2877791
submission
Migraineman writes:
NASA has released a 400-page Columbia Crew Survival Investigation Report [16MB PDF.] If you're interested in a detailed examination and timeline of the events leading to the destruction of Columbia, this is well worth the time. The report includes a number of recommendations to increase survivability of future missions.
706761
submission
Migraineman writes:
A123 Systems is taking orders for their 100MPG battery upgrade for 2004-2008 Toyota Priuseses. Orders for the $9995 (+$400 S&H) package are expected to ship in November of 2008. The price includes professional installation at a certified installer. You get 30-40 miles of 100MPG behavior, then revert to the standard Prius performance. The new battery compliments the existing battery, and is rechargeable from a standard 120V outlet in about 4.5 hours. Yes, they've done crash testing. No, you may not buy the module independently or install it yourself.
688223
submission
Migraineman writes:
Expected to be phased-in in January 2009, the UK's Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, Part 5 makes possession of "extreme" images a criminal act, punishable by imprisonment. What constitutes an "extreme" image? The image must be 63-2(a) pornographic; and 63-6(b) grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an obscene character. Grossly offensive or disgusting to whom? I find it quite disturbing that possession of an "extreme" image may carry a larger penalty than participating in the depicted act, as questioned by Baroness Miller [in the One Concession seciton.] Also of note, Section 72-1 criminalizes out-of-country behavior if it's prohibited in the UK. Scratch that trip to Vegas.
546476
submission
Migraineman writes:
NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX has unveiled a prototype lunar truck. It offers six-wheel-drive, six-wheel-steering, and standing room for one person. They've tossed the "oversized golf cart" Apollo-era topology for something that more resembles the Mars Rovers' drivetrain. They also claim it to be "the ultimate low-rider," as it has the ability to squat for simplified payload and passenger loading. A video is expected on NASA-TV, but doesn't appear in the schedule yet.
494180
submission
Migraineman writes:
Gibson has introduced it's auto-tuning Robot version of the classic Les Paul guitar. The volume knob has been updated with eleventeen functions, including multi-color tuning status LEDs. An NiMH battery lives in the guitar body. The CPU and motor-driven tuning pegs are integrated into the headstock. There's not much technical meat at Gibson's flash-encumbered website, but this Design News article gives some decent insight into the inner workings. The PDF manual is also available. Gibson has done a remarkable job integrating the additional features without tarnishing the classic visual appear. For example, the guitar strings are used to send power and telemetry from the body to the tuning head. Oh, and the MSRP for this beauty is $2499.
