We had a 5.4 magnitude earthquake in Illinois this morning. It hit around 4:36, so I was asleep and missed the whole thing. Bummer. Quakes are really rare in these parts and it would have been fun. 5.4 isn't much of a quake, but it's huge for Illinois. It also attracts a lot of attention because of the way our seismic region is structured. We're sitting on top of solid … [Read more...] about Earthquake!
Dear Jiang Yu and Liu Jianchao
Dear Jiang Yu and Liu Jianchao, I hear that you are Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespersons who are demanding an apology from CNN because of something commentator Jack Cafferty said. A Reuters article by Lindsay Beck says, Cafferty had said the United States imported Chinese-made "junk with the lead paint on them and the poisoned pet food," adding: "They're basically the … [Read more...] about Dear Jiang Yu and Liu Jianchao
Elevator of Death…Or Not
When it comes to elevators, our biggest fear is that the cable will snap and the elevator will fall to the bottom of the shaft. People debate whether there is anything you can do to save yourself---jumping just before you hit is the most popular suggestion. A few years ago, Mythbusters did a test, and the result was not pretty. Jumping doesn't help. Elevator engineers … [Read more...] about Elevator of Death…Or Not
Presumed Innocent
Reading a novel is no substitute for advice from a lawyer, but sometimes a good courtroom thriller can show you something important. (My lawyer readers may disagree with me...) A few weeks ago, I wrote about an interesting but unethical police trick that I learned from A Cinderella Affidavit by Michael Fredrickson. This time I want to talk about some lessons I … [Read more...] about Presumed Innocent
Quick Spring 2008 Movie Preview
Coming this spring, there are some movies I've got to see. There are several movies I'll probably see, or feel obligated to see. And there are a few movies I shouldn't see, but I'm tempted anyway. … [Read more...] about Quick Spring 2008 Movie Preview