Taking a little break from "bayonets, horses" and unicorns...
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Due to Hulk-Smash, Dr. Banner kindly asks for donations of .99 cents to his paypal account (skhmnb@yahoo.com) so that he may continue his Afro-Futuristic experiments and repair his laptop screen. Doing so will prevent possible Gamma Ray leakage from his old Emac. Only 60 kind hearted individuals are needed. In return, Hulk promise to take anger-management classes, drink Kava Kava and smash Loki. SHARE, TAG and RE-POST.
Michele P. Beverly recently got her Ph.D. at Georgia State University and her topic is, Phenomenal Bodies: The Metaphysical Possibilities of Post-Black Film and Visual Culture:
In recent years, film, art, new media, and music video works created by black makers have demonstrated an increasingly “post-black” impulse. The term “post-black” was originally coined in response to innovative practices and works created by a generation of black artists who were shaped by hip-hop culture and Afro-modernist thinking. I use the term as a theoretical tool to discuss what lies beyond the racial character of a work, image, or body. Using a post-black theoretical methodology I examine a range of works by black filmmakers Kathleen Collins Prettyman and Lee Daniels, visual artists Wangechi Mutu and Jean-Michel Basquiat, new media artist Nettrice Gaskins, and music video works of hip-hop artists and performer Erykah Badu.
I also blogged about one chapter here:
Re-Imagining Black Bodies in Contemporary Visual Culture.
Contradiction in terms - (noun: logic) a statement that is necessarily false; "the statement `he is brave and he is not brave' is a contradiction." *
A post to confirm I'm not the only one saying this...
In general, we only become aware of a politician's position on scientific issues during the campaign season. And, with a few exceptions like energy and climate policy, they rarely become campaign issues for anyone other than presidential candidates. So for the most part, it's rare to have a good picture of what our elected representatives think about science and technology.
If only that were true this year.
Missouri's Todd Akin, a Representative running for Senator, made headlines through his bizarre misunderstanding of biology, specifically that of the female reproductive system. Overcome by his desire to believe that pregnancy (and thus abortion) shouldn't be an issue for rape victims, he infamously claimed that the female body could somehow block pregnancy in the case of "legitimate rape."
Aside from their political affiliations, what do Akin and Broun have in common? Membership on the House's Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. And they're in good company there. Take the Committee's chair, Texas' Ralph Hall. When asked about the evidence that humans were altering the climate, Hall replied, "I don't think we can control what God controls." When it was pointed out to him that the National Academies of Science disagreed with his position, Hall basically accused them of being in it for the money. "They each get $5,000 for every report like that they give out."
His evidence? "That's just my guess. I don't have any proof of that." *
These are the people who are helping to set our country's science policy. The committee is currently considering bills on nuclear energy, rare earth metals, biofuels, cybersecurity, and a response to the current drought. It's also responsible for the budgets of groups like NASA and the National Science Foundation. Recent hearings have focused on tech transfers from universities, as well as NASA's commercial crew efforts.
In short, the committee can play a key role in setting the science and technology agenda, and help inform the entire House about key technological issues.
Ars Technica: Editorial: Meet a science committee that doesn't get science
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| TeachtheFacts.org |
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN: It is hard to know exactly when it became acceptable for U.S. politicians to be antiscience. For some two centuries science was a preeminent force in American politics, and scientific innovation has been the leading driver of U.S. economic growth since World War II. Kids in the 1960s gathered in school cafeterias to watch moon launches and landings on televisions wheeled in on carts. Breakthroughs in the 1970s and 1980s sparked the computer revolution and a new information economy. Advances in biology, based on evolutionary theory, created the biotech industry. New research in genetics is poised to transform the understanding of disease and the practice of medicine, agriculture and other fields.
The Founding Fathers were science enthusiasts. Thomas Jefferson, a lawyer and scientist, built the primary justification for the nation's independence on the thinking of Isaac Newton, Francis Bacon and John Locke—the creators of physics, inductive reasoning and empiricism. He called them his “trinity of three greatest men.” If anyone can discover the truth by using reason and science, Jefferson reasoned, then no one is naturally closer to the truth than anyone else. Consequently, those in positions of authority do not have the right to impose their beliefs on other people. The people themselves retain this inalienable right. Based on this foundation of science—of knowledge gained by systematic study and testing instead of by the assertions of ideology—the argument for a new, democratic form of government was self-evident.
I was one of those kids in the 1960s. To much credit, I still am "in spirit" (no longer chronologically). As I read this article, two quotes come to mind from Isaac Asimov:
“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.”
“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
"What [indeed] is the matter with Kansas?"
