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It's the End of the World As We Know It
Author: BobR
Date: 04/03/2008 12:41:50
And I feel fine...
- REM
About a month ago, I posted a link in the comments of a daily blog post to a site that describes various possible ways that earth (or in some cases human life upon it) could be destroyed. One of those scenarios described a black hole being created in a laboratory and then "getting loose" and slowly consuming the planet.
I was reminded of this when I read this story about a lawsuit against the newest CERN particle collider in Switzerland:
The builders of the world's biggest particle collider are being sued in federal court over fears that the experiment might create globe-gobbling black holes or never-before-seen strains of matter that would destroy the planet.
Representatives at Fermilab in Illinois and at Europe's CERN laboratory, two of the defendants in the case, say there's no chance that the Large Hadron Collider would cause such cosmic catastrophes. Nevertheless, they're bracing to defend themselves in the courtroom as well as the court of public opinion.
The Large Hadron Collider, or LHC, is due for startup later this year at CERN's headquarters on the French-Swiss border. It's expected to tackle some of the deepest questions in science: Is the foundation of modern physics right or wrong? What existed during the very first moment of the universe's existence? Why do some particles have mass while others don't? What is the nature of dark matter? Are there extra dimensions of space out there that we haven't yet detected?
Some folks outside the scientific mainstream have asked darker questions as well: Could the collider create mini-black holes that last long enough and get big enough to turn into a matter-sucking maelstrom? Could exotic particles known as magnetic monopoles throw atomic nuclei out of whack? Could quarks recombine into "strangelets" that would turn the whole Earth into one big lump of exotic matter?
What's interesting concerning that last possibility (strangelets) is that it was also mentioned on the Exit Mundi site.
While this is all theoretical, the greater danger is global warming. Melting permafrost is releasing even more methane into the atmosphere, while at the same time reducing the reflectivity of the earth's surface and increase heat absorbtion, which causes even more melting, and a deadly spiral ensues. We've all heard the discussions about rising sea levels and radical changes in weather. Once again, the shiny happy people at Exit Mundi take it beyond that point and describe how earth could become another Venus:
Here’s how it goes. As the temperatures rise, more water evaporates. But as more water evaporates, our atmosphere gets thicker -- causing the temperatures to rise even more. And as the temperatures rise even more, even more water evaporates. And as even more water evaporates... You've got it: there’s a chain reaction going on. The dreaded ‘runaway greenhouse effect’ has just kicked in.
It gets worse - read it if you dare.
oh, and by the way:
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
m-hadley on 04/03/2008 12:57:51
m-hadley on 04/03/2008 12:57:51
BobR,
I posted a new entry, a review of sorts of Barack Obama's Q & A last night on MSNBC Hardball at West Chester University. It attempts to point out the difference between intelligence and smarts. Feel free to use it today if you'd like. Here it is:
http://emailstosms.blogspot.com/ Use it if you'd like. I would be most honored to post here at Four Freedoms.
Cheers,
mfaye
I posted a new entry, a review of sorts of Barack Obama's Q & A last night on MSNBC Hardball at West Chester University. It attempts to point out the difference between intelligence and smarts. Feel free to use it today if you'd like. Here it is:
http://emailstosms.blogspot.com/ Use it if you'd like. I would be most honored to post here at Four Freedoms.
Cheers,
mfaye
Comment by 
livingonli on 04/03/2008 13:17:02
livingonli on 04/03/2008 13:17:02
Good morning. 
I actually got up even if I didn't get to bed until 4 AM.
I actually got up even if I didn't get to bed until 4 AM.
Comment by 
Raine on 04/03/2008 13:30:10
Raine on 04/03/2008 13:30:10
Good morning everyone!
We lost our power for a while here this morning... poor BobR...:(
We lost our power for a while here this morning... poor BobR...:(
Comment by livingonli on 04/03/2008 13:32:05
livingonli on 04/03/2008 13:32:05
Morning Raine. Sounds like you have problems with the power company in the ATL.
