What FEA does Inventor have?
Is it Comparableto Catia or Soildworks......
Birding by Ear and Habitat
Posted by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com
My alarm clock went off at 4:05 this morning. I was to meet Paddy Cunningham-Pascatore and the rest of our group for a pre-sunrise Space Coast Birding Festival field trip in the bird-rich Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR).
It was pitch black when I arrived in the parking lot of [...]
The Earth’s Satellites, Visualized By Nation [Satellites]
As data visualization has become more popular, bad infographics have started to crop up more and more frequently. Thankfully, we can always rely on Michael Paukner to make very, very good ones. Here he shows the satellites orbiting our planet.
Russia, as you might expect, has a whole lot of satellites that are no longer functioning. China is responsible for a surprisingly large amount of tiny space trash, though I'm not exactly clear on what that is. America, of course, is responsible for the largest amount of space trash.
Seeing how many broken satellites remain in orbit instantly reminded me of the scene in Wall-E in which the Earth of the future is seen enveloped in a layer of orbiting techno-trash. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Michael Paukner has a lot of other awesome stuff, space-related and otherwise, so check out his Flickr if you're interested. [Michael Paukner via We Love Dataviz]
I Need reflectivity Data of the earth
Dear community
I want to get the reflectivity data for recently dates, but in the page
http://toms.gsfc.nasa.gov does not allow me to download
thanks for your answers
The World’s Oldest Swiss Army Knife [Multitools]
This could very well be the world's first Swiss Army Knife. Bearing a striking resemblance to modern multi-tools, it has at least six distinct functions and originates from the Roman Empire circa 200 A.D.
If our multi-tools today, with their screwdrivers, pliers, and the rest, center on fixing things, this Roman predecessor is more useful for enjoying the pleasures of food. The tool includes a spike which historians think was used to snag snails out of their shells. A hook-like spatula is thought to have helped coax sauce out of the bottle.
Of course, the device also includes a fork, spoon, and knife for mealtime, as well as a toothpick to clean up your grill afterward. Amazingly, all of these tools appear to fold into the handle to keep everything compact, just like Swiss Army Knives and Leatherman multi-tools we use today.
The tool was found in the Mediterranean area nearly twenty years ago, so technically it's not Swiss at all, and it predates the modern Swiss Army Knife, invented in 1897, by nearly 1,800 years.
This very old gadget is currently being exhibited as part of a collection of Greek and Roman artifacts at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England. [Daily Mail]
Last Shuttle night launch on February 7 | Bad Astronomy
Speaking of NASA and the Shuttle, the last planned night launch of the Shuttle is scheduled for February 7 at 04:39 Eastern time (09:39 GMT). This will be a 13 day mission for Endeavour, which will install the Tranquility node, a connector, and a cupola to the ISS. After this, five more launches are planned, the last being in September.
The Italo-Albanian and Futurism discussed on TV program (Jan 31)
“Italo – Albanese e di Futurismo”
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Applausi sul Raiuno
via Melitoonline.it
Pierfranco Bruni, scrittore ed esperto del Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali, sarà ospite, domani domenica 31 gennaio, dopo il TG UNO della Notte, su RAIUNO nel programma “Applausi” di Gigi Marzullo per parlare di cultura Italo – Albanese e di Futurismo.
Due aspetti legati ad alcune recenti mostre che stanno ottenendo consenso e successo. Un appuntamento che segna chiaramente in positivo le attività culturali di uno studioso come Pierfranco Bruni alla luce delle recenti ricerche e degli studi condotti anche per conto del Ministero per i Beni Culturali. Pierfranco Bruni illustrerà, per sintesi, i percorsi di due mostre che sono presenti nel territorio pugliese e riferite alla storia delle minoranze linguistiche, la prima, e al rapporto tra Futurismo, novecentismo e ricerca nell’opera di Francesco Grisi.
Dopo la sua presenza nel programma “Sottovece”, sempre di RAIUNO e dopo le attività culturali su RAIDUE e RAITRE, Pierfranco Bruni ritorna in compagnia di Gigi Marzullo e attori, registi e critici d’arte per discutere e proporre percorsi culturali all’insegna della promozione e della valorizzazione del patrimonio nazionale.