We went from a nation of science enthusiasts hopeful for a bright future, to a neurotic herd anticipating (some gladly) the apocalypse. A generation later in the 21st Century, kids that love STEM are still nerds and outcasts. I hear the loudest, shrillest voices saying the most inane things about women's reproductive issues and pregnancy, a bubblegum so-called understanding of "scientific knowledge," evolution, the age of the earth and the universe, climate change, social issues. Debates are won not on facts, but "style points" like American Idol despite numerous fact-checked obfuscations. The President of the United States started his administration wanting to address school children, encouraging them to study and work hard for a successful school year - not a novel notion at all as history bears witness - yet we allowed whole school districts to ignore the message entirely, offer excuses for children to skip the speech in the lunchroom. Some called it "a socialist agenda."
"Magical thinking" rules the day when we cannot see the precipitous drop in of our once preeminence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and our own behaviors antithetical to its achievement.
Scientific American: Antiscience Beliefs Jeopardize U.S. Democracy
Meet Jing Dizon: Illustrator for The Black Mau Chronicles and I.G.L.E.A.^RE by EL Harvey
Jing Dizon agreed to take on the challenge of working with Tiger Taj Sonchai about a year ago. She was a fan of Taj’s music client Desert Dream Records recording artist LiTaL. Taj was a fan of Jing’s art. The correspondence turned into a working relationship. Together via the computer the two developed the visual likenesses for the characters of ”The Black Mau Chronicles” and “I.G.L.E.A.^RE”. 
So, we’d like for you to meet the woman who gave the Black Mau his face. Who is this woman Jing Dizon?
I’m a self taught artist and a God fearing woman, though I don’t consider myself a professional illustrator, or artist for that matter yet. I’m still a work in progress. Ever since I was a child, I never dreamed of anything but being an artist.
In my heart I want to share my talent with the world and use my talent to glorify God. God has given me the seed and it has blossomed. I want to take it to the next level.
I have always been passionate about the arts and entertainment. I like being behind the scenes. I’m not a people pleaser. I believe that in order for you to create things and make things happen from a creative perspective you have to have influence and the respect of the people you work with. I know how to take sound advice and follow the lead when necessary. But when I know what I know, I take the ball and run with it. I think that’s what Taj likes about me. He has ideas awesome, even some of them brilliant. I help make those ideas pop! We are a team.
I’m from Manila, Philippines, born and raised and I’ve been drawing since I was seven years old. Back then it was a hobby that I enjoyed. It was an on again off again thing. Even now I don’t have a lot of time to draw, but I steal my moments to do it.
I met Taj through Talent House. Taj is better known from the music business endeavors. But It was actually LiTaL, his client through Talent House, who brought us together. She liked my work and she said that her manager was a science fiction writer and he was looking for an illustrator. Now the rest is history and here we are.
The Black Mau project is very challenging for me. I’m not a comic illustrator really, but I’m up for the challenge. Most of my work will be in the comic book I.G.L.E.A.^RE. I believe I’ll have a few Illustrations in the novel, but It’s just another facet of art for my arsenal. I don’t want to limit myself, thus I am a work in progress. Taj told me once that what makes me unique is that there is only one me. Be the best me I can be. I love him like a big brother!
The Black Mau and I.G.L.E.A.^RE is very unique science fiction and will appeal to sci~fi and comic book fanatics everywhere! I want to go to Comicon!
I think opportunities are growing for people in the arts in the Philippines, but like anywhere else you have to be tenacious.
I’m trying to master what I call “Semi~Realism”. I don’t know what else to call it. But I want to master it. Maybe I can use it in the comics? I’d like to work with other comic writers I think it would be a great opportunity and fun.
I’m answering questions from a list of questions El Harvey sent to me. This final one asks if I’m married? No, not yet but I hope to be one day. If This certain guy I know would ask…Who knows?
Thank you for letting me take a little of your time. -Jing
...a black hole is, after all: a sun.
HubbleSite.org: Explore Astronomy
NASA: What Is A Black Hole?
World Science Festival: Icarus at the Edge of Time
This has been a great year! I have so much I want to reveal to you but I can't, not just yet. Contracts. Lawyers. Etc. So, please take advantage of this offer now, b4 it changes. Download "Rage of the Mamba". Be sure to comment and review with links to your books and web sites. We need to support each other. I will add links to you all on my websites. I will mention you at my speaking engagements.
I really appreciate my Black speculative fiction family for helping me to get this far. And I really appreciate the Black Science Fiction Society for promoting our works. We need this!! We must support this.
Hollywood, Hot tubs, limos!!! Everybody is welcome to join in. But I digress.