Comment by Raine on 04/03/2008 13:35:53
:party: 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBER!!!:birthday::party:
:beer: :heart::hug::wub2::heart:
Raine on 04/03/2008 13:35:53
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBER!!!:birthday::party::beer: :heart::hug::wub2::heart:
Comment by 
TriSec on 04/03/2008 13:38:04
TriSec on 04/03/2008 13:38:04
Hi Faye. Read your post...I too have recently decided to get behind the good Senator from Illinios. Enough that I'm on the verge of calling in to volunteer on the campaign for something.
The last time I did that was for my own Senator Kerry, and we all know how that turned out. I'm hoping for a better outcome this time.
The last time I did that was for my own Senator Kerry, and we all know how that turned out. I'm hoping for a better outcome this time.
Comment by TriSec on 04/03/2008 13:39:46
TriSec on 04/03/2008 13:39:46
Oh, and aside to Bob...yes, I'm thinking of 'coming back' to the party this year, too. (I am an actual card-carrying Libertarian, and currently "unenrolled" in this Commonwealth.) I might not give up the ol' "L" yet, but I'll probably go back on the Democratic list at the state level.
(see some interesting debate elsewhere on the forum about Open Primaries)
(see some interesting debate elsewhere on the forum about Open Primaries)
Comment by livingonli on 04/03/2008 13:40:13
livingonli on 04/03/2008 13:40:13
Happy Birthday indeed BobR.
:party:
From a fellow Aires.
:party:
From a fellow Aires.
Comment by Shane-O on 04/03/2008 13:50:41
Shane-O on 04/03/2008 13:50:41
Happy Birthday BobR!
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 13:50:56
velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 13:50:56
Uggggghhhh............*cough* (good morning) Ack........... Velveeta may be..........dying.
Was nice............. to ............. know............. all of
you..............ACK.
:thud:
Was nice............. to ............. know............. all of
you..............ACK.
:thud:
Comment by livingonli on 04/03/2008 13:54:25
livingonli on 04/03/2008 13:54:25
Comment by Raine on 04/03/2008 13:57:37
We have a Blogger down in aisle 6! send help STAT!!!!!!!!
Raine on 04/03/2008 13:57:37
Quote by velveeta jones:
Uggggghhhh............*cough* (good morning) Ack........... Velveeta may be..........dying.
Was nice............. to ............. know............. all of
you..............ACK.
:thud:
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 13:57:40
velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 13:57:40
Oh wait! Maybe that "bright light" is just the candles on BobR's cake!! WooHOO!!
..............HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBER!!!...............
Comment by 
wickedpam on 04/03/2008 13:59:51
wickedpam on 04/03/2008 13:59:51
Morning :hug:
It's a Bobber B-Day!
It's a Bobber B-Day!
Comment by 
BobR on 04/03/2008 14:00:01
BobR on 04/03/2008 14:00:01
finally got the blog done. It's an uplifting story on the anniversary of the day my mother pushed me out of her womb.
Comment by m-hadley on 04/03/2008 14:00:57
Happy Happy Birthday BobR!
Hope your day is fun and relaxing and your year ahead is spectacular! :D
Cheers,
mfaye
m-hadley on 04/03/2008 14:00:57
Quote by Raine::party:
:beer: :heart::hug::wub2::heart:
Happy Happy Birthday BobR!
Hope your day is fun and relaxing and your year ahead is spectacular! :D
Cheers,
mfaye
Comment by Raine on 04/03/2008 14:02:59
Now there is an image that is like blinding hot pokers in my eye!! :rofl:
Raine on 04/03/2008 14:02:59
Quote by BobR:
finally got the blog done. It's an uplifting story on the anniversary of the day my mother pushed me out of her womb.
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:03:20
velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:03:20
Bob, you would have had a birthday card in your mail, if someone, (ahem) had alerted me....................
;)
:lol:
;)
:lol:
Comment by 
starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:05:03
starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:05:03
Happy Birthday Bobber!!! 
Comment by m-hadley on 04/03/2008 14:05:11
Thanks for checking out my blog TriSec and welcome to the Obama camp - I think that intelligence is so important in a leader. We have all seen the disastrous result of having an imbecile in office. Rock on
BTB, I have a much better feeling about Obama than I did about Kerry (no disrepect intended).
