LED series parallel array wizard
If you ever need to build an array of LEDs and don't feel like calculating the load resistors, this handy little program will do the work for you.
POV = Persistence of Vision. I actually designed a basic POV unit in college (back in the day), but it was for a digital design class, so used only discrete logic. These days a small embedded processor would do the trick with more finesse and flexibility....just like the little clocks that are popular these days.
Regardless, this is a POV unit that fits inside the spokes of a bicycle, with a sensor that detects the speed of rotation. The LEDs are turned on accordingly and provide a nice image as you cycle along.
I can't say it better than Cringely did, but I'll sum it up. The Mac Mini is about HD movie distribution....read on for his clever analysis.
::: illogicz.com > 3D Engine for Flash MX
Nice 3D Flash engine that allows custom worlds to come to life, utilizing the drawing features within Flash. Haven't used it for a project yet, but looks to have a nice set of classes that can take the drudgery out of 3D world presentation.
This article presents a nice overview of lossless audio compression (WMA, FLAC, Shorten, Monkeys Audio) along with a primer on sampling rates, Nyquist, etc. A quick read that will help you backup your compression method of choice.
The goal of this IBM Redbook is to provide a technical planning reference for IT organizations large or small that are now considering a migration to Linux-based personal computers. For Linux, there is a tremendous amount of “how to” information available online that addresses specific and very technical operating system configuration issues, platform-specific installation methods, user interface customizations, etc. This book includes some technical “how to” as well, but the overall focus of the content in this book is to walk the reader through some of the important considerations and planning issues you could encounter during a migration project.
What do you get after you interface 100 gallons of high viscosity liquid, 249 electrovalves, a compressor, and an iMac? Very cool, 3-D bubble art of course!
The artists quote could not be more appropriate: "Analog expression with Digital technology, Digital expression with Analog elements”
Robot Subsumption DLC.pdf (application/pdf Object)
Brief article explaining Subsumption Architecture on a small-scale, robotic application. This architecture was originally designed by Rodney Brooks (MIT Robotics / iRobot fame) and used in many of groundbreaking studies.
What is it? Basically, it's a method of programming that uses a series of finite state machines (FSMs) to exhibit higher level behavior from very simple behaviors. The more important behaviors subsume the lower ones.
An online (scanned) copy of both the 1971 and the 1971 edition of How It Works: The Computer. Watch in amazement as it describes the inner workings of the Magnetic Drum (for storage), the original punchcard systems, and more!
Features - features.engadget.com
Engadget features a solid eclectic and modern range of tech gadgets, musical equipment from the past, and other odd pieces of tech voodoo. One thing that caught my eye, was the Fairlight CMI Synthesizer, circa mid 1980s(?) - a $50,000 programmable keyboard that was lightyears ahead of its time.
Also of note is the Nixie tube wristwatch which is built by one of the guys on the Nixie list that I'm a part of...cool!
A nice selection of robotic / computer controlled pieces of artwork. One of the most interesting is his complex method of actuation using fine steel cable assemblies that are routed through joints and rotational assemblies.
JAMES CLAR - Interactive Lighting Design and Retail Environments.
Another unique lighting display...this one actually takes an idea I had some years ago and brings it to life! 1000 LEDs in a three dimensional grid are controlled via computer to display various animations, graphs, and other eye-benders.
Unfortunately, I think his design (as evidenced by the previous versions) leaves something to be desired from a technical standpoint. A mess of cables is surely *not* the elegant solution to making this a really functional or ultimately expandable piece.
I envision a group of multiplexed microcontrollers addressing the array via a serial bus (CAN / SPI / I2C)....
Handy page of "science meets art" references. A personal favorite is Tim Hunkin's page where he has built some really fun coin-op amusement booths.
Tech pranks and other theoretical, humorous musings. I think it may be a good idea to look into a few of these for further investigation. Just keep it safe folks, just keep it safe.
My Blick Propeller Clock Design
After seeing the original propeller clocks a few years ago, I was happy to see some folks taking it to the next level...check out the links at the bottom of the page!
