Eyecatchers-133: "The Obamobile"

Received today a mail from a friend about President Obama's Special Official car with photos and details. It was fascinating and I thought I would share the info with you. Here goes the info.

President Obama's specially-built limousine is officially called "Cadillac One" but popularly known as "Obamobile". It has a lot of special features. It can withstand rocket and chemical attacks. The petrol tank is armor-plated and is filled with a specially designed foam which prevents it from exploding even if it suffers a direct hit. Doors are also armor-plated. The driver's window is tough enough to withstand armor-piercing bullets. The body is a combination of dual hardness steel, aluminium, titanium and even ceramic to break up possible projectiles. The dashboard contains a communications centre and GPS tracking system. The boot contains oxygen supply and a firefighting system. It also contains a foldaway desktop, laptop computer with wi-fi, state of the art satellite phone and direct line to the Vice President and the Pentagon. It is equipped with night-vision cameras and pump-action shotguns, tear gas cannons and bottles of President's blood on board in case he needs an emergency transfusion. The tyres are Keviar-reinforced, shred and puncture-resistant, with steel rims underneath, enabling the car to escape at speed even if tyres are blasted away. The price of the car is, hold your breath, Euro 300,000!

S&T Watch-49: "Holes in Earth's Magnetic Field"

The Earth behaves like a huge magnet and the magnetic field that surrounds the Earth like cocoon that protects it from harmful particles coming from the Sun as solar wind - a stream of charged particles spewing from the Sun at 1.6 million km/h - especially during solar storms. The magnetic cocoon diverts the solar wind particles away from the Earth's equatorial and temperate regions. But if the particles are energetic enough, as is the case during severe solar storms, then they can penetrate deeper into Earth's atmosphere. But that happens only around the poles where the magnetic lines of force converge, giving rise to spectacular displays of auroras seen in polar latitudes.

But it has now been discovered that occasionally holes appear in Earth's magnetic shield. Recent observations made by THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms), a fleet of five small NASA satellites, have revealed the largest hole yet seen in the magnetic field that protects Earth from most of the Sun's violent blasts. Observations from THEMIS show the Earth's magnetic field occasionally develops two holes, allowing solar wind to penetrate the Earth's upper atmosphere. The holes are defying many of scientists' previous ideas on how the interaction between Earth's magnetosphere and solar wind occurs: From the location of the holes the whole interaction appears to work in a manner that is completely the opposite of what scientists had thought.

It has been known that the sun's magnetic field shifts its orientation frequently, sometimes becoming anti-aligned. It was earlier believed that more solar particles entered Earth's magnetosphere when the Sun's field was oriented opposite to the Earth's, but the opposite turned out to be the case here. Data from THEMIS showed that twenty times more solar wind passed into the Earth's protective shield when the magnetic fields were aligned.

Using computer simulation, scientists have been able to find out how the holes develop. They have discovered that two holes frequently develop in Earth's magnetic field, one at high latitude over the Northern hemisphere, and one at high latitude over the Southern hemisphere. The holes form over the day-lit side of Earth, on the side of the magnetic shield facing the Sun.

This discovery not only has implications for scientists' understanding of the interaction between the Sun and Earth's magnetosphere, but for predicting the effects to Earth during the next peak in the solar cycle.

Courtesy: "Recent Developments in Science and Technology" by Biman Basu (Email: bimanbasu@gmail.com), Dream 2047, February 2009, Vol.11, No.5.

Grateful thanks to Dr Biman Basu and Dream 2047.

Health News-33: "World Cancer Day"

World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4 with the objectives of Increasing awareness, Encouraging its prevention, Detection and Treatment. World Cancer Day targets the general public through global communications and encourages policy makers to make cancer a political priority.

The campaign advocates the following for prevention of cancer:

Providing a smoke-free environment for children;
Being physically active;
Eating a balanced, healthy diet;
Avoiding obesity; and
Avoiding over-exposure to the sun

For detailed article on "World Cancer Day": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cancer_Day

Grateful thanks to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Newsletters of Interest-1: "Science in the News Weekly" from American Scientist

"Science in the News Weekly" is a free e-newsletter from American Scientist, the magazine of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society. It is a digest of science news stories appearing in the mainstream media. If you subscribe to it, you will get it in your mailbox every Monday.

For example, the 5th issue of January 2009 (January 26-30)contains links to interesting articles (I am giving only short titles of these articles):

1. 10 sci-fi gadgets on the horizon
2. Whether doctors are downplaying side-effects of cholesterol drugs
3. The Six greatest mysteries of our solar system
4. Climate change
5. Mars rover, 'Spirit'
6. A distant Jupiter-like planet
7. Disappearance of woolly mammoths
8. Reprocessing of Spent Nuclear Fuel
9. Transition from Analog to Digital Television
10. Digital Preservation and Authentication of War Crimes/Atrocities
11. Flexible Computer Display Screen
12. Sensors for monitoring soil moisture and temperature
13. Food Safety
14. Influence of Heredity
15. What we have learned since Darwin published his famous book 150 years ago

Sigma Xi also has other interesting e-newsletters:

1. American Scientist Update (gives an early peek at each new issue with hyperlinked capsule descriptions of feature articles, columns and book reviews).

