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Friday Science Fun Stack
Author: BobR
Date: 11/05/2010 04:20:11
It's been a long ugly campaign this year, and I'm sure I'm not the only one that's a little burned out on the political battles. There will be plenty to come when Congress gets back in session, and even more next year when the new Congress gets under way. For now, though, I'd like to indulge in a Friday Science Fun Stack.
One of the most fascinating things I've seen in a while is a photo of comet Hartley 2. NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft flew within 435 miles of it and took pictures:
It's simply amazing that we can get photos like that, especially from a spacecraft that already fullfilled its mission 5 years ago. This one was bonus.
Also somewhat space related, but closer to home is the Holy Grail of home enertainment: projected 3D. It's interesting how popular science fiction can drive consumer products (think Star Trek and doors that open automatically and cell phones that flip open like the communicators on the show). The projected hologram of Princess Leia on Star Wars is the inspiration for new technology that some research scientists are working on:
There's still some details to work out, but you might want to hold off on buying that new 3D flatscreen that requires you to wear glasses.
Naturally, not all technological advances are fun and cool. Some just make you wonder whatever happened to privacy. Cisco, who makes a lot of the high-end high-tech stuff on which the internet runs has created software to allow companies to "mine" social networks like FaceBook and Twitter and spy on employees and even potential customers:
Naturally, Big Business isn't going to be the only one poking around. It's a given that the government is going to do it too. In fact, the Pennsylvania Dept. of Homeland Security was doing a Big Brother on its residents' tweets:
Wait a minute - Quakers tweet? Oh right - they're not the Amish. Anyway...
How long before 1984 becomes a reality? We might be closer than we think. And here I said this wasn't going to be political...
One of the most fascinating things I've seen in a while is a photo of comet Hartley 2. NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft flew within 435 miles of it and took pictures:
It's simply amazing that we can get photos like that, especially from a spacecraft that already fullfilled its mission 5 years ago. This one was bonus.
Also somewhat space related, but closer to home is the Holy Grail of home enertainment: projected 3D. It's interesting how popular science fiction can drive consumer products (think Star Trek and doors that open automatically and cell phones that flip open like the communicators on the show). The projected hologram of Princess Leia on Star Wars is the inspiration for new technology that some research scientists are working on:
Scientists say they have taken a big step toward displaying live video in three dimensions — a technology far beyond 3-D movies and more like the "Star Wars" scene where a ghostly Princess Leia image pleads, "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
In that classic movie, the audience sees her back before a new camera perspective shows her face. Such a wraparound view of a moving image was just movie-trick fantasy in the 1977 film, but now?
"It is actually very, very close to reality. We have demonstrated the concept that it works. It's no longer something that is science fiction," said Nasser Peyghambarian of the University of Arizona.
There's still some details to work out, but you might want to hold off on buying that new 3D flatscreen that requires you to wear glasses.
Naturally, not all technological advances are fun and cool. Some just make you wonder whatever happened to privacy. Cisco, who makes a lot of the high-end high-tech stuff on which the internet runs has created software to allow companies to "mine" social networks like FaceBook and Twitter and spy on employees and even potential customers:
Now, it seems, you have nowhere to hide.
New software released by Cisco Systems Inc. on Wednesday makes it much easier for banks, retailers, and other businesses -- including your employer -- to monitor the mountain of data on social networking websites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Naturally, Big Business isn't going to be the only one poking around. It's a given that the government is going to do it too. In fact, the Pennsylvania Dept. of Homeland Security was doing a Big Brother on its residents' tweets:
Emails recently released from a Right-To-Know request show that the Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security monitored the twitter activity of law-abiding citizens.
The emails, obtained by the website PARevolution.com, show that a private firm used twitter to collect intelligence on anti-war protests as a part of their contract with the department.
Institute of Terrorism Research and Response (ITRR) monitored the activities of the Berks Peace Community, a group of Quaker-affiliated senior citizens, who routinely meet on the Penn State Bridge in Reading to protest America's "war habit."
Wait a minute - Quakers tweet? Oh right - they're not the Amish. Anyway...
How long before 1984 becomes a reality? We might be closer than we think. And here I said this wasn't going to be political...
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 11/05/2010 12:22:34
wickedpam on 11/05/2010 12:22:34
Morning 
With TV's practically taking up whole walls and people losing themselves in them, I've been saying its more like Farenheit 451 for a few years now.