DACport USB Amp and Digital to Analog Converter for Audiophiles On the Run [Audio]
If you're serious about your music and are looking for a portable DAC that will keep your digital audio sounding crystal clear even when you're out and about, the USB-powered DACport might be just the ticket.
Does the mere thought of listening to MP3s makes your ears hurt? But do you still like to enjoy your music on the go? Then the DACport is a combination headphone amp and digital to analog converter to check out.
It natively plays 24-bit/96 kHz, powers over USB, and is fully plug and play compatible. The $500 DACport claims that it will eliminate the cable jitter and background noise that is typical of USB DAC devices.
If you're still with me, you can check out a thorough review at Head-Fi or check out the manufacturer's site for more info. [CEntrance via Technabob]
DIRECT Delusions
Rebel Engineers Sit With NASA to Chart Future of Manned Space, Popular Mechanics
"[Ross] Tierney, an amateur space buff, is an outspoken advocate for Jupiter Direct, a rocket designed to replace NASA's Ares 1 and Ares V, the two launch vehicles at the heart of NASA's Constellation program. "
NASA Renegades Pitch Obama Team New Post-Shuttle Plan, Popular Mechanics
"We were received well, but they were very clear they are offering no opinions at this point," says Ross Tierney, a collectible space model kit designer from Florida who presented the alternative plan.
Keith's note: Dear DIRECT Fanboys: NASA has not selected a specific design to replace Ares V. It most certainly has not decided to build DIRECT or any variant thereof. According to how NASA sources tell me the process will unfold, if/when NASA decides to go ahead and procure a replacement for Ares V or any other heavy lift launch system, it will do so via standard commercial procurement process - just like it is going to be doing for LEO access. Newsflash: the shift is going to be away from government-mandated designs (i.e. DIRECT) toward launch solutions to be provided by the private sector. The fact that a toy rocket model company owner was asked to come to NASA HQ and talk about a rocket design - one whose actual "designers" can never be named - was simply a courtesy - a curious one at that - not a statement of support.
After all this time, I have to wonder why no one except these people are ever associated - by name - with this concept. I cannot fathom that NASA would make any rational decision about launch vehicles based on anonymous designers - especially when the "team" is led by a foreign national who runs a toy rocket model company and uses a blurry image of Werner von Braun on a website instead of showing his face.
Imagine the inevitable congressional hearing: Charlie Bolden tells Congress that NASA is going to throw away $8 billion worth of rocket design done by professional rocket designers and adopt a design whose team is mostly anonymous and is lead publicly by foreign national model rocket designer?
As Augustine Commission member Leroy Chiao once asked "Who are you guys?"
Over 50 LPIN Leaders and Candidates attend Strategy Meeting
On Saturday, January 30th, the LPIN held our 2010 Stategic Goals meeting in conjunction with the regular first quarter meeting of the State Central Committee.
Well over 50 LPIN members from all over the state gathered to consider the 2010 LPIN Roadmap developed by Executive Director Chris Spangle for this crucial election year. Any current, dues paying member may recieve a copy of the 2010 Road Map by emailing Spangle at lpinhq@lpin.org.
Among the goals for this year are to maintain ballot access by achieving at least 2% in the Indiana Secretary of State election (we have averaged about 4.5% over the past two election cycles), gain financial stability by doubling the monthly pledges to our 1994 Socity, recruit 125 candidates for the Indiana General Assembly to support our SOS candidate and to increase LNC members in Indiana to place us in the top 10 state affiliates.
The Star Wars Opening Crawl Finally Reaches Earth [Comedy]
I took two astronomy classes in college, and one of the few things I retained is that in space stuff just keeps floating. Thus, the Star Wars opening text, though originating galaxies away, will eventually make its way to Earth...
That catastrophic eventuality is the subject of this video, which was was filmed over a couple of hours but ultimately took weeks to complete due to all the post-production and editing. And it shows; the effects are pretty impressive throughout.
