More tools robots can use, and a random note about the latest Harry Potter(TM) related scandal. Continue reading The world is getting too strange II
Monthly Archives: November 2007
The world is getting too strange
… even for me. The robots are going to take over, and the Death Ray is going to become a reality any day now… Continue reading The world is getting too strange
Linux Stuff
A little news, a couple of tips. Continue reading Linux Stuff
OMG It’s So Cute!
I like to report advanced technology that runs open source systems, like LInux.From Manufactum of Germany, we have a two pound PC, running Linux, of course, just over seven inches maximum dimension. It runs at 500 MHz, can handle a gig of RAM (default 512 MB) and an 80 gig hard drive. It is pre-loaded with Debian with KDE as your desktop. That part is totally configurable, of course.Imagine replacing all the computers in your lab with something the size of a Tom Clancy novel. That would leave piles of room for, say, a bigger fridge in which you can store samples. And beer.
It starts with the roaches…
… then, who knows what next?
Scientists use robotic bugs to change cockroach behavior from PhysOrg.com
Roach-sized robots that scientists introduced into real roach colonies were able to change the bugs’ group behavior, a study released Thursday found.[…]
Nature and Nurture
All of the following stories have one thing in common: They relate to the Nature-Nurture issue. Continue reading Nature and Nurture
Planning on ever having an illness?
“Too bad for you…” says President George Bush. Continue reading Planning on ever having an illness?
Sidr: All bets are off
Look at this. See, mangrove swamps don’t slow you down. Sidr has been over “land” for hours and it is still a Cat-3 storm. And heading for much more populated areas.
Look Who’s Not Talking Now
Disturbing news regarding the San Fran Bay oil spill from the New York Times: Continue reading Look Who’s Not Talking Now
New Dino
I wish I had time right now to explore this, but you don’t need me when you have A Blog Around the Clock covering it so fully. Go read about the cool new (old) dinosaur.
John Doerr: Seeking salvation and profit in greentech
The Eye of Sidr
The Eye of Sidr has crossed the coast as expected. Continue reading The Eye of Sidr
Crocs Afar
Repost from gregladen.comOne day, about six thousand years ago (or more like 15 thousand … the timing of this is disputed) a volcano in the vicinity of Mwea, Uganda blasted a huge volume of stuff into the air, covering the surrounding landscape and choking off most of the life forms living in a nearby lake. (A very nearby lake … the current configuration of the lake suggests that the volcano may have actually been beneath the lake at the time of the eruption). Continue reading Crocs Afar
Sidr Information Links
Storm Tracking on the Weather UndergroundCheck the most current post on Chris Mooney’s site. Jeff Master’s Blog at Weather Underground (Comprehensive information posted at least daily)A blog from BangladeshOther Science Blogers and Commentaries:A Blog Around the ClockPharyngulaNews: Bangladesh News (the site is currently down…)News: Daily StarNews: BBCNews: Al JazeeraNews: CNN
Sidr (updated)
The deadliest cyclone ever is said to have been the 1970 Bhola cyclone in Bangladesh. Perhaps a half million people died in that storm. That would be more than the number who died in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.The Bhola Cyclone was a category 3 storm. Cyclone Sidr, now bearing down on the Bangladesh coast, is probably a Category 5 storm, possibly a strong Category 5. The population of Bangladesh has approximately doubled since 1970. This could potentially add up to a potentially very serious disaster. However, the latest word from Chris Mooney is that the storm is doing most of its damage to a mangrove swamp area.Keep in mind also that this area is the home of the rare Bengal tiger.There is this on CNN.The current sattelite view: Continue reading Sidr (updated)