuinely want to see each other succeed.<br />
<br />
Do you see the issue? <i>Karate</i> is a martial <u>art</u> - equal parts martial (the best self-defense is a prepared offense) and art (each move should have an instantaneous "Kodak moment" where you form and place the movement with grace and power). <i>Krav Maga</i> is all martial and no art. It is a combat training system whereby the students are taught to deflect, intercept and evade an oncoming attack. If attacked, we have one goal - to neutralize the attack and ensure that <u>we</u> are the one walking away. <br />
<br />
There does not have to <u>be</u> a community to this training. The goal is to be capable in and of ourselves to deal with an attack. That doesn't involve making sure the <u>other</u> person doesn't get hurt or learns their moves - quite the opposite, in fact! However, in class, we pull punches (mostly! Ow!) and use padding, and it turns out - we learn <b>better</b> as a community that we ever could alone. I know, I bought <i>Krav</i> books and materials to study on my own.<br />
<br />
Once again, I belong to a <b>community</b>.<br />
<br />
Those of us who read and even write Science Fiction and Fantasy have a community of sorts - but frankly, it is broken. An association which <u>should</u> be supportive and helpful to members, has become more concerned with ensuring that only the "<b>appropriate</b>" people are members. There is more ado about authors who won't attend certain functions because some other guest makes them feel "unsafe" yet cannot themselves recount one <u>real</u> threat or accurately recall any instance where the one they accuse has ever justified that accusation. We have whole segments of the "community" denigrating one or more writers <b><i>without ever having read a single word those authors have ever written!</i></b><br />
<br />
Thus the community is broken. It is not helpful. It is not supportive. <br />
<br />
...and most importantly - <i>it does not teach or represent any value worth learning.</i><i> </i>Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-67816574552293702452014-03-02T12:04:00.000-08:002014-03-02T12:04:27.869-08:00Serendipity<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
So.<br /><br />Indeed...<br />
<br />
So.<br /><br />Call it Fate, call it Divine Guidance (my favorite), call it serendipity, call it Quantum Mechanics...<br /><br />Yesterday I arrived at Reagan National Airport for an 11 AM flight. I took the Metro, as I prefer to do in D.C. and arrived in time to check in, clear security, and have about 15-20 minutes before boarding. Except I noticed on check-in that my flight was delayed by over an hour - fortunately I had a 2 hr. 15 min layover, so no big deal.<br /><br />Now, I ordinarily would not have had time to go to the USAir Club in DCA, but clearly there was time, I had *at least* an hour before boarding and wanted some coffe, a comfortable chair, clean restroom, and to not have to stand in line to inquire about schedule changes.<br /><br />This was the start of three rebookings, diversion through Philly rather than Charlotte, misplaced luggage, and twice as long in planes and airports than it would have taken me to drive... <br /><br />But this isn't that story.<br /><br />Upon entering the Club, I noticed an elderly Vet with his guide dog entering just before me. An airline attendant got him checked in, settled in a chair and left. I decided to see if I could be of assistance - get him something to eat or drink, etc. - but in fact, another Club member beat me to it. I said as much to the gentleman, and the three of us sat and talked a bit. The Vet was a retired Navy CPO - 30 years in the Navy and another 20 in civil service. He's the National Secretary of Blinded Veterans Association. We talked at length about guide/service dogs, the public's reaction to same, soldier charity organizations, travel in and out of North Carolina, travel to the U.K and Hawaii, USAir/American Airlines merger, etc. <br /><br />We discussed his charity, and the fact that he had been briefing CongressCritters that week. I gave him one of the Operation Baen Bulk challenge coins I was carrying and he showed me the coins he carries and gave me his card. I decided right there to push the idea of a Charity Auction or an OBB drive to put Kindle DX readers (i.e. the one sized nicely for LARGE PRINT - and also loaded with some Audible Books) in the hands the BVA for their soldiers. I accompanied him to the gate when it was time for the flight - it turns out we were on the *same* flight - and took him back to the Club when it was announced that our flight had a Major Mechanical problem that would delay it past any chance of making connections.<br /><br />I addressed him as "Chief" and was thanked in turn.<br /><br />But believe it or not, this isn't *that* story, either.<br /><br />During the three-way conversation with the other Good Samaritan in the Club (henceforth referred to as 'GS'), we talked about flights in and out of small airports in N.C. I was going to GSO, the Chief was going to Asheville, and GS was going to Fayetteville. Along with commentary on the frequency and size of flights to and from these airports and speculation on how that would change with the Merger, I happened to mention that my eldest son's opinion of Fayetteville airport when he was at UNC Pembroke happened to match GS's comments. <br />
<br />
...and so it happened...<br />
<br />
GS questioned when my son was at Pembroke - since GS taught there. I replied that son graduated a year ago. GS asked what major, I replied "Psychology." GS mentions that he saw a lot of Psych students in his classes, he was in Criminal Justice dept. I mentioned my son got a CJ minor, and gave his name.<br />
<br />
Recognition.<br />
<br />
GS knew my son, had him in a criminology class, and remembered him very well. In fact, one of his good friends also taught in that curriculum and had my son in class and *also* remembered him. It seems my son was always coming up after class and asking questions... *good* questions. The kind that show great thought behind them. It seems he was somewhat memorable. [I later learned that this was the professor for whom my son wrote a term paper that disagreed with almost every premise established in class, but reasoned and researched so well that my son received the highest grade in the class (and made Dean's List that semester).] I was told that both GS and his friend felt that my son had some potential in the CJ field.<br />
<br />
My son is at a decision point right now, and grad school is a distinct possibility (one I favor) and this feedback has really tipped the scales in favor of going back to fill in double B.A. with double-major in CJ, use that to get an internship in Law Enforcement, then go for grad school and potentially into FBI or federal LE. <br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
<br />
So, for the rest of the day, despite three rebookings, misplaced luggage, and 10 hours transit time, I stayed in good spirits, never complained, took it all in stride. No matter what happened, I was going home, and would get there eventually. Most important, I knew that it wasn't *really* an inconvenience, because it was all made worth it by the *incidental* occurrences of the day.<br />
<br />
It might have been fate, by I favor Guidance. I was where I needed to be. <br />
<br />
Getting home was purely a matter of time. Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-30645196785655544552013-08-18T17:19:00.000-07:002013-08-18T17:19:11.276-07:00LINK: More on Zombie Science (Baen Nonfiction)<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's one of the reasons I haven't posted much content lately, I recently wroite the following for Baen Books, and it was recently put up on their main <a href="http://www.baen.com/">webpage</a>:<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Story_title"><b>"A Terrible Thing to Lose" – <br />Zombie Science and Science Fiction in John Ringo's <i>Under a Graveyard Sky</i></b></span></span></center>
<br />
<div align="center">
by Tedd Roberts</div>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span></span></span></span></h5>
<div class="text">
We've seen it on the screen or in our mind's eye – the
ravening hordes, the animalistic sounds, the hunger that cannot be sated
– zombies! I was recently on a panel at a science fiction convention
that discussed the transition from prior popularity of vampire stories
to the current fascination with zombies. The moderator put forth the
