A "Spider-man" suit that enables its wearer to scale vertical walls like the comic and movie superhero could one day be a reality, according to a study. Natural technology used by spiders and geckos could help a human climb the side of a building or hang upside down from a roof, the analysis suggests. The findings are published in the Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter. Both spiders and geckos possess tiny "hairs" that allow them to stick to surfaces. Some studies suggest that geckos can hold hundreds of times their own body weight.

In 2002, US research suggested this adhesion in geckos was due to very weak intermolecular forces. These are produced by billions of hair-like structures of different sizes that are arranged in a hierarchical structure on each gecko foot. The intermolecular "van der Waals" forces arise when unbalanced electrical charges around molecules attract one another. The cumulative attractive force of billions of gecko hairs allows the reptiles to scurry up walls and even hang upside down on polished glass.

Size effect

Professor Nicola Pugno, from the Polytechnic of Turin, Italy, has calculated how sufficient stickiness could be generated in the same way to support an adult human's body weight. But the bigger the surface that needs to stick, the lower its adhesion strength. So a glove able to fit a man's hand, and covered with artificial gecko hairs, should not be as sticky as a gecko's foot. Luckily, the gecko only uses a fraction of the theoretical stickiness available through van der Waals forces. "Some researchers were able to measure a [theoretical] adhesion strength 200 times higher than the adhesion strength in the gecko. But between theory and practical applications there is a large gap," said Professor Pugno.

"If we are able to make a surface a little bit stronger, so that the size effect vanishes, we might be able to make a suit with the same adhesion as a gecko." The Turin-based researcher proposes that carbon nanotubes could be used as an artificial alternative to the gecko's hairs. Carbon nanotubes are tiny cylinders of carbon that measure just a few billionths of a metre across. They are ultra-strong and can be organised into larger fibres.

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Britney's Troubles Multiply

There have been so many celebrity trainwrecks this summer it's really hard to choose who's leading the pack. But with Lindsay in rehab, we think Britney is in the lead for the starring role. The SPCA got wind of the rumor that Britney's new puppy had its leg broken and no one treated it. Well, that turned out not to be true. The dog did get injured, but a vet gave the wee one a tiny splint and he is ok.

The president of the Los Angeles chapter of the SPCA tells TMZ the dog did fracture his leg -- but does have a cast. The incident occurred when someone (no word on who) stepped on the dog's leg (arf!) while walking into a closet. Accidents happen, y'all!

The SPCA also tells us the incident had nothing to do with her kids, as some have reported, and that the case is now "resolved."

So the SPCA is off her back. But the custody battle with KFed is heating up with Kfed's attorney subpoenaing everyone in Britney's life. Her former manager is hiding out so he won't be served. And now Britney is being investigated for possible child abuse.

TMZ has learned Britney Spears is being investigated for possible child abuse. An unscheduled hearing was held today at L.A. County Superior Court. Present -- Britney's lawyer, Dennis Wasser, K-Fed's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, and a lawyer from the Los Angeles County Counsel who is assigned to the dependency court. We do not know the specifics of the allegations but we're told the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services is conducting an active investigation. A hearing in the custody case has been scheduled for Sept. 4, which will be a follow up to today's appearance.

It's possible that KFed is the source of the complaint filed with the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services and it may have to do with what the children are eating and those stories that Britney took the toddlers to a dentist and wanted him to whiten their teeth (he refused). It's such a shame that Britney has cut her mom out of her life. Because if anyone needs some good motherly advice right now, it's Britney Spears.

Posted on August 27, 2007
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Proposal For World's Tallest Building

Japanese designers have proposed a futuristic, intelligent, giant skyscraper that will house one million people and be solar-powered. The building would be built in Tokyo Harbor and will be the tallest building in the world.

if the enormous, 13,000 ft X-Seed 4000 structure ever gets built in Tokyo - it will win the worlds-tallest-building competition hands down and leave its puny competitors in the dirt.

Looking eerily like Mt. Doom in the above rendering, the mountain-like X-Seed 4000 represents a utopian eco-vision for a self-contained high-rise city in the Tokyo harbor - powered mainly by solar energy. Aesthetically inspired by nearby Mt. Fuji, the behemoth building would measure 13,123 feet tall with a 6 square-kilometer footprint, and could accommodate five hundred thousand to one million inhabitants.

