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justin_thompson

Technology

Depiction vs. Reality: The Air Force Hardware of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

By Jeremy Hsu Posted on 7.30.2009 42 Comments

If you're seeing Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen tonight, prepare yourself for a parade of hardcore military hardware unlike any you've ever seen. As was the case with the first Transformers film, the U.S. Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office played a significant role in assisting with and supervising the placement of military gear.
But what happens when the F-22 Raptor--a weapons system in jeopardy of being canceled entirely--plays a central role in the film, while unmanned drones are flying nearly constant missions over Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan? We talked to the USAF Entertainment Liaison Office to find out.

6.25.2009 at 09:50am - Comment by justin_thompson

glass window, you just crossed the line. If you hate the military so much, that is your right (thanks to those who wear the uniform proudly), but I cannot allow you to spew your hatred all over an unrelated article. Do you know any soldiers, marines, airmen, or sailors? Judging by your rant, I bet not. Though I am in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, but not in the military, I often stop, think, and see all of the benefits that serving in uniform brings: a sense of honor, courage, self discipline, a work ethic that is hard to match, and loyalty to not only the country but its people. What values does your conspiracy-laden way of life instill in its followers? I truly feel sorry for your children. I tried to join the military, but, due to medical reasons, they wouldn't take me. Some of my closest friends will be commissioning upon graduating college. They, I would be willing to bet, are smarter than you, and are certainly too smart to be just someone's pawns. What gives you the right to insult them? I support your right to speak, but watch what you say. Free speech does not mean freedom from consequences; most Americans, myself included, will not take to kindly to your insults. We just might do something about it, as is our right.
Gadgets

Is This the Next-Generation iPhone 3G?

By Posted on 5.29.2009 7 Comments
What's almost certain is that we will soon see a refreshed iPhone 3G, likely announced at Apple's annual WWDC conference keynote on June 8. What's up in the air is what said iPhone refresh will look like--but a series of leaked photos seem to suggest it will look something like this.

5.31.2009 at 08:15pm - Comment by justin_thompson

The "prototype" seems fake; the camera is covered over by the "finish". It looks like someone put a skin or finish on it and etched the designs.
Science

Science and Religion: Bridging the Divide

By Christine Cyr Posted on 3.25.2009 27 Comments
Over the last century, science and religion have been like oil and water: They just don’t mix. Scientists and people of faith seem to disagree about everything, particularly when it comes to hot-button issues like evolution and stem cell research. But not everyone thinks the two groups should be so polarized. John Polkinghorne, a theoretical physicist who worked at Cambridge for 25 years before becoming an Anglican priest in 1982, has spent his career trying to bridge the divide.

3.25.2009 at 12:46pm - Comment by justin_thompson

To all those who call religion dogmatic and condemning: If science is about open minds and logic, why are those who doubt global warming present evidence rejected and tarnished by those who believe it? To me, that makes it worse than most religions; we don't try to destroy or ridicule those who disagree with us (if we follow Jesus' example). Apparently, science (at least global warming) for many is a substitute for religion, with its ever-changing theories replacing religious precepts. Science and religion are not incompatible; science answers the question "How does it work?" Religion answers "Why does it happen?" Who's to say that God uses scientific laws to control His creation? Also, opposing certain activities is not opposing all of science; many agree that because we can does not mean that we should. We just have a different reason why not.
Science

Is That Your Final Answer?... Really?

By Joel Barnard Posted on 3.16.2009 19 Comments
How long does it take the Earth to revolve around the sun? Did the earliest humans and dinosaurs live at the same time? What percentage of the Earth’s surface is covered with water? Think you know the answers? Well, if you’re an American adult you may be frighteningly alone.

3.17.2009 at 10:57pm - Comment by justin_thompson

TheBang Tail, please do some research before saying that all of the two billion Christians believe in Creationism and are responsible for scientific ignorance. By far, the largest Christian denomination is Roman Catholicism, which teaches that, while God did create the world, the time in which and how it all happened are not specified. This is because the Bible, especially the Old Testament, is often symbolic instead of literal. If you look at the story of creation, the tools that God used (evolution, Big Bang, etc.) are all unspecified. Also, the order that it occurs in Genesis bears a strong resemblance to the current scientific theories. Therefore, science and religion are certainly compatible, and religion is not to blame for America's ignorance. Personally, I find the public school system, especially the teacher's union, responsible, but that is a topic for another debate.
The Environment

Captain Planet, He's Our Hero, Gonna Take Pollution Down to Zero (Sing it, Kids)

By Rachel Durfee Posted on 2.25.2009 6 Comments
On the roster of 1990s cartoons, Captain Planet was definitely towards the top of the list. In the show, which was the world’s first animated eco-cartoon for children, the five “Planeteers” called Captain Planet to action by combining their powers: Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, and Heart. In a whirl of cartoonish smoke and sparkle, a caped Captain Planet would appear proclaiming in a thunderous voice, “By your powers combined, I am Captain Planet!” Powerful and environmentally-friendly, Captain Planet entertained viewers until 1996. On February 25th, Captain Planet returns on the new Mother Nature Network (MNN), at a time when the battle between the environment and pollutants is more dire than ever. Barbara Pyle was the Co-creator & Producer of Captain Planet and the Planeteers. Since then, she has produced more than 35 films, winning over 75 awards, including the world’s most prestigious environmental honor, the United Nations Environment Programme’s Sasakawa Environment Prize. In 1988, Barbara was named one of the first United Nations GLOBAL 500 Laureates. Both awards were received “for outstanding achievements in protecting the global environment.” This is what she had to say about the return of her favorite television show and its online revival.

