"Researchers used to believe that caffeinated drinks had a diuretic effect. This means that you would urinate more after drinking them, which could increase your risk of becoming dehydrated. Recent research shows that this is not true and that caffeine only has a diuretic effect if you consume large amounts of it —…

I don't think the presence of copyrights for books necessitates patents for software. Why not just allow copyrights for software (which we do anyway)? I guess IMHO software should be eligible for copyrights, but not for patents. I'm not sure if I can articulate exactly why, but that's my inclination.

About 25% of the HD library is only available to watch "on your TV." Go to Watch Instantly —> Genre —> HD and you'll see the notice that "All of these titles are available to watch in HD on your TV. Some are also available for HD playback on your computer."

FWIW, if you've got miscellaneous parts (keyboard, OS license) around, you can put together a Sandy Bridge i3 system for about $325 = $99 (CPU) + $80 (H67 mobo) + $40 (4GB DDR3) + $50 (hdd) + $50 (case/PSU). Throw something like media browser on it and the UI is pretty good, and the hardware will fly through 1080p. …

The biggest drawback to HTPC: some of the content available on Roku/ATV/generic STB through Netflix, Amazon VOD, and other services is not available via HTPC due to licensing restrictions.

The effect of hot peppers on mosquitos is well-documented.

Here's what CR says: [www.consumerreports.org]

"[Mosquitos] don't like soap solutions..."

Yes, much better to trust an industry lobbying group than the USDA. o.O

Trichinosis is probably less of a worry than the usual bacteria that cause foodborne illness. The frequency of trichinosis incidents in the US is exceedingly rare (there were 12 pork-related cases in 1997-2001). Also, kill rate is a function of both time and temperature. Trichinae are killed instantly at 144F, but…

Want to get weirded out? Look up balut.

FWIW, this scorecard not only evaluates the circumstances surrounding the chickens, but also considers things like the ownership structure of the company. I find it hard to believe that chickens live better or eggs taste better when there are fewer owners, if all else is equal.

Problem is that AT&T would limit you to 2 gallons a month. And the milk would take so long to get to you that it would be spoiled by the time you got it.

I'll tell you all about thermodynamics and materials, but you'll have to pay up first. ;-) Gawker is welcome to ask for people to work for them for free. I just hope don't take any more shots at other sites looking for free content: [gawker.com]

I'm an expert in a couple fields, but the only expertise I give away for free comes in the form of snarky comments written in response to poorly researched posts.

+1. Get a nonstick pan for $10 (you already have one anyway, right?) and cook your eggs in that. Cleanup is fantastically easy. Just keep metal utensils and nonstick spray away. IMO well worth the additional couple minutes, especially if the alternative looks like the photo!

Why not put the top on during that first minute though? That's the part I don't get.

I just use a spoon, but I'd think a gravy ladle (where the handle is almost perpendicular to the bowl of the spoon) would be easier to use. Or just bend the handle of a cheap cafeteria soup spoon.