Clipmarks | Science fiction Clips

The WHO may have cried,"Wolf!"

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:51:39 GMT

clipped by: robm47
clipper's remarks: Now that the WHO got everybody scared to death, our "pandemic" is waning. It has been difficult to sort out fact from fiction. As with most issues the truth may be all about one's perspective. A relative truth. I think for many of us, whether we get vaccinated or not will depend on whether we trust our governments and institutions, as much as, the science.

Clip Source: www.naturalnews.com

H1N1 vaccines too little, too late; most people already exposed and immune (opinion)

"Richard Wenzel, an H1N1 expert and former president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, predicts that the outbreak will last another four to eight weeks before tapering off. In fact, some areas in the South already are seeing a decline in cases. Given that the vaccine will be produced in limited quantities on a rolling basis, most healthy middle-aged adults -- who the government recommends should be vaccinated after children, college students, and pregnant women -- won't be getting immunized before the outbreaks peak and wane."

Did you catch the significance of that last sentence? Most people won't be getting immunized before the outbreak tapers off. And that means the whole reason for getting the vaccine in the first place -- to avoid being killed by an exploding pandemic --

The future of interface design

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:37:35 GMT

clipped by: Bareface
clipper's remarks: It's amazing to think what we can control and interact with, alot of these ideas were in Hollywood sci-fi only 10 years ago, the rate of development is staggering.

Great article showing the technology and how we can use it in the real world.

Clip Source: www.uxbooth.com

Did you know the first “brain-tweet” was sent out this year? How about that we may someday be customizing windshields with widgets? In the not-to-distant future, we may be interfacing with computers in exciting and innovative new ways.

In the grand scheme of history, it wasn’t long ago that the first telephone conversation took place. Relatively speaking, that makes the personal computer an invention of yesteryear, and social networking only a blink of an eye later. Just imagine what’s coming in the near future…

The future of how we interact with computers is exciting to say the least. What once seemed like nonsense outside of Hollywood and Science Fiction is now starting to find it’s way into reality, and some of the technology is a bit overwhelming. Have a taste of what the future of interface design has to offer:

Last but not least, interface designers are tapping into something almost as ubiquitous as air itself: surfaces.

Space-Based Solar Power

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:53:01 GMT

clipped by: rj3sp

Clip Source: www.popsci.com

Japan Wants to Power 300,000 Homes With Wireless Energy From Space

Japan's Wireless, Power-Generating, Solar Satellite Inhabitat

Japan has serious plans to send a solar-panel-equipped satellite into space that could wirelessly beam a gigawatt-strong stream of power down to earth and power nearly 300,000 homes.

Clip Source: www.alternative-energy-news.info

A Step Closer to Solar Power in Space

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and IHI Corporation are undertaking an ambitious project of $ 21bn. They are aspiring to design and develop a Space-based solar farm that would generate 1GW of power. This will require an area of four square kilometer consisting of rows of solar panels. This space solar farm will be housed 36,000km above the surface of the earth.

Clip Source: www.youtube.com

[Video]

Clip Source: www.bloomberg.com

Mitsubishi, IHI to Join $21 Bln Space Solar Project (Update1)

Clip Source: global.mitsubishielectric.com

Clip Source: www.treehugger.com

While the project might sound like science-fiction now, it likely that the landscape will be more favorable in 30 years (strict carbon emissions caps will make clean energy more cost-competitive, for example).

Tags: space, solar power, technology

Frank Frazetta: Artist And Illustrator

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:35:55 GMT

clipped by: mcsmithblack
clipper's remarks: Frank Frazetta is just a fabulous artist. His composition is impeccable, with wonderful action and figure placement as well as dramatic backgrounds. His ability with anatomy, both human and non, is faultless and his colorizing is perfection. My first exposure to him was cover and interior illustrations for Conan: the Cimmerian, Tarzan and John Carter of Mars series. I just fell in love with his work. His characters, whether men, women or creatures are all well-muscled and terribly energetic. That distinctive and original Frazetta style has been a major influence on so many artists. Following is a exerpt from Wikipedia:

"Frazetta has had a major and lasting influence on many artists within the genre of fantasy and science fiction, such as Simon Bisley.[citation needed] Boris Vallejo is another fantasy artist with a style broadly similar to Frazetta's along with the fact that he also painted several paperback covers of some of the same science fiction/fantasy characters (e.g., Conan t

Clip Source: www.youtube.com

Hero Worship: Frank Frazetta's Art I

[Video]

Tags: art, sword and sorcery, science fiction illustration

Psychic 'mind-reading' computer

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:19:36 GMT

clipped by: foxyarse
clipper's remarks: Although the results were crude, the technique was able to reproduce the rough shape of a man in a white shirt and the image of a city skyline.

