"Each figure has self-contained power supply and independent control, it can be fixed to any surface autonomously. A light sensor will switch the clock to an invert mode: the figures are white in the dark time of day and black at daytime." I will buy this clock the second it is mass-produced. [via Swiss Miss]
"This is a planning clock for office or studio. The Trace of Time clock not only tells the time but provides a place for users to make notes: The face of the clock is made of glass and stainless steel. Messages are erased by means of the integrated eraser. User can control speed as well for on day, one week even one month according to there schedule." Clever. [via David]
"'The sign could be a huge target and attract undue attention,' a spokeswoman for the Customs and Border Protection Agency told the Times. 'Anything that would place our officers at risk we need to avoid.'" Um, that's unbelievable. Are they going to start shape-shifting the White House because people can recognize it?
I'm doing a poor job catching up with my New Yorkers as I'm now 5 months behind. The good news is that you've probably already forgotten about this article.
In the 2/23/09 issue, there's an article about weaponizing robots that focuses on one of the best gun-makers and his efforts to sell his inventions. The robots he has built, the ones with the guns, can only fire their weapons when the operator presses a button.* Quoth:
"Automating firing, that's taboo," [Adam Gettings of Robotex] said. But, with a little programming, "you could definitely do targeting and tracking. You could have it identify targets, A, B, and C, put squares around them. Then just hit a button and decide which person to take out."
Immediately, I thought of the Madden football games. In Madden, after the play starts, each player is assigned to one of the buttons on the controller. When you're ready to pass, you press that button and the quarterback throws the ball.
The problem is that I often press the wrong button. Not a big deal when you're playing a video game, but it becomes a bit more of an issue when you're choosing whom to shoot. Here's hoping they have someone controlling this device who's better at video games than me. I suggest they look to Madden Nation for recruits.
* I'm glad people in our government are fearful of autonomous weaponized robots. No one wants another Skynet.
"'I mix coffee and Coke to stay awake.' It's a little scary to think about how much caffeine is surging through Levent's veins, but that's the life of a 24-hour fruit vendor."
To be honest, I didn't really want to see 2012, but this remix of the trailer may have changed my mind. While it's far from official, if more directors were so transparent about their films I think people would be less critical. Put your ego aside and admit this is a movie about blowing shit up. Crank: High Voltage did just that and it was fucking awesome.
In fact, I almost created it. This app shows you which subway car will be closest to the exit at your destination. They had something similar in the Tokyo subway system and I lurved it.
