Astronomers find planet made of diamond

Submitted by erika on 10/18/12 10:18am
Should De Beers be worried?

It may sound like a story straight out of the lurid pulp sci fi novels of the 1950s and 1960s, but this story is all too true: a new planet named 55 Cancri e is made mostly of diamonds. 

The 55 Cancri solar system is located a mere 40 light years from our own, and it is extremely rich in carbon. It is part of the constellation of Cancer, and is visible with the naked eye on a clear night. 
 
55 Cancri e is the innermost planet, zipping around its star at a surprising clip, with a solar year that is a mere 18 hours long. This close to its sun, the surface temperatures of the planet average around 3,900 degrees Fahrenheit. 55 Cancri e is twice as big around as Earth, and has eight times the mass. The immense pressures and high temperatures mean that 55 Cancri e has converted an estimated third of its mass into diamond. 
 
It would not be an easy matter to mine 55 Cancri e, even if we overcame the hurdle of faster-than-light travel. The surface temperatures are hot enough to melt metal, and it is constantly bathed in intense solar radiation that would make it impossible for a life form (like ourselves) to get near the planet. 

At current diamond prices, Forbes estimates that the diamond planet would be worth $26.9 nonillion; 384 quadrillion times the amount of Earth's GDP for an entire year. But even if it could be mined, the resulting treasure trove would surely be worthless by the time it was brought back to Earth. Diamonds are only valuable because of their scarcity. And even that is a false scarcity, an illusion maintained by the De Beers diamond company which warehouses untold billions of carats of diamonds in order to carefully maintain prices on the market.
 
Even De Beers, with all the resources at its disposal, would have a difficult time buying and hiding an entire Earth-sized planet made of diamond. But since diamonds (unlike oil or drinking water) have no inherent value, bringing a huge planet-sized chunk of diamond back to Earth would only guarantee that all diamonds would instantly become worthless.
 
De Beers is one of the most powerful cartels operating on Earth. Surely they would extend their cartel into space, once space travel becomes possible. In the past ten years, De Beers has pled guilty to charges of price fixing the price of industrial grade diamonds to the U.S. government, and has settled several class action lawsuits regarding price fixing gem diamonds as well. The company swears it has cleaned up its act, but is anyone really buying it?

The Instant Guide to Windows 8 by Ian Barker

Submitted by CateCarson on 10/18/12 9:40am
Windows 8 will be dramatically different.

I’ve been primarily a Mac OS user for the past few years, yet I do like to keep up on Windows OS development. I had been hearing about Windows 8, which was developed not only for conventional PCs, but also touch screens and tablets. I wanted to learn more, so I was happy to find a short guide to this operating system as an eBook. 

The Instant Guide to Windows by Ian Barker is only about 28 pages long, so it’s obviously a quick read. I found the “What’s new?” chapter immediately helpful. After just a paragraph or two, I realized that Windows 8 will be dramatically different than any versions of Windows I had experienced.

 The guide reviews the installation process and options, and what you’ll need to have on hand in preparation of the install. 

 

Beyond the install, the guide reviews other features Windows 8 offers, and how things have changed from previous versions. It seems to provide useful tips and tricks for transitioning, and from what I can gather, the changes will be significant enough that users may feel confused by many of them. 

 

I realize this is a short and inexpensive guide, so I hate to nitpick, but I feel it could have been dramatically improved by having screenshots of the various components that it is reviewing. 

 

Just curious, are any of you planning to upgrade your desktops or laptops to Windows 8 as soon as the operating system is released? Or do you plan to wait awhile for any bugs to be flushed out?

Weird turtles are wired backwards

Submitted by erika on 10/18/12 9:38am
Some turtles pee out their mouths; others breathe through their butts

Two recent news stories demonstrate that some turtles are wired backwards. According to the National Geographic, some species of soft shelled turtles in China pee out of their mouths. Researchers had previously noticed that the turtles had gill-like structures in their mouths, which they naturally assumed were used for additional breathing help when submerged in deep puddles and lakes.

However, it turns out that these "gills" are actually used for expelling urine. Scientists noticed that the turtles would frequently stick their heads into a puddle and waggle their tongues around. Obviously there would be no need to do this to breathe, since the turtles had fully functional lungs. 
 
They purchased several turtles from a market, and kept them in tanks. After six days, the turtles had expelled very little urine from their backsides. But when the researchers gave the turtles a puddle of shallow water, bingo: the turtles stuck their heads in the water and waggled their tongues around, and used the water as a "mouth rinse" to expel urea. 

