From PhysOrg:
Scientists at Duke and Rutgers universities have developed a mathematical framework they say will enable astronomers to test a new five-dimensional theory of gravity that competes with Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.
I especially like that the test uses gravitational lensing, the same effect that was used to test the General Theory back in 1919. This time the effect is subtle enough to require a gamma-ray observatory in orbit, which is expected to be launched in 2007.
Deana and Glen are getting married. Did anyone not know that? So in honor of their nearing nupital nuptal wedding, Deana has asked me to make them a quilt. Me! I’m pretty darn honored, I am. And it’s a challenge. Oo, color me intrigued. So I’m going, on occasion, to post random photos and updates so that they can, you know, be with me on the process. Oh, do they get to see full photos? No, they do not.
The rules: Inspired by the works of Jules Verne. Photos have been sent to me to give the feel which interests them. Think From the Earth to the Moon, Journey to the Center of the Earth, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I have found fabrics that I find to be rich and interesting, that remind me of the journey from our iron-rich core to the stars. The names I have given them for reference: deep red, molten brown, Asian flowers, Tron. There are skulls and novae and sharks.
I give you the first photo:
These are the candidates. Who gets included? Left behind? Stay tuned… though I’m pretty sure the blond kid and the train will be axed. From the quilt, that is.
Faced with human rights scandals, trillion-dollar deficits, rampant corruption, and a rising death toll, our Senate finally decided to do something:
They declared English the national language of the United States. Or maybe the common language. Something like that.
Sigh. What exactly does this get anyone? Nothing. Then again, what harm could it do? Plenty, actually. From the amendment:
Unless otherwise offered or provided by law, no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the Government of the United States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English.
Which is all well and good until you realize that this opens the door to effectively deny non-English-speakers who are legitimately in the country any assistance when, say, facing the charge of, say, Driving While Brown. Perhaps I’m just being oversensitive, but I’ve learned that it’s never too early to oppose stupid policy.
UPDATE: Apparently this whole story was false, a hoax. I’m definitely relieved. I’ll leave the rest here because, well, I’m lazy like that.
I haven’t followed internal affairs in Iran lately, but a recent story has chilling history-repeating-itself overtones. Apparently Jews and other non-Muslims will be required to wear color-coded insignia to differentiate them from Muslims.
Iranian expatriates living in Canada yesterday confirmed reports that the Iranian parliament, called the Islamic Majlis, passed a law this week setting a dress code for all Iranians, requiring them to wear almost identical “standard Islamic garments.”The law, which must still be approved by Iran’s “Supreme Guide” Ali Khamenehi before being put into effect, also establishes special insignia to be worn by non-Muslims.
If true, this would be the scariest development yet from Iran. This is the kind of development that starts to justify UN sanctions and (maybe just the barest beginnings of) thoughts of regime change. I just hope it doesn’t get drowned out by the incessant saber-rattling we’ve seen to date.
As an aside, I’m proud that I got through this whole post without using the terms “Nazi” or “Hitler”. Until the end, of course. Bah, nevermind.