Some People Need It

XKCD explained.

DIY Fusion Reactors

Where there's a technology, there's a hobby sub-culture.  Even for fusion reactors, according to the BBC.  Nothing really dangerous about these fusor reactors (you can read up on them from the Wikipedia article), despite the slightly alarmist tone of the BBC article and the surprised neighbors.  It seems unlikely they'll reach energy break-even anytime soon, but it never pays to completely write off amateurs, especially when they have brains, enthusiasm, and persistence.
If you're too impatient to build your own, you can simply order one up from NSD Fusion.  Evidently they numerous medical and industrial uses as neutron sources.  I hear that Acme Corporation will be coming out with their own version any day now too.  That's the one I'm waiting for.

Yet another Dr. Who sighting

... in 5000 B.C.  Read about it here.

The Article at the Center of the McChrystal Controversy

In case you missed it, linky right here, courtesy of Rolling Stone.

Just the Numbers, Ma'am

There's a lot of oil leaking from that Macondo well, but it isn't the end of the world.  This article puts the size of the leak, as well as the total size of the reservoir into perspective.  Not pretty, but it's not like the whole Gulf could turn into a sea of crude either.
There.  Feeling all better now?  Maybe a little?  Good, because some of that crap started washing up on my doorstep yesterday.

The Trouble with Science

... isn't the lack of students or educational opportunities.  It's the career path / business model of science, according to http://www.miller-mccune.com/science/the-real-science-gap-16191/
Opening blurb from the article:

It’s not insufficient schooling or a shortage of scientists. It’s a lack of job opportunities. Americans need the reasonable hope that spending their youth preparing to do science will provide a satisfactory career.

I could add more but it might come off badly (and I'm counting myself as one of the lucky ones).  Overall I think the article says all that really needs saying.  A tad long, but the whole thing is worth the read.

Movie Review: A-Team

Explosions – check.
Punching – check.
Rapid-paced quips from quirky characters – check.
Better aim than in the original TV show – check.
ActionActionAction – check.
Surprise twists to keep the action going – check.
Bigger Explosions – check.
Over-the-top ending with explosions, gunfire, and punching – check.
A small plot to sort of string it all together – bonus check.


OK, what's not to like about the movie?  You know why you're going to a show like this, and it ain't deep character development.  You pay for the ticket, get on the ride, and two hours later you get off with a goofy grin.  If that's what you're looking for, it's worth every penny.


It's June.  Have some fun.  3 out of 4 stars.