Clipmarks | zanarkand's clips

Fake Fly Will Be Spy In The Sky

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:03:22 GMT

clipped by: zanarkand

Fake Fly Will Be Spy In The Sky

A spy in the sky not much bigger than a fly has been developed by a top American university.

Scientists at Harvard have invented a robotic fly to send on reconnaissance missions in areas too dangerous for humans, such as those contaminated by chemical or biological weapons.

It can also be used to find hidden bombs and in search missions.

The "flybot", which can fit on a fingertip, is made of lightweight carbon and weighs less than a pin.

"The real benefit of the fly is that from a military aspect, you probably wouldn't be able to notice it," said Prof Wood.

Tags: science, robots

How Gullible Are We?

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 14:20:19 GMT

clipped by: zanarkand

Clip Source: www.theburningbiscuit.com

How Gullible Are We?

A student at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to alarmists practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in our environment. In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical "dihydrogen monoxide."

And for plenty of good reasons, since:

it can cause excessive sweating and vomiting

it is a major component in acid rain

it can cause severe burns in its gaseous state

accidental inhalation can kill you

it contributes to erosion

it decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes

it has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients

He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical.

Forty-three (43) said yes,

Six (6) were undecided,

Only one (1) knew that the chemical was water.

The title of his prize winning project was, "How Gullible Are We?"

He feels the conclusion is obvious.

Tags: life, psychology

Lightning struck plane

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 19:53:59 GMT

clipped by: zanarkand
clipper's remarks: Whoa!

Clip Source: www.coasttocoastam.com

Lightning Hits Plane

Spectacular shot of a Nippon jet being struck by lightning in Osaka. Amazing that the aircraft itself and the people and equipment inside can survive such a hit!

Tags: nature, lighting

The Difference Between e.g. and i.e.?

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 20:52:34 GMT

clipped by: Tommolo

Clip Source: www.dailywritingtips.com

The Latin abbreviations e.g. and i.e. are used extensively in English. Not everyone, however, is aware of the difference in their usage. Some people use them interchangeably. Others even invert their meaning. If you are not completely sure when to use each of those abbreviations, keep reading!

e.g. stands for the Latin phrase “exempli gratia,” which means “for the sake of example.” You should use it when presenting examples or more possibilities for the term in question. An easy way to remember this is to associate e.g. with “example given.”

I like citrus fruits (e.g., oranges and lemons)

i.e. Stands for the Latin phrase “id est,” which means “that is.” You should use it when explaining or rephrasing a sentence. Usually it has the same meaning as “in other words.”

I like all fruits (i.e., I eat pretty much anything)

Tags: grammar