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Saturday, August 01, 2009

Potpourri LXXXV

Nothing like getting off to a bumpy start. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) was evacuated for 12 hours after "authorities" (who?) observed a guy carrying a suspicious package. It turned out to be a fake bomb. Stupid.

You can find an image of the first stage of the Ares I-X forward structures on line. The rocket is now about halfway done with its physical stacking. Looks like a giant flashlight right now, but it'll be rocket-shaped in no time! Huzzah!

From Yohon, a Hulu promo clip for the ABC remake of V. Again I must ask: what consumer need is this fulfilling? Or is Hollywood really that bankrupt of ideas?

From Lin: Tired of people yakking on their cell phone while you're trying to eat? You might want to consider this little gadget. Personally, I like the notion of turning off CNN at the airport so I can get some quiet in the concourse.

The state of California is facing major financial problems, which it is trying to shore up by taking money from local municipalities and issuing IOUs to banks. But never mind all that--the state's largest union for government workers has authorized a strike to protest furloughs of state workers. Brilliant. That'll show 'em.

The Democrats in the House have managed to get a health care bill out of committee, which could go to the floor for a vote in September. Time to write my senators and congressman again. I wonder if the House guys actually read the bill this time.

Fox News is reporting that al-Qaeda might have penetrated the British Secret Service (MI5). Whups.

The Japanese are developing a humanoid robot. Also on this video: the Russians are working on plastic surgery to make people taller. Yuck.

Star Trek IV fans may now rejoice: we might soon have transparent aluminum.

And Darlene the Science Cheerleader has some provocative thoughts about women in the science and engineering fields.

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