Links for 20-09-2006
Identity theft paranoia rejected, biodiesel Harley, Doctorow interview, Fermi Paradox…
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“I know that I’m pwned by the government, pwned by Google, pwned by my reliance on Windows OS. But they haven’t pwned my brain, OK?” A cry against net data paranoia.
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‘Created by Tim Pickens, this [push]bike is equipped with “200-pound-thrust engine capable of blasting him from 0 to 60 miles an hour in five seconds.”‘ A certain unique yet admirable lunacy.
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” …building a green-friendly hog by tearing out the usual gasoline motor from a stock Harley chassis and replacing it with an electric motor that can achieve 85 mph.” Hell, yes.
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“Information wants to be free—and so does writer Cory Doctorow, who celebrates the new technologies that will change science fiction forever.” Interview at SciFi.com.
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The Grumpy Old Bookman seems impressed by Crichton’s ‘State of Fear’ novel. Personally, I don’t trust it one bit – that journalism award he got from the oil industry kinda prejudiced me against him on this topic.
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“These amazing images were taken by Cambridge University students who sent a camera close to the edge of space for less than £1,000.” The Brits are keeping it lo-fi…thanks, New Scientist Blogs.
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“The theorist speculates that ancient super-civilizations may well be out there, and perhaps detectable through an upgraded SETI effort. But his first task [...] is to silence the critics.” The Fermii Paradox gets an airing at Centauri Dreams.
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“…major cosmetics manufacturer Kao Corporation and a Keio University research team led by robotics professor Takashi Maeno have developed an artificial skin that feels just like human skin.” PKD reported to be spinning in grave.
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“…a series of sensors and switches that can extract energy from the environment and then transmit information via radio signals to a computer, which can then take the requested action.”
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“That achievement is said to be the first for a composite system, and the researchers say their approach could lead to new ways to harness quantum effects for communication and computational purposes.”
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“The game is more than a thousand years older than chess, and the number of possible moves in a game of Go exceeds the number of atoms in the universe. But most importantly, computer programs haven’t yet beaten the human masters of Go.”
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“The European Space Agency is ready to partner with private firms to help grow the passenger space travel industry.” It’s not the big money yet, but still encouraging to hear they’re on the case.
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“Seven cameras in Middlesbrough town centre have a facility, which allows operators to bark orders at those involved in anti-social behaviour.” The Beeb picks up the story.
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“How readily could [OPEC] nations deal with the loss of a big chunk of their income in a comparatively short time?” Jamais Cascio (as always) takes the long view.
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“…a report [...] which shows that new technologies which harness renewable energy have either already become — or are steadily moving toward becoming — economically competitive with fossil fuels.” Good news right there.
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