How tide predicting, analog computers won World War II

Without Lord Kelvin, there would have been no D-Day. There's some very cool science history in the September issue of Physics Today, centering around a collection of analog computers, developed in the 19th century to predict tides. This was a job that human mathematicians could do, but the computing machines did the job faster and were less prone to small errors that had big, real-world implications.
How tide predicting, analog computers won World War II

Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 18/2011

The latest issue of new Family Friendly sites listed on The Black Stump.
Family Friendly sites listed on Blackstump Australia Issue 18/2011

NASA Details Space Exploration Plans

NASA has just published the Global Exploration Roadmap, a document detailing the agency’s plans for the next 25 years of space exploration. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the future of space technology, travel and exploration.
NASA Details Space Exploration Plans

10 under-appreciated women in science

Over at Smithsonian.com, Sarah Zielinski has a great piece about important female scientists whose names aren't as publicly well-known as they ought to be. She lists 10 smart, sciencey ladies.
10 under-appreciated women in science

Windows Repair, Troubleshoot Windows Issues

When you are using Windows regularly, you likely run into issues eventually. This can be easy to fix stuff like running out of disk space or broken shortcuts to more serious problems like a virus infection or programs that won’t start up anymore. The troubleshooting and repair depends largely on the issue that is experienced on the computer system. If you suspect a virus you’d run up to date antivirus software, if a program does not run anymore you might be tempted to use System Restore or re-install the program to see if it fixes the issue.
Windows Repair, Troubleshoot Windows Issues

Learning that life can be a bit sour

One of the joys of interacting with babies is their complete lack of guile. Whatever they experience and feel — hunger, happiness, fear — is immediately and honestly reflected in their facial expressions.
Learning that life can be a bit sour

Australian Social Trends, Sep 2011

Australian Social Trends draws on a wide range of data, sourced both from ABS and other agencies, to present a picture of Australian society. This publication aims to inform decision-making, research and discussion on social conditions in Australia. It covers social issues of current and ongoing concern, population groups of interest, and changes over time.
Australian Social Trends, Sep 2011

NASA’s Not Sure Where In The World This Satellite Will Crash

The 20-year-old UARS satellite has dropped out of orbit — as old satellites are wont to do — and is reentering the atmosphere. Too bad NASA can’t pinpoint where — or when — exactly it will land. Could be the middle of the Pacific, could be the middle of Paris — it’s a surprise!
NASA’s Not Sure Where In The World This Satellite Will Crash

Top 5 Smelly Things That Should Be Banned In Aeroplanes

The US Department of Transportation wants to ban electronic cigarettes, even while they only produce water vapour that doesn’t contain any cancerous chemicals. They say this will increase the comfort of other passengers. Perhaps they should ban other things first.
Top 5 Smelly Things That Should Be Banned In Aeroplanes

How To Deal With ‘Hand Wash Only’ Clothes

The “hand wash only” label on clothes is as annoying as the “dry clean only”, maybe even more so. How exactly should you wash those delicate silk or wool items? How much soap do you need? Can’t you just stick it in the washing machine?
How To Deal With ‘Hand Wash Only’ Clothes

Download Windows 8 Developer Preview

Microsoft just gave a full fledged preview of Windows 8, which has left many geeks and non-geeks dying to experience the brand new OS. Right from Metro style UI to Touch Gestures to Full screen apps, Microsoft has managed to shake up the way we have been using the Windows OS. Those who saw the keynote today were left astounded by the super-fast boot times of Windows 8, be it on the desktops or laptops or the tablets.
Download Windows 8 Developer Preview for Free!

Everything You Need To Know About Windows 8 In 8 Minutes

Want to get to know Windows 8 but don’t have time to sit through the lengthy keynote? We’ve cut it down to the necessities so you can find out everything you really need to know in only eight minutes.
Everything You Need To Know About Windows 8 In 8 Minutes

Kogan Now Offers Canon, Apple, Nikon, Acer & More

Kogan today began the next phase in our mission to make the latest technology affordable for all. Kogan.com now sells more of the World’s most popular consumer electronics brands and products at the World’s best prices.

In true Kogan style, we are ensuring we smash the competition on price by cutting out the middle-men - sourcing brands like Canon, Nikon, Apple and Samsung higher up in the supply chain, and selling direct to you through Kogan.com.
Kogan Now Offers Canon, Apple, Nikon, Acer & More

Windows 8 Has Finally Updated The Blue Screen Of Death

It took Microsoft long enough, but they’ve finally (FINALLY!) changed the blue screen of death to be something a little more friendly and a little less scary.
Windows 8 Has Finally Updated The Blue Screen Of Death

How To Dual-Boot Windows 7 And Windows 8 Side By Side

The Windows 8 developer preview is out for all to try, but installing it over your main Windows setup is a scary prospect. Here’s how to dual boot them so you can run them both side by side.
How To Dual-Boot Windows 7 And Windows 8 Side By Side

How big are solar flares, really?

Eye opening perspective.
How big are solar flares, really?

Microsoft Launches Windows 8

Say hello to Windows 8, Microsoft’s next-generation operating system. Microsoft is unveiling the new OS at its Build Conference in Anaheim, Calif. The OS, a complete rebuild of Microsoft’s flagship product, is designed to work with both tablets and PCs.
Microsoft Launches Windows 8

10 Signs That An Australian Banknote Might Be Forged

Australia’s banknotes incorporate a huge number of features that make them difficult to counterfeit, but that doesn’t mean criminals don’t have a crack at it now and then. Here are the ten most obvious signs that a note might be a fake.
10 Signs That An Australian Banknote Might Be Forged

How has skyscraper design changed since 9/11?

Miles O'Brien did a report for PBS NewsHour on how the technology and design of skyscrapers has changed since 9/11. Video here, transcript here.
How has skyscraper design changed since 9/11?

Physical Activity in Australia: A Snapshot

Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining good overall health and wellbeing. Being physically active has significant health benefits, including reducing the risk of some chronic conditions, helping to control weight, and improving mental wellbeing. Some forms of physical activity may also help manage long-term conditions, such as arthritis and Type 2 diabetes, by reducing their effects and improving quality of life.
Physical Activity in Australia: A Snapshot