Fantasist’s Scroll

Wow, for a “fantasy” website, I’ve been talking about science a lot lately!

In particular, space science. Well, here’s another one for you… According to this article on CNN, the International Space Station is filling with junk. There’s a problem that a lot of science-fiction writers forget to talk about. You’re out in space with no where to pile up all the garbage or broken stuff, but you can’t keep it laying around. What do you do with it? Well, at the moment, the ISS is keeping it in a “spare” air lock. Eventually, it will have to be disposed of, but, until that can be done safely, it has to be stored. An interesting problem, isn’t it?

As a writer, how would you deal with that issue? Can you make that into an interesting story? Why not try?

Well, I guess it’s serious!

At least, the US Government thinks it’s enough of a possibility that they need to regulate space tourism, according to this article on CNN. That’s probably a good thing, I think. I’m all for free, open space, but a little bit of regulation for public safety is probably a good thing. Besides, how can you have a profitable industry without some government regulation to contend with?
In any case, I thought it was interesting that they’re looking into it. It’s nice that our government is forward thinking for a change, eh?

No, it literally stinks!

According to this article on CNN, there’s a company that makes very, very unusual smells for museums and advertising firms. Most recently, they recreated the stink of a Tyrannosaurus Rex’s breath. But, they’ve done all kinds of things, pleasant and, er, well, less than pleasant for verious special needs. It’s really an interesting idea, when you consider how strongly we tie memories to scent. A very interesting article. And, just the right amount of fun for a Friday!

Hmm, the missing link?

The article on CNN doesn’t say it, but that’s got to be what people are thinking. It’s a larger than normal ape that seems to be aggressive and walk on two legs. Shades of Michael Crichton’s Congo?
It is interesting, though. Especially because they seem to be so aggressive. Usually apes are thought of as peaceful, unless threatened. But natives call this huge ape ‘lion eaters’. I wonder what they’ll end up finding, if anything…