Prof Jack Gallant, who carried out the experiment at the University of California, Berkeley, said: 'At the moment when you see something and want to describe it to someone you have to use words or draw it and it doesn't work very well.

'You could use this technology to transmit the image to someone. It might be useful for artists or to allow you to recover an eyewitnesses memory of a crime.'

The experiment is the latest in a series of studies designed to show how brain scans can reveal our innermost thoughts.

Clip Source: www.mailonsunday.ie

Psychic 'mind-reading' computer will show your thoughts on screen

A mind reading machine that can peer into someone's brain and reproduce images of what they are seeing or remembering has been developed by scientists.

The astonishing device studies patterns of brainwave activity and turns them into a moving image on a computer screen.

While the idea of a telepathy machine might sound like something from a science fiction movie, the scientists say it could one day be used to study people's dreams - and even help solve crimes.

In a pioneering experiment, an American team scanned the head of someone watching a video and then recreated the moving image they were watching from their brain activity.

Leap forward: Halle Berry in X-Men. The telepathic abilities from the films are closer to reality after inventors created a mind-reading machine

Although the results were crude, the technique was able to reproduce the rough shape of a man in a white shirt and the image of a city skyline.

Tags: psychic 'mind-reading' computer

BioHacking: The Plot for the Next Real-life Blockbuster Thriller?

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:33:19 GMT

clipped by: chestnut501
clipper's remarks: Solitary citizens are toiling over test-tubes, sacrificing their time and money to create brand new lifeforms - but this isn't a science fiction movie, it's a hobby. "DIY Biochemistry" sees private citizens converting their dining rooms into DNA labs. It's only a pity that Michael Crichton has passed on, because we've got the plot of his next book right here.

Clip Source: www.dailygalaxy.com

With a wealth of online guides, biochemical supply companies and even craigslist cryogenic equipment, hobbyists or collectives like the Cambridge group "DIYbio" are enabling determined individuals to engineer their own organisms.

The self-titled "biohackers" paint a picture of "citizen scientists", freeing genetic engineering from the stuffy confines of university and corporate labs. We would point out that anybody keen on freeing anything from a containment lab might not have a full understanding of what they're doing.

We don't doubt that many useful results will come out of the DIY DNA diversion

unquestionable is that the vast majority of these projects will be only beneficial, at worst failures which achieve nothing, and any imagined terrorist threats are vastly overstated.

But it only takes one.

Tags: science, genetics, diy, biochemistry, experiments, individuals, dangers, security, dna, home-labs

Tom defends Scientology

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:22:48 GMT

clipped by: foxyarse
clipper's remarks: "Lies", said Tom flatly. "L. Ron Hubbard was a great man, the inventor of atomic power, the discoverer of seven continents - previously only inhabited by pre-clears - and he's not actually dead, he's on another planet, introducing Dianetics and The Way to Happiness to them. At least those with usable currency."

Oprah then thanked him for clearing all that up, and moved on to her next guest, Suzanne Somers and her new book, "How I Kicked Cancer's Ass with the Power of the ThighMaster".

Clip Source: www.thespoof.com

Tom defends Scientology

"That's Lord Xenu, not 'zenu', you pre-cleared dolt!"

Clearwater, Florida - Tired of crazy allegations that they believe in a Galactic Warlord named Zenu, Tom went on Oprah Winfrey's show to set the record straight.

"No", said Tom, "We do not believe in Zenu. His name is Xenu, and he is an intergalactic warlord, not merely galactic."

Tom also dispelled myths about the practice of "disconnection". He pointed out that the church does not punish or sanction you for spending time with family members who are not members in good standing. They simply offer a system of rewards to those that voluntarily choose to shun everyone they used to know.

"Food can be a great reward", remarked Tom. "Also, having anything at all to do with the church is it's own reward."

But what of the fact that the Church was actually the creation of a science fiction writer who lied about his background and achievements, and has since died?

Tags: tom cruise, scientology

Learn The Best Sources of Alternative Energy

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:15:47 GMT

clipped by: eagle22
clipper's remarks: if you want to learn the best sources of alternative energy you need to check this out!

Clip Source: sourcesofalternativeenergy.info

Sources of Alternative Energy

As you start reading the beginning of this website, you will find yourself becoming more and more excited. Why? Because you will soon learn that there are some great new Sources of Alternative Energy.