premise that vampire novels and urban fantasy are products of affluent
societies with strong economies, while zombie novels and apocalyptic
fiction are more representative of economic downturn and uncertainty. It
is an interesting premise, given that the "classical vampire" is
hundreds of years old, has amassed wealth, power and prestige... while
zombies represent death and destruction that cannot be stopped by
conventional means. </div>
<div class="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="text">
If
I were a psychologist, I might mention that zombies represent fear of
"The Other" - the foreign, even alien, presence that steals away our
home and family; or that zombies represent fear of death or ending. On
the other hand, as a firearm collector, Eagle Scout and member of Zombie
Squad, I would bring up the fact that preparation for The Zombie
Apocalypse is preparation for any disaster: natural or man-made. It only
makes sense that a story-line which involves preparing to defend
against the loss of all we hold dear would be popular in uncertain times
that threaten jobs, homes and our very lives.</div>
<div class="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="text">
Whatever the appeal, zombies and the zombie apocalypse are prevalent in modern fiction—from Max Brooks' <i>World War Z</i> (and the movie of the same name, but derivative story) to the popular TV show <i>The Walking Dead</i>. The modern zombie story/zombie movie genre owes a lot to George Romero's <i>Night of the Living Dead</i>—but it can easily be argued that Mary Shelley's <i>Frankenstein</i> founded the concept of the metaphysically reanimated corpse. In Baen's own fiction, Larry Corriea's <i>Monster Hunter International</i>
novels invoke (and dispatch) zombies by the hundreds and thousands. In
fact, the image of seasoned Monster Hunter Earl Harbinger chopping and
puréeing zombies through use of industrial snow-clearing machinery has
led to a popular convention panel "Messiest Ways to Kill Zombies." The
launch of a new Baen series – and the motivation for this post – is John
Ringo's upcoming <i>Under a Graveyard Sky</i>, which follows a family escaping a zombie apocalypse and dealing with the aftermath... </div>
<div class="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="text">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">R</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span>ead the rest at: </span><a href="http://www.baen.com/ZombieScience.asp" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.baen.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>ZombieScience.asp</a></span></span></span></b></div>
<br />Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-32066849164138421012013-07-29T14:03:00.001-07:002013-07-29T14:03:14.690-07:00Weird Science Monday: The Steam/cyber/punk brain<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
A friend wrote and asked my what I thought the timeline would be for cyberpunk-style brain-to-computer interfaces. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
For some reason, I repeatedly read that as "<u>steampunk</u>" interfaces... </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
So I told him that I have difficulty imagining steampunk, brain and computer in one sentence since the major premises of steampunk are:</div>
<ul style="font-family: inherit;">
<li>The Industrial Revolution turned to minaturization, resulting in refinement of manufacturing to make small clockwork, springs and valves. </li>
<li>The internal combustion engine and transistor are never perfected.</li>
<li>Without transistors, there is no electronics.</li>
<li>Without internal combustion, all engines are powered by steam or clockwork. </li>
<li>Everyone thinks Victorian-era fashion is cool. </li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
In such a world, I just don't see brain (bioelectric) interfacing to computers (clockwork). </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
But this is "what-if" - so I came up with the following timeline... (<i>fictional elements in italics</i>)</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
126 AD - birth of Claudius Galenus (Galen), founder of modern physiology. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1525 - French physician Jean Fernel introduces Catherine De'Medici, wife of King Henri II of France, to the term "physiology" to describe the study of the body's (and brain's) function. <i>Being educated in the classics, De'Medici prefers the term "Galenology."</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1822 - Charles Babbage demonstrates a partial model of his Difference Engine for dinner party guests.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1831 - <i>Difference Engine No. 1 is completed by Joseph Clement and Charles Babbage.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1832 - Babbage begins design work on Difference Engine No. 2 and Analytical Engine.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
builds a portion of his original design </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1835 - American Joseph Henry<i> is electrocuted and dies while attempting to build an </i>electromechanical relay<i>, use of electricity in computing engines is abandoned.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1840 - English mathematician Ada Lovelace (the only legitimate child of Lord Byron!) joins with Babbage to further designs for the Analytical Engine.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1842 - Babbage completes design of Difference Engine No. 2, b<i>ut Ada Lovelace convinces him to complete designs for Analytical Engine, instead.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1848 - English mathematician George Boole <i>is institutionalized in a mental hospital, raving about </i>"binary algebra" <i>and "computer design" (binary math and Boolean logic are never developed).</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1855 - Swedish engineers Per Georg Scheutz and his son Edvard display an improved Difference Engine at the Paris World's Fair. Since the purpose of the engine is to repeatedly print mathematical tables, the "Scheutzian Calculation Engine" <i>is coupled to a steam engine to drive the calculation cogs. </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1871 - Babbage reveals a prototype computing core and printer for the Analytical Engine just weeks before his death. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1875 - Swedish engineer Martin Wiberg reveals the further improved (and compact!) Scheutzian Calculation Engine <i>which incorporates elements of Babbage's Analytical Engine</i>. Not only did Wiberg reduce the size of the calculation component, all parts, <i>including the steam engine, </i>were reduced to the size of a desk. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1884 - American Dorr Felt completes the develops the "Comptometer" - <i>a version of the Wiberg calculator </i>with keyed inputs instead of dials and cranks. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1886 - American Herman Hollerith develops a system whereby small strips of <i>metal</i> are punched with holes <i>aligning with steam valves and channels in the Wiberg Calculator, </i>representing a single operation for the calculation engine. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1898 - American Daniel David Palmer establishes the "Palmer School of Chiropractic." His controversial theories include the metaphysical concept of "innate intelligence" in which the body's muscles and joints alter function of the brain. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1906 - <i>Henry Babbage (Charles's son) works with Hollerith to complete Babbage's Analytical Engine, using Hollerith's "punched card" system as well as a "valve board" system for "programming" the Engine for different operations. Hollerith and the younger Babbage form the "Industrial Babbage Machine Company."</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1906 - American Lee De Forest <i>seriously injured in a laboratory accident when a </i>prototype vacuum tube "thermionic valve" <i>explodes. </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1906 - Bartlett Joshua Palmer (son of Daniel David Palmer) takes over the Palmer School of Chiropractic. <i>Rumors abound that he is trying to build "Intelligizer" skeletal support frames that will not only allow injured patients to walk, but will also improve intelligence and thinking ability. </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1921 - German scientist Otto Loewi reveals that nerves in the body send their signals using chemicals. