Thursday, April 30, 2009

Iron Man...For Real


Bekah and I are not strangers to spending time at the hospital, we both have family members with health issues and we seem to be at one hospital or another every month or so. These visits have started discussions about health care and other medical issues. One of these topics has been around technology and prosthetics. While there have been advancements made with the use of new materials like Carbon Fiber, it does seem like things haven't changed much in my lifetime anyway. We have such an abundance of computer technology, robotics, space age materials but I haven't really seen anyone with a biomechanical limb or anything very advanced yet. Well why not?

There are plenty of comics and anime that have long projected a future of human/robot interaction, like
Neon Genisis, the Gundam series and we are all familar with the recent Iron Man movie where Tony Stark builds his own powered armored suit with all sorts of tech gadgets and super strength.



During my normal interweb rounds this morning I saw a reference to Cyberdyne's HAL, I remember seeing something about this a long time ago but started looking into it a little further. From an article I found it looks like they are currently building the production facilty and expect to be ready for production in Oct of this year.


Well a few more google searches and it turns out that a company right here in SLC is responsible for development of the XOS suit, which in my opinion is the closest thing to an actual Iron Man suit out there and from their posts it looks like that's exactly where it's headed pretty quick.



Obviously this is all being funded for military applications which I can understand since they have the funds and resources but at the same time this technology could do amazing things for people with disabilities. Everything from physical thereapy tools for post op or trauma patients, to biomechanical fingers, arms and legs to full body suits for paralysis patients who could once again be fully mobile and not constrained to a lame wheel chair. I could also see this for people suffering with MS or other degenerative diseases. These devices could restore and provide a much higher quality of life for these people. So I find it a bit backward that we are developing this for purposes of war which will only harm life instead of using it to restore life. Money rules all I guess but I just hope this starts trickling down quickly to the people who could really benefit from it.

I guess life imitates art and we are just brining robot wars to fruition but hopefully some people will benefit from this before the atmosphere get's scorched and we all have to live underground because the sentinel's will get us. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Repost

Tyson keeps finding all this awesome stuff so I have to repost it. This is an awesome video shot with a Canon 5DMII. This video was also shot in Austin Texas which is funny because I've been researching Austin for the last few weeks and planning to visit there soon. Anyway its just a well done little video.


Hanson Little Welcome to the Mutiny Pro Team from Mutiny Bikes on Vimeo.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Coca-Cola

Coke should always be served from an actual glass container, preferably a glass bottle. Coke sweetened with cane sugar is far superior to the now standard fructose/corn syrup available most everywhere. You can find cane sugar bottled coke imported from Mexico at some Costco stores.

If you can't find coke in a bottle then fountain is next best choice. Resort to the aluminum can and plastic bottle varieties only as a last option. If you must go this route its best to transfer the beverage to a glass with a little ice. The coke must aerate properly and burn off a little of the C02 to achieve the best taste. Just thought you should know.

P.S. I talked to my cuz Chris who also told me that during Jewish passover you can find Kosher coke in many of the major cities. This Kosher cola is also made with cane sugar but it's listed as "Sucrose". If you see coke with a yellow cap grab some up if your lucky enough to find it in your city.

Cheaper than a new SUV

Way cooler than any Escalade and it could be yours for a measely 25k. Check it out here.
Scott Pommier

Sunday, April 05, 2009

Bon Voyage Mr. Ray...


You will be missed my friend. I wish you the best of luck on this new chapter in your life. Onward and upward!

Custom Vans



It was Marco & Tristan's wedding on Friday and everyone in the wedding party was supposed to wear a different color of canvas Van's lace ups for the reception. GJ decided he wanted me to customize his pair while we were chilling before the reception. He wouldn't take no for answer and handed me the shoes and a silver paint marker. I don't like being put on the spot but this was a quick freehand for Niccoli Design. Apparently everyone at the wedding thought the shoes were great so if anyone has a pair of Van's laying around that needs some spicing up let me know and I'll be happy to customize your shoes as well.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

This Guy Can Drive!

GJ showed me this video of Ken Block (founder of DC shoes) driving an STI in Japan. I knew that Ken was into rally racing but I had no idea he was this good of a driver. This is hands down some of the best driving I've ever seen.



If you haven't seen his other record breaking jump. Watch it here.

Friday, April 03, 2009

Teen Angst

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Brothers

Good...Not Great..Maybe just OK?

At least this guy's in love...so he's got that going for him. When the best you can come up with to describe your alter ego is "okay" I guess anything more is a step in the right direction. If you think about it, it is a little romantic to express your love to someone in a medium that travels the country and is seen by thousands of people. Just in case you need an idea for next Valentines Day.

P.S. this is for G.D.B..more coming your way.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Clints Slammed Bug

So Clint just picked up this sick VW Bug. This thing is slammed! I've had a few lowered cars in my day but this takes the cake for sure. We took it out for a little joy ride on Tuesday, the best part is that the passenger seat isn't even bolted to the floor. Good thing there's an "O.S." handle on the dash. With out that I would have been riding in the trunk...er I mean engine bay...whatever.. most of the trip.