10 Things We Noticed in the STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI Trailer

We used our Force Sight to suss out these important bits you may have missed in the STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI trailer.

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http://www.newsarama.com/34064-things-we-noticed-in-the-star-wars-the-last-jedi-trailer.html

Fun Home - Alison Bechdel

Fun Home A Family Tragicomic Alison Bechdel Genre: Graphic Novels Price: $9.99 Publish Date: June 5, 2007 Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Seller: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

In this groundbreaking, bestselling graphic memoir, Alison Bechdel charts her fraught relationship with her late father. In her hands, personal history becomes a work of amazing subtlety and power, written with controlled force and enlivened with humor, rich literary allusion, and heartbreaking detail. Distant and exacting, Bruce Bechdel was an English teacher and director of the town funeral home, which Alison and her family referred to as the "Fun Home." It was not until college that Alison, who had recently come out as a lesbian, discovered that her father was also gay. A few weeks after this revelation, he was dead, leaving a legacy of mystery for his daughter to resolve.

get it now at https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/fun-home/id427516234?mt=11&uo=2&partnerId=11&at=1010ldoE

ICYMI: This Week’s Science News (4/14/17)

By: Jaclyn Cascio (@jaclynator)

News from space. News from archaeology. News from the animal kingdom. Lots of stories to be told, so ICYMI, here’s some of the science news from the last week!

NASA has an announcement!

NASA researchers with the Cassini mission to Saturn have found a form of chemical energy from hydrogen gas on Saturn’s moon, Enceladus, that forms of life could potentially feed on. While finding this evidence in plumes on Enceladus, they were led to similar plumes on another moon, Europa (a moon of Jupiter). The newly-imaged plume on Europa is above a thermal spot, and if linked, might provide evidence that water is being vented from under the moon’s icy surface.

Scientists are looking for evidence of the ingredients necessary to support some form of life outside of our own unique planet, and this might be the further evidence they need, found within our own solar system!

Just in time for The Mummy…

A new pyramid discovery was announced this week, found about 24 miles south of Cairo. Thus far, they have only been able to explore inner passages of the pyramid, but they hope to soon be able to determine the size of the pyramid. What they have found so far is reportedly in good condition, so they are excited about what further excavations will reveal.

There was a story here, but I forget…

In 2015, a new study showed the benefits of ultrasound bursts to reverse symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in mice. Further research has now found that the ultrasound therapy in combination with immunotherapy might be even more effective. Long story short, the ultrasound method helps introduced antibodies get through the blood-brain barrier and treat symptoms. While the studies have only been performed on mice, if the results can be replicated in humans, it could be a promising new way to treat neurological diseases!

Just breathe!

For the first time, an Earth-like planet has been found to have an atmosphere. While atmospheres have been found on other planets, they have all been significantly larger or different than this planet, called Gliese 1132b, which has a radius and mass comparable to Earth’s.

However, the temperature of the planet is not conducive to human life, so don’t go packing for the colony just yet. Nevertheless, it is of interest to scientists because it could be an ideal place for them to search for other kinds of extraterrestrial life.

Ucetia is not a pasta dish. It’s a town!

In the south of France, the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) has finally begun to uncover what they believe is remnants of the Roman town called Ucetia. The only previous evidence they had that the small city existed was because its name was on a stone slab. However, they began digging and found mosaics and evidence of buildings.

Further excavation is necessary, but it looks like Ucetia might be the next place to visit on your archaeological vacation!

Geckos have bigger worries than car insurance.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Technology Sydney showed that velvet geckos incubated in warmer temperatures appear to be slower learners than their counterparts incubated in current cooler temperatures. While that may not seem like a big deal, that learning speed difference might affect the geckos’ ability to find shelter, food, etc., and thereby influencing their potential future survival rates.

While the study was only on a single species, it does lead scientists to wonder about the future of various reptile species (and everything else in the food web) if the global warming trend continues.

You, too, can discover a planet…or four!