In (say) humans, the kidneys take urea, mix it with a lot of water, and expel it through the bladder. But this process takes a lot of water. For turtles living in brackish conditions, it makes more sense to basically suck up a mouth of pond water, mix it with concentrated urea from your "gills," and spit it out. If you don't mind having a mouth full of pee, it's a great system for living in brackish conditions.
 
To complete this circle of weirdness, the Fitzroy River turtle basically has gills in its butt that it can use to breathe. This extremely rare and limited species has sacs in its cloaca (an all-purpose opening that the turtle uses to poop, lay eggs, etc.) called "bursa." These bursa are highly vascularized, just like the insides of your lungs. 
 
The Fitzroy River turtle is known locally as the "bum-breathing turtle," because it is able to pump water over these sacs and absorb oxygen into its bloodstream. A clever adaptation for a turtle that spends a long time sitting in highly oxygenated water, waiting for prey to wander past. 
 
One wonders why the Fitzroy River turtle didn't have the good sense to develop gills in its face, like most right-thinking aquatic animals. But there is no point second guessing a turtle, is there?
 

Meeting other Americans while traveling

Submitted by Mulv Jones on 10/18/12 9:07am
The pros and cons of travelers from your home turf

As much as backpackers try and integrate into the local culture, the fact is they are still tourists. Through things like volunteering, learning the language and home stays, it is becoming easier and easier to integrate into local ways of life. Even so, as a tourist you are going to meet other tourists. This is the nature of the game.

Southeast Asia is a literal hotbed for visitors from all around the world. Due to proximity, many Asians, Australians and Europeans tend to roam here. Once upon a blue moon you’ll meet Americans, South Americans and Canadians as well.  With that being said, as an American, I haven’t quite decided how I feel about meeting and traveling with other Americans.

When meeting people from different cultures in a different culture, you find yourself lost in absolute cultural mayhem. On the one hand, you are trying to adhere to the host countries practices and norms, while simultaneously trying to figure out certain things about those you are traveling with. It can sound overwhelming, but in fact, it starts to become a practice that feels great. You learn quickly how to pick up on cultural nuisances, learn fun caveats from multiple cultures, and learn bits and pieces of a plethora of languages.

I think my uneasiness with traveling with other Americans is falling into certain practices one tries to leave when exiting the states. This can be using the word, “like,” like, you know, a million times in a phrase, or speaking incredibly fast. The overarching idea, as well, is that it is just too simple. Traveling for me needs to be a challenge, and meeting other Americans is a lot easier than someone from a different country.

But like all things, there is a silver lining. Traveling with other Americans offers a comfort, naturally, but also allows one to recuperate the vocabulary lost while spending time with ESL travelers. Using idioms from home, making jokes that are state specific, and being able to speak freely is fantastic.

I’ve met some amazing Americans on my trip. I’ve been blessed to travel with them, and have learned some great things, but my consensus is trying to find travelers from other cultures. Call me a snob, but there is a majestic sense in figuring out the subtleties of a new travel partner, while doing the same in your host country.

Increase blog readership with giveaways

Submitted by erika on 10/18/12 9:05am
Everyone loves the chance to win something!

It may sound counter-intuitive, that you can get more of something by giving something away. But giveaways are one of the best, time-tested, most beloved ways to both increase your readership and cement the readership you already have. 

Several of the big names in blogging practically built their readership on giveaways. Pioneer Woman comes to mind: relatively early in her blogging career, in addition to great writing and beautiful photographs, she offered frequent giveaways. Drummond managed to secure partnerships with companies relevant to her readership, and was thus able to offer giveaways of targeted items like diaper pails and high-end kitchen equipment at no cost to herself. 

There are a lot of great lessons to be learned here. First, don't be afraid to approach a company and ask for a giveaway for your blog. Even if your readership is only in the teens, you still represent a valued demographic that many companies are trying to target. A lot of companies are thrilled to have a blogger basically land in their lap. And most companies already have promotional items they are happy to offer as giveaways.
 
The next lesson is, be sure to choose things that are targeted to your audience. You certainly COULD offer a diaper pail on a World of Warcraft blog, and if your blog is targeted to gamer moms and dads that would be a great suggestion. But most Warcraft blogs will probably have better results offering a Warcraft mug, a Warcraft pre-paid time card, or a high-end mouse.
 
Don't be afraid to regift, or gift "gently used" items, either. But be up front about your usage and the item's condition. Tell your audience that you used the peeler and liked it but don't have room for it in your drawer, that you have read the book but it's in good condition, or that you received the item as an unwanted gift and it's still new in package.
 
