Monday, June 27, 2011

Worms Bringing New Credibility to Life on Other Worlds

So called "worms from hell" may help unlock answers to the question about whether or not it's possible for life to exist on other worlds.  Nobody's saying that these worms were brought here be extraterrestrials of course.  Round worms called Nematodes were found about a mile underground in South African gold mines.  Nematodes are very resilient creatures, being found in all kinds of habitats:  polar, desert, along the ocean floor, in fresh water...

While it's not surprising to find worms underground, before now nobody thought that complex/multi-cellular life forms could exist in the harsh conditions that you would find so deep underground.  That's where the tie-in to life on other planets comes in according to author Marc Kaufman.  After all, if they can exist in such varied and harsh environments here on Earth, why not on other worlds?

Friday, June 10, 2011

Gas From Uranus? Let The Jokes Begin

One way I've read to fuel a theoretical interstellar space ship is using Helium 3.  While not abundant on Earth, there's plenty on outer planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. 

Using a concept like this would be great for science fiction.  The article talked about a space-gas station created at these planets.  But I see other possibilities.  Why limit yourself to interstellar space travel?  What about in-system and using the gases for other sources.  A writer could turn this to corporate sci-fi with competing gas mines.  This could lead to threats of in-system wars, embargos...  I think I've said enough about that.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Deadliest Warrior Analyzes Zombies vs. Vampires

That's right.  After seeing a recent commercial advertising the upcoming 3rd season of The Deadliest Warrior on Spike TV, I checked the site to see some examples.  Scrolling down a bit I almost couldn't believe my eyes, but a quick click on the video link and viola - Zombies vs. Vampires.  While the video really doesn't really give a preview of the episode content, it is still an interesting idea.  I've been a big fan of the show since it premiered because of its analysis of various warrior cultures, the techniques they use, and (or course) an analysis ot their weapons.

What's would be unique about an episode pitting zombies against vampires is the weapons part.  The Deadliest Warrior typically had experts bring four weapons - long range, medium range, short range, and special weapons.  What I'd really like to know is how that's going to work with zombies and vampires.  What "weapons" will they analyze?

What's fun about this is that fantasy writers might be able to use some of this information in developing stories with these two classic monsters.  Okay, so it wouldn't be a complete source of information, but it could give some ideas that could add credibility to the story.

Then again, this could be just one big joke by Spike TV.  But I hope not.  Maybe the producers could add more like Werewolf vs Vampire and a couple of others, then have a Deadliest Monster Warrior marathon on Halloween.