This week, Australian amateur stargazer and mechanic Andrew Grey discovered a new exoplanet system. After a special called ABC Stargazing Live, viewers were asked to contribute to the search by going through star data gathered by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope. Gray participated, and found the patterns reflecting the existence of an exoplanet. Along with data from other discoverers, a report will be published about the star and its four exoplanets orbiting it. Way to go, citizens!

Antibiotics and the Brain: The Untold Story

A recent study on mice has found a potential link between antibiotic usage during pregnancy and childhood and behavior changes. Studying 12 pregnant mice, they gave the control group simple water, while giving two experimental groups either antibiotics only or antibiotics in combination with probiotics. They studied the offspring of the mice and found that those who had been given antibiotics had observable changes in their gut microbiota and increased cytokine expression in the brain, as well as blood-brain barrier alterations. This ultimately appears to lead to the mice showing impaired social and anxiety behaviors and increased aggression.

The study has only been conducted on mice, so we can’t be sure if human brains are the same, and further exploration of the long-term effects of antibiotics is also needed.

I’ll take crabs in a tree over snakes on a plane any day.

In case you haven’t been paying attention to crab news, they don’t all live on beaches. Some of them like to climb trees! In fact, India has been found to be home to a new species of crab, now called Kani maranjandu, after the Kani tribe in Kerala (south India) that helped the researchers in making the discovery. While there have been other species of crabs found to spend some time in the trees, this is the first that seems to rely solely on the tree, even getting its water found within tree trunks (as opposed to other species who get water from streams and pools). It looks like seafood isn’t always living in the sea!

No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

A team of researchers working in the research program “Bush Blitz” in Australia went on a two week long expedition and possibly found over 50 new species of spider in a new area that had not been surveyed before. The 23-person team is still confirming that species found are new and not already classified, but it’s likely that most of them are fresh discoveries, as they were found in Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula, which is lovingly known to the scientists as “the spider capital of Australia.”

They have reportedly found jumping spiders, spiders that seem to “scuba dive,” and even spiders that are as big as dinner plates. If I can’t squish it with my shoe, it’s a monstrosity, not a spider. But hey, that’s just me! Meanwhile, the crazy people can continue their spider expeditions.

Why adopt a highway when you can adopt Earth?

In honor of the approaching Earth Day (April 22), NASA is offering virtual adoptions for 64,000 individual pieces of Earth. No, you won’t actually own that piece of the planet or be responsible for it. However, the efforts are to raise awareness for the planet and the dire condition it is racing toward. If you sign up, you’ll have the chance to learn about that section of the planet, with information like temperature, vegetation, and atmospheric data, all provided by NASA. I did it and got a piece off the coast of Greenland. There are no strings attached, so why not get a virtual adoption certificate for a piece of the world?

If you’re interested in adopting a piece of Earth (which may be all water) for yourself, click here to sign up!

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via The Nerd Machine

http://www.nerdhq.com/icymi-this-weeks-science-news-41417/

No LEIA In STAR WARS: EPISODE IX, But CARRIE FISHER Worked on THE LAST JEDI Script

Carrie Fisher won't be in Episode IX, but she was even more involved in THE LAST JEDI than previously known.

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http://www.newsarama.com/34066-no-leia-in-star-wars-episode-ix-says-kathleen-kennedy-but-carrie-fisher-worked-on-the-last-jedi-script.html

The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes (New Edition) - Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith, Mike Dringenberg & Malcolm Jones III

The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes (New Edition) Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith, Mike Dringenberg & Malcolm Jones III Genre: Graphic Novels Price: $12.99 Publish Date: August 21, 2012 Publisher: DC Comics Seller: DC Comics

NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Neil Gaiman's transcendent series SANDMAN is often hailed as the definitive Vertigo title and one of the finest achievements in graphic storytelling. Gaiman created an unforgettable tale of the forces that exist beyond life and death by weaving ancient mythology, folklore and fairy tales with his own distinct narrative vision.  In PRELUDES & NOCTURNES, an occultist attempting to capture Death to bargain for eternal life traps her younger brother Dream instead. After his seventy-year imprisonment and eventual escape, Dream, also known as Morpheus, goes on a quest for his lost objects of power. On his arduous journey Morpheus encounters Lucifer, John Constantine, and an all-powerful madman. This book also includes the story "The Sound of Her Wings," which introduces us to the pragmatic and perky goth girl Death.  Collecting issues #1-8, this new edition of PRELUDES & NOCTURNES features the improved production values and coloring from the Absolute Edition.