Though I guess if you're gonna do a high concept YouTube like the Star Wars text raining down on Earth, it's best to do it right. [Reddit]
Play Game Boy On Your Palm Pre With VisualBoyAdvance [Emulation]
If you're a Palm Pre owner who's been craving some old-school distraction, rejoice! You can now play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games on your smartphone.
Game Boy Advance games, like Mario Kart Short Circuit, aren't quite running at full speed yet—about 60% of normal speed with sound or 90% without—but Game Boy and Game Boy Color games work just fine, and, as they say, emulators can't be choosers.
The VisualBoyAdvance for WebOS project only started two weeks ago, so hopefully updates and improvements will be quick to follow. As shown in the video, the emulator can already switch between portrait and landscape and supports custom skinning.
Check out the project's page on Pre Central for information on how to install. [Pre Central via Engadget]
A Podcast To Young Science Writers | The Loom
I got an email today from a college student interested in becoming a science writer, asking how I got into the field and how it works. I get these emails from time to time, and in the past I’ve replied with an email of my own. But it occurred to me today that it would be better to direct them a podcast.
In November, when I visited the University of British Columbia, I gave a talk at their journalism school about how I became a science writer, and what it’s like for me today. It may not be interesting to people who are interested in science, rather than the business of science writing. But if you’re curious about this peculiar way of life, check it out.
This link takes you to the University of British Columbia on Itunes. Scroll down to find the podcast with my name on it.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Resume Explains Why He’s The Renaissance Man For the Job [History]
At one time in history, even da Vinci himself had to pen a resume to explain why he was a qualified applicant. Here's a translation of his letter to the Duke of Milan, enumerating his many talents and abilities.
Stone posted the scan of the letter along with this translation:
Most Illustrious Lord, Having now sufficiently considered the specimens of all those who proclaim themselves skilled contrivers of instruments of war, and that the invention and operation of the said instruments are nothing different from those in common use: I shall endeavor, without prejudice to any one else, to explain myself to your Excellency, showing your Lordship my secret, and then offering them to your best pleasure and approbation to work with effect at opportune moments on all those things which, in part, shall be briefly noted below.
1. I have a sort of extremely light and strong bridges, adapted to be most easily carried, and with them you may pursue, and at any time flee from the enemy; and others, secure and indestructible by fire and battle, easy and convenient to lift and place. Also methods of burning and destroying those of the enemy.
2. I know how, when a place is besieged, to take the water out of the trenches, and make endless variety of bridges, and covered ways and ladders, and other machines pertaining to such expeditions.
3. If, by reason of the height of the banks, or the strength of the place and its position, it is impossible, when besieging a place, to avail oneself of the plan of bombardment, I have methods for destroying every rock or other fortress, even if it were founded on a rock, etc.
4. Again, I have kinds of mortars; most convenient and easy to carry; and with these I can fling small stones almost resembling a storm; and with the smoke of these cause great terror to the enemy, to his great detriment and confusion.
5. And if the fight should be at sea I have kinds of many machines most efficient for offense and defense; and vessels which will resist the attack of the largest guns and powder and fumes.
6. I have means by secret and tortuous mines and ways, made without noise, to reach a designated spot, even if it were needed to pass under a trench or a river.
7. I will make covered chariots, safe and unattackable, which, entering among the enemy with their artillery, there is no body of men so great but they would break them. And behind these, infantry could follow quite unhurt and without any hindrance.
8. In case of need I will make big guns, mortars, and light ordnance of fine and useful forms, out of the common type.
9. Where the operation of bombardment might fail, I would contrive catapults, mangonels, trabocchi, and other machines of marvellous efficacy and not in common use. And in short, according to the variety of cases, I can contrive various and endless means of offense and defense.
10. In times of peace I believe I can give perfect satisfaction and to the equal of any other in architecture and the composition of buildings public and private; and in guiding water from one place to another.
11. I can carry out sculpture in marble, bronze, or clay, and also I can do in painting whatever may be done, as well as any other, be he who he may.
