Tidbits

I just read this statement:

"Redistribution of Earth's mass as a result of water impoundment in large reservoirs has decreased daylength by an average of 0.2x10E-6 seconds per year since the 1950s due to changes in Earth's rotation and gravitational field."

Sure, it's an infinitessimal change, but WOW! And given the extremely short time span over which the change is occuring, it's probably not so infinitessimal. If it continues, imagine the magnitude of the change over a more geological time scale! Of course, It probably can't continue... I mean, reservoirs fill up with sediment at an alarming rate, and there are probably few areas left, at least in the US, that are suitable to dam. For a discussion of this, and the general dam-craze of large public-works oriented governments, I reccommend Cadillac Desert by... um, someone =).

Also, check this out!

I think this rocks. Invasive species are my major research interest. They're an enormous problem. They are the 2nd most important cause of species endangerment and biodiversity loss in both the United States and globally. And yet public awareness of invasive species is basically zilch. If you guys (all 2.3 of you) could visit this site every day and click for the small donation, I'd be so happy! Granted, $125,000 is nothing... But it's a start!