Sunday, March 13, 2011

How Nuclear Plants Save Themselves From Meltdowns

After today’s earthquake in Japan, there was concern over the country’s nuclear power plants: though 13 of the affected plants automatically shut down, two caused a scare. This raises the question: how does a nuclear plant stay safe during an earthquake, and why were there problems in Japan?
How Nuclear Plants Save Themselves From Meltdowns

Top 10 Solutions To Real Life’s Most Annoying Problems

You’re fat, in debt, bite your nails, live in a filthy hovel you call an apartment, can’t find a decent job, and your life sucks. Well, maybe it isn’t that bad, but if you could stand to improve things in one area or another we can help. Here are our top 10 solutions to life’s most annoying and troubling problems.
Top 10 Solutions To Real Life’s Most Annoying Problems

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Faces Of The Tsunami

The massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that ravaged Japan this morning did more than just impact the topography. This is an account of the tsunami’s human toll. We’ll be updating this page as new developments arise, so check back often.
Faces Of The Tsunami

Japan Expands Evacuation Around Nuclear Plant

Japanese officials issued broad evacuation orders on Saturday for people living near two nuclear power plants whose cooling systems broke down as a result of the earthquake. The officials warned that small amounts of radioactive material were likely to leak from the plants.
Japan Expands Evacuation Around Nuclear Plant

Daybreak reveals devastation in Japan

Japan is dealing with widespread devastation along its north-eastern coast, with fires raging and parts of some cities underwater after a massive earthquake and tsunami that is likely to have killed at least 1,000 people. Daybreak revealed the full extent of the damage from Friday's 8.9 magnitude earthquake - the strongest in Japan since records began - and the 10-metre high tsunami it sent surging into cities and villages, sweeping away everything in its path.
Daybreak reveals devastation in Japan

Mapping live seismic data from Japan, as aftershocks continue

FYI you need the Google Earth web plugin to make this work. I have it, but find the link isn't working with Chrome. Works on Firefox though no problem.
Mapping live seismic data from Japan, as aftershocks continue

These Are The Most Gut-Wrenching Photos Of Japan Yet

There’s maybe no one with a better eye Alan Taylor, whose curative talents recently relocated from The Big Picture to The Atlantic. Here, he has assembled the most compelling—and terrifying—views yet of the aftermath of today’s historic earthquake.
These Are The Most Gut-Wrenching Photos Of Japan Yet

Japan declares atomic emergency

The Japanese government declared an atomic emergency and told thousands of residents living near a nuclear plant in Fukushima to evacuate, warning a small amount of radiation could be released. Trade minister Banri Kaieda said authorities were nearing a decision to release radioactive steam from a troubled nuclear reactor in a bid to ease a pressure build-up after its cooling system was damaged by a massive earthquake.
Japan declares atomic emergency

The Japan Earthquake Seen By Millions Of Digital Cameras

The 8.9 magnitude Earthquake hit Japan today and a zillion-strong army of Japanese digital cameras and mobile phones were ready to record its effects. Clearly, if the apocalypse ever comes, it will be recorded from two billion different angles.
The Japan Earthquake Seen By Millions Of Digital Cameras

Japan Earthquake Strikes: Full Coverage

Here’s a summary of all that is happening, from a round of home videos updating in real time to the emergency nuclear shutdown, going through giant whirlpools and giant waves of mud and flames taking over fields and towns in the northeast coast. And no, the supermoon really didn’t cause this. New Scientist has a good article on the causes and effects of the Japan earthquake. There’s also footage of the high rises in Tokyo swaying during the quake.
Japan Earthquake Strikes: Full Coverage

Google Responds to the Japan Earthquake With an Online Crisis Center

Google has reacted to the devastating 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan on Friday with a tool that helps you find a person or provide information on missing persons. The site also aggregates important resources, maps and other related information.
Google Responds to the Japan Earthquake With an Online Crisis Center

Watch: YouTube Footage of Japan Quake [VIDEOS]

An 8.9-magnitude earthquake followed by a 10-foot tsunami hit the coast of Japan at 2:46 p.m. Tokyo time Friday. It was the most powerful recorded in the country’s history, and the seventh largest ever recorded worldwide.
Watch: YouTube Footage of Japan Quake

HOW TO: Follow the Japan Earthquake Online

Social media and the web have become the go-to for real-time information when disasters strike. It’s no surprise that the news of Friday’s 8.9-magnitude earthquake in Japan spread rapidly on Twitter, while live video feeds and blogs kept pace.
HOW TO: Follow the Japan Earthquake Online

Japan Quake: Tsunami mud wave overtakes town in northern Japan

Tsunami mud wave overtakes town in northern Japan.
Japan Quake

Japan: radiation leak fears at nuclear power facilities after quake, tsunami, and strong aftershocks

Widespread concerns in Japan over a possible radiation leak at one of the country's largest nuclear facilities, after the devastating quake and tsunami. The government is warning Japanese citizens of risks, but says the situation is not yet critical.
Japan: radiation leak fears at nuclear power facilities after quake, tsunami, and strong aftershocks

Friday, March 11, 2011

Firefox 4: What You Need To Know [HANDS-ON]

After no fewer than 10 beta releases, Firefox 4 finally entered the “release candidate” stage Wednesday. Assuming that no fatal bugs emerge, this version (minus minor bugs) will soon be released as a final product that is up to six times faster than its predecessors, features a new minimalist interface and incorporates long-awaited sync and panorama features.
Firefox 4: What You Need To Know [HANDS-ON]

Twitter Reacts To Massive Quake, Tsunami In Japan

A powerful 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Japan on Friday, causing widespread power outages, fires and a severe tsunami that was reported to be up to 10 meters high in places. It was the seventh most powerful earthquake in recorded history.
Twitter Reacts To Massive Quake, Tsunami In Japan

Thursday, March 10, 2011

How to Solve a Masyu Puzzle: 7 steps

Masyu is a type of puzzle in which the solver is presented with a rectangular grid with black and white circles. The objective is to find a closed loop.
How to Solve a Masyu Puzzle: 7 steps

Listen To The Man Who Invented ‘Ctrl-Alt-Delete’ Explain Its Origin

David Bradley is the IBM programmer responsible for bringing “Control-Alt-Delete”, that most comforting of key combinations, into this world. Here he explains how it came to be and can’t help but add who he considers responsible for making it a ‘cultural icon’. Hint: that person is not very amused with the distinction!
Listen To The Man Who Invented ‘Ctrl-Alt-Delete’ Explain Its Origin

Stereo photographs of 1906 San Francisco Quake discovered

A volunteer at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History has discovered what is believed to be the first, and maybe the only, color photos of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fire that nearly destroyed the city.
Stereo photographs of 1906 San Francisco Quake discovered