Open Source and Space Exploration

This is a good article at OnLamp.com with lots of good info about how open source software is playing a big part with Space Exploration. "The Software of Space Exploration".

Free ASP Web Bulletin Board System

If you want to setup a web-based bulletin board type of system, check out Snitz Forums. It is an ASP based an interactive discussion environment that allows different people on the Internet or an Intranet to leave messages for each other, and then reply. It works wish Access, MySQL and SQL Server. ASP source is provided for free and has an active community supporting it.

Elemental Security Platform

If you need automated HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley type compliance for your organization check out the Elemental Security Platform. It is developed by Elemental Security which is small security company that created a product in a growing niche industry. The product also supports customized policies. There's the FAQ about this product.

Sony PSP Updated with Camera, VOIP etc

Sony had a major press conference in Tokyo yesterday, 3/15/2006. As everyone already knows the PS3 will be delayed until Nov 2006 to work out specification details with Blu-Ray. The more interesting part of the press conference is what is in store for the Sony PSP. ("PSP price cut to $199, future features unveiled") A $50 reduction in price to $199, a EyeToy like USB camera, upgraded firmware with Flash support, and VOIP through their service. Here's another spin on this from the CNET angle, "Sony wakes up". This will make video phone calls on your PSP possible this fall! Talk about cool! I can't wait!

Seven-ounce Wrist PC Runs Linux

The wearable computers are getting smaller and more practical. I just saw this on the web at SlashDot ("Seven-Ounce Linux 'Wrist PC'") and the diagrams and pictures in the article are quite impressive. I purchased a WristPDA (Fossil/Abacus) in January 2006 and it has turned out to be quite invaluable as a wearable computer. A full blown computer on my forearm that runs Linux and/or Windows CE would be the next logical step.

I can see quite a few practical uses for this type of computer to complement carrying a lightweight notebook computer. Here's the LinuxDevices original article, "Seven-ounce wrist PC runs Linux".

Sony Memory Stick Video Recorder

I just saw this posted at Gizmodo, "Sony Introduces MSVR-A10 Memory Stick Video Recorder". This is a new device that simplies what you can already do with your PC. Difference here is that it is a setup top like component and looks relatively easy to use. If you want or need a PC free solution, then this looks like it will be good for you. The article says it will be on sale in April 2006 for about $215.

Extracting Gasoline from Cattle Dung

Scientists in Japan have perfected a technique for extracting gasoline from cattle dung according to the CNN article "Scientists extract gasoline from cattle dung". This is definitely innovative and who would have thought that it was possible? Talk about recycling, this is an extreme but useful technique that could help alleviate the need to import oil.

Ear Infection Vaccine?!

It looks like someone has finally making progress in the medical industry. A potential vaccine has been created for childhood ear infections. "Vaccine could end children's ear infections GlaxoSmithKline has developed a vaccine that may help prevent ear infections, an ailment that has plagued children and their parents forever." As a parent having to deal with ear infections with my young kids, this would be a welcome advancement in the medical industry. I can't believe that a vaccine was actually created instead of yet another means to treat the symptoms which is well known to be much more profitable than actually creating a vaccine. I guess in this scenario, the vaccine had much more benefit from a social, medical and business viewpoint.

Robotic Pack Mule

Leave it up to DARPA to fund innovation. This one actually looks like it could be useful in the non-level terrain. The pictures look like something from Star Wars. "Robotic 'pack mule' displays stunning reflexes". The cool part about this new gas-powered robot is that given a few more years, it could be put to good use in moutains of Afghanistan. I wonder if there are any early prototypes already in use in Afghanistan.