On November 5, 2012; they will probably tell me to stop this offer :<(
Go to:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/236580
Promotional price: $0.00
Coupon Code: RY87Q
Expires: November 3, 2012
This will be a blast!!!
A Gift to My Friends at BSFS
I am offering my ebook Rage of the Mamba for FREE to all my friends at the Black Science Fiction Society.
This is a great place to be. I am excited and happy, Thank you! I have been lucky. I will make some big announcements soon.
However, grab a copy of my book for free before the price really goes up.
Go to:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/236580
Promotional price: $0.00
Coupon Code: RY87Q
Expires: November 3, 2012
Just a tiny little fic but eh
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Noni looked up from her algebra homework and stared out the sliding doors. The blinds were pulled closed but she could see a faint glowing light through cracks between the blue vinyl slats. She glanced up the stairs and at the microwave beside the stove. The panel blinked 3:37 am. She wasn't even supposed to be downstairs, but she had to finish her homework before morning and didn't want her mom to know that she hadn't really done it all the night before.
The bushes outside the sliding doors rustled and Noni jumped to her feet. Should she go upstairs and tell her parents there was someone or something outside? She put her pencil down on the table and walked over to the doors. The glowing light she had seen before was flickering and dimming now but she could still hear rustling and what sounded like tiny foot steps in the grass. Noni put one hand over her mouth and slowly turned the lock on the sliding door with the other. The footsteps paused and she could here them on the patio. But still far away, she told herself. Far enough away to look and see what was going on. Probably just a cat or that dog that kept coming because Mom fed it breakfast scraps sometimes. She slowly pushed the door open, as quietly a possible. The footsteps paused. I should probably close the door and go upstairs. I should probably just finish my homework tomorrow I should—
a tiny had wrapped around Noni’s wrist and pulled her out onto the patio. She tripped and fell and screamed but another hand covered her hand over her mouth and smothered the sound. The underside of her arm throbbed where it had scraped the cement patio.She scrambled to her feet and yanked her arm away from the hand holding it. By the light of the kitchen she could see two figures that didn't even come to her waist. Her eyes flicked back tot he kitchen to make a run for it but both figures seemed poised to chase her into the house, and she couldn't let them into the house. Out of the corner of her eye she could still see the the dim flickering blue light in the bushes.
“Who are you?” Noni whispered. “What do you want?” The figures both titled their heads. The longer she stared the more they came into focus, but she didn't think that what she was seeing was what they really looked like. Before they had just been figures with head, maybe arms. Definitely arms and hands since that’s what they’d grabbed her with. Now she could see grayish green skin and large black eyes and spindly little legs, like every movie alien ever. She didn’t think that’s what they really looked like at all. The two figures titled their heads the other direction, both staring without blinking. Noni took a step back towards the kitchen. Then another. Then another, until she was half in the kitchen and half outside. The aliens (the figures, the things, whatever they were) didn’t move.
“Antonia! What in God’s name do you think you’re doing!?” Noni whipped around to her mother standing in the kitchen in her faded pink bathrobe, her hair braided up in sections and rolled in small black rollers. Noni glanced back outside but the figures were gone and so was the blue light in the bushes.
“I— nothing, Mama, I just thought I heard a cat outside.” Mama just looked at Noni for a moment.
“And you thought going outside at four in the morning would be a good idea because… ?” Noni shrugged and quickly closed the sliding glass door behind her. Mama sighed and folded her arms. “It’s way to early in the day for this nonsense. Go put up your unfinished homework,” Noni glanced at the table and bit her lip. How did Mama always know these things? “and get back to bed. You have to get up in two hours and I don’t want to hear any complaining.” Noni picked up her homework sheet and pencil and raced up the stairs.
When she was back in her room she looked out her window that overlooked the backyard. Nothing. No short alien figures no glowing in the bushes. Like nothing had been then there. She could still feel the hand on her wrist though. Mama started coming back up the stairs, so Noni closed the curtain and crawled into bed. She thought about telling Mama what had happened out in the yard, but before she could figure how to explain it all, she was asleep.
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| CARBON CAPTURE: Fuel cell technology might be able to capture a power plant's carbon dioxide emissions while also generating more electricity. Image: Flickr/glasseyes view - back again |
Armed with new Department of Energy money, a Connecticut company announced this week it is moving forward with a carbon capture project that it thinks could revolutionize the technology.
FuelCell Energyis one of a handful of companies investigating how to address one of the biggest barriers in trying to capture carbon dioxide from coal plants for later storage underground, an unproved concept. The problem is called parasitic load. It refers to the phenomenon that a typical carbon capture system requires a great deal of electricity and thus saps power from a power plant and can cause electricity costs to spike by 70 percent or more.
