Thursday, May 27, 2010

Take a People-Free Photo in a Crowded Place-LifeHacker












Ever been in front of some ancient ruin or really scenic place and tried to take a people free picture?  It's annoying.  Why are all those people here too?  It's almost like they came just to ruin your picture.

Luckily there's a way around it.  It requires a tripod and some photoshoppery.  Actually the magic is in the photoshoppery, but it's probably easier than you think.  Click through to check it out.

Take a People-Free Photo in a Crowded Place.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Going hypersonic with the X-51A Waverider - CNET News


Supersonic speed is so 2000's.  What do you know about that hypersonic speed?  Apparently Boeing does.  They've made a hypersonic scramjet that can reach speeds of up to 4000 mph.  The X-51A was set to be tested yesterday but was postponed.




Beyond supersonic speeds lies the realm of the hypersonic--faster than Mach 5.0, or in somewhat more down-to-earth terms, in excess of just under 4,000 miles per hour. On Tuesday, the U.S. Air Force plans to venture into that realm with the test flight of a chisel-shaped aircraft called the X-51A Waverider.



X-51A Waverider image - Going hypersonic with the X-51A Waverider (images) - CNET News.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Bedazzler - DIY non-lethal weaponry

Bedazzler

The bedazzler is a nonlethal, flashlight-ish device/"hand-held incapacitator" (totally nonlethal).  It causes nausea, eye pain, and sometimes vomiting.  No word on how effective it is but according to the site it does do what it says it will.
After attending a conference where the $1 million "sea-sick flashlight" (named "THE DAZZLER") was demonstrated by the US Dept. of Homeland Security, we decided to create our own version. For under $250, you can build your own dazzler and we've released the source code, schematics and PCB files to make it easy. A great Arduino project for people who really like blinking LEDs. We also added in a mode selection so you can put it into some pretty color-swirl modes, great for raves and parties!

Yes this project does indeed cause: Nausea, dizziness, headache, flashblindness, eye pain and (occasional?) vomiting! So don't use it on your friends or pets

Bedazzler - DIY non-lethal weaponry.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

LittleDog is getting more nimble/terrifying (Via Gizmodo)



Ok so uh...this is exciting but to be honest this is the most horrifying thing I have ever seen.  LittleDog is the youthie version of BigDog, a robotic quadruped that can not only walk and move on all fours, but it can walk over rocky, unstable terrain, right itself when knocked over, and basically band together with other BigDog's to parade down the streets enforcing the city-wide curfew.

Both "Dogs" are being developed under DARPA's robot locomotion initiative at USC.  LittleDog has apparently learned some of BigDog's tricks, including the ability to assess the viability of a foothold and adjust its footstep accordingly.  If this thing learns to climb walls I'm moving to South America-- I'm not trying to be here long enough to see a T-800 walking one of these down the street.  "Can I pet your emotionless quadrupedal killingbot?"

Every time I read an article like this I want to either get like 20 of my own or just hope that while I'm on stumbleupon, that I'll come across some blueprints for a laser cannon.  Either way, the implications of robotics are on both sides of a tightrope and it's pretty windy if you catch my drift.

Click here to go to Gizmodo for an unnerving video of this thing in action:

LittleDog Learns Several Terrifying New Tricks.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Body Hacks- Ginseng

Ginseng

This is the first of a series of posts called Body Hacks.  Things you do for yourself or things you can eat/drink that are beneficial to you in a natural or diy way. Keep in mind I'm not a doctor...consult your doctor before doing anything ever.

Today, we're going to talk about Ginseng.  Historically, ginseng has been prized as a sort of wonder-herb.

According to them,
Ginseng is known as an adaptogen, which means it increases resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stress and builds energy and general vitality.

In other words, it's a multi-purpose herb that fortifies everything and helps your system adapt to whatever stress it comes across.  Sounds good to me.  It is known for aiding energy levels and has also been shown to increase libido and sexual performance (A 2002 study by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine published in the annals of the New York Academy of Sciences).

It is usually consumed as a tea, a tincture, or raw although you can find it in health-food shops in powdered form, as well as in capsules.  My favorite way to take ginseng is with a tincture-- just add a few drops to whatever you're sippin' on and enjoy.

Here are some sources to read a little further:

Beginner's Guide to Ginseng

Health Benefits of Ginseng

AltMedicine.About.com - Ginseng

Wikipedia - Ginseng

Stay tubed for more body hacks.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Turn your USB flash drive into a tiny computer.

Flash Drive

A post on suite 101 by Ben Lingenfelter.  This post compares linux distributions able to be launched from a USB drive.  For the non-linux initiated, this means that you can have your own personal virtual computer complete with your applications, documents, and information wherever you go.
There are several methods of turning a regular USB Flash or "pen" drive into a bootable drive running a Linux OS platform, and there are lots of advantages to doing so. First, it's like carrying a pocket-sized personal computer. Second, booting from it essentially changes every different computer into the same one.

