Rotundus.com

Drug may reverse permanent deafness by regenerating cells of inner ear: Harvard study

"The drug, called LY411575, partially restored hearing to mice that were deafened by loud noise. Until now, scientists have thought acute noise-induced hearing loss — frequently found among DJs and musicians — to be irreversible. The condition can also affect those who’ve suffered a severe inner ear infection or taken a toxic drug."

Silvio Berlusconi blasts ‘feminist’ judges for $260,000 a day divorce settlement

As much as I dislike Berlusconi, $260,000/DAY (not year) seems ridiculous.

Ordering the vegetarian meal? There's more animal blood on your hands

A very unorthodox take on things: "At least 100 mice are killed per hectare per year (500/4 × 0.8) to grow grain. Average yields are about 1.4 tonnes of wheat/hectare; 13% of the wheat is useable protein. Therefore, at least 55 sentient animals die to produce 100kg of useable plant protein: 25 times more than for the same amount of rangelands beef." The comparison here is against grass-fed beef (HT: MR)

Drowsy Driving: Report Shows 1 In 24 Admit Nodding Off While Behind The Wheel

"1 in 24 U.S. adults say they recently fell asleep while driving. And health officials behind the study think the number is probably higher. That's because some people don't realize it when they nod off for a second or two behind the wheel."

Seems fairly accurate.

The Brain’s Secret to Sleeping Like a Log

"In this clamorous modern world, heavy sleepers have an advantage: They can snooze despite noisy neighbors and car alarms, and they’re capable of conking out on a red-eye flight to awake refreshed and smiling. But how do these sound sleepers do it? According to a neuroscience study published today in Current Biology, they’re blessed with a type of brain activity that may essentially block out noise."

Female statues ‘arm-bushed’ by feminist activists

The priorities of modern feminists apparently include applying fake armpit hair to statues. See also The Guardian's coverage of feminist summer school.

The Answer Factory: Demand Media and the Fast, Disposable, and Profitable as Hell Media Model

A profile of a company using algorithms instead of editors to turn out ideas for content to generate.

Honesty/Ethics in Professions

Who do people trust? 52% trust clergy, 53% college teachers, they tend to trust those in medicine, 70% trust engineers, and journalists relatively low

Mr. O'Donovan is one of the coowners of Verve Coffee Roasters, a coffee shop which is crazily-finicky about coffee enough to have a "Director of Education" (Mr. Baca, who placed #2 in 2010 in the US Barista Championships). These seem to be the sort of businesses offering multi-day workshops on how to make an espresso. So, what do these experts have to say about your morning brew?

Reality check: I’m trying to make it through chaotic mornings at home with a clamoring family. Mr. O’Donovan is amused. Why, he asks, would I make espresso in the morning, let alone latte?

“I make drip coffee,” Mr. O’Donovan explains. Mr. Baca does, too. That’s because making a good espresso requires preparation and cleanup. Even when it all goes right, it takes time. Like making a good meal.

- Excerpted from the New York Times

Of course you have to wonder how particular they are about making drip coffee. Are they as particular as these guys who take a "mere" 12 minutes to brew a cup?