Brittney Walker

The redesigned crossover is the first car you can buy with a very clever variable compression engine.

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Jeep's New Wrangler Is More Capable Than Ever—Wherever You're Headed

The latest version of the famed off-roader comes with upgraded performance, along with creature comforts.

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The Colorful Soviet Mosaics Decorating Ukraine's Streets

Life in Soviet Ukraine wasn’t pretty. But the propaganda sure was.

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Don't Stop the Presses! Why Big Tech Should Subsidize Real Journalism

The sad story of the East Bay Times exemplifies how the decline of local news is hazardous to democracy.

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The Genesis of Kuri the Companion Robot

The friendly robots that science fiction has promised for so long are finally here, and leading the way is this adorable little machine from Mayfield Robotics.

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Two Melting Antarctic Glaciers Could Decide the Fate of Our Coastlines

Rapid collapse of Antarctic glaciers could flood coastal cities by the end of this century.

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The Colorado School of Mines Wants to Launch the First-Ever Space Mining Program

The first-ever graduate program for space miners-in-training is set to launch next year. And the inaugural class is already taking lessons.

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The Uber-Waymo Self-Driving Car Lawsuit Gets a New Star, and Takes a Wild Turn

Ric Jacobs portrays himself as a whistle-blower. The ridehailing giant portrays him as an extortionist. The judge remains cranky.

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Wednesday 29 November 2017

American Airlines' Computer Glitch Leaves It Without Pilots Over Christmas

The airline was accidentally too generous with time off over the holidays.

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What an Internet Analyst Got Wrong About Net Neutrality

Internet analyst Ben Thompson agrees with the FCC's plan to repeal Obama-era net-neutrality rules, but misinterprets some key facts in the debate.

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Bipartisan Letter To Congressional Leadership Urges Continued Protections For Medical Marijuana Programs

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) addresses NORML members in September 2017

Today, sixty-six members of Congress representing both Republicans and Democrats sent a letter to Speaker Ryan, Senate Majority Leader McConnell, Leader Pelosi, and Leader Schumer urging them to maintain the federal protections for the 46 states that have implemented some form of medical cannabis programs throughout the country.

This comes on the same day the Attorney General Jeff Sessions held a press conference to discuss America’s opioid epidemic and made disparaging comments about marijuana.

“We’re working on that very hard right now,” Sessions said on Wednesday. “We had meetings yesterday and talked about it at some length. It’s my view that the use of marijuana is detrimental and we should not give encouragement in any way to it. And it represents a federal violation which is in the law and is subject to being enforced, and our priorities will have to be focused on all the things and challenges that we face.”

From Rep. Rohrabacher’s press release:

Representatives Dana Rohrabacher (CA-48) and Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) spearheaded a letter, signed by 64 other members of the House of Representatives, urging House and Senate leadership to ensure the inclusion of medical marijuana protections in any appropriations bill that funds the government beyond December 8, 2017. The provision, previously known as “Rohrabacher-Farr,” and now “Rohrabacher-Blumenauer,” bars the Department of Justice from using appropriated funds to prosecute individuals who are acting in compliance with their state’s medical marijuana laws. The provision was first signed into law in December 2014 as part of a larger spending package, and has been in force ever since.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) speaking a NORML Conference

Reps Rohrabacher and Blumenauer are both co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Cannabis Caucus.

In September, President Donald Trump reached an agreement with Congressional leadership to enact a three-month continuing resolution that maintains present federal spending levels and priorities through December 8, 2017, which included the amendment that was passed in the previous session of Congress.

Congressional leadership must reauthorize this language as part of the forthcoming budget in order for the provisions to stay in effect. In July, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) offered identical language before the Senate Appropriations Committee, which approved it. However, House Rules Committee Chair Peter Sessions (R-TX) has refused to allow House members to vote on similar language. The provision will now be considered by House and Senate leadership when the two chambers’ appropriations bills are reconciled.

It is imperative that the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment remain the law of the land and AG Sessions not be given the green-light to enact a crackdown. Click here to send a message to your federal lawmakers and urge them to speak out about the need to protect the 2 million registered medical marijuana patients throughout the country.

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Sea Level Rise Threatens Thousands of Archaeological Treasure Troves

In the southeastern US alone, one meter of sea level rise would inundate over 13,000 archaeological sites.

