But even some fans of gold say the yellow metal serves as a potential hedge, or protection, for a portfolio against inflation and troubles in the world, rather than an outright bet.
Bigelow says that in the three most important measures of a space station's viability--volume, ability to take impact and radiation protection--his expandable systems work much better than traditional hard-sided metal habitats.
Their mother's squawks competed with the din of morning-rush bridge traffic as Chris Nadareski, a wildlife biologist with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, gently lifted the fluffy chicks out of their nesting box and used pliers to fasten metal bands around their legs.