Ghost Fotos

http://paranormal.about.com/library/weekly/aa101402a.htm

The Return of the Zeppelin?

 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=300#more-300

The Army envisions a vehicle which can transport an entire Unit of Action– including 1,800 infantry plus armor support– from its operational base in the U.S. to the theater of combat… wherever that may be. This factors into the military’s “10-30-30″ objective: deploy to a distant theater in 10 days, defeat an enemy within 30 days, and be ready for an additional fight within another 30 days.
“Lighter-than-air” airships were once a promising breed, providing an inexpensive way to move large amounts of people and cargo inexpensively for long distances. But after the Hindenburg disaster in 1937, flight-by-buoyancy was all but abandoned by the aeronautics industry. Hot air balloons and blimps have seen occasional use, but the giant, rigid-airship zeppelins were all dismantled by 1940, and have hardly been seen since.

Now the U.S. Army is taking another look at the technology, with plans to develop a vehicle which harks back to the buoyant days of the zeppelins; however this new design is not intended to be “lighter-than-air,” rather it is a hybrid combining aerodynamics, thrust vectoring and gas buoyancy. Combining these three forces, the Army hopes to develop a cargo vehicle which can haul more than five hundred tons over very long distances, and land almost anywhere. The concept is called the “Walrus.”

Now this is interesting. i only put a few sections of the article up. Seeing as though much of modern day technology has been stolen and implemented into the military, its bizarre to think that the US has gone back 50-odd years to the zeppelin days to use in modern day warfare.But of course it wont be used in actual combat but more for transport, it would provide a more efficient way of moving resources, but the idea of that 10-30-30 is total crap. how long has it taken for the US to stablise Iraq now?and they still get attacked by guerrila warfare, it wouldnt surpirse me if they stuck huge missile on the side of their zeppelin to bomb the crap out of everything to avoid gruerilla warfare. oh my i do rant on dont i…

Guns N Roses return?

Guns N’ Roses album to see light of day
Axl Rose promises music this year

Guns n’ Roses’ long-awaited album ‘Chinese Democracy’ is nearing completion, according to singer Axl Rose.

The reclusive frontman has broken his silence on the band’s LP – their first original material since 1991’s ‘Use Your Illusion’ albums.

“People will hear music this year,” he said. “I’m trying to do something different. Some of the arrangements are kind of like Queen. Some people are going to say, ‘It doesn’t sound like Axl Rose, it doesn’t sound like Guns n’ Roses.’ But you’ll like at least a few songs on there.”

Speaking about the progress of ‘Chinese Democracy’ to Rolling Stone, Rose explained: “We’re working on 32 songs, and 26 are nearly done.”

Of those tracks, 13 are slated for the final album, with Rose picking out ‘Better’, ‘There Was A Time’ and ‘The Blues’ as personal favourites.

However, Rose has revealed that a reunion with his original Guns n’ Roses bandmates is unlikely, saying: “”I haven’t spoken to (guitarist) Slash in ten years. I love the guy, I always wanted everyone to know how great he was, but…. I was just talking to Izzy (Stradlin – guitarist) the other day though.”

The current line-up of the band could be hitting the road in the near future.

“Every time there’s a big festival announced, we get rumoured to be on there,” he said. “But we’ll see what happens.”

taken from nme.com, this is find hard to believe. The album chinese democracy has been on the cards for pretty much a decade, no way is it going to see the light of day, and if it does it is so overdue my prediction is that it wont sell very well.  On the other hand, rose has had years to work on it, so if he has spent all that time woprking on it, it could be amazing. well have to wait and see what happens

geography related – Iceland going hydro-energy

Iceland the First Country to Try Abandoning Gasoline
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Jan. 18, 2005 — Iceland has energy to spare, and the small country has found a cutting-edge way to reduce its oil dependency. Volcanoes formed the island nation out of ash and lava, and molten rock heats huge underground lakes to the boiling point.

The hot water — energy sizzling beneath the surface — is piped into cities and stored in giant tanks, providing heat for homes, businesses and even swimming pools.
ivers. The water runs through turbines, providing virtually all the country’s electricity.

Iceland wants to make a full conversion and plans to modify its cars, buses and trucks to run on renewable energy — with no dependence on oil.

Water Turned Into Fuel

Iceland has already started by turning water into fuel — hydrogen fuel.

Here’s how it works: Electrodes split the water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. Hydrogen electrons pass through a conductor that creates the current to power an electric engine.

Hydrogen fuel now costs two to three times as much as gasoline, but gets up to three times the mileage of gas, making the overall cost about the same.

As an added benefit, there are no carbon emissions — only water vapor.

In the capital, Reykjavik, they are already testing three hydrogen-powered electric buses. The drivers are impressed.

“I like these buses better because with hydrogen you get no pollution,” said bus driver Rognvaldur Jonatanlson.

By the middle of this century, all Icelanders will be required to run their cars only on hydrogen fuel, meaning no more gasoline.

“If we make hydrogen and use that as a fuel for transportation then we can run the whole society on our own local renewable energy sources,” said Marie Maack of the Hydrogen Research Project.

