17 January 2007

Doomsday Clock



We, meaning humanity, are now 2 minutes closer to extinction, or so says the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. It seems as though the relentless nuclear aspirations of the two remaining axes of evil, namely North Korea and Iran, coupled with Al Gore, have led scientists to push the clock up two minutes.

Ok, quick synopsis, a la George Strombolopolous. The Doomsday clock is a kitchy Hollywood type measure that the non-profit organization, The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists use to describe "how close humanity is to catastrophic destruction--the figurative midnight--and monitors the means humankind could use to obliterate itself. First and foremost, these include nuclear weapons, but they also encompass climate-changing technologies and new developments in the life sciences and nanotechnology that could inflict irrevocable harm."

I'll let you form your own opinions on the matter. Certainly, the clock's mass appeal to humans and the ominous looming of midnight is fairly effective in raising money, um, I mean attention, for the Atomic Scientists! I mean, they even paraded Stephen Hawking to make an appearance, and nothing is more terrifying then that man's IQ.

Check it out: http://www.thebulletin.org/weekly-highlight/20070117.html

As for me, I'm moving to Churchill, Manitoba, where I have always planned on going once the bombs started dropping - unfortunately, I can probably no longer count on having polar bears to hunt once I get there. Where is Peter Sellers when we all need him the most!