2. Science in the News Daily (Provides a concise daily roundup of stories from the mainstream media, with links to the original articles; latest developments in the fast-paced world of science and technology)

3. Scientists' Bookshelf Monthly (offers book news, discussion and reviews from American Scientist Online, including previews of new book reviews when they are first posted, links to exclusive author interviews, highlights of forthcoming science books and book chat from the editors).

If you are interested, just click to go to their site and subscribe to the newsletter of your choice:
http://www.americanscientist.org/subscribe/page/free-e-newsletters

Letters-67: "Sri Lankan Issue"

1. The long-drawn war between the security forces and the LTTE in Sri Lanka has almost come to an end. It is Colombo's responsibility to ensure the safety of around 200,000 Tamils being held hostage by the Tigers. In the past two decades, the Tamils under the LTTE have been subjected to untold suffering and torture. President Mahinda Rajapaksa deserves praise for decisively beating the Tigers in the civil war. He should now draw plans for a smooth transition of power to establish normality. - Nemani Girija, Hyderabad.

2. LTTE leader V.Prabhakaran's uncompromising attitude forced the Sri Lankan government to press for a military solution to the ethnic issue. This has caused immense damage to the minorities' cause in Sri Lanka. The leaders of Tamil Nadu, particularly, Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi, should respond positively to Mr.Rajapaksa's call to persuade the LTTE leaders to spare the lives of civilians being used as a shield against the army. It is also an opportunity for Mr.Rajapaksa to show his statesmanship by being generous in victory. - Comdt.G.V.Mathew(retd), Thiruvananthapuram.

3. Colombo should not negotiate with the LTTE at this stage. It should insist on the Tigers' surrender and the release of civilians. It should try the LTTE cadres for the atrocities they have committed. At the same time, the government can engage in a dialogue with the Tamil groups. It can involve Mr.Karunanidhi and Ms.Jayalalitha too in the process. - M.D.Ravikanth, Chennai.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, January 29, 2009 ("Letters to the Editor")

Grateful thanks to M/s.Nemani Girija, G.V.Mathew, M.D.Ravikanth and The Hindu.

Eyecatchers-143: "President Obama criticizes Financial Corporations"

The official Whitehouse blog reports of President Obama criticizing financial corporations for doling out $ 18 billion in bonus to their employees in a year when many banks shed jobs and turn to government for funds.

Grateful thanks to the official Whitehouse blog, www.whitehouse.gov/blog.

Eyecatchers-142: "President Obama's First Steps"

Upon taking office, Obama ordered all secret U.S. prisons closed immediately, and the detention center at Guantanamo Bay closed within a year; he stopped the torture of American prisoners; granted access to all U.S. detainees to the International Red Cross; ended the practice by which detainees could be sent to countries where they might be tortured; froze the salaries of all White House officials making more than $100,000; ordered all government agencies to "adopt a presumption in favor of disclosure" regarding Freedom of Information Act requests; ordered all administration appointees to take an ethics pledge; ended a government ban on funding for groups that provide abortion services or counseling abroad; and revoked Executive Order 13233, which placed limits on public access to the records of former presidents.

Courtesy: Theodore Ross, HARPER'S WEEKLY, January 27, 2009

Grateful thanks to Mr.Theodore Ross and Harper's Weekly.

Letters-66: "Well done, Obama!"

1. As a follow up to his speeches during the election campaign, President Barack Obama has halted the trials in the Guantanamo Bay and put Pakistan on notice. His strong message to Pakistan linking non-military aid to it to its performance in the war on terror is welcome. His approach is pleasantly different from that of the Bush administration, which knew Pakistan's double standards on terror but failed to rein it in. - Capt.T.Raju (retd), Secunderabad.

2. Mr.Obama's action to halt the infamous Guantanamo trials is welcome. It will help to restore the credibility of the U.S. in the eyes of the world. If he can also set a target for pulling the American troops out of Iraq, as he promised during his election campaign, the road to peace and stability in the Middle East will become visible. - Rajaram Santhanam, Mumbai.

3. Mr.Obama's order to prosecutors at the military tribunals in Guantanamo Bay to suspend the trial shows his respect for humanity. With the change in the U.S. leadership, the world is optimistic of a global change for the better. - A.Samshath, Chennai.

