Thursday, February 28, 2013

WFH House incorporates shipping containers into a modular building system

WFH House incorporates shipping containers into a modular building system: "It’s no surprise to see the popularity of shipping container homes increase in recent times, especially when architects just keep getting more and more creative with what they can do with them. Adding to the list of innovative shipping container homes is the prefabricated WFH House, which incorporates the use of recycled shipping containers into a modular building system."

'via Blog this'

New action cam round-up: Cameras go airborne, 3D and sideways

New action cam round-up: Cameras go airborne, 3D and sideways: "Thanks to the surplus of affordable wearable video camera hardware, action sports enthusiasts no longer need a sponsorship or film crew to capture their biggest, most exciting trips and moves. Now all it takes is a couple hundred bucks."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Chuck: flexible shelving you can bend to your whim

Chuck: flexible shelving you can bend to your whim: "Chuck is a flexible shelving unit by Natascha Harra-Frischkorn that can be considered either functional art or artistic furniture, depending on your point of view. The idea behind Chuck is a set of shelves that can be adapted to its owner's changing needs, with the six shelves literally able to be bent and shaped to your whim."

'via Blog this'

HydraPak's new pocket-friendly SoftFlask collapsible water bottle

HydraPak's new pocket-friendly SoftFlask collapsible water bottle: "While water bottles are great for staying hydrated, they aren't so great once you're hydrated and they're empty. Lugging an empty bottle around is rarely convenient, especially if you're doing something athletic like running – and there isn't always a recycling bin or garbage can around to ditch it in. HydraPak's new SoftFlask helps get the empty water bottle out of your way by collapsing into a tiny package."

'via Blog this'

Forze team unveils new hydrogen-powered racer

Forze team unveils new hydrogen-powered racer: "On the right side of the racing fence you have your combustion engine. Politically incorrect to some but a highly efficient piece of engineering design that transported millions for the past hundred years and kept Beijing smoggy since 2008. On the left side of the power debate, you have your battery-electric options. Heavy, costly and slightly dangerous, this mode is still in its evolutionary infancy but is making headway against its dinosaur brethren."

'via Blog this'

Sunday, February 24, 2013

How Do They Make Money?: Guide To How Tech Companies Make Money

How Do They Make Money?: Guide To How Tech Companies Make Money: "Anyone interested in technology may have asked this question; how do tech companies make money? The answer to this question may not be obvious, but luckily we have a new tool called How Do They Make Money? to help us out."

'via Blog this'

The Future Is Prepaid: How To Save Hundreds On Your Mobile Phone Bill In 3 Easy Steps

The Future Is Prepaid: How To Save Hundreds On Your Mobile Phone Bill In 3 Easy Steps: "Cutting your mobile phone bill in half takes only three simple steps – first, find a carrier that offers discounted plans, such as an MVNO. Second, get an unlocked phone. Third, and optionally, you can optimize the phone’s functionality to cost less. Some start-up costs apply, but the overall savings will greatly outweigh the expenses."

'via Blog this'

Thursday, February 21, 2013

The Rise Of The Supertalls | Popular Science

The Rise Of The Supertalls | Popular Science: "Barely 18 months after 9/11, Baker returned to New York—this time to talk about designing the world’s tallest building. The firm won the contract; six years later, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai topped out at 2,717 feet, more than half a mile tall."

'via Blog this'

Fusion Power Could Happen Sooner Than You Think | Popular Science

Fusion Power Could Happen Sooner Than You Think | Popular Science: "In a presentation that seems ripped from the Atomic Age, Lockheed Skunkworks says it might be a decade away from producing a power plant based on compact fusion reactors. Unlike current nuclear reactors, all of which use fission, nuclear fusion does not easily produce materials that can be used in nuclear weapons. Fusion reactors also offer better containment, easier shutoff, greater energy efficiency, and less radioactive waste than their fissioning cousins. Of course, with something this promising, there has to be a catch."

