Visualize Whirled Peas

My hovercraft is full of eels…

waynezwhirled — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:03:17 +0000

Nifty work by Entecho on a personal hovercraft that may be available soon. From their site:

“The Hoverpod is Entecho’s personal flight CAV and employs our patented radial drum fan lifting system. With its small footprint and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) ability, it is easily transported, can be launched from anywhere and fly over any surface; be it snow, water, sand or wetland.

The Hoverpod is the ultimate recreational vehicle, combining the freedom of the hovercraft and All-Terrain-Vehicles (ATV) with the performance of Personal-Watercraft (PWC) and Snowmobiles. The Hoverpod flies at a greater altitude than a conventional hovercraft, allowing it to pass over any terrain. The Hoverpod also enjoys the freedom to tilt and develop translational g-forces in any direction. This omni-directional ability makes the Hoverpod further unique compared to conventional recreational vehicles.

Just imagine the possibilities with the Hoverpod!”

CNN…maybe not as precise as we might like to think

waynezwhirled — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:59:08 +0000

CNN, the self-proclaimed “most trusted name in news” seems to be insistent on referring to the new flu virus as “swine flu” . This, in spite of the fact that officials recommended the name change to Influenza A (H1N1) virus to eliminate public confusion and to more accurately highlight that the virus is transmitted via human-to-human contact. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), while the name “swine flu” is catchy, it’s not accurate and it’s causing unnecessary problems and concerns. Apparently CNN didn’t the memo. Will somebody please send them a Tweet or something…

Robots…penguins…robotic penguins…what’s not to like!

waynezwhirled — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:34:35 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

A recent NewScientist article describes a German technology firm that demonstrates rececent research on designing robotic penguins. Not only can they swim gracefully in water, but the helium-filled versions can actually swim through the air! This is way better than “flying toasters”.

Nano-Tattoos

waynezwhirled — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:23:12 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

In recent research at RPI we have the technology for non-permanent tatooing using nanotechnology applies to the skin. Others have blogged about this also. And Phillips is running a request for feedback! Think of the implications! We no longer have to fear that the tatoo artist accidentally chose the chinese symbol for “kick me”, heh. And those gang symbols could automatically adjust for whatever neighborhood you’re passing through. And, my gosh! Think about never having to explain that “ex”! You know this (non-permanent) modification is going to take off!

This would be worth signing up for…

waynezwhirled — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:59:05 +0000

: Image via CrunchBase

Finally, a Twitter use that seems truly entertaining. A mashup of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and a traditional theater! Go MuVChat!

“No” means no…

waynezwhirled — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:52:18 +0000

From the labs at MIT…to a store near you. The No-Contact jacket.

the fireman moves are in the beginner category (or so I’m told)

waynezwhirled — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:27:18 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Do your part to help get pole dancers the athletic respect they deserve!

http://www.verticaldance.com/poledancingintheolympics.htm

>> sign a petition to lobby the British Olympic committee into having pole dance as test sport for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Virus-built batteries

waynezwhirled — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:55:20 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Research at MIT yields virus-built batteries that would allow for light-weight, conformal battery production.

Augmented Reality Accessory Kit for VR glasses

waynezwhirled — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:40:25 +0000

According to a Gizmag article, Vuzix has some new accessories to complement its 3D visor.

Mars mission simulator

waynezwhirled — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:17:39 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

A group is undergoing a long-term isolation test to simulate the group conditions that would be experienced on a Mars mission.

Volunteers Locked Away in Mock Mars Mission (space.com)