These are my rants about what is happening in the world, technology, computing, and the Internet.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Brain Power (60 Minutes)
People who are completely paralyzed due to illness or trauma are getting help communicating with a new technology that connects their brains to a computer. Scott Pelley reports.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Quote of the day
"If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside." -- Robert X. Cringely
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Astronaut demos drinking coffee in space
When Dr. Don Pettit lived aboard the International Space Station in 2002, he became known for his "Saturday Morning Science" sessions, during which he would demonstrate really cool, simple microgravity experiments.
Earlier this month, Pettit returned to space, this time as member of space shuttle Endeavour's crew on a mission to upgrade the outpost. After 10 days of hard work, the STS-126 crew got some time off Sunday morning and Pettit took the opportunity to film a special episode of Saturday, err, Sunday Morning Science.
In his video, which he later narrated for Mission Control, Dr. Pettit demonstrated his take on a zero-gravity coffee cup...
Monday, November 24, 2008
Classic Scenes from Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Here are some classic scenes from the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975).
Killer Rabbit
Black Knight
French Taunter
Witch Village
Killer Rabbit
Black Knight
French Taunter
Witch Village
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Wassup 2008
Its been eight long years since the boys said wassup to each other. Even with the effects of a down economy and imminent change in the White House, the boys are still able to come together and stay true to what really matters.
Monday, November 10, 2008
How To Behave On A Forum (8-Bit Version)
Here are a great set of rules for posting on most forums, including this site.
The Black Hole
A sleep-deprived office worker accidentally discovers a black hole - and then greed gets the better of him.
Is the IRS holding a check for you?
MSN Money reports: "If you're still waiting for your economic stimulus payment, it might be in one of the more than 383,000 pieces of mail returned to the Internal Revenue Service."
If you never received your economic stimulus, you might want to check out this article. The November 28th deadline is approaching.
If you never received your economic stimulus, you might want to check out this article. The November 28th deadline is approaching.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
How to Deal With Zombie Debt
wikiHow reports: "Collecting old debts - even debts for which you are not legally responsible - is becoming a very profitable venture. Companies can buy those debts (sometimes referred to as 'junk debt') for pennies to the dollar, then go after the people who they think are most likely to pay up. A phone call can turn into badgering, harassment, threats to sue, and other inappropriate (and sometimes illegal) actions. If you ever get a collector asking you to pay up on a debt that's 'come back to life', here's how to make sure your rights aren't violated."
I have some friends going through this right now, and here is a great article with how to deal with this type of harassment.
I have some friends going through this right now, and here is a great article with how to deal with this type of harassment.
Barclaycard Waterslide Ad
One of the best ads I have seen in a little while. Here is a short synopsis: An office worker gets into a waterslide, which he rides on his commute home. During his journey, the commuter, uses his Barclaycard to swipe his way through subway system gates and buy groceries.
Monday, October 20, 2008
History of the Wilhelm Scream
A Brief History of the Wilhelm Scream, as told by HollywoodLostAndFound.net creator Steve Lee - along with Directors Joe Dante and Tobe Hooper. From Showtime On Demand, and "Masters of Horror."
Sarah Palin Disney Trailer
An Alaskan hockey mom becomes Vice President in the wackiest family comedy of the year! Sound familiar?
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Compare credit cards' rental car insurance policies
CreditCards.com reports: "If you're a veteran car renter, it's likely you routinely decline the rental company's offer of additional insurance coverage, smug in the knowledge that you're not wasting money. After all, if you get in an accident, your credit card will cover your deductible, right?"
Every now and then I have to rent a car. I always decline the damage protection options that they try to up-sell you, but I sometimes wonder if I am making a mistake. The credit card I use is suppose to have coverage for renting cars, but I never thought about the limitations of the it until I read this article.
Suggestion:
Every now and then I have to rent a car. I always decline the damage protection options that they try to up-sell you, but I sometimes wonder if I am making a mistake. The credit card I use is suppose to have coverage for renting cars, but I never thought about the limitations of the it until I read this article.
Suggestion:
- Check the limitations of the coverage offered by your primary insurance and credit card on rental cars. Make sure that you are properly covered incase of an accident.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Popping Corn with Cell Phones?