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1930 - American Vannevar Bush <i>builds a chemically activated</i> difference engine capable of solving differential equations. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1931 - Austrian Kurt Godel publishes a paper proposing a formal computation language <i>based on Loewi's identification of different chemical signatures for various brain and nerve functions.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1931 - Welsh physicist Charles Wynn-Williams demonstrates the first digital counter <i>tied to a chemical detector.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1936 - Alan Turing of Cambridge University publishes his notable work <i>on "computable thoughts" </i>which reformulates Godel.<i> </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1938 - Nazi scientist Konrad Zuse completes the "Z1" -<i> the first computation engine to be directly operated by chemical means. </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1939 - Zuse completes the "Z2"<i> operated by detecting "cerebrochemicals" from the blood of human "volunteers."</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1941 -<i> Rumors surface that Zuse has completed a "Z3" computation device in which human POWs have been surgically integrated into the machine via catheters and cannulas to collect cerebrochemicals directly from the brain and peripheral nerves. </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1941 - Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor uses <i>"walking machines." One such machine is captured whole after its "pilot" was killed by a direct hit. The Walker design is found to derive from Bartlett Palmer's Intelligizers.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1942 (February) -<i> </i>United States Executive Order 9066 leads to supposed internment of Americans of Japanese Ancestry.<i> In reality, internment was used as cover to explain disappearance of the AJA into covert intelligence missions. </i>Doolittle's Raid on Tokyo <i>staged as a cover for a covert insertion of AJA counterintelligence agents tasked with spying on Walker manufacturing. </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1942 (April) - American Major General Leslie Groves assumes command <i>of the super-secret "Huntsville Project" to develop fighting machines to counter anticipated combination of Nazi Z3's with Japanese Walkers by the Axis Powers. </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1944 (December) <i>- </i>Germans assault Allied lines in the Ardennes Forest<i> using "GetriebeSoldaten" - mechanical soldiers. </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
1945 (January) - Ardennes Counteroffensive (Battle of the Bulge) ends with Allied victory. British Field Marshall Montgomery claims that his conventional forces won the day, while others credit the contribution of <i>American "SteelSuits" - a true mechanized infantry - under the command of</i> General George S. Patton. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
--</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
August 6, 1945 - "Little Boy" weapon designed by the Huntsville project released in Hiroshima, Japan.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
August 9, 1945 - "Fat Man" weapon developed by the Huntsville project released in Nagasaki, Japan.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<i>The two weapons consisted of fully autonomous war-fighting mechanicals controlled by direct interface of a human brain to "Z3" type computational engines. Little Boy was essentially an over-sized suit of heavy plate armor with the mechanical components integrated as artificial muscles and joints to allow a human controller to carry the increased weight of armor and weaponry. Fat Man was designed such that the human controller sat completely within the large central "body" with legs, arms and weapons controlled remotely. Surgical connection of the human "Combat Intelligence" with the "Combat Calculator" was always intended to be a one-way process. </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<i>Both of the devices were armed with conventional arms such as single shot and machine guns, as well as experimental lightning guns and heat rays. The armor was a new form of superdense element to protect the human controller from return fire long enough for human and mechanical to inflict extensive damage on the enemy. It was not after the War that the augmented explosions produced when the suits came under heavy defensive fire were fully understood to be a particular property of the uranium alloy armor. </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<i>--</i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<i>2010 - University Professor and Galenologist Tedd Roberts introduces a new teaching series entitled "Your Brain is Electropunk..." </i></div>
Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-4444543537395685422013-06-20T13:04:00.002-07:002013-06-20T13:04:47.506-07:00HUMOR: Credo of a Mad Scientist<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
<i>[Note: My schedule is basically swamped with work-stuff and preparation for professional meetings, so I'm going to have to stay on an irregular schedule for now. So here's a bit of fun in the meantime!] </i><br />
<br />
Credo of a Mad Scientist:<br />
<br />
1. First do no harm... unless you absolutely have to in order to advance your evil agenda!<br />
<br />
2. No laughing, cackling or making the MWAhahahaha! sound... at least not for more than 15 seconds at a time. And frequency must be not more than once per hour.<br />
<br />
3. Do not explain your evil plan to the plucky hero while you have him at your mercy. Kill first, explain later.<br />
<br />
4. Do NOT, under any circumstances use Big Red Buttons ™ to operate the off switch or self-destruct for your evil end-of-world machine.<br />
<br />
5. Do not secure your evil end-of-world machine with a laptop and 6-character password. 4096-bit encryption is so much more reliable.<br />
<br />
6. Do not base your password on the names of your dog, cat or mad scientists from history. Avoid prime numbers, Fibonacci sequences or any other easy-to-crack sequence. You are evil – come up with an evil password!<br />
<br />
7. Safety First! File down all of the sharp edges and projections on your lab equipment and evil weapons, keep all dangerous chemicals locked in appropriate safety cabinets.<br />
<br />
8. Do not allow minions or Hero's to mix dangerous chemicals without reference to the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets!<br />
<br />
9. Make sure that all of your Hero traps have failsafes – so that you do not get trapped by them when the Hero escapes.<br />
<br />
10. Ensure that the biometric remote control for the trap failsafes is carried somewhere that it will always be on your body – preferably implanted so that it cannot fall out of your pocket.<br />
<br />
11. Beware of minions – if you let them learn too much, they may turn on you.<br />
<br />
12. Do not recruit minions. Clone them.<br />
<br />
13. Beware of clones.<br />
<br />
14. Dormant volcanos do not make good hiding places for secret evil hideouts. Some do-good Hero is always managing to make them un-dormant.<br />
<br />
15. South Sea islands with palm trees, fresh water and nice beaches will do nicely for a base of operations.<br />
<br />
16. Be nice to the locals, otherwise they may turn on you.<br />
<br />
17. Beware of clowns.<br />
<br />
18. Piranhas and sharks are too messy. Shoot the Hero and then toss him in a room with some carrion beetles. Clean-up is much easier that way.<br />
<br />
19. Chlorine Triflouride will do in a pinch.<br />
<br />
20. Hyperintelligent mutant Lab Rats make good minions, but their paws have trouble with doors.<br />
<br />
21. Avoid making Lab Rats too intelligent – they may decide to take over *your* job instead!<br />
<br />
22. The only super power anyone has ever gained from the bite of a radioactive animal or insect is a nasty wound and a high fever.<br />
<br />
23. Mutating the digestive tract of monkeys so that they can fling explosive poo is a BAD IDEA!<br />
<br />
24. Capes are not a good fashion accessory, they may keep you warm in cold weather, but they tend to catch on objects when you are chasing (or running from) Hero's.<br />