The whole 3D thing sounds cool but I have yet to see these new 3D movies, though I do lookforward to someday going to the holodeck for a little getaway
With TV's practically taking up whole walls and people losing themselves in them, I've been saying its more like Farenheit 451 for a few years now.
The whole 3D thing sounds cool but I have yet to see these new 3D movies, though I do lookforward to someday going to the holodeck for a little getaway
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2010 13:14:16
wickedpam on 11/05/2010 13:14:16
Hey I forgot its Guy Fawkes day in the UK
Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...
Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...
Comment by 
BobR on 11/05/2010 13:30:03
Nice!
Making this my facebook status
BobR on 11/05/2010 13:30:03
Quote by wickedpam:
Hey I forgot its Guy Fawkes day in the UK
Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...
Nice!
Making this my facebook status
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2010 13:31:08
wickedpam on 11/05/2010 13:31:08
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
Hey I forgot its Guy Fawkes day in the UK
Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...
Nice!
Making this my facebook status
Comment by 
Raine on 11/05/2010 13:57:37
Raine on 11/05/2010 13:57:37
Good Morning 
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2010 13:58:26
wickedpam on 11/05/2010 13:58:26
weird, I just got a call from my bank just to see how I was doing, did I still like the service and did I want to redo my loan to a lower rate 
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 14:00:44
Raine on 11/05/2010 14:00:44
So, Patty Murray Won in Califortnia!
Comment by 
Scoopster on 11/05/2010 14:16:38
Scoopster on 11/05/2010 14:16:38
Morning all & Happy Fridee.. 
I recently got word that my bank (Citizens) is now charging monthly for their "Green Checking" accounts, but only if you make under five transactions a month. That's kinda stupid, since I don't know anyone who has a debit card that uses it less than five times a WEEK.
Quote by wickedpam:
weird, I just got a call from my bank just to see how I was doing, did I still like the service and did I want to redo my loan to a lower rate
I recently got word that my bank (Citizens) is now charging monthly for their "Green Checking" accounts, but only if you make under five transactions a month. That's kinda stupid, since I don't know anyone who has a debit card that uses it less than five times a WEEK.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 14:16:53
Raine on 11/05/2010 14:16:53
Mark Penn is an idiot.
PENN: President Clinton reconnected with Oklahoma. And the President right now he seems removed. And it wasn’t until that speech that he really clicked with the American people. Obama needs a similar kind of, yeah.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 14:27:42
Raine on 11/05/2010 14:27:42
There has been a shooting At the NASA Complex in Ohio. 
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 14:28:54
Raine on 11/05/2010 14:28:54
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2010 14:30:41
hey, I still don't even have a debit card. I did read something recent that banks are gonna try and get ride or free checking in general, esp if you still use actual checks
wickedpam on 11/05/2010 14:30:41
Quote by Scoopster:
Morning all & Happy Fridee..Quote by wickedpam:
weird, I just got a call from my bank just to see how I was doing, did I still like the service and did I want to redo my loan to a lower rate
I recently got word that my bank (Citizens) is now charging monthly for their "Green Checking" accounts, but only if you make under five transactions a month. That's kinda stupid, since I don't know anyone who has a debit card that uses it less than five times a WEEK.
hey, I still don't even have a debit card. I did read something recent that banks are gonna try and get ride or free checking in general, esp if you still use actual checks
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2010 15:01:42
wickedpam on 11/05/2010 15:01:42
just another reason why CHer is awesome 
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 15:04:32
Raine on 11/05/2010 15:04:32
NASA Actually said all Clear in Ohio.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 15:47:15
Raine on 11/05/2010 15:47:15
I finally made an appointment with the Podiatrist.
Comment by 
livingonli on 11/05/2010 15:48:35
livingonli on 11/05/2010 15:48:35
Good morning everyone.
I can use my bank card as either a debit or a credit card as long as there are funds in my account.
I can use my bank card as either a debit or a credit card as long as there are funds in my account.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 15:49:19
Raine on 11/05/2010 15:49:19
YEAH! You tell 'em Momma!!! 
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 15:51:37
Raine on 11/05/2010 15:51:37
Let me repost something I read over at DU (and I think it is pertinant to the conversation they are having on the show:
Lots of GOP psyops going on.....