I saw the following video (see below) a few days ago for the first time. It's people apparently popping popcorn with their cell phones, and it looks pretty real when you watch it.
TruthOrFiction.com reports: "A series of videos showing young people apparently popping popcorn with their cell phones. Four cell phones are arranged facing each other on the top of a table. In the center of the cell phones are several kernels of unpopped popcorn. The cell phones are called at the same time and as they begin to ring, the kernels pop."
Read the article for more information.
TruthOrFiction.com reports: "A series of videos showing young people apparently popping popcorn with their cell phones. Four cell phones are arranged facing each other on the top of a table. In the center of the cell phones are several kernels of unpopped popcorn. The cell phones are called at the same time and as they begin to ring, the kernels pop."
Read the article for more information.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Poll Reveals 430 New Demographics That Will Decide Election
From the Onion: A recent election poll indicates vegan independents and skydiving widowers are among the groups that will have a major impact in November. (note: a small part of the video is a little PG-13)
First Flying Lesson (Commercial)
A very funny commercial created by the Centraal Beheer Achmea in the Netherlands. For the most part it should be fairly self explanatory. Although I may need to provide a little background, the guy is waiting for his flight instructor (who is late) to take his first lesson in flying a glider.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Digital Conversion PSA
With the impending switch from analog to digital video, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released this informative PSA on just how easy the conversion will be.
Jules Verne re-entry video
Her is a video showing the destructive re-entry of Jules Verne ATV at the end of a successful mission to the International Space Station. The re-entry took place over an uninhabited area of the Pacific Ocean after two deorbit burns.
Watch the Video
Watch the Video
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Do we really need another browser?
Google recently released a new browser called Chrome, and now I am asking myself do we really need another browser? For years Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer fought a feature war, and Netscape lost. Then several years later, Firefox rose from the ashes of Navigator with all new code. Then took the Web by storm.
Although before Firefox there is another browser called Opera that seems to always be setting trends in the background. Although, it never really made huge waves as far as market share.
Much later, Apple wanting more of the browser market so they released a Windows version of Safari. I have to admit I have personally never tried it, and never have really heard too much good or bad news about it in the press.
With all these choices, I wonder if people are just getting tired of this all. I only use I.E. and Firefox, and as much as I like Google products, there would have to be real compelling reason for me to change. Although, I might try Chrome out of curiosity to see if I like it.
Although before Firefox there is another browser called Opera that seems to always be setting trends in the background. Although, it never really made huge waves as far as market share.
Much later, Apple wanting more of the browser market so they released a Windows version of Safari. I have to admit I have personally never tried it, and never have really heard too much good or bad news about it in the press.
With all these choices, I wonder if people are just getting tired of this all. I only use I.E. and Firefox, and as much as I like Google products, there would have to be real compelling reason for me to change. Although, I might try Chrome out of curiosity to see if I like it.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Plastic Logic's eBook Reader
Here is a light, flexible, and strong e-book reader designed for business workers to avoid having to carry papers and books everywhere with them. The product also features some inking capability (a limited ability to mark up documents).
One of the problems with the technology will be the time and effort required to scan the documents electronically to carry them with you. Although, this can be avoided if the documents are printed to PDF instead paper to begin with.
Monday, September 15, 2008
EepyBird's Sticky Note experiment
From the creators of the Diet Coke and Mentos experiment, EeepyBird show us how to have fun with sticky notes. eepybird.com
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A deaf girl learns to play violin
A beautiful, feel good commercial created for P&G's Pantene Chrysalis brand, created by Grey Thailand.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photographs
If you like photography, then you may like the following web page, it contains 25 stunningly beautiful photographs. All of these photographs were modified using a technique called High Dynamic Range (HDR). HDR can create stunningly beautiful pictures which can blur the difference between reality and illusion.
Due To Budget Cuts, This Is Your New Cubicle
I won't need to explain this web page, just check it out if you want to laugh. Just make sure to read the “New Company Policies” at the bottom.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Large Hadron Collider (How it Works)
The Large Hadron Collider is the largest and most complex scientific instrument ever built and the highest energy particle accelerator in the world. The accelerator is located 100 m underground and runs through both French and Swiss territory. (27km circumference)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
New Airline Rates
I recently took a trip to Europe, and I wanted to crack jokes like this especially about the cost of bring extra luggage onboard the airplane.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Mars: 2020: Springtime
Animation created for a contest using Carrara Studio software. Contest theme was Mars in the year 2020 in the springtime. At the time I created it there was much talk in the news about previous Mars probes that had failed.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ray Bradbury Prunes Commercial
Strange prunes commercial from the 1960's or 1970's. By the way, 2008 and where is my pneumatic tube?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Friday, August 08, 2008
"NORA: Practice Makes Purr-fect" - Check the sequel too.
