Assignments
Current Events for November 26, 2012Monday, November 26, 2012 at 6:40 am
Wacky Human Powered Airshow Flugtag, Celebrates Ten Years In The USA
On Saturday November 10th, 2012, over 100,000 people gathered at San Francisco's McCovey Cove to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the US debut of Flugtag, a wacky airplane race in which hand built human-powered machines pit against each other to see how long they can 'fly' after leaping off an elevated flight deck.
3-D Printing Saves The Day (And Car) In Latest James Bond Thriller, Skyfall
3-D printers have come a long way since 1995 when MIT students Jim Bredt and Tim Anderson, modified an inkjet printer so that it extruded a binding solution onto a bed of powder, instead of ink on paper. Today, printed prototypes are used for things ranging from construction projects to Pixar characters and now it seems, even Agent 007 has discovered them!
Scientists Discover First 'Homeless' Planet!
Though scientists have always theorized about the possibility of a 'homeless planet', (one that is wandering around the Universe without being pulled by the gravity of a star), they had never been able to confirm the existence of one, until the discovery of this celestial body that astronomers are calling CFBDSIR2149.
Eighth Guinness World Record Day Inspires Wacky, Weird And Downright Astonishing Attempts!
In 2004, the Guinness World Records book entered its own name in the book as the World's bestselling copyright book. To commemorate this momentous achievement, the company established a Guinness World Record Day - A 24-hour period during which people from all over the world can try break their own records. On November 15th, over 420,000 people took up the challenge and as you have probably guessed the record attempts ranged from simply amazing to downright wacky.
Video Of The Week- - LG Electronics Creates Fake Elevator Floor
How would you react if the floor in the elevator you are in, suddenly collapses giving you the feeling that you are going to fall into a deep dark abyss. That is the prank that South Korean technology company LG apparently pulled on some unsuspecting riders recently.
Why The World's Longest Word Will Never Appear In Any Dictionary Or Record Book!
Search for the term 'world's longest word' and you probably find Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis - the scientific name for a lung disease commonly referred to as silicosis. While this is technically true because it is the longest word you will ever see published in a dictionary or for that matter in most places, there are many words that believe it or not, are much longer than that.Current Events for November 12, 2012Monday, November 12, 2012 at 6:26 am
The Competition For Title Of 'World's Smallest Dog' Heats Up!
Getting into the Guinness World Records is not easy. But never has the competition been so fierce as the current one faced by these small pooches - All vying for the coveted title of 'World's Smallest Dog'.
Why Darth Vader And Mickey Mouse May Soon Become Best Of Pals!
Most of us associate Disney with Mickey and his friends and princesses like Snow White and Cinderella - None of whom of course are for cool tweens and teens! However, over the years the Burbank, California based entertainment behemoth has become much more than that.
An Elephant That Speaks Korean? . . . . . . Hmmmm!
Elephants have been known to do many things - Paint, calculate math problems, wash cars and in some cases even whistle and imitate sounds. But actually speak a language ? That is a first and until now thought to be impossible given that the mighty mammals cannot use their lips to make sounds like humans, because their upper lips and noses are fused together to form their trunks. However, one elephant in South Korea seems to be defying all logic and odds!
New York Marathoners Use Their Running Prowess To Help Victims of Frankenstorm
Had things gone according to plan, yesterday November 4th, would have been the 42nd consecutive year of the New York Marathon, an event so popular that participants get selected by lottery. But thanks to Frankenstorm Sandy, things were not quite normal and after an intense debate, Mayor Bloomberg finally decided to given into the general consensus that the event be canceled.
Scientists Create Transparent Soil To 'Spy' On Plants!
For many years, scientists have been trying to unravel the mystery of what really goes on in plants in the parts that are not visible to us - That is, around the roots that lie underground hidden by dense soil. Now, thanks to researchers from Scotland's University of Abertay Dundee, they may finally be able to solve this mystery that is as old as the Universe itself!
Astronomy Fans And Scientists Get Ready For 2012's Only Total Solar Eclipse
On November 14th, 2012, a very narrow corridor of the Southern Hemisphere will be treated to a special celestial event - The only total solar eclipse of 2012. The complete concealment of the sun will only be seen from Kakadu National Park and Cairns in Australia, parts of the South Pacific and a small area off the coast of Chile.
The Significance Of Veterans Day
This weekend, as you are enjoying the three-day holiday in honor of Veterans Day, do take at least a few minutes to pay your respects to all the men and women who have served the country in our armed forces. These include the members of the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and the Coast Guard.Current Events for October 29, 2012Monday, October 29, 2012 at 6:29 am
'Fearless Felix' Breaks The Sound Barrier!