get it now at https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-sandman-vol-1-preludes-nocturnes-new-edition/id554016043?mt=11&uo=2&partnerId=11&at=1010ldoE

Saturn Moon Might Be Capable Of Supporting Life

By: Karen Valenzuela (@VictoriaNoir89)

Space nerds, rejoice!

One of Saturn’s moons might be able to support life, NASA scientists have found through the chemical tests done by Cassini, a research spacecraft that specifically studies Saturn, its rings, and its moons.

The moon Enceladus was discovered to have plumes of gas that erupt from its icy surface, beneath which exists an ocean. Cassini took samples of the sub-surface waters of that ocean and it was discovered to have hydrogen.

The existence of hydrogen in Enceladus’ sub-surface ocean means there could by hydrothermal chemical reactions like those we know exist in hot fissures on the seafloors of some of our Earth’s oceans. These fluid vents at the bottom of our oceans are teeming with life, mostly microbials. And while this discovery does not absolutely one hundred percent mean Enceladus’ seafloors have exterrestrial microbials flitting about in the way Earth’s seafloors do, this is a major discovery, and perhaps a large step towards further research that might prove once and for all the existence of alien life on other planets.

Source: NASA

Scientists think Enceladus’ sub-surface ocean is many kilometers deep. Saturn causes a gravitational squeeze on the moon, which produces enough heat to keep the water under the moon’s icy surface liquid. Microbes frequent the seafloor fluid vents on our planet to specifically seek out hydrogen, which is a byproduct they use to boost their metabolism and give them energy. It’s almost like how humans wait in long lines at coffee shops early in the morning before work.

It isn’t a stretch to wonder if Enceladus’ fluid vents contain that energy-gifting hydrogen that would draw organisms that live on the moon. If the plumes from Enceladus do not contain life and are instead sterile, this is still an important discovery for scientists. Dr. Hunter Waite from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio told BBC News, “If there is no life there, why not? And if there is, all the better. But you certainly want to ask the question because it’s almost as equally as interesting if there is no life there, given the conditions.”

NASA’s Cassini has been conducting research on Saturn for 13 years now. But there is an end in site for Cassini. NASA is planning the spacecraft’s last mission – a trip around the planet and inside of its rings for 22 orbits before it finally crashes into Saturn’s atmosphere. This last journey will last from April to September.
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http://www.nerdhq.com/saturn-moon-might-be-capable-of-supporting-life/

STAR WARS All-Ages Comic Books Coming (And Not From MARVEL)

Spanning the entire Star Wars saga.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/34065-star-wars-all-ages-comic-books-coming-and-not-from-marvel.html

STAR WARS' CAPTAIN PHASMA Commandeers Her Own MARVEL Title

Marvel has another Captain, and another Empire.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/34063-star-wars-captain-phasma-commandeers-her-own-marvel-title.html

SUPERMAN V SUPERMAN in TRINITY #8 (You Thought This Was Over?)

The Man of Steel versus the... other Man of Steel.

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http://www.newsarama.com/34058-superman-v-superman-in-trinity-8.html

Theories and Details: A Closer Look at The Last Jedi Trailer

By: Haylee Fisher (@haylee_fisher)

Now that we’ve had the chance to get the reactionary squeals of delight out of the way, let’s get down to the details in the teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Released today at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, this first trailer gives us a peek at the next chapter of Star Wars, continuing with Rey, Poe, and Finn’s journey, but also featuring glimpses of beloved characters like Luke and Leia. Below are minute-by-minute tidbits to look out for, but before diving in, let’s watch the trailer one more time, shall we?