Also, NEVER tie your giveaway to a donation or raffle of any kind. This can get you in legal trouble for violating your state's lottery laws.
 
Be sure to state clear boundaries in your giveaway post. Tell people exactly how to enter (usually by leaving a comment), and when the winner will be announced. Give it a few days, in order to let everyone have a chance to enter. If you write other posts in the meantime, mention your giveaway at the end and point people to the giveaway post.
 
And finally, be sure to pack your item well and ship it promptly. (Or order it from Amazon to be delivered directly to the recipient, thus saving yourself the bother!)
 

I want to ride in a helicopter

Submitted by Mulv Jones on 10/18/12 8:58am
Ultra cool people ride in choppers.

Let’s make one thing straight; riding in helicopters is by far the coolest form of transportation.  You know who rides in helicopters? The President of the United States rides in helicopters. European soccer players probably ride in helicopters. James Bond film villains ride in helicopters. This is just a small list of the lucky people who get the chance to quote the Governator and yell something about getting back to a chopper.

I’ve begun to weigh my options, and it seems there are only two ways this will happen. Option one: get rich! To follow through this option I will first have to either further my education, leading to years of paying off loans, while simultaneously working my up the corporate ladder, or else find some under the table, nitty gritty, get-rich-quick jobs. 

The former will see me flying through the sky in 20-50 years, while the ladder will either see me doing the same within this year, or else in 20-50 years (depending on the nature of work, and how long I’m put behind bars). This is unacceptable.

The other option, though, seems even worse. Get some solid insurance, and get hurt in a remote area to take flight for life. Even while typing this, my conscience and fear of making jokes about unfunny subjects, is making me cringe. Option two seems pretty terrible.

Whether it takes a lifetime, or I get lucky and meet a really rich and famous friend, my life will be a failure if it ends without me soaring through the skies in a chopper. This will be marked of the bucket list in due time. 

Celebrating your Sheltie’s birthday

Submitted by CateCarson on 10/18/12 8:57am
Share your birthday memories

Shetland Sheepdogs can be sweet little creatures, and many are more sensitive to their person’s moods than people may be. They often become cherished members of our families, and naturally, we love to celebrate special occasions with them. One such special occasion is our beloved dogs' birthdays. 

In a previous post, I’d mentioned that birthdays can be bittersweet. We appreciate the opportunity to express our love, yet we all know that Shelties’ lives are far too short. So it was with joy, overall, that I celebrated Maddy’s 10-year birthday yesterday by taking her to agility class. 

 

Maddy now jumps half the height she did as when she was in her prime, and she’s less interested in blasting through tunnels at top speed. Sometimes I shorten the course a bit for her by removing an especially challenging obstacle. Although physically she doesn’t perform at the level she used too, she still loves the sport. Interestingly enough, Maddy’s focus is better than ever, and she usually understands what I’m asking of her. 

 

I love our agility runs, and the feeling of connection we have on the course. When we are done, I love picking her up, and burying my face in the fur on her neck, so soft against my cheeks. Maddy has some arthritis, and even though she loves agility, I know the time will come when it will be unfair to take her to class. In the meantime, for each class we attend, I block out any distractions and worries, and give Maddy my full attention. 

 

Do you have any special memories of birthdays spent with your Shetland Sheepdogs? If so, please share. 

 

Payton Manning leads the Broncos to the fourth biggest comeback in NFL history

Submitted by Mulv Jones on 10/18/12 8:55am
Broncos score 35 unanswered points in second half

John Elway has already cemented his legacy in Denver as a football player. Whether or not he cements his legend as a Vice President of the Denver Broncos rests in the hands of “the Sheriff,” Payton Manning.

After trailing 24-0 to conference rivals the San Diego Chargers, Elway must have been sweating a bit seeing as Tebow is starting to make his presence known in New York. With that be said, Tebow is a spectacle, while Manning is a 4-time NFL MVP.

After a dismal first half, Manning and the broncos scored 35 unanswered points, and orchestrated the 4th largest comeback in NFL history. Manning completed all but one of his second half passes, and the Broncos continued on their path of defending their AFC west title (they are now 2-0 in the conference).

Besides a few special team woes (two turnovers to be exact) and a few dud plays (Eric Decker tripping instead of running to a wide open touchdown), the Broncos are beginning to look like a team who can make a playoff run. The mistakes made in this game are characteristic of a team in transition, and with Manning only have played a few games in orange and blue, the mistakes more palatable.

