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  greek technology rebuilt

2:43 min.s

Interesting short film.

“One of Archimedes's creations was saved, though. The general took back to Rome a mechanical bronze sphere that showed the motions of the sun, moon and planets as seen from Earth.”
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“Now, however, research on the battered remains of a mysterious ancient device suggests that Cicero was telling the truth. While the Antikythera mechanism is not the same one seen by Cicero - it was not made until a century later - it proves that clockwork mechanisms like the one he described really did exist, and that ancient Greek technology was far more advanced than thought. Freshly deciphered inscriptions on its dials also hint at the origins of this technology.”

the web address for the article above is
https://www.abelard.org/news/science0804.php#ancient_greek_computer_161208

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will socialists now demand homo sapiens invaders leave europe?

“Last week in Nature, scientists reported major progress in sequencing the genome of woolly mammoths. They reconstructed it from two fossilized hair samples. One was 20,000 years old; the other was 65,000 years old. Now, according to Nicholas Wade of the New York Times, biologists are discussing "how to modify the DNA in an elephant's egg so that after each round of changes it would progressively resemble the DNA in a mammoth egg. The final-stage egg could then be brought to term in an elephant mother.”

“… But that's not the half of it. …

“The full genome of the Neanderthal, an ancient human species probably driven to extinction by the first modern humans that entered Europe some 45,000 years ago, is expected to be recovered shortly. If the mammoth can be resurrected, the same would be technically possible for Neanderthals.”

the web address for the article above is
https://www.abelard.org/news/science0804.php#mammoth_neanderthal_071208

pilotless sun-powered spy 'plane close to continuous flight

Zephyr solar plane. Image: Qinetiq

These pilotless, solar-powered aeroplanes are much cheaper than spy satellites. Unlike satellites, these vehicles can remain aloft, hovering over the same area for as long as is required. Spy satellites move on regular orbits, having regular times of passing. Thus, the observer must wait to take snapshots when the satellite is in an appropriate position. Further, serious naughty people will be well aware of the timings of spy satelllite orbits.

Spy satellites are usually in orbits that range from 100 to 500 miles above the Earth, while solar-powered ’planes only fly at 60,000 feet or about 12 miles height. At such heights, Zephyr can fly far above most terrestial weather and above the commercial air-lanes. Obviously, normally the closer the spy equipment is to the target the better. Doubtless, the heavier drones being planned are likely to have in mind other payloads than cameras.

“The engineers from the Farnborough-based company are now collaborating with the American aerospace giant Boeing on a defence project codenamed Vulture.

“This would see the biggest plane in history take to the sky, powered by the sun and capable of carrying a 450-kilo (1,000lb) payload.

“US commanders say the design must be able to maintain its position over a particular spot on the Earth's surface uninterrupted for five years.”

• Lightweight plane (30-34kg/70lb) launched by hand
• Coms or surveillance payload of about 2kg (4.5lb)
• Flies autonomously and can climb to more than 18km (60,000ft)
• By day, Zephyr flies on solar power and recharges its batteries
• Advanced amorphous silicon solar arrays supplied by Unisolar
• Rechargeable lithium-sulphur batteries supplied by Sion Corp

Zephyr solar plane at altitude. Image: Qinetiq

Buy a big umbrella as the transparent society rapidly advances

[Note, Zephyr is developed by UK defence firm Qinetiq.]

the web address for the article above is
https://www.abelard.org/news/science0804.php#zephyr_solar_plane_280808

radiation from granite counter tops ☺

“The E.P.A. recommends taking action if radon gas levels in the home exceeds 4 picocuries per liter of air (a measure of radioactive emission); about the same risk for cancer as smoking a half a pack of cigarettes per day. In Dr. Sugarman’s kitchen, the readings were 100 picocuries per liter. In her basement, where radon readings are expected to be higher because the gas usually seeps into homes from decaying uranium underground, the readings were 6 picocuries per liter.”
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“Research scientists at Rice University in Houston and at the New York State Department of Health are currently conducting studies of granite widely used in kitchen counters. William J. Llope, a professor of physics at Rice, said his preliminary results show that of the 55 samples he has collected from nearby fabricators and wholesalers, all of which emit radiation at higher-than-background levels, a handful have tested at levels 100 times or more above background.”

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