<br />
25. Invest in a good pair of running shoes.
Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-81408010498948364592013-06-13T06:51:00.000-07:002013-06-13T06:51:12.058-07:00The GUIDE: PTSD is an EFFECT, not a CAUSE<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
On Facebook recently, I was tagged to comment on a thread in
which someone remarked in passing that "PTSD caused [unnamed relative] to
do [inappropriate act]."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clearly I am highly abridging the text for the person's
privacy, but I was tagged in to comment on the idea that PTSD <u>caused</u> the
behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a common tendency in
popular culture – from the movie "Rambo" in which PTSD 'caused' the
character John Rambo to commit violent acts, to the dangerous medical tendency
to consider PTSD as a 'mental disorder' as an excuse to deny fundamental
rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given that PTSD is of
considerable research interest to me, I have adapted my comments to the current
blog and installment of The Lab Rats' Guide to the Brain:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-----</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PTSD is a disorder with strong physiological basis that
result in effects generally revealed through personality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is characterized by memory disorder
(flashbacks or triggered memory with a strong emotional content), generalized
anxiety, hypersensitivity to certain audiovisual or sensory stimuli reminiscent
of the traumatic stress event, depression (sometimes bipolar), attention
deficit, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further, there is an alteration
in how brain and body react (physiologically) to future stressful
incidents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We now know that PTSD in particular, and stress in general,
result in a change in the normal balance of neurotransmitter and receptor
subtypes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are 7 primary
neurotransmitters and about a dozen secondary neurotransmitters, and as many as
15 distinct receptor subtypes for each neurotransmitter - thus the <u>balance</u>
of neurotransmitter synthesis and release, as well as the ratios of receptors
and their regulation are important to brain function. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is no more accurate to state that PTSD <u>caused</u> a
person to commit rape than it is to say that depression <u>caused</u> a person
to suicide or that schizophrenia <u>caused</u> a person to commit murder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, imbalances of mental state alter the
"censor" that each of us has regarding actions that are or are not
socially acceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have random
thoughts and urges that we (usually) immediately set aside because we know that
such urges are inappropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
when the "censor" is affected, the urge is not immediately
suppressed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Virtually everyone has had the urge - when wronged by
someone - to take revenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
schizophrenic, literally being of "split mind." does not apply the
social norm and commits some act of violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We get temporarily depressed and think "What if I weren't
here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So-and-so would <u>really</u>
regret it then!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The normal person
gets a cup of coffee or a cigarette and moves on to other things, but the
depressed person acts on the impulse and commits suicide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The PTSD reaction is much more likely to
manifest in the realm of anxiety and stress (especially
"over-reaction").<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sleeping
person rolls over and touches his/her companion, startling them awake and
triggering a violent PTSD-related response resulting in an ER visit for broken
nose and concussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A non-sensitized
person simply rolls over and goes back to sleep, but for the PTSD sufferer, the
"filter" that says "home" & "safe" never
really engages, and all sudden events are perceived as possible threats.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, it is possible for a person to have more than one
disorder, such as anger disorder plus PTSD or schizophrenia plus PTSD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With such combinations we <u>do</u> speak of
the disorder '<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">causing</i>' the behavior,
but again, it is not the PTSD, but the underlying condition that '<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">allows</i>' (not <u>causes</u>) the person
to act on impulses that they would ordinarily ignore or suppress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The terms "psychopath" and
"sociopath" have fallen out of favor among psychologists and
psychiatrists – favoring instead the catch-all term "personality
disorder."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the older term
both refer in common to individuals that do not understand or care about social
norms – or at least care whether their actions violate those norms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The choice to commit an act of exhibitionism or violence was
not itself <u>caused</u> by the PTSD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Having PTSD may have allowed the person to <u>act</u> on the
impulses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having another type of
psychological or personality disorder would certainly compound the
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
---</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reason researchers and psych types stress these issues
is that it is very important to understand <u>all</u> of the contributing
effects (and consequences) of an action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Successful treatment of a mental disorder requires that medical
professionals accurately describe which symptoms and actions are due to which
disease – that way, as treatment progresses, they know which effects and side
effects are appropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the other hand, a diagnosis of PTSD is often a stigma,
often resulting in loss of respect, jobs, family and even certain rights as a
citizen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Partly this is because of
misdiagnoses, and part due to the tendency to attribute any and all
"bad" behavior to PTSD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We owe
it to our soldiers and fellows <u>not</u> to abuse the term!</div>
Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-39011115501662850222013-06-10T12:13:00.001-07:002013-06-10T12:13:54.028-07:00Monday FUNNY<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">During
a dangerous factory explosion that occurred in China, a Monkey was
recorded on the camera saving a puppy from the explosion site, He held
the dog as he ran out of the factory. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/969356_535270056509653_323865540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="fbPhotoImage img" id="fbPhotoImage" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/969356_535270056509653_323865540_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Pretty neat, huh?</div>
<br />
<br />
So, one of my lab techs sent this to me and said: 'Hey Boss, maybe we should get a dog for work... of course it would have to be a 'Lab'."<br />
<br />
Hmm.<br />
<br />
On another day I got this:<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="spotlight" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/485553_473105139438850_511813261_n.jpg" width="320" /> <br />
<br />
<br />
Monkey orchids. *Someone* has too much time on their hands, if they actually *bred* (or modified) orchids to get this effect.<br />
<br />
<br />
A different tech sent me this:<br />
<br />
<img height="353" id="irc_mi" src="http://s1d2.turboimagehost.com/sp/aa6d632e569032acd8663d131d49aae0/00614-funny-cartoons-lab-rats.gif" style="margin-top: 25px;" width="300" /> <br />
<br />
<br />
and this: <br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6211929548240400184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6211929548240400184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6211929548240400184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6211929548240400184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kkbDoOvqDWo2DPcRdXnoa1v03rUXwwYZCdhJJby4L7jiSrMbfNYtcJa4FaxmBKBsr31nf8Q4vdIe997pAPeY1UrLdd1jO9spoFyeoIpXb_cJtYkYhT4VBC1R2h7TIFpC-sUTvjOtKPju/s1600/lab%252520rat%252520cartoon.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" id="irc_mi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kkbDoOvqDWo2DPcRdXnoa1v03rUXwwYZCdhJJby4L7jiSrMbfNYtcJa4FaxmBKBsr31nf8Q4vdIe997pAPeY1UrLdd1jO9spoFyeoIpXb_cJtYkYhT4VBC1R2h7TIFpC-sUTvjOtKPju/s320/lab%252520rat%252520cartoon.gif" style="margin-top: 25px;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Now mind you, these aren't exactly the studies I do - but the folks in my lab know I appreciate good LabRat humor. <br />
