Skynet 5 is the latest iteration of a global communications system deployed by the British Armed Forces. The final satellite in the system was launched this week, and will allow high-bandwidth telecommunications between British forces located anywhere in the world. In addition to voice communications, it will allow data transfer and the remote control of robot airplanes, one of which is called "The Reaper." One of the manufacturers was quoted by BBC News as saying:

So, computers can talk directly to computers.

Are you terrified yet? It gets better. The system is actually privately owned and developed - the British Armed Forces are only promised a portion of the bandwidth as part of the contract. The one reassuring aspect is that the company is not called Cyberdyne.
Seriously, what the hell? Is it British humor to name something like this Skynet, or bureaucratic idiocy? Might as well get to work on the self-awareness chip and the "really angry at humans" algorithm. Image by: BBC News.

Final Skynet satellite launched. [BBC News]

Just yesterday, BoingBoing's Xeni Jardin posted a great show from a local filk convention, where old-school filkers told her the story behind the word "filk" and explained the more traditional side of filking. It's strange to think bands like Goblin Cock have their roots in songs about cats and UNIX, but it's obvious they do. Similarly, heavy metal and hard rock owe a lot to folk and country music.

Now if you want to see some seriously awesome new-school filk, you have to check out this video from Judgment Day. The guys in the band use filky instruments like violins to Completely Rock Out in a way that pleases me all the way down to my bleeding entrails. Call it string metal, or call it zombie filking. Whatever you do, don't let it bite you.