'via Blog this'

Frenchman nails perfect backflip ... in a Mini

Frenchman nails perfect backflip ... in a Mini: "Despite what you may have seen in movies and TV shows, cars aren’t generally much good for aerial acrobatic work. That hasn’t stopped professional skier and rally driver Guerlain Chicherit combining his two areas of expertize to become the first person in the world to perform an unassisted backflip in a car and execute a perfect landing on a bed of fresh powder snow."

'via Blog this'

McLaren reveals P1 engine details – and it's a hybrid

McLaren reveals P1 engine details – and it's a hybrid: "We’ve seen the early images and taken a peek at the carbon fiber interior, but now McLaren has seen fit to let slip the finer details of just what's powering the P1. The long-awaited successor to the mighty F1 will sport both a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, and an electric motor – each of which combine to push out a total of 903 bhp, and 900 Nm of torque."

'via Blog this'

NASA's basement nuclear reactor

NASA's basement nuclear reactor: "If Joseph Zawodny, a senior scientist at NASA’s Langley Research Center, is correct, the future of energy may lie in a nuclear reactor small enough and safe enough to be installed where the home water heater once sat. Using weak nuclear forces that turn nickel and hydrogen into a new source of atomic energy, the process offers a light, portable means of producing tremendous amounts of energy for the amount of fuel used. It could conceivably power homes, revolutionize transportation and even clean the environment"

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

134-year-old British fortress becomes a luxury island escape

134-year-old British fortress becomes a luxury island escape: "Located one mile out to sea off the coast from Portsmouth Harbor in Hampshire, U.K., the 134 year old Spitbank Fort was originally used to defend the coast of Britain against ships and light aircraft. Now, after a £3 million (US$4.85 million) makeover, it has been transformed into an exclusive island retreat."

'via Blog this'

Maserati sets sailing world record

Maserati sets sailing world record: "Given Maserati's reputation for exotic, high-performance Italian sports cars, the idea that it would set a world record isn't very surprising. What is suprising is that the record was set on water, not land. In fact, Maserati has been actively pursuing many world records in a vessel that is about as different from a V8-engined coupe as you can get. It's been sailing the world in search of prowess and prestige in a large, wind-powered monohull."

'via Blog this'

View a Map with the Locations of All Recorded Meteorite Strikes Since 2,300 B.C.

View a Map with the Locations of All Recorded Meteorite Strikes Since 2,300 B.C.: "After last week’s meteorite strike in Russia there has been a renewed interest in meteorite activity across the globe. Now you can view the impact locations of 34,513 recorded meteorite strikes dating back to 2,300 B.C. with this awesome map created by Javier de la Torre."

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Honda takes aim at novice market with new CTX motorcycles

Honda takes aim at novice market with new CTX motorcycles: "onda has introduced the first two motorcycles of its new CTX (Comfort, Technology and eXperience) series. The 2014 CTX700 and its siblings (CTX700N, CTX700D, and CTX700ND) are variations of the company's 2012 NC700 model which was designed mainly as reliable, inexpensive bikes for new riders."

'via Blog this'

Monday, February 18, 2013

Dolphin pod of 100,000 dolphins spotted off San Diego coast

Dolphin pod of 100,000 dolphins spotted off San Diego coast: "There are dolphin sightings, and then there's the "super mega-pod" spotted Thursday off the San Diego coast. Capt. Joe Dutra said he and others aboard his boat were astounded to see about 100,000 dolphins swimming in a span 7 miles long and 5 miles wide."

'via Blog this'

Cigarette Racing and AMG turn out 42-feet of comfort and speed

Cigarette Racing and AMG turn out 42-feet of comfort and speed: "Cigarette Racing and AMG have collaborated on the newest version of the Huntress performance boat, which was officially unveiled this week at the Miami International Boat Show. A little more roomy than classic go-fast boats, the 42-foot Huntress is ten feet high, has an 11-foot, 9-inch beam and a cabin below decks providing luxury accommodation for two."