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Expensify’s Use of Amazon Mechanical Turk Reveals Privacy Risks Behind AI

As a recent flare-up around Expensify shows, behind every AI that analyzes your data, teams of human workers pick up the slack.

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What Is Angular Momentum, Anyway?

You can use angular momentum to describe everything from fidget spinners to back flips to interstellar asteroids. Let's see how it works.

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Bipartisan Letter To Congressional Leadership Urging Protections For Medical Marijuana From The Attorney General

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) addresses NORML members in September 2017

Today, sixty-four members of Congress representing both Republicans and Democrats sent a letter to Speaker Ryan, Senate Majority Leader McConnell, Leader Pelosi, and Leader Schumer urging them to maintain the federal protections for the 46 states that have implemented some form of medical cannabis programs throughout the country.

This comes on the same day the Attorney General Jeff Sessions held a press conference to discuss America’s opioid epidemic and made disparaging comments about marijuana.

From Rep. Rohrabacher’s press release:

Representatives Dana Rohrabacher (CA-48) and Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) spearheaded a letter, signed by 62 other members of the House of Representatives, urging House and Senate leadership to ensure the inclusion of medical marijuana protections in any appropriations bill that funds the government beyond December 8, 2017. The provision, previously known as “Rohrabacher-Farr,” and now “Rohrabacher-Blumenauer,” bars the Department of Justice from using appropriated funds to prosecute individuals who are acting in compliance with their state’s medical marijuana laws. The provision was first signed into law in December 2014 as part of a larger spending package, and has been in force ever since.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) speaking a NORML Conference

Reps Rohrabacher and Blumenauer are both co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Cannabis Caucus.

Rick Steves Testifies In Illinois In Support Of Legalization

Rick Steves with Illinois NORML’s Ali Nagib

On Tuesday, travel radio and television host Rick Steves, a NORML Board Member, journeyed to Illinois to testify in support of marijuana legalization effort in the state legislature.

“When you legalize marijuana, use does not go up, teen use does not go up, crime does not go up, what goes up ix tax revenue, what goes down is the black market,” Steves said. “Seventy thousand people are locked up in our country every year, 700,000 people are arrested, for possession of marijuana, not violent crimes. They’re not rich white guys, they’re poor people and they’re black people. It’s amazing that it’s happening in our country right now and there is just a way out of this.”

Steves is well known for his public support of reform and has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy in support of outright legalization. During his press conference in Chicago, he was flanked by state lawmakers who have introduced the legislation. In their remarks, they laid out the economic realities of prohibition.

“It is clear that prohibition doesn’t work and that by lifting cannabis restrictions we can encourage economic development in Illinois,” State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) said. “We are carefully considering all aspects and potential impacts of legalizing adult-use cannabis, including job growth.”

“Legalizing cannabis will spur the creation of new small businesses and much-needed jobs,” State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) said. “We are leaving hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity on the table by continuing the outdated status quo of prohibition.”

A recent poll of Illinois voters shows that 66% support the outright legalization of marijuana, and 74% support an end to arrests and penalties for simple possession.

You can watch the press conference by clicking here.

Make sure to follow Illinois NORML on Facebook, Twitter, and visit their website: http://ift.tt/1PbUhAm

Tuesday 28 November 2017

The Physics Behind the Strange Interstellar Asteroid 'Oumuamua

We're not saying this interstellar object is a spaceship. But it sure would make for some cool physics.

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How a Colombian Professor Combines His Love of Math and Music

Federico Ardila opens up about his journey as a mathematician, teacher, Colombian transplant, DJ and creator of mathematical spaces.

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How Bots Broke the FCC's Public Comment System During the Net Neutrality Debate

The FCC's net neutrality public comment period was overrun with bots, making it all but impossible for any one voice to be heard. That's not how this is supposed to work.

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Double Your Impact on #GreenTuesday

During this joyous time of giving thanks, one of our generous supporters offered to match the first $5,000 in donations for #GivingTuesday.

revolutionbumper #GivingTuesday is a day that unites us in generosity and celebration for all that we have accomplished. After the two most busiest shopping days of the year, #GivingTuesday gives us all a chance to give back. This year we’re going BIG, and the only way we can ensure that happens is with your help.

The holiday season is in full swing, and naturally we are forced to think about all we are thankful for. We at NORML could not be more grateful for YOU and all of your continuous, unconditional support as we work for our shared vision of a legalized nation.