Read more at Suite101: Best Linux Distro for USB Flash Pen Drives: Comparing Puppy, Slax, xPUD, and DSL Linux Distributions http://freeware-shareware.suite101.com/article.cfm/best_linux_distro_for_usb_flash_pen_drives#ixzz0oWRKh6UA

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Weekend Ops Bags

[gallery columns="2"]
Sometimes you're called upon for a quick weekend mission...be it a quick show in the bay area or a mediation between Yakuza bosses in Japan.  Either way, you want to have the right way to pack and transport your clothes, writing materials, computers, and tantos.

These six bags might be up to the challenge.

Rugged


Aussie Bag ($59.99) | buy

Aussie Bag

A good water-resistant duffel.  Black for a low-pro appearence-- we wouldn't want the doorman at the Zaibatsu headquarters remembering you by your hipster limited edition Jordan bag with the elephant skin and pretentious coffee colorway...would you?  And take that hat off you look like an idiot.
Specs:

Constructed of PVC coated nylon inside and out.

  • 28"x16"x8 1/4"

  • 3696 cubic inches.

  • "U" shaped top opening with velcro flap cover.

  • Front and back full length zippered pockets.

  • Interlocking zippers through out.

  • Two side pockets with velcro closure.

  • Double sided PVC coated nylon for maximum water resistance.



Everest 20" Sport Gear Bag ($20.30) | buy

Everest Sports Bag

A sportier bag that wins the award for cheapest.  This is the type of bag you can "lose" or ruin and not feel to bad about since it comes in at around $20.  Note: this bag isn't waterproof...make sure that if the bag is in the process of being "lost" or ruined, that there is nothing inside the bag that you are particularly attached to.

Specs:


  • polyester

  • Fabric: 600 D Polyester

  • Size: 20" x 10" x 10"

  • Linear Inches: 40"

  • Weight: 2 lb

  • Warranty: Lifetime against defects in materials and workmanship



Texsport Canvas Tactical Bag ($37.49) | buy



This one is for when the weekend might turn into a 3-day weekend.  This is geared toward outdoor activity so it's a given that it will be rugged.  Here's the get low:

Specs:



  • Enhance your outdoor experience with this Texsport canvas tactical bag

  • Texsport outdoor gear available in black or olive drab color options

  • Duffel bag offers plenty of space and pockets

  • Main compartment has a heavy-duty full-length zipper for easy access

  • Three zippered outside pockets

  • Side end pockets

  • Inside patch and zip pocket

  • Waterproof bottom

  • Padded shoulder straps

  • Reinforced carry handles

  • ID holder







Dimensions:
34 in. L x 15 in. W x 12 in. D
Warranty:
1 year limited manufacturer
Materials:
Canvas
Model No:
11880 and 11882


Stylish


Cenzo Vecchio Italian Weekender ($199.00) | buy





Slick Italian Leather Duffel

For the price, you really get some plushness.  This weekend bag can fit about 1-3 days worth of supplies and has a really smooth, coffee/brownie mix color-- nicely offset by the brass hardware.  A good investment since with proper care, leather bags can last a long time.

Specs:

  • 11" h x 10" w x 21" l

  • Floto Italian Calf-Skin Leather

  • Detachable shoulder strap

  • 100% Cotton/Denim Lining

  • Brass Hardware



Colby Canvas Duffel Bag ($99.00) | buy

Colby Canvas Duffel Bag

If leather isn't your thing, here's a smart canvas bag with some faux leather accents.  Canvas is durable, coffee ice cream with the dark chocolate-- what more do you need?  Oh, a custom monogram?  Yea they got that.

Specs:

  • 20" wide x 10" deep x 15.5" high

  • Trimmed with faux leather.

  • Features a removable shoulder strap, 2 zippered outside pockets and a nylon-lined central compartment with 3 inside pockets (1 is zippered).

  • Monogramming is available for an additional $6.50.

  • Imported.



Brumby Duffel Bag ($89.95) | buy

Brumby Bag

The bare bones Brumby Bag.  Another canvas bag...I like canvas duffels.  This one is a cheap, durable, and classy.  This is a lot better than the busted Bad Boy Club bag you still have from the 90's with the rainbow sherbert colorway (and it's too dirty to be ironic...hipsters).

Specs:
  • Full-zip top

  • Heavy-duty double handles

  • Interior pockets

  • Cross-the-top leather strap

  • Metal stud feet

  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 15x22x15”

  • Capacity: 4950 cu.in.

  • Weight: 4 lb. 14 oz.

  • Material: Cotton canvas with leather and brass-tone metal trim

  • Closeouts. India.


  • Whether you're in need of a utilitarian bag or a more stylish alternative, these bags your ones.  All the rugged bags fall under the $60 mark while the stylish bags all full under the $200 mark-- either way you aren't going to be busting your pockets too badly to upgrade your weekend ops bag.