'via Blog this'

Dropboards motorized carving board powers over dirt and pavement

Dropboards motorized carving board powers over dirt and pavement: "Walking the floor of the recent ISPO Munich sports show, there were a few things that were almost impossible to miss – the automated polar bear walking the corridors, for instance (see the gallery). Outside of that oversized white teddy bear, and maybe a scantily clad promo girl or two, the Dropboards Carve Motor 50cc spun my head faster than anything. This burly, all-terrain motor board looks more like a go-kart than a skateboard."

'via Blog this'

Americans Abandoning Facebook In Droves | Conservative Byte

Americans Abandoning Facebook In Droves | Conservative Byte: "The Facebook craze that gave us Farmville and notes from “friends” about their breakfast and just about everything else may finally be ending."

'via Blog this'

Sports News | Latest Sports Headlines, Scores, Stats Analysis & News | Fox News

Sports News | Latest Sports Headlines, Scores, Stats Analysis & News | Fox News: "Danica Patrick has won the Daytona 500 pole, becoming the first woman to secure the top spot for any Sprint Cup race."

'via Blog this'

Gone in a flash - Five of the quickest automotive failures | Fox News

Gone in a flash - Five of the quickest automotive failures | Fox News: "undred-year anniversaries in the automotive world are nearly as common as new reality TV shows (General Motors, Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo all turned 100 recently). The car companies on this list weren’t as fortunate. Here are some of our favorite flashes in a pan:"

'via Blog this'

Benevolent Boozing: New Houston bar donates 100 percent of its profits to local charities | Fox News

Benevolent Boozing: New Houston bar donates 100 percent of its profits to local charities | Fox News: "A new Houston bar is offering its customers not just a relaxed atmosphere with good drinks and food, but a pledge that 100 percent of its profits will be donated to a different local charity or social cause each month."

'via Blog this'

Friday, February 15, 2013

Asteroid 2012 DA14: First Images of Space Rock Approaching Earth - ABC News

Asteroid 2012 DA14: First Images of Space Rock Approaching Earth - ABC News: "Asteroid 2012 DA14 makes its closest approach to Earth at 2:25 p.m. ET Friday, and the world’s astronomers have been on the lookout for it.  Take a look at this sequence of images, sent by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory from the Faulkes Telescope South, in Siding Springs, Australia:"

'via Blog this'

Heat-activated “smart material” debuts in 2014 Corvette

Heat-activated “smart material” debuts in 2014 Corvette: "Chevrolet is taking some major steps to improve and evolve the Corvette – the automaker is bringing back the beloved Stingray and adding a 6.2L V-8 LT1 engine with over 450 horsepower (335kw). Now, Chevy has revealed its intentions to incorporate heat-activated "smart materials" into the 2014 Corvette."

'via Blog this'

Boomerope loops ropes over high objects

Boomerope loops ropes over high objects: "If you’ve ever tried to loop a rope over a high branch, girder, pole or whatnot without using a ladder, then you’ll know that it can be pretty frustrating. As with most frustrating tasks, however, someone has invented a gizmo to make it easier. That gizmo is the Boomerope."

'via Blog this'

Silicon nanoparticles used to create a super-performing battery

Silicon nanoparticles used to create a super-performing battery: "In some peoples’ opinion, electric cars won’t become truly viable until their batteries offer a lot more driving range, and can be recharged much more quickly than is currently possible. Well, those people may soon be getting their wish. Scientists at the University of Southern California have developed a new type of lithium-ion battery, that they claim holds three times as much energy as a conventional li-ion, and can be recharged in just ten minutes"

'via Blog this'

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Ballistics Gel

Ballistics Gel: "This is a cheap and easy way to make ballistics gel easily
The Mythbusters use this stuff all the time
I got this idea from mythbusters and i see them use it all the time on the show so I wanted to make some"

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Exploring One of Nature’s Wonders: The Slot Canyon - OutdoorHub.com

Exploring One of Nature’s Wonders: The Slot Canyon - OutdoorHub.com: "Slot canyons are exquisitely beautiful nooks in the earth carved ages ago by the rush of water through sandstone. They are slim and often unexplored, which makes slot canyons an interesting deviation for many avid climbers. These canyons can be found across the continental United States, but are perhaps most concentrated in Utah. In fact, more slot canyons are located in the beehive state than anywhere else in the world."

