everyone's New Writeups

poka-yoke (idea)

2010-01-03T03:42:11Z

'Poka-yoke' is a Japanese term that refers to anything that helps prevent mistakes. It is a combination of the words yokeru meaning 'avoid' and poka meaning 'mistakes'. It is pronounced 'poka yokay'. (IPA /poka joke/)

The term was invented the industrial engineer Shigeo Shingo for the Toyota Production System. It is most commonly used in manufacturing, but has spread to other areas of life.

The concept was originally named 'baka-yoke' ("idiot-proofing"), and sometimes still appears in this form.

Automotive (idea)

2010-01-03T03:24:02Z

Having to do with automobiles. Refers to things related to motor vehicles, particularly cars, trucks, and internal combustion engines.

More generally, 'automotive' refers to something that can move itself; literally meaning "self-moving".

Nod off (idea)

2010-01-03T03:09:04Z

To 'nod off' is to fall asleep or doze, especially briefly and especially in a sitting position. It tends to imply that a person did not intend to fall asleep, but was overcome with drowsiness.

Basal cell nevus syndrome (thing)

2008-01-11T14:30:12Z

Sometimes referred to as Gorlin's disease, basal cell nevus syndrome is an extremely rare genetic condition which affects the skin, eyes, bones, and endocrine system. Its primary effect is basal cell carcinoma when the patient nears puberty, tumors (primarily the brain), and various forms of cystosis such as cysts in the jaw or inner ear. The disease is serious but not life-threatening, and can be treated. Its incidence is about 1 in every 60,000 persons.

The disease is autosomal - only one parent needs to pass on the gene to affect the child. Patients with the disease generally display larger foreheads, a heavy brow ridge, protruding jaw, and generally a wider face than normal. They may suffer from hydrocephalus, epilepsy, brain tumors, scoliosis, and numerous skeletal abnormalities. Because of its debilitating effect on bone growth, spontaneous fractures and growth deformities are common. In some cases, cataracts, blindness,…

Thyreophora (thing)

2008-01-10T15:07:18Z

These would be the tanks.

Thyreophora is the suborder of dinosaurs (order: Ornithischia) that includes Stegosaurus and Anklyosaurus. Its name comes from the Greek meaning "shield bearing", and that pretty much describes the group's chief characteristics: bony armor from head to tail ensured maximum protection and defense for the group. They existed primarily during the Jurassic and Cretacious periods.

Despite their warlike look and spiky countenances, members of the Thereophora clade were herbivorous. They generally had low centers of gravity (relatively speaking) and walked on four legs. They exhibited herdlike tendencies, and are generally seen as ancestors of the modern ungulates such as the cow and pig. They are also a sister group to the Cerapods, the group including Hadrosaurs and Triceratops.

Colbronde (person)

2008-01-09T00:17:21Z

In old English legend, Colbronde (or Colbrand) was a Danish giant who hounded the English people and collected tribute who was subsequently killed by Sir Guy of Warwick. Whether or not Colbronde actually existed, the symbolism and veneration of the fight in English folklore suggests that the battle between Guy and the giant was based on an actual historical event of some sort.

In Chaucer's poem, he is described as being so mighty and large with his armor on that no horse can carry him, and he marches onto the field on foot to square off against Guy. He strikes Guy so hard he breaks his shield, but Guy returns with his own pounding blow, cracking open the giant's armor at the shoulder and driving his sword into his chest. Even in his dying throes, Colbronde again strikes out against Guy, but the legendary swordsman takes the blow on his helmet and then finishes the job.

Colbronde (along with his killer) also…