Rey

The last time we saw Rey, she had journeyed to Ahch-To to find Luke. The trailer picks up pretty much where The Force Awakens left off, though at the end of that movie, she had completed her quest and reached Luke. Here, she’s gasping for air. Is it a flashback to her trip up the mountain, or is Luke training her to the point of exhaustion, as Yoda did him?

The Voiceover

The voiceover throughout the trailer perhaps indicates the latter and that Luke is training her and the two shall become the last Jedi. He tells her to breathe, to calm herself and clear her mind – again, as Yoda taught him to do – and asks her what she sees. She responds, “Light. Darkness. The balance.” Clearly the war between good and evil still wages on and Luke is helping her tap into the Force to attune herself to its power to help her in the fight ahead.

Floating Rocks

They’re only shown for three seconds, but it appears Luke is teaching Rey to use the Force to move objects, starting small with rocks. But if she’s able to move so many during what is presumably early in her training, maybe she’s even more Force-sensitive than initially thought.

Leia

There’s an even shorter look at Leia, but even in that small glimpse, it’s obvious she’s still a general badass and a General badass. Rumor has it her role will be larger and more significant than it was in The Force Awakens, plus it has already been confirmed she will appear in Episode 9.

That Helmet!

Whose helmet is that, burnt and in pieces on the ground? Yes, Vader’s breathing plays over it, but could it in fact be Kylo Ren’s helmet? Maybe The Last Jedi will start his redemption journey and this signifies his remorse for killing his father? However, the former is probably more accurate and he just had another temper tantrum and destroyed his grandfather’s helmet.

Books in a Tree?

I like to pride myself on my Star Wars knowledge, but this one is stumping me. Seen in the middle of the trailer are what appear to be books hidden in a tree. Why were they hidden there? Whose are they? And whose hand is caressing one at the end of the shot? Are they looking at a map? So many questions! Leave a comment with your theories as to what they could be!

Lightsaber Training

Though seen from far away, it doesn’t take much to notice Rey wielding a lightsaber while Luke looks on. She demonstrated her unquestionably inherent abilities with a lightsaber in The Force Awakens, but it will be so exciting to see what she can do with one when properly trained.

Black Squadron?

Is that Poe’s Black Squadron zooming away to fight AT-ATs in the distance? And why does one crash to the ground? Could an unskilled pilot (Finn?) be driving?

Finn

Speaking of Finn, our only glimpse of him shows him to still be in a coma. Yes, his condition was a cliffhanger at the end of The Force Awakens, but it’s obvious he’s going to pull through. Star Wars wouldn’t do that again after sidelining Han Solo in carbonite earlier in the franchise. I would have liked to see him kicking butt alongside Rey and Poe, though.

Poe

It’s always good to see Poe, but he’s not in a good situation in the trailer. He and BB-8 are running scared down a hallway and looking to escape on Poe’s jet, which is then promptly blown up. Who is attacking their base?

Millennium Falcon

Yes, the Millennium Falcon is in on the action! With Han Solo no longer at the helm (sniffle), who could be piloting? Rey? Chewie? Whoever it is, I can’t wait to find out!

Kylo Ren and the Knights of Ren

Kylo Ren is clearly mad about something in this trailer (but when is he not?) and it appears he and the Knights of Ren are out to destroy more property (but when are they not?). Hopefully their origins will be explored – one theory is that they are Luke’s former Padawans gone bad – and through this film, audiences will get to learn more about the background of this evil group.

R2-D2

Though his companion C-3PO isn’t seen, R2-D2 gets a moment in the spotlight, and what a moment it is. The droid and a hooded figure (Luke?) look on as a building (the Jedi temple?) burns to the ground. Will we get to learn the story of Luke’s failed training and subsequent self-imposed exile? All signs point to yes!

“It’s Time for the Jedi to End”

I have just one word for Luke’s statement at the end of the trailer:



Star Wars: The Last Jedi hits theaters December 15, 2017.

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http://www.nerdhq.com/theories-and-details-a-closer-look-at-the-last-jedi-trailer/