'via Blog this'

PowerUp 3.0 lets you control a paper airplane with your smartphone

PowerUp 3.0 lets you control a paper airplane with your smartphone: "About a year and a half ago, we took a look at something called the PowerUp. It’s a capacitor joined to a propeller by a carbon fiber shaft, that can be used to power a user-supplied paper airplane. At the time, we suggested that it would be good if the user could actually steer the PowerUp-powered plane by remote control. With the soon-to-be-released PowerUp 3.0, it turns out, that’s just what they’ll be able to do."

'via Blog this'

Golden-i wearable hands-free computer interface

Golden-i wearable hands-free computer interface: "Computers are an alloyed blessing for many professions. They’re a great way for the likes of aircraft workers or emergency responders to quickly get the information they need, but they also require you to have your hands free to operate them ... often at exactly the moment you don't have a hand to spare."

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

DARPA's new 1.8-gigapixel camera is a super high-resolution eye in the sky

DARPA's new 1.8-gigapixel camera is a super high-resolution eye in the sky: "DARPA recently revealed information on its ARGUS-IS (Autonomous Real-Time Ground Ubiquitous Surveillance Imaging System), a surveillance camera that uses hundreds of smartphone image sensors to record a 1.8 gigapixel image. Designed for use in an unmanned drone (probably an MQ-1 Predator), from an altitude of 20,000 ft (6,100 m) ARGUS can keep a real-time video eye on an area 4.5 miles (7.2 km) across down to a resolution of about six inches (15 cm)."

'via Blog this'

Terrarium Desk brings the outdoors indoors

Terrarium Desk brings the outdoors indoors: "Working exclusively indoors obviously has its advantages, but it isn't completely free of annoying issues. During the winter months especially, the lack of sunlight and absence of nature can have a depressing effect. One solution may be to bring the outdoors indoors, which is exactly what Daniel Zeller has tried to achieve with his Terrarium Desk."

'via Blog this'

Monday, February 11, 2013

Meindl builds a retractable spike system into its winter boots

Meindl builds a retractable spike system into its winter boots: "German footwear manufacturer Meindl recently added an innovative solution for winter traction to its line. The metal spikes in the Tecvision Spike System provide traction during the slipperiest winter conditions and quickly retract back into the rubber sole when they're not needed. You can tackle all winter conditions with one pair of boots."

'via Blog this'

Saturday, February 9, 2013

How Polarity Makes Water Behave Strangely - How-To Geek

How Polarity Makes Water Behave Strangely - How-To Geek: "Have you ever wondered why ice floats in liquids, how small insects can walk on water, or why water in a lake freezes from the top downward? Learn what makes water behave the way it does in this fascinating TED-Ed talk given by Christina Kleinberg."

'via Blog this'

Friday, February 8, 2013

Boeing’s hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye taxis closer to second flight

Boeing’s hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye taxis closer to second flight: "Following the first flight of its Phantom Eye in June of last year, Boeing has performed software and hardware upgrades in preparation for its second flight that will see it climb to higher altitudes. This week, the hydrogen-powered unmanned aircraft system made a significant step towards such a second flight with the completion of taxi testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California."

'via Blog this'

BMW designs a car to a four year-old's specifications

BMW designs a car to a four year-old's specifications: "Who says that car makers don’t listen to their customers? A reader at Jalopnik asked for help in producing a concept image for a car built to the specifications of his four year-old nephew, Eli – BMW responded with the ride we all secretly wish we owned."

'via Blog this'

Thursday, February 7, 2013

The LED NanoLight may be the most efficient lightbulb yet | TechHive

The LED NanoLight may be the most efficient lightbulb yet | TechHive: "Part lightbulb, part spaceship component, the LED NanoLight (funding through March 8) is being touted as the world’s most energy efficient lightbulb."

