The liquid plot

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Here’s a chemist’s take on the plausibility of the London liquid bomb plot, followed by commentary on what he calls Potemkin security. He references Schneier, and goes on about the practicality of security against these kind of plots (as almost everything can be impregnated with nitrates, such as clothing) and the practicality of guarding against these specific threats. Yup, we all need cavity searches and x-rays before we board the planes naked.

Planets sorted out

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As a result of scientific study, the IAU has now decided that instead of 9 planets, our solar system contains at least 12. So time to change your solar system map and re-remember the new planets.

The new definition of a planet is:

A planet is a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet.

Trimersion 3D Display

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Finally a new 3D VR display – it’s taken its time!
This unit stops ambient light from coming in entirely, sports a lightweight design and a tracker that works as a mouse, comes with a gun, allowing you to use it seamlessly in most FPS games. I think it’ll look great in the Flight Sim world as well, as long as there’s view with your mouse option too. Good reviews, but no figures (eg. resolution, weight, etc.). Price is not too bad at $329,-

Time fountain and other creations

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This time fountain uses strobe lighting to show water droplets falling. You can interact with the drops and because you can alter the strobing frequency, you can seem to slow down time and even make time go backwards.
The video makes things clearer 🙂 you can find that here

Instructions on how to make the time fountain yourself here

There are plenty of other creations on the site. Another one that got my attention was the walluminate – a wallet with LEDs that come on when you open the wallet.

The plant reaction is a wonderful contraption as well.

One of the other things I found was the Make My Day DVD which apparently is a DVD set up like a Steve Jackson book – ie. you get to choose what the hero does periodically, allowing up to 13 different endings to the film. At $16,- it’s a great deal!

Cool site to browse around on.

Posted in Art