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Reggie: The IT Guy (Comic)
2008-06-07 23:24:00
My wife made a comic awhile back, specifically for posting to Mizzouse. It’s her very first comic, and I must admit she did a good job. Without further ado, I present to you the world premiere of Reggie : The IT Guy (by Melanie James). Tags: comic, IT, tech support Credit score and mortgage ...
More About: Comic , General , Computing

Amazing 3D Audio Illusions You Won?t Believe
2008-06-07 22:51:00
What do you get when you place two microphones in the ears of a plastic head, make a recording, and combine the recordings into one? The most amazing audio illusion you could ever imagine! Called holophony (similar to holographics, but applying to audio), this type of recording simulates the actual sounds heard in a 3D ...
More About: Technology , Audio , General , Amazing , Illusions

Google Changes Favicon, World Explodes
2008-05-31 20:31:00
Google has made a change to their search engine that has rippled throughout the world, causing panic and fear in the hearts of all, tearing apart economies and launching all-out nuclear war worldwide. What could they have done to cause such turmoil, you ask? They changed their 1 KB, 16×16 pixel favicon. Due to the ...
More About: Google , World , General , Computing , Favicon

Self-playing Mario World Level Plays Music
2008-05-08 07:01:00
This is the coolest Mario -related video I have seen in a very long time, even cooler than the music video. The stars have aligned to allow someone with awesome talent and way too much time on their hands to create a Mario World level that not only completes itself without any user intervention, but ...
More About: Music , Computing , Plays

Real Exoskeleton Turns Soldier Into Iron Man
2008-05-07 06:59:00
It may not be as well-equipped as the Iron Man suit, but this Raytheon contraption turns humans into superhumans. The hydraulics in the Exoskeleton provide tremendously increased strength and capacity to carry out difficult tasks. Its controls are even precise enough for activities as light as walking on tiptoes or playing catch. For more ...
More About: Technology , Real , Soldier

Jumping Dolphins in Florida
2008-05-07 06:46:00
I recently took a business trip to Fort Walton Beach, Florida and had the chance to do some tourist activities while I was there. The highlight was a two-hour boat ride in Destin where we got a glimpse of several families of dolphins. The boat captain put the boat in full throttle and ...
More About: Dolphins , General , Jumping

Optimus Maximus OLED Keyboard is Unveiled at CES
2008-01-09 18:45:00
This keyboard is stunning.  Every single key is a fully customizable OLED display, which means endless drool factor for geeks.  Not only can you change the key layout on the fly, but you can change the font and colors of each key as well as assigning custom behavior to any key.  There is also an ...
More About: Computers , Optimus , Keyboard , Maximus

Bye-bye Bill Gates: The Last Day
2008-01-07 19:22:00
At the 2008 CES conference in Las Vegas, Bill Gates gave his final goodbye with this hilarious video.  Nice to see he’s got it in him to poke fun at himself and leave with a laugh.  Great video! Tags: Bill Gates, CES, The Last Day
More About: Technology , Computers , General

New PlayStation Eye Brings Drawings to Life
2007-11-15 17:28:00
Have you ever wanted to draw a picture and have it come to life?  These tech demos demonstrate research that is going on in the Playstation R&D lab that could potentially be the next big thing in gaming.  Simply scan a picture or object using the Eye and automatically use it in a video game. View ...
More About: Technology , Gaming , Life , Drawings

Mario World Level Plays Itself
2007-11-13 16:49:00
This video fascinates me.  I’m going to have to try it out sometime to verify that it’s real.  But, as far as I can tell, it is. Mario Level Can Autoplay Tags: Mario, Gaming , Nintendo, SNES
More About: World , Plays

“Working X-Wing” Disintegrates In Flight
2007-10-13 04:24:00
Well, it was worth a try, but unfortunately the X-Wing rocket project failed miserably. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again, right? Here’s footage of the event: Tags: X-Wing, Star Wars, rocket, explode
More About: Flight , Working , X-wing , Workin

Robotic Spy Insects - Coming to a Town Near You?
2007-10-11 02:07:00
Little flying bug-shaped robots? It may sound like a theme from a science fiction movie, but they may become commonplace very soon. The development of such a device, in the form of a dragonfly, began 30 years ago as a project sponsored by the CIA. What held it back from full development then was its inability to handle crosswinds. Now, it would seem that we would have the technology in place to create a much better solution; and that is in fact the case. Recent developments in our knowledge of insects’ bio-mechanical flight mechanisms have assisted roboticists in developing tiny robotic insects. Researchers at the California Institute of Technology have made a “microbat ornithopter” that flies freely and fits in the palm of one’s hand. A Vanderbilt University team has made a similar device. With their sail-like wings, neither of those would be mistaken for insects. In July, however, a Harvard University team got a truly fly-like robot airborne, its synthe...
More About: Robotic , Insects , Town , Robo , Sects

