7.17.2003
Electric Snowflakes
As in the case of many a science site I visit great discoveries have little information about the potential uses of the stated discoveries. That said, this site has very detailed explanation of how electricity forms a variety of shapes with ice crystals and some great photos. | Cal Tech Snow Crystal Site
Disney Postcard-O-Rama!
Disney Postcard-O-Rama!
(It just occurred to me while email replaces "snail mail" there is no official digital equivalent of a post card. I guess they have them but nothing mainstream or as functional as email that I know of. This is what I get for posting at 3:00 am)
This large catalogue of Disney postcards will excite and nostalgify even the most avid Disney expat. Includes photo cards and illustrations from before 1960 to the present. Thumbnail galleries click to full size. (a little slow if you are not on a speedy connection.)
via J-Walk
(It just occurred to me while email replaces "snail mail" there is no official digital equivalent of a post card. I guess they have them but nothing mainstream or as functional as email that I know of. This is what I get for posting at 3:00 am)
This large catalogue of Disney postcards will excite and nostalgify even the most avid Disney expat. Includes photo cards and illustrations from before 1960 to the present. Thumbnail galleries click to full size. (a little slow if you are not on a speedy connection.)
via J-Walk
7.11.2003
Somebody's Watching Me....
Well, this will freak you right out. Read this most excellent article. Big Brother not just pretending to watch you, but really watching you. I'm talking about the Pentagon's new pet project called CTS (Combat Zones That See). The cameras have always been there, scattered about every major city in the country. But, now they've developed a way to pull together all of that information from all of those existing sources into one major storehouse of data. Of course they're pushing the notion of how valuable it will be for protecting our soldiers in Bagdad. Come on now! I think a more likely use will be Homeland Spying, I mean Homeland Security. This is pretty creepy indeed.
"(CTS) is pretty creepy. And the creepiest part about it is that it's not all that sophisticated," said Lee Tien, a senior staff attorney with the privacy-rights proponent Electronic Frontier Foundation.
"(CTS) is pretty creepy. And the creepiest part about it is that it's not all that sophisticated," said Lee Tien, a senior staff attorney with the privacy-rights proponent Electronic Frontier Foundation.
7.10.2003
TeraScale SneakerNet
Pinging someone's whuffie doesn't take much bandwidth, but what about flash-baking an entire life-experience over the network?
Moving a megabyte is so easy using the internet that my cell phone can do it with tolerable efficiency. However, today megabytes crop up in droves... is the internet always quicker? (and cheaper?) What might be expected in the forseeable future? ACM Queue has an interesting conversation about large scale data storage and transfer...
Moving a megabyte is so easy using the internet that my cell phone can do it with tolerable efficiency. However, today megabytes crop up in droves... is the internet always quicker? (and cheaper?) What might be expected in the forseeable future? ACM Queue has an interesting conversation about large scale data storage and transfer...
The phone bill, at the rate Microsoft pays, is about $1 per gigabyte sent and about $1 per gigabyte received—about $2,000 per terabyte. It's the same hassle for me whether I send it via the Internet or an overnight package with a computer.Quite the interesting read, for anyone interested in data management and related things.
The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion
(I get tons of referrers coming to this site from hauntedmansion.com)
Disney fans will be excited about the new movie based on the Disney theme park which was also used as a location in the book Down and Out In the Magic Kingdom. (Which inspired this blog for those of you who don't know.) Follow this link for a trailer. Eddie Murphy is in it and there is a definite "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" feel, which I happen to love. IMO It would not have been a good choice to make a dark horror movie like they did with the Batman movies. | Follow this link to view a video trailer.
Via BoingBoing.net
Speaking of Disney movies based on them park attractions, anyone seen "Pirates of Caribbean"? I enjoy that Jonny Dep. He is so brooding and bohemian. Edward Scissor hands is an all-time classic.
(I get tons of referrers coming to this site from hauntedmansion.com)
Disney fans will be excited about the new movie based on the Disney theme park which was also used as a location in the book Down and Out In the Magic Kingdom. (Which inspired this blog for those of you who don't know.) Follow this link for a trailer. Eddie Murphy is in it and there is a definite "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" feel, which I happen to love. IMO It would not have been a good choice to make a dark horror movie like they did with the Batman movies. | Follow this link to view a video trailer.
Via BoingBoing.net
Speaking of Disney movies based on them park attractions, anyone seen "Pirates of Caribbean"? I enjoy that Jonny Dep. He is so brooding and bohemian. Edward Scissor hands is an all-time classic.
7.07.2003
Death Casting
This story from CNN talks about Hindu's who cannot attend cremations, who now can watch them live over the web.