Designed by Taisei Construction Corporation as an "intelligent building," the futuristically-named X-Seed 4000 would maintain light, temperature, and air pressure in response to changing external weather conditions. Unlike conventional skyscrapers, the X-Seed 4000 would be required to actively protect its occupants from considerable air pressure gradations and weather fluctuations along its massive elevation. Its design calls for the use of solar power to maintain internal environmental conditions. Some estimate that the cost to construct the X-Seed 4000 structure may be somewhere between US$300-900 billion

One million people in the same building? Is that a good idea? And what if the power goes out? Or an earthquake hits? Still, the solar-power and the artificial intelligence aspects are pretty cool. And what's $900 billion, anyway? The Iraq War is now estimated to cost $1 trillion. And we won't even have a cool, intelligent giant mountain/building to show for it after the war ends.

Posted on August 24, 2007
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Bill Murray and the Runaway Golf Cart

Bill Murray was stopped by police in Stockholm, Sweden for driving a golf cart and smelling like alcohol. Murray refused to take a breathalyzer test but a blood test was taken.

Bill Murray could face a drunken driving charge after cruising through downtown Stockholm in a golf cart and refusing to take a breath test, citing U.S. law. Police officers spotted the "Caddyshack" star early Monday in the slow-moving vehicle and noticed he smelled of alcohol when they pulled him over, said Detective-Inspector Christer Holmlund of the Stockholm police. "He refused to blow in the (breath test) instrument, citing American legislation," Holmlund told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "So we applied the old method _ a blood test. It will take 14 days before the results are in." Murray, who had been at a golf tournament in Sweden, signed a document admitting that he was driving under the influence, and agreed to let a police officer plead guilty for him if the case goes to court, Holmlund said.

"Then he was let go. My guess is he went back to America," Holmlund said. He said the 56-year-old actor-comedian would only be charged if tests show his blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit, which is quite low in Sweden. A very high alcohol level could lead to a prison sentence, but Holmlund said fines were more likely. "There were no obvious signs, like when someone is really tipsy," he said.

So, let's get this straight. Bill Murray gets loaded then careens through the streets of Stockhom in a golf cart, in some kind of homage to his Caddyshack days? Makes perfect sense to us. Many's the time we've gone on a bender, using a slow-moving golf cart as our preferred means of transpo. What could be more natural?

Posted on August 22, 2007
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Man Continues Counting To One Million

Jeremy Harper in Birmingham, Alabama has been counting to a million on a live web cam. You can see it on the MillionCount web cam. Harper does take breaks to sleep and use the bathroom. After making his way to 750,000 Jeremy blogged that his general mood was that he was "almost done."

AS I mentioned in the late night cookie last night, today is a big day. 750 thousand. When I reached the 250K mark, I was excited and knew that I had made a good start int he count. I was confident that I would finish. Of course, 500K is the half way point, and that's exactly how I felt - half way done. Part excitement, part nervousness. Now, 750K hits today and my general mood is "almost done." The finale party is no longer just an idea - it's a chore to get planned because it's so close. Time seems to be running out.

And, as excited about reaching one million, I'm actually very scared about the feeling that I will have that night when the cameras are off, no one can make me do the chicken dance, and I don't have any more numbers to count the next day...

The most surprising thing about the count to a million is that Jeremy's employers actually gave him time off to do the count which is estimated to take several months. The website says Jeremy Harper "works for a local software company that gave him time off to complete this project." Here is a video of Jeremy talking to CNN.


Direct video link

Posted on August 21, 2007
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Rubber Duckie, You're the Biggest One

An artist named Florentijn Hofman has created a massive rubber duck. It is currently floating in the Loire River in France. Fortunately, the rubber duck is very friendly to people of all colors, ages and political parties.

A yellow spot on the horizon slowly approaches the coast. People have gatherd and watch in amazement as a giant yellow Rubber Duck approaches. The spectators are greeted by the duck, which slowly nods its head. The Rubber Duck knows no frontiers, it doesn't discriminate people and doesn't have a political connotation. The friendly, floating Rubber Duck has healing properties: it can relieve mondial tensions as well as define them. The rubber duck is soft, friendly and suitable for all ages!