Icelanders say they’re committed to showing the world that by making fuel from water, it is possible to kick the oil habit.

This is kinda relavant to my course, its an interesting idea, but this idea is very geographically specific, with other countries not having the resouces to implement such a change. Of course global superpowers such as the USA and China wouldnt dare think if such a change, seeing as though they are allready ignoring the Kyoto agreement on CO2 emmisions. Hopefully this will be a way forward. It makes me laugh how governments commited to the Kyoto agreement (UK being one) try to introduce renewable energy schemes into general use only for NIMBY’s (not in my back yard) to cry out against such schemes. Surely it wont matter in a few years time if your view is blocked by a field of wind turbines, when all the fucking coal and gas has run out!. People can be so narrow minded, but i spose this is all part of a capitalist culture, and the fetishism of commodities, people worrying about house prices. Surely a communist society would embrace such a change?

Prison

Dutch open ‘Big Brother’ jail

Fail to pay traffic fines or commit a petty theft in the Netherlands and you could find yourself electronically tagged inside a Big Brother-style jail. The hi-tech jail in the central city of Lelystad opens, and locks, its doors to low-risk inmates this week.

Electronic bracelets track their moves while emotion recognition software monitors tempers – with good behaviour rewarded with privileges.

The justice ministry says the concept is a new form of detention.

It is hoped the prison will prove cheaper – with fewer guards needed – and help improve the behaviour of those inmates sentenced to less than four months.

Justice ministry spokesman Hans Janssens says the treatment is focused on helping inmates take responsibility for their actions.

“We say that the biggest punishment is that you are not free to do what you want – you have to follow a daily programme, you can choose, but after five pm you are in the cell block and the doors are closed,” he told the BBC News website.

“The press have called it ‘Big Brother’ or a youth hostel, but I can’t comment on that.”

In the 150-capacity prison, inmates are divided into cells of six – where they eat, sleep and do their own washing and cooking.

Incentives

The tags and touch-screen computers at the end of their beds allow them to organise their own daily schedules – with a choice of sports, recreation, personal development, education and outdoor activities.

The tag sends a signal every two seconds, so if a prisoner is not where he should be, an alarm will sound and he will lose out on credits for good behaviour. These can be used towards privileges such as extra phone calls, visiting time or the chance to swap cells.

The prison is also equipped with monitoring systems that detect aggression – as used by police in pub districts in the northern town of Groningen.

“If they are watching a football match and there is a goal and they are shouting, it will not react,” says Mr Janssens. “But if there is an intense discussion or fight, or aggressive screaming, the system will detect this.”

He adds that there are no cameras in the dormitories and microphones do not pick up inmates’ conversations.

Pieter Vleeming, of the European Organisation for the Protection of Prisoners’ Rights, said he didn’t see the surveillance as a violation of rights.

He said he had few objections, but more training opportunities could be offered and suggested keeping low-risk offenders at home would be more effective.

Contact reduced

The Abvakabo FNV union, which represents prison staff, has raised concerns about the jail, which they see as a response to the justice system’s need to cut costs.

Modern technology means fewer guards are needed – only six for 150 inmates instead of around 15.

There is also much less contact between guards and prisoners, which could make the job less interesting, said a union spokeswoman.

She told the BBC the facility looked secure, but the union would monitor all aspects of the experiment in coming months.

“Electrics can break down, and then what?” she said.

The prison will be run on an experimental basis for six months, with offenders being given the option of serving time at Lelystad.

Hardened criminals, people with heavy drug dependency or psychological problems will not be admitted. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4628186.stm

ok So this idea could work, espcially in the Nederlands where they are very liberal in their actions, and the idea of taggin has been proven to be not all that its cracked up to be. But yeah in a sense this is a big brother experiment, and granted it shouldnt be tried out on dangerous criminals. But wheres the idea of rehabilitation, for those who commit crimes. They are there to be punished, not pampered!

Battle of wits

Just randomly on the uni homepage and a poll is running, who would win in a battle of wits between Yogi Bear or Topcat. Its gota be topcat, outwitting officer dibble all those times. Its much like the time on a forum between Sonic and Mario and who would win in an all out battle. Its gota be sonic of course!!!

Muse to play in Devon?

Top rockers Muse could play a triumphant gig on their home patch at the invitation of the local council.

The Teignmouth trio of Matt Bellamy, Dom Howard and Chris Wolstenholme, have found worldwide fame and acclaim as one of the best live acts around.

Teignbridge Council is so pleased with the kudos and publicity they have brought to the area, they are to officially inviting them to perform locally.

The suggestion to honour the local lads made good came from Cllr Jeremy Christophers of Bickington, who described them as: “A beacon for young people to show you can reach the top with talent and perseverance.” The Teignbridge executive committee enthusiastically agreed to issue an official invite to Muse, and Cllr David Cox from Shaldon is heading up a small working-party with officers and members to try and put on a show.

“Our first task will be to write to the group’s management and discuss ideas and dates with them. Obviously the group are booked up well ahead, so it may take some time to get off the ground.

