Scientists Believe Mars May Sustain Veggies

Posted by Sheila Franklin
Categories: Science, Transportation

Now that the Phoenix Lander has found possible evidence of ice, scientists are even more optimistic now that they have taken soil samples that shows a high alkaline level. Sam Kounaves, lead investigator for the wet chemistry laboratory, claims “It is the type of soil you would probably have in your back yard, you know, alkaline. You might be able to grow asparagus in it really well ... it is very exciting.”

The soil also showed traces of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, among other elements. We are not so sure it is all that exciting. How many people do you know that want to grow asparagus? 

Read More | Couriermail

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NHTSA Tests Illusional Speed Bumps

Posted by Sheila Franklin
Categories: Science, Transportation

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is testing a fake speed bump to see if drivers will slow down. The optical illusion looks like a 3-D pyramid when seen from a distance. The first experiment in Phoenix seemed to work until drivers realized that there were no barriers. This time the NHTSA will run a larger test in a Philadelphia residential area, hoping that they will reduce pedestrian accidents. The markers only cost $60.00 to $80.00 apiece as opposed to real speed bumps which can run $1,000.00 to $1,500.00. At least they are acting reasonably about the devices that they realize will probably have only the same effect as flashing lights.

Read More | CNN

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Tokyoflash Galaxy Watch

Posted by Sheila Franklin
Categories: Clothing, Misc. Tech

Tokyoflash has another new and confusing timepiece. The Galaxy works by one touch, which starts animation and then displays the time on digital tube LEDs. The 12 yellow bars are the hours, the 11 red bars are groups of 5 minutes, and the 4 green bars represent each minute. Press the lower button and forgo the animation. Available in silver, the Galaxy carries a price of ¥13,900 (~$132.85.) We have been telling you about Tokyoflash’s watches for so long that we think we almost have the hang of it.

Read More | Tokyoflash

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Penpower WorldCard Ultra Scanner

Posted by Sheila Franklin
Categories: Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop

We are forever getting business cards that somehow get lost in the shuffle. Penpower’s Worldcard Ultra helps organize them in this palm-sized scanner. Practically dust-free, you simply scan the cards and it will save the information. If you have a Mac, the device will input directly into your Address Book. At a size of 4.13 × 1.2 × 3.66-inches and a weight of 5.4 oz, the scanner recognizes multiple languages and can link to map directions. Equipped with software and a USB cable, the WorldCard Ultra retails for $199.95.

Read More | Penpower

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Panasonic PT-DZ12000 Projector

Posted by Sheila Franklin
Categories: Misc. Tech

Panasonic’s PT-DZ12000 is curiously cooled with a water system. Its four built-in lamps deliver 12,000 lumens that can cast a 600-inch projection from a minimum of 12.4 meters. The projector has curve screen support and recently made its debut at Infocomm 08 in Las Vegas. Panasonic is counting on the device for exhibitions, amusement facilities, and major events. Due out in August, the PT-DZ12000 will carry a whopping price of $69,000.00. At that price, it seems you could simply correct the curved walls.

Read More | Tech-On via Crave

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Bleeding Edge TV 276: The Voodoo Omen ultimate custom PC

Posted by Nate True
Categories: Gizmatic, Mods / Hacks, PC / Laptop, Videocasts, Videos

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At HP’s Connecting Your World 2008 conference in Berlin, Germany, Rahul Sood of Voodoo PC announced the Voodoo Omen, a new top-of-the-line water-cooled PC using an as-yet-unannounced new set of nVidia SLI GPU’s and a new Intel CPU as well. It also features a fully functional LCD monitor on the front of the case.

The construction on this PC is amazing, but with its $7000 price tag we’re not sure we’re ready to upgrade just yet. The Omen is currently only available to former Voodoo customers on an invite-only basis, so if you are looking to get your hands on one, you might just be out of luck.

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Fuji Subaru Plug-in Stella

Posted by Sheila Franklin
Categories: Corporate News, Design, Editorial, Transportation

Those of us that live around the Motor City hear reports almost every day of American car companies losing workers and factories. Sad to say that they are being replaced by such energy efficient vehicles as the Toyota Prius Hybrid. Now Fuji is celebrating their successful Subaru Plug-in Stella, a combination of the EV system in the R1 and the mini-car. The prototype electric vehicle is set to go into development and test marketing. This is not the first time Fuji has gone green. They also released a horizontally-opposed diesel engine in Europe this past March.

Read More | Far East Giizmos

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Grill n Table

Posted by Sheila Franklin
Categories: Design, Household, Misc. Tech

Now you can play Japanese Chef with the Grill n Table. Six students in Quebec teamed up to design this prototype that combines an aluminum grill with wooden patio furniture. The group, known as the Dial_6 Faction, were told to create something to “encourage” the use of aluminum. The table will seat up to eight diners who can watch the master/mistress of the house prepare dinner and chat at the same time. Just watch out for cooks who like to toss their burgers.

Read More | Elite Choice

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Exclusive: MacBook Air vs. Voodoo Envy 133 - Clash of World’s Thinnest Notebooks

Posted by Andru Edwards
Categories: Apple, Design, Features, PC / Laptop

Earlier this morning we put up our Voodoo Envy 133 gallery, and once we glanced at our MacBook Air, we knew it was so on. It was time to put them head-to-head, in an epic battle of the world’s thinnest notebook computers. So, we put together another gallery, where the MacBook Air and Voodoo Envy 133 sit side-by-side. We take pit them together from a few different angles. Now, the Envy 133 does take the victory for being the thinnest notebook computer - but the thin side of the MacBook Air is technically thinner than the uniform thickness of the Envy. Really, it all comes down to what OS you want to run, and if you don’t care, then it comes down to form factor. Oh, and of course, the Envy 133 has way more ports (including HDMI) than the MacBook Air can even dream of having at this point.

Hit up our MacBook Air vs. Voodoo Envy 133 gallery for all the goods.

Read More | MacBook Air vs. Voodoo Envy gallery

Gallery: Exclusive: MacBook Air vs. Voodoo Envy 133 - Clash of World’s Thinnest Notebooks

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Fictionwise Offers Free eBooks

Posted by Sheila Franklin
Categories: Handhelds, Hot Deals, Internet, Misc. Tech

After reading that Fictionwise is releasing 3 free Stephen King ebook novels for free with rebate if you pay with credit card or Paypal, we went more in depth and found that they are also offering others at no cost. Selections include the classic “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne, “Ghost Rider: Stories” by Jonathan Lowe, and a sample of the Oxford Paperback Thesaurus ( 348 pages.) Join their club and there are more hot deals. Most books come in eReader, Mobipocket, and Microsoft Reader.

Read More | Fictionwise

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