‘Quantum logic clock’ now rivals the world’s most accurate

An atomic clock that uses an aluminum atom to apply the logic of computers to the peculiarities of the quantum world now rivals the world’s most accurate clock, which is based on a single mercury atom.

The measurements were made in a yearlong comparison of the two next-generation clocks, both designed and built at the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the US.

“The aluminum clock is very accurate because it is insensitive to background magnetic and electric fields, and also to temperature,” said Till Rosenband, the NIST physicist who built the clock. “It has the lowest known sensitivity of any atomic clock to temperature, which is one of the most difficult uncertainties to calibrate,” he added.

The new atomic clock is referred to as the quantum logic clock, because it is based on the logical reasoning process used in quantum computers. The clock is a spin-off of NIST research on quantum computers, which grew out of earlier atomic clock research.

The atomic and mercury clocks were compared with record precision, allowing scientists to measure the relative frequencies of the two clocks to 17 digits - the most accurate measurement of this type ever made.

The comparison produced the most precise results yet in the worldwide quest to determine whether some of the fundamental constants that describe the universe are changing slightly over time, a hot research question that may alter basic models of the cosmos.

The aluminum and mercury clocks are both based on natural vibrations in ions (electrically charged atoms) and would neither gain nor lose one second in over 1 billion years - if they could run for such a long time - compared to about 80 million years for NIST-F1, the U.S. time standard based on neutral cesium atoms.

The mercury clock was first demonstrated in 2000 and is now four times better than its last published evaluation in 2006, thanks to ongoing improvements in the clock design and operation.

The mercury clock continues its reign as the world’s most accurate for now, by a margin of 20 percent over the aluminum clock.

But the quantum logic clocks tandem ion approach is unique among the world’s atomic clocks and has a key advantage over the mercury clock.

“You can pick from a bigger selection of atoms,” explains NIST physicist Jim Bergquist, who built the mercury clock. “And aluminum has a lot of good qualities - better than mercury’s,” he added.

Source: http://www.thaindian.com

Suicidal man barricades himself in house

Allen Police surrounded a house on Monroe Court in response to a suicidal call to 911 operators.

According to Sgt. Jon Felty, Allen Police public information officer, a man called emergency dispatch about 3 p.m. today, saying he wanted to kill himself.

“Basically this is a barricaded suicidal person. The person is in the house by themselves,” Felty said. “The only person they are threatening is themselves. We are in contact with him.”

Felty said police thought the man was alone and did not want to harm anyone else.

Police responded and surrounded the house and blocked off some nearby streets.

Allen ISD Public Information Director Tim Carroll said he received a call from police who advised Ford Middle School be put on precautionary lockdown with children not allowed to walk home. Buses continued to run normally and parents were allowed to pick up their children.

Source: http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2008/02/28/breaking_news/57.txt

Mellisa Moss Faces Jail!

I just gathered that "topless teacher" Mellisa Moss is facing criminal charges. See the full story below.

A 27-year-old teacher at Barat Academy at St. Charles, Missouri is facing criminal charges for e-mailing pictures of herself topless to one of her students. The investigation began last November after parents of the 15-year-old found the pictures of English teacher Melissa Moss while looking through his internet history.

Moss was fired from her job at the private Catholic school. She was charged with class A misdemeanors that hold a maximum of a year in jail and one thousand dollar fine.

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Harlem Globe Trotters World Tour!

The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2008 “Magic As Ever” World Tour to Fairfax, VA on Saturday, March 15, 2008. Sponsored by Campbell Soup Company, the Globetrotters will take the court at the Patriot Center at 7:30 p.m.

“The Harlem Globetrotters are the unbeatable global entertainment experience that emotionally connects to and thrills every member of the family,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “We are extremely excited about the upcoming tour and bringing our unique brand of family entertainment to Washington, D.C. and Fairfax, VA.”

The “Magic As Ever” World Tour will carry on the Globetrotters’ tradition of:

Displaying amazing basketball skills and wizardry, with a focus on family entertainment.

Featuring an autograph session at the end of nearly every game, allowing fans a chance to get autographs and interact with their favorite Globetrotter.

Becoming involved in the communities they play in by visiting local schools, hospitals and other youth-based organizations.

Entertaining crowds with the antics of their beloved mascot, Globie.

Celebrating their 82nd consecutive year of touring the world, the Harlem Globetrotters have played in 118 countries on six continents, entertaining over 125 million fans and crossing barriers between cultures, societies and people from all walks of life.

The organization is one of only six teams to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters please visit the team’s newly redesigned Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

Tickets for the Harlem Globetrotters at the Patriot Center are $123.50, $55.50, $32.50, $23.50 and $20.50 (plus applicable service charges). Tickets are on sale now for both games through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center box offices, via Phonecharge at 202-397-SEAT, 703-573-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

To purchase group tickets, please call 202-661-5061. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 202-661-5065 or 703-993-3035. For more information please visit www.patriotcenter.com.

Source: http://www.patriotcenter.com/news/globetrotters_080208.shtml

Rain Doesn't Stop Buick Invitational

The weather has not stopped players at the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course from beginning the tournament.

Rory Sabbatini is 3-under through four holes on the north course, considered the easier of the two 18-hole layouts at Torrey Pines.

Tiger Woods is 1-under through four holes on the tougher south course. That layout will be the site of the U.S. Open in several months.

Source: http://www.beloblog.com/Pe_Blogs/rain_doesnt_sto.html

Suzanne Pleshette Dies!

US actress Suzanne Pleshette, best known for playing the wife in 1970s sitcom The Bob Newhart Show, has died.

Pleshette was nominated for four Emmy Awards over 30 years and also appeared in Alfred Hitchcock's film The Birds.

In recent years, she had parts in TV comedies Will and Grace and 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter.

She was 70 years old and died of respiratory failure at her Los Angeles home, her lawyer Robert Finkelstein told the Associated Press news agency.

The actress had chemotherapy for lung cancer in 2006.

Pleshette started her career in Broadway in the late 1950s before moving into TV shows such as Dr Kildare and movies including The Birds, in which she played Annie, and Nevada Smith with Steve McQueen.

Pleshette provided the voice of reason amid the eccentricity of The Bob Newhart Show from 1972-77, earning two Emmy nominations for best TV comedy actress.

She also won acclaim for playing property tycoon Leona Helmsley in a TV movie in 1990.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7198787.stm

Camila Alves Is Pregnant!

Adding to the Hollywood baby boom, actor Matthew McConaughey, 38, and girlfriend, model Camila Alves, 22, are expecting their first child.

Actor Matthew McConaughey has biked and surfed his way to shirtless notoriety in recent times. Now it appears that McConaughey, infamous for his Southern charm, is embarking on a new kind of adventure: parenthood.

The actor posted on his website late last night that he and Brazilian model girlfriend Camila Alves have “made a baby together.” Girlfriend of over a year, Alves is three months pregnant and McConaughey says they are “stoked and wowed” by this development. The couple are “so excited” to meet their child and to “shepherd him or her through this life.”

McConaughey and Alves are known for spending time together paddle boarding and enjoying other such water sports. With such attractive and athletic parents as McConaughey, 38, and Alves, 22, it seems safe to say that this baby will certainly be blessed with terrific genes, and perhaps even McConaughey’s infectious daredevil attitude.

Source: http://www.thecelebritycafe.com