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posts from january, 2008

Despite the lack of a leader instructing them, much less a developed brain, ants can build incredibly complex systems underground (6m 37s). via TED
I’ve always wondered how movie theaters profit (871 words). There are the obvious rip-offs at the concession stands, which are very calculated (adding salt to popcorn sets you up for another rip-off, a drink). But, ticket sales are profitable, too, with revenue usually being split 50/50. Both of these explain why most movies are 128 minutes or less — the theaters demand it.
Continental is the first airline to try out paperless check-in. Instead of a boarding pass (which we can now call a boring pass), you have a complex barcode on your phone or PDA. It’s not really going to save much paper, but it’s a little more convenient.
There’s an article about the theory of reference (1696 words) which also talks about this “new” approach to philosophy called experimental philosophy. That’s funny — “experimental philosophy” used to mean something else (today it’s known as “science”), which brings up, once again, the theory of reference. Now I’m confused.