Again, the bronze horse may be taken in hand, which is to be to the immortal glory and eternal honor of the prince your father of happy memory, and of the illustrious house of Sforza.
And if any of the above-named things seem to anyone to be impossible or not feasible, I am most ready to make the experiment in your park, or in whatever place may please your Excellency - to whom I comment myself with the utmost humility, etc.
The document, written when da Vinci was 30, is actually more of a cover letter than a resume; he leaves out many of his artistic achievements and instead focuses on what he can provide for the Duke in the way of innovative technologies of war.
I wonder if the Duke of Milan thought he was exaggerating when da Vinci claimed he could "paint...as well as any other, be he who he may."
It's nice to have the translation, but the full-resolution scan is worth a look, just to check out da Vinci's handwriting up close. And obviously, as my colleague Brian Barrett suggested, to uncover the secrets of the Catholic Church hidden therein. [Stone: Leonardo da Vinci's Resume via Kotte]
Twittering Pictures From Orbit
@Astro_Soichi is sending back pictures - live - from ISS via Twitter and Twitpic:
- Golden Gate Bridge, San Fransisco, CA. Beautiful shadow 🙂 http://twitpic.com/10iitj
- Noctilucent clouds. Antarctic. Priceless. http://twitpic.com/10iiti
But wait - there's more yet to come from orbit: according to JT Creamer: RT @Astro_TJ: @space_pete Yes it's true: our internal cameras wlll stream to the Web beginning Monday! Wave when you see us!! 🙂
NASA's space tweets are part of a larger conversation, Government Computing News
"... the software upgrade that made it possible is pretty impressive. The system, which NASA calls the Crew Support LAN, taps into existing communications links -- a Ku satellite band with 3 megabits/sec upstream and 10 megabits/sec downstream -- to give astronauts Web access, along with the ability to better communicate with family and loved ones during their long stays on the space station. All that while traveling at 17,300 mph some 250 miles above the Earth."
NASA’s First ebook
"X-15: Extending the Frontiers of Flight" by Dennis R. Jenkins
"The X-15 was the ultimate "X" vehicle. Built in the 1950s, she became the fastest and highest-flying winged aircraft of its time. During 199 flights from 1959 through 1968, she collected data about hypersonic flight that was invaluable to aeronautics and to developers of the space shuttle. This book describes the genesis of the program, the design and construction of the aircraft, years of research flights and the experiments that flew aboard them."
Kinda Extreme Skimboarding Captured By Very Extreme Camerawork [ExtremeSports]
GoPro cameras are our go-to choice for filming extreme sports of any kind, but we weren't nearly as creative as this duo who attached their GoPro to a broom handle and started winging it back and forth while skimboarding.
This short video, entitled "Skimboarding in a Storm," is supposed to be noteworthy for its display of courageous watersporting in the face of meteorological danger. I was much more impressed by its cool camerawork.
The idea is pretty simple: attach the rugged, waterproof Go Pro camera to a stick and pass it to the skimboarder as he whizzes by so he can film himself skimming. But when they start tossing the monopod to each other in the air and catching it, the results are pretty awesome. [Neatorama]
DAY 4 CHI LIN NAN LIAN GARDENS AND THE MARKETS
Day 4 Saturday 31st January 2010We had an early start to the day great breakfast as usual.Dropped our washing off to the laundry Tried to get money out of the ATM said card expired not until 1112Not good.We caught the bus to Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Gardens we loved them last time. They are as beautiful as I remembered them. Took lots of photos surprise surprise.Caught the MTR bac
It is true what they say about Full Moon’s
So having a rough time...this entry might be more like a diary entry than a blog..I would write in my journal but there isn't any power in my bungalow. So have been travelling with Julie and a few days ago we met up with a friend of a friend of her's named Alex and his friend Shawn. The first day on Kophangan was pretty good. It was pouring rain when we got off the boat in the morning but s'ok. We
moving blog
Alex is testing his new camcorder so here's a movie or 2. If they load.