1. category
  2. Transhuman News

Page 4,492«..1020..4,4914,4924,4934,494..4,5004,510..»

Category Archives: Transhuman News

Climate-Denying Libertarianism

Posted: July 3, 2013 at 3:43 am

Exclusive: Libertarianism has gained new followers amid disclosures of excessive government surveillance. But this trendy ideology is filled with hypocrisy on principles and hostility to facts, having evolved from the Souths defense of slaveryand now resistant to the science of global warming, Robert Parry reports.

By Robert Parry

An inconvenient truth for libertarians is that their ideology of a minimalist U.S. government grew out of the Souths institution of human bondage, i.e. the contractual right of a white person to own a black person, and from the desire of slaveholders to keep the federal government small so it could never abolish slavery.

That is why many libertarian icons the likes of Patrick Henry, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson and the later incarnation of James Madison were slave owners who understood the link between the emergence of a strong national government and the threat toslavery.

The image of the Earth rising over the surface of the moon, a photograph taken by the first U.S. astronauts to orbit the moon.

More recently, libertarian political favorites, such as Ron and Rand Paul, have either opposed or criticized civil rights laws that, in their view, infringe on the rights of white businessmen to discriminate against blacks. Andlibertarian-oriented Republicans on the U.S. Supreme Court and in legislatres across the country are gutting voting rights for black and brown Americans.

But an even bigger crisis facing libertarianism now and why the ideology is particularly dangerous is the existential threat from global warming and the urgent need for collective government action on a worldwide scale to reduce human output of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping chemicals.

The libertarian response to the overwhelming scientific consensus on this life-threatening reality has been either to deny the facts or to propose implausible free market solutions that would barely dent the crisis. Somedismiss the threatin mocking tones as some kind of statist conspiracy. Typical were sarcastic comments by the Independent Institutes Mary Theroux, writing: The climate crisis is real, its here, and its time for absolute power for Obama!

Theres also lots of sophistry and quibbling about the science. The preferred libertarian position adopts the pretense that the release of carbon dioxide by human activity contributeslittle or nothing to climate change.

Other libertarians accept the science but still cant bring themselves to recognize that a coordinated government response is needed. Anti-government ideology trumps even the possible destruction of life on the planet, a very real possibility given the likelihood of mass dislocations of populations and the availability of nuclear weapons.

Read more from the original source:
Climate-Denying Libertarianism

Posted in Libertarianism | Comments Off on Climate-Denying Libertarianism

Dubstep Popularity Debunking Transhumanist Robot Agenda21 – Video

Posted: at 3:43 am


Dubstep Popularity Debunking Transhumanist Robot Agenda21
Subscribed to Relate4ever Publishing on http://cristianpaduraru.com for inspirational videos on healthy natural living and communication in relationships for...

By: relate4ever

See the original post here:
Dubstep Popularity Debunking Transhumanist Robot Agenda21 - Video

Posted in Transhumanist | Comments Off on Dubstep Popularity Debunking Transhumanist Robot Agenda21 – Video

Magnetic implants give transhumanist self-made invisible earphones

Posted: at 3:43 am

Lets hope Apple never gets the chance to bring annual iterations to this branch of the tech world. Biohacker (transhumanist, grinder) Rich Lee has implanted a magnet in each ear which gives him the ability to hear sound wireless sound signals, transmitted thanks to a necklace hidden in the folds of his shirt. They work thanks to a process somewhat like the bone conduction used by Google Glass, though, of course, internal. Lee was inspired by a forum discussion on a biohacking website, and a video over at Instructionals (embedded at the end of this article).

Lee addresses the most obvious question, why would you do this? with an equally obvious answer: Because. If you dont get it on your own, he says, you cant have it explained. Im a Grinder, and we are notorious for getting it. Notorious for that, among other things.

The scar from the implant is impressively discreet.

The real puzzle of these sorts of projects is not why people would find it cool or intriguing to mix their bodies with technology weve been expanding our ear lobes and tattooing our eyeballs since long before the start of recorded history, so theres clearly something basically human about an inclination toward that sort of self-modification. What bothers me are the claims of practical utility.

Beyond the obvious stealth aspect, none of what Lee claims to be able to do with his implants couldnt be achieved more easily and effectively with conventional earphones. GPS navigation instructions, range-finding echolocation, room-crossing eves-dropping, all of these and more use external tech like microphones to project sound. Does it increase the utility of a Geiger counter to hear its clicks this way, rather than via a nice pair of ear-buds? This isnt like the coils many grinders get to allow them to experience magnetic fields this adds no amount of utility, only stealth.

Gambling certainly comes to mind when considering actual new uses for this technology, as does the espionage and intelligence industry. Considering the lengths to which some desperate students will go for a competitive edge in pre-med exams, its very easy to imagine one them getting an implant such a this. A friend outside broadcasting with a textbook before them could be all that stands between you and a full-ride scholarship. Incorporate a hidden pinhole camera into the mix, and youve got yourself the perfect cheating machine.

With such technology right around the corner, and with information ever-increasingly available to professionals on the job, might it be time to reevaluate the whole idea of facts-based testing? Technology seems to be making it not only less practical, but less necessary as well.

