Andrew Patrick

Is exceptional intelligence inherited or acquired during development? It is obviously not one or the other, but a combination of the two. But what is the relative contribution of nature and nurture? And does it work the same in geniuses as it is in people of normal intelligence? Here is an article describing research that suggests that genetics plays a large role in exceptional intelligence, just as it does in normal intelligence.

The influence of genes on exceptional mental ability

A new “mega-analysis” of 11,000 twin pairs, aged between 6 and 71, has helped to plug that gap. The results suggest that genes exert a significant influence on exceptional cognitive ability, similar in magnitude to their influence on the normal range of intelligence. The findings challenge versions of the “discontinuity hypothesis” – the idea that the relative contribution of nature and nurture changes for exceptional ability.

Here is an interesting article from Network World. Brian Brushwood describes four simple techniques that can be used to get people to do what you want: (1) confidence and control; (2) give something away; (3) use humor; (4) make a request and give a reason.

Mind Games: How Social Engineers Win Your Confidence

Social engineering and mind games expert Brian Brushwood has not come by his knowledge in the traditional manner of school or business training. Brushwood is the host of the Internet video series Scam School, a show he describes as dedicated to social engineering in the bar and on the street.

In addition to his passion for teaching people about social engineering cons, Brushwood is also a touring magician who frequently performs on college campuses and has appeared on the Tonight Show. He first became interested in social engineering years ago as a means to enhance his performance and pull off secret moves successfully. Brushwood said his understanding and use of the term social engineering goes beyond the security industry perception.

Most introductory Psychology classes include the story of Phineas Gage, an unfortunate fellow who suffered a severe brain injury and survived, but his personality was profoundly changed. Well, it seems that a photograph of Gage has been found

First ever photo of Phineas Gage is discovered

A pair of photograph collectors in Maryland, USA, have uncovered what they believe to be the first and only ever photographic record of Phineas Gage – the railway worker who survived an iron tamping rod passing straight through the front of his brain, following an explosives accident in 1848.

The story of Gage and the effects of his injury on his behaviour and personality have become one of the most famous case studies in the history of psychology, inspiring plays, books and songs.

I have to admit that I am the one in the house that can find most anything that is lost, but I never thought of it as a geek thing…

Top 10 Endearing Habits of a Geeky Spouse | GeekDad | Wired.com

What is it about us geeks that makes us such great catches for non-geeks? It’s easy to see how geeks would find partners within the world of geekdom, provided they had compatible geek interests. But many of us have managed to find spouses or significant others who are if not completely “normal,” then at least significantly less geeky than ourselves.

Here is an interesting article from the CBC summarising the issues discussed during the recent CRTC hearings on network neutrality. The CRTC is being asked to consider a number of related issues, including P2P throttling, network management, and competition between wholesale providers and retail ISPs that depend on them. Apparently, the results are to be announced in November.

CRTC to decide on new rules for internet service providers

Should internet service providers be allowed to selectively slow down certain applications when the internet is congested? If they do, how much should they be required to tell their customers?

Those are two of the questions that Canada’s internet regulator must answer in the coming months.

The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission held hearings from July 6 to 14 on internet traffic management in an effort to determine whether it should set guidelines specifying how ISPs are allowed to manage internet traffic and congestion and if so, what those guidelines should be.

A must-see attraction for ultra-geeks visiting Silicon Valley is the Computer History Museum.

Two notable reactions: it is amazing how much computing technology has changed in such a short time; and it was amazing (and perhaps sad) how many of these old computers I have used.

This is one museum where your kids would be bored silly, but old geeks will be happy.

Computer History Museum

SOUPS 2009 is underway in lovely Southern California. Google is hosting the conference this year.

SOUPS is the major conference in the field defined by the intersection of usability and security. The conference includes two tutorials, which took place yesterday, 15 technical research papers, a panel, break-out discussion sessions, and a keynote address.

Check out the conference program at the web site:

SOUPS – Symposium On Usable Privacy and Security