Interesting talk by Mikel Maron at Where2.0. Maron discusses the potential for social networking technologies, such as Twitter, to be used productively in disaster situations. Although these technologies have been used in an ad-hoc fashion in past disasters and emergencies, Maron explains the problems that have emerged, and identifies the ingredients that are required for a successful implementation ‘pattern’.

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) used its HiRISE camera to take this incredible photograph of Phoenix during its descent toward Mars. You can see Phoenix at the bottom, the parachute canopy at the top, and even the chords attaching the backshell to the parachute. MRO was 760km above the surface of Mars at the time.

With the successful landing of Phoenix, mankind has now brought the success rate of Mars landings up to 50%.

UPDATE: And see this picture in its full context.

We should have more books like this for kids.

Who could resist a book with this description?

For students, DIY hobbyists, and science buffs, who can no longer get real chemistry sets, this one-of-a-kind guide explains how to set up and use a home chemistry lab, with step-by-step instructions for conducting experiments in basic chemistry — not just to make pretty colors and stinky smells, but to learn how to do real lab work:

• Purify alcohol by distillation
• Produce hydrogen and oxygen gas by electrolysis
• Smelt metallic copper from copper ore you make yourself
• Analyze the makeup of seawater, bone, and other common substances
• Synthesize oil of wintergreen from aspirin and rayon fiber from paper
• Perform forensics tests for fingerprints, blood, drugs, and poisons
• and much more