(and I promise more great posts soon!)
Ok, so a lack of posts recently is finally over...check out the very nice klein bottles for purchase here. What's a Klein bottle? Well, if you have to ask it probably isn't all that interesting for you. Suffice it to say that it has to do with building a one sided object in four dimensions or something like that.
Most notable is the significant effort to create the Giant Klein bottle.
Well the first pics are in from the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and Titan...and they are really amazing. Currently the mission is in it's beginning phases of exploration and has just sent back pictures from Phoebe as well as data from all 11 scientific instruments.
"With the Phoebe accomplished, Cassini is on course for Saturn. A trajectory correction maneuver is scheduled for June 16. Cassini will conduct a critical 96-minute burn before going into orbit around Saturn on June 30 (July 1 Universal Time). During Cassini's planned four-year tour it will conduct 76 orbits around the Saturn system and execute 52 close encounters with seven of Saturn's 31 known moons."
Some info on the Cassini-Hurgen spacecraft and another article with background on its mission.
Well, I've found a new item to lust after - the Curta Calculator. These amazing, mechanical items were envisioned by a prisoner of a Nazi concentration camp and then brought to life after he was released.
What is it? A mechanical, hand-cranked calculator that is very compact and quite a piece of wizardry inside - and was covered by around 16 distinct patents.
How complicated? See the dissassembly of one into it's 605 parts. Mind you, the Curta is about 2.5" in diameter and only 4" tall.
They were made from the 1940s through the 1970s and are really a high quality item....apparently the designer kept extremely high manufacturing standards. I believe they contain no? plastic and all non-ferrous parts.
Accordingly, they fetch quite a pretty penny these days - I've seen prices ranging from $500 to over a $1000. I'll be keeping my eyes open for a seller that will unknowingly give me a deal of the century....
The operating manual and a Flash Curta simulator along with another Curta simulator.
Let me know if you come across one or have ever used one....
This site is a brilliant exploration of (often) interactive computer art using Flash. Areas of interest include clever mouse trailers, fractal art and tree generation, and AI "animals" that interact with the mouse / cursor.
All of the source files are free for download and modification with a quick registration.
A collection of icons and images from a variety of mainstream sites that portray a nice range of graphic styles for:
- arrows
- posts
- comments
- mail
- bullets
- print
- carts and bags
Useful reference for any graphic interface.
phillip m. torrone | flashenabled.com | ...the best way to predict the future is to invent it
Phillip Torrone.....lots of interesting "new tech" experiments and thoughts on his side. Definitely worth a look.
Sparking the Fire of Invention
MIT Tech Review article details various startups that are "invention only" firms.....that aren't mired in the red tape of corporate R&D. Profiled is Invention Science which was recently started by Nathan Myhrvold - former head of Microsoft Research Technology.
Also mentioned:
Walker Digital
Invent Resources
Generics Group
Sarcos Research
Deka Research and Development
So, I saw this hearse during the Manitou Springs, Coffin Races Parade. (which is a whole other story) Just recently it came into discussion, and I received a link with all of these great photos, flamethrowe, body armor and all.
Another creative venture that explores how technology can be designed into a fine piece of art - and an interactive one at that. Danial Rozin has created a series of pieces, two of which I find really intriguing - Shiny Balls Mirror and Wooden Mirror.
Both of these projects utilize a video camera which images anything in front of the "mirror" and then via computation reduces the size to an appropriate number of pixels and grayscale values. This data is then represented in a unique fashion.....in the case of the Wooden Mirror via a grid of actuated wooden tiles that reflect light at various intensities thereby replicating the image in front of it. (hence the mirror) With the Shiny Balls Mirror a grid of chrome balls are slid in and out of tubes to create a similar, but very unique effect.
UC Berkeley Human Engineering Laboratory
Lots of great robotics going on here....robots that help the human body, unique methods of locomotion, novel power devices, etc.
Eric Weisstein's World of Physics
Nice physics reference site.....you know that one formula is out there, but you just can't remember it. No longer.
