Looking at the dawn of time.

A telescope sent far in to space to study the oldest light in the Universe has returned its first images. The Planck observatory is surveying radiation that first swept out across space just 380,000 years after the Big Bang (15,000,000,000 years ago).  The light holds details about the age, contents and evolution of the cosmos.  …
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US to cut missile defence plan. A good start.

The US has cancelled or postponed the plan to emplace missiles in Poland.  This is good news.  Increasing the volume of armaments is a ludicrous policy in a world where people are dying of malnutrition and thirst and where a gun has no practical purpose except to kill another person.  The resources would be better …
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Togetherness – fights pain, increases fun

A study at Oxford University shows that exercising together appears to increase the level of the feel-good endorphin hormones naturally released during physical exertion.  An unexpected result perhaps, though it reinforces the notion that team work is more productive than individual performance. We know that teams can be synergistic, that is 1 + 1 = …
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$ 10 trillion and rising. Does it mean anything.

Another perspective released today is that everyone has spent $10,ooo each on the bailout of economies. $ 10 trillion is a lot of value, but may not mean much to anyone.  It’s enough to buy a country, or two. We are were we are.  The money is gone. The question remains about whether or not …
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“No morals at all” – has anything changed?

The story of Eileen Loiacono, a mortgage underwriter – deciding who her firm should lend to – at the height of the subprime lending bonanza, is a sad tale of fear and greed. She finally left the industry which had “no morals at all”. Has anything changed? Have those people suddenly gained integrity? What are …
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Body and mind are one : DNA = IT

The headline drew my attention: DNA ‘organises itself’ on silicon. The idea that genetic material is now being used in computing hardware is exciting. It illustrates the direct connection between the elements of existence and the analogue complexity of life. It seems almost natural that IT design must seek answers and solutions in biology. Future …
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A positive perspective helps you live longer.

Another scientific study has been released that shows that a positive outlook on life significantly lengthens life expectancy.  Even controlling for other factors, being positive has a 10% to 15% beneficial impact.  A positive outlook on life has additional benefits because it tends to help a lifestyle of more exercise and better eating. BBC: Optimistic …
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Terry Pratchett on death.

From the UK’s Mail on Sunday. Assisted suicide has been in the headlines because the law incriminating those who assist suicide is under review. Sir Terry has alzheimer’s and has written about death for over three decades. I’ll die before the endgame, says Terry Pratchett in call for law to allow assisted suicides in UK …
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The Kama Sutra finally wins over colonial law in India

The ancient Indian text the Kama Sutra makes an interesting read. It is not just a “sex manual” but also a guide or commentary on human behaviour and society. It allows for the differences in people and offers insight in to the intimate relationships that humans explore, including same gender sex. Homosexuality has always been …
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Sustainable Energy – Without The Hot Air

Read the book, or chapters, or synopsis, here. This remarkable book sets out, with enormous clarity and objectivity, the various alternative low-carbon pathways that are open to us. Sir David King FRS Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government, 2000-08 For anyone with influence on energy policy, whether in government, business or a campaign group, …
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