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Bond’s Hidden Edge

While many of Bond’s gadgets seem far-fetched, Osterhout knows that they aren’t far removed from the world of spy versus spy. One such gadget is the Tekna Hidden Edge pocket knife pictured above.

I think some people are tired with short hand thats why so many new phones have full key boards so people can go back to full words and correct spelling

One small step for a man, one giant leap for teleportation
By Dong Ngo, CNET News

We've still got a long way to go before human beings can be beamed from one place to another "Star Trek"-style, but a team of scientists at the University of Maryland has achieved, nonetheless, a milestone in teleportation.

According to the Web site LiveScience, the university's Joint Quantum Institute for the first time was able to teleport information between two separate atoms across a distance of a meter -- about one step for an adult.

Generally, teleportation works thanks to a remarkable quantum phenomenon called entanglement, which occurs only on the atomic and subatomic scale. Once two objects are put in an entangled state, their properties are inextricably entwined. In layman's terms, if they are in entangled mode, what you "see" on one is what you get on the other.

The JQI team set out to entangle the quantum states of two individual ytterbium ions so information embodied in one could be teleported to the other. Each ion was isolated in a separate high-vacuum trap, suspended in an invisible cage of electromagnetic fields and surrounded by metal electrodes.

After that, the experiment worked like this: Single photons from each of the two ions in separate traps interacted at a beam splitter. When both detectors recorded a photon simultaneously, the ions were entangled. At that point, ion A was measured, revealing exactly what operation had to be performed on ion B to teleport ion A's information (see illustration above).

It's important to note that the achievement is not any form of conventional communication. This is because in teleportation no information pertaining to the original object actually travels to the other. Instead, the information measured from the first object appears on the second object.

The research was supported in part by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity program under U.S. Army Research Office contract.

It looks like the military's interest in teleportation remains strong. Who knows? This might mean we'll catch Osama bin Laden soon.

'Sexting'

According to one survey, 21 percent of teenage girls and 18 percent of teenage boys are doing it. "Sexting" involves sending or posting sexually charged messages, usually photos, via cell phone.
But as a couple of recent cases illustrate, "tech sex" can lead to big trouble:

Teacher Christy Lynn Martin, 32, was arrested for sending nude photos of herself to a 14-year-old male student.

Then there's the tragic case of Jesse Logan, 18, who killed herself after her ex-boyfriend sent nude photos of her to other kids at school. Jesse was relentlessly harassed by these students. When it didn't stop, she hanged herself.

So, what's a grown-up to do?

Bone up on the top 50 messaging acronyms teens are likely using.

Know the warning signs of a suicidal teen.

And be able to translate this message:

POS
Parent Over Shoulder or Point of sale

DDML
Drunk Dial Me Later

TDTM
Talk Dirty to Me

r u FOL?
Fond of Leather

143!
"I Love You." One letter in I, Four in Love, and three in You. Musiq made a song about it.

'Star Trek' Cell Phones and Peripherals

This "Star Trek" USB Communicator Internet Phone ($44) looks just like the authentic "Star Trek" Communicator. The USB phone works with VoIP services iChat, Skype, MSN, and AIM. This space-age beauty comes loaded with 21 different sound effects and a moire LCD screen that spins when the cover is open, making you believe you're truly going where no one has gone before -- even though you're just talking to your AIM buddy.

Give Your iPhone Some 'Trek' Style

Transform your iPhone into an authentic-looking Tricorder (free) using your iPhone's Web browser. Simply follow this link on your iPhone or iPod Touch. And then tap on the various of buttons for different effects, such as data and biology sensing mechanisms.

Give Your iPhone an LCARS Look

Is your iPhone UI giving you the doldrums? If you’re comfortable hacking your iPhone, you can beam some "Star Trek" excitement onto your phone. This LCARS Summerboard theme will make your iPhone’s interface mimic something you might see on the "Star Trek" Enterprise. LCARS, for all you non-trekkies, is short for Library Computer Access/Retrieval System and is the highly stylized operating system used on the "Star Trek" Enterprise. This free theme does require the iPhone Summerboard hack -- something you may not want to get invested in.

iPhone Case Fit for Kirk

We admire the devoted fan who created this neat-looking iPhone case to show his allegiance to the "Star Trek" series. Though there are no details on how it was made, from the looks of it, it's pretty simple to make. If you don't have an old "Star Trek" pin, as this fan did, just get a "Star Trek" decal and glue it to your phone. I wonder if that voids the warranty…


'Star Trek' Computer Add-Ons

We are still waiting for an official launch date for the "Star Trek" USB Web Cam from the folks at Dream Cheeky. In the meantime we can only dream of the "Star Trek"-inspired video conferencing we’ll do with this plug-and-play space-age Webcam. According to reports, the cam sports red lights from the engines when in use and is compatible with most online chat services.