RESEARCHERS REPORT BUBBLE FUSION RESULTS REPLICATED
Can nuclear fusion happen with the aid of some ultrasonic bubbles? RPI, Oak Ridge National Labs, and the Russian Academy of Science think they've already concluded its presence in their experiments.
Wil it hold up to the test of peer review or will it go the way of cold fusion? Stay tuned....
DPRG: Low Cost Gyro-Accelerometer Combo Sensor
While the Quad-Copter project is always in the back of my mind, I ran across an article detailing how a guy from DPRG built his own gyro / accelerometer board to interface directly with a microcontroller. Nice work....except I would need to expand it to cover 3 axes.
Cinergy plugs in as Web provider
Cinergy, the electric company for an area of Ohio, is the first to rollout Internet access over your existing household electric system. By just plugging your adapter into the nearest wall outlet, upload and download speeds of 1 megabit per second can be attained. Plus, it's only $29.99 per month!
I'm just hoping this could force the DSL and cable monopolies of the world to drop their prices as well.
Pixelito is a 6.9 GRAM micro helicopter, hand built by this guy in Europe. Very nice work.
One Pas has introduced a patented line of really cool prototyping boards. I've recently been through the hassle of prototyping a circuit I drew up - I wish I had known about these! Instead of the standard grid format, One Pas has staggered the layout giving us an easier way to place components in a logical fashion.
Can't wait to try them out on my next project.
Some of the original works on Forth, presented here on the web. I'm working with a Mini-Pod from New Micros that is very powerful but I need to learn more about Forth....which is what their IsoMax language is based on.
Low Income Housing - Build Your Own Waterproof Camcorder Housing
Very nice article on building your own waterproof camcorder housing. I've looked into these previously and have found that they are quite expensive.....this particular one would work for most wet situations, but I'm not sure how well it would work for a caving situation. The advantage of the factory made PVC bag-types is the ease of manipulation of all camcorder controls. With this model you only have control of the features that you build specialized actuators for.
Still, a very nice design that seems quite functional. For around $60 too.
Hektor is a robotic spray paint graffiti artist that is capable of huge mural-sized paintings. The premise is simple, as it uses only 2 motors and lines to control the 2 dimensional motion of the spray can....lots of pictures, a very well written PDF on it's design, and a movie clip of it in action.
Nicely done.
Macro Snake Projects | Sensor Based Planning
Multi-joint articulated arm. How many Degrees of Freedom does this thing have?
Also some nice videos of it in action.
Electronics projects
Wireless Data modules
Mini-graphics LCD
Ultrasonic Rangefinder
Real Time clock
Electronic Compass
etc.
Build your own SEM / STM! Full plans and design notes in an open-source-ish format to build a Scanning Tunneling Microscope. I'd like to sit down and do a quick cost estimate - just to know how much it would realistically take.
Spaceflight Now | Destination Mars | Mission Status Center
Follow along with a minute by minute description of the Spirit (Mar's explorer mission). Reading makes me think of old coverage of lunar missions....
The following is an excerpt that highlights the very important landing sequence - you'll surely be sitting on the edge of your seat.
(well, ok, maybe not exactly, but it's still cool)
Read from the bottom up for the best effect!
0453 GMT (11:53 p.m. EST)
The Mission Control room is a wild place at the moment with handshakes, screams and some very happy tears.
0452 GMT (11:52 p.m. EST)
SPIRIT IS ALIVE ON MARS! A "very strong signal" is now being received from the Spirit rover from the Gusev Crater on the surface of the Red Planet!
0451 GMT (11:51 p.m. EST)
The radio telescope at Stanford University reports it may have received signal from the lander at the time it would have been on the surface.
0450 GMT (11:50 p.m. EST)
Meanwhile, the controllers for the Mars Global Surveyor orbiter report they may have received data from Spirit after the planned landing time. The orbiter was flying over the landing site at the time of descent and touchdown.
0448 GMT (11:48 p.m. EST)
Spirit is scheduled to begin transmitting tones from the surface in one minute.
