Andreas Katsulas Dies at Age 59.

"Andreas Katsulas, the character actor known to science fiction fans as G'Kar on Babylon 5 and a familiar face from Star Trek and other TV shows, died Feb. 13 of lung cancer in Los Angeles, his agent, Donna Massetti, confirmed to SCI FI Wire. He was 59."

Read the full article on SCI FI Wire.

Katsulas' credits also include Max Headroom, Alien Nation, and several movies including The Fugitive and Executive Decision. His complete filmography can be found at the Internet Movie Database.

Blog Junk: Would You Have Been a Nazi?

If you were born and raised in Germany in the early 1930's, would you have been a Nazi? Are you in the resitance, or are you Hitler himself? Take the online quiz to find out. Sieg!


Here are my results:

The Expatriate
Achtung! You are 23% brainwashworthy, 40% antitolerant, and 38% blindly patriotic.

Congratulations! You are not susceptible to brainwashing, your values and cares extend beyond the borders of your own country, and your Blind Patriotism does not reach unhealthy levels. If you had been German in the 30s, you would've left the country.

Did you know that many of the smartest Germans departed prior to the beginning of World War II, because they knew some evil shit was brewing? Brain Drain. Many of them were scientists. It is very possible you could have been one of them.

Conclusion: born and raised in Germany in the early 1930's, you would not have been a Nazi.

Romulan / Predator Technology Today!

A Russian professor has patented a real-life cloaking device. Oleg Gadomsky, the cloak's inventor, has been experimenting with gold nanoparticles.

On the his cloak, Gadomsky was quoted as saying, “Only static objects can be made invisible for the time being, as during motion the radiation frequency changes. But soon it will be possible to create a cap of darkness and a magic cloak like Harry Potter’s.”

Links:
Mosnews
Baku Today
Web India

Solution Published in Math Horizons.

Some of my work was recognized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) this month. After submitting an algebraic solution to a particularly tricky exponential equation, I received a mention in the February 2006 edition of Math Horizons.

Higher Math and Proofs: A How-To Guide

Information exchange through the modern miracle of the internet is a wonderful thing. For those struggling through their first 'real' math classes comes a handy online guide. Maintained by a fellow math and physics nut, How To Learn Math and Write Proofs is a helpful guide for the upper-division undergraduate student. In it are links to various tutorials along with strategies for thinking about and attacking difficult problems.

Also featured are mental excercises meant to increase one's mental acuteness. The author also maintains a comprehensive book list along with a brief physics tutorial.

Superbowl Paranoia: How to Avoid Getting Shot Down.

Canada and the United States are issuing joint temporary flight restrictions in the Detroit area in cooperation with Superbowl security. The TFR restricts traffic up to 30 nautical miles from and 18,000 feet above the stadium. Within the TFR is a 10 nautical mile no-fly zone that will be enforced by Air Force fighters.

In response to patrolling the Detroit no-fly zone, Lt. Col. Bill Hargrove claimed that "We're the last line of defense." When asked whether he was prepared to take the order to shoot down a non-responsive civilian aircraft entering the inner ring, he said, "Absolutely."

Pilots take heed: the Air Force claims it will shoot down Superbowl TFR violators. If your route takes you by Detroit this Sunday, it may be wise to consider taking the long way.

Links:
AOPA's article.
The NOTAM describing the Superbowl TFR.

Crosswind Considerations

Before flying in strong crosswind conditions, it is always a good idea to get some practice in beforehand.

Last Friday, I found myself fighting the first stiff crosswind that I had seen in months. As a result, I was blown off the centerline on landing, and seriously considered making a go-around in those few seconds before touchdown. Don't let this happen to you.

Instead, hunt for crosswind conditions to practice your technique on those lazy local flights. Consider the winds and find an airport with a good crosswind runway. If your home airport has two runways, it may be good practice to choose the least favorable from time to time.

If you haven't made a good crosswind landing in a while, start small. Try tackling a five knot wind, then gradually step yourself up. If the idea of a crosswind landing sounds like too much, grab your local CFI on a windy day and log some instruction from a pro.

Remember to always consider your personal skills in any crosswind landing. Many pilots fall into the trap of assuming that they can land at their airplane's max demoed speed. In most cases, max demoed literally means the maximum crosswind at which a professional test pilot was capable of landing a particular make/model of airplane. Most pilots should never consider flying in such circumstances. When the wind is too strong, you can usually find another airport with more favorable conditions.

Review your crosswind technique here and here.

Boom Headshot!

No one should go through life without seeing this.



And for the record, I know its old news.

Links:
Full Screen
PurePwnage