Captain's Log, Stardate…

"Because of the intensity of the script, at times Shatner brought his work home with him." This hilarious mouse pad ($13.99) is sure to liven up your day with its mangled grammar and poo-poo humor that's bound to engage you in wordplay with Shatner.

Set Your PC Mouse to Stun

Now you can set your computer mouse to stun. This "Star Trek" Type 1 Phaser Mouse ($90) not only makes "action phaser sounds" but also lets you shoot a laser beam. We were hoping it might actually work as a self-defense weapon, considering its $90 price tag.

Geek Eye for the Normal Guy

We were so inspired by this next series of home-decor-related "Trek" items, we dreamed up a new basic cable TV show called Geek Eye for the Normal Guy. In this show a group of lovable sci-fi devotees visits an average person’s home each week. Next, the Geek Eye squad shows how to add some far-out flavor to any 21st century decor and wardrobe. Here we see a satin nickel-finish "Star Trek" chandelier ($189). Though the official product description says nothing about "Star Trek", it's glaringly obvious where the artist found his or her inspiration.

'Trek' Theater

This diehard Trekkie created the ultimate 'Trek' home theater using 15 different tech sources (see the list here) -- no doubt for what must have been thousands and thousands of dollars. The end result: the ultimate forever-bachelor pad.

Kirk Throne

If you don't have the dough to spend on a complete "Star Trek" home theater setup, you can at least own your own Captain Kirk's Chair ($2,200). As an added bonus, this "'Trek" throne of power comes with a series of buttons. We're still trying to figure out whether those buttons actually do anything.

Smells a Bit Nerdy to Me

We have no idea how a "Star Trek" commander smells, but I imagine it's something like these colognes, Tiberius and Red Shirt, For lady Trekkies, there is Pon Farr, an out-of-this-world scent guaranteed to impress any like-minded Trekkie. These range from $30 to $40.

'Trek' Threads

Nothing shows your "Star Trek" devotion more than dressing in your very own "Star Trek" threads. These shirts, sold at the aptly-named Star Trek Mall, come in various styles. There is the casual T-shirt (around $20) for wearing at home, and then there is the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Uniform for the office ($32). As an aside, we love the “What Would Spock Do?” T-shirt ($22).

'Star Trek' Corset

T-shirts and full-body uniforms not enough? Want something sexier? Check out this "Star Trek" corset ($200) available at the Etsy shop. If you can talk your girlfriend into squeezing into this beauty, you know you’ve found the right star mate.

Live Long and Wear These Funky Gloves

Sadly we couldn't find pricing or availability for these Spock-tastic "Star Trek" gloves. Clearly modeled after Spock's famous hand signal ("Live long and prosper"), these are gloves to keep the hands of even the coldest Vulcan warm.

Keeping Time in 'Trek'

Modeled after the LCARS display of the Enterprise's computer, this $140 watch (currently sold out) looks so futuristic it just might be unreadable. Seriously, how would you tell time on this thing?

Keeping 'Trek' Time

Carlos Perez designed this "Star Trek" watch 10 years ago for Fossil. Perez says it was a limited run, so you'd have to be a very savvy eBay user to find one nowadays. But any "Trek" fan worth his or her weight should start hunting, because they literally don't make 'em like that anymore.

Spork in the Road

Good news and bad news! The "Star Trek" Spork ($20) once ran only as a limited-edition collector's item -- and sold out quickly. But the good news, according to Think Geek, which sold the item, is that the Spork will be back soon for sale.

Serious Sound

Looking for a pair of suitable speakers to crank some of Leonard Nimoy's vocal stylings? Here is the perfect set. The makers of Davone Audio's $5,595-a-pair speakers don't explicitly say it's Trekkie merchandise, but we aren't fooled. This award-winning speaker system was clearly engineered by a fan of the "Star Trek" swoop logo.

'Star Trek' Afterlife

Now you can jet into the "Star Trek" afterlife with either a "Star Trek"-themed urn or casket (prices not set). The urn is modeled after some part of the ship's machinery. We suppose the casket is, as well -- maybe a photon torpedo.