Sequel is also up. Don't miss it! This is not a trick that was taught to Nora. She began sitting at the piano at about one-year-old. She's three now. She plays only when the mood strikes her, which is usually several time a times a day for short periods.
Droste Effect - a set on Flickr
Josh Sommers: "Images created using the Escher Droste effect formula. Created using Mathmap and the GIMP."
Very, very weird photography...
Very, very weird photography...
Web site design flaws make banking riskier - Security- msnbc.com
msnbc.com reports: "Many U.S. banks are unwittingly training their online customers to take risks with their passwords and other sensitive account information, leaving them more vulnerable to fraud, new research shows."
Something to aware when you use online banks. You have to be careful when you input your account information.
Something to aware when you use online banks. You have to be careful when you input your account information.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
$12 Indian 'TV computer' a knockoff of '80s Nintendo system, not Apple II
ComputerWorld reports: "Can a 20-year-old gaming console be the way to offer truly low-cost computing to Third World students?
An international group of designers and graduate students believe it is, saying that they believe they can modernize a 'TV computer,' available for $12 on the street in India, by adding Internet access and other features while keeping the price affordable."
Computing in third world countries is going old school. I have to admit that this is a good idea, but they really need to make sure that they standardize the hardware and software platform.
Otherwise you just end up with a lot of competing standards, and everyone will be frustrated because people might not have the right hardware or OS to run the software they want.
An international group of designers and graduate students believe it is, saying that they believe they can modernize a 'TV computer,' available for $12 on the street in India, by adding Internet access and other features while keeping the price affordable."
Computing in third world countries is going old school. I have to admit that this is a good idea, but they really need to make sure that they standardize the hardware and software platform.
Otherwise you just end up with a lot of competing standards, and everyone will be frustrated because people might not have the right hardware or OS to run the software they want.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Cool Zooming Art
Check out this cool web page. Its a flash application that you can use your mouse to zoom in and out of the picture.
Note: It might take a few moments to load
FASTRA - Low-Cost Supercomputer
This is a shorter version of a video where Dr. K. Joost Batenburg at the University of Antwerp in Belgium takes you to the ASTRA-lab where he demonstrates tomographical reconstructions on a FASTRA workstation.
FASTRA is a low-cost supercomputer with standard gaming hardware. The system consists of four dual-GPU NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GX2 graphics cards, it costs less than $6,000 (or 4000 Euro) to build. Using NVIDIA's CUDA technology this machine delivers roughly the same performance as a supercomputer cluster consisting of hundreds of PCs!
More information.
FASTRA is a low-cost supercomputer with standard gaming hardware. The system consists of four dual-GPU NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GX2 graphics cards, it costs less than $6,000 (or 4000 Euro) to build. Using NVIDIA's CUDA technology this machine delivers roughly the same performance as a supercomputer cluster consisting of hundreds of PCs!
More information.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Incredible Machine
Time shrinked from 16 to 10 min. with a remix of Chicanes Offshore. Machine was made 1987 in Switzerland by Fischli and Weiss.
Pilot pulls record-setting 9.6Gs in Red Bull Air Race
Mike Mangold's winning run at the 2007 Red Bull Air Race in Istanbul.
IMHO: This guy does some amazing flying...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
How To Carry Groceries With A Square Of Cloth
Are you looking for an environmental friendly way to carry home your groceries? Check out this video on furoshiki. The techniques shown are very interesting, its pretty amazing what you can do square with piece of cloth.
