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hrynyshyn | November 22, 2011In its latest Greenhouse Gas report, the World Meteorological Organization reminds us again that what really sets Homo sapiens apart from the other animals is an unparalleled talent for procrastination. Brad Johnson of Think Progress summarizes:
... since the global convention in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 at which the nations of the world pledged to prevent dangerous global warming, the intensity of global warming has increased by nearly a third. Most of the increase in pollution has come from the burning of fossil fuels, reaping untold profits for oil and coal magnates at the expense of…
sb admin | November 20, 2011Last week I had a visit from a friend of mine, who was on something of a farewell tour. After several years of planning, he'd packed in his dependable but much-begrudged corporate job, and was setting sail for Asia, to see more of the world. He's already seen much more of the world than most people. Not because he was well connected or rich, but because he made it his life's mission to tour the forgotten, the hidden and the forbidden places of the world. I mention this because if there ever was a man to take life advice from, it is this one, and he put into words something I've been…
gregladen | November 18, 2011If you really, really believe in this whole Einstein and Physics thing you're gonna say "Noez!!!! Nothing can go faster than the speed of light, c, see? So something is wrong with the NEW experiment replicating the results of the earlier experiment TOO. But maybe it is time to OVERTHROE the Physics Conspiracy and Expose the EINSTEINIANS for what they really are: HOAXES.
OK, but seriously ...
By now you've heard about the new experiment designed to re-test the speed of Neutrinos in Europe accounting for some of the things they think went wrong the first time.
One possible problem with the…
gregladen | November 17, 2011Well, obviously it is going to be something about radiation.
Check out my latest post at 10,000 Birds.
gregladen | November 16, 2011Here's the press release:
Mann to receive Hans Oeschger Medal from European Geosciences Union
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Michael Mann, professor of meteorology and geosciences and director, Earth System Science Center, Penn State, was awarded the Hans Oeschger Medal of the European Geosciences Union.
The medal was established in 2001 in recognition of the scientific achievements of Hans Oeschger to honor outstanding scientists whose work is related to climate: past, present and future.
Mann's research involves the use of theoretical models and observational data to better understand Earth's…
gregladen | November 16, 2011In case you want to know more about my nephew, LeRoy Bell, who is a contestant in the Top Ten on the XFactor USA show, and who will be performing TONIGHT (and you can VOTE!!!), check out this really nice write up on The Root: 'X Factor' Crooner Is 'Livin' It Up' - LeRoy Bell, 60, who once hit it big with a disco favorite, has a second chance at fame.
It is a good article, but I want to correct one small item: TaRessa Stovall notes that LeRoy has an "advantage" on the talent show because of his professional background. That is true, but many of the "Over 30" singers on the show have…
catdynamics | November 15, 2011Congress is moving on 2012 appropriations, and the Science agency "minibus" bill has reported out of conference...
So, fiscal 2012 started last month, and funding is currently under a short term "continuing resolution" through friday.
Three of the appropriation bills the House and Senate had worked on were combined into a "minibus" bill (as opposed to an omnibus bill of all appropriations), and the differences between the Senate and House versions were hammered out in conference over the last week.
Yesterday the conference report came out, and supposedly will be voted on thursday.
The bill…
gregladen | November 15, 2011Strapped to a jet-powered wing, Yves Rossy is the Jetman -- flying free, his body as the rudder, above the Swiss Alps and the Grand Canyon. After a powerful short film shows how it works, Rossy takes the TEDGlobal stage to share the experience and thrill of flying.
gregladen | November 15, 2011In what almost seems like a coordinated events, Occupy Wallstreet activites are being shut down across the country, with the big news being a rather violent raid on Zuccotti park this morning. This is promising to be an intense week for the Occupy movement, with Thursday having been slated as a day of major protest. Details of the NY raid here.
gregladen | November 14, 2011With the end of the 'Harry Potter' film franchise and 'The Stand' no longer on his plate, director David Yates has revealed that his next project is a full length feature film of the long running British show 'Doctor Who.'*
I would have thought there were already people on this, but I guess not.
So, here's the crucial question? Who? (Would play The Doctor?)
hrynyshyn | November 14, 2011This video was just shown to Congressional briefing in Washington, D.C. It is the end result of the BEST review of global temperature records.
gregladen | November 14, 2011I have only one Salman Rushdie story, so I'll tell it quick then point you to something you've GOT to see.
I had a friend and office mate in graduate school who came in one day all gloating and stuff because she had copped tickets to at Susan Sontag talk to be held in few days at MIT. These were hard to get tickets but she had a friend who couldn't go or something. She gloated on and off for the next few days and finally there was the talk, and then there was the morning after the talk.
So that morning she comes into the lab and starts making her coffee.
"How was the talk," I inquired.…
gregladen | November 14, 2011A friend of mine who is an excellent writer and critic, fellow blogger and social scientist, is trying to make ends meet by enhancing sales at the family business. Distracted by other things, I didn't know about this until this morning.
Welcome to Howling Pig, the uncommon soap company for uncommon people.
Our soaps (and stuff) are for those who know that life is not just about getting by, soap is not just about getting clean, and smelling good is the best revenge.
Each of our scents is unique, evocative, and memorable, created with passion to engage your senses and inspire your soul.
We…
gregladen | November 14, 2011Bug Girl's Talk fresh off the conference circuit:
Context, comments, more, here.