February 12, 2011
A script kiddie or skiddie, is a derogatory term used to describe those who use scripts or programs developed by others to attack computer systems and networks and deface websites. Script kiddies have at their disposal a large number of effective, easily downloadable malicious programs capable of breaching computers and networks.
They vandalize websites both for the thrill of it and to increase their reputation among their peers, but they lack, or are only developing, coding skills sufficient to understand the effects and side effects of their work. As a result, they leave significant traces which lead to their detection, or directly attack companies which have detection and countermeasures already in place.
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February 12, 2011
Catastrophe bonds (also known as cat bonds) are risk-linked securities that transfer a specified set of risks from a sponsor to investors. They were created and first used in the mid-1990s in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew and the Northridge earthquake. These bonds are inherently risky, generally BB, and are multiyear deals. If no catastrophe occurred, the insurance company would pay a coupon to the investors, who made a healthy return.
If a catastrophe did occur, then the principle would be forgiven and the insurance company would use this money to pay their claimholders. For example, if an insurer has built up a portfolio of risks by insuring properties in Florida, then it might wish to pass some of this risk on so that it can remain solvent after a large hurricane. It could simply purchase traditional catastrophe reinsurance, which would pass the risk on to reinsurers. Or it could sponsor a cat bond, which would pass the risk on to investors.
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February 12, 2011
The Valsalva maneuver is performed by moderately forceful attempted exhalation against a closed airway, usually done by closing one’s mouth and pinching one’s nose shut. Variations of the maneuver can be used either in medical examination as a test of cardiac function and autonomic nervous control of the heart, or to ‘clear’ the ears and sinuses (that is, to equalize pressure between them) when ambient pressure changes, as in diving, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or aviation.
The technique is named after Antonio Maria Valsalva, the 17th Century physician and anatomist from Bologna, whose principal scientific interest was the human ear. He described the Eustachian tube and the maneuver to test its patency (openness). He also described the use of this maneuver to expel pus from the middle ear. A modified version is done by expiring against a closed glottis. This will elicit the cardiovascular responses described below but will not force air into the Eustachian tubes.
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February 11, 2011
Mitch Hedberg (1968 – 2005) was an American stand-up comedian known for his surreal humor and unconventional comedic delivery. His comedy typically featured short, sometimes one-line jokes, mixed with absurd elements and non sequiturs.
Hedberg’s comedy and on-stage persona gained him a cult following, with audience members sometimes shouting out the punchlines to his jokes before he could finish them.
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February 11, 2011
Karl Pilkington (b. 1972) is an English author and former radio producer. He is best known for producing and co-presenting The Ricky Gervais Show on Xfm London between 2001 and 2005; and for the subsequent podcast series and HBO animated television series. He was also the subject of the Sky1 travel series, An Idiot Abroad, which was also presented in the United States on the Science Channel. The New York Times ran an article about The Ricky Gervais Show describing Pilkington’s behaviour as a well-executed deadpan routine.
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February 11, 2011
The vagus nerve [vey-guhs] is the tenth of twelve cranial nerves. Besides output to the various organs in the body, the vagus nerve conveys sensory information about the state of the body’s organs to the central nervous system. 80-90% of the nerve fibers in the vagus nerve are afferent (sensory) nerves communicating the state of the viscera to the brain. The medieval Latin word ‘vagus’ means literally ‘Wandering’ (the words vagrant, vagabond, and vague come from the same root). Sometimes the branches are spoken of in the plural and are thus called vagi.
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February 11, 2011
The mammalian diving reflex optimizes respiration to allow mammals to stay underwater for a long time. It is exhibited strongly in aquatic mammals (seals, otters, dolphins, etc.), but exists in a weaker version in other mammals, including humans. Diving birds, such as penguins, have a similar reflex. Every animal’s diving reflex is triggered specifically by cold water contacting the face – water that is warmer than 21 °C (70 °F) does not cause the reflex, and neither does submersion of body parts other than the face.
Also, the reflex is always exhibited more dramatically, and thus can grant longer survival, in young individuals. Beyond the effect of the reflex when submerged in water, the reflex is used consciously in ‘splashing cold water on one’s face,’ either to relax when upset or wake up when drowsy. Additionally, the reflex is also elicited through water boarding torture, in order to create the sense of drowning upon the individual.
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February 11, 2011
A la carte cable television (from the French ‘from the menu’) refers to a model for cable companies to allow subscribers to select to which channels they would like to have access. This is in opposition to the large package deals currently prevalent in American cable deals, which often result in consumers paying for additional channels irrelevant to their interests. Leading companies such as Disney, and cable providers such as Time Warner prohibit operators from selling channels which stand alone.
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February 11, 2011
In ballet, a pas de deux [pahduh due] (French, steps of two) is a duet in which ballet dancers perform the dance together. It usually consists of an entrée (introduction), adagio (a slow portion), two variations (one for each dancer), and a coda (literally ‘tail’). The coda is a passage which brings a movement or a separate piece to a conclusion. In ballet, the coda is usually the ‘Finale,’ a set of dances known as the Grand Pas or Grand Pas d’action and brings almost all the dancers onto the stage. A particularly large or complex coda may be called a coda Grande.
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February 11, 2011
Chemex Coffeemaker, a famous coffee-making device, was introduced by the Chemex Corporation of Pittsfield, Mass. in the 1940s. It consists of a single hourglass-shaped vessel and is used to make coffee. It was invented by industrial chemist, Peter Schlumbohm; the New York Times in its obituary of Schlumbohm called the device ‘one of 100 best modern devices.’
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February 11, 2011
The AeroPress is a device for brewing coffee. It was invented in 2005 by Alan Adler. Coffee is steeped for about 10 seconds and then forced through a paper microfilter. The maker describes the result as an espresso strength concentration of coffee. The device consists of two copolyester cylinders. One cylinder has a rubber plunger and fits inside the larger cylinder to create an airtight seal, similar to a syringe.
The AeroPress, though sharing some similarities with a French press, is quite different. It uses a disposable paper filter which removes most of the coffee solids, resulting in a sediment-free brew, and air pressure is used to extract more coffee oils.
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February 11, 2011
Mooncake is a Chinese bakery product traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Festival). The festival is for lunar worship and moon watching; mooncakes are regarded as an indispensable delicacy on this occasion. Mooncakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the four most important Chinese festivals. Today, it is customary for businessmen and families to present them to their clients or relatives as presents, helping to fuel a demand for high-end mooncake styles.
Typical mooncakes are round or rectangular pastries, measuring about 10 cm in diameter and 4-5 cm thick. A thick filling usually made from lotus seed paste is surrounded by a relatively thin (2-3 mm) crust and may contain yolks from salted duck eggs. Mooncakes are usually eaten in small wedges accompanied by Chinese tea. Mooncake calorie intake can vary with the filling and size. The average moon cake is within the calorie range of 800 to 1200.
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