Friday, July 17, 2009

Friday Links!

Leading off this week, a link to the four-year anniversary issue of The Escapist. I still remember when the first issue came out and how much I was hoping that it would survive. It certainly did.

From Katy Mulvey, a link to what may be the most epic DIY project in history: build your own Apollo guidance computer.

From Dylan Jones, a link to We Choose The Moon, a real-time recreation of the Apollo 11 voyage on its fortieth anniversary (it's in progress right now, and it's spectacular).

From John Catania, a link to an article about photographic memory and how it might (incredibly) come in a pill someday. Here's an excerpt:
The scientists first removed from mice the portion of the brain believed to be associated with visual memories--layer six of the V2 region--and showed that the mice could no longer remember any object they saw. They then increased the production of a group of proteins--RGS-14--created in that cortex. The mice's retention of visual images was increased almost 1,500 times.

From Andrew B, a link to Project Pigeon, and as unlikely as it might seem, it was real. Here's more (thanks Nate Carpenter).

From Meg McReynolds, a link to an excellent way to lose several hours of your life: 1980s TV theme songs.

From The Edwin Garcia Links Machine, a link to a story about theft of proprietary Goldman Sachs trading algorithms. Also, it's rice paddy crop art.

Kevin sent in a link to a wonderful idea: Anthology Builder. It allows you to put together a custom anthology of short fiction from published sources and will print them as a book (you can even pick the cover).

From Sirius, a link to a remarkable new method of hacking: electrical outlets. Next, it's the actual transcription of a letter used in a Leave It To Beaver episode in 1958.

From Tim Lesnick, it's Amazon comedy in two links: uranium ore for sale as well as a series of scathingly witty reviews of the Relaxman Relaxation Capsule.

Dave G sent in a link to Brass Monki, which features customized sneakers that are stunning works of art.

From Pete Thistle, a link to Casey Kasem talking about a remarkable new technology--the compact audio disc (in 1983).

From George Paci, a new condition that we've all had at one time or another: Living with First-Person Shooter Disease. Plus, it's a dancing tribute to Mario on India's Got Talent.

From Scott Sudz, a link to a fascinating article about a robot teaching itselt to smile.

From David Gloier, a photograph of the exact moment when a bubble burst. Oh, and would you like to have your name included on a microchip on the Mars Science Laboratory rover? Just go here.

Site Meter