    Tuesday, May 18, 2010

    Kill Off Your Online Identities With The Web 2.0 Suicide Machine - The Consumerist

    [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Photo: Gage Skidmore"]via the consumerist[/caption]

    This is a cool service that allows you to erase your bebo, bandspace, and other social networking sites you were a member of but don't even remember or visit. This is really important if you are in any sort of business in which your online reputation matters. Having a bunch of unattended social network pages is not only spreading elements of your identity thinner than you can manage, but it also looks unprofessional.  This saves the time of having to navigate to the armpit of the internet and erase them by hand.
    This machine lets you delete all your energy sucking social-networking profiles, kill your fake virtual friends, and completely do away with your Web2.0 alterego. The machine is just a metaphor for the website which moddr_ is hosting; the belly of the beast where the web2.0 suicide scripts are maintained. Our services currently runs with Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and LinkedIn!

    Kill Off Your Online Identities With The Web 2.0 Suicide Machine - The Consumerist.

    Monday, May 17, 2010

    360 degree video for next-to-nothing - Hack a Day



    360 degree video for next-to-nothing - Hack a Day.

    This is a way to make 360 degree viewable video...raven style (cheap).  The possibilities with this are endless

    Focus Booster - the pomodoro technique

    Focus Booster


    This is an software implementation of a productivity technique known as the "Pomodoro Technique".

    Quoted from the app's home page:

    "The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method created by Francesco Cirillo. It can be used for any kind of task and enables you to view time as a valuable ally in acomplishing what you want to do.

    focus booster is a digital pomodoro timer to help you implement the Pomodoro Technique as quickly and efficiently as possible. Use it with ease and no fuss to focus on the things that are important, ignoring the distractions."


    Click through to see: focus booster - the pomodoro technique.

    Sunday, May 16, 2010

    How to Detect Lies

    Detecting Lies


    Below are a few different sources on how to get an idea of whether or not someone is lying.  Keep in mind that these aren't cut and dry rules, but they are interesting insights.  Use at your own risk.

    Quick overview.

    A bit more in depth.

    Video.

    Body Language.

    WikiHow

    Saturday, May 15, 2010

    Portable Solar Panel

    Portable Solar Panel


    A portable solar panel capable of charging a laptop.  This means you can fully disconnect from your desk and get your work done in a meadow or on a mountain or on a beach.  You can skype from a canoe (assuming you get internet reception...and assuming you are even a fan of canoe-skyping).

    Check it out.

    How to Access Blocked Stuff on the Web (Via Lifehacker)

    Access Blocked Info on the Internet


    Not sure if you read Lifehacker...I do.  Because of stuff like this.

    Good for all sorts of content that is restricted or blocked because of the nation you currently occupy.  It is always good to stay conscious of the world media, including all those Jerkin videos that will inevitably show up on European youtube in like 3 months. A more useful example would probably be if you're on vacation or business in a different country and you really want to watch Hulu, perhaps getting to gMail when it's down, control computers at home, etc.

    Click here to check it out.

    Home Made Poptarts??


    I saw this over at The Smitten Kitchen.  You should probably go to this blog now and learn something.


    If you insist though...


    Deb over at Smitten Kitchen had not had a Pop Tart until college.  When she had her first, she was sorely disappointed.  Inspired by that, she set out to make a flaky, warm, home made version.  She doesn't stop there--she includes recipes for multiple fillings including a more savory filling.


    Although the frosting part hasn't been perfected, (how the hell do they get it like a candy coating on the store-bought ones?  Probably all the mind-control chemicals...) these look like they'll blow those jellied cardboard squares off the supermarket shelves.


    Like I said, go to this blog now.

    Hand-powered Portable Washing Machine

    Portable Washing Machine


    This is genius.  A portable hand-powered washing machine??  I can think of a bunch of times throughout my travels where there was no clothes washing situation in sight.  This thing comes pre-assembled and ready to stick into the back of your car.


    Also, for the green people out there, it uses less water and detergent per load.  One less thing to tie you to your house.

    Check it out.

    Ibrahim Ferrer

    Ibrahim Ferrer



    Ry Cooder described him as "the Cuban Nat King Cole".  I don't bump Nat King Cole too often but I can say that any album by Ibrahim Ferrer is worth listening to.  A lot.


    Ibrahim Ferrer (February 20, 1927 – August 6, 2005) had been a singer since he was orphaned at age 12, having records out since 1960.  By the 90's he had been all but forgotten until he became involved with the Buena Vista Social Club project.  After Buena Vista Social Club his popularity skyrocketed on an international level, leading him to collaborate with The Gorillaz.  Killer music--he will be sorely missed.

    Think after hours in the tropics.

    Click Here to Buy on Amazon

    Jerome Olivet Backpack

    [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Jerome Olivet Backpack"]Jerome Olivet Backpack[/caption]

    This is a good example of what I want all my stuff to look like.  It's a backpack by designer Jerome Olivet.  This is just one of the many everyday objects that Jerome morphs into things that look like they came straight out of Perfect Dark.

    Perfect for any sort of seedy, burnt activities that involve incapacitating guards, stealing access codes to satellite plasma lasers, or any type of activity where a loose Jansport would throw off the vibe and potentially get you killed or laughed at.  Who wants to be running down a hallway while having their position given away by their backpack swishing across their back like a middle school kid?  Definitely not me.

    See what I'm saying?  Do yourself a favor.

    http://www.jeromeolivet.fr/