On Sunday October 14th, over eight million people tuned in to YouTube to watch Felix Baumgartner as he attempted his historic leap, from the edge of Space - And they were not disappointed. Not only did the 43-year old daredevil complete the jump as planned, at the end of the epic event, he simply got up and walked over to greet his cheering fans.
Presenting - 'Amasia', The Next Supercontinent!
Ever since Earth has been in existence there have been the formation and breaking apart of many supercontinents. While Pangaea, that existed between 150-300 million years ago is the most well-known, prior to that there was Nuna (1.8 billion years ago), Rodina (1 billion years ago) and many more that cannot be verified because 2 billion year-old rocks containing evidence of magnetic fields, are hard to find.
How Polluted Is Your City?
We all know that global warming is caused by greenhouse gases, largely carbon dioxide, that is emitted by everything ranging from home appliances and SUV's to the heating and lighting systems of office buildings. But since we don't see the gas, most of us simply shake our heads in dismay and then continue on with our bad habits. Now, researchers at Arizona State University are trying to change that.British Scientists Create Gasoline From Thin Air (And Water)!
With gas prices inching up, as well as, the constant reminder of the harmful environmental impact of fossil fuels, the quest to find another source of fuel has heated up considerably. Over the last few years we have seen many amazing alternatives ranging from electricity to bio-fuel but none come even close to this latest invention - Fuel manufactured from air and water! That is exactly what engineers and scientists at U.K. based Air Fuel Synthesis (AFS) claim to have created.
The Real Reason Skies Go Dark After The Sun Sets
Why does the sky go dark at night? You are all probably thinking that this is a question even a kindergartner can answer - The simple answer and the one that is pretty obvious is that as the Earth rotate on its axis it moves away from the sun and therefore, causes the skies to go dark. Sounds logical to us but what about the zillions of sparkly stars? Why don't they pitch in and make the sky all shiny?
It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's An Alien Spaceship?
Over the years many people have spotted UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) flying across the skies and immediately jumped to the conclusion that they were alien spacecrafts. However, the claims have either been unsubstantiated or the object has turned out to be something man-made. But the latest sighting over the skies of Eastern Kentucky has not only been caught on tape but also, so far not been claimed by anybody on Earth.
The Incredible Glove That Makes 'Touch Screen' Keyboards So . . . . . . . Yesterday!
Since Apple Inc. introduced touch screens to the iPhone in 2007, things have never been the same. The display screens that respond to the touch of a finger or stylus have become the de facto standard for any respectable personal device. However, if Jiake Liu has his way, this cool technology may soon be replaced by an even cooler one - your hands.Current Events for October 8, 2012Monday, October 8, 2012 at 11:32 am
Scientists Learn How Bumblebees Solve Complex 'Traveling Salesman Problem' So Effortlessly
Scientists have always known that in order to forage for nectar as efficiently as they do, the tiny bumblebee had figured out the perfect solution to what is commonly referred to as 'The Traveling Salesman Problem' - that is figuring out the shortest routes from flower to hive. While this may sound simple it is actually a complex mathematical problem given that there are hundreds of different routes - One that takes even humans, seek out the help of computers to solve!
Scientists Discover 1.5 Million New Species Of Plankton And . . . . . Lots Of Plastic!
For the last two and a half years, 15 scientists have been scouring the oceans in search of some of earth's smallest but most important organisms - Plankton. The exhaustive research has revealed some great news and some, not so encouraging.
London Taxi Turns Street Sounds Into Sweet Music
On September 21st and 22nd, some lucky residents of London were treated to an unusual sight and some sweet sounds - A black taxi fitted with 67 speakers belting out some great music. However, the sounds emanating were not from the driver's personal music selection, but the bustling city's street noise turned into music.
Mixed Breed Mutt's Quest To Save Other Dogs Turns Into A World 'Woof' Tour
Just eight years ago, Oscar, a mixed breed mutt was one day away from being euthanized in an SPCA shelter. Today, he is a globe-trotting adventurer who has made history by becoming the first dog to travel 200,000 km - All of course, in the quest to highlight the plight of the over 400 million homeless dogs that have not been as lucky - And, he is not done yet.
Want To Help The Environment? Rinse Your Favorite Jeans with 'CatClo'
If you are among the majority of people that would like to help clean our environment but have no idea how to get started, you are in luck. That's because University of Sheffield scientist Tony Ryan and London College of Fashion artist and designer Helen Storey have come up with an ingenious solution that will turn us all, into efficient walking air filters.