“Teignmouth would be the most appropriate venue, but there may be bigger and better sites in the district to stage a concert, so we will be considering all options. It has to be thrashed out whether any gig is free or an entrance fee charged. But we would want to keep any cost to the minimum to encourage as many young people as possible to see their heroes,” Cllr Cox pointed out. Muse celebrate their 10th anniversary as a group this year.

They formed a band while at Teignmouth Community College and from playing in church halls and pubs, graduated to fill mega stadiums worldwide, headlining at Glastonbury and other festivals, and winning the best live act award at the 2004 Brits.

They are recording their new album at the moment, but still keep in touch with their roots. All three visit friends and family in the South Devon area.

http://invictus.softmeg.com/index.php

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/44460

Sean Penn Demands To Know What Asshole Took SeanPenn@ gmail.com

January 17, 2006 | Issue 42•03

LOS ANGELES—In an impassioned 1,900-word open letter published in Monday’s Washington Post, actor-director Sean Penn urged the unknown person who registered the e-mail address SeanPenn@gmail.com to “come forward immediately, rather than wallowing in the shame and ignominy of fraud.”

Enlarge ImageSean Penn

The paid full-page advertisement, addressed to “a certain inconsiderate asshole,” continued: “Every American—indeed, every human being, regardless of nationality—deserves to be rightfully and accurately represented on the World Wide Web—the communication gateway into the next century and beyond—without having to resort to nonsensical aliases with random strings of numbers tacked onto the end. In an era of global wireless technology, our very identities are at stake. It’s highly unethical at best, criminal at worst, for others to wantonly abscond with them.”

Penn recounted in the letter how he had waited for an invitation to Google’s e-mail service for a year and a half before receiving one earlier this month. According to Penn, when he tried to establish an account, he received a message indicating that his desired user name, SeanPenn, had already been registered.

“Sir or madam, if only you could have seen the anger and revulsion that washed over my face as I found that SeanPenn@gmail.com, Penn@gmail.com, SPenn@gmail.com, Penn.Sean@gmail.com, and SeanPennRules@gmail.com had all been taken,” Penn’s letter read. “If only you could have felt my heart leap to my throat upon realizing that Seanpenn@gmail.com would not work either, as Gmail addresses are not case-senstitive. If only you could have heard my cry of anguish when, in a last, desperate move, I typed in Spicoli@gmail.com, only to be rejected once more and finally forced to accept the abomination that is Sean.Penn20061@gmail.com.”

Continued Penn, “It’s a sad, sad day for the individual’s right to self-determination and self-expression, let alone for the movie directors, journalists, and diplomats who will not be able to easily remember—or even recognize—my e-mail address.”

Penn said he also tried SeanPenn81760@gmail.com, ShawnPenn@gmail.com, and SeanPennActor@gmail.com.

This was not the first time Penn has expressed anger over the difficulty of obtaining a Sean Penn-specific e-mail address. He made headlines last year when he refused to appear on the set of Columbia Pictures’ All The King’s Men for two days after he learned that SPenn@sonypictures.com had been taken by video assist operator Steve Penn.

Penn admitted that the painful experience of not being able to communicate freely through e-mail had its upside.

“Oh, certainly, I identify more strongly with the poor, war-battered youth of the Middle East.”

Penn ended his statement by reiterating his demand that the SeanPenn user-name holder reveal his identity, assuring him that he will not retaliate with punitive measures or even ask that the e-mail address be relinquished. Instead, Penn invited the perpetrator to accompany him to Iraq, to “learn a hard, real-life lesson about the devastation wreaked by false pretense, gross injustice, and misapplication of power.”i just wanted to put that up, its quite funny, and pathetic as well

Shaming Pumpkins to make a comeback?

Smashing Pumpkins are strongly rumoured to be reforming this summer for live shows – with Coachella touted as their comeback.

Singer Billy Corgan has made no secret of the fact he wants to reform his old band, and NME.COM has learned the band are set to make their comeback at the Californian festival on April 30.Corgan remains friends with former Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlain, and is also in contact with the band’s second bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, having collaborated with her on her forthcoming second solo album.

The first rumours of the band reforming came when the singer took out an advert in the local Chicago Tribune newspaper where he said “his heart” remains with his old band.

This will be interesting if this does take off, although will it just be like the pixies and only in it for the money, if they play at reading festival this year i will be gutted though.

The rich get richer

APPLE CEO Steve Jobs star appears to be in the ascendant after a report said Walt Disney will buy Pixar.The Pixar (tick: PIXR) share price stood at $57.26 when the markets closed yesterday, and is currently valued at not far short of $7 billion. Meanwhile, Apple (tick: AAPL) turned in its financial results for its first quarter showing revenues of $5.75 billion and a net profit of $565 million. The results weren’t quite as Wall Street had expected – sales of its Mac PCs and notebooks were weaker, partly in anticipation of the widely expected introduction of Intel based machines, announced earlier this month.

Yes thats rite the CEO of apple is goin to get richer. Although this sounds very familiar to the news of Dreamworks being sold off, earning Mr Speilberg a shitload of money, Ebay buying Skype, Rupert Murdoch buying Myspace.com, Virgin Mobile and NTL merger and other such events. And interestingly Google shares are around $500 now, extortionate!