Archive for August, 2009

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Fun with dimensions

Friday, August 28th, 2009

The always wonderful BoingBoing today points to a great article at New Scientist that’ll possibly help to clarify your understanding of the numerous dimensions, visible or not, that our universe consists of.

Fractals_by_Luis_Argerich«We don’t have any trouble coping with three dimensions – or four at a pinch. The 3D world of solid objects and limitless space is something we accept with scarcely a second thought. Time, the fourth dimension, gets a little trickier. But it’s when we start to explore worlds that embody more – or indeed fewer – dimensions that things get really tough.»

Indeed.

» Beyond space and time: Fractals, hyperspace and more
• Be also sure to catch “Dimensions”, the documentary and rate it here on the site!

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Fossilized feather found with color preserved

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Scientists of Yale University have discovered a fossilized bird feather with its original color still intact. What can I say? Purple is so 40 million years ago!

Feather by Jakob Vinther, Yale University

« “These feathers produced a black background with a metallic greenish, bluish or coppery color at certain angles—much like the colors we see in starlings and grackles today,” said Richard Prum, chair of the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Yale and one of the paper’s authors. »

And the coolest thing is: The finding may even pave the way towards new methods of identifying the original appearance of fossilized matter in general.

Suppose there was proof that scary Tyrannosaurus Rex was indeed pink, or better even, baby blue? (I guess the good side would be: No more Jurassic Park sequels. And the other good side: LOTS OF MERCHANDISE!)

40-Million-Year-Old Iridescent Feather Found with Color Preserved

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How to make your own state

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

The Smithsonian Magazine has an interesting article on a couple of states that nobody recognizes as such – except the few people living there. GLKStamps (from wikipedia)

«The MRE’s declaration of independence (penned by founding father Jeff Holt in his bathtub) hangs in the Boatyard Bar and Grill. Displayed on another wall is the official coat of arms, depicting a boat flanked by Labrador retrievers. Eastport’s self-imposed isolation echoes in its motto, “We like it this way”; the line between the words “it” and “this” represents Spa Creek.»

More often than not, economic reasons (e.g. marketing in order to boost tourism) seem to lie at the center of secession – however, the article fails to mention two intriguing examples of political significance: The Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands as well as the weirdest of all microstates: Transnistria.

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Cuba – I wish I’d know you better

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Whenever I talk about whether socialism can be successful or not – (I believe it’s virtual impossible without suppressing people) my discussion partner will always come up with Cuba. No matter, if I discuss with colleagues, students or my professors – there is always that phrase … but in Cuba it works …

Since I have honestly now clue about what’s is going on in Cuba I usually just reply:  “Really, are you sure?”

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Name my Niche

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Wordle: getDocued Today while the computer was putting this nice picture about getDocued together – I asked myself who is gD? I mean, yes we are all about new ideas, inspiring thoughts, about international affairs – in a way trying to be pretty “global”.

But who else is global? I mean most blogs seem to be a) very nation focused like most of the German or US Blogs or b) they are very focused on one topic – like the newest web gadgets or foreign affairs. So I guess what I’m trying to say is, that recently I’m looking for like minded blogs and platforms – so we can together create something more meaningful, sophisticated and inspiring. So plz. leave me any comments for Blogs I should go to and people I should talk to.

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