Cheers,
mfaye
m-hadley on 04/03/2008 14:05:11
Quote by TriSec:
Hi Faye. Read your post...I too have recently decided to get behind the good Senator from Illinios. Enough that I'm on the verge of calling in to volunteer on the campaign for something.
The last time I did that was for my own Senator Kerry, and we all know how that turned out. I'm hoping for a better outcome this time.
Thanks for checking out my blog TriSec and welcome to the Obama camp - I think that intelligence is so important in a leader. We have all seen the disastrous result of having an imbecile in office. Rock on
BTB, I have a much better feeling about Obama than I did about Kerry (no disrepect intended).Cheers,
mfaye
Comment by starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:07:50
starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:07:50
julia sweeney???
THEOCRACY!
THEOCRACY!
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:08:06
HAPPY 
BIRTHDAY
velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:08:06
HAPPY 
BIRTHDAY
Comment by BobR on 04/03/2008 14:08:26
BobR on 04/03/2008 14:08:26
Julia THEOCRACY?? Sweeny is going to be on the show?
Comment by livingonli on 04/03/2008 14:11:10
Yep, that one. I think I'm having flashbacks.
livingonli on 04/03/2008 14:11:10
Quote by BobR:
Julia THEOCRACY?? Sweeny is going to be on the show?
Yep, that one. I think I'm having flashbacks.
Comment by starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:13:49
starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:13:49
I received this picture in my Inbox this morning from someone who ( I guess ) thought they were being funny.
The caption read: "When you are faking a pose for a camera photo opportunity, at least you can get the phone turned in the right direction!"
My response was:
The caption read: "When you are faking a pose for a camera photo opportunity, at least you can get the phone turned in the right direction!"
My response was:
Yeah, maybe Obama should have taken Photo-Op tips from BoyWonder
While the towers fell ---><--- While Katrina ravaged New Orleans
Comment by Raine on 04/03/2008 14:16:10
You know there IS a calendar on the Message board!!!
Just saying!! :hug:
Raine on 04/03/2008 14:16:10
Quote by velveeta jones:
Bob, you would have had a birthday card in your mail, if someone, (ahem) had alerted me....................
;)
:lol:
Just saying!! :hug:
Comment by BobR on 04/03/2008 14:16:10
The phone looks like it's in the right direction to me. :huh:
BobR on 04/03/2008 14:16:10
Quote by starling310:
I received this picture in my Inbox this morning from someone who ( I guess ) thought they were being funny.
The caption read: "When you are faking a pose for a camera photo opportunity, at least you can get the phone turned in the right direction!"
My response was:
The phone looks like it's in the right direction to me. :huh:
Comment by Raine on 04/03/2008 14:17:22
Raine on 04/03/2008 14:17:22
I got a fevah....
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:19:12
velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:19:12
Starling.............I'm confused. What's wrong with the picture. (Please remember, I'm at death's door this morning). The phone is not in the right direction? Wha?
Comment by starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:20:50
starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:20:50
Oh crap Bobber. You are right. The one that was sent to me had been photoshopped to show it upside down. Sorry! But, now ya get the drift.
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:21:17
??????
(Really? I blame all the pot I smoked in my, er, youth.......... that's my excuse).
velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:21:17
Quote by Raine:You know there IS a calendar on the Message board!!!Quote by velveeta jones:
Bob, you would have had a birthday card in your mail, if someone, (ahem) had alerted me....................
;)
:lol:
Just saying!! :hug:
?????? (Really? I blame all the pot I smoked in my, er, youth.......... that's my excuse).
Comment by livingonli on 04/03/2008 14:23:19
Velveeta, don't die on us. Where's a blog doctor or nurse when we need one?
livingonli on 04/03/2008 14:23:19
Quote by velveeta jones:
Starling.............I'm confused. What's wrong with the picture. (Please remember, I'm at death's door this morning). The phone is not in the right direction? Wha?
Velveeta, don't die on us. Where's a blog doctor or nurse when we need one?
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:23:33
Star...... send your "friend" this one:
velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:23:33
Quote by starling310:
Oh crap Bobber. You are right. The one that was sent to me had been photoshopped to show it upside down. Sorry! But, now ya get the drift.