0445 GMT (11:45 p.m. EST)
Now 10 minutes after the touchdown on Mars, officials are still waiting for some signal from Spirit. The lander should have rolled to a stop by now.
0440 GMT (11:40 p.m. EST)
The wait is underway at the control center to hear further information from Spirit to confirm it has survived all of the bounces and come to a safe position on Mars.
0437 GMT (11:37 p.m. EST)
Now there is no signal from Spirit. Controllers received an initial indication that the craft was on the surface and bouncing. But that link has now been lost.
The bounces will continue for a few minutes and then the craft will roll up to a kilometer from its initial touch down point before coming to rest.
0436 GMT (11:36 p.m. EST)
Mission Control has received indications from the spacecraft that it is bouncing on the surface inside its airbags.
0436 GMT (11:36 p.m. EST)
SPIRIT IS BOUNCING ON MARS!
0435 GMT (11:35 p.m. EST)
Spirit should have inflated its airbags and fired retrorockets before impacting the Martian surface.
Airbags will cushion the landing that occurs at any moment.
"This is the fun part," Manning says. "The vehicle is designed for bouncing. The airbags do a great job of protecting the vehicle, coconing it over lots of complicated surfaces -- complicates rocks and terrain shapes. We are very confident these airbags will do a great job."
0434 GMT (11:34 p.m. EST)
"The heat shield has protected us but now we don't need it," Manning says "We have to undress ourselves. So the lander is now free to rappel down a 20-meter bridle. Once we are in this configuration, this is a great configuration to be in for the lander to both see the surface with a camera and to use a radar to detect its altitude.
"When we get to the right altitude, the airbags are inflated. Now we are ready to fire the retrorockets to bring the system to a dead stop from about 180 mph to zero about 12 meters above the ground.
"At this point we bounce and bounce and bounce. Just like Pathfinder, we will bounce maybe as much as a kilometer or more from where we let go of the bridle."
0434 GMT (11:34 p.m. EST)
No longer needed, the heat shield has been jettisoned, exposing the lander inside the descent module.
0434 GMT (11:34 p.m. EST)
Chute is out! Mission Control has detected indication of parachute deployment.
0433 GMT (11:33 p.m. EST)
Having slowed to 1,000 mph, the spacecraft will deploy its supersonic parachute at this point in the descent.
0431 GMT (11:31 p.m. EST)
Deceleration continues as the spacecraft plunges through the atmosphere.
0431 GMT (11:31 p.m. EST)
"The temperature just outside the heat shield gets very close, if not more, than the temperature of the surface of the Sun. It is very hot! Inside it stays relatively cool, it barely gets above room temperature," Rob Manning says of what the spacecraft should be experiencing during the entry.
0431 GMT (11:31 p.m. EST)
The Spirit lander is now transmitting a tone that tells Mission Control is it decelerating at one-to-three g's.
0430 GMT (11:30 p.m. EST)
Entry is a bit shallow, Mission Control reports. But that is "nominal."
0430 GMT (11:30 p.m. EST)
The navigation team reports they detect entry into the atmosphere. Altitude is 46 miles, traveling at Mach 27 at 12,175 mph.
Some more terrific exploitations of "big science" by "Survival Research Labs". In particular, they have attempted to create a Flame Hurricane with a five (150 lbs thrust) pulsejets and a gasoline injection of 1.5 gpm at 1000 psi.
Also, a Pitching Machine that hurls 6 foot 2 X 4s at 120 mph, powered by a 500 cubic inch engine.
Finally, how about rebuilding a V-1. Yes that V-1 rocket / missile which the Germans built during WW2.
WONDERMAGNET.COM - NdFeB Magnets, Magnet Wire, Books, Weird Science, Needful Things
A ferrofluid is a stable colloidal suspension of sub-domain magnetic particles in a liquid carrier....basically it's a magnetic liquid. When it's exposed to a magnetic field the very small particles within it take the shape of the magnetic field. Accordingly, the fluid becomes more dense as the flux increases and vice versa.
Also used as a dampener, often in loudspeakers and on CD / DVD laser heads.
