Thursday, August 07, 2003
Forgot to mention, I wrote a python script last night to turn a fasta file (genome data) into a midi music file, mapping G to G3, C to C3, A to A2, and T to F3. Trying with different General Midi instruments, so far Pan Flute sounds the best, but I'm not really happy with it. And I'd really rather write directly to the Midi device rather than have to convert these huge files, but I don't know enough about that.
The music? Predictably boring; after all, how much variation can you get with 4 notes as your pallette? Interesting nonetheless; might be good falling-asleep music.
posted by John Otis Comeau 2:18 PM
Restroom design. Why is it that almost nobody gets it right?
Airport architects are the best. No doors at all, just make 2 90-degree turns and you're in. The library at BCC is OK too, since you pull the doors to enter and push to leave. Why does this make a difference? Anybody who's ever worked in the healthcare industry (I was A/C mechanic at a nursing home once) has seen the film that shows people handling things, and it shows microbes as if they were visible (and in the film they look like shit - no kidding! That's how it gets its message across so well) - the point is that after doing your business in the restroom, and washing up, you don't want to get someone else's fecal matter or any other nasties on your hands.
Without doors, you don't need paper towels, you can use those blow-dry units and help save the environment. But when there are doors that open inwards as you leave, you need to use a paper towel to protect yourself from the doorhandle. And then so many places have those trashcans with the hinged lid that you need to hold open with one hand while you drop your trash in with the other - no good! That's why you see paper towels all over the floor in that kind of restroom; people open the door, then throw their towel in the general vicinity of the trashcan. This is happening everywhere, yet nobody gets the hint and leaves the silly cover off and moves the can closer to the door.
Some of my otherwise favorite places are the worst in this regard: Einstein Brothers near University and Pines; Hops at Pembroke Lakes Mall; Barnes and Noble bookstore across the street from Hops; and Chauncy's Pub and Grub on Pines just east of University, all in Pembroke Pines.
Well, enough ranting for now. But before you pick up that hamburger again: do you remember where your hands have been since you washed them?
posted by John Otis Comeau 2:04 PM
