Crude - the Incredible Journey of Oil

This is the broadband edition of ABC Science (Australian Broadcasting Corporation, not American).

In the last 150 years we have released much of the ancient carbon from oil back into the atmosphere as CO₂, driving the now familiar greenhouse effect. ...

Ironically, it seems that as we burn our way to the end of oil, the CO₂ we're returning to the atmosphere could recreate the supergreenhouse conditions that would heat and poison the oceans, once again laying the condiitions for depositing oil.

Has the human race passed the point of no-return in switching on the condition for the supergreenhouse conditions?

Looking at this graph [from The Carbon Cycle], we may be dangerously close to the switch-ON point for anoxic event.

If you don't have time to watch all the main parts, watch at least the third part "Carbon in the world of dinosaurs", especially around 6 minutes from the program.

Cross-posted to Sustaining Future

Carbonated Fruit

This is a 6 min video.

A little science project (good for those schools in Northern Hemisphere: Summer) using dry ice.

Warning, dry ice is cold to the touch and can hurt you if used inappropriately. Please exercise caution when working with it, wear proper safety protection, and use it responsibly.

Growing Up in the Universe

I have just finished watching the 5-hour double DVD "Growing Up in the Universe".

Oxford professor Richard Dawkins presents a series of lectures on life, the universe, and our place in it. With brilliance and clarity, Dawkins unravels an educational gem that will mesmerize young and old alike. Illuminating demonstrations, wildlife, virtual reality, and special guests (including Douglas Adams) all combine to make this collection a timeless classic.

The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures for Children were founded by Michael Faraday in 1825, with himself as the inaugural lecturer. The 1991 lecturer was Richard Dawkins whose five one-hour lectures, originally televised by the BBC, are now available for [...] on DVD.

Although it was 1991 lecture (some 16 years ago), it is still highly relevant and informative. Strongly recommend it and should be a compulsory material for ALL students in high schools.

Tuzki

Lifted from http://www.startdrawing.org/home/?cat=16

These bunnies known as Tuzki (兔斯基), are the latest to steal the hearts of Chinese netizens.

Simplistic, noseless and mouthless, these bunnies have been hot on Chinese internet, particularly with QQ and MSN users since the beginning of 2007. Wang Momo, a student in animation department of Beijing Broadcasting Institute created this popular lagomorph.

Wang Momo created this character to be able to write her diary in a graphic form. Her friends and classmates always nicknamed her “rabbit” as well. The first Tuzki was very simple, and just waved his arms and shook his head. Then Momo created more pictures and small animations for this character based on her real life experiences. To date, Tuzki has 39 different expressions. And thanks to the 150,000,000 Tecent QQ users and 20 million MSN messenger users in China, the popularity of Tuzki also generates income for this young woman. She is now designing Tuzki posters and postcards, which will take the rabbit beyond the definition of an internet idol.

The use of cartoon icons when chatting with others via MSN Messenger is considered an internet phenomenon started by the younger generations in China. At first it started with Yoyo & Cici (悠嘻猴), a launch by Chinajoy at the beginning of 2006, driven by commercial purposes. Later in 2006, the cartoon Onion replaced the Yoyo & Cici Monkeys to be the most popular internet icon. Currently, Tzuki is the new fad.

[Extracts from Shanghaiist]

Under the same blue sky

This is children from western China.

Question: Why do they study?
(Answer after the photos)




























It breaks my heart especially when I also know that there are so many children in developed countries do not treasure what they have got.

These children in western China are not happy children. But they work, work hard. When there is any slight opportunity, they study. Why?

Because they know if they ever want to change to a slightly better life, education is the only way!