"we need to primary this President"
(designed to get Dems fighting with each other)
"Obama going to bring Hillary on as veep for '12"
(restart the primary wars, make Obama look weak)
"Obama bringing 34 war ships to India with him" (clearly false story meant to paint Obama as out of touch right after election)
"Obama to fire Geithner" (raise hopes so when it doesnt happen, liberals get disappointed)
"I'm moving to Canada" (meant to show liberals that it's no use, we should just give up)
"An apology to Hillary suppporters" (meant to show that Obama supporters have buyer's remorse, and you should too)
"Should progressives give up on politics?" (we should just guive up, it is hopeless)
There are many more examples. At conservative "shadow" sites that watch DU and other liberal sites, these are the tactics THEY are talking about. These are the kind of things they try on sites like ours to dishearten liberals.
Basically, any post that sounds defeatist and over the top in its despair and "giving up" should be taken with a grain of salt.
We're all disappointed in the election.... But some of the outlandish woe-is-me-ism that is going on is too contrived.
Plus... I monitor these shadow sites.... They're laughing at all the silly "Grayson in 2012!!" stuff and congratulating each other on the F.U.D. they're spreading on liberal sites (fear, uncertainty, and doubt)
Not ALL of it is GOP psyops, some of it is legitimate spinelessness and defeatism.
But in either case, don't succumb to it.
Comment by livingonli on 11/05/2010 15:59:57
livingonli on 11/05/2010 15:59:57
I like the segment Rachel Maddow did on the lies that right-wing media tells and how most right-wingers buy the lies because they only get their information from right-wing media (Fox News, right-wing talk radio). How many things coming from the right can be debunked by Snopes or Politifact?
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 16:03:05
This is awesome. I have and always will love Cher.
Raine on 11/05/2010 16:03:05
Quote by wickedpam:
just another reason why CHer is awesome
This is awesome. I have and always will love Cher.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 16:10:50
Pretty much all of them, but try telling that to the people who actually believe the lies.
Raine on 11/05/2010 16:10:50
Quote by livingonli:
I like the segment Rachel Maddow did on the lies that right-wing media tells and how most right-wingers buy the lies because they only get their information from right-wing media (Fox News, right-wing talk radio). How many things coming from the right can be debunked by Snopes or Politifact?
Pretty much all of them, but try telling that to the people who actually believe the lies.
Comment by BobR on 11/05/2010 16:11:01
The sad thing is seeing Progs parroting these RW talking points as if they are Prog talking points.
BobR on 11/05/2010 16:11:01
Quote by Raine:
Let me repost something I read over at DU (and I think it is pertinant to the conversation they are having on the show:Lots of GOP psyops going on.....
"we need to primary this President"
(designed to get Dems fighting with each other)
"Obama going to bring Hillary on as veep for '12"
(restart the primary wars, make Obama look weak)
"Obama bringing 34 war ships to India with him" (clearly false story meant to paint Obama as out of touch right after election)
"Obama to fire Geithner" (raise hopes so when it doesnt happen, liberals get disappointed)
"I'm moving to Canada" (meant to show liberals that it's no use, we should just give up)
"An apology to Hillary suppporters" (meant to show that Obama supporters have buyer's remorse, and you should too)
"Should progressives give up on politics?" (we should just guive up, it is hopeless)
There are many more examples. At conservative "shadow" sites that watch DU and other liberal sites, these are the tactics THEY are talking about. These are the kind of things they try on sites like ours to dishearten liberals.
Basically, any post that sounds defeatist and over the top in its despair and "giving up" should be taken with a grain of salt.
We're all disappointed in the election.... But some of the outlandish woe-is-me-ism that is going on is too contrived.
Plus... I monitor these shadow sites.... They're laughing at all the silly "Grayson in 2012!!" stuff and congratulating each other on the F.U.D. they're spreading on liberal sites (fear, uncertainty, and doubt)
Not ALL of it is GOP psyops, some of it is legitimate spinelessness and defeatism.
But in either case, don't succumb to it.
The sad thing is seeing Progs parroting these RW talking points as if they are Prog talking points.
Comment by 
TriSec on 11/05/2010 16:16:05
TriSec on 11/05/2010 16:16:05
Thpth.
Hi everyone. Just waiting for the Repugs to finish eviscerating society now.
I can fish. I suppose I *could* move to Canada.
Hi everyone. Just waiting for the Repugs to finish eviscerating society now.
I can fish. I suppose I *could* move to Canada.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 16:26:30
Psst, you mean Washington. B-Box won in Cali. :)
Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 16:26:30
Quote by Raine:
So, Patty Murray Won in Califortnia!