True Star Wars Fanatic Builds Working X-Wing
2007-10-02 18:36:00
This world certainly has its share of Star Wars fans. Some of them go to great lengths to show just how fanatical they are. This man is certainly the epitome of such fans; however I must admit that as an engineer myself, I am quite interested in his project. Andy Woerner and a group of rocketeer friends have put together this 21-foot-long beast that can actually fly (or so they say). The wings are designed to split into their famous X shape while in mid-flight using a modified RC helicopter motor. The craft itself is powered by solid-fuel rockets and is set for launch on October 10.
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Terabyte Discs Turn HD-DVD, Blu-Ray Into Coasters
2007-08-28 19:57:00
The new “TeraDisc ” technology, created by an Israeli company, is apparently able to blow away current disc storage limits.  Unlike HD-DVD and Blu-Ray, which can only store a maximum of 30 GB and 50 GB, respectively, the new TeraDisc will be able to sport a whopping TERABYTE of data.  Yes, you read that right: 1000 gigabytes of data.  Future developments could produce up to 5 terabytes of storage. The incredible capacity achieved using this new technology is made possible by employing 200 5GB layers, each one only five microns apart. The discs are completely transparent to the red lasers which are used in the associated recorder. Prototypes have already been made to store up to 800GB of data, and Mempile says it will crack the 1TB barrier before moving on to build 5TB blue laser disks. Dr Beth Erez, Mempile’s Chief Marketing Officer says that the first 1TB disks have a lifespan of 50 years and could be on the shelves in two to three years. To gi...
More About: Turn , Coasters , Coast , Byte

This Wall Doubles As A Couch
2007-08-03 20:25:00
If artistic furniture floats your boat, you may want to check out this wall (or room divider, as I would call it) on which you can comfortably rest your bum. Behind The Wall [via tumble.us] Tags: furniture, design, art
More About: Couch

Apple iPhone: Will It Blend?
2007-07-11 09:32:00
The answer is a resounding YES!  To see the resulting black powder for yourself, here’s a video for your viewing pleasure. Tags: iPhone, Will It Blend
More About: Apple , Iphone , Apple iphone , Lend

Blog Authors Wanted!
2007-07-07 19:25:00
Due to increased responsibilities at my full-time job, I have had very little time to create posts lately.  I would still like to provide new content, but it has become difficult to do so on a regular basis. So, I’m looking for help!  If you or someone you know is enthusiastic about technology and is a skilled writer, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  You can write as much or as little as you wish, as often as you wish. Tags: blogs, authors, writing, posts
More About: Blog , Authors , Thor , Wanted

Amazing LEGO Robot Solves Rubik’s Cubes
2007-07-02 18:00:00
I must confess that I’m a Rubik ’s Cube junkie.  I have memorized all of the algorithms to get it solved every time and my record is about 45 seconds.  You can imagine my excitement when I found this robot, made entirely of LEGO parts, that solves the cube automagically in less time than most people could ever wish to do the same: 1 minute and 45 seconds.  This is faster than my average time!  The creator reports that the algorithm always chooses the solution that will require the least number of moves. A motor actuates a prismatic joint that pushes the side of the cube (the red side in the photo); another rotates the cube’s support; the third one has the double function to help the pusher arm to accomodate the cube on the support and to hold the cube while the bottom face is rotated. The robot uses 2 touch sensors as limit switches for the arms and a light sensor to zero the rotating base. Check out this awesome video of the robot in action: ...
More About: Robot , Amazing , Lego , Robo

The Scoop On RAID Hard Drive Arrays
2007-06-12 22:57:00
If you have ever wondered what a RAID array is or how it works, I have stumbled upon a very good article pointing out everything from the very basics of RAID arrays to the various types of configurations available today.  You’ll also learn something that has actually been puzzling me for awhile: how can RAID arrays recover their data completely when one or two drives fail? Understanding RAID Tags: hard drives, RAID, self learning
More About: Drive , Hard , Scoop , Hard Drive , Arrays

The Amazing SawStop Protects Your Fingers
2007-06-05 19:43:00
The SawStop technology monitors the electrical signal on the saw blade and immediately shuts down (5 ms) when detecting flesh or other soft objects. It’s quite an innovation that can save many beloved phalanges destined as stubs. The SawStop safety system includes an electronic detection system that detects when a person contacts the blade. The system induces an electrical signal onto the blade and then monitors that signal for changes. The human body has a relatively large inherent electrical capacitance and conductivity which cause the signal to drop when a person contacts the blade. Wood has a relatively small inherent capacitance and conductivity and does not cause the signal to drop. A fast-acting brake stops the blade when contact is detected. Check out the video of this saw in action as it detects a hot dog: More Videos Product Page Tags: SawStop, saws, safety
More About: Amazing , Finger , The A , Fingers , Prot

Bill Gates Debuts Microsoft’s New Computer Table
2007-05-31 01:14:00
Microsoft has jumped forward in the next generation user interface battle with a new table that serves as a multi-touch-sensitive input device. Similar to the Minority Report Screen and the iPhone, users can manipulate virtual objects in a familiar way. It would seem that a screen such as this in table form could be used for a vast variety of real-life applications. Check out Bill’s Today Show debut here or watch the impressive preview video after the jump. (more…)
More About: Microsoft , Bill Gates , Computer , Table , Micro

