Clipmarks | vk2yoc's 'death' clips

Planet-scale Geo-Engineering Needed to Reverse Global Warming?

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:50:17 GMT

clipped by: vk2yoc
clipper's remarks: James Lovelock tells it like it is. I hope he's wrong!

Whether or not we use ... geo-engineering, the planet is likely, massively and cruelly, to cull us, in the same merciless way we have eliminated so many species by changing their environment into one where survival is difficult,” he added. “Before we start geo-engineering, we have to raise the following question: are we sufficiently talented to take on what might become the onerous permanent task of keeping the Earth in homeostasis [balance]?

Lovelock issues stark warnings that "even with geo-engineering, or a new deal on reducing emissions mapped out in Bali last year, any course was 'likely to lead to death on a scale that makes all wars, famines and disasters small."

"This puts a special responsibility on us to stay civilized and give refuge to the unimaginably large influx of climate refugees,' he said, adding that carrying on with 'business as usual' would probably kill most of us this century.

Tags: disaster, global warming, solutions, environment

Invisible, Untrackable Long Distance Laser-Beam Death System

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:51:06 GMT

clipped by: vk2yoc
clipper's remarks: Be afraid.....be VERY AFRAID.

Clip Source: www.dailygalaxy.com

Does this sound like a NeoCon dream, or what? We at the Daily Galaxy have absolutely nothing bad to say about the US Air Force's plans for an airborne, invisible, untrackable long distance laser death system. And if you know what's good for, neither do you.

Most ominous (and ironic) is how USAF chief engineers and directors have been using the phrase "plausible deniability". Since the laser doesn't leave any shell fragments, debris or even have to be the same square mile as the target, the user could conceivably deny all knowledge of why a politically unpopular person suddenly caught fire. Or at least, they could if they weren't already on record talking about their cool multi-million dollar airborne laser system and how it can do exactly that.

Another slight handicap is the fact the system weight 5.5 tonnes

The system trades portability for power

You can't see laser blasts shooting around the place

Immortal Invaders Infect World's Oceans

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:09:29 GMT

clipped by: vk2yoc
clipper's remarks: Suddenly, immortality doesn't seem so attractive.

Clip Source: www.dailygalaxy.com

The Hydrozoan, a small predatory sea creature like a jellyfish but without all their well known exciting higher functions, can achieve the dream of millions and become a child again. When adverse environmental conditions threaten death it can collapse into a rugged blob of cells to survive. When it re-emerges, it does so as a child - literally building itself up all over again. Since this isn't just a shell to hide in, but a complete structural restart, it seems possible that it could keep this up forever.

Since one of these adverse environmental conditions is "getting sucked into the ballast tanks of a freighter", the hardy hitchhiker has spread all over the globe. It possesses stingers and eats things, which are definitely qualities you don't want in something that's unkillable and spreading worldwide, but if you're larger than a shrimp you're still safe.

The rather damp phoenix-stylings of the hydrozoan have obviously made them a hot topic in genetics

Now where did I leave my head?

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 11:19:49 GMT

clipped by: vk2yoc
clipper's remarks: Remarkable.

Clip Source: www.oddee.com

Mike, the Headless Chicken: Lived for 18 months with its head cut off

Mike the Headless Chicken (April 1945 – March 1947) was a Wyandotte rooster (cockerel) that lived for 18 months after its head had been cut off. Thought by many to be a hoax, the bird was taken by its owner to the University of Utah in Salt Lake City to establish its authenticity.

Cacareco, the Rhino: won Sao Paulo's council elections with 100,000 votes

Cacareco, a rhinoceros at the São Paulo zoo, was a candidate for the 1958 city council elections with the intention of protesting against political corruption. Electoral officials, of course, did not accept Cacareco's candidacy, but he eventually won 100,000 votes, more than any other party in that same election (which was also marked by rampant absenteeism).

Oscar, the cat: predicted the impending death of terminally ill patients

Alex, the parrot: ould count to six, identify colors and even express frustration

Washoe, the chimpanzee: knew sign language

Tags: unreal, annimals