Now read: DIY lightsaber is almost as dangerous as an actual lightsaber

See original here:
Magnetic implants give transhumanist self-made invisible earphones

Posted in Transhumanist | Comments Off on Magnetic implants give transhumanist self-made invisible earphones

transhuman nature (29.06 Saarbrücken Kitu Klub) – Video

Posted: July 2, 2013 at 12:44 pm


transhuman nature (29.06 Saarbrücken Kitu Klub)
https://www.facebook.com/transhumannature.music ** http://www.whywelikeyou.de.

By: Dirk Forster

Read more here:
transhuman nature (29.06 Saarbrücken Kitu Klub) - Video

Posted in Transhuman | Comments Off on transhuman nature (29.06 Saarbrücken Kitu Klub) – Video

Firefox Phone OS Opens Up & Transhumanist Headphones – SiliconANGLE News Roundup

Posted: at 12:44 pm

The worlds first Firefox OS phone, the ZTE Open, will launch tomorrow, and be available for less than a hundred dollars. The announcement came in the form of a tweet from Spanish wireless carrier Telefonica, who will be the carrying the phone.

Firefox OS smartphones are said to be the first devices that are completely powered by web technologies. The web-based operating system means the ZTE Open will be able to deliver new features, unmatched by any other phone.

While discussing the launch of the Open, Mozillas Chief Operating Officer Jay Sullivan commented on their new platform saying, The launch of Firefox OS marks an incredibly exciting time for the Web. It powers the first smartphones built entirely on Web technologies and will stimulate an inspiring new wave of innovation for the Web. We are proud to deliver an experience for first time smartphone users that will delight them and really put the power of the Web in peoples hands.

Googles database system for TV white space was approved for operation by the FCCs Office of Engineering and Technology over the weekend, potentially bringing cost-effective broadband service to rural areas in the US.

In total, the FCC authorized the use of five different spectrum blocks for TV, from 54-60MHz, which include a number of channels between channel2 and 51.

Google concluded trials for its database system on April seventeenth, making them the third database system to be approved for the new spectrum. Eventually, using a process called dynamic spectrum sharing, Google plans to free up more of the spectrum to allow additional users to share and enjoy the airwaves.

See original here:
Firefox Phone OS Opens Up & Transhumanist Headphones – SiliconANGLE News Roundup

Posted in Transhuman | Comments Off on Firefox Phone OS Opens Up & Transhumanist Headphones – SiliconANGLE News Roundup

That Time an Astronaut Brought a Pie to the International Space Station

Posted: July 1, 2013 at 12:02 pm

Would you like pie with that? (NASA)

Peggy Whitson was the first female commander of the International Space Station. When she arrived on the Station, she took part in a long NASA tradition: she brought gifts from Earth for her fellow crew members.

One of those gifts? A pie.

In a talk about Station life at the Aspen Ideas Festival yesterday, astronaut Jeffrey Ashby told the pie-in-the-sky story. Traditional gifts that astronauts bring up from Earth tend to be things like books and movies and DVDs, he said -- things to help astronauts living on the Station keep connected to the people and cultures back on Earth.

In Whitson's case, though, the gift was a pecan pie, provided by her husband."I don't know how they got it past the food people," Ashby said.

The problem, of course, was that in order to make it up to the Space Station, the pie had to be launched into space. Even stored in a locker aboard the shuttle that delivered Whitson and her payload, the piece was subject to g-forces. So by the time it arrived, Ashby said, "the pie was in about half the shell."

That was okay, though. Fortunately, Whitson had also brought up with her a food product that is both hardier and, in space, even more valuable than baked goods: hot sauce.

More From The Atlantic

See original here:
That Time an Astronaut Brought a Pie to the International Space Station

Posted in Space Station | Comments Off on That Time an Astronaut Brought a Pie to the International Space Station

That Time an Astronaut Bought a Pie to the International Space Station

Posted: at 12:02 pm

Would you like pie with that? (NASA)

Peggy Whitson was the first female commander of the International Space Station. When she arrived on the Station, she took part in a long NASA tradition: she brought gifts from Earth for her fellow crew members.

One of those gifts? A pie.

In a talk about Station life at the Aspen Ideas Festival yesterday, astronaut Jeffrey Ashby told the pie-in-the-sky story. Traditional gifts that astronauts bring up from Earth tend to be things like books and movies and DVDs, he said -- things to help astronauts living on the Station keep connected to the people and cultures back on Earth.

In Whitson's case, though, the gift was a pecan pie, provided by her husband."I don't know how they got it past the food people," Ashby said.

The problem, of course, was that in order to make it up to the Space Station, the pie had to be launched into space. Even stored in a locker aboard the shuttle that delivered Whitson and her payload, the piece was subject to g-forces. So by the time it arrived, Ashby said, "the pie was in about half the shell."

That was okay, though. Fortunately, Whitson had also brought up with her a food product that is both hardier and, in space, even more valuable than baked goods: hot sauce.

