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Astrology is thriving from times immemorial, playing on the hopes and anxiety of mankind to know about tomorrow. Based on the planetory positions and their reported influences of the human beings, this pseudo-science has been taking the mankind for a ride all these years. People practising this weird art, have been claiming that this is a science. The astrologists predict our future and tell us about our past. They practise the art of reading a man’s mind in distress and make predictions that would definitely soothe his anxious feelings. It is a moot point whether their predictions come true. But for the mind that is seeking refuge in small things of comfort, these forecasts and prophecies come as a drink of cold water in a desert.

Astrolgers and astrology have been part and parcel of the ancient kingdoms. Touted as a science , people flocked in large numbers to listen to oracles and soothsayers. The fear of the unknown pushed many people to spend money on consulting these self-styled pundits. In reality , this occult science has no real scientific basis. They do calculate the ephemeral and other astronomic numbers but any resemblance to science stops there. The zodiac is divided into twelve signs, known as Sun Signs. There are specific personal characteristics and traits for persons born under each Zodiac Sign. In India, they have what is known as Moon Signs. These are based on a group of two and a half stars in 12 signs. (There are 27 birth stars). Each star , like the zodiacal sign, attributes special characteristics and traits for persons born under it. Based on the planetory position at birth and the planetory periods of the particular person at present, predictions are made. The predicitons are mostly highly generalised and broad. Seldom specific forecasts are made.

Astronomical science has progressed far from the days of the ancient kingdom. Man has landed on the Moon and has already successfully landed unmanned probes in other planets. Extreme temperature conditions and lack of oxygen make these planets devoid of any signs of life. How these planets can be said to be influencing the day to day lives of the people on earth? Destiny, Astrology all these things belittle the human endeavour and his spirit for adventure. If everything has been decided in advance and if everything could be foretold, then why do mankind still engage in a mad race for material wealth?

Several aerodynamic improvements and flow control techniques are used in jet aircraft wings in order to allow a better movement through the air and thus enhance the overall performance of the airplane. The Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta is now working on using these same techniques with trucks and trailers. According to the latest tests using a full-size truck show clearly how the techniques enhance fuel efficiency reducing fuel costs by as much as 12 percent. The techniques can also improve directional control and breaking, enhancing this way safety as well on the roads.

Robert Englar, principal research engineer of Aerospace, Transportation and Advanced Systems Laboratory of the Georgia Tech Research Institute said that they have resolved unknowns from previous testing, and that they have demonstrated that this technology functions in trucks as well as it does in airplanes, and they expect that the trucking industry will consider an estimated 12 percent of fuel expenditure reduction worthy of pursuing. This amount will improve fuel economy resulting in approximately 2,400 million gallons of fuel worth of savings for the United States heavy truck fleet.

The techniques employed in this technology include aerodynamic improvements made possible by geometry modifications in the trucks that generate savings of up to 6 to 7 percent. These modifications include rounding aft trailer corners, installation of fairings, as well as other modifications that smooth air flow over the boxy trucks. The additional savings of 5 percent are achieved through pneumatic devices that blow air from vents at the rear of the vehicle to prevent separation of air flow.

By 1900, only 124 years after declaring independence, the United States had grown and expanded into one of the most prosperous and influential countries in the world. The economy was strong, driven by the power of steel locomotives, steam engines, electricity, and the beginning of automated manufacturing. But the burgeoning economic productivity, along with the complexity of 20th century machinery, created problems when different manufacturers had to work together. Disagreements arose over the units of measurement and how to apply them. For example, one company’s “gallon” might not be the same as another company’s. Without standards, the parts or containers made by one company did not fit another company’s items, resulting in chaos.

On March 3, 1901, the U.S. government chartered the National Bureau of Standards to remedy this problem. Beginning with a staff of 1 2, the new bureau quickly went to work, improving the standards of length and mass measurements, and establishing new standards of temperature, time, and light. Time was especially important, as it synchronizes the activities of so many people. How do railroads, radio and television networks, and other time-conscious organizations know what time it is – and keep the same time? The bureau has provided time signals from a radio station, WWV, since 1 923. Governing this timekeeping is an atomic clock so precise that it will not gain or lose a second in 60 million years!

The National Bureau of Standards changed its name to the National Institute of Standards and Technology in 1988. Today, the NIST has facilities in Gaitherburg, Maryland, and Boulder, Colorado, and employs about 2,800 scientists, engineers, and staff. The NIST continues to improve measurement technology and standards, helping promote economic and technological progress. Laboratories at the NIST include the Building and Fire Research Laboratory, the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, the Information Technology Laboratory, the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, the Physics Laboratory, and others.