A smart death care industry fella' would be all over this, broadcasting a funeral is the next best thing to being there. Although I can sense a morbid Truman Show thang' with Grandpa's dying breath streamed live from the hospital. That would be going a little far.
A smart death care industry fella' would be all over this, broadcasting a funeral is the next best thing to being there. Although I can sense a morbid Truman Show thang' with Grandpa's dying breath streamed live from the hospital. That would be going a little far.
7.06.2003
Wanting ET to Phone Home
It never ceases to amaze me to learn what people are willing to spend their money on. In this case, $24.95 to send a message to 5 stars during the "Cosmic Call". The digitized broadcast that took place on Saturday was sent out from, you guessed it, "Mission Control" in Roswell, New Mexico (with the dish being place in the Ukraine). Apparently 90,000 people opted to shell out the 25 bucks to send their message - 90,000 very stupid people.
7.05.2003
The war of information
This article from the Bostin Globe has a great point about keeping an eye on those who keep an eye on 'tings. However, I am one who hopes for a system where holding office is a temporary place of honor, integrity, and public works, not a place where you lose all privacy and live under a microscope. That said Technology has the opportunity to disrupt the balance of power held in a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, especially when that government has control of information and the people do not. The proper response to camera's pointing at the private sector is to point them at the public sector as well. Hopefully those with a brain will see that the line between public and private would be forever ruined and scrap the whole notion altogether. However, until then we fight fire with fire.
UPDATE: I was recently informed that I was (among other names) "subversive". A visitor claimed this post was "rabble rousing", and frosted me with other common partisan blogs. In response let me simply state; This blog is not a forum for political discourse or opinion, while my opinions will surely color my writing, I take great pains to focus on sci-tech subject matter. Much of today's technology and science is by nature "subversive" but I have no political agenda with this site. I leave you with this:
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives. A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy or perhaps both. (Not my writing, but that of the 4th president of the united states James Madison.)
UPDATE: I was recently informed that I was (among other names) "subversive". A visitor claimed this post was "rabble rousing", and frosted me with other common partisan blogs. In response let me simply state; This blog is not a forum for political discourse or opinion, while my opinions will surely color my writing, I take great pains to focus on sci-tech subject matter. Much of today's technology and science is by nature "subversive" but I have no political agenda with this site. I leave you with this:
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives. A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy or perhaps both. (Not my writing, but that of the 4th president of the united states James Madison.)
7.04.2003
Happy Birthday America
Through the smoke and spin of world politics few have remembered the gift of freedom that has been represented in my home America. America is not merely geographic place, though there are many memorable visages of beauty, nor is it a book of rules, though our Constitution is precious article, and niether does it tout itself as the only way, for America is a group of people with one common idea, celebrated and despised on forign soils, that idea is the people, and the people are the idea. Let us not forget amongst our lowly banging on the drums of politics, amongst the divisive tools of partisanship, or among the toils of day to day commerce and endevour, of this great heritage purchased by those who choose to defend you, speak for you, and work for you.
This great heritage defined by freedom, and expressed in speech of all kinds, from art, to blogs, to email is enjoyed by individuals. Not according to race, sex, creed, or kind but to all who own precious citizenship. Let not national debate, decent, or apathy destroy our love, our self respect, or ideals. On this day July 4th 2003, we face a future of uncertainty, with dynamic changes in technology that increasingly both empower and alter the common man and those that govern him, let us face that future without cowerdice or fear, but with responsiblity to the generations which shall follow. Let us not move forward in division, but in the unity which has been present in all great known human acheivements.
Today I remember the great gift of our lady liberty from France whose friendship is now in question. (To whom I hold no mallice) At the entrance to freedom she still remains a symbol of hope. What a perfect symbol a gift from afar. From the indian immigrant who starts a shop to send her children to college, to the native wealthy executive who gives of his fortune to do the right thing, May God bless you America, each and every one of you. Happy Birthday.
From the owner of this blog. (If you want to know more read this pleasant reminder of who we are.)
This great heritage defined by freedom, and expressed in speech of all kinds, from art, to blogs, to email is enjoyed by individuals. Not according to race, sex, creed, or kind but to all who own precious citizenship. Let not national debate, decent, or apathy destroy our love, our self respect, or ideals. On this day July 4th 2003, we face a future of uncertainty, with dynamic changes in technology that increasingly both empower and alter the common man and those that govern him, let us face that future without cowerdice or fear, but with responsiblity to the generations which shall follow. Let us not move forward in division, but in the unity which has been present in all great known human acheivements.
Today I remember the great gift of our lady liberty from France whose friendship is now in question. (To whom I hold no mallice) At the entrance to freedom she still remains a symbol of hope. What a perfect symbol a gift from afar. From the indian immigrant who starts a shop to send her children to college, to the native wealthy executive who gives of his fortune to do the right thing, May God bless you America, each and every one of you. Happy Birthday.
