The year 2011, according to Thomas Edison in 1911
100 years ago, a newspaper published Thomas Edison’s musings on the far-off future of 2011. According to the famed inventor, we should be driving around in solid gold taxis. On June 23, 1911 the Miami Metropolis published predictions about the year 2011 from the one and only Tommy “Dumbo Killah” Edison. Edison makes some amazing…
What’s the Carbon Footprint of War?
In the past few years, some researchers have explored whether warfare and societal collapse might be explained in part by swings in climate. But what about the opposite effect? Can humanity’s skirmishes change the climate? A 2007 study found that periods of cold weather preceded 12 of 15 major conflicts in China’s ancient dynasties. The…
Laser attacks on planes doubled in 2010
For less than $30 you can purchase a laser pointer upwards of 100 milliwatts, powerful enough to pinpoint a star in the sky with an eerie green beam. Astronomers are fond of the devices. Unfortunately, so are pranksters and vandals. Reports of lasers aimed at airplanes have nearly doubled in the last year, leaping from…