'via Blog this'

Handheld Black Hornet Nano drones issued to U.K. soldiers

Handheld Black Hornet Nano drones issued to U.K. soldiers: "Drones have become a valuable asset for any military force in recent years for both combat and surveillance. But while scanning a warzone from miles away is great from a tactical standpoint, unmanned aircraft can be just as useful in the hands of troops on the ground. That's why British soldiers in Afghanistan have been issued several Black Hornet Nanos, a palm-sized UAV that can scout around corners and obstacles for hidden dangers."

'via Blog this'

All-terrain DTV Shredder hits the market

All-terrain DTV Shredder hits the market: "Those looking procure their own DTV Shredder are in luck. The DTV (Dual Tracked Vehicle) that first crossed our desks in 2010 is now available for purchase via the BPG Werks website and through various international distributors. And the price of being able to tear it up over practically any terrain (with the exception of public roads)? US$3,999."

'via Blog this'

Gold nanoparticle could allow powerful alpha particles to join cancer fight

Gold nanoparticle could allow powerful alpha particles to join cancer fight: "Gold nanoparticles have already shown promise in precisely highlighting brain tumors, “blowing up” individual diseased cells, and developing a lung cancer breath test. Now researchers have created gold nanoparticles that allow an alpha particle-emitting element to be directed to small cancer tumors. The researchers say the gold coating keeps the powerful radioactive particles in place at the cancer site so they do negligible damage to healthy organs and tissue."

'via Blog this'

New water jets to give U.S. Navy littoral combat ships extra punch

New water jets to give U.S. Navy littoral combat ships extra punch: "The U.S. Navy is fitting new Rolls Royce water jets to its Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). Originally designed for a cancelled ship program, four of the new Axial-Flow Waterjet Mk-1 engines will be fitted over the next two years to the U.S. Navy’s fifth LCS, USS Milwaukee (LCS-5) at the Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin, with ten of the class to follow."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Gizmag | New and Emerging Technology News

Gizmag | New and Emerging Technology News: "Drones have become a valuable asset for any military force in recent years for both combat and surveillance. But while scanning a warzone from miles away is great from a tactical standpoint, unmanned aircraft can be just as useful in the hands of troops on the ground. That's why British soldiers in Afghanistan have been issued several Black Hornet Nanos, a palm-sized UAV that can scout around corners and obstacles for hidden dangers."

'via Blog this'

NASA to fly largest solar sail ever, in 2014

NASA to fly largest solar sail ever, in 2014: "NASA is getting ready to ride the “winds” of space on sails lighter than gossamer, yet large enough to cover a small field. The space agency’s Solar Sail Demonstration, also known as the Sunjammer Project, may launch as early as 2014 when it will send the largest solar sail yet built into orbit, to demonstrate the technical viability of the device."

'via Blog this'

W Motors unveils US$3.4 million Lykan Hypersport

W Motors unveils US$3.4 million Lykan Hypersport: "When Ralph R Debbas founded W Motors in Beirut with Sari El Kahalil in July 2012, he wanted to create the world's most expensive, luxurious, and exclusive car. Well he’s made a fair fist of it with the Lykan Hypersport, which has been unveiled at the 2013 Qatar Motor Show. W Motors will limit numbers of the car, which it heralds as “the first Arabian hypercar,” to just seven, each priced from US$3.4 million."

'via Blog this'

Halley VI Antarctic research station opens for business

Halley VI Antarctic research station opens for business: "Just over a century after Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Antarctic expedition came to a tragic close, Britain’s latest and greatest Antarctic Research Station has opened and will become fully operational over the coming weeks. The £25.8 million (US$40.6 million) facility was designed by Hugh Broughton Architects and engineering firm AECOM, and represents a continued commitment from the UK's scientific community to maintain a cutting-edge facility in the region."