From the owner of this blog. (If you want to know more read this pleasant reminder of who we are.)
7.03.2003
Update
(Photo is student Zach Clark showing computer monitors displaying very small things from the donated BSU Atomic Force Microscope during open house.)
I went to the NanoTech seminar yesterday and will post short and long versions of my notes and a summary. I have to mention Amy Moll the Assistant Professor of the Dept. Of Engineering who I met at the "open house" that kicked off UGIM '03 Microelectronics Symposium on Sunday. She is a very creative thinker and gave us a great tour and showed us some of the research being done. BSU would be smart to take real good care of her and pay her well.
Also the "comments" have been down thanks to Blogger and their kookie ways, but thanks to the ever kind hearted and hard working Mike they are working again.
7.01.2003
Congratulations Roger you birthed a baby boy!
See people! This is where all this bio mania will lead us; down a slippery creepy slope. According to the BBC, scientists are postulating that soon men could cary children in an embryonic womb. Who are these scientists? Why? While transplanting a womb for a mother has obvious benefits, what could possibly be gained for a male? Aside from exit hole issues, there is a whole host of other things men are not equipped with. Would this become another selfish trend like single celebrities who adopt Taiwanese children? | Full BBC story here
Code name: Falcon
Code name: Falcon
(Falcon:Force Application and Launch from the Continental US-Isn't that Falcus?)
This DARPA program is developing space weapons that can launch from inside "Consus" (Continental US to those who aren't up on military tech speak.) The best part of the article is where they suggest that a single titanium rod dropped from space could create tremendous shock waves and penatrate 70 feet into solid rock. This would be used for deep bunker busting. | Full story here
Via Drudge
(Falcon:Force Application and Launch from the Continental US-Isn't that Falcus?)
This DARPA program is developing space weapons that can launch from inside "Consus" (Continental US to those who aren't up on military tech speak.) The best part of the article is where they suggest that a single titanium rod dropped from space could create tremendous shock waves and penatrate 70 feet into solid rock. This would be used for deep bunker busting. | Full story here
Via Drudge
6.30.2003
Don't Tread On Me Ware
Don't Tread On Me Ware
(I admit I am on a local tech kick but there is no particular reason.) University of Idaho students have developed a new way to prevent or severely limit hackers. The new software componant called CipherSmith soon to be engineered internally on a computer chip makes the hacker defend themselves against the potentially lethel software. The chip is also said to make it very difficult to hack into a network, requiring expensive equipment, luck, and hours and hours of coding. CipherSmith is set to debut at Technology IV in Spokane, Washington on Tuesday, a showcase for new developments.
(I admit I am on a local tech kick but there is no particular reason.) University of Idaho students have developed a new way to prevent or severely limit hackers. The new software componant called CipherSmith soon to be engineered internally on a computer chip makes the hacker defend themselves against the potentially lethel software. The chip is also said to make it very difficult to hack into a network, requiring expensive equipment, luck, and hours and hours of coding. CipherSmith is set to debut at Technology IV in Spokane, Washington on Tuesday, a showcase for new developments.
6.29.2003
Download A Joint and a Waffle?
Is it posible that nano and bio tech will reveal the hidden secrets of the brain, opening the door for a change in the drug trade/controlled substance world? Imagine if legalization of Marijuana became irrelavant, as digital THC algorythms were available for download on the net and played back through a pair of headphones? LSD, Cocaine, Heroine and other drugs? While this would be a detriment to healthy society, drug trafficers might be the ones hurt the most. Legislation would have to be enacted to stop such "stoner" software. Mind altering "Hardware" would have to be carefully regulated. It could happen. See this digital drug known as the Voodoo Machine.
Via The Accordion Guy
Via The Accordion Guy
Calling All Nerds
Calling All Nerds
Open house at 4:00pm on Sunday at Boise State University at the engineering and technology building at 1375 University Drive. Come and learn about the components that go into MP3 players and talking Elmo dolls. This open house is the start of an international gathering of semi-conductor and micro/nano electronic researchers. 300 or so participants from 38 universities Monday through Wednesday. The three day sympsonium costs $70-$325 And claims to present next generation tech like micro-spacecraft for deep space missions and chip sized "electronic noses".
For more info go to UGIM 03 (cross posted at idahoMP3.com)
Open house at 4:00pm on Sunday at Boise State University at the engineering and technology building at 1375 University Drive. Come and learn about the components that go into MP3 players and talking Elmo dolls. This open house is the start of an international gathering of semi-conductor and micro/nano electronic researchers. 300 or so participants from 38 universities Monday through Wednesday. The three day sympsonium costs $70-$325 And claims to present next generation tech like micro-spacecraft for deep space missions and chip sized "electronic noses".