How to Make Your Car Last Longer
While you can’t keep it on the road forever, here are 10 tips that can extend your car’s life and help maintain its value when you sell or trade it.
By Staff of MSN Autos

Getting from point A to point B by car costs a certain amount of dough, and thanks to a crumbling U.S. economy it takes more of your hard-earned money than ever before to do so. But while you can’t always control ownership costs such as fuel, repairs and insurance rates, one thing you do have power over is how long your 4-wheeled friend stays on the road before you have to send it to that great junkyard in the sky. To help, here are 10 tips that will keep your ride rolling well into its golden years.

1. Change Vital Filters and Fluids

Even the most mechanically challenged drivers know to change a car’s oil and oil filter on a regular basis. But other fluids (antifreeze, brake and transmission, for example) and filters also need regular maintenance. This is essential because over time they, too, lose important properties — such as their ability to remove heat and to lubricate, as well as the ability to prevent rust and freezing.

Changing your air filter helps your car breathe easier and its engine last longer. An engine needs an exact mixture of fuel and air in order to run, and all of the air enters the system through the air filter. Its purpose is to prevent dirt and other foreign particles from entering and possibly damaging the engine. “If your air filter is clogged, your engine is not performing properly,” says Jack Nerad, editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “It also hurts your fuel economy because the engine is working harder to get more air.”

2. Check Your Cooling System

Making sure your car’s cooling system is working properly and coolant levels are correct can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs. “A cooling-system failure can result in your engine literally melting down,” Nerad warns. “Without proper coolant and maintenance of hoses, you can have lethal consequences.”

3. Take Proper Care of Your Tires

Tires are often the most neglected part of a car, and can be the least expensive to maintain. Take tire inflation, for instance. “Most people don’t pay much attention to keeping their tires at the right inflation pressure,” Nerad says. “And it’s not only bad for the car, the tires and fuel economy, but it’s also a safety issue. The simple step of keeping the tires up to proper pressure is valuable all the way around, and it essentially costs almost nothing.” Also, don’t forget to rotate your tires. Tire Rack suggests doing it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, even if the tires don't show signs of wear. This will help to ensure that your car stops properly, and is a job that can be done in your own driveway.

Read the article on Tire Safety from Consumer Reports.

4. Pay Attention to the Gauges

If there is a problem with your oil pressure, cooling system or any other major system, your car’s gauges will tell you — if you’re paying attention to them. “The vast majority of people don’t,” Nerad says. “That’s why manufacturers went to ‘idiot lights’ to give a clear indication of when there’s a problem.”

Read the Consumer Reports article on What To Do If The 'Check Engine' Light Goes On

5. Find a Mechanic You Trust

Find a repair shop and mechanic you trust. “And let that shop service your car all the time,” says Dave Jones, owner of Jones Automotive in Green County, Pa., and co-host of the Web site AskAutoPro.com. “When you get sick, you don’t go to a different doctor every time. Your doctor knows you from top to bottom, inside and out.” A good mechanic will get to know your car, look it over the same way each visit, and thus spot potential issues, Jones adds. Plus, having a good working relationship with your mechanic will enable you to make wise decisions when the time comes — and you won’t have any doubts about the truthfulness of the advice.

6. Get Regular Checkups

While your owner’s manual will have a maintenance schedule, another advantage of using the same mechanics on a regular basis is that they will be able to make sure you stick to that schedule — and take care of things the manual may not include. “If you go to different places each time you have your car serviced, they won’t know the last time you had something done,” says Aaron Clements, owner of C&C Automotive in Augusta, Ga., and a 31-year auto-repair veteran. “So you may end up paying for unnecessary repairs. Most shops have electronic records, so they know when each service was performed. The scheduled maintenance charts in owners manuals tell only part of the story. So it’s also a benefit to have a relationship with a service adviser who knows your vehicle and when to perform service in addition to what’s in the owner’s manual.”

And don’t put off the small things. A small problem can quickly balloon into a major catastrophe. For instance, a worn hose can be a simple replacement. Put off dealing with it until the hose bursts and you could have a nightmare on your hands, with associated financial implications.

