23 March 2002

Thanks to X-log for Google takes on supercomputing. Google has begun an experiment that could turn its modest toolbar software into a supercomputer to tackle scientific problems such as untangling genetic codes. Puts me in mind of what I was reading the other day about Sony working with IBM to apply Big Blue's research in "grid computing," a variation of distributed computing, to the next PlayStation. 10:45:34 AM

Etiquette Books for an Age Without Rules. Three books seek to unravel the dos and don'ts of etiquette in postmodern times. By P. J. O'rourke. [New York Times: Books] Martin tells ... a better story about the sacrifices of etiquette. Queen Victoria drank from her own finger bowl. ''She had to. Her guest of honor, the Shah of Persia, had done it first.'' There is an idea current that the purpose of etiquette (and of practically everything else) is to make us all feel good. The purpose of etiquette is to make us all be good (or act as if we were). 10:43:12 AM

'The Rotters' Club': When England Swung Like a Pendulum. I ought to read this next. 10:31:32 AM

© Copyright 2002 Nick Browne.