A nice article describing Underwriters Laboratory.

A few anecdotes of the folly of union work rules in the auto industry.

Thanks to my siblings-in-law, I'm enjoying a very special treat this Christmas break: 24 8oz bottles of Dublin Dr. Pepper. It's the original Dr. Pepper, made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup. This is the first time I've tasted it. It's sweeter than the usual stuff, especially with respect to the aftertaste. (Despite tasting sweeter, the caloric density is the same (12.5 kcal/oz).) I judge the original Dr. Pepper to be better; I wish it were cheaper and easier to purchase.

An electrical strom above an erupting volcano.

Profitable until deemed illegal. (HT: MR.)