For more info go to UGIM 03 (cross posted at idahoMP3.com)
6.28.2003
Cannon Ball Run: Clone Style
(Update on Idaho Gem Clone post)
It seems that of the five known competing cloners, no one is disputing the sucess of the Moscow, Idaho group from University of Idaho who are now awaiting their 3rd cloned "horse".
However, while the Italians have been silent as of late, the Austin Texas group from A&M U is brushing aside the accomplishments of the Idaho underdog and purporting to be the first to breed a quarter horse. Read more here
Cloners are desperate to fund their expensive habit. A bit of a bio gold rush if you will. While there of plenty of fools in a hurry to part with their dollars, I think many are still smarting from the tech industries wacking. Keep an eye on the Idaho group. We Idahoans are oft under estimated, and are a studious and disciplined group. Not only was the TV invented in Idaho, but the recent nuclear and chemical detection devices being employed publically came from here in the spud state.
It seems that of the five known competing cloners, no one is disputing the sucess of the Moscow, Idaho group from University of Idaho who are now awaiting their 3rd cloned "horse".
However, while the Italians have been silent as of late, the Austin Texas group from A&M U is brushing aside the accomplishments of the Idaho underdog and purporting to be the first to breed a quarter horse. Read more here
Cloners are desperate to fund their expensive habit. A bit of a bio gold rush if you will. While there of plenty of fools in a hurry to part with their dollars, I think many are still smarting from the tech industries wacking. Keep an eye on the Idaho group. We Idahoans are oft under estimated, and are a studious and disciplined group. Not only was the TV invented in Idaho, but the recent nuclear and chemical detection devices being employed publically came from here in the spud state.
6.27.2003
Slugbot
A brief reprieve on my ban on posts about robots. It is not so much the robot that I find appealing as the idea of a self powered machine using it's kill for fuel. Very Stephen Kingish.
| Full wired story here | Slugbot site
6.26.2003
Nanotechnology Luncheon
A forum on developing a productive enviroment for nano-tech ventures will be held in Boise, Idaho on July 2th at the DoubleTree Riverside noon to 3:15. Speakers will include Micron Technologies Research VP Mark Durcan, Lyman Frost from INEEL, Amy Moll from Boise State University, and Scot Ritchie from Positron Systems Inc.
$50 inlcudes lunch. To register call (208) 472-5230 or go to Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.
$50 inlcudes lunch. To register call (208) 472-5230 or go to Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.
6.24.2003
The Birth of A PDA
Congratulations it's a baby Zire. 10 shot gave birth to a baby 6 oz. Palm Zire. Claims she has been doing away with dead tree snippets all day.
I gave her my resources for "educating" that little whipper snapper:
For the spiritually minded: decent free bible software at olivetree.com
and
Qvadis E-books library
A library of books for your handheld. (As 10shot's sister points out can be helpful while waiting for the doctor.)
250 or so titles just in the Sci-Fi section. Including HG Wells books: The Time Machine, War of the Worlds, The Island of Doctor Moreau, and the Invisible Man
and others from authors like Edgar Rice Burroughs.
These are .prc files which I assume work with any reader on Palm OS.
While it is a huge library, that even includes a rating system and search, the titles don't include the author names up front and sometimes have little or no info. But beggars shant not be choosers. This library has very open-sourcy feel as there are original works mixed in with the classics. Many of the books were tediously copied by an assortment of whuffie deserving transcriptionists.
Also check out their large list of e-book source links that includes links to the commercial fictionwise.com and the Gutenberg Opensource project:
Qvadis Internet Library of Links
Add on: For those of you who have always wanted to learn Morse code get this free tutor ware.
I gave her my resources for "educating" that little whipper snapper:
For the spiritually minded: decent free bible software at olivetree.com
and
Qvadis E-books library
A library of books for your handheld. (As 10shot's sister points out can be helpful while waiting for the doctor.)
250 or so titles just in the Sci-Fi section. Including HG Wells books: The Time Machine, War of the Worlds, The Island of Doctor Moreau, and the Invisible Man
and others from authors like Edgar Rice Burroughs.
These are .prc files which I assume work with any reader on Palm OS.
While it is a huge library, that even includes a rating system and search, the titles don't include the author names up front and sometimes have little or no info. But beggars shant not be choosers. This library has very open-sourcy feel as there are original works mixed in with the classics. Many of the books were tediously copied by an assortment of whuffie deserving transcriptionists.
Also check out their large list of e-book source links that includes links to the commercial fictionwise.com and the Gutenberg Opensource project:
Qvadis Internet Library of Links
Add on: For those of you who have always wanted to learn Morse code get this free tutor ware.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)