Scientists Plan Billion Dollar Journey To The Center Of The Earth
Though humans have been able to send man to the moon and even a giant sized robot all the way to Mars, they have yet to explore an area that lies just 6km (3.7 miles) beneath the surface of the sea floor - The Earth's Mantle, the 3,000 km thick highly viscous layer that sits between the outer crust that we reside upon and the Earth's core. However, if some scientists have their way that is about to change.
This Tuesday, Watch Live As Felix Baumgartner Leaps From The Edge Of Space
On Tuesday October 9th, people all over the world will watch with abated breath as 43-year-old Austrian Skydiver Felix Baumgartner attempts his history-making jump from the edge of Space. If successful, he will break four records including, the first man to break the speed of sound in a free fall.Current Events for October 1, 2012Monday, October 1, 2012 at 6:20 am
Russia's Shiny Secret - A Huge Treasure Trove Of Diamonds Inside Impact Crater
Earlier this week, Russian officials revealed to the world a secret that has been known to them for twenty years - A diamond supply that they claim is vast enough to fulfill global demand for at least, the next 3,000 years.
'lg Nobel Prize' Honors The Lighter Side Of Science
If you think science is boring and scientists nerdy, you may change your opinion after reading about the fun discoveries that won these researchers Nobel Prizes - Not the real ones of course, but the spoof lg Nobel Prize - that are awarded for research that 'first makes one laugh and then, think'.
French 'Spiderman' Alain Robert Is At It Again!
While watching Spiderman movies is awesome, we all know that neither Andrew Garfield nor Tobey Maguire can ever climb buildings with bare hands, even if their lives depended on it - For that matter can any mere mortal pull off a stunt like that? Turns out there is indeed a real-life Spiderman, who makes a living, climbing the tallest and most challenging buildings in the world.
2nd Grader Attends School Via An 'Avatar'
Though we may all moan and groan about having to go to school each morning, the truth is that it is not all bad - I mean where else can you hang out with friends, complain about teachers and exchange carrots for cookies? Therefore, you can only imagine how young Devon Carrow felt when he realized that he could not and may never be able to attend 'normal' school. Now, thanks to his alter ego, a 4-ft tall robot, he is able to do everything except . . . . Share his lunch.Scientists Learn How Bumblebees Solve Complex 'Traveling Salesman Problem' So Effortlessly
Scientists have always known that in order to forage for nectar as efficiently as they do, the tiny bumblebee had figured out the perfect solution to what is commonly referred to as 'The Traveling Salesman Problem' - that is figuring out the shortest routes from flower to hive. While this may sound simple it is actually a complex mathematical problem given that there are hundreds of different routes - One that takes even humans, seek out the help of computers to solve!
Air In A Can? Seriously?
Think the air in your city is a little polluted? Then you may want to consider breathing in some pure air from a can. No, this is not an April Fool's joke, but a real venture started by Chinese businessman and philanthropist, Chen Guangbiao and believe it or not, he has already sold a thousand cans for $0.80 apiece!Current Events for September 24, 2012Monday, September 24, 2012 at 6:19 am
'Master The Force' To Explode Watermelons!
How often have you wished you could be like Luke Skywalker and master the 'force' of your mind to make things happen. Now thanks to two Louisville residents your wish may be granted. The only difference? Instead of being able to lift ships from murky swamps, you will have the power to explode watermelons!
Video Of The Week - Why Is China's Yangtze River Turning Crimson?
Asia's longest river, the 6,418 km Yangtze, that originates from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau glaciers and meanders through southwest, central and eastern China before ending in the East China Sea, is normally known as the Golden Watercourse, thanks to its pale brown color. However, since September 6th, the river has taken on a bright red hue and nobody is sure why!
The Fascinating Migration Trek Of Monarch Butterflies Has Begun!
Right about now, thousands of Monarch butterflies are beginning to make their way from North America's colder regions to their winter homes in California and Mexico, where they will spend the season hibernating, before heading back in early spring next year. This round-trip, which in some cases spans about 2,000 miles each way and can take as long as two months, is unique and fascinating for a number of reasons.
Portable Solar Desalination 'Plant' That May Aid In Third World Water Woes
'Water, Water everywhere, not a drop to drink' - That unfortunately, is the situation faced by millions of residents in developing countries who are surrounded by oceans, but have no access to fresh drinking water. Now thanks to this ingenious portable ceramic desalination 'plant' created by Milan-based designer Gabriele Diamanti, there may be a viable solution.
Alaskan Teen Survives 26-Hours Floating Inside A Fish Crate By Staying Positive And Singing!