According to a poster on the site: "This is actually being promoted by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, as Japan is one of the biggest users of plastic bags, and are encouraging their citizens to adopt the "old ways" again. Here's a link to a nice PDF that shows many more types of techniques: http://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.html"
For more information on furoshiki, check out the following site (http://furoshiki.com) for more techniques.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Tauren's Kilt (WoW Machinima)
When Tauren are bored with fighting monsters and Alliance, they like to frequent pubs for some light drinking. Of course, when that drinking gets a little too heavy and a fellow gets drunk, who knows what will happen to him while he is passed out cold? It's best not to wear a kilt when drinking.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Backyard Theater for Less Than $260
Electronic House reports: "That headline is not a typo. Ed Sweeting built a full-fledged theater in his backyard for under $260. While it may not boast a huge stack of expensive, state-of-the-art equipment, it definitely makes us want to bond with Mother Nature a little more."
Watching the Growth of Walmart Across America
This is a pretty interesting flash video to watch. You can see how many stores Walmart has opened across America over the last four decades.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Super Efficient Cars
Here are some new super efficient cars all competing for the $10 million dollar automotive X-Price. The three cars are the 'Air Car', the 'Fuel Vapor Car', the 'VentureOne (aka Carver three wheeled vehicle)' and the 'Hybrid Attack'.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
GasBuddy.com - Find Low Gas Prices in the USA and Canada
GasBuddy.com can help you find cheap gas prices in your city. It is a network of more than 181 gas price information websites that help you find low gasoline prices.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sales Guy vs. Web Dude:The Website Is Down
From the web site: "A mashup of true and mostly-true stories from IT hell. If you've ever called tech support and wondered what the hell they are doing down there... well, this should answer some questions for you." Watch the video.
Kinetic sculpture at the BMW Museum
Watch this amazing display of 714 metal balls on strings. It really gets creative after 1 minute. So be patient.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Michio Kaku: Time Travel, Parallel Universes, and Reality
Fascinating interview with Michio Kaku. He is speaking about his new book "Physics of the Impossible," Dr. Kaku explains with how Physics one day may allow us to go back in time.
Top Gear - Supercar Fuel Challenge
Top Gears Jeremy Clarkson tests out 5 modern Supercars to see how far they well go on a gallon of fuel. Check out the video here.
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Stalled Server Room - The Daily WTF
Here is an except from an article that I came across today: "A few months back, Jen Frickell's company was given some bad news. When their lease ended, they'd have to move out of their second-floor suite. ...
It was a fairly reasonable request, so the company's executives signed a new lease and prepared to move. There was, however, just one, small hitch. The nice little server room they built in the back of their office - equipped with air conditioning units, ventilation, dedicated power, backup power, and so on - could not be relocated."
Read the article to find out what happens, its definitely worth it (the picture is priceless).
It was a fairly reasonable request, so the company's executives signed a new lease and prepared to move. There was, however, just one, small hitch. The nice little server room they built in the back of their office - equipped with air conditioning units, ventilation, dedicated power, backup power, and so on - could not be relocated."
Read the article to find out what happens, its definitely worth it (the picture is priceless).
ICANN adopts new Web site naming rules
CNET News.com reports: "The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers voted Thursday to relax rules for naming Web sites.
At its meeting in Paris, ICANN, a not-for-profit organization that oversees the naming scheme for Web sites, voted to accept a proposal that will allow companies to purchase new top-level domain names ending in whatever they like."
Get ready for a new set of Top Level Domain (TLD) names (i.e.: .com, .org, .net, etc.) This could turn out to be a gold rush for new TLD domain names or a major devaluation of all the existing prized ones in the existing TLD space.
At its meeting in Paris, ICANN, a not-for-profit organization that oversees the naming scheme for Web sites, voted to accept a proposal that will allow companies to purchase new top-level domain names ending in whatever they like."
Get ready for a new set of Top Level Domain (TLD) names (i.e.: .com, .org, .net, etc.) This could turn out to be a gold rush for new TLD domain names or a major devaluation of all the existing prized ones in the existing TLD space.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Finavera Renewables' AquaBuOY
There are several different type of clean renewable energy systems, most are solar, wind, or wave power. I have seen several different wave power systems, but I like the design of this system. Its also has what looks like the lowest surface profile of most of the systems that I have seen so far.
The AquaBuOY is a floating buoy structure that converts the kinetic energy of the vertical motion of oncoming waves into clean electricity.
The AquaBuOY is a floating buoy structure that converts the kinetic energy of the vertical motion of oncoming waves into clean electricity.
