Robots Imitating Life

Amoeboid Robot based on slime mold


http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/mimssbits/27638/

Google Hacking

I keep mentioning this to people, so decided to put it here for easy reference.

Tom Bowers:  Goggle Hacking

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_hacking

http://streaming.linux-magazin.de/events/usenix08/archive/tbowers/

http://www.usenix.org/media/events/usenix08/tech/mp3/bowers.mp3

http://www.usenix.org/event/usenix08/tech/slides/bowers.pdf

Open Source Physics receives SPORE Award

Science Prize for Online Resources in Education (SPORE)

Open Source Physics (OPS) wins SPORE award.

Links to OPS summary and full article at Science.

Open Source Physics in their own words:

Computational Resources for Teaching
The OSP Collection provides curriculum resources that engage students in physics, computation, and computer modeling. Computational physics and computer modeling provide students with new ways to understand, describe, explain, and predict physical phenomena.

More Green Computer Tech, Apple related

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/10/exploring-other-world-computings-super-green-headquarters.ars

This really interests me, I don't like having to replace computers ever few years.

Two things stood out to me, one is the Parking Lot that collects rainwater for the grounds, also filters out oil & etc from car leaks!

And then there was this: 

100 percent wind-powered

While OWC's corporate headquarters is impressive for its use of green materials, building techniques, and business practices, the crowning achievement of its green initiative is its 500 kilowatt Vestas V39 wind turbine. Perched atop a 131 foot tower just to the west of the main building, OWC's wind turbine came online in 2009. With the flick of a switch, OWC became the first technology manufacturer and distributor in the US to be fully powered by on-site wind power.

Green Data Center in Iceland

http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2011/10/building-a-data-center-that.ars

Makes a lot of sense, though I wonder about the volcanic activity there being a risk.

Cyber Attack

More details from The Atlantic Wire, but it is pretty stunning in the scale.

Also consider that the Pentagon considers Cyber Attacks an act of war.

See refs The Atlantic Wire article, Wall Street Journal article, US Dept of Defense pdf

Though there are problems with DOD's position on the general issue of cyber attacks, I also wonder if that posistion was drafted in response to this attack.  Remember the parts of the government and some others have know about this large Cyber Attack for some time.  The story just broke to the public now.

Blogger, big post making expanding or read more section

This is something that is real easy.  ONCE you know how.  When editing a post or making a new one just put your cursor (curser?) where you want the break then click on this button in menu bar, [see picture, click pic to enlarge]

If your using the newer version of Blogger for posting, the button is near the "link" & "picture" buttons, right after add video.  The button itself still looks the same as it does in that picture.


For official help page click here.

How to turn Cleartype on to makes things easier to read on computer.

Here is a very clear youtube that show how, cleartype really helps reduce my eyestrain & fatigue.

If you don't like cleartype it is easy to switch back.

Amazon Associate how to make simple text link

If you would like to link directly to an item's page using a simple link, do this

http://www.amazon.com/dp/ASIN/?tag="tracking ID here"

Replace "ASIN" with the 10-digit ISBN or ASIN of the product,

So from this link  http://www.amazon.com/Incredibad-CD-DVD-Lonely-Island/dp/B001NY4WLA

You need "B001NY4WLA"

OdeWire: Positive News search engine

Tired of all the if it bleeds it leads?  Checkout OdeWire.

In their own words:  OdeWire presents news to inspire intelligent optimists.  Our unique wire is constantly refreshed by an automated system that combines advanced semantic technology with the guidance of our editorial staff.  Around the clock and around the world, OdeWire is always looking at the most authoritative news sources for stories that focus on solutions rather than problems, and on positive changes rather than negative ones. Unlike other news sources that are over-weighted with negativity, OdeWire contributes to a more balanced media diet.

Your own factory at home

Not as good as Next Generation (Star Trek) replicator, but we are getting there.


Makerbot

Automated Build Platform with Relay Board Kit