Two rotating spheres separated by thousands of kilograms of liquid sodium aim to mimic Earth's interior

Ten years in the making, the US$2-million project is nearly ready for its inaugural run. Early next year, the sphere will begin whirling around while loaded with 13,000 kilograms of molten sodium heated to around 105 °C. Researchers hope that the churning, electrically conducting fluid will generate a self-sustaining electromagnetic field that can be poked, prodded and coaxed for clues about Earth's dynamo, which is generated by the movement of liquid iron in the outer core. If it works, it will be the first time that an experiment that mirrors the configuration of Earth's interior has managed to recreate such a phenomenon.

           Source & rest of story: http://www.nature.com/news/dynamo-maker-ready-to-roll-1.9582

Cool Bluetooth Speaker & Speakerphone, the Jawbone Jambox.

Updated 10/31/11 

Got my girlfirend one for her Birthday this last weekend, she really likes it, no problem using it via Bluetooth for her Ipad or Blackberry phone, also worked fine with the 3.5mm headphone jack hooked to her TV.

Now, hopefully she takes the hint and gets me one for Xmas!

end of update

The Jawbone is really cool.

Very portable bluetooth speaker & speaker phone for iPod/iPhone/iPad or other bluetooth device.

I want one, though using it as speaker would be the primary function for me, I can see using the speaker phone functionality for video calling. I'm sure it would work for conference calling buy I don't have a need for that.

More information available at Jawbone Official site.

Science Pictures

Image Credit: NASA/Swift/Penn State/J. Kennea

Just a bit of inspiration, to keep slogging through calculus so I can see the beauty that lies beneath the surface of images like these.

If you want to learn what these pictures really mean, check Professor Astronomy.

Image Credit: Jon Morse and NASA

Multiverse theory

Maybe we are not alone. Story from BBC, what is really cool about this particular Multiverse idea is that it is testable!

Scientist may actually be able to find evidence of other universes.  Doubtful we will be able to find out more.

Multiverse info from Wikipedia, might not be updated yet with this recent information.


Journal Physical Review D

First observational tests of eternal inflation: Analysis methods and WMAP 7-year results

Stephen M. Feeney, Matthew C. Johnson, Daniel J. Mortlock, and Hiranya V. Peiris

Abstract pdf

Detailed publication pdf

Neat Gift that has a lot of utility

Just a few examples, for more information click here.

These items are made from multiple colors of paracord, they look very attractive, yet if you ever need some cordage you will have some with you.

They even offer to replace for free if you ever have to use it in an emergency.  As long as your willing to send them your story & photos so they have an endorsement from satisfied customer.

Personally I think they look good enough to wear just for the look, but then I like neat things like this.  Check out "EDC" [Every Day Carry, usually refers to small items that might be useful] labeled posts on my blog for some other things I think are neat.

So a good, modest priced, gift idea for kid or adult, specially for anyone that likes outdoor activities.  That could actually save someones life, or more realistically, provide a temporary fix to get you home.

If your not familiar with paracord, it is cordage (basically thin rope) that meets the standards needed for parachute.  It is the gold standard of rope for hikers, astronauts, hunters, military, etc. 


Wikipedia link for more information on paracord.

Here is a picture showing what the insides look like, you can use the smaller inner strands for thread if you need to mend clothes or a tent.

Really cool keychain

This is really neat, I am going to get one or two and try out. I like the shackle for the keys, lets you keep the keeps from making so much noise.  Link here.

Earth's Trojan Asteroid, the first one found!

Cool video from NASA of the orbit.  For more information go to Space.com

TED: Ideas worth Spreading

A REALLY cool website. TED link

All kinds of topics covered, they add new videos or audio podcasts every week.

Good way to spend some time.

Jules Underwater Lodge

Whether your into scuba diving, marine ecology, eco tourism, or not Jules Underwater Lodge is simply cool.

Imagine spending the night underwater, about 30 feet down, with windows to view the sea life and all the comforts your used to at home.

They are also paired up with Aurora Aerospace to provide zero G flights, like astronauts use for part of their training, as a package deal.