Creme That Egg!
A Rube Goldberg machine that is used to squish a Creme Egg. It goes around the walls of our lounge. This is an entry in Cadbury's "Unleash The Goo" competition, in which entrants must find the most creative way to break a creme egg.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
How To Diagnose Problems With Your Car
Learn what every shake, rattle, and roll means so that a car mechanic can't tell you that a cracked hose is a major transmission meltdown.
How the Brain Works: Illusions
Jerry Andress shows and explains a few different optical illusion.
Note: This video can and will mess with your mind... :-)
Monday, June 23, 2008
First Drive: 2009 Honda FCX Clarity
Clarity. It's the name Honda has given its production fuel cell car, and it's a name you'll want to remember. After years of having fuel cell prototypes in the hands of fleets and even paying customers, Honda makes good on its commitment to a hydrogen future. The 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show was the venue for the introduction of the FCX Clarity, an Accord-sized sedan with styling based on the FCX Concept from a few years ago that promises to "enable levels of performance room, comfort and dynamic styling previous unattainable in a fuel cell car.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Great Office War
Witness the biggest and greatest office confrontation ever! (Note: its corny but funny, I hope you enjoy it...)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
FAQ: Meet the new iPhone 3G
Computerworld reports: "The days and weeks and months of speculation are over. Apple Inc. did, as expected at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, retire its original iPhone and replace it with a faster, cheaper model.
You could have knocked us over with a feather. Of course, it would have to be a darn big feather."
I have been covering the new iPhone 3G in my Windows Mobile Tips blog, but I wanted to make sure that I had a reference in this blog as well.
The new iPhone 3G is more evolutionary then revolutionary, but its definitely worth checking out. Its the first version of the iPhone that I would consider using, but I doubt if I would buy one (you would have to know me to understand my logic otherwise you would be reading a 25 page dissertation about my views).
You could have knocked us over with a feather. Of course, it would have to be a darn big feather."
I have been covering the new iPhone 3G in my Windows Mobile Tips blog, but I wanted to make sure that I had a reference in this blog as well.
The new iPhone 3G is more evolutionary then revolutionary, but its definitely worth checking out. Its the first version of the iPhone that I would consider using, but I doubt if I would buy one (you would have to know me to understand my logic otherwise you would be reading a 25 page dissertation about my views).
Worst Male-Bashing Ads
AskMen.com reports: "You’ve seen him plenty of times on sitcoms; he’s the dumb, bumbling, idiot dad, husband and boyfriend who appears useless at everything but bringing home a paycheck. The message: Guys are dumb and women have to lead them around. This, of course, cues the laugh track. Yet a survey from an organization called Children Now found that two-thirds of kid respondents described men on TV as angry, while respondents from another group’s survey said men were portrayed as corrupt on TV by a 17 to 1 margin. Clearly, this is no laughing matter."
Its interesting, if this was done about any particular race, gender or group it would be considered politically incorrect. So why does it seem to be politically correct to bash men in general?
Watch the videos in the article to see what I am talking about.
Its interesting, if this was done about any particular race, gender or group it would be considered politically incorrect. So why does it seem to be politically correct to bash men in general?
Watch the videos in the article to see what I am talking about.
Boeing 737 Landing with Jammed Landing Gear
Here is a Boeing 737 trying to land with some of its landing gear jammed. In the first landing attempt the pilot tries to dislodge it by bouncing the plane, when that doesn't fix the problem he has to land it any way he can...
Saturday, June 14, 2008
BMW GINA Concept Car
BMW's latest concept car called GINA is the most revolutionary car body I have ever seen. It has a fabric material over a moveable wire mesh frame that allows the shape of the car body to change. Underneath the fabric material which covers the body there is a light aluminum subframe with moveable electric hydraulic controls.
High Speed Camera Video
Here is some high speed camera footage of a bullet passing through several different items. These camera are capable of recording up to 250,000 frames per second.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Pentagon Looks for 'Killer Switch' | Danger Room from Wired.com
Wired.com reports: "Imagine if the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter could be effectively shut down by a foreign adversary with the flip of a switch? That's, in part, the the concern behind the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's Trust in Integrated Circuits program, reports IEEE Spectrum, in a fascinating article that explores the underbelly of national security and globalization"
There were rumors of this technology being used in the first Gulf War. I read a small article in Time magazine that talked about a network virus that was inserted into a printer's firmware that shutdown the network.
