The Science Network Gone Pecan - A Way with Words, public radio's lively language show How did the word gay go from meaning lighthearted to homosexual? Also, why are elementary schools sometimes called grammar schools? Plus, imeldific, gone pecan, random Scrabble words, and the difference between borrow and lend. And the etiquette of striking up conversations with strangers in English pubs: Whatever you do, don’t introduce yourself or try to shake hands. This episode first aired October 6, 2012. Download the MP3. HaverelWhen you’re playing Scrabble or Words with Friends, do you ever try random letters and hope they stick? Grammar SchoolWhy are elementary schools sometimes called grammar schools? Plural of CyclopsWhat’s the plural of cyclops? ImeldificIf something’s gaudy and excessive, Filipinos might call it imeldific. Borrow vs. Fill-in-the-Blank Word PuzzleQuiz Guy John Chaneski has a puzzle called “I Don’t Think So, M-W.” Does Please Make a Request Optional? Changing Meanings of GayHow did the word gay come to mean both “lighthearted” and “homosexual”?
The Current from Minnesota Public Radio Windows Music and the Brain (Podcasts) About Music and the Brain The Library's Music and the Brain events offer lectures, conversations and symposia about the explosion of new research at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and music. Project chair Kay Redfield Jamison convenes scientists and scholars, composers, performers, theorists, physicians, psychologists, and other experts at the Library for a compelling 2-year series, with generous support from the Dana Foundation. Concerts from the Library of Congress: Music and The Brain. Visit the Performing Arts Encyclopedia Subscribe via iTunes Music and the Brain Podcasts Title: The Future of Music Speaker: Tod Machover Date: May 23, 2011 Running Time: 27:58 minutes Listen to Podcast Title: Music Therapy, Alzheimer's and Post-Traumatic Stress Speaker: Dr. Listen to Podcast Title: Music Therapy, Alzheimer's and Post-Traumatic Stress Speaker: Alicia Clair Date: February 15, 2011 Running Time: 17:55 minutes Listen to Podcast Listen to Podcast Listen to Podcast Listen to Podcast
Alien DAC - Overview The design goal of the Alien DAC project is to create a simple USB DAC based on Texas Instruments PCM2702 chip. You may consider this project if you are looking to build your own USB soundcard to upgrade your onboard sound. The project is also a good introduction to DIY SMD soldering and DACs. The main features are: Works on any OS supporting USB streaming audio: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.Board size: 45.4mm x 50.5mm - fits Hammond 1455C enclosure.4 distinct powering options. Design Current Status Alien DAC v1.1 PCB Group Buy at head-fi.org is now open. History The initial design specs were to supply power from a small, light battery pack consisting of 2 x NiMH cells fed through a small switching DC-DC converter to provide an unregulated 5.3V output (Maxim MAX1722). Revision A brought a few improvements: The power supply stage was revised to allow powering straight from the USB plug. Revision B started as a simple modification of the board. MAX1722 was replaced with TPS6734 and LM317. Links