Quadrotor flying machines are pretty awesome, and this video shows just how far their control and precision has come, as a swarm of them perform the theme from James Bond on a variety of instruments.
Transcendenz Augmented Reality
I’ve always felt that Augmented Reality (AR) will transform what it’s like to experience the world, but after watching this video about Transcendenz, I find my perspective and vision of AR transformed.
Watching this, I realize that AR has even more potential than I suspected. This technology, if used fully, has the potential to really change what it means to be a person. What does that mean for the future? Will we have ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’? An augmented class of citizen? But more importantly…with some many directions this technology can be used, who will control it? That’s the scary part…
The Lorax..and Mazda?
Mazda, you should be ashamed of yourself. To take the timeless Seuss classic ‘The Lorax’ and pervert it to suit your marketing neeeds…this sets a new low. The Lorax speaks for the trees and against mass consumption and consumerism. Early reviews of the movie are equally depressing, with the original environmental message mostly missing. I’ll admit that I haven’t seen it yet…with what I’ve heard so far, I’m reluctant to spend the money to see it in a theater and will wait for it to be available in iTunes instead.
One encouraging sign though, is that on YouTube, Mazda’s commercial has an overwhelming negative review so far (90% negative votes!). This is corporate green-washing at its worst. Don’t fall for it. These 4th graders can see the truth, can you?
Walmart to sell genetically modified corn
The ingredients in processed foods are already a bit of a mystery, but what about that fresh produce you’re buying? Most people assume it’s natural and safe for consumption. Well, apart from the pesticide concern (like bud nip), there’s a growing concern that the produce you buy may be genetically modified (a GMO, Genetically Modified Organism). Why should you care? Because this is being driven by corporate greed, not science. The health concerns have not been adequately addressed by science, but this ‘food’ is put up for sale anyway without its true nature being labeled.
This summer, Walmart plans to sell genetically engineered corn on the cob in the fresh produce section. This engineered corn from Monsanto produces Bt toxin, a pesticide. Feed this stuff to rats and they get organ failure. Which somehow means it’s safe for people I guess?
So, if you care about this stuff, what can you do? First, shop at a store that cares, like Trader Joes or Whole Foods. Second, ask the produce manager in your local grocery store which items they have for sale are genetically modified (don’t expect them to know, but the point here is to raise consciousness and let them know their customers care about this issue). Third, sign this petition to send a signal to Walmart. Oh, and fourth…plant a garden and grow as much of your own food as possible, to at least minimize the scientific anomalies you introduce to your digestive tract.
Geckskin
Scientists have long studied geckos, fascinated by the amazing holding power of their feet and continuously attempting to replicate that with human technology. Well, we’re a step closer now thanks to researchers at the University of Massachusetts, who developed a pad that mimics the pads and tendons of a gecko’s feet, with the result able to hold hundreds of pounds to a smooth wall (~700lbs, to be more precise). The example they showed was a 42″ TV held only by this ‘geckskin’ material. Read more about it over at New Scientist.