Star...... send your "friend" this one:
Comment by Raine on 04/03/2008 14:24:23
Raine on 04/03/2008 14:24:23
SO someone FAKED the picture. Nice... I wish someone faked those of Dumbya.
Comment by livingonli on 04/03/2008 14:24:37
That's your excuse and you're sticking to it.
Yeah, that's the ticket.
livingonli on 04/03/2008 14:24:37
Quote by velveeta jones:
(Really? I blame all the pot I smoked in my, er, youth.......... that's my excuse).
That's your excuse and you're sticking to it.
Yeah, that's the ticket.
Comment by starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:24:59
This is what came in the email.
:doh:
starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:24:59
This is what came in the email.
:doh:
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:25:06
No worries....... I'll pull myself together. I want to die via the large black hole that's being built. Sounds like ............. fun.........?
:lol:
velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:25:06
Quote by livingonli:Quote by velveeta jones:
Starling.............I'm confused. What's wrong with the picture. (Please remember, I'm at death's door this morning). The phone is not in the right direction? Wha?
Velveeta, don't die on us. Where's a blog doctor or nurse when we need one?
No worries....... I'll pull myself together. I want to die via the large black hole that's being built. Sounds like ............. fun.........?
:lol:
Comment by starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:25:48
starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:25:48
Isn't that HILARIOUS!?!?! OMG.....these right wingers. They slay me!
Comment by BobR on 04/03/2008 14:27:32
try again. We can't access your "T:" drive... :P
BobR on 04/03/2008 14:27:32
Quote by starling310:
This is what came in the email.
:doh:
try again. We can't access your "T:" drive... :P
Comment by wickedpam on 04/03/2008 14:27:53
Maybe I'm being dense but how is the phone in the wrong direction?
wickedpam on 04/03/2008 14:27:53
Quote by starling310:
I received this picture in my Inbox this morning from someone who ( I guess ) thought they were being funny.
The caption read: "When you are faking a pose for a camera photo opportunity, at least you can get the phone turned in the right direction!"
Maybe I'm being dense but how is the phone in the wrong direction?
Comment by starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:29:38
starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:29:38
The word SMEAR is icky. 
Comment by livingonli on 04/03/2008 14:30:18
livingonli on 04/03/2008 14:30:18
George Clooney will be on tonight's Daily Show.
Comment by starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:30:34
Oh! Screw it.
The picture I received was doctored to show him answering the phone upside down.
That's all. I can't get it to a common folder.
starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:30:34
Quote by BobR:Quote by starling310:
This is what came in the email.
:doh:
try again. We can't access your "T:" drive... :P
Oh! Screw it.
The picture I received was doctored to show him answering the phone upside down.
That's all. I can't get it to a common folder.
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:34:57
velveeta jones on 04/03/2008 14:34:57
Bobbers drive only goes up to "Va JaJa"
:rofl:
(I crack my sick self up). :)
:rofl:
(I crack my sick self up). :)
Comment by starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:35:20
starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:35:20
Found a copy of it. .. . but, sheesh I took so long getting to it, not really clever anymore.
Comment by Raine on 04/03/2008 14:36:19
:rofl: you have no idea!!! :P
Raine on 04/03/2008 14:36:19
Quote by velveeta jones:
Bobbers drive only goes up to "Va JaJa"
:rofl:
(I crack my sick self up). :)
Comment by livingonli on 04/03/2008 14:37:00
That's why we love you. 
livingonli on 04/03/2008 14:37:00
Quote by velveeta jones:
Bobbers drive only goes up to "Va JaJa"
:rofl:
(I crack my sick self up). :)
That's why we love you.
Comment by starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:37:44
starling310 on 04/03/2008 14:37:44
:bump:
Let's try this. . . Again.
Let's try this. . . Again.
Quote by starling310:
I received this picture in my Inbox this morning from someone who ( I guess ) thought they were being funny.
"When you are faking a pose for a camera photo opportunity, at least you can get the phone turned in the right direction!"
My response was:Yeah, maybe Obama should have taken Photo-Op tips from BoyWonder
While the towers fell ---><--- While Katrina ravaged New Orleans
Comment by BobR on 04/03/2008 14:38:47
BobR on 04/03/2008 14:38:47