4. It was heartening to see Mr.Obama beginning to deliver on his campaign promises within hours of assuming office as President. The suspension of the trial proceedings against the Guantanamo detainees for 120 days is a positive step. Mr.Obama has initiated action to remove one of the ugliest legacies of the Bush era. Hopefully, the illegal detention centre will be shut down soon. - Shahabuddin Nadeem, Bangalore.

5. Mr.Obama's order to suspend trials at the Guantanamo Bay shows that he means business. His initiative to resolve the Middle East issue, too, deserve praise. - Y.S.Kadakshamani, Madurai.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, January 26, 2009.

Grateful thanks to Capt.T.Raju (retd), M/s.Rajaram Santhanam, A.Samshath, Shahabuddin Nadeem, Y.S.Kadakshamani and The Hindu.

S&T Watch-51: "Discovery of Magnetosphere"

Scientists discovered the "MAGNETOSPHERE", a layer of ions and electrons, surrounding the earth describe by one physicist as a "Warm Plasma Cloak".

Courtesy: Christopher R.Beha, Harper's Weekly, January 13, 2009.

Detailed Wikipedia article on "MAGNETOSPHERE":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetosphere

Grateful thanks to Christopher R.Beha and Harper's Weekly.

Self-Improvement-44: "Right Beginnings"

Life is full of beginnings. They are presented every day and every hour to every person. Most beginnings are small, and appear trivial and insignificant, but in reality they are the most important things in life.

See how in the material world everything proceeds from small beginnings. The mightiest river is at first a rivulet over which the grasshopper could leap; the great flood commences with a few drops of rain; the sturdy oak, which has endured the storms of a thousand winters, was once an acorn; and the smouldering match, carelessly dropped, may be the means of devastating a whole town by fire.

Consider, also, how in the spiritual world the greatest things proceed from smallest beginnings. A light fancy may be the inception of a wonderful invention or an immortal work of art; a spoken sentence may turn the tide of history; a pure thought entertained may lead to the exercise of a world-wide regenerative power; and a momentary animal may lead to the darkest crime.

You can, by careful thought, avoid wrong beginnings and make right beginnings, and so escape evil results and enjoy good results.

Direct your energies and attention to those beginnings over which you have complete control and authority, and which bring about the complicated web of results which compose your life. These beginnings are to be found in the realm of your own thoughts and actions.

How do you begin each day? At what hour do you rise? How do you commence your duties? In what frame of mind do you enter upon the sacred life of a new day? What answer can you give your heart to these important questions? You will find that much happiness or unhappiness follows upon the right or wrong beginning of the day, and that, when every day is wisely begun, happy and harmonious sequences will mark its course, and life in its totality will not fall far short of the ideal blessedness.

It is a right and strong beginning to the day to rise at an early hour. Begin the day strongly by shaking off indolence. How are you to develop strength of will and mind and body if you begin every day by yielding to weakness? Self-indulgence is always followed by unhappiness. Men and women are totally unaware of the great losses which they entail by this common indulgence: loss of strength of mind and body, loss of prosperity, loss of knowledge, and loss of happiness.

Begin the day, then, by rising early. If you have no object in doing so, never mind; get up, and go out for a gentle walk among the beauties of nature, and you will experience a buoyancy, a freshness, and a delight, not to say a peace of mind, which will amply reward you for your effort. One good effort is followed by another; and when a man begins the day by rising early, even though with no other purpose in view, he will find that the silent early hour is conducive to clearness of mind and calmness of thought, and that his early morning walk is enabling him to become a consecutive thinker, and so to see life and its problems, as well as himself and his affairs, in a clearer light; and so in time he will rise early with the express purpose of preparing and harmonising his mind to meet any and every difficulty with wisdom and calm strength.

There is, indeed, a spiritual influence in the early morning hour, a divine silence and an inexpressible repose, and he who, purposeful and strong, throws off the mantle of ease and climbs the hills to greet the morning sun will thereby climb no inconsiderable distance up the hills of blessedness and truth.

Excerpts from the the first chapter, "Right Beginnings" of "BYWAYS TO BLESSEDNESS" by James Allen.

Eyecatchers-141: "Quote from Inaugural Speech"

"On this day, we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. We come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises."

- Excerpt from the Inaugural Speech of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America

Courtesy: The New Indian Express, Tiruchy, January 22, 2009.

Detailed Wikipedia articles on "BARACK OBAMA" and "BARACK OBAMA - THE BLACK KENNEDY (The bestselling biography of Barack Obama): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obama http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_-_Der_schwarze_Kennedy

Inaugural Address of Barack Obama from WashingtonPost.com: http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/documents/Obama_Inaugural_Address_012009.html

Grateful thanks to The New Indian Express, Washington Post and Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

S&T Watch-50: "Invisibility Shield"

US and Chinese researchers are a step closer to creating an invisibility shield. They have created 'metamaterials' which can guide electromagnetic waves around an object, and have them emerge on the other side.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, January 23, 2009 ("Snapshots - Science & Technology page).

