stuff below the fold

why would the gov't give one million dollars to scientists to study spiderwebs?

How does the arachnid build a structure that’s simultaneously feather-light, incredibly strong, more elastic than nylon and moisture-proof?...The Office of Naval Research recently awarded USU USTAR-endowed professor Randy Lewis a two-year grant to study adhesive spider silk for naval applications.

-headsup Scienceblogs.

and then there is the spidersilk dress.... 

AFP

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 quote of the day comes from Come away with me blog, discussing the novels of Elizabeth Goudge:

In a world of constant change, harshness, bitter truths, angry people, rushing, rushing, rushing, and a never ending barrage of ugliness, brokenness, pain and sorrow on TV, in the paper, on the radio, in the tense and unsmiling faces of people we pass on the street . . . we are drawn to these places of peace and beauty, whether in a painting, a novel, a piece of music . . . for they provide a respite, a place to pause for refreshment, to enrich the reservoir within us that then allows us to be able to offer something hopeful to the world around us. For we do not go there to retreat and hide, but to be nourished and strengthened and equipped for giving.

Actually, I have always worked in poor, rural areas, so have many memories of walking in lush landscapes. However, luckily by doing so I escaped the modern world of ugliness that she describes: and I found pain and sorrow first hand, not on TV, but never mind. Nature and books however were always one way I could relax and find peace and know God was in charge.

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Forget Global warming. We can survive that by moving to Canada or turning on the aircon... The real worry is a new ice age: Remembering when earth was covered with ice.

video lecture here.

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A book about Cahokia HERE.

more books here.

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The Spice trade: at least 3000 years old.

I suspect it goes back further than that...

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Berners-Lee opened the internet to all 23 years ago but few know his name.

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The Pig Music box that played as the Titanic sank...

LINK

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Tangled earphone wires and other common problems of the First World.


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 Sex in the Middle Ages.