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Predicting The End of the World With Science

Predicting The End of the World With Science

Hypothetically speaking, if a nearby star were to go supernova, it could eventually reach our blue planet and rip apart our atmosphere. Complex life would cease to exist. That scenario is unlikely says Dr. Dirk Schulze-Makuch, professor of astrobiology at Washington State University. That’s one of nine of possible ways Earth could meet its doom, and there’s only so much we can do about it.

His new book, “Megacatastrophes!”, co-written with David Darling, explores scientific realities we face and how we can simply be aware of them.

First and foremost, Schulze-Makuch and Darling are scientists. They ignore the pop culture paranoia of zombie apocalypse and the ominous Mayan calender. Schulze-Makuch even says that scenario is nonsense. The two writers discuss the realistic scenarios humans face from asteroid impacts, nano-technology to global pandemic.

“I’m not the prophet,” Schulze-Makuch said. “We look at different scenarios and we basically prioritize how dangerous it is and how disastrous it would be.”

Would the scenario result in a million dead or even a billion dead? Schulze-Makuch says a pandemic tops the list with diseases like the Spanish Flu or Black Death. With passenger flights crossing oceans and country borders, disease has no boundaries.

Practice your wife-carrying techniques for Lookout Pass contest

Practice your wife-carrying techniques for Lookout Pass contest

Every time you carry your wife around, just remember - there's a competition for that. It started in Finland in a little town called Sonkajärvi where apparently they decided to start the sport called, "Wife Carrying".

According to the internet, there may be deep roots in history with men stealing woman from nearby villages, but don't worry - the current status of the sport is all in good fun.

There's a little wife carrying action happening at Lookout Pass on January 15th. Men will test their strength and stamina by carrying around their wives in the snow. Curious minds want to know what happens to the couples who finish last.

Bill Jennings, Lookout Pass marketing director, noted, "If they take it that seriously, they probably have a marriage problem."

This is the sixth year they've hosted the event. There is no actual Pacific Northwest league, Jennings says, instead it's a bit of a parody and a "barrel of laughs".

It's part of their all-day event for their Winter Carnival/Family Fun Day on January 15th. Cash prizes are available to the winning couples. $100 to first place, $50 to second place and $25 to third place.

Here Comes Santa Paws, Here Comes Santa Paws...

Here Comes Santa Paws, Here Comes Santa Paws...

Does that dog look excited or what?

What do you suppose he asked santa for? Beggin' Strips? A new tennis ball?

Your pet - of all shapes and sizes - can come visit Santa Paws Saturday, December 17th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

He'll be at Northwest Seed & Pet at 7302 North Divison.

They ask for a $5 donation for the pictures, and proceeds go to the Spokane Humane Society.

Oh yeah... if you "Like" our KXLY 4 Facebook page we'll donate 25-cents in your honor to the Humane Society. So far our fans have raised over $3200!

 

Local Connection: The Allen Telescope Array Has Been Saved

Local Connection: The Allen Telescope Array Has Been Saved

It may not be a local story, but one local man may really enjoy the following announcement. Bruce Noble, wrote to the Coeur d'Alene Press in May describing his emotions regarding the shut-down of the Allen Telescope Array.

Vehicle Versus KXLY Billboard

Vehicle Versus KXLY Billboard

A reader sent KXLY these photos yesterday evening. Apparently the driver wanted to be on the news, but ended up crashing through one of KXLY's old bill board signs at the Stateline Speedway. A statement from KXLY's Creative Services Director, David Lee, speaks the words we're all thinking here at the station:

Local Connection: The Allen Telescope Array Could Be Saved!

Local Connection: The Allen Telescope Array Could Be Saved!

Earlier last month, Bruce Noble wrote to the Coeur d'Alene Press concerned for the national spending of the United States. He calculated that if the U.S. had fired five less tomahawks on March 11th toward Libya, funding for SETI's Allen Telescope Array (ATA) would not have been cut. Now there's a way for concerned citizens like Noble to help.

3,000 Brains Freeze Simultaneously

3,000 Brains Freeze Simultaneously

My headline is more of a prediction - because the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County will attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most people simultaneously licking free ice cream Saturday morning.

The current record holder(s) come from Augustana College. In all, 2,694 people lick, lick, licked their way to a world record, beating out Spain's measly 2,500 lickers.