<br />
Finally, I got this, sent to me by several different members of my lab staff...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tsunst.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rat_cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="rat_cartoon" border="0" class=" wp-image-179 aligncenter" height="260" src="http://tsunst.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rat_cartoon.jpg" width="322" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To which all I have to say is... Yes.<br />
<br />
Happy Monday! I'll be back later this week with more new content! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-67813202497210521732013-06-03T14:11:00.003-07:002013-06-03T14:11:38.473-07:00Civic Duty<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
Sorry folks, I've been behind in getting material ready for the blog. I was called to Jury Duty starting today, and was using the "surplus" time last week to prepare for the prospect of being away from work for several days. I've been excused after one day, so I am getting back on schedule.<br />
<br />
I'll try to catch up by Wednesday! Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-77331793429995151902013-05-31T12:58:00.000-07:002013-05-31T12:58:11.908-07:00SCIENCE FRIDAY: The Future and You<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
In a recent podcast of <i>The Future and You</i>, host Stephen Euin Cobb cited an outdated theory of memory formation and storage. Rather than simply issue a correction, he sat down to talk with memory researcher Dr. Robert Hampson to discuss the current science of memory, as well as memory storage and structure. This interview had enough material for three programs, so here is "Part One" of Memory, on The Future and You!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://thefutureandyou.libsyn.com/the-future-and-you-may-29-2013">http://thefutureandyou.libsyn.com/the-future-and-you-may-29-2013</a></div>
<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more in June! Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-89854657773894047232013-05-27T09:00:00.000-07:002013-05-27T09:00:03.112-07:00MONDAY FUNNY: A new comic<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
I've just had my attention called to a new comic by Dante Sheppard. The name is "PhD Unknown," (<a href="http://phdunknown.com/">http://phdunknown.com</a>) and so far there's only one panel of content up so far - but Dante is promising "Fierce Creatures, Biology and Grad School." Sounds like my kind of place. <br />
<br />
I've been a fan of Dante Sheppard's "Surviving the World" (<a href="http://survivingtheworld.net/">http://survivingtheworld.net/</a>) for many years. It's a simple daily comic with funny and pointed life lessons written on a blackboard. The anachronism alone is worth it, but the observation about life, university, science and ... well, <u>life</u>, keeps bringing me back.<br />
<br />
Happy Memorial Day to my U.S. friends and readers. Lots of projects in the works. Just this evening I recorded an interview with Stephen Euin Cobb for his "The Future and You" podcast (<a href="http://www.thefutureandyou.com/">http://www.thefutureandyou.com/</a>). We talked for nearly two hours, so it will probably be cut into a number of segments. I'll post some links as those segments are aired. <br />
<br />
I'm also hard at work on my next nonfiction piece for Baen Books: "A Terrible Thing to Lose" about science and a zombie apocalypse. It's a companion piece for the release of John Ringo's <i>Under a Graveyard Sky </i>due for release in September 2013. The article will likely run in August or September on the Baen Books website (<a href="http://www.baen.com/">http://www.baen.com</a>).<br />
<br />
Enjoy the unofficial beginning of Summer, and stay tuned as I finish up the series on writing research grants and dig out more neat news from the world of brain science!Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-11068571215408819952013-05-24T09:00:00.000-07:002013-05-24T09:00:00.909-07:00SCIENCE FRIDAY: Not the Walking Dead<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
<br />
After a wonderfully relaxing and much-needed vacation break, I've been trying to figure out which topic to tackle next in the blog. I have a couple of installments left on the writing of research grants and plenty of science news articles that caught my eye... many weeks ago. Thus I am afraid I am not quite current and up to date.<br />
<br />
Then New Scientist came to the rescue.<br />
<br />
New Scientist is a science news magazine based in the UK, and they have a great daily news feed with many interesting articles. They are a high-quality magazine (and I'm not saying that just because they've interviewed me) because they have scientists with real communications skills writing about science.<br />
<br />
Just a few minutes ago I received the following on my RSS news feed: "Mindscapes: First interview with a dead man" (<a href="http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23583-mindscapes-first-interview-with-a-dead-man.html">http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23583-mindscapes-first-interview-with-a-dead-man.html</a>). To say that I was merely curious would be to deny the excitement and trepidation I felt - was this about near-death experience? pharmacological states of "zombie-like" mindlessness? Some other metaphysical mumbo-jumbo?<br />
<br />
Of course not. This is New Scientist. Instead, I found a fascinating article about "Cotard's Syndrome" an extremely rare psychological disorder in which patients are convinced (despite evidence to the contrary) that portions of their body are dead or missing. <br />
<br />
I have mentioned in prior posts on amnesia and brain damage that there are syndromes of "Neglect" in which damage to sensory areas of brain lead a patient to "neglect" or ignore a body part and act as if it is not there. Visual neglect causes a patient to ignore part of their visual field - to the point of not consciously being aware of objects in that portion of their field of view, even though they can still have emotional or reflex reactions to those objects. Somatic neglect (i.e. applied to the body) can cause a person to "forget" that they have arms, legs, fingers, toes - until they become rather surprised to actually see them, or touch them with the limbs from the opposite side of the body.<br />
<br />
"Neglect" typically results from stroke or head injury, and results from real damage to the portions of the brain that receive sensory feedback from the neglected body part. Not so Cotard's syndrome, which is not associated with obvious injury.<br />
<br />
The most profound and puzzling example of Cotard's Syndrome is detailed in the New Scientist article - "Graham" is a man who was convinced that his brain was dead, and he was merely an empty shell that was walking around. Neurologists and psychologists believed that Cotard's was simply a manifestation of depression, and there may be some common origins. However, Graham not only told told doctors that his brain had died after a failed suicide attempt, his body eventually started to show signs of decay: He lost sense of taste and smell, his hair fell out, his gums blackened, and felt like he was simply going through empty motions.<br />
<br />
Brain scans provided the first clue to what was really going on. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans of the metabolic activity of the brain showed that the activity in the Frontal and Parietal Lobes were suppressed well below normal activity. Within the brain, particularly the deep areas of the Frontal Lobe is what is termed by neurologists the "Default Mode Network" which is always active when an individual is conscious. The network is central to memory of self, personal history and awareness of surroundings. Yet in Graham, those brain areas were more typical of a person in a coma or vegetative state - so yes, as far as activity was concerned, his brain was "dead." <br />
<br />
Eight years of psychotherapy and medication have returned Graham to the land of the living - and his brain scans show a return to more normal patterns - but this case, and others with Cotard's syndrome point out a fascinating linkage between the brain, the mind and the body. Without a certain minimal activity of the Default Mode Network, Graham had no sense of self - exaggerated to a sense that that self was in fact dead. With no psychological investment in life, his body started to show signs of death as well, manifesting the lack of involvement in the physical world.<br />
<br />
We often joke about "Zombies" as brainless individuals (as opposed to mystical walking dead) but could a complete suppression of Frontal Lobe function really produce the Walking Dead of story and myth? I'll be exploring these themes this summer in an article I am writing for Baen Books, and I'll link it here when published.<br />
<br />