'via Blog this'

Monday, February 4, 2013

Wow, Did That Dodge Ad With Paul Harvey Talking About Farmers Rock the Super Bowl | Video | TheBlaze.com

Wow, Did That Dodge Ad With Paul Harvey Talking About Farmers Rock the Super Bowl | Video | TheBlaze.com: "God said I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk the cows, work all day in the field, milk cows again, eat supper then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board – So God made a Farmer"

'via Blog this'

State-of-the-art rocket-powered motorcycle sells on eBay

State-of-the-art rocket-powered motorcycle sells on eBay: "A state-of-the-art rocket-powered motorcycle that was recently advertised for sale on eBay has been sold to Gerd Habermann Racing. Engineered to hit speeds in excess of 400 mph (640 km/h) during the quarter-mile, the bike was designed and built by Glenn Brittian, one of the few drivers licensed by the National Hot Rod Association to drive a rocket dragster. The asking price was US$27,000, but the actual selling price has not been made public."

'via Blog this'

Iran unveils homegrown Qaher F-313 "stealth" fighter

Iran unveils homegrown Qaher F-313 "stealth" fighter: "Iranian State TV on Saturday showed an unveiling ceremony for what the Iran Defense Ministry claims is a new Iranian designed and built combat aircraft. Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said the single-seat Qaher F-313 (Dominant F-313) can operate at low altitudes and was constructed from “advanced materials” that contribute to the aircraft’s “very low radar cross section.”"

'via Blog this'

Computer model indicates promising new catalyst for generating hydrogen from water

Computer model indicates promising new catalyst for generating hydrogen from water: "Hydrogen is often hailed as a promising environmentally-friendly fuel source, but it is also relatively expensive to produce. However, new research conducted at Princeton University and Rutgers University poses the opportunity to produce hydrogen from water at a lower cost and more efficiently than previously thought possible."

'via Blog this'

Friday, February 1, 2013

Bunkie: you'll never guess where they hide the beds

Bunkie: you'll never guess where they hide the beds: "You can erect a prefab shed in a remote field, but that doesn't make it a house. Mercifully, Nathan Buhler of BLDG Workshop and Evan Bare of 608 Design are more circumspect when it comes to their collaborative effort, the Bunkie. Talking to Gizmag, Buhler said that he thinks of the design more as a large product than as small-scale architecture. Effectively a spare room you can put in your yard, we think that's bordering on understatement."

'via Blog this'

First-ever dual in-flight refueling of a pair of F-35C fighters

First-ever dual in-flight refueling of a pair of F-35C fighters: "For the first time, a pair of F-35C Joint Strike Fighters have simultaneously refueled from a KC-130 tanker aircraft. The aircraft's afterburners burn an enormous amount of fuel, so an important part of most missions will be refueling before or after combat, or both. This is why the successful dual refueling is an important benchmark for the JSF family."

'via Blog this'

Ready Fuel gel fire starter burns at 1,200°F

Ready Fuel gel fire starter burns at 1,200°F: "Ready Fuel is a lightweight gel that burns clean and hot enough to act as fire, as well a fire starter. Tested and approved by the U.S. military, it is a versatile solution that can serve as an emergency survival tool, primary fire starter or a cooking fuel."

'via Blog this'

NoteMark pen scanner digitizes paper documents in an instant

NoteMark pen scanner digitizes paper documents in an instant: "s more information becomes available in digital formats, it can be a little frustrating to not be able to simply bookmark or save any documents printed on ordinary paper. There are plenty of articles, recipes, letters, contracts, etc. that would be much more convenient if they were saved on a flash drive, which is where the NoteMark would come in handy. With a laser-projected sight and built-in camera that captures documents as high-definition photos, the ballpoint pen/scanner could be an invaluable tool for quickly digitizing and storing paper documents."

'via Blog this'

Spintronics used to create 3D microchip

Spintronics used to create 3D microchip: "A major obstruction to the development of practical 3D microchips is moving data and logic signals from one layer of circuitry to another. This can be done with conventional circuitry, but is quite cumbersome and generates a good deal of heat inside the 3D circuit. Physicists at the University of Cambridge have now developed a spintronic shift register that allows information to be passed between different layers of a 3D microchip."

'via Blog this'