The Nightstar Zoo

http://www.livescience.com/technology/051018_new_glass.html

Basically, a transparent, aluminum-based compound performs better than typical armored glass in terms of weight, durability, and protective capability.

Speaking as someone who spent the last year hauling supplies across Iraq, I think this is great news. Even though most of our trucks have makeshift armor on them by now, they still have huge windshields and side windows that could be easily exploited by a good shooter from an elevated position. (I can think of a SGT in my unit who can personally attest to that; an AK round bounced off his Kevlar during an ambush. Were he a few inches taller...) I can see this technology saving many, many lives. Hopefully, once this stuff is ready for mass-production, they'll produce enough for everyone -- even us reservists doing supply missions.

Seeing as how the molecular composition of transparent aluminum has been known since 1986, I'd say it's about time we finally got some paractical applications of it.

Now to figure out what happened to the third, fourth and fifth Voyager probes...

"Why? How d'you know he didn' invent th' thing?"

And in addition to new materials, they're making new words!

"sandwhiched"

When did journalisim classes stop having spelling and grammar standards?

_________________
Fandemonium!
August 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2014

"I am a machine. I am a weapon of war. I am a destroyer of life in the service of life, the sword and shield of my human creators." Bolo Invincibilus, Mark XXIII, Model B (Experimental) 0075-NKE "Nike".

I think it was sometime in the late 60's early 70's.