What would...

... the world be like without humans?

HERE is an interesting site with the possibilities. Hover over each time period to read the synopses.

Though I must say it seems to me that the final message is that though humans may not last forever, the stupidity of what we broadcast into space lasts forever.

August Lunar Eclipse

Well, I missed seeing the lunar eclipse, but there are some great pictures from people who were more fortunate than me - some great animations here, and other beautiful pictures here

Lunar Eclipse

Tomorrow morning - starting at 5:53 am and ending at 7:22 am.
NASA link here

A great video

GREAT Shadow Puppetry - Funny videos are here

More in astronomy events

Mars will be particularly spectacular on August 27th - we'll be very close to this planet - the red planet will rise alongside another bright red star, creating two unblinking red eyes in the east. More info here.

Calvin and Hobbes

The Complete Collection

Living in the Matrix

This article in the (I know, dreaded) NY Times suggests that we are all simulated inhabitants of a virtual world created by some future human (or posthuman), and in fact gives it a better than 20% chance that this is the case. And for some reason, I find this idea incredibly disturbing. I never had this much of a problem thinking about some god-like being creating the world (though I no longer think of that as a probable reason for our and this universe's existence). To believe in a god, omnipotent, omniscient, is one thing. But to think that we are all inhabitants of a computer simulation bothers me. Perhaps it is because the second, unlike the first, means that the reality that we experience isn't reality at all. As a geologist, and as a scientist, I find it disturbing to think that we're not experiencing reality, and that the world and earth that I study could be nothing more than some computer geek's idea of something fun to give his simulated population to play with. And even more disturbing, to me, would be that even if we are living in a simulated reality, there would be no way to get outside of the simulation and see the REAL reality.

Maybe I'm not making much sense, so I should probably finish my coffee and go on living my possibly simulated existence.

HS Essay

Stellar essay on WW2 and an unsung hero.

My particular favorite is the "Oh God, no" comment written about halfway down.

(Other great answers from the brilliant stars in our educational system can be seen here.)

Net Worth

Sweet, I have a negative net worth.

What's yours?

Thought provoking short

Sheyl may not like the theme, but I thought it was a really interesting short and wanted to share.

Happy Left-Hander's Day!

Yet another obscure holiday - a day to celebrate those of us who write with the wrong left hand.

The Scientific Laws...

... of Romance.

Science Tatoos

More widespread than I would have imagined.

Cats

Lots and lots of them.
And Sheyl thought seven cats was too many!

Happy Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Night

If only my mother had known about this holiday...

1) Carefully place a dozen or more zucchini in a large, sturdy black plastic trash bag, then add a couple layers of unwanted clothing. Drive to nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army, hand over bag to nearest volunteer. Politely refuse any offered receipt. Leave quickly.

2) Look for out-of-the-way places which have signs posted, "Clean Fill Wanted."

3) Under light of full moon, either stark naked or wearing full army camouflage, carrying a machete or any garden implement, run amuck in your zucchini patch, cutting and slashing. Be sure to thank Mother Nature for her bounty before and after this cathartic experience.

4) Buy a large roll of freezer paper--the kind that sub shops use. Then proceed to wrap each zucchini that has managed to grow to a foot or more in length. Next time your child has a fundraiser, send him or her out supplied with these phony subs. Tell child to drop them off with neighbors or relatives and leave quickly. It's advisable that a responsible adult hover nearby in a get-away car.

5) Gather all available plastic containers and freezer bags. Drink a vat of your favorite caffeinated beverage, in preparation for staying up 'round the clock to purée large quantities of zucchini. This can then be packaged neatly and artistically labeled: "For Zucchini Nut Bread Recipe." These packages can be freely given, along with copies of recipe, to anyone on your Christmas list.

More in Astronomy Events

August 28th beginning at 5:52 am and ending at 7:22 am - Lunar Eclipse

Perseid Meteor Shower

This sunday, the 12th.

What makes a scientist?

Curiosity and creativity