For the past few decades, magnetic energy seemed to be in a realm of science fiction. However, the past couple of years scientists have made huge discoveries and were actually able to produce magnetic energy using the earth’s magnetic pull.

Energy provided by the wind and sun do work. However, they are dependent on the weather conditions. This means some days you may not get enough electricity to generate through your whole house.

Constructing solar panels and wind turbines can be extremely expensive and take up a lot of room. Constructing a magnetic generator will not cost your over 100 dollars and is so small it can actually fit under a sink.

Tags: sources of alternative energy

Selbstheilende Materialien

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:40:27 GMT

clipped by: mona
clipper's remarks: article talks about the development of 'self-healing' materials in a huge scientific step towards imitating nature's ability to heal wounds/cuts/rips etc.
I'll try to find a similar story in English, but if you do read German, go to source for this article ~ it is well written and quite interesting!

Clip Source: www.spiegel.de

Wie sich Risse von allein schließen

Android im Film "Terminator 2" machte es vor: Wunden in seinem flüssigen Metallkörper heilten binnen Sekunden. Forscher versuchen, diese Technik in die Realität umzusetzen, und entwickeln selbstheilende Materialien

Mimetische Polylegierung nannte sich jenes flüssige Etwas, das dem Androiden T-1000 aus "Terminator 2" zu faktischer Unverwundbarkeit verhalf. Wie Science-Fiction-Fans bestätigen werden, verstand sich der wortkarge Bösewicht kraft eines flexiblen Metallkörpers trefflich darauf, ihm zugefügte Schusswunden innerhalb weniger Sekunden auszuheilen.

Eine äußerst vielversprechende - eine Art selbstheilender Biobeton - wird gegenwärtig in den Niederlanden an der TU Delft entwickelt. Dem Beton werden kalkausscheidende Bakterien beigemengt.

Rostschutz durch Nanokügelchen

Schäden durch Rost könnten auch dank intelligenter Materialien verhindert werden

nur für Anti-Korrosionsbeschichtungen

Tags: science, imitating, nature

PC Remote Control Software

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:11:39 GMT

clipped by: jeffrcar
clipper's remarks: PC remote control software is a great idea to alleviate work stress. No more emergencies where you can't access the office, plus your work life is mobilized that much more.

Clip Source: www.remoteaccesstocomputer.com

PC Remote Control Software- Access Your PC From Anywhere

PC Remote control software was science fiction just a few years ago, but now is a reality that can enhance our work in ways never before imaginable.

Here’s a few ways PC remote control software enhances the work experience…

1)No longer is work confined to a place of work, which can cause depression and anxiety. With PC remote control software, you can access your work computer from anywhere or any computer in the world. You just log into your account and you have immediate access to your files, software and applications.

2)Time is saved because people don’t need to meet face to face. PC remote control software allows you to “invite” people into your “session”. This gives them actual control over the computer for that specified time. The implications are great when you need to collaborate on a piece of work with someone, or have someone fix problems on your computer or software.

Tags: pc_remote_control_software

Astro Boy is going to release

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:12:01 GMT

clipped by: mickey4u
clipper's remarks: Astro Boy is the first Japanese television series that embodied the aesthetic that later became familiar worldwide as "ANIME".Astro Boy is a science fiction series set in a futuristic world wherein androids co-exist with humans. Its focus is on the adventures of the titular "Astro Boy" (sometimes called simply "Astro"), a powerful robot created by the head of the Ministry of Science, Doctor Tenma, to replace his son Tobio, who died in a car accident.Dr. Tenma voiced by Nicolas Cage.Astro Boy is a 2009 computer-animated 3-D film.Freddie Highmore provides the voice of Astro Boy in the movie.

Clip Source: celebrise.com

Tags: kristen bell, nicolas cage, samuel l. jackson, charlize theron, bill nighy, freddie highmore, donald sutherland, astroboy

Ursula K. Le Guin - Happy 80 Birthday

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:57:04 GMT

clipped by: Fast T friend
clipper's remarks: "My imagination makes me human and makes me a fool; it gives me all the world and exiles me from it." - Ursula K. Le Guin

Clip Source: www.answers.com

Born: 21 October 1929
Birthplace: Berkeley, California
Best Known As: Top science fiction author

Science-fiction writer Ursula K. Le Guin (born 1929) created fantastic worlds in which the author's strong-willed, feminist protagonists have increasingly taken center stage.

Le Guin, Ursula (1929– ), American author. She is probably most famous for her brilliant fantasy novels for children: A Wizard of Earthsea (1968), The Tombs of Atuan (1971), and The Farthest Shore (1972). In 1990, 18 years later, a fourth and final volume of the story, Tehanu, appeared.

