the rats of NIMH

I haven't seen it mentioned elsewhere yet, but researchers have boosted the "intelligence" of mice by increasing the growth of their hippocampus. These engineered mice made better choices by improving their discrimination between similar situations, in effect "learning" more effectively.

http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/37288/?p1=MstRcnt&a=f

daydreams

If I had money (or a husband with minimalist ideals like mine) I think I found a very good project this morning.  If it cost only the actual dollar values quoted below, I can actually afford it all right now with $400 left over afterwards in my bank account.  But then there are sale taxes, recurring property taxes, plumbing/electricity to install, etc.  :(

1) Buy this empty lot of 0.17 acres in Minneapolis, closer to where I work than I am now.  The auction starts at US$4000, but I'm sure prices will escalate quickly.

2a) Buy a prefab minimalist house, or
2b) Buy a used 20' shipping container for US$2400 then build it up with an exoskeleton shell (for extra insulation and improved appearance).

Afterwards, use the big ol' land space for gardening.  Sell excess food.  Sell seedlings in springtime to local residents for their own gardens.  I drove by the lot this morning.  It's a corner spot on Lyndale (busy avenue) and 24th.  Large and flat.  It would be great for growing food.

That's what I want.  *sigh*  I wish I had a clue how to make it happen.