7. Drive Smarter

The way you drive has an effect on how long your car — and your gas — will last. “You not only save wear and tear by having good driving habits, but also fuel,” Clements says. So drive gently. Accelerate slowly. Anticipate braking so you can avoid panic stops. Give your car time to warm up in cold weather so the oil is freely circulating through the system and fully lubricating internal components. All of these things will lessen the wear and tear on your car and possibly enhance fuel efficiency.

Also, make fewer short trips. Jaunts of less than 10 minutes can be particularly hard on a car because the engine never has a chance to heat up properly, which allows condensation to build up inside the engine and exhaust. When mixed with metal and oxygen, water will cause rust, which is bad for cars. Condensation inside the engine will also dilute the oil that lubricates it. Again, this is bad for the car.

8. Lose Some Weight

Extra pounds place extra demand on your vehicle’s powerplant, and can create suspension and braking issues. So don’t drive around with a lot of nonessential stuff in your car. Also, remove anything that causes additional aerodynamic drag, such as a bug shield, roof rack or cargo carrier. These have the same effect as adding weight; that is, they increase the demand on your engine, causing premature wear and tear and reducing your car’s fuel efficiency.

9. Keep It Clean

Kelly Blue Book’s Nerad also stresses taking care of the exterior of your car by regularly washing and waxing it. And don’t forget about the interior. “That’s an often overlooked area,” he says. “Spend time keeping it clean and clean-smelling without perfuming it, and vacuum the carpet on a regular basis. Get spills out immediately, because if you don’t they’re more difficult to remove.”

10. Keep It Under Cover

Nerad also suggests storing your car in a garage or under a carport or cover. “Keep your car out of the sun,” he says. “And keep it away from bird droppings and tree sap. Also be careful where you park to avoid dings,” he adds.

V for victory
Dec 3rd 2009
By: PALO ALTO
From The Economist print edition

Copying birds may save aircraft fuel


BOTH Boeing and Airbus have trumpeted the efficiency of their newest aircraft, the 787 and A350 respectively. Their clever designs and lightweight composites certainly make a difference. But a group of researchers at Stanford University, led by Ilan Kroo, has suggested that airlines could take a more naturalistic approach to cutting jet-fuel use, and it would not require them to buy new aircraft.

The answer, says Dr Kroo, lies with birds. Since 1914, and a seminal paper by a German researcher called Carl Wieselsberger, scientists have known that birds flying in formation—a V-shape, echelon or otherwise—expend less energy. The air flowing over a bird’s wings curls upwards behind the wingtips, a phenomenon known as upwash. Other birds flying in the upwash experience reduced drag, and spend less energy propelling themselves. Peter Lissaman, an aeronautics expert who was formerly at Caltech and the University of Southern California, has suggested that a formation of 25 birds might enjoy a range increase of 71%.

When applied to aircraft, the principles are not substantially different. Dr Kroo and his team modelled what would happen if three passenger jets departing from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas were to rendezvous over Utah, assume an inverted V-formation, occasionally swap places so all could have a turn in the most favourable positions, and proceed to London. They found that the aircraft consumed as much as 15% less fuel (with a concomitant reduction in carbon-dioxide output). Nitrogen-oxide emissions during the cruising portions of the flight fell by around a quarter.

There are, of course, kinks to be worked out. One consideration is safety, or at least the perception of it. Would passengers feel comfortable travelling in convoy? Dr Kroo points out that the aircraft could be separated by several nautical miles, and would not be in the unnervingly cosy groupings favoured by display teams like the Red Arrows. A passenger peering out of the window might not even see the other planes. Whether the separation distances involved would satisfy air-traffic-control regulations is another matter, although a working group at the International Civil Aviation Organisation has included the possibility of formation flying in a blueprint for new operational guidelines.

It remains to be seen how weather conditions affect the air flows that make formation flight more efficient. In zones of increased turbulence, the planes’ wakes will decay more quickly and the effect will diminish. Dr Kroo says this is one of the areas his team will investigate further. It might also be hard for airlines to co-ordinate the departure times and destinations of passenger aircraft in a way that would allow them to gain from formation flight. Cargo aircraft, in contrast, might be easier to reschedule, as might routine military flights.

As it happens, America’s armed forces are on the case already. Earlier this year the country’s Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency announced plans to pay Boeing to investigate formation flight, though the programme has yet to begin. There are reports that some military aircraft flew in formation when they were low on fuel during the second world war, but Dr Lissaman says they are apocryphal. “My father was an RAF pilot and my cousin the skipper of a Lancaster lost over Berlin,” he adds. So he should know.