Hi-Def Data - from shrimp

 In the marvelously sensitive eyes of mantis shrimps, scientists have found cells that could inspire an overhaul of humanity’s comparatively clumsy communications hardware. [wired]

Mantis Shrimp can see 100,000 colors, 10x the number we can, and are the only animals to see circular polarized light. Scientists think that mantis shrimp eye tech could lead to a new age of telecom and optical devices.

Let me explain. The same biological structures used in the mantis shrimp—a strange creature with 500m years of lineage—to see circular polarized light are used in modern satellite communications and the laser/lens setup in DVD and CD players. The fundamental hardware in our tech are called quarter-wave plates. They both do a 90 degree shift to wave patterns, and quarter waves are ideal for our tech because they are part of high compression, lossless data signals. But mantis shrimp eyes can work this magic on a broad array of light spectrum with their tightly packed tube shaped cells, while our clumsy human tech can only do it to a few frequencies. The potential for new higher bandwidth devices is there. [Gizmodo]

For more info: goto:

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/10/mantis-shrimp-eyes/

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/3ylqE5dcyzQ/shrimp-eye-tech-could-improve-gadgets

A-TEAM - comeback movie (fresh faces)

A-Team, the movie based on Stephen J. Cannell's famed TV series, is being directed by Joe Carnahan. Liam Neeson will be Hannibal, Sharlto Copley as Murdock, Quinton Rampage Jackson as B.A. Baracus (Mr. T), and Bradley Cooper as Face.

I just hope it doesn't ruin my childhood memories..

Clown's Last Supper

This may very well be the scaryest thing ever!

iMac Remote gets Shaft'd

New iMacs come with an (optional) Apple Remote that comes in a light ray and black. It's $19 whether you buy the iMac or not.

Now, Jeff Li has transformed the iMac remote into a persona, that, to me, resembles a cartoon version of Shaft, with various hairstyles for the 21st Century.

“Perpetual Storytelling Apparatus”

The “Perpetual Storytelling Apparatus” is a drawing machine illustrating a never-ending story by the use of patent drawings.

 

The machine translates words of a text into patent drawings. Seven million patents — linked by over 22 million references — form the vocabulary. By using references to earlier patents, it is possible to find paths between arbitrary patents. They form a kind of subtext.

Over time a serendipitidious narrative is created.

I think it's beautiful! Reminds me of those old-school plotters that still used pens, before the days of laser plotters and inkjet.

Click here for more of the project.

Wire Lamp

Amazing re-issued table lamp by Verner Panton for Louis Poulsen. Originally launched in 1972 the lamp has a cylindrical wire framework that widens into a hemisphere at the top with a hemispherical plastic shade.


Materials:
Chrome wire, plastic shade.

Dimensions:
Height: 540mm Diameter: 400mm


Price: £760.00 !!! WTF

Mars Mission Infographic

Though most missions to the red planet have failed, the success rate is improving.

We here at TSOMSCL love infographics!

I guess it's better to go out in a fiery blaze on that planet than slowly turn to dust on this one.

The Bouwkunde School Building

The building that looks like a skate ramp covered in photovoltaic panels... kinda takes my back to my Boukunde days.


Designed by Adam Wojtalik, the Bouwkunde is meant to replace a burned down building on the Delft University of Technology campus. With the usual auditorium, offices, and coffee bar wrapped up in a curvy design like that with a hidden lawn area to boot, I don't see why it shouldn't be approved. 

see more at: Dezeen

iTeufel Radio iPod Alarm Clock

German audio company Teufel has launched a new iPod dock clock radio, the iTeufel Radio iPod Alarm Clock.

The iTeufel Radio iPod Alarm Clock features an AM/FM radio with 10 memory presets, and it can pump out 50 watts through the built in speakers.

see more here: http://www.teufel.eu/iTeufel/iTeufel-Radio.cfm

a drop of water

bas van der veer: a drop of water and bioplastic planter
Bas Van Der Veer won a prize this weekend for this combination rain collector and watering can.
The system connects to a hose's gutter system, storing rainfall in it. It looks similar to a projects that I once did.. 'few years back, but I still love it.

Check it out at: Designboom

The system connects to a standard RWDP (rain water down pipe).

Constructed from fibreglass, it would be nice to see this in other materials...

The form is both sensual and primordial.

The finished product & matching watering can.

solar decathlon winner

The surPLUShome finished first in an incredible upset victory! The German team took top honors in the Net Metering and Engineering categories this morning, steamrolling the competition to secure their second Decathlon win. This year’s home features a sleek, dark facade that is almost completely covered in photovoltaic panels (reminds me of 2001:Space Odyssey's monolith). It and can provide more than twice the amount of energy it needs, powering neighbours' homes.

for the full story goto: Inhabitat

Balloon Boy hoax

The mp3 of the 911 call from the "Balloon Boy" hoax. (the one police/medical services chased down that now infamous—and empty—Mylar balloon over Colorado.)

for the full story goto: CNN

2010 Olympics

even*cleveland

i like this blog

Spoiler T-shirt

Nixie clock