The Earthsea books draw on many of the conventions of the fairy story and the quest tale. They take place in an imaginary island archipelago where magic exists and is practised by both official wizards and village witches. In the first three volumes, the boy Ged, who travels to distant lands and overcomes both internal and external obstacles to become a famous wizard, is a central character.

Tags: auther, ursula k. le guin, books, reading

Google Strategy: Send in the Andriods

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:40:20 GMT

clipped by: ronhuxley
clipper's remarks: No, it is not a space invasion. At least, not the science fiction kind. It is Google's newest strategy to invade our phones with new OS and search capabilities. The up side for you and me is that we get better phone hardware. The up side for Google is that they make more money!

Clip Source: www.techcrunch.com

Schmidt: “Android Adoption Is About To Explode”

The whole Android strategy, of course, is to offer an low-cost, fully-featured, open-source OS and hand that to the cell phone manufacturers so that they can concentrate more on designing desirable hardware. And what does Google get out of all that? More mobile searches, which could be one of its biggest sources of growth in the coming years.

The way he put it, by making Android open source, Google is hoping to accelerate the adoption of Web-capable smartphones and get everyone searching on them. Given that most analysts expect more than 70 percent of mobile advertising to be search, you can see why Google’s CFO can’t wait to get as many search-friendly Android phones into consumers hands as possible.

Android is a software platform for mobile devices based on the Linux operating system and developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. It allows developers to write managed code in Java that utilizes… Learn More

Tags: andriod, cell phones, gadgets, google, mobile phones, technology

Science Fiction ... or Really Fact?

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:40:37 GMT

clipped by: gppixelworks

Clip Source: news.bbc.co.uk

One of these devices may actually send things through time

Teleportation, time travel, antimatter and wireless electricity. It all sounds far-fetched, more fact than fiction, but it's all true.

Everybody is used to science fiction featuring science that seems, well, not very scientific.

But you might be surprised at the way some things that seem fantastical have a solid grounding in actual science.

TIME TRAVEL

The theory:

The science fiction:

In practice: Einstein's relativity allows time travel in extreme circumstances. Some interpretations of quantum mechanics permit particles to travel backwards in time. Two physicists recently suggested that the Large Hadron Collider may have malfunctioned because a Higgs boson, travelling back in time from a future experiment, wrecked the machine.

The layman's explanation:

WIRELESS ELECTRICITY

ANTIMATTER

These three thought of antimatter as we think of super unleaded

TELEPORTATION

Tags: time travel, antimatter, wireless electricity, teleportation, science

Media Ignoring Conservatives' Return to Dominance of Political Book Market

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:32:42 GMT

clipped by: merrie
clipper's remarks: In September of that year, the Boston Globe proclaimed liberals "triumphant" against "conservatives' decade long hold on popular culture."

Yes, it seemed such wonderful liberal values were finally en vogue. Barnes and Noble, reacting to the outpouring of Bush-bashing literature in August of 2003 announced that it would set up ‘political science/cultural affairs' tables at its stores to feature the newest partisan works.

But conservatives have reclaimed their hold on the Times's bestseller page. The closest any of the top 15 hard-cover non-fiction books gets to a defense of liberalism or the Obama Administration is In Fed We Trust by David Wessel [...]

"The books from the left strike me as an obvious reaction to Bush," conservative commentator Tucker Carlson told the Associated Press in 2003. "And for people who buy them, it's a way of voting against him in an off-election year."

With Bush gone, liberals no longer have a blatant target at whom to direct a coordinated

Clip Source: newsbusters.org

Conservatives are resuming their historically dominant position atop the New York Times and Amazon.com bestsellers lists after a short hiatus that coincided, not coincidentally, with George W. Bush's tenure in the White House.

Amazon, which, unlike the New York Times, ranks books according to the number of actual copies sold, shows Glenn Beck's Common Sense rounding out the top, with Michelle Malkin's Culture of Corruption coming in a close second. Ron Paul's End the Fed comes in at number seven, Mark Levin's Liberty and Tyranny is at number nine, and at number 22 is Dick Morris and Eileen Mcgann's Catastrophe, which carries the blunt sub-heading, "How Obama, Congress, and the special interests are transforming... a slump into a crash, freedom into socialism, and a disaster into a catastrophe... and how to fight back."

In 2003, as Bush's numbers faltered, the left proclaimed its comeback on the bestsellers list.

Tags: amazon.com and nytimes, conservative best-selling books