Though the Broncos can’t count on four second half turnovers often, they did look like a force to be reckoned with in the second half. Once our boys learn to start fast (instead of relying on 4th quarter Mile High Magic) the AFC West title (and I’ll dare to say it, AFC Championship) is ours to lose.

Don’t take the comfortable option

Submitted by Mulv Jones on 10/18/12 8:52am
"Taste the rainbow" when traveling

When people backpack and travel (or go to college) they seem to use this as an excuse to become a new person. If they are tight-laced and uptight while at home, their traveling persona will be someone who goes with the flow, and uses phrases like, “chill out, brah.” Along those same lines, people who find themselves being more prude, and less open sexually, tend to dabble in a fair amount of the freaky deaky on the road.

Though sexual exploration, IMHO (yep, just learned this acronym, it means in my humble opinion) is a great thing, I implore those looking to take a ride on the bone roller coaster to really get out of their comfort zone. You are bound to meet people from your home, who look, act and think just like you do, but why settle for this? You are traveling , so experience a new culture!

I’m definitely not an advocate for sex tourism, but if you are consensually fornicating with someone, why not taste the rainbow (or at least some foreign cuisine)? Your home, and people from your home, will always be there, especially when you return as a new, sexually competent casanova. Save the nookie with countrymen (or women) for you return.

Sure, it is easy to read the signs, speak the lingo and hop into bed with someone from home, but don’t fall into that game. Put in the extra effort to learn the body language of someone new, and thank me when you are making beautiful whoopee to a chorus of words you don’t understand. 

Senate Race Update: PA, WI, OH

Submitted by Spectator on 10/18/12 8:32am
Tossups everywhere?

RealClearPolitics.com now lists an amazing 12 senate races as tossups.  Obviously, the outcome of those 12 races will determine the outcome of control of the Senate.

***

Probably the most unlikely "tossup" of all is Pennsylvania, where businessman Tom Smith (R) has been creeping up on incumbent Sen. Bob Casey (D).

Smith was not considered a strong "recruit" and was given little chance at the outset of the campaign.  Casey is a "brand name" in Pennsylvania, as both he and his father have been elected there statewide on multiple occasions.

But self-funding Smith won't go away.  Though he has never led in a poll, four different October polls have shown him within four points or less.  All of the sudden, the race appears on "tossup" lists.

Smith is attempting to replicate the success of Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, a businessman who was "Tea Party, but not too Tea Party" and who eked out a narrow GOP win in a Democrat-leaning state over a popular-but-flawed incumbent (Russ Feingold).  Smith would be on almost the exact same path.

But Johnson's success was in a non-presidential year.  Smith may be one Senate candidate who will be particularly dependent on Mitt Romney generating a Republican breeze on election day.

RCP Average: Casey 47%, Smith 41.7%

New York Times forecast: Casey 94% chance of winning

***

Speaking of Wisconsin ... it appears that former Gov. Tommy Thompson (R) may have moved back into the lead there.

Thompson is an old-school "establishment" Republican (member of the George W. Bush cabinet; once expressed some positive notes about health care reform; etc.), but, with Mitt Romney surging in the presidential race, "establishment" is at least semi-cool again among the GOP.

Thompson took an early lead over Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D), but Baldwin appeared to get a strong boost from the Democratic National Convention and her follow-up advertising, which put some dents in Thompson's generally positive image.

Every poll from mid-September until mid-October put Baldwin in front.  But now, coincident with the Romney bump from the first presidential debate, a new Marquette University poll has Thompson back in the lead.

Both candidates appear to be viewed somewhat favorably, and both have been around long enough (in Thompson's case, pretty much "forever") to be known quantities.  With Baldwin set as a "Madison liberal," the battle lines are clear even though Thompson is not beloved by the party's right.

National trends and local "ground game" could tilt the balance on this one.

RCP Average: Baldwin 48.3, Thompson 46.3

New York Times forecast: Baldwin 84% chance of winning

***

Is Josh Mandel (R) making a late push in Ohio in his race to unseat Sen. Sherrod Brown (D)?

Some polls are showing the race tightening, and Brown has (with a few exceptions) been polling a fair amoung under 50 percent (never good for an incumbent).  But, even in his good polls, Mandel has been stuck in the mid-40s.  In other words, he seems to be sowing some doubts about Brown, but not yet closing the sale, and he's running out of time.

RCP Average: Brown 47.4, Mandel 42.2

New York Times forecast: Brown 92% chance of winning.

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