Here are some specs for the giant yellow rubber duck:

Title: Rubber duck
Year: 2007
Location: river the Loire, France
Dimensions: 26 x 20 x 32 meters
Materials: inflatable, rubber coated PVC, pontoon and generator
Production: le Lieu Unique and the Biennial Estuaire

You can see many more pictures of the duck here on the artist's website. (via Wooseer Collective)

Posted on August 16, 2007
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Writers Write, Inc. Launches Fantasy and Science Fiction Blog

Writers Write, Inc. has added a new blog to its blog network called FantasySFBlog.com. Fantasy/SF Blog is a daily blog covering what's new and interesting in the worlds of fantasy, SF, and horror, including books, movies, TV and gaming.

Recent posts include:

Lost: The Orchid Orientation Video

Is Peter Jackson Back on Board for The Hobbit?

Finalists Announced For British Fantasy Awards

Saw IV Coming in October

Will Tom Cruise Join the Star Trek Cast?

The Dresden Files Is Cancelled

ABC Offers Masters of Science Fiction

The Beowulf Trailer is Here

Johnny Depp Is Barnabas Collins

RSS subscription informaton for the Fantasy/SF Blog can be found here.

Posted on August 15, 2007
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The Oracle of Starbucks

What does your Starbucks drink order say about your inner psyche? Who you really are as a person? To find out you need only consult the Oracle of Starbucks. The creator explains:

Astrology is lame and Myers-Briggs is for losers. The omniscient Oracle of Starbucks can tell you everything about your personality by what you drink at Starbucks. Simply enter your full drink order -- including size -- into the field below and the all-knowing Oracle will tell you everything about your personality. Better yet, input your friends' orders to find out what they're really like.

Unlike other imitations, the Oracle is 100% accurate.

We all tried it and sadly it appears that: 1) we are blowhards who will bore anyone to death at the drop of a hat (totally true) and 2) all our friends are plotting to kill us (extremely disturbing, if true).

Posted on August 14, 2007
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Nicole Kidman Talks Invasion Injuries

Nicole Kidman confirmed that she actually broke several ribs during the filming of The Invasion. But, ever the trooper, she just kept going. No checking into a hospital for "exhaustion" from partying the night before, no refusing to come out of her trailer. She just taped up her ribs and went back to work.

Nicole Kidman, who stars in the upcoming SF thriller film The Invasion, told SCI FI Wire that she broke her ribs in a January car accident on the movie's set, which was captured on amateur video and posted on TMZ.com, but that the injury didn't prevent her from completing the movie. "I broke some ribs, so that was pretty painful (even though I seem to have a high degree of tolerance), and they took a while to heal," Kidman said in an e-mail interview from Australia on Aug. 13.

Kidman was taken to a hospital after the Jaguar she was driving crashed early Jan. 25 during shooting in downtown Los Angeles, the Associated Press reported. The Jaguar was being towed by a camera rig that skidded while taking a corner and caused Kidman's car to hit a pole on West Sixth Street, police said. She returned to work almost immediately. "I managed to just forge ahead and try not to think about it, once I got back on the set," Kidman said.

The Invasion, which is a remake of The Invasion of the Body-Snatchers, also stars Daniel Craig. It opens in wide release on August 17th. Nicole and Daniel Craig are also starring together in the much-anticipated film version of The Golden Compass, which we can't wait to see.

Posted on August 13, 2007
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The Dangers of the Catwalk

This video demonstrates the very real hazards that top runway models face everyday. They bravely wear six inch platform heels and strut down slippery runways all in the name of fashion. We are honored and moved by their bravery.



Posted on August 10, 2007
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Lindsay's Surreal Elle Interview

Elle magazine has really outdone itself with its September issue which features Lindsay Lohan on the cover. Now that's she's facing two DUI charges and possibly other legal problems, her statements in the interview have a surreal feel to them. Here are some highlights:

On her reputation for drunk driving: "I wouldn't violate ... I'm much more responsible than that. I would not do that."

On her rehab stay at Wonderland: "I was growing up and going out a lot, and I needed to have a balance. I was glad I went, because I needed to get away from everyone and I didn't know how to do that. And I learned a lot there. A bunch of my friends - I was with them last night - they're in AA for, like, years."

