Film critic Roger Ebert weighs in on the current 3D movie craze, and why it’s a failure, at least from the technical side. I always wondered why it feels so odd when I don the glasses, now I have an explanation. I really couldn’t care less whether a film is 3D or not. It doesn’t …
Continue reading ‘“Why 3D doesn’t work and never will. Case closed.”’ »
More evidence — should any still be needed — that intelligence isn’t limited to humans, or even to primates.
The synopsis: Religion and brute force failed to quash the idea of Darwinian evolution. Creationists and their Bible verses just irritated nonbelievers. Now Intelligent Design (ID) tries to topple Darwin again, not by offering a viable alternative, but by trying to co-opt the same concepts that have raised science to its current strength. Unfortunately for …
Continue reading ‘“The Other Intelligent Design Theories”’ »
As much as this sounds like pure fantasy right now, I suspect it’s all but inevitable. Too many people are looking too hard at the problem — somebody is going to crack it sooner or later, and likely sooner. I also suspect that the consequences listed in the article are only the tip of the …
Continue reading ‘“Superhero oil-burping algae will save the world”’ »
So keep it clean, boys and girls. (It’ll be interesting to find out the whys and wherefores of the brain mechanism responsible. I hope someone manages it in my lifetime.)
As reported here. Why? Simple enough: fear shuts off the brain. It’s easier to control people who are afraid, something that dictators, politicians, and televangelists know very well.
As a childhood fan of Legos, and the sibling of an adult fan of both Legos and the Lego video games, I have to say… WTF?! (Of course, I didn’t understand the concept behind the Lego video games either, until I saw my sister play one. Maybe it’ll turn out to be pretty good.)
My stepfather has sleep apnea. He’s a really top-notch guy who will put up with a lot, but somehow I doubt he’d take kindly to having a robo-bear tickling his face at night.
This sort of thing will be useful for lots of peaceful purposes too. True telepresence, for instance, a la Surrogates. Fire and rescue workers equipped with something like this will be able to save others without having to risk their own lives. Astronauts could remain safely in orbiting ships, sending down only robotic suits, possibly …
Continue reading ‘“Brainscan breakthrough: Working robot limbs come closer”’ »
You’ve got to admire their dedication, I guess.