More From The Atlantic

Go here to read the rest:
That Time an Astronaut Bought a Pie to the International Space Station

Posted in Space Station | Comments Off on That Time an Astronaut Bought a Pie to the International Space Station

That Time an Astronaut Got a Pie Sent to the International Space Station

Posted: at 12:02 pm

Would you like pie with that? (NASA)

Peggy Whitson was the first female commander of the International Space Station. In October 2002, she was living on the Station. And during STS-112, the shuttle mission that sent astronauts to help build out the Station's infrastructure, her husband took part in a time-honored tradition: he sent her a care package.

One of his gifts? A pie.

In a talk about Station life at the Aspen Ideas Festival yesterday, astronaut Jeffrey Ashby told the pie-in-the-sky story. Traditional gifts that shuttles delivered to Station-bound astronauts tended to be things like books and movies and DVDs, he said -- things to help astronauts living on the Station keep connected to the people and cultures back on Earth.

In Whitson's case, though, the gift was a pecan pie-- a gesture from her husband."I don't know how he got it past the food people," Ashby said.

There was a problem, though: in order to make it up to the Space Station, the pie had to be, you know,launched into space. Even stored in a locker aboard the shuttle -- and even being pecan, one of the hardier types of pie -- the baked good was subject to g-forces. So by the time it arrived, Ashby said, "the pie was in about half the shell."

That was okay, though. In this, as with most gifts, it was the thought that counted. And, fortunately, Whitson's husband had also included in his care package a foodstuff that is less delicate and, in tastebud-challenging space,even more valuablethan pie: hot sauce.

More From The Atlantic

See the rest here:
That Time an Astronaut Got a Pie Sent to the International Space Station

Posted in Space Station | Comments Off on That Time an Astronaut Got a Pie Sent to the International Space Station

DNA from Assir’s mother, charred corpses being compared: sources

Posted: at 12:01 pm

BEIRUT: DNA samples taken from the mother of Salafist Sheikh Ahmad Al-Assir are being compared to those from two charred bodies found at a complex that was at the center of clashes last week between the Lebanese Army and gunmen loyal to the fiery preacher, judicial sources said.

The sources told The Daily Star that DNA samples were also taken from the brother of pop singer-turned-sheikh Fadl Shaker for comparison as well, they added.

They said the DNA testing was ordered by Military Prosecutor Judge Saqr Saqr after suspecting that the charred bodies could be those of Assir and Shaker, given that both their whereabouts were unknown for several days and that the bodies were the only ones that remained unidentified.

The battle between Assirs supporters and the Army left at least 18 soldiers and 28 gunmen killed.

Assir is believed to have fled the complex in the Sidon neighborhood of Abra in south Lebanon before the army seized it.

Also Monday, Saqr released nine detainees arrested in the aftermath of the gunbattles between the Lebanese Army and Assir gunmen in Abra, east of the southern city of Sidon. Thirty suspects now remain in custody.

See the original post here:
DNA from Assir’s mother, charred corpses being compared: sources

Posted in DNA | Comments Off on DNA from Assir’s mother, charred corpses being compared: sources

Destruction of DNA evidence won’t stop investigations, Aurora DA says

Posted: at 12:01 pm

District Attorney George Brauchler. (RJ Sangosti, Denver Post file)

The Aurora Police Department's destruction of DNA evidence in 48 sexual assault cases could complicate efforts for both prosecutors and defense attorneys, but it won't stop investigators from pursing new leads, District Attorney George Brauchler said Wednesday.

"We've been prosecuting rape cases for decades before there was any DNA evidence," Brauchler said. "I do not want the public to come away and feel that if there is no DNA, you cannot prosecute a rape case."

Still, the destruction of DNA evidence in the four dozen cases has highlighted the role DNA evidence plays in identifying or excluding suspects, as well as the expectations of the public and potential jurors that DNA and science serve as deciding factors in proving guilt.

Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates said Tuesday that DNA evidence in 48 cases and possibly more as the department continues to investigate the scope of the error was incorrectly destroyed after officers failed to follow protocols.

In one case, DNA evidence had identified a suspect and investigators were moving toward an arrest. Prior to Tuesday's news conference, Oates and prosecutors met with the woman and told her the case could no longer be prosecuted because the DNA and other evidence had been destroyed.

Under a law passed in 2009, law enforcement agencies cannot destroy DNA evidence in cases where felony investigations have not led to formal charges.

In 18 of the cases, the lead detectives recommended the evidence destruction, but follow-up reviews, required under the law, never occurred. Evidence in the other 30 cases was incorrectly destroyed by an injured officer assigned to light duty in the department's Property and Evidence Unit.

Several of the cases had become inactive and some victims had asked that the cases not move forward.

Still, Brauchler said he is concerned that potential, future defendants will argue that since officers improperly destroyed DNA evidence in the cases, the system is flawed and due process has been violated.

Originally posted here:
Destruction of DNA evidence won't stop investigations, Aurora DA says

Posted in DNA | Comments Off on Destruction of DNA evidence won’t stop investigations, Aurora DA says

Page 4,492«..1020..4,4914,4924,4934,494..4,5004,510..»

  1. category
  2. Transhuman News