Image via Wikipedia Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist. It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the universe [...]
Archive for the ‘science’ Category
Science quote of the day
Posted: 3rd September 2010 by Brant in scienceTags: physics, religion, Stephen Hawking
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Drinkers live longer
Posted: 30th August 2010 by Brant in culture, scienceTags: Alcohol, Alcoholic beverage, health, Mood
There is no doubt about it. Drinkers live longer than non-drinkers. Even though heavy drinking is associated with higher risk for cirrhosis and several types of cancer (particularly cancers in the mouth and esophagus), heavy drinkers are less likely to die than people who have never drunk. One important reason is that alcohol lubricates so [...]
A great article from the current New Yorker. Elizabeth Kolbert on the rapid demise of fish in our oceans due to over-fishing. If the Atlantic bluefin tuna were the first species to be fished into oblivion, its destruction would be shameful. But, of course, its story has become routine. Cod, once so plentiful off the [...]
… are a very bad mix. Especially for the bears. (via The Awl) Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
BP triggers the end of world? (updated)
Posted: 9th July 2010 by Brant in biz, scienceTags: BP, disaster, environment, oil spill
I have no reason to believe that this scenario is likely to occur. Ominous reports are leaking past the BP Gulf salvage operation news blackout that the disaster unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico may be about to reach biblical proportions. 251 million years ago a mammoth undersea methane bubble caused massive explosions, poisoned the [...]
Breakthrough in AIDS research
Posted: 8th July 2010 by Brant in culture, scienceTags: AIDS, health, medicine, science
Big news today on the AIDS vaccine front.
I first of the so-called “pine mouth” phenomenon a few weeks ago. Pretty sad if true in that I love pine nuts. Now it seems to be everywhere, including this story from this morning’s Morning Edition from NPR.
Nukes in space
Posted: 5th July 2010 by Brant in politics, science, tech, warTags: environment, Nuclear bombs, science
The ultimate July 4th fireworks. The full story is here.
Is the spill unstoppable?
Posted: 16th June 2010 by Brant in politics, scienceTags: BP, environment, oil spill
A commenter at The Oil Drum argues that the BP spill may be unstoppable. The site caters to those knowledgable about oilfield geology, drilling and related issues and the poster seems to know what he is talking about. If he is correct, this could be the worst case scenario imaginable. Read the post and be [...]
I have been for this approach for some time now. The most likely way to stop the oil leak is to use an explosion to seal the well. And a small nuclear device may be the best way to do this. Fuse the rock into glass and be done with it. (via The Big Picture)
A (very) bad day for Jesus (updated)
Posted: 16th June 2010 by Brant in culture, scienceTags: environment, religion
Apparently, a lightning strike destroyed a 60 ft tall statue of Jesus. The faithful of Ohio were left contemplating a message from above this week after a bolt of lightning hit a 60 foot high statue of Jesus, reducing it to a smouldering steel skeleton. The King of Kings statue at the Solid Rock Church [...]
Fishgrease: Part III
Posted: 14th June 2010 by Brant in biz, politics, scienceTags: BP, environment, Fishgrease, oil spill
Yes, Fishgrease is back at Daily Kos. This drilling industry insider knows whereof he speaks. And he speaks directly. His latest missive focuses on the executive team at BP, making them pay, and the rank-and-file BP employees. Excerpt: These assholes [BP execs] have destroyed the Gulf of Mexico and are in the process of destroying [...]
NYT on the Singularity (updated)
Posted: 13th June 2010 by Brant in culture, science, techTags: environment, healthcare, religion, Singularity, tech
The New York Times has published a story outlining the current state of the Singularity and thinking about the Singularity. Worth a read. Oh, here, from the article, is a short-hand description of the Singularity in case you are unfamiliar with the term in this context. [The Singularity is] a time, possibly just a couple [...]
Oil spill dashboard
Posted: 12th June 2010 by Brant in biz, politics, scienceTags: BP, environment, oil spill
How many birds, sea turtles and marine mammals have been found dead as a result of the BP spill? Now there is a scoreboard, updated daily and based on information taken directly from US Fish and Wildlife Reports. Also, you can get more official data at the Deepwater Horizon Response website operated by the Unified Command.
A great explanation of the differing views of time and its passage in different individuals and cultures. (via BoingBoing)