They also have it for purchase.
With these instructions, you can be on your way to OnStar freedom! No more $400 a year fees, just unfettered access to the GPS signal and the mapping software of your choice. I always assumed that this was possible....just never did any research into it.
Home built, high altitude robotic glider -- ascend to 75,000 feet (via helium balloon), release, glide down (via computer control), taking photos and sending back telemetry data. When it hits 500 feet or so, pop a shoot and land safely....
Nice work - except he recently lost it on the latest flight (high winds, mountains, etc).
AtomicZombie - Extreme Machines!!
This guy has worked on some great projects...I personally like his bicycle work the best. He's built the worlds tallest bicycle (Guinness Book certified) at 15 feet tall, a really nice recumbent style, and some other crazy bike inventions. More importantly, he's published a book about how you can do it too!
Regarding his "robots" - not really my style of things. They are nicely built and heavy duty, but appear to lack the intelligence / programming aspect of real robotics. Basically, well crafted remote controlled beasts.
The new QRIO Robot from Sony has really made some amazing strides.
First, it can walk and "run" (more like a slow jog) with dynamic walking motion - which means it's center of gravity is not restricted to a safe zone within it's footprint. Basically, it walks much more fluidly like a human than like a typically robot (with a static based walking program).
Second, it's able to respond intelligently to being pushed or having the surface under it's feet uneven. If you give it a push, it will take a step in the same direction to counteract the force. If you push it too hard, it will sense an impending fall and immediately switch to a safe mode so it can fall in a controlled (safe) fashion. It will then right itself back to a standing position.
Third, it can go up and down stairs. Granted since the little guy isn't so big, the stairs can't be that big...but still another nice *step* forward.
I think you'll see more intricate robots of this nature in the next few years....
Fun report on how to build a low RPM alternator so your hamster / mouse / rodent can power little lights all by himself...
Some really excellent technology-art...I personally like the BucketHead and WaterBoy displays the best.
Also a list of art and robotics artists....highlighting such artists as:
and Beatriz da Costa
Bruce Schneier is what The Economist calls a "security guru" and is the author of Applied Cyptography, Secrets and Lies, and his recent book Beyond Fear which tackles the problem of security both personal and national.
He also publishes the very interesting free e-newsletter Crypto-Gram. After a few minutes of reading I found how to fly on someone elses plane ticket and that it's cheap and easy to fool fingerprint readers (scroll down to the letter by Ton can der Putte). Lots of quality info....
My personal favorite? An article detailing how to run a real life Denial of Service with the US Postal Service for free. Even funnier, is that it was done spam king Alan Ralsky courtesy of some /. folks.
Unique ID - The numbers that control your life
Alan De Smet wrote a nice article detailing how they generate some of the "unique numbers" that control your life. He decodes 7 state driver's licenses and what kind of data is included within your ID number....
Also links on using an algorithm to validate a credit card number.
I've had a long time fascination with large art installments, especially if they are technology oriented. The Art of Burning Man provides a look into some of the more interesting, self-funded group toys and experiments recently created.
Spin is a technology that I did experiments and designs with while getting my BSEE degree.
Lights 2000 worked with a large array of 2000 orange pods that users could control through a remote panel to form huge displays.
Dr. MegaVolt is performance art with Tesla coils and a wire mesh bodysuit.
Beaming Man is a 4000 foot tall body projection that used 3 green lasers totally 13 Watts of projection power.
Telestereoscope is one of my favorite ideas and utilizes a set of mirrors and optics to simulate vision if your eyes were 3 meters apart instead of 2 inches.
Chuck McMannis is the President of the Silicon Valley Homebrew Robotics Club. Cool. He also has a great webpage on robotics with some interesting projects, asides, and other notes. Also some good info on casting plastics with Alumilite.
Good info on Wheel Encoders , quadrature, and feedback for robotics as well.
Staples (yes, the office warehouse) is running an Invention Quest for new office products. Grand Prize: $25,000 plus a trip for 2 to the finals in NY plus an option for royalties from selling the idea as a Staples exclusive. (for 1 year) 11 Finalists also receive $5,000 and a trip for 2 to the finals.