On slimy now ex-boyfriend Calum Best: "I like him. He's me in male form. We're very similar. Stubborn, rebellious, very smart, coy, a little bit narcissistic - I think all actors have a little bit of that, and so they should. We'll be kidding around, like the other day when we were in the Bahamas ... I was walking by some mirror. And he caught me looking in the mirror and he goes, 'I caught that!' I was like, 'Damn, I look good!'"

On the media frenzy she creates: "I feel like the asshole, the idiot, because I feel like I'm distracting from the other things that are important, like global warming and that kind of stuff. I genuinely mean that. And I don't know what to do."

On avoiding fame: "I hate it, like, when these people say, 'Well, why do you go to the Ivy if you don't want ...' Seriously, I like their food! I can't go to a restaurant? I know I'm going to get pictures taken. I'm fine with it. And I'm going to go have their food. People give you shit for it: 'Don't go on Robertson!' What, I can't drive down the street?"

On her pantyless photos: "It was once, and it was when I was in Venice. And I was rushing through the room, threw the Prada dress on. And that's what happened. And I didn't even see the picture. I don't look at that shit - that's gross. If I wear a dress I have underwear on."

On sleep troubles: "I have really bad insomnia. My whole life. I get nervous at night going to bed, and being awake alone really freaks me out."

On her longing for an Oscar: "I just want to be nominated for an award for all the work I've done. It's so funny - people forget that I played two characters in Parent Trap when I was twelve years old."

The girl is clearly delusional. No one goes to the Ivy for food. She does look good, though. Too bad she stole Louis Vuitton clothing from the photo shoot, dooming her chances of representing the French fashion house.

Posted on August 8, 2007
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Britney Walks Out On Allure Interview

Britney has done it again. She walked out on a comeback cover shoot and interview that was supposed to help her make her comeback. She showed up for the cover shoot, but ditched four interview attempts. Linda Wells, the editor of Allure, explained what happened.

I thought we could present the profile as her comeback," Linda writes in the magazine's opening letter from the editor. "Britney showed up for Allure's cover shoot on time and ready to work. She was entirely unselfconscious: She took off her wig and then stripped down to the waist, for no apparent reason, before sitting for hair and makeup."

Linda adds that Britney was "agreeable and cooperative," but "that was the last we saw of her ... she missed four appointments for an interview." She goes on to say that "Britney has long lost her role-model status ... Spears still commands our attention, perhaps even more so now than before her life imploded."

She is featured as a cover piece on "the nature of celebrity 2007."

This is so pathetic. Clearly, Britney is mentally unstable and needs professional help. But she's over 21 and no one can make her change. What a tragedy.

Posted on August 6, 2007
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Elton John Wants the Internets Shut Down

Elton John is no fan of the Internets. That pesky series of tubes is apparently ruining music; therefore Sir Elton wants it shut down. Yes, that's right. He wants the Interweb to be closed for business.

Pop legend Sir Elton John wants the internet CLOSED DOWN. Never one to keep his opinions to himself, the Rocket Man has waded into cyberspace with all guns blazing. He claims it is destroying good music, saying: "The internet has stopped people from going out and being with each other, creating stuff. Instead they sit at home and make their own records, which is sometimes OK but it doesn't bode well for long-term artistic vision.

"It's just a means to an end. We're talking about things that are going to change the world and change the way people listen to music and that's not going to happen with people blogging on the internet. I mean, get out there - communicate."

"Hopefully the next movement in music will tear down the internet. Let's get out in the streets and march and protest instead of sitting at home and blogging. "I do think it would be an incredible experiment to shut down the whole internet for five years and see what sort of art is produced over that span. There's too much technology available. I'm sure, as far as music goes, it would be much more interesting than it is today."

Multi-millionaire Elton, who turned 60 earlier this year, has admitted in the past that he is a bit behind the times. The Grammy award-winner was once quoted as saying: "I am the biggest technophobe of all time. I don't have a mobile phone or an iPod or anything. I am such a Luddite when it comes to making music. All I can do is write at the piano." Sales of Elton's last album The Captain & The Kid were disappointing - it barely shifted 100,000 copies. And in the past Sir Elt has opposed illegal downloading of his music from the net.

Someone should get on this immediately. Because it should be fairly easy to disrupt those tubes. After all, who wants the freedom to compose their own music at home using cool new software and other technology? Not us.

Posted on August 1, 2007
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