Although, I later read that this might be a hoax. If it's true or not that doesn't matter because the concept is realistic. Here is a post that I found that talks about it.
There were rumors of this technology being used in the first Gulf War. I read a small article in Time magazine that talked about a network virus that was inserted into a printer's firmware that shutdown the network.
Although, I later read that this might be a hoax. If it's true or not that doesn't matter because the concept is realistic. Here is a post that I found that talks about it.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ford Nucleon, A Nuclear Powered Car Researched In The 1950’s
Absolute Random reports: "In the 1950’s people were still quivering with anticipation to see what new possibilities will nuclear power open for them. Nuclear powered houses, trains, airplanes and cars, all dreams of a petrol free future, without much thought on the dangers of nuclear power.
ford-nucleon-atomic-carFord Nucleon was one of those dreams, a nuclear powered car that was supposed to travel for 5,000 miles without a recharge. The nuclear car project was announced in 1957 by Ford, and it was a futuristic looking vehicle with an incredibly efficient fuel mileage, thanks to the small atomic fission reactor fitted in the trunk."
I remember reading an article or seeing a show that briefly talked about this car. I had a conversation with a friend tonight and we were talking about it. So before I forgot, I thought I would post a link to it just in case anyone might be curious.
ford-nucleon-atomic-carFord Nucleon was one of those dreams, a nuclear powered car that was supposed to travel for 5,000 miles without a recharge. The nuclear car project was announced in 1957 by Ford, and it was a futuristic looking vehicle with an incredibly efficient fuel mileage, thanks to the small atomic fission reactor fitted in the trunk."
I remember reading an article or seeing a show that briefly talked about this car. I had a conversation with a friend tonight and we were talking about it. So before I forgot, I thought I would post a link to it just in case anyone might be curious.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
A Buyer’s Guide to Sugar Substitutes
MSN Health & Fitness reports: "According to a recent survey, seven out of 10 adults say they want to reduce or avoid added sugars. To do so, they’re turning to sweeteners that deliver zero or minimal calories. Data from Mintel, a market research group in Chicago, shows that while sales of caloric sweeteners like sugar have been declining in recent years, sales of 'diet'-friendly substitutes have skyrocketed, increasing by about 50 percent from 2000 to 2006. And since 66 percent of Americans are overweight and 20.8 million have diabetes, even many health experts are advocating the use of these sugar substitutes."
I have read too many scary things about sugar substitutes, so I stopped using them. Although, Stevia looks promising to me.
I have read too many scary things about sugar substitutes, so I stopped using them. Although, Stevia looks promising to me.
What if gas cost $10 a gallon?
MSN Money reports: "In four years, U.S. gas prices have doubled to more than $3.70 a gallon, and crude oil has tripled to around $125 a barrel. Allowing for inflation, that's higher than prices were during the 1978–83 oil shock that triggered a recession and sky-high interest rates. But..."
If the future of gas is going to be $10 a gallon then we need a public transportation system. Read what the future have have in store for us.
If the future of gas is going to be $10 a gallon then we need a public transportation system. Read what the future have have in store for us.
Jammed transit systems running on fumes
msnbc.com reports: "Transportation experts who have pushed mass transit since the 1970s are getting their wish as soaring gas prices persuade Americans to abandon their cars for buses and trains in record numbers. But as the adage says, be careful what you wish for."
We need to start investing in upgrading our public transit systems now rather then later. Although, if the price of oil falls we will return to our old ways...
We need to start investing in upgrading our public transit systems now rather then later. Although, if the price of oil falls we will return to our old ways...
The Grid (A Brief Introduction to Grid Computing)
A video by CERN regarding the future of the Internet.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
New Spy Cam Software Blurs Faces of the Innocent
Wired.com reports: "Cities and corporations are stringing up thousands and thousands of surveillance cameras, armed with advanced video intelligence algorithms, to watch out for terrorists and crooks. Too bad the rest of us get caught on tape, while the electronic eyes make their spy sweeps. And no one knows what the spycams are recording."
Read the article for more information about this software, or view the video sample below to see it in action.
