This high speed, fast food, multimedia world we live in may have shortened people’s attention spans.
Sound familiar? If so, and in the interests of publishing something for those so afflicted, this week we present a compilation of fast and unrelated factoids and gleanings.
Rise and shine: Scientists have isolated the mutant gene that makes some people chronic early birds, reports the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety magazine. And yes, it did use the word “mutant.”
For many, the condition is a bonus that allows them to get a lot done before others are awake, the magazine reports. Researchers believe the discovery may help in the treatment of sleep disorders. (And for those who believe the early bird catches the worm, consider that the worm got up early too.)
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Minding manners: When doing business in China, be punctual, advises the Oct. 17 CanadExport newsletter, published by the federal department of international trade. “If karaoke is part of the evening, gather your courage and sing your favourite song. Your host will enjoy it.”
What’s the password: The most popular choices for computer passwords are the names of family members, sports teams and pets, says Netscape Communications Corp. In an informal poll done in England last year, 71 percent of people revealed their password to a stranger in exchange for a chocolate bar.
Got the point: Bic sold its one billionth pen back in September, according to a Reuters report. Bics are the world’s biggest selling pens, having been sold “on average 57 times a second since 1950.”
Cage-free and costly: Poultry industry experts estimate costs to convert the egg industry to a cage-free floor production
system in the United States would be
$3 to $5.8 billion US for buildings and equipment, reports the Animal Agriculture Alliance. The figure does not include higher rates of laying hen illness and death, or the cost of lower productivity and diminished egg quality that would likely result.
Cheesy dreams: The type of cheese eaten before bedtime can affect the type of dream experienced by the snacker, reports CanWest News Service. A study by the British Cheese Board showed stilton produced the most bizarre dreams. Brie tended to produce nice dreams, while cheddar induced dreams related to famous people.
Fake hail: A North Carolina couple faked hail damage to their tomato crop by having workers throw ice cubes on it, according to Associated Press. The ruse was discovered and they had to repay more than $9 million in fraudulently obtained funds.