What began as a normal day of fishing for 19-year-old Ryan Harris and 40-year-old Stonie 'Mac' Huffman, ended up as what can only be described an adventure, neither will ever forget and, it's not because of the size of the catch either!
Perfectly Preserved Woolly Mammoth Provides New Hope Of Resurrecting The Mighty Mammal
Resurrecting pre-historic animals that roamed the Earth's surface thousands of years ago, has been something scientists have been fantasizing about for many years. However in most cases, it is just not possible either because the DNA is not available or in the case of an animal like the dinosaur, is just too old. The one exception may be the Woolly Mammoth that lived during the Ice Age, about 8,000 years ago.
What To Expect In The 2013 Edition of The Guinness Book Of Records
What began as a quest to find the fastest game bird in Europe has evolved into the world's most sold copyrighted (a record by itself), not to mention, most eagerly awaited book. The latest version of the Guinness World Records that amalgamates the world's most amazing, bizarre, funny and outrageous collection of achievements, does not disappoint. Below, are some of records you will be able to read about in the 2013 edition that was released on Wednesday, September 13th.
Levitate Water Harry Potter Style - No Wand Or Spell Needed!
The fact that J.K. Rowling's vivid imagination conveyed so brilliantly in the Harry Potter series of books has been a big hit with kids and adults all over the world, is a well-known fact. But what is not as well publicized is the effect it has had on inspiring scientists. First there is the ongoing quest to create an invisibility cloak and now, levitating water droplets!
Popinator 'Pops' Popcorn Right Into Your Mouth!
If you are like most kids than your favorite way to eat popcorn is by shooting it into your mouth, one kernel at a time. However, unless you have an extremely accurate aim, it can be a frustrating experience and a little messy, to say the least. Now, the makers of Popcorn Indiana have come up with an ingenious solution.Russia's Shiny Secret - A Huge Treasure Trove Of Diamonds Inside Impact Crater
Earlier this week, Russian officials revealed to the world a secret that has been known to them for twenty years - A diamond supply that they claim is vast enough to fulfill global demand for at least, the next 3,000 years.
A Cockroach You May Actually Be Grateful To See
Mention the word 'cockroach' in a room full of people and you will see it empty it out in no time at all. However, if some scientists are right, this very same pest that we have all come to despise and fear, may soon prove to be our savior in the aftermath of natural disasters.Current Events for September 4, 2012Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 6:23 am
A Runner That Makes Usain Bolt's 100-Meter Sprint Seem . . . . Painfully Slow!
Olympics spoiler alert - Usain Bolt has been outrun! How do we know this before the world's fastest man has even run the finals of his signature 100-meter dash? Because, while Usain hopes to complete the distance in 9.4 seconds, Sarah has already done it in a blistering 5.95 seconds. However, in all fairness to the Jamaican sprinter, she does have a slight advantage, because Sarah is not a two-legged human, but a four-legged cheetah!
New York's Molecule Cafe Sells Only One Beverage - Tap Water!
We have heard of restaurants that sell only donuts or pastries or even a variety of beverages - But just water? That has to be a first. What's even more astonishing is that it is not some fancy water brought in from an exotic location, but just ordinary tap water that has apparently been super-purified.
World's First Eyeless Spider Discovered in Southeast Asia
Just when scientists think they have discovered and recorded every species of insect that crawls the earth they find something new. Earlier this month, Peter Jager, the head of arachnology at Frankfurt's Senckenberg Research Institute reported the discovery of a unique spider that has adapted to its dark environment by simply doing away with of all of its eight eyes!
Underwater Volcano Eruption Spews A Massive 'Raft' Of Rocks Off The Coast Of New Zealand
On Thursday August 9th, a New Zealand Air Force plane flying about 1,000 kilometers northeast of the island's biggest city, Auckland, encountered a strange sight - A brilliant white light that resembled an ice shelf, sparkling from the clear blue waters of the South Pacific ocean.
Gorilla Siblings Joyfully Reunite After Three Years
Just like humans who haven't seen each other in a few years, they began with a formal handshake. But then, the two could just not contain their excitement - First came the squeeze of shoulders, then a giant hug and finally, the ultimate evidence of joy - A rough tumble into the soft grass. That, is how the workers at the Longleat Safari and Adventure Park in Wiltshire, England, are describing last week's joyful reunion of Alf and Kesho, two lowland gorilla brothers that had been separated for three years.
Cows Get To Eat Candy? Sweet!
How cool would it be if your parents decided to substitute the vegetables on your dinner plate with candy? Believe it or not, that is exactly what a couple of Kentucky farmers have been doing for their herd of 1,400 cattle, for the past few months.