Slacker Desktop Radio Beta Now Available
2007-05-29 22:15:00
Slacker Radio has finally released the long-awaited beta version of their desktop music player. First impression: it looks and feels identical to the web site. It appears to simply be a standalone wrapper to an Internet Explorer browser object with no new surprises except for a new compact view. It’s not possible to control the player from the system tray, but other than that I have no real complaints. Download Slacker Desk top Radio (Beta ) Tags: Slacker, Desktop Radio, Online Radio
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Longhorn Reloaded Project Turns Back the Clock to Pre-Vista
2007-05-29 22:10:00
Most geeks will remember that Longhorn was Microsoft’s code-name for the project that eventually turned into Windows Vista . Many of its features, such as the glass-like Aero interface, made their way into the current Vista release. However, the Joejoe group purports that some useful features were removed. That is why they have backtracked Microsoft’s development and created their own release of Windows Longhorn from the original beta versions. The project, entitled Longhorn Reloaded, provides this Longhorn installation for free (most likely illegally, since it violates Microsoft’s EULA). [via Download Squad] Tags: Longhorn, Microsoft, Windows, Vista
More About: Clock , Project , Back , Load

How Interesting Is Your IP Address?
2007-05-21 22:35:00
This is a bitmap representation of an IP address. Do you think it looks like a skier? Apparently the creators of ipspotting.com do, and they have awarded 30 points to this top-ranked IP for its originality. The web site also does the following with your IP address: Count the prime numbers Create a UPC barcode, if possible, and check to see if it is a valid product Generate a poker hand Generate a UNIX timestamp and check for significant events for that time Generate a phrase Calculate geographic coordinates Check for other interesting number properties (all odds, all evens, etc) All of these factors are then scored and your IP address is ranked based on its level of “interestingness”. It’s really just another useless way to waste your time…just what we’re all looking for! Visit ipspotting.com Tags: IP address, ip spotting, interesting
More About: Interesting , Rest , Address , Eres

How To Accept User Input In A Windows Batch File
2007-05-18 16:57:00
If you’re using Window s 2000 or above, you’re in luck. User input is extremely simple. Using the ’set’ command with the /p switch provides a prompt that will allow the user to type in a string, which will then be saved to a variable of your choice. Example: set /p NAME=Please enter your name: echo Hello, %NAME%! How are you today? Easy enough, right? I sure thought so. Tags: Windows, batch, scripting, scripts
More About: File , Indo

Arcade Mania: Winterbells
2007-05-17 21:02:00
This game is very simple, yet very addictive. Placed in a soft winter scene with peaceful background music, a little bunny hops into the air where bells are falling from the sky. Each time the bunny touches another bell, he hops even higher. The goal of the game is to keep the bunny up in the air for as long as possible. You control the bunny simply by moving your mouse. Give it a try! Play Winterbells View other featured games Tags: arcade, flash games, Winterbells
More About: Arcade , Bell , Cade , Mania , Arca

Tiny Robot Pulls Hummer, Passes Over Rough Terrain With Ease
2007-05-16 17:56:00
You’ve probably noticed by now that I like robots; what can I say? Here’s another cool one to add to my list. It has four “legs” that rotate and have individual tracks, allowing for both fluid movement and overcoming amazing obstacles. Enough descriptions; here’s a video. [via TechEBlog] Tags: robots, Hummer
More About: Robot , Tiny , Over , Pass

Keepon Dancing Robot Has Some Smooth Moves
2007-05-15 18:07:00
This little snowman guy probably dances much better than the guy who made it. He recognizes a beat and moves along to it with a very impressive accuracy. If you watch it for awhile, you’ll notice that his dancing style changes as he goes along; my favorite is the disco groove. [via HackedGadgets] Tags: robots, music
More About: Dancing , Robot , Keep , Move , Moves

FireFox eBay Toolbar For Die-hard Auctioneers
2007-05-08 19:58:00
This is a great FireFox extension if you’re an eBayer, as it gives you quick access to pretty much everything you need. Currently, eBay’s own browser toolbar is an Internet Explorer-only product. This Firefox equivalent serves up just about every eBay-related tool you can imagine: search (including options to search eBay Motors and Half.com), favorites, and quick access to various buyer, seller and My eBay pages. The toolbar also offers a boatload of useful links, including price-comparison sites, consumer reviews, shipping tools and more. My eBay Fox [via Lifehacker] Tags: eBay, FireFox, extensions
More About: Ebay , Hard , Die Hard , Toolbar

Gaming: Vista vs. XP Framerate Comparison
2007-05-07 17:48:00
Many XP gamers have delayed switching to Windows Vista because of a fear of worse performance. There has been much talk of video driver problems and other issues that would prevent newer games from running at their peak. Is it all true? It sure seems that way. [H]Enthusiast has put together a framerate comparison along with screenshots from both OSes. If you’re like me and just want the results (and not all of the fluff), here are the charts for two different video cards: Note: The 7600 GT represents the mid-to-low range of current video cards and the 8800 GTS 320MB represents the upper range. [via [H]Enthusiast] Tags: Vista, XP, gaming, PC
More About: Gaming , Comparison , Riso , Frame