2.25.2009 at 10:59pm - Comment by justin_thompson

Governor Palin is not presented as entertainment for children. She is a politician and is honest about that. "Captain Planet" is dishonest in that is presents itself as entertainment when it is really propaganda designed to fit children into the mold that the creators want.
The Environment

Captain Planet, He's Our Hero, Gonna Take Pollution Down to Zero (Sing it, Kids)

By Rachel Durfee Posted on 2.25.2009 6 Comments
On the roster of 1990s cartoons, Captain Planet was definitely towards the top of the list. In the show, which was the world’s first animated eco-cartoon for children, the five “Planeteers” called Captain Planet to action by combining their powers: Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, and Heart. In a whirl of cartoonish smoke and sparkle, a caped Captain Planet would appear proclaiming in a thunderous voice, “By your powers combined, I am Captain Planet!” Powerful and environmentally-friendly, Captain Planet entertained viewers until 1996. On February 25th, Captain Planet returns on the new Mother Nature Network (MNN), at a time when the battle between the environment and pollutants is more dire than ever. Barbara Pyle was the Co-creator & Producer of Captain Planet and the Planeteers. Since then, she has produced more than 35 films, winning over 75 awards, including the world’s most prestigious environmental honor, the United Nations Environment Programme’s Sasakawa Environment Prize. In 1988, Barbara was named one of the first United Nations GLOBAL 500 Laureates. Both awards were received “for outstanding achievements in protecting the global environment.” This is what she had to say about the return of her favorite television show and its online revival.

2.25.2009 at 06:30pm - Comment by justin_thompson

You know, I wonder if Popsci would interview someone who created a pro-capitalism, anti-environmentalist cartoon in the same positive light. Captain Planet is just political indoctrination disguised as children's entertainment, by her own admission. How is this scientific?
The Environment

Volcanoes: The Real Eco-Villains?

By the Editors of E - The Environmental Magazine Posted on 1.26.2009 23 Comments
Dear EarthTalk: Could it really be true that a single large volcanic eruption launches more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than the amount generated by all of humanity over history? -- Steve Schlemmer, London, England This argument that human-caused carbon emissions are merely a drop in the bucket compared to greenhouse gases generated by volcanoes has been making its way around the rumor mill for years. And while it may sound plausible, the science just doesn't back it up.

1.31.2009 at 05:55pm - Comment by justin_thompson

Podboq, where do you see anyone begging God to "bail us out"? Also, America is not suffering because we produced too much. It is because of people confusing want with need financially. Also, sunspots do not kill off crops. Finally, you've no business telling others how they should live their lives. Just live yours your way and let others take care of their own.
The Environment

Volcanoes: The Real Eco-Villains?

By the Editors of E - The Environmental Magazine Posted on 1.26.2009 23 Comments
Dear EarthTalk: Could it really be true that a single large volcanic eruption launches more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than the amount generated by all of humanity over history? -- Steve Schlemmer, London, England This argument that human-caused carbon emissions are merely a drop in the bucket compared to greenhouse gases generated by volcanoes has been making its way around the rumor mill for years. And while it may sound plausible, the science just doesn't back it up.

1.29.2009 at 08:25am - Comment by justin_thompson

No, I am an independent conservative who does not favor euthanasia or birth limits. Once you start telling people how many children to have, what next? What they can drive? How much they can make? Who they can vote for? The point that I am trying to make is that the mess is not as bad as you think, and that the blame is going to the wrong places. To use your words, we are animals, and animals change their environment to suit our needs.
The Environment

Volcanoes: The Real Eco-Villains?

By the Editors of E - The Environmental Magazine Posted on 1.26.2009 23 Comments
Dear EarthTalk: Could it really be true that a single large volcanic eruption launches more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than the amount generated by all of humanity over history? -- Steve Schlemmer, London, England This argument that human-caused carbon emissions are merely a drop in the bucket compared to greenhouse gases generated by volcanoes has been making its way around the rumor mill for years. And while it may sound plausible, the science just doesn't back it up.

1.28.2009 at 07:50pm - Comment by justin_thompson

1. The form of farming that you rail against, podboq, is the most efficient we know today. Get rid of the petrochemicals, and more people will starve as food prices rise. The "easiest way out" is used for a reason. It minimizes human effort, freeing us and our intellect to contemplate more than simple survival. Science, civilization, culture, and all their benefits owe their very existence to our ancestors taking the "easy way out." 2. I come from a farming area, and I can attest that there are few, if any, 1000 acre farms employing 100 people. 3. How many "natural years" do we have? In nature, dying of old age is unheard of. Disease, predators, accidents, or natural disasters always get you first.
The Environment

Volcanoes: The Real Eco-Villains?

By the Editors of E - The Environmental Magazine Posted on 1.26.2009 23 Comments
Dear EarthTalk: Could it really be true that a single large volcanic eruption launches more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than the amount generated by all of humanity over history? -- Steve Schlemmer, London, England This argument that human-caused carbon emissions are merely a drop in the bucket compared to greenhouse gases generated by volcanoes has been making its way around the rumor mill for years. And while it may sound plausible, the science just doesn't back it up.

1.28.2009 at 07:09am - Comment by justin_thompson

1. Animals do get sick. How do you think water-borne diseases started? Most animals have a disease or parasite in them at one point in their lives. As humans, we try to live at a higher standard. I, personally, want to live to middle age, a rarity in nature 2. That farmland feeds millions and provides their livelihood. Will you tell them just to starve or dive deeper into poverty so that the forests can remain "endless"? Nature will always reclaim that land. 3. I have not gone off the deep end. Every word that I have said is based off of logic or what I have seen.