NASA says a team of researchers, meticulously studying the movements of two satellites, have confirmed a key, untested prediction of the Theory of General Relativity known as "frame-dragging."

Just as the presence of mass warps the space around it (think of massively-heavy black holes causing the physical equivalent of, well, a black hole), a large, spinning body should therefore pull the nearby section space-time along for the ride.  (Think of a bowling ball spinning in molasses, of Karl Rove spinning in bullshit.)  In this case, the satellites wound up measurably shifted in location, simply from the relativistic effects of the Earth’s rotation.

Incidentally, one of the two major candidates for president would be comfortable in this conversation.  The other would be happier around medievalists speaking in tongues.

Missed this until today, but the Audubon Society this week released a study showing that almost a third of all bird populations in North America are facing significant decline.  In grassland areas, the number is over two-thirds.

Bush supporters would call this the "Healthy Bird Initiative."

Missed this until today, but the Audubon Society this week released a study showing that almost a third of all bird populations in North America are facing significant decline.  In grassland areas, the number is over two-thirds.

Bush supporters would call this the "Healthy Bird Initiative."

Whom do you think was really responsible for Castro’s sudden fall? Texas oil men, Russian exiles, and "George Bush of the CIA" 346   44.9%   Castro acted alone 232   30.1%   A covert CIA/mafia alliance 107   13.9%   E. Howard Hunt, Frank Sturgis, and a third tramp 85   11%   Number of Voters  :  770 First Vote  :  Thursday, 21 October 2004 22:23 Last Vote  :  Friday, 22 October 2004 21:24

Just testing your collective JFK weirdness quotient.  Turns out it’s pretty high.  New poll on the left — enjoy.