Entries must be postmarked by 11/21/03 and received by 11/28/03. All faxed entries must be received by 11:59:59 PM ET on 11/21/03.
Quote:
We welcome ideas in the following categories:
- Adhesives, clamps/clips, staplers
- Binders, clipboards
- Computer accessories
- Cutting instruments (scissors, punches, etc.)
- Day planners, calendars
- Desktop accessories
- Envelopes, packaging, shippers
- File folders, pockets
- Labels, label makers
- Paper, note & message pads, cards
- Presentation & planning boards
- Storage & organization
- Telephone accessories
- Writing & drawing instruments and accessories
For the purposes of this contest, Staples is NOT interested in books, business machines (faxes, photocopiers, shredders, etc.), calculators, computers (except accessories), electronic media (videos, DVDs, CDs, etc.), food items, furniture (desks, chairs, file cabinets, shelves, etc.), janitorial products, heating and cooling products, PDAs, software, and telephones (except accessories). Inventions that fall into these categories will be disqualified. Invention ideas that fall into other office supply categories not specifically included or excluded above will be considered at the sole discretion of the judges.
I've been thinking about robotics quite a bit recently, no thanks to Flesh and Machines by MITs Rodney Brooks and a link about BEAM robots sent to me from Audoen.
Now I've found lots of other interesting stuff including:
Single Board Computers & Peripherals These look like terrific, prebuilt controllers with some specialized software on them. They have the option of running IsoMAX a high level, concurrent process OS and a version of FORTH which has been used in robotics for some time.
In particular, check out the CANipede which uses 6 of their modules. Unfortunately, the modules aren't cheap but they very well could save you a large amount of development time (and we all know tha Time is Money).
Finally the HOAP-2 from Fujitsu Automation does some pretty amazing things. Check out the movie clips they have.
Well the guys at RCToys have updated the specs on the Draganflyer - it's now the Draganflyer IV. The flight time is up to 15-20 minutes which they achieved by using lithium-polymer batteries and some optimized rotors.
There was some research done with version III to demonstrate automated flight patterns.
Also a mention of a robotics guy who built a handmade prototype for a Draganflyer (November 2002 - Dallas Personal Robotics Group)
Great link to a gallery of "Nixie Clocks". What's a Nixie you ask? They are neon-filled numeric displays, also known as 'numicators', with 10 cathodes shaped like numbers. Think of it like an old transistor tube with number-shaped neon lights inside. They were popular in equipment in the late 60s and early 70s.
I'll put this project in burner for a future build. They would make a great gift....
Great source for nixie tubes
As an engineer, I find the beautifully made Segway very catchy as both a design piece and as a fine piece of engineering. Well this engineer has built his own model, for about $2K. It isn't as pretty as the Segway, nor quite as user friendly, but as a functional examination it does a great job.
His company also looks mildly interesting, but it has a great list of robotics links.
Space-Age Garages That Save Space
This is a great idea that's taken far too long to come to the US - especially in cramped places like Manhattan. I've parked my car in one two many tight garages with bad attendants and lines of cars, etc....
Yahoo! News - Computer Makers Sued Over Hard-Drive Size Claims
Hehe....someone finally is suing over something that's obvious to us geeks out there. ie 20GB drives can only hold 18GB and 150GB drives can only hold 140GB. (approximately)
Call them on the carpet about their decimal and binary conversions....
Just a quick link for now, more thoughts later on why I think this guy is cool.
Mike May regains his sight after 43 years of blindness
Mike May has had an experience that very few people ever will....regaining some of his vision after being blind since the age of three. What follows is a journal account of how his vision has improved, how his brain has "learned" to see again, and how vision plays (or doesn't play) a role in everyday life.
For more accounts of this amazing story, see his full journal at Mike May's website, where his company also produces GPS and other technology aids for the blind.
This guy (kid? - he *is* in college) has made some serious upgrades to toys I used to build....in particular the spud gun. His latest model is semi-automatic with a bolt-action style loader and removable CO2 tank for power.