Until then - enjoy your weekend and don't let your brain wander needlessly! Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-53996233710812885452013-05-20T09:00:00.000-07:002013-05-20T09:00:02.497-07:00FICTION: Past Midnight, The Thrilling Conclusion!<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
<i>[In our last episode, Sarah had finally had enough...] </i><br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"ENOUGH!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
The Diner went silent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Sarah was standing in the middle of
the dining room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All patrons had stopped
eating, drinking and talking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"There's only one explanation
for this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MASON?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she shouted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But there was no answer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"May'yam?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A small voice asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Sarah looked down at the short,
wizened man holding a *large* key ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She barely controlled her temper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Yesssss" she hissed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Ah've got th' Men's Room
unlocked."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no
answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah continued to stare at
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Ah'm the *locksmith*" he
pronounced it 'lahk-smee-ith'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still no
response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Baen sent me?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Sarah took a deep breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no sense in getting mad at *this*
fellow. "I'm sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you
unlocked it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was the problem?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Well…" he paled, "Ah
cain't rightfully say. Ah've seen some strange contraptions in mah lahf, but Ah
hain't nevah seen one lahk this!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Oh. No."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
With mutters of 'Rex' and 'Mason'
and 'lunatic' the entire Diner tried to crowd into the hallway leading back to
the restrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was only room for a
few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaker was closest, quickly followed
by Sarah and Laura.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being the *smallest*
in the Diner, the locksmith, LabRats™ and The Drool also managed to squeeze
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
It was a Plumber's Nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pipes led everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the configurations were simply
impossible – that one just *couldn't* turn inside out and still keep the water
inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pipes were of many types:
lead, copper, PVC, glass, plastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where
the liquid was visible it glowed in eye-hurting colors: bright purple-green,
deep indigo-yellow, intense cyan-red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Water dripped, pooled and ran all over the fixtures and floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
No one dared approach any closer,
either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Off to one side stood a Jacob's
ladder, bright blue sparks climbing up the wires, then jumping into the air,
only to ground out on the wet piping and run blue-white and crackling down to
the floor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
There was a faint breeze blowing
out from the apparatus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a
clear area in the center surrounding one of the stalls, and on the closed door
of the stall was the diner clock that had once hung on the wall over the
kitchen window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rapidly spinning
hands were the source of the moving air.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
The sparks stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water slowed to a trickle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The colors faded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stall door opened and out stepped Rex
Mason leading a man with white hair and long flowing white beard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normal for Rex, he didn't notice the audience
and continued talking to the man as fast as possible:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"…and you should see the tanks
– I just love the tanks – although yours needed more guns – you should
definitely have more guns – did you know that if you have enough guns and you
fire three adjacent guns you don't even need a motor? – <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's just like a rocket drive – fire the guns
and the tank moves in the opposite direction – Newton's third law – did you
know Newton?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– helicopters – I just
*love* helicopters – although they need to go faster – you didn't need that
corkscrew thingy – but it needed to go faster – you could have put guns on the
ends of the blades! –fire the guns and it's just like rockets – rocket assisted
helicopters – that's a great idea – and if we use just the *right* rockets I'll
bet we could get the blades to go faster-than-light – FTL helicopters – and
since the blades are going around in circles the vectors will all cancel out
and there'll be no problems with causality – speaking of vectors I was looking
at the Vitruvian Man and you definitely needed to draw more arms and legs – I
mean you were on the right track, but if you want to make him faster and
stronger he needs more arms and legs…"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Rex finally looked up and noticed
the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Hi Sarah! – look who I found –
I told everyone I needed to find someone who appreciated my genius – I just
needed another genius! – master da Vinci, this is Sarah – Sarah, this is
Leonardo da Vinci – I'm sorry, I don't speak Italian, but isn't that a little
bit like Portuguese? – Say hi to him in Portuguese, Sarah – I don't want him to
think we're *strange* or something!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Back in the crowd someone muttered
"That boat has already sailed."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Sarah was visibly trying to calm
herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaker offered a small silver
flask and whispered, "it's the Oban 21."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Sarah took a sip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then swallowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then drained the flask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a tight, controlled voice she said,
"Rex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What. Have. You. Done?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Rex beamed with pride.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"It's a Time Machine – I
didn't have all of the parts I needed after Chris took off with my FTL ship, so
I thought 'Time only flows in one direction, and water only flows in one
direction!' –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I could get the water
to flow in several directions then I might get time to flow in several
directions, too! – I worked all night on it – sorry about the Men's Room, but I
needed lots of water and I knew Laura would never let me build it in the
kitchen – so I thought 'Where can I find plenty of water and pipes – and I was
just sitting here in this stall and it came to me – so I made all of this and
then I installed the clock and made it go backwards but I needed electricity
and I thought we had this old spark machine and it's kind of like lightning so
I put it in here but it makes all of the pipes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>act funny and you feel all tingly when the water runs backwards so I
closed the door to keep the LabRats™ out and I …"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Stop. Rex, you have to send
him back."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"But Sarah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just got here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn't Fair!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted someone who would understand my
genius!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Rex!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn't understand you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn't understand what you're
saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He Doesn't. Speak.