Read the article for more information about this software, or view the video sample below to see it in action.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
30 Upcoming Movie Sequels You Didn't Know About
Den of Geek reports: "We've spent days of our lives scouring the world for news of sequels that you may not have heard of. And here are 30 films in various states of production..."
Want a glimpse of what new movies to expect over the next couple of years, then check out this article.
Want a glimpse of what new movies to expect over the next couple of years, then check out this article.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
TransUnion offers free credit monitoring to 150 million
Computerworld reports: "In a class-action settlement that may be unprecedented in its size, Chicago-based credit-reporting bureau TransUnion LLC is offering up to nine months' worth of free credit-monitoring service to anyone in the U.S. who has ever held a credit card or a line of credit over the last 20 years."
Looking for a free credit report monitoring service. Well at least it will be free for six months. Check out the article to learn more.
Looking for a free credit report monitoring service. Well at least it will be free for six months. Check out the article to learn more.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Video BMW 330i with AutoPilot (Racer Version)
The following is an excerpt from a British car show called Top Gear. In this excerpt the BMW 330i races around a car test track with no one driving it.
Personally I found the video pretty amazing. Although, they do have to train the car before it can do this automatically
Personally I found the video pretty amazing. Although, they do have to train the car before it can do this automatically
Honda Accord "Jump" Commercial
Proving "Difficult Is Worth Doing." This is the new Honda Accord "Jump" commercial. A group of skydivers make shapes in the sky of the new technologies included in the new Honda Accord.
Edible.com - Very strage edible stuff...
This site contains very strage edible stuff that you might never generally think about eating.
Below is a brief list of some of the items available.
Below is a brief list of some of the items available.
- ANTLIX LOLLIPOP
- CHOCOLATE COVERED GIANT ANTS
- CHOCOLATE COVERED SCORPION
- GIANT HORNET'S HONEY
- GIANT TOASTED LEAFCUTTER ANTS
- and more...
Photographing a Wedding and then an Earthquake
Xanga reports: "Can you imagine what it was like to have been photographing a wedding in Sichuan, China when 7.9
earthquake hit and shakes for three minutes with the entire church crashing down?"
There are some really interesting shots on this page. I am pretty sure the bride and groom appreciated these candid shots of them. ;-)
earthquake hit and shakes for three minutes with the entire church crashing down?"
There are some really interesting shots on this page. I am pretty sure the bride and groom appreciated these candid shots of them. ;-)
Low-Cost Multi-touch Whiteboard using the Wiimote
Using infrared (IR) light pens and the Wii Remote, it is possible to create very low-cost multi-point interactive whiteboards and multi-point tablet displays. Johnny Chung Lee, Carnegie Mellon University. The software can be downloaded at http://johnnylee.net.
How to Make a Cheap Multitouch Pad
Multitouch Mini (MTmini) a Cheap Multitouch Pad
Website:
http://ssandler.wordpress.com/MTmini
MTmini discussion thread: http://nuigroup.com/forums/viewthread...
Materials
- Cardboard Box
- Piece of Clear Flat Sturdy Material (ie. Glass, acrylic, plexiglas)
- Paper (ie. printer paper, tracing paper, almost any paper)
- Webcam or Video Camera (I use a Philips SPC900NC)
- Computer (dual core recommended, but not needed)
- Optional Picture Frame
Finger Tracking Software
- Touchlib: http://nuigroup.com/touchlib
- Set touchlib to use front illumination xml file.
Other Software/Demos
- -Windows Mousedriver: http://nuigroup.com/touchlib
- -Smoke Demo: http://nuigroup.com/touchlib
- -MultiKey Application: http://ssandler.wordpress.com/my-soft...
- Photo Application
- Ripples
- Wall Pong Game
- Physics Demo
For this to work, all you need is a room with (at least) some light. The results will be best when the room lighting is even (no bright lights shinning from one direction onto the multitouch pad).
When you place you fingers on the surface, shadows are created where your fingers are. The webcam sees these shadows and sends the image to the tracking software which tracks the shadows as they move around. It's really that simple!
For more information, visit:
- http://ssandler.wordpress.com/MTmini
- http://nuigroup.com/forums/viewthread/1 731/
- http://www.nuigroup.com/forum
- http://www.nuigroup.com
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