Haibane.info

Moot! I’ve got your theory of consciousness right here: consciousness is an emergent property of increasingly complex thought.

Corollary: computation is not, and never will be, a substitute for thought, no matter how bayesian you wanna get.

Corollary 2: thought need not be intelligent.

Now, define thought, and we can call it a day. Chipotle, anyone?

Fast Company has a brief little profile on Chipotle, focusing on the company founder’s strict policy of serving only humane and naturally-raised meat. The article notes that Chipotle has some trouble meeting its supply needs due to its strict requirements. However, it seems that Chipotle is a vector for change within the industry:

“We want to influence the supply chain in the United States,” he says — comes at a cost. It’s difficult to buy 52 million pounds of the good stuff. Humane providers tend to be small and are already at capacity. Ells recently began retaining small suppliers in Canada, increasing his shipping costs. Chipotle has to pay a premium for Ells’s passion, and so do his customers (the average burrito is now $6 to $7). “In an economic environment where the consumer is cautious about spending money,” analyst Haskell says, “we’re cautious about higher-cost concepts like this.”

Surprisingly, Chipotle’s answer may lie in the competition. Burger King and Wendy’s, the No. 2 and No. 5 U.S. chains, respectively, recently began to explore humane-pork options. Their needs will likely create more supply options. “Chipotle is a major vector of change in its industry,” says professor Rollin. Adds Wolf, the industry expert: “Restaurants at every level better hurry up and make sure there isn’t poison in their food.” He continues, “Chipotle makes great food and serves it. Genius!” Make better burritos, open more restaurants — what a concept.

in the mood for an afternoon cup of caffeine, gratis? get thee to a Starbucks between 11 and 1130am today.

There aren’t any in casual driving distance from Marshfield, alas. Moving to Madison in June though

Seems that caffeine has neuroprotective effects beyond just keeping the lights switched on upstairs:

Coffee may cut the risk of dementia by blocking the damage cholesterol can inflict on the body, research suggests.

The drink has already been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, and a study by a US team for the Journal of Neuroinflammation may explain why.

A vital barrier between the brain and the main blood supply of rabbits fed a fat-rich diet was protected in those given a caffeine supplement.
[...]
“Caffeine appears to block several of the disruptive effects of cholesterol that make the blood-brain barrier leaky,” said Dr Jonathan Geiger, who led the study.

“High levels of cholesterol are a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, perhaps by compromising the protective nature of the blood brain barrier.

“Caffeine is a safe and readily available drug and its ability to stabilise the blood brain barrier means it could have an important part to play in therapies against neurological disorders.”

I find this sort of thing fascinating.

With candy sales banned on school campuses, sugar pushers are the latest trend at local schools. Backpacks are filled with Snickers and Twinkees for all sweet tooths willing to pay the price.

“It’s created a little underground economy, with businessmen selling everything from a pack of skittles to an energy drink,” said Jim Nason, principal at Hook Junior High School in Victorville.

This has become a lucrative business, Nason said, and those kids are walking around campus with upwards of $40 in their pockets and disrupting class to make a sale.

the candy black market thrives!

via Freakonomics blog, naturally.

Ceci, n’est pas un paper cup((No, I’m not even trying to be subtle in my allusions.)):

It’s actually made of porcelain and the lid is silicone. I must have one.

1. Do not go to Starbucks.

2. Read this Ask Metafilter thread. Lots of great recipies in there. Glad to see my own method compares favorably.

Slashfood reports that Twix is coming out with a new coffee-infused candy bar, Twix Java. That’s almost as tempting as caffeine-infused donuts. Almost.

woah.

A molecular biologist has devised a method to spike doughnuts with caffeine. Previous attempts to lace the sugary fried treats with caffeine proved unsuccessful because of the extremely bitter taste.

Dr. Robert Bohannon of Environostics is the man behind the caffeine-laced doughnuts, which he has dubbed Buzz Donuts. His manufacturing process allows the caffeine to be absorbed in the intestine, thus eliminating any off tastes.

Coming in October. bwahaha!