I <heart> MIT

On the Effectiveness of Aluminium Foil Helmets: An Empirical StudyAli Rahimi¹, Ben Recht², Jason Taylor², Noah Vawter²
17 Feb 2005
1: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department, MIT.
2: Media Laboratory, MIT.
Abstract
Among a fringe community of paranoids, aluminum helmets serve as the protective measure of choice against invasive radio signals. We investigate the efficacy of three aluminum helmet designs on a sample group of four individuals. Using a $250,000 network analyser, we find that although on average all helmets attenuate invasive radio frequencies in either directions (either emanating from an outside source, or emanating from the cranium of the subject), certain frequencies are in fact greatly amplified. These amplified frequencies coincide with radio bands reserved for government use according to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Statistical evidence suggests the use of helmets may in fact enhance the government's invasive abilities. We theorize that the government may in fact have started the helmet craze for this reason.

If nothing else, you have to go just for the pictures.

shout across these waves and rescue me

I have an application started in the University of Washington Graduate Admissions application database. Eek. I've got a couple of people writing academic recommendation letters, I need one more, I have two ideas.

I've also been talking with a couple of people about this stuff. I'm really good at second-guessing myself. I'll probably ask a couple of other people for reassuring noises this week in email. I hope that's okay.

Thursday's miles: 2.1
Miles out of Hobbiton: 512.2
Miles out of Rivendell: 52.4
Miles to Lothlórien: 414


Night Flock
(Taken a couple of blocks away, late last month, under a shrub. I don't know what they are, but they're pretty.)

Other than that, not very much is going on. Today I did things like the above, walk to the stops for errands, and do some mid-week housecleaning. Rah.

Oh, and here's the gill shot of the previous mushroom. I think I could have done a different crop and made it all super-arty, but I didn't for some reason. Still, you get a decent look at the gill structure and colour.


Meanwhile, behind the facade of this innocent-looking twig...