Technorama

HOWTO: Take infrared pictures with your digital camera via Digg

It takes exposed color film and places it over the lens of the camera using cardboard and electrical tape. The exposed film blocks most visible light but permits near-infrared light waves through to the camera’s sensor.

Frugal cure for a sore throat via Digg

Disclaimer: This story is presented for entertainment and educational purposes, not as medical advice.

Short version: Gargle warm water with a teaspoon of Cayenne powder. They don’t say how it helps a sore throat, but there are a significant number of anecdotes by people who swear by it.

Marv

Listener feedback show #162

Look, up in the Sky, it’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! No, it’s Technorama!

Podcast: Download

Inflatable Human Beach Ball via Digg

If you can’t swim, but still want to join in the water games with your friends, you can now jump in a plastic bubble and bounce on the water’s surface like an insect. But, I don’t see any effective way to control it so you’d better not try it on the open water. Oh, and the radiation symbol will give you a nice warm and fuzzy feeling too.

Photo of what China claims to be the ‘world’s largest bus’ via Digg

25 meters in length, 5 doors and 300 person capacity. It has two articulating joints to create three sections like a really small train. I can just picture drivers getting stuck behind this monstrosity. Like when there’s a bus stop just after an intersection and the tail end of the bus encroaches into the intersection. And naturally, you don’t expect them to just stop after crossing the street so it backs up traffic through and across the intersection.

Marv

Tie Fighter Speakers via Digg

Looks really geeky but, I’ve gotta question the wisdom of modelling speakers after a Tie Fighter. The way I remember it, a Tie fighter makes sounds like a Wookie getting a bikini wax.

You Crammed a Computer Into That? via Digg

From a whiskey bottle to wastebasket and a life-sized, Futurama Leela mannequin.

Sand Castle Explosions in reverse via Boing Boing

Over the course of this intense two-day competition, five of the eight sculptures are randomly selected for complete destruction by a Hollywood pyrotechnics crew.

Marv

I was thinking and had an idea…(yea, once is enough). I set up a Wiki page for everyone that listens to Technorama and has Wii to share Mii codes. If you share your code and add friends their Mii characters will mingle to your Wii, join in parades and hang out in the background as you play games. I thought this sounded like fun for the Technorama crowd.

Here is the wikiPage detailing how to get your code, and add others. Below the instructions is an area for you to go in and post your codes.

You do need to have an account on the wiki to edit the page and add your code. Or you can just email us and I can post it.

Transformers movie avoids the R rating via Digg

There was no swearing or nudity, but the MPAA wanted to apply the R rating to Transformers for “sheer intensity”. However Spielberg fought back and got his PG-13. Now if this doesn’t raise the bar on the film’s expectations, I don’t know what will.

Marv

Chuck’s Back and feeling fine…

1. Check out the FIRST robotics competition
2. Overpackaging for lithium batteries
3. The controversy over Pluto’s Planet status continues

Show Notes for 162

Podcast: Download

Steve Murawski shows me around the Greenfield WI Police Department and gives me a taste of what kind of tech it takes to keep a law enforcement facility to function.

Podcast: Download

Word Inversion Cleverness…Doormat reads: “Come in” & “Go Away” via Digg

A clever alternative to the Do Not Disturb sign, in one orientation it welcomes visitors. Rotate 180 degrees and it tells them to go away.

Gummy Bear Chandelier via Digg

Ooh, yummy light fixture. But, what will it smell like after a week.

Marv