Psst, you mean Washington. B-Box won in Cali. :)
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 16:29:24
Yeah and the London fire brigade is on strike today. Seems they don't much like the cuts that the Tory-LibDem coalition is proposing.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 16:29:24
Quote by wickedpam:
Hey I forgot its Guy Fawkes day in the UK
Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...
Yeah and the London fire brigade is on strike today. Seems they don't much like the cuts that the Tory-LibDem coalition is proposing.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 16:31:31
oopsie!
I was thinking Washington and Typed California. Thanks for the correction.
Raine on 11/05/2010 16:31:31
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
So, Patty Murray Won in Califortnia!
Psst, you mean Washington. B-Box won in Cali. :)
oopsie!
I was thinking Washington and Typed California. Thanks for the correction.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 16:32:14
Exactly. That is EXACTLY the point.
Raine on 11/05/2010 16:32:14
Quote by BobR:
The sad thing is seeing Progs parroting these RW talking points as if they are Prog talking points.
Exactly. That is EXACTLY the point.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/05/2010 16:33:11
wickedpam on 11/05/2010 16:33:11
I like this better - Randi read it on Air a long time ago and it just stuck with me...
I am not leaving!
Please hear what I said,
I am not leaving!
I'm staying where I'm at, thank-you very much.
And as long as I stand upon her soil,
She will be my land of the free.
As long as I believe what I believe,
You will see the meaning of brave!
I will not under threat of tyranny or mob,
Toss the place that I love in the ashen pile of lost causes,
And walk quietly into a meaningless mist!
No, I will stay, and you will listen.
You will not lecture me about values!
You will not receive the exclusive rights to my morality!
Please hear what I said.
For where ever I stand upon her soil,
I am the deep well of my beloved country's finest values and highest morals:
Fairness, compassion, wisdom, strength, common sense, tolerance,
And you shall tremble before them,
For they are righteous!
So let the cheers for my demise die this night in a million throats!
Let the gloating turn to great and frightening doubt!
For I am not leaving!
My beloved country needs me now more than ever she has before.
And I pledge my allegiance to that which she still is,
And to that great and shining day that she has yet to live!
I am not leaving!
Please hear what I said,
I am not leaving!
I'm staying where I'm at, thank-you very much.
And as long as I stand upon her soil,
She will be my land of the free.
As long as I believe what I believe,
You will see the meaning of brave!
I will not under threat of tyranny or mob,
Toss the place that I love in the ashen pile of lost causes,
And walk quietly into a meaningless mist!
No, I will stay, and you will listen.
You will not lecture me about values!
You will not receive the exclusive rights to my morality!
Please hear what I said.
For where ever I stand upon her soil,
I am the deep well of my beloved country's finest values and highest morals:
Fairness, compassion, wisdom, strength, common sense, tolerance,
And you shall tremble before them,
For they are righteous!
So let the cheers for my demise die this night in a million throats!
Let the gloating turn to great and frightening doubt!
For I am not leaving!
My beloved country needs me now more than ever she has before.
And I pledge my allegiance to that which she still is,
And to that great and shining day that she has yet to live!
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 16:41:46
pff Vermont is closer and easier, Tri. PLUS -- according to Bernie Sanders just now, it looks like they may be getting Single Payor Health care!
Raine on 11/05/2010 16:41:46
Quote by TriSec:
Thpth.
Hi everyone. Just waiting for the Repugs to finish eviscerating society now.
I can fish. I suppose I *could* move to Canada.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 16:42:33
Raine on 11/05/2010 16:42:33
Quote by wickedpam:
I like this better - Randi read it on Air a long time ago and it just stuck with me...
I am not leaving!
Please hear what I said,
I am not leaving!
I'm staying where I'm at, thank-you very much.
And as long as I stand upon her soil,
She will be my land of the free.
As long as I believe what I believe,
You will see the meaning of brave!
I will not under threat of tyranny or mob,
Toss the place that I love in the ashen pile of lost causes,
And walk quietly into a meaningless mist!
No, I will stay, and you will listen.
You will not lecture me about values!
You will not receive the exclusive rights to my morality!
Please hear what I said.
For where ever I stand upon her soil,
I am the deep well of my beloved country's finest values and highest morals:
Fairness, compassion, wisdom, strength, common sense, tolerance,
And you shall tremble before them,
For they are righteous!
So let the cheers for my demise die this night in a million throats!
Let the gloating turn to great and frightening doubt!