English!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Oh, that's okay! – that's why I worked at night – Speaker's here –
Speaker's here every night past midnight – I figure if he can talk to the
LabRats™, he can talk to Master da Vinci!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"Rex!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has to go back!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your machine has had too many side effects –
I've got Musketeers and poets and English Royalty and even Vlad the Bloody
Impaler running around the Diner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
*has* to be put back!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
Rex's expression
fell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a terrible thing to
see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One minute, manic and with the
brightest expression a human face cold hold, the next, it was lower than The
Drool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a shameful, wasteful thing
to do, but it had to be done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
In a quiet voice
Rex answered " 'kay."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"Rex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the way back – do you understand?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
" 's."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"No little
windows in time, no cell phones to the future."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
" 'kay."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"Rex?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
" 's
ma'am."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately I *do* speak Italian." Sarah
turned to da Vinci and spoke with him briefly, then Rex led him back into the
stall, closed the door, and every stood back as the pipes gurgled, sparks
jumped, and the clock began to wind backward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"So what did
you tell him?" Laura asked Sarah.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"She told him
it was all a bad dream and that he should lay off of the pepperoncini and no
more than one limoncello before bedtime!" Speaker answered with a wide
grin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
---</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
It was past
midnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once Rex had returned and
dismantled the machine, things had returned to normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laura had cleaned up the kitchen, Dick and
Eeyore returned to the Tavern for a nightcap, but not before sending over an
unopened bottle of twenty-one year old Balvenie Portwood for Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other patrons had gone home, leaving s2la
at his laptop and a dejected looking Wolfie.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"Lifted it
again?" asked Speaker.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"Damn
right" said Sean. "and thanks again for the ride."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
The rats had
finished cleaning and were playing with the new floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They'd set the friction coefficient all the
way down and were playing their own version of air hockey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Set it back, guys, time to pack
up" called Speaker.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"Sure,
Boss!" replied Ratley.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
Once it was safe to
walk on the floor the rats hopped back to s2la and found their places in the
pockets of his vest and coat as he put on his calfskin gloves and top hat then
picked up his walking stick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
After locking the
door, Speaker turned to Sean and said "One thing I've wondered,
though…"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"What's
that?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wolfie asked, donning a set
of gleaming brass and glass goggles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
settled into the plush passenger seat of Speaker's conveyance as the steam release valve hissed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
"Why did Rex
think he needed *electricity*?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
---</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; tab-stops: 6.5in;">
<i>[This concludes our "filler" entertainment. Speaker and the Lab Rats' Guide to the Brain should be back later this week with the final 3 segments of How to Write a Research Grant Proposal, More MONDAY FUNNY, and the newly renamed SCIENCE FRIDAY news and comment feature. Thanks for your attention!] </i></div>
<br /><br />
Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-49836208332086187112013-05-17T09:00:00.000-07:002013-05-17T09:00:01.980-07:00FICTION: Past Midnight, Part the Fourth<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
<i>[Things are not right in the Diner: Sarah's speaking backward, there's Musketeers in the back booth, and they're speaking in Blank Verse... and just what *is* The Drool?] </i> <br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
The Drool was not happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The floor was too slippery, the Men's Room
door was blocked, the Dinerite's were acting strangely, and The Bassett wasn't
here yet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
The LabRats™ were here, though, and
they were usually entertaining. Only Speaker seemed to understand them, but
they took instruction well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bit
too crowded for them to start cleaning the diner, maybe they'd start out
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Drool would follow along and
watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Under the direction of the biggest
one – 'Ratley' is what Speaker called him – the rats pushed a wedge under the
Ladies' Room door and moved a sign in front of the doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>'Closed for Cleaning.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sound of water, paper rustling, and
brushing sounds came from within.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Amanda came back and stood outside
the Ladies' Room and stood tapping her foot impatiently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rats finished up and quickly got out of
her way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Drool wisely slid over
toward the Men's Room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It Would Not Do
to be caught outside the restroom door when one of the Diner's females came
out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
There was such an intriguing blue
glow coming under the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of
rats finished in the Ladies' Room and tried the Men's Room door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it wouldn't open, then moved on to the
utility washroom – handicapped restroom back by the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Laura still rattling around in the
kitchen, they wouldn't dare go in there yet.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
The smallest rat, Ratface, came
back and stood in front of the Men's Room door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He leaned on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn't
move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked under the door, squeaked
a couple of times, then squeezed himself through the crack under the door and
disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Drool considered
whether to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly if a small
rat could squeeze under that door, The Drool could do so as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The blue glow, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever things Glowed in the Diner, strange
things happened. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile Amanda came
out and returned to the dining room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strangely, it hadn't taken her very long considering that she had
changed into that long dress with the ruffed collar. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
In a little while Ratface came back
out and ran back to the rest of the cleaning crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least The Drool *thought* it was
Ratface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had trouble squeezing under
the door, and his fur was more gray than black, but since Ratface went in, it
could only be Ratface coming out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Drool thought about
this for a moment, and never for a moment thought about the fact that it was
*thinking*!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
---</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Dom. Lunch."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laura called into the intercom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever was happening out in the dining
room, she knew she had hungry customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had a complete menu ready to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Soup and sandwich for Sarah, Faux chicken enchilada casserole for Dom,
waffles for Dick, bangers and mash for Kit, a burger and fries for Wolfie,
croque monsieur for D'Artagnan, fish and chips for Elizabeth…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What?
Who?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Ratley, if you're going to be
in my kitchen, get to work."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Yes, Ms. Laura."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"You and the boys take this
out to Table 1."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Sure thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ratso and Ratfink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Table one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>MOOOVE IT!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of the rats grabbed
the tray and scampered over the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"YouDirtyRat, get away from the soup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>RatsNest, you will NOT touch the silverware
drawer!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The big rat had the most
*amazing* drill-sergeant voice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Right." said Laura.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Before those two get back, go and take
Speaker's order."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had claimed
his usual booth in the back and had his laptop open, doeskin gloves, brass
goggles and ivory walking stick on the table beside it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ratley had to climb up onto s2la's grey felt
top hat to catch his eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Sean and Chris had finally
returned, the chase having given way to hunger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sean was taking off the jacket of his customary zoot suit while Chris
laid his plumed hat on an extra chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Serving
rats!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ORDER UP!" Laura called,
ringing the counter service bell in the window.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Laura?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Yes, Dom?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laura hadn't noticed the trapdoor opening, or
heard footsteps coming up from the dungeons.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Why are the *rats* serving
lunch?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dom asked, taking off her
flying helmet, glasses and scarf.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Well, they were here and
nobody has seen the mini-onions. Why do you ask?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"You don't find that
unusual?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hungry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Better grab a seat while you can."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
More customers were coming in, and
the dining room was getting crowded. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
LabRats™ were running all over, carrying menus, delivering trays… even The
Drool had been pressed into service – clearing tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bassett had finally arrived and was
seated opposite s2la, stroking his moustache and saying: "Tepes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not Teeps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not Tapes – 'Tseh-pesh', you idiot!"</div>
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---</div>
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Through the outside windows the day
had turned to dull gray, neither dark nor light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looks like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>rain, Sarah thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drak and
Robin walked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strange to see the
dragons *now*, since they didn't usually fly in the rain, but then again,
considering the amount of flame a dragon could put out, there was no certainly
no need to worry about mid-air collisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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"So how was the christening
and launch?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drak asked the Chief
Dragon Lady.</div>
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"Wonderful!" said
Robin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>" 'Kitty Hawk' CVX 80 is a
beautiful ship, and perfectly named."</div>
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"Yeah," agreed Drak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"They couldn't exactly keep naming them
after Presidents, could they?"</div>