The Danbury company's potential solution for this problem is fuel cells. The company says that fuel cells have the potential to essentially reverse parasitic load and cause a carbon capture system to generate as much as 40 percent more electricity for a power plant, rather than take away power.
Scientific American: Fuel Cell Technology Could Help Cut CO2 Pollution
Check out some art, a trailer and an exclusive director's quote for the short animated sci-fi, "Project G"! All available at http://www.alverseent.com/project-g.html
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| Credit: Institute of High Performance Computing |
Case Western Reserve University researchers have won a $1.2 million grant to develop technology for mass-producing flexible electronic devices at a whole new level of small.
As they're devising new tools and techniques to make wires narrower than a particle of smoke, they're also creating ways to build them in flexible materials and package the electronics in waterproofing layers of durable plastics.
The team of engineers, who specialize in different fields, ultimately aims to build flexible electronics that bend with the realities of life: Health-monitoring sensors that can be worn on or under the skin and foldable electronic devices as thin as a sheet of plastic wrap. And, further down the road, implantable nerve-stimulating electrodes that enable patients to regain control from paralysis or master a prosthetic limb.
Thinking bigger, the team believes the technology could be used to crank out rolls of thin-film solar panels that stand up to decades in the elements. Current thin-film panels are plagued with short life spans due to seepage between layers.
Phys.org: Effort to mass-produce flexible nanoscale electronics
Purple dreams
and hot dish water steam
the walk to the corner store
its mean
The way I see it
aint the way it is
a world of positive reflection
for me, ronnie, and her kids
We got feelings too
and sometimes I'll just spray it
I look for it hard everytime at the billboards 
but they dont ever say it
Our voice is missing
So we decide to put it in
bet Rapunzel and Kareem from down the block will be inspired
let the 7 train imagination begin
More from Robert Trujillo aqui carnal.
W'sup! I've got this new short animated film being shipped out for film fest submissions right now. Wanted to link the Black Science Fiction Society to the official page for it. You'll find the trailer, lil bit of a sypnosis and some concept pics. Check it out!
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| Engineering.com: Emma w/WREX (Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton) |
Explaining the Future: 3D Printing
While it takes just a few keystrokes and mouse clicks to post a tweet on Twitter or "friend" someone on Facebook, it may require thousands of lines of code to accomplish the task.
Dog, a new programming language, could make it easier and more intuitive to write all sorts of social applications—anything from peer-to-peer question-and-answer sites to online dating. And because Dog incorporates natural language, this may make it easier for newbies to learn to code, too.
MIT Media Lab professor Sep Kamvar, who developed Dog with the help of some graduate students, hopes to release the language in a private beta version in the next few months, and offer a public release of it in the spring.
Technology Review: New Programming Language Makes Social Coding Easier
I really have a hard time when it comes to names for my characters. No I'm not talking about all my charcters from the main ones to the ones that only make one appearance. I'm just talking about the main characters, the ones we are supposed to be following. My Problem mostly stems from the incredibly inflexible naming convention that I use whenever I have to name characters.
For example, lets say that I had to give a name for this warrior like character. First I have to take into consideration the personality of the character I'm creating. Most warrior type characters usually have that lone- wolf serious-faced personality (E.G. Sauske from Naruto, Hiei from YuYu Hakusho) while other characters have that have that fierce joy for fighting; A contrast to the later type.
Next I have to think of name that means something close to that personality or character. This can be done in two ways.
1. Depending on the character; I think of name that matches the roughness of it's personality. For instance! My Character; Jyssica's name uses a hard c at the end of her name. Now I'm not an English Major or anything but if you have a hard constant (I think that's how you spell it... AGAIN NOT an English Major) doesn't make the name sound rougher. Well in Jyssica's case it kinda works, seeing how she's kinda rough herself. Now If I named her something like Dawn, it wouldn't really have the same effect. A Dawn (like the ones in the morning) signify the start of a new day, and while the may be empowering they are also calm... And Jyssica is nowhere near calm.
2. Finding names that means exactly what I'm looking for via the internet. This is my last resort when I can't think of anything for a name and honestly the results are damn near impressive. Honestly if you type up "names by meaning" in Google you will find hundreds of entries in general and come out with at least 10 name ideas for your specific characters. So If I could do that, does this make the process easy right? ... NOPE! Because when it comes to names I'm just damn picky!
I want the name of character to fit that character perfectly, to reflect the personality and struggle that character is going through. So when I have a 6ft tall, war experienced samurai kung-fu robot panda and I name him "Bill" I'm just gonna keep thinking to myself "Wow! that name sucks!"
What are Your naming conventions for Characters?
