Corkscrew Cups Could Keep Space Drinks Flowing 181
holy_calamity writes "A Canadian chemical engineer has a novel solution to containing liquids in space. He has been experimenting with corkscrews of ribbon-like material that keep liquids suspended in their center while in microgravity. This effect is caused by the surface tension of the liquids. The helical containers allow the fluid to be sucked out of the coil in one go. In more conventional shapes, such as coffee cups, interaction between the container and the liquid's internal pressure makes the beverage break into annoying globules you have to chase with a straw."
Capri Sun (Score:3, Insightful)
Reminds me of that old (and false) joke about Americans spending a million dollars to invent a pen that can write in space, while the Russians used a pencil.
Uh.. Capri Sun? (Score:1, Insightful)
Ah, solutions looking for problems.
Re:Let me get this straight (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? (Score:2, Insightful)
No, it begs the question.
No, I don't care if some website says the etymology of that phrase is in some fashion contrary to it's current modern day usage. The mere fact of the matter is that language evolves, and so did that phrase. People look like idiots for suggesting that the phrase was used incorrectly, as that is NOT the accepted definition.
Quit modding that wrongful correction as insightful. That statement, and its "Insightful" modding is a very good indication that the poster, nor the modder has any insight on the fluidity of language. /soapbox
Re:Capri Sun (Score:3, Insightful)
Gravity doesn't even factor into the equation, although getting the last few drops out could prove to be frustrating..
Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? (Score:1, Insightful)
Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? (Score:3, Insightful)
And he is not wrong for doing so. How do you think the English language was created? Lexical Engineers?
Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? (Score:3, Insightful)
If, as you say, popular usage legitimizes, and if the users of the language have the right to define it... you appear to be forgetting that *I am a user of the language*, and have the right to define it. You don't get to claim that everyone but me has the right to an opinion on the subject. I simply need to change popular meaning and its use in everyday English, exactly like *you* are trying to do by posting in this thread.
Anyone attempting to construct an argument so rigorous they have cause to use the phrase "begging the question" usually places enough value on words and language to be shamed by their misuse of them when the point is explained. I find that one correction on *this* point usually sticks.
In fact... thinking about it... I'd be willing to bet karma on the fact that you don't use it, either. Because -- your arguments about "popular usage" aside -- you, personally, know very well that it's wrong, and *you* place enough value on your words not to make such a mistake.
Re:a better more obvious solution? (Score:3, Insightful)
This goes back to the millions of dollars spent researching and developing an ink pen that would write in zero G. The Russians laughed all the way to the pencil sharpener.