Granny Shoots Mugger With .357 Magnum

Don´t mess with Grandma reports The Register. A mugger in NYC got more than he bargained for when the ex-bus driver who´s grandad was Haarlem crime boss Ellsworth Johnson, shot him in the elbow. People have a right to defend themselves, but granny with a .357 Magnum is a frightening prospect. Apparently the mugger is sueing for damages. Oh what a wonderful country.

South Park Hit By The Credit Crunch

The economy is on its knees and even South Park are covering it. A clip from the upcoming episode Margaritaville.

NIF Nuclear Fusion Laser Fires Up

The BBC reports that the construction of a huge laser experiment for conducting inertially confined fusion has been completed. The US National Ignition Facility will use the laser to shoot a pellet containing hydrogen fuel. The hope is that the temperatures involved will be sufficient to overcome the natural repulsive force of the atoms and cause them instead to stick together and form helium, the same process that takes place in the sun. Should it succeed, then the process will deliver 10 to 100 times more energy than the 500 trillion watts sued to fire the device, a process that in the future could satisfy the world´s increasing energy demands.

North Korea Rocket Test Goes Ahead

A space launch by North Korea which many believe to be a cover for a ballistic missile test has gone ahead today, according to the BBC. North Korea originally reported that they had put a satellite into orbit playing pro-North Korean songs, but the US stated that the attempt had failed. The launch took the rocket over South Korea and Japan, the first stage dropping off in the waters between the two countries. Japan had said they would take action against any debris that fell into their territory. The action contravenes UN resolution 1718 which states any form of ballistic missile launch demands international action.

Climate Change - Antarctic Ice Bridge Breaks

The BBC reports that an ice shelf connecting the Charcot and Latady islands to mainland Antarctica has finally broken after radar images showed the structure threatened to break away. This is a further indication of rapid warming along with increased number of icebergs and the region has been shown to be one of the most rapidly warming locations on earth in the last 50 years.

Tesla Model S Revealed

A good looking motor too, reminds a little of the Aston Martin. Top speed 130mph, 0-60 in under 5 seconds and an operating range of up tp 300 miles ater a 45 minute charge. El Reg has the details.

Ten Years Since Melissa

I remember when Melissa hit in 1999, I just can´t believe it´s so long ago already! This article from El Reg celebrates the anniversary and the arrest of its author. This was one of the few modern viruses that stuck in my mind in recent years along with I Love You, Slammer and the recent Conficker/Downandup (which is supposed to have a payload primed for 1 April 2009) as having major impact and perhaps inspiring derivatives.