US Hurricane Season Begins With A Splash As Isaac Unleashes On The Gulf States
It was supposed to have pounded the coast of Florida and even delayed Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney's nomination by a few days. But hurricane Isaac changed course midway. After barely grazing the Florida Keys, it bypassed the rest of the Sunshine State and instead, unleashed its fury on the three Gulf states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
Nifty Invention By Teen Could Save School Districts Thousands Of Dollars
Illinois tween Jonny Cohen was just twelve years old when he came up with a revolutionary that would male clunky yellow school buses more energy efficient - Helping not only school districts save money, but also, the environment. Now five years later, the senior at Highland Park High School is finally seeing his dream realized.
Video Of The Week - Are You Smarter Than A Chimp?
Humans believe that they are at the top of the food chain because they can outsmart any living being on this planet - While that may be true to some extent, animals, especially chimpanzees that share 99% of our DNA, are no dummies either.Current Events for August 28, 2012Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 6:37 am
Mr. ThornhillArticle Reviews are due Sunday Night!
Is 'Tough Mudder' The World's Hardest Athletic Challenge? You Decide! (VIDEO)
What can be tougher or more grueling than Hawaii's Ironman Triathlon or the Badwater Ultramarathon? How about Tough Mudder, a 12-mile obstacle course that drags contestants through mud, fire and even 10,000 volts of electric current.
NASA's Next-Gen Z1 Space Suit - Not Quite The Epitome Of Fashion, But Definitely More Versatile
If the current space suits worn by astronauts seem a little cumbersome and unwieldy, they are. That's because in order to protect the explorers, the suit has to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, space debris and be equipped with a rather bulky Primary Life Support Subsystem - A survival kit for astronauts that contains amongst other things, an oxygen tank, a device to get rid of the exhaled carbon dioxide, a battery, a radio and even a warning system in case the space walker needs to be rescued.
Need Electricity? Play A Game Of Soccer!
Though 25% of the world's population may not have access to electricity, they all have access to a source of energy that is currently being wasted - Kinetic energy released by their bodies when they exert themselves. Now two Harvard alums have figured out how to capture this energy and convert it into electricity - The only equipment needed? A Soccket soccer ball and the desire to have some fun!
You Will Never Guess What This Ultra-Cool Eco-Friendly Bike Is Made From
If you are in the market for a new two-wheeler, you may want to consider this radical bicycle. The brainchild of Israeli inventor Izhar Gafni, the fully functional vehicle that costs just $10 USD to manufacture is crafted entirely from cardboard. And, incase you are wondering, it is water resistant too!
Scientists Ponder Over Why The Sun Is Rounder Than It Should Be!
Ever since humans have inhabited earth, we have known that the sun is round. However, turns out that it is even rounder and flatter than had been previously believed. What's even more amazing is that its shape never alters, a fact that is surprising given that it is a gaseous ball of fire. How is that possible? That, is a mystery that scientists are now planning to solve!
Chinese Beach Lovers Avoid Harmful UV Rays With The 'Fashionable' Face-Kini
We all have all been well educated to the fact that overexposure to the sun's harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays can lead to major health problems ranging from skin cancer to even, eye damage. It is therefore no wonder that we are constantly seeking out sunscreens that promise the strongest levels of UV protection.
How Long Can You Resist A Marshmallow?
How long can you resist a marshmallow? For a minute, maybe two - How about 20 minutes? Believe it or not, the answer to that simple question, could shape your entire future - At least that, is the conclusion reached by University of Stanford scientist Walter Mischel the brainchild behind the now legendary 'Stanford Marshmallow' test.
Hiriko - An Eco-Friendly Car With A Unique Talent
What's better than an all-electric zero emission car that can travel 75 miles between charges? How about one that can do that and also, squeeze itself into a parking spot no matter how small - Introducing, Hiriko, a green vehicle built to ease some of the stress of urban living.
Baby Kangaroo And Wombat Forge An Unusual Friendship
Though both marsupials are born in South-East Australia, in the wild Anzac, a joey and Peggy a squint-eyed wombat would have never ever crossed paths leave alone, forge a friendship - After all, one is always hopping around, while the other can barely waddle. But, thanks to some creative thinking by the folks at Wild about Wildlife Rescue Center in Kilmore, Victoria, the two are now life-long pals, not to mention, world famous!
Space Pioneer Neil Armstrong, Passes Away
On Saturday August 25th, 43 years after he made history by becoming the first person to step on the moon, NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong passed away from complications attributed to a heart surgery he underwent earlier this month. Given the fact that the Cincinnati resident had been reported to be doing well following the procedure, the news came as a big shock to his millions of worldwide fans.Join Class
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