The Bush administration plans to spend about $100 million to develop an anti-missile system for commercial planes, more than originally discussed, reflecting concern that terrorists might try to use shoulder-fired rockets to shoot down an aircraft.

They're talking about things like Stingers and vintage Soviet SA-7's. Of course, this will be difficult and take time, which is one reason why certain members of congress are facilitating the crackdown on dangerous terrorists like Cub Scouts and others who fly hobby rockets and RC cars and planes. These politicians aren't interested in solving the problem, they're interested in appearing to be solving the problem.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., has sponsored a bill to equip the 6,800 planes in the U.S. commercial fleet with some form of anti-missile device at an estimated cost of $10 billion. He said the Bush administration was still moving too slowly.

They must be taking care of us, because they're spending so much money. We're just not smart enough to appreciate it.

Posted by: Ted at 04:23 PM | category: SciTech
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In Norway, they've harnessed the power of the tides to turn an underwater 'windmill' and generate electricity. So far, so good. The only problem is, the generating plant cost $11 million and will supply the needs of 30 homes.

Doesn't seem nearly worth it now, does it?

Posted by: Ted at 10:07 PM | category: SciTech
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A rodent the size of a buffalo? Researchers say they have found fossils for a 1,545-pound giant that thrived millions of years ago in a swampy South American forest.

"Imagine a weird guinea pig, but huge, with a long tail for balancing on its hind legs and continuously growing teeth," according to scientists.

There's a book I remember reading several years ago that I got from the library, called The New Dinosaurs: An Alternative Evolution, by Dougal Dixon. Full of colorful drawings and imaginative text, the basic premise was the question 'What would the animal kingdom be like if dinosaurs hadn't died out?'. Very fun and interesting to read, especially if you read it to an inquisitive child.

Update: Daniel scooped me on this one by over two hours. That's what I get for napping this afternoon.

Posted by: Ted at 05:45 PM | category: SciTech
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I just realized that I have Yahoo Messenger loaded on my PC - I don't think I've used it in a couple of years. If you want to IM me, look for:

What else would it be, eh? The '77' is the year I graduated high school, for all you curious whippersnappers.

Anyways, it'll be on from now on if you want to talk. Entertaining hate messages, amusing trolls, and obscene messages gladly welcomed.

Posted by: Ted at 02:16 AM | category: SciTech
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1 See, I was right. You're just a wee slip of a laddie.

Posted by: LeeAnn at September 17, 2003 09:55 AM (HxCeX)

2

Posted by: Ted at September 17, 2003 12:49 PM (2sKfR)

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Here are some interesting experiments that you may have thought of, but never bothered to do.

Strawberry Pop Tarts. Incendiary devices. Why not both in one handy foil pouch?

The T.W.I.N.K.I.E.S. Project. They even post the results of their tests in haiku.

From this page: "Ordinary grapes, when properly prepared and microwaved, spark impressively in an extremely entertaining manner."
IsnÂ’t that what life is all about?

Funny things to do with your microwave. Kids, donÂ’t do this without parental supervision and permission. Mookie, the answer is no.

More stupid microwave games. And you thought the only fun stuff in the kitchen was in the knife drawer.

Posted by: Ted at 11:06 AM | category: SciTech
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