Video: Michio Kaku: The Universe in a Nutshell

Video Description: "The Universe in a Nutshell: The Physics of Everything Michio Kaku, Henry Semat Professor of Theoretical Physics at CUNY

What if we could find one single equation that explains every force in the universe? Dr. Michio Kaku explores how physicists may shrink the science of the Big Bang into an equation as small as Einstein's "e=mc^2." Thanks to advances in string theory, physics may allow us to escape the heat death of the universe, explore the multiverse, and unlock the secrets of existence. While firing up our imaginations about the future, Kaku also presents a succinct history of physics and makes a compelling case for why physics is the key to pretty much everything."

Article: The Robots Are Coming, and They're Taking Jobs

Below is an excerpt from an article about how advancements in robotics (or any other new technology) slowly replace existing jobs and how to stay relevant: "It seems like every time a new technology gets created, it threatens the livelihood of individuals that derive their income from that industry. Progress destroys some jobs (generally low skilled), but at the same time it always seems to create new jobs (generally higher skilled).

Consider when the first cars came on the road, it literally killed a whole industry that was created around horses and related types of vehicles and the infrastructure needed to maintain it. For example, horse related jobs like: breeders, ranchers, stables, etc. became obsolete (or needed less) over time, but it also created thousands of new jobs that required newer skill sets, to support the car industry." (read the rest of the article)

Technology Evolution (videos)

I came across the top video a little while ago, then when I came across the second one it made me think of the first.  I find it interesting that technology used to propel a tractor in snow 87 years ago found its way to  being incorporated in to a snowboard.  I wonder if the creator(s) of the second device were influence by the first.

1926 Armstead Snow Motor Vehicle

Video Description: "This screw-propelled vehicle was designed to cope with difficult snow and ice terrain. Instead of tracks, the vehicle is moved by the rotation of two horisontal cylinders fitted with a helical flange that engages with the snow surface. The Armstead Snow Motor was developed in the early 1920's. Leading Detroit automobile makers had organized a company entitled "Snow Motors Inc" to put out a machine that would negotiate the deepest snowdrifts at six to eight miles an hour. The vehicle consisted of a tractor power-plant mounted on two revolving cylinders instead of wheels."

(2013) Propul~surf 


Video Description: "Propul~surf is an alternative to ski tows and snowmobiles. It is a portable device: once packed in a bag, the snowboarder (or skier) can freely go down trails.This propulsion system is based on Archimedes' screw: this is efficient and soft for the environment."

Video: The Future of Wearable Technology (PBS)

Video Description: "As computing moves from our desktops to our phones, we look into the future to see how technology will become increasingly ingrained in our movements and our active lives. From the Nike Fuelband to Google Glass, consumers are already seeing hints of the future of wearable devices. They have the possibility to make us more knowledgeable about ourselves and our surroundings, and connect us with each other in an uninterrupted, more intimate way. From DIY wearables to high-tech sensors and smart fabrics, the years ahead will show how integrated technology can impact our lives for the better."

Video: Supervillains Trying to Find Love Through Speed Dating

When Everyday Technology Becomes Art

I find it interesting when technology we use everyday is considered beautiful enough to be considered art. All of this technology is from the past, and the majority of the collection is from Apple.

There are literally thousands of different pieces in Museum of Modern Art's (MOMA) complete collection.
Below is a brief list of computers and other electronics that can be found in it:

• ThinkPad 701c laptop
• This laptop is unique because of its foldable keyboard.
• Apple iMac computer
• This computer is unique because of its brightly colored translucent case.  The popularity of this model of Macintosh literally saved apple from bankruptcy.
• Apple Macintosh 128K computer
• This was the first model of the Macintosh computer line, it also popularized the Graphical User Interface (aka GUI). The popularity of this model of Macintosh literally saved apple from bankruptcy.
• Apple G4 Cube computer
• One of Apple's more unique designs for the Macintosh line of computers.
• Grid Gridpad tablet (model 1900)
• Before the iPad or any other tablet there was the Gridpad.
• Grid Compass (model 1100) laptop
• One of the first portable computers that utilized the clam-shell design (e.g. the display folding over the keyboard) that is still used by most modern laptops.
• XO Laptop from the One Laptop per Child (OLPC)
• An early attempt to create a low-cost computer that could be used by every child in the world.
• Apple iPod media player
• This was the first model of Apple's iPod digital music player line.  This device also popularized the MP3 music player.
• Apple QuickTake digital camera
• An early digital camera from Apple.
• Braun T3 pocket radio
• Dieter Rams designed this pocket transistor radio.  It's believed that Jonathan Ive's original iPod design was influenced by this device.
• Sony Aibo robotic dog (ERS-110)
• An early attempt by Sony to create a domestic "Entertainment Robot".

Video: PBS - Watch Making Stuff: Stronger (NOVA)

I have a fascination with material science and how its progressing.  Our society's success and failure to generate new materials (e.g. carbon nanotubes, graphene, etc.) will determine our ability to create the next generation of structures, spacecraft, electronics, etc.  

The following video PBS's NOVA, and called Making Stuff: Stronger.  Here the program description from the site: "What is the strongest material in the world? Is it steel, Kevlar, carbon nanotubes, or something entirely new? NOVA kicks off the four-part series "Making Stuff" with a quest for the world's strongest substances. Host David Pogue takes a look at what defines strength, examining everything from steel cables to mollusk shells to a toucan's beak. Pogue travels from the deck of a U.S. naval aircraft carrier to a demolition derby to the country's top research labs to check in with experts who are re-engineering what nature has given us to create the next generation of strong stuff."