Double your impact and make a donation to propel us to the finish line and end marijuana prohibition.

We’ve made so much progress over the last year, all thanks to you. But there is still so much to be done. We expect 2018 to be even more successful for the movement, and we need you to help continue our momentum by making a contribution in honor of #GivingTuesday. Now more than ever is when we need your support to ensure that we achieve a fair legalization and equitable marijuana market.

Donate today to have your contribution matched dollar for dollar!

Every act of generosity counts, and each means even more when we give together. Join NORML’s global giving movement where millions of people have come together to support and champion our cause of ending marijuana prohibition. Become one of those people today, on #GivingTuesday.

Many thanks,
The NORML Team

P.S. Shopping on Amazon for holiday gifts or just day to day expenses? Through the Amazon-smile program, you can have a portion of your costs be donated to NORML and our reform efforts.

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Canada: House Members Overwhelmingly Pass Adult Use Regulation Bill

Members of the Canadian House of Commons voted 200 to 82 to approve legislation that seeks to legalize and regulate the adult use cannabis market. Liberal Party members, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, back the measure, which now faces debate in the Senate.

The Cannabis Act, Bill C-45, amends the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act so that those over the age of 18 may legally possess, purchase, and grow personal use quantities of cannabis. It further seeks to establish rules and regulations governing the commercial production of retail cannabis products. Proponents of the legislation hope to have the new law in place by July 1, 2018.

Health Canada is presently seeking public feedback regarding the regulations. Written comments will be accepted through January 20, 2018.

Additional information regarding C-45 is available from NORML Canada. Updates regarding the text and status of the legislation is available from the Library of Parliament here.

During this joyous time of giving thanks, one of our generous supporters offered to match the first $5,000 in donations for #GivingTuesday.

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Canada: House Members Overwhelmingly Pass Adult Use Regulation Bill

Health Canada is presently seeking public feedback regarding the regulations. Written comments will be accepted through January 20, 2018.

Additional information regarding C-45 is available from NORML Canada. Updates regarding the text and status of the legislation is available from the Library of Parliament here.

Double Your Impact on #GreenTuesday

Double your impact and make a donation to propel us to the finish line and end marijuana prohibition.

Donate today to have your contribution matched dollar for dollar!

Many thanks,
The NORML Team

P.S. Shopping on Amazon for holiday gifts or just day to day expenses? Through the Amazon-smile program, you can have a portion of your costs be donated to NORML and our reform efforts.

The Facilities Where Scientists Breed Plants to Survive the Future

Researchers are crossbreeding domesticated crops with their wild ancestors to propagate superhardy strains that better withstand droughts, heat waves, and freezes.

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Photo Essay: The Uneasy Relationship Between Humans and Nature

Photographer Lucas Foglia examines the complex dynamic between humans and their habitat.

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Lockheed Martin Is Making Laser Cannons for Fighter Jets

The US Air Force is paying the defense contractor $26 million contract to develop a laser system that can protect fighters from incoming missiles.

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The Tricks Pixar Used to Make the Super Slick Skeletons of 'Coco'

Skeletons don't move, or wear clothes, like normal people. Here's how Pixar made them look as natural as possible.

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This Is Why WeWork Is Buying Meetup

WeWork is buying Meetup, it was announced today. That's an incredibly smart move, writes Jessi Hempel.

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Converse Urban Utility Uses Gore-Tex to Keep the Water Out

The Nike-owned shoemaker teams up with Gore to make a new line of weatherproof mens shoes and outerwear.

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How Bored Panda Survived Facebook's Clickbait Purge

As other viral publishers succumb to Facebook's algorithm changes, Bored Panda thrives with a mix of photos, animal stories, and funny lists.

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Monday 27 November 2017

Soft Robots Acquire Origami Skeletons for Super-Strength

Soft robots are nice and cuddly, but that also makes them weak. Until, that is, researchers gave them skeletons.

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Email Is Broken. Can Anyone Fix It?

Gmail, Outlook, and some exciting startups are all trying to rebuild email for 2017.

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_The Quantum Spy_ Author David Ignatius on the Future of High-Tech Espionage

In his latest novel, David Ignatius tackles the intersection of quantum computing and spying

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Setting The Record Straight

revolutionbumper One of NORML’s primary missions is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults. One of the ways we successfully achieve this goal is by debunking marijuana myths and half-truths via the publication of timely op-eds in online and print media. Since the mainstream media seldom casts a critical eye toward many of the more over-the-top claims about cannabis, we take it upon ourselves to set the record straight.

