Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category
What Is Google Squared?
May 13th, 2009 |What is Google Squared?
There is a new frontier in the world of web searches. Gone are the days when searching giants like Google and Yahoo could depend on the use of “keyword searches” for the best and most accurate search results. The web is all abuzz with the news of new search programs in development, like Wolfram Alpha which will attempt to approach web searches in a new and different way.
The problem is data. The internet is crammed full of data that can’t be easily searched for simply through the use of “keywords”. The…
What Is Visible Vote?
May 13th, 2009 |What is Visible Vote?
Visible Vote is a program that allows constituents to track their legislator’s voting record via their cell phones, Facebook pages, and other electronic interfaces. Visible Vote allows uers to access information that is normally rather difficult to find, enhancing the ‘transparency of government’ that many people feel is important in getting their government to work for them. An interesting aspect of Visible Vote is that it gives user’s the capability of “voting” on the same issues they are tracking, and even sends fax reports of constituent’s votes directly to legislators. The point of this is to…
Why Is NASA Launching a Shuttle to the Hubble Telescope?
May 11th, 2009 |Why is NASA launching a shuttle to the Hubble telescope?
The Hubble telescope, which provides unprecendented views of deep space, is damaged, and is basically inoperable. NASA is sending up a crew to attempt repairs.
As we sit waiting for news of the coming launch of the Atlantis shuttle, another shuttle is poised for launch. That means that both of NASA’s shuttle launch pads are occupied — a rare occasion. Atlantis is on one, primed for a flight this coming week to the Hubble Space Telescope.
The space shuttle Endeavour sits on the other launch pad, a full mile away…
What Is the “Body Worlds” Exhibit?
May 8th, 2009 |What is the “Body Worlds” exhibit?
Body Worlds is a traveling exhibition by German anatomist Gunther von Hagens in which human and other animal bodies are preserved and displayed through a special process invented by von Hagens known as “plastination”.
The exhibit is controversial for its gruesome display of the deceased, often posed in humorous or even erotic positions. There have been 6 unique Body Worlds presentations since the exhibition’s inception in 1995, and the exhibits have traveled to over 50 museums in America, Europe, and Asia.
Each Body Worlds exhibition contains around 25 full body “plastinates” with special views…