Archive for October, 2014
Are the World’s Religions Ready for E.T.?
October 1st, 2014Via: Vanderbilt University: Realization that the nature of the debate about life on other worlds is about to fundamentally change led Vanderbilt Professor of Astronomy David Weintraub to begin thinking seriously about the question of how people will react to the discovery of life on other planets. He realized, as Einstein had observed, that people’s […]
New Docs Show How Reagan-Era Executive Order Unbounded NSA
October 1st, 2014Via: Ars Technica: A set of newly declassified documents shows definitively and explicitly that the United States intelligence community relies heavily on what is effectively unchecked presidential authority to conduct surveillance operations, as manifested through the Reagan-era Executive Order (EO) 12333. And at a more basic level, the new documents illustrate that the government is […]
Defense Distributed CNC Machine and Plans to Mill AR-15 Lower Receivers at Home for $1200
October 1st, 2014Via: Wired: When Cody Wilson revealed the world’s first fully 3-D printed gun last year, he showed that the “maker” movement has enabled anyone to create a working, lethal firearm with a click in the privacy of his or her garage. Now he’s moved on to a new form of digital DIY gunsmithing. And this […]
Russia Reportedly Considering Capital Controls
October 1st, 2014Bloomberg rumors. Maybe something, maybe nothing. However, about a month ago, I suggested the following to a family member with a Russian girlfriend: “I’d seriously consider getting her and her money out of there ASAP. You wouldn’t want her to be in Putin-Land or holding Putin-Bucks if this thing gets any worse.” Via: Bloomberg: Now […]
Meet the Prison Bankers Who Profit From the Inmates
October 1st, 2014Even by Cryptogon standards, this one is shocking. Via: Time: JPay and other prison bankers collect tens of millions of dollars every year from inmates’ families in fees for basic financial services. To make payments, some forego medical care, skip utility bills and limit contact with their imprisoned relatives, the Center for Public Integrity found […]