For I am not leaving!
My beloved country needs me now more than ever she has before.
And I pledge my allegiance to that which she still is,
And to that great and shining day that she has yet to live!
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 16:52:01
I do function as a walking meat sack of a fact checking mosheen.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 16:52:01
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
So, Patty Murray Won in Califortnia!
Psst, you mean Washington. B-Box won in Cali. :)
oopsie!
I was thinking Washington and Typed California. Thanks for the correction.
I do function as a walking meat sack of a fact checking mosheen.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/05/2010 17:03:37
Scoopster on 11/05/2010 17:03:37
Is this taking the whole teabagger thing too far?
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 17:06:20
Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 17:06:20
Ah Politifact, we love you. Rating the 34 warship/200 million dollar a day claim as untrue. Personally, I think that should get Politfact's "pants on fire rating."
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 17:19:37
please tell me that is a joke!!!
(I am gullible that way, Scoop!)
Raine on 11/05/2010 17:19:37
Quote by Scoopster:
Is this taking the whole teabagger thing too far?
please tell me that is a joke!!!
(I am gullible that way, Scoop!)
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 17:20:42
At one point she also said a BILLION Dollars.
Raine on 11/05/2010 17:20:42
Quote by Mondobubba:
Ah Politifact, we love you. Rating the 34 warship/200 million dollar a day claim as untrue. Personally, I think that should get Politfact's "pants on fire rating."
At one point she also said a BILLION Dollars.
Comment by TriSec on 11/05/2010 17:28:09
TriSec on 11/05/2010 17:28:09
Defeatku:
Voting done; hope dies
The rich get what they paid for.
*Tears up voter card*
Voting done; hope dies
The rich get what they paid for.
*Tears up voter card*
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 17:32:08
Raine on 11/05/2010 17:32:08
Who the hell is thom talking to?
Ah forget it. I think it's time to switch over to Soft Rock.
Ah forget it. I think it's time to switch over to Soft Rock.
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 17:32:46
Someone talk him down!!!!!
Raine on 11/05/2010 17:32:46
Quote by TriSec:
Defeatku:
Voting done; hope dies
The rich get what they paid for.
*Tears up voter card*
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 17:50:26
Say this ten times, it's only the house.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 17:50:26
Quote by TriSec:
Defeatku:
Voting done; hope dies
The rich get what they paid for.
*Tears up voter card*
Say this ten times, it's only the house.
Comment by BobR on 11/05/2010 17:53:44
Baseball season starts
Boston Red Sox lose first game
Season is over
BobR on 11/05/2010 17:53:44
Quote by TriSec:
Defeatku:
Voting done; hope dies
The rich get what they paid for.
*Tears up voter card*
Baseball season starts
Boston Red Sox lose first game
Season is over
Comment by BobR on 11/05/2010 17:55:04
Fixity! (see - I can do it too, LOL)
BobR on 11/05/2010 17:55:04
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Defeatku:
Voting done; hope dies
The rich get what they paid for.
*Tears up voter card*
Say this ten times, it's only the House.
Fixity! (see - I can do it too, LOL)
Comment by BobR on 11/05/2010 17:55:39
muskrat, muskrat...
BobR on 11/05/2010 17:55:39
Quote by Raine:
Who the hell is thom talking to?
Ah forget it. I think it's time to switch over to Soft Rock.
muskrat, muskrat...
Comment by Raine on 11/05/2010 18:09:17
Raine on 11/05/2010 18:09:17
I wonder, will the RW rally to support KO the way they did for Juan Williams????????
Comment by TriSec on 11/05/2010 18:58:49
TriSec on 11/05/2010 18:58:49
I'm sorry. Everything I listen to seems to be in D Minor these days...
Comment by BobR on 11/05/2010 19:12:48
BobR on 11/05/2010 19:12:48
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 19:24:37
Well played, well played indeed.
Mondobubba on 11/05/2010 19:24:37
Quote by TriSec:
I'm sorry. Everything I listen to seems to be in D Minor these days...
Well played, well played indeed.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/05/2010 23:21:49
Scoopster on 11/05/2010 23:21:49
Amagad it's the dancing Boehners!
Too bad we don't have any crying Boehner emotes..
Too bad we don't have any crying Boehner emotes..
Comment by Raine on 11/06/2010 00:50:04
Raine on 11/06/2010 00:50:04
Waiting for TriSec to start grousing about the Broons... 