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"Is that the new 'Prince
Roger' book?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Uh huh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>'March to the Market.' Just released, I
pre-ordered mine from iMazon five years ago. Ya gotta love Baen's advanced
release schedules."</div>
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Ev joined them at their table. "I'm
surprised they found the time."</div>
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"Well, after David finished
'Great-grand-children of Honor' and John finished 'Circumstantial Aldenata
Palladin Wars', Toni told them she wouldn't pay them for any more books until
they finished it, and it *still* took 10 years."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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"ENOUGH!"</div>
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---</div>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">"Hi Sarah! – look who I found – I told everyone I
needed to find someone who appreciated my genius – I just needed another
genius! – master da Vinci, this is Sarah – Sarah, this is Leonardo da Vinci..."</span></div>
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<br />
<i>See ya soon!] </i><br />
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Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211929548240400184.post-61939622729342349432013-05-15T09:00:00.000-07:002013-05-15T09:00:00.622-07:00FICTION: Past Midnight, Part the Third<a href="http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com/">http://teddysratlab.blogspot.com </a> [Full link to blog for email clients.]<br />
<br />
<i>[When we last saw the Diner, it had just received new paint and fixtures, with a bit of a twist... or is that ... a slide? Something delicious was cooking up in the kitchen, Sarah was speaking backward... wait, *backward*? And everyone was looking for Rex.]</i><br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
The front door
bell jingled as Chris walked in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
"Still
looking for the little twerp?" asked Chris.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
"I thought
you were out by 61 Cygni?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
"Hey,
faster-than-light, faster-than-time."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chris stepped behind the counter, grabbed a sandwich from the
refrigerator case and propped his elbows on the edge of the kitchen
window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Just picking up a snack
then gettin' the heck out of Dodge 'fore Wolfie shows up."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
The front door
chimed sounded again, and the bellow: "FRENCH!" was heard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
"Whoops,
gotta go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can give Wolfie
this."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He laid a battered brown
wallet on the window ledge. "*After* I'm gone."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris ducked behind the counter, pulled back
his sleeve and pressed a button on the elaborate electronic band strapped to
his wrist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a shimmer of sparkling
light, Chris French had left the building.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
---</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
And with another shimmer, Chris
French was back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately he muttered
the curses under his breath so that Sarah didn't have to take *official*
notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stabbed at buttons on the
wristband and Sean advanced on him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"French.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaker's taught me all about some nice
little toxins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You're going to *love*
being a Zombie."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Chris gave up on the transporter
and decided to bolt for the Men's Room.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Zombies?" asked Eeyore,
as he and Dick walked in the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"I'm gonna have to go back to the Madhouse for more gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dick? What've you got"?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Nine mil, forty-five, Garand,
AR-10, twelve-gauge, what do you need?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Gentlemen," said Sarah,
sternly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"This isn't the
Tavern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you lost?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Ah, no, Sarah, we're just
following our noses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dick doesn't really
have all of that."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eeyore turned to
look at Dick who was smiling and nodding his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"You do?" Eeyore asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dick nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"On you?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dick
continued to nod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Damn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You sure can put it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking of which…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What's that wonderful smell?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can smell it all through the Tavern next
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given John's long absence, the
stock's getting a bit thin over there."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Tell you what," smiled
Sarah. "Put the firepower away and bring over that 21 year old Oban this
evening and you can join the lunch crowd."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"You mean supper, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But sure, it's Speaker's anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just keep it safe for him over
there."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eeyore grinned. "…and here,
and there, and wherever there's a Scotch-aficionado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should have a bit left."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Eeyore and Dick headed for a booth,
but instead of sitting down, Eeyore turned and said: "I think I'll hit the
head first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Order me a Diet Coke?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Dick nodded, then looked down and
noticed The Drool, hiding out under the jukebox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally, the Bassett showed up, *then* the
drool, but The Bassett was nowhere in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Was The Drool now arriving *ahead* of The Bassett?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sort of a mucous version of the Stench of
Foul Ol' Ron?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
---</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"One last thing,
Ma'am."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mack caught Sarah's
attention again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"One of my guys
said there's something wrong with the Men's Room door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems to be locked from the inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We've got a locksmith down at
headquarters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you like me to send him
out tomorrow?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Tomorrow?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn't there any way to get him today?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ma'am?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don't understand, it's nearly Midnight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why, that would be Double Overtime!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In another few hours it would be a normal
charge."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"What? No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's just noon… isn't it?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah looked outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The lights were on and traffic was light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parking lot over at Ringo's Tavern was
full, but they were all night owls, anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"What happened?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weren't we
just about to serve Lunch?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Laura?" she called out
to the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"What time did you
get here?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"About nine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I popped the casserole in the oven around
eleven and it's nearly done."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Amanda was looking at Sarah
strangely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Sarah, we got here
right before noon!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
Just at that point Chris French
raced past muttering something about Rex and the restroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He managed to stay about 3 feet in front of
Sean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Chris?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What time did you get here?" Sarah
asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Around two, I think. Flime
ties when you're having *such* fun." He said sarcastically.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Wolfie?" Sarah called
after them before they got to the front door.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
" 'round four." Sean
called back over his shoulder as he raised his sword and raced out the front
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They raced past too quickly for
Sarah to consciously note the change in their appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>" '…and all for one!' my *ass*
French…" could be heard echoing down the street.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Dick?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What time did you and Eeyore get here?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"We walked in at six on the
nose, Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You *know* how punctual
Eeyore is." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
The front door had barely slammed
shut behind Wolfie when Speaker walked in the door, several Lab Rats™ peeking
out of the pockets of his lab coat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Cleaning crew's here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice paint and wax job, Mack!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laura!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That smells just the way it should – did you make more?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it a hit?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Speaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What time is it?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah had
an edge of panic to her voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Just past midnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Same as usual, you know I can’t start writing
until late."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<span lang="PT-BR" style="mso-ansi-language: PT-BR;">"Oh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No. … No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swords?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>Feathered hats?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Burgundy,
white and *black*?" Sarah stared as Eeyore returned from the
restroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He *looked* the same, well,
except for the long brown hair, pencil thin mustache and small goatee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
"Milady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might we trouble you for some repast?"
Eeyore asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"My companion and I
are famished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stared at her intently
and continued:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
"Oh hostess, fair and comely</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Of sustenance we crave</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Our fealty unswerving </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
To slake our thirst and waite</div>
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And till yon daybrake dawning</div>
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We rest in your demense</div>
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The light of new day find us</div>
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And break our fast with thee."</div>
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<br /></div>
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"Eeyore?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sarah said tentatively.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Sarah?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm starving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and a Diet Coke, please?" responded
Eeyore.</div>
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<br /></div>
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---</div>
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<i>[Now, *why* is Eeyore speaking in blank verse? Who is Chris French, and why has he stolen Wolfie's wallet? Tune in next time when we meet the Lab Rats (tm) and discover the strange blue glow coming from around the Men's Room door!]</i></div>
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Speaker to Lab Animalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10060134036743411429noreply@blogger.com0