SCIENCE HOBBYIST: Interesting Toys
This is a nice list of some recent tech / science / cool toys including:
- Airzooka (fires an invisible air ring)
- Coffee Cup Stirling Engine
- Smoke ring launcher
- Intel Video Microscope (only $50)
etc.....
This guy surely has the right idea, building a Wireless Audio Jukebox that can serve his CDs wirelessly throughout his house. Not only that, he can control the playlist from ANY PC in his house, stream from ANY PC in the house, and have separate playlists for different areas. Pretty cool....now if I only find the time to set this up.
Kudos to MIT! First open-source OS, then open-source programs, now OPEN-SOURCE MIT COURSES!! I read a nice article about this in Wired...folks from all over the world are logging on to "take" these MIT courses for free....they call it OpenCourseWare.
From the article, it seems that a number of students from universities around the world are using them as an adjunct to their curriculum - and it's really helping them excel. I'm definitely going to investigate what they are offering and take a few myself.....
One of the most noted ones is a EE and CS core course, called 6.170 Laboratory in Software Engineering. Seems it really helps lots of folks write better code....hmm....maybe it would help me write better code....
Full page on various research into ornithopter (or flapping wing) flight. Also includes live video and some free plans for building your own working models.
Some really stunning color photos from the very early 1900s. What, there was no color film back then....you are correct! However, the brilliant Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii developed a method for color slides projections that involved three negatives, each using a separate red/blue/green filter. Through modern day digichromatography they have been presented in full color for our viewing - for the first time to the public by the Library of Congress.
Pretty cool seeing color photos of things we have only seen in black and white previously.
All the Color Images
This amateur inventor/builder in New Zealand had written an article on building a Do-It-Yourself Cruise Missile from "off the shelf" parts on a limited budget. People said it couldn't be done....so he set out to build one on his own, on a $5,000 budget.
I'll be following along to see if he is successful...
Digital Rights Management: For Better Or For Worse?
Nice article profiling the current state of Digital Rights Management (DRM). Dr. Stamp discusses the current state of DRM usage (and non-usage) and where it is appropriate. He also touches on hardware methods for DRM and how they are also likely to fail. Finally, and in my opinion most importantly, he looks at the business models that can sustain DRM in a real world.
Unfortunately, the RIAA and MPAA don't think they live in the real world.
ExtremeTech - Deep technology for enthusiasts and professionals
After reading a few articles (Future of 3D Graphics, among others), this site really delivered when it came to the technical description and analysis of the topic at hand. I'll definitely be checking back from time to time for updates, and I'll be using it as a reference for future tech searches.
Electronic nose sniffs out cancer'
In a test group of 60 patients, half with lung cancer, this electronic nose was able to indentify every patient by a simple breath exhalation and analysis test. This could make a great screening test, if nothing else....the real question is how much cancer must there be before it is able to detect it?
Taking 'Matrix' to the next FX level - May. 8, 2003
Nice article detailing some of the work behind the special effects for the upcoming "Matrix Reloaded" and "Matrix Revolution" sequals to be released this year.
Also, another Matrix Reloaded article
...are rebelays and knots considered "technical difficulties"?
the imo website today made me want to cry or laugh, i'm not sure which. and why does it come with two non-locking carabiners? for me the longe lunga gets attached straight to the ascender, and locked...
see the ad for GGG cowtails, about halfway down the page. then tell me that when cavers expect newbies to negotiate rebelays on their third cave trip ever, they're just a technical difficulty. ahh, american rope techniques...
Can you imagine shooting 606 takes for a car commercial? Neither can I, but take at look at this amazing ad for the Honda Accord.
No special effects tricks were used...this is a real life Rube Goldberg setup that is truly amazing in its execution. The related article describes some of the madness that went into it - including the huge budget of about $4 million.
"The bigshots at Honda's world headquarters in Japan, when shown Cog for the first time, replied that yes, it was very clever, and how impressive trick photography was these days. When told that it was all real, they were astonished."