From the Graphene file:
1 Box of Girl Scout Cookies = $15,000,000,000 worth of Graphene


Back in May, I posted that I thought graphene would be the "buzzword of the decade". Here's an example of why I still think that's true: a team of Rice University researchers did a demonstration experiment to see how much graphene they could extract from a single box of Girl Scout cookies. They calculated that, at current prices, they could extract $15 billion worth. That was a number they threw out with a wink and a nod. That's a theoretical quantity times today's market price. In reality when graphene can be practically extracted in such large quantities, the market price will be much, much lower.

Still, I expect that I'll be selling Girl Scout cookies for my daughter again this year, so if you want to be a billionaire, you better buy up.

Happy Birthday Mr. President

Barack Obama turns 50 today. If you count the extra wear and tear of the past week, it's more like 75. Here's a picture of young Barack at Harvard, channeling Marvin Gaye. (Obama picture time/life/getty images)

Your "halfway paying attention" News Brief:

Peyton Manning's Signing Clears Way for Congressional Debt Deal

I guess while I was busy doing other things, they were working hard in Washington to reach a compromise on raising the debt ceiling. The way I understand it, Peyton Manning agreed to a "cap-friendly" contract that cleared room for an independent committee to reach an agreement to agree to raise the debt ceiling and pretend to cut taxes without taxing the rich, and they also managed to sign Plaxico Burress to boot. Also, there was violence in the streets of Syria as Smurfs battered both cowboys and aliens. Busy day.

Encore Capital Class Action Settlement Isn't Going Through Like Buttah

Judge is Reviewing $5.7 Settlement For Fairness After AG's Object

Encore Capital, one of the biggest collection agencies in the US, is trying to settle a class action case relating to deceptive collection practices. They put $5.7 million on the table to do it. Of course, that's only about $10-$17 per class plaintiff. Among the allegations, Encore used fabricated (robosigned) affidavits to support their collection suits. That could be why the attorneys general of 38 states have filed objections to the fairness of the settlement. It certainly seems presumptively unfair to me.

source: http://www.collectionscreditrisk.com/news/judge-delays-encore-capital-settlement-ruling-3006945-1.html?ET=ccrisk:e6969:58299a:&st=email&utm_source=editorial&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CCR_breakingnews_071211_071211

The Fastest Cars 25 Years Ago -

Porche 959 vs. the Ferrari F40

Twenty-five years ago, I was in law school. According to the normal course of thing, before long, I would be shopping for the most exotic car I could find using the riches from my new profession. Naturally, I had to have either a 959 or an F40, because those were the only cars within spitting distance of a 200 MPH top speed.

Top gear season 16 ep 6

No, I didn't really believe that even then.

Vince Gill Breaks the Country Jinx

I've been writing this blog for ten years or so, and I've never linked a country song. Finally a country song that meets my standards for quality and objectivity. Vince Gill, you're the first. Congratulations. I know it's important to you.

It's Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long Get new music videos and MTV show videos on Tr3s.com. www.tr3s.com More from Vince Gill Watch New Music Videos Watch New Music Videos | Music News
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Red Light Camera Controversy Grows.

Thetruthaboutcars.com regularly has articles about local controversy involving red light cameras, but for a good concise summary of the status of the controversy nationally, check out this link to an article at MSNBC.com. It appears to me that the camera trend has peaked and it is going the other way. People are refusing to drink the Kool-aid spewed out by the redlight operators. The cameras don't make intersections safer, and they can make them less safe when they reduce the yellow light time to generate more revenue (as has happened repeatedly.) If you live in a locality that is thinking about installing red light cameras, there are a lot of resources on the web with studies and other ammunition that you can use in a public hearing process to oppose the cameras.

The marginally relevant video: A yummy, yummy, yummy track from the 1910 Fruit Gum Company.

Ron Paul and Barney Frank Introduce Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

If you ever need a reminder that libertarians and liberals share common ground on certain personal privacy issues, look no further than the bill just introduced in Congress to end federal prohibition on marijuana. This bill was introduced by Barney Frank and Ron Paul. I will pause now so you can form a mental image of these two legislators celebrating 420 together.

A marginally relevant video? of course.

Using Animation to Fix the World

Robert Reich used animation to fix the economy. Economist Dan Pink uses animation to fix the world. This is pretty cool.

Why Need an NFL Contract NOW

If we don't get a contract soon, the players will start doing other things, and it won't be pretty. Example #1: Football Cops.