The majority of NORML’s rebuttals are penned by Deputy Director Paul Armentano. In the past few weeks, he has published numerous op-eds highlighting the therapeutic effects of marijuana, the racial disparities in prohibitions’ enforcement, and the overall need for reform.

Below are links to a sampling of his recent columns:

“Cannabis has a record of safety, efficacy”
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. November 23, 2017

“African Americans are disproportionately arrested for low-level marijuana violations — and the disparity is growing”
Alternet. November 21, 2017.

“Cannabis saves lives”
Santa Fe New Mexican. November 13, 2017

“Medical marijuana should be legal in Indiana”
Indianapolis Star. November 10, 2017

“How to heal our sick system for managing pain and fighting the opioid epidemic”
Los Angeles Times. November 3, 2017.

“American opinions have changed when it comes to marijuana, federal law should change too”
The Hill. October 28, 2017

For a broader sampling of NORML-centric columns and media hits, please visit NORML’s ‘In the Media’ archive here.

If you see the importance of NORML’s educational and media outreach efforts, please feel free to show your support by making a contribution here.

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Setting The Record Straight

The majority of NORML’s rebuttals are penned by Deputy Director Paul Armentano. In the past few weeks, he has published numerous op-eds promoting the therapeutic effects of marijuana, the racial disparities in prohibitions enforcement, and the overall need for reform.

Below are links to a sampling of his recent columns:

“Cannabis has a record of safety, efficacy”
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. November 23, 2017

“African Americans are disproportionately arrested for low-level marijuana violations — and the disparity is growing”
Alternet. November 21, 2017.

“Cannabis saves lives”
Santa Fe New Mexican. November 13, 2017

“Medical marijuana should be legal in Indiana”
Indianapolis Star. November 10, 2017

“How to heal our sick system for managing pain and fighting the opioid epidemic”
Los Angeles Times. November 3, 2017.

“American opinions have changed when it comes to marijuana, federal law should change too”
The Hill. October 28, 2017

For a broader sampling of NORML-centric columns and media hits, please visit NORML’s ‘In the Media’ archive here.

If you see the importance of NORML’s educational and media outreach efforts, please feel free to show your support by making a contribution here.

The Suburban Maximalists Making Viral Christmas Displays

These holiday kings don't bring frankincense and myrrh—they bring dubstep and mirth.

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How Two Googlers Use Engineering Techniques to Solve Marital Disputes

Opinion: A Googler finds that engineering techniques help keep the peace at home.

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An Old Technique Could Put Artificial Intelligence in Your Hearing Aid

Mythic is developing chips with analog, rather than digital, circuits, to put the benefits of AI in smaller devices.

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Sunday 26 November 2017

14 Gift Ideas for the New Parent

14 tech gifts to make one of the world's hardest jobs just a little bit easier.

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While You Were Offline: Pardon the President, He's New at This

If only the internet would've let President Trump off the hook the way he did that turkey.

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Mapping the Future: Cartography Stages a Comeback

Silicon Valley companies are snapping up cartography graduates, leading to a boom in degrees.

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The Military Should Teach Artificial Intelligence to Watch Drone Footage

Opinion: The Pentagon collects so much surveillance footage that humans can’t watch all of it. It’s time to deploy AI.

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How to Customize Your Android Phone

Don't settle for the look and feel of your Android smartphone out of the box. Use these personalization apps, tricks, and settings to make it truly yours.

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What Good Is a Supercomputer If It Can't Show Off?

Every year at the annual Supercomputing Conference, a team of volunteers builds the world’s fastest temporary network.

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Saturday 25 November 2017

15 Gifts for the Techie Kids In Your Life

15 presents for the kids in your life to put together, take apart, and everything else in between.

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John Crowley's 'Ka' Is the Best Fantasy Novel About Crows Ever

John Crowley's new novel is a return to his writing roots.

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Android Location Snooping, Uber Hack Coverup, and More Security News This Week

Google acknowledged this week that Android devices communicate the nearest cell tower, even after you turn off location services and remove the SIM card.

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Ciao, Chrome: Firefox Quantum Is The Browser Built for 2017

The new Firefox is fast, it's secure, and it's full of clever little things that make web browsing better.