Archive for September 7th, 2023

Loser update update.

Thursday, September 7th, 2023

The NFL regular season starts tonight.

The loser update returns next Tuesday.

Thank you for attending my TED talk.

Posted in Loser, NFL, Sports | 4 Comments »

Obit watch: September 7, 2023.

Thursday, September 7th, 2023

Dr. Ferid Murad, Nobel prize winner.

He shared the prize in 1998 with Dr. Louis J. Ignarro and Dr. Robert F. Furchgott for their work on nitric oxide.

The researchers, working separately but in close communication, pressed ahead, and by the end of the 1980s had established that nitric oxide worked as a sort of signaling agent in the cardiovascular system, similar to hormones or neurotransmitters.
The discovery made possible a wide variety of drugs, most famously Viagra, which facilitates erections by increasing blood flow to the penis. It also saved the lives of countless premature babies, whose underdeveloped lungs needed stimulation, and patients with cardiovascular disease, which restricts blood flow.

Gloria Coates, composer.

Ms. Coates composed 17 symphonies, along with numerous works for small ensembles and voice. In 1999, when she was working on her 11th symphony, the composer and critic Kyle Gann wrote in The New York Times that “Ms. Coates’s symphonies are dark and sensuous, and distinguished by an imaginative use of orchestral glissandos (gradual rather than stepwise changes of pitch, like slow sirens), which culminate powerfully in drawn-out crescendos.”

Gary Wright, musician.

Marcia DeRousse, actress. Other credits include “The Fall Guy” and “St. Elsewhere”.

Giuliano Montaldo, Italian director and writer. IMDB.

From the “not quite an obit” department: Stephen Wolfram on Doug Lenat.

Posted in Geek, Movies, Music, Obits, TV | Comments Closed

Random gun crankery, with a public service announcement.

Thursday, September 7th, 2023

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has opened up round 4 of 1911 pistol purchases. (Previously.)

Even better: with some limitations, you can purchase a second 1911, even if you’ve bought one from the CMP previously. That’s a new twist. There was formerly a lifetime limit of one 1911 per customer.

This might be your last chance to own a chunk of history. I, personally, won’t be buying one this time as I’m not eligible. (I technically got my 1911 this year, which disqualifies me.) But I’d really like to see some of my friends purchase 1911s from CMP, and if you need help navigating the process, I’ll be happy to try to help out.

Orders are being accepted through September 30th, so you’ve got some time.

Hattip: McThag.

Posted in 1911, Guns, History | Comments Closed