Detailed Wikipedia article on "METAMATERIALS":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metamaterials

Grateful thanks to The Hindu and Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Health News-17: "Railways gesture to Cancer Patients"

The Railway Ministry will provide confirmed accommodation to cancer patients going to hospital for check-up. Accommodation will be provided in trains to the patient and an attendant travelling on tickets issued against a concession certificate. They can also avail themselves of the facility on their return journey. - PTI.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, January 22, 2009.

Grateful thanks to PTI and The Hindu.

Letters-65: "Satyam Scam"

1. This refers to the article "Satyam not an isolated instance" (The Hindu, Jan.22, 2009). The risk of many more Satyams cropping will remain as long as the auditors of companies are overpaid and government regulators underpaid. This practice reinforces the 'yes boss' and 'yes sir' culture. Self-regulation just cannot work in a system where the mice do everything possible to drive the cat away so that they can play. Self-discipline and integrity should taught in primary schools as business schools consider teaching them a complete waste of time. One can find many ways to circumvent the best security system but not his conscience. - Berry J.Vethakkan, Chennai.

2. The Satyam episode has tarnished the image of not only one company but also the entire corporate sector. How far a shareholder can trust a company's 'audited' statement of accounts is now a moot question. Normally, a company's health should determine the market price of its shares. But over the years we find that the market price has nothing to do with the functioning of a company. The stock market seems to have become a gambler's den where gullible investors are taken for a ride. - S.S.Rajagopalan.

3. The vested interests have created the image that the stock market is a provider of enormous returns. All vital players - promoters, shareholders and investors - are in the market with unflinching greed for more and more profits. All kinds of manipulations, therefore, take place to ensure that all these players get more returns on their investment. - N.Sekar, Salem.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, January 23, 2009 ("Letters to the Editor")

Grateful thanks to M/s.Berry J.Vethakkan, S.S.Rajagopalan, N.Sekar and The Hindu.

Health News-32: New Medicine for Growing Eyelashes"

Harper's Weekly reports of Allergan, the drug company that developed Botox, is releasing Lattisse, a new prescription medication for growing longer, thicker eyelashes.

Courtesy: Gemma Sieff, Harper's Weekly, January 20, 2009.

Grateful thanks to Gemma Sieff and Harper's Weekly.

Environment-15: "Google Search and Boiling Kettle"

Harper's Weekly reports that according to environmental researchers performing two Google searches generates the same amount of carbon dioxide as boiling a kettle.

Courtesy: Gemma Sieff, Harper's Weekly, January 20, 2009.

Grateful thanks to Gemma Sieff and Harper's Weekly.

Health Warning-7: "Vicks VapoRub and Children"

Harper's Weekly reports quoting a study that Vicks VapoRub may cause bronchial inflammation and suffocation if used on children younger than two years.

Courtesy: Gemma Sieff, Harper's Weekly, January 20, 2009.

Grateful thanks to Gemma Sieff and Harper's Weekly.

Letters-64: "Ban Jallikattu"

1. Four persons lost their lives and many sustained injuries in jallikattu (bull-taming sport) held during Pongal in Tamil Nadu. One fails to understand the craze for such a sport among some sections. Every year, participants and bystanders are gored by the bulls. Compared with the bullfight in countries such as Spain and Mexico, jallikattu is disorganized. It is time jallikattu was banned. - K.Venkataraman, Mumbai.

2. The so-called sport called jallikattu involves neither bravery nor sporting skills. The argument that it forms part of the Tamil tradition does not hold water as we have discarded many other traditional practices in the name of rationalism. In any case, none of our matrimonial advertisements these days seeks bridegrooms with skills to tame bulls. - Rettavayal S.Krishnaswamy, Chennai.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, January 20, 2009 ("Letters to the Editor").

Grateful thanks to M/s.K.Venkataraman, Rettavayal S.Krishnaswamy and The Hindu.

S&T Watch-49: "Light Squeezed to Quantum Limit"

University of Toronto physicists have found a technique to squeeze light to the quantum limit. This may lead to high-precision measurement, next generation atomic clocks and novel quantum computing.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, January 8, 2009 ("Science & Technology Page: Snapshots").

Grateful thanks to The Hindu.

My Photo Album-34: "The Pongal Greetings I received"

Pongal was indeed a happy day. From the morning, friends and relatives kept calling and greeting. There were SMS also. But the only one hard copy I received was from Aravind. If you are familiar with this blog, then you already know him. Otherwise, he is my little nephew, doing 5th standard. His hand-made greetings was unique and enjoyable, which I would like to post in my blog.