Website design technologies

It can also be done using precious stones (Pe(a)rl and Ruby), maybe a big snake (python), etc.

interesting 'paintbrush'

"Magic" Digital Video Brush - video powered by Metacafe


the brush has integrated LEDs, touch sensors, and a camera. This gadget basically captures the texture and video and reproduces that in the drawing. The painting, of course, is done on a special display screen.

Ten commandments of Black Friday shopping

Source: http://gradmoneymatters.com/2007/11/ten-commandments-of-black-friday.html

1. Thou shalt be prepared. Do your research.
2. Thou shalt make a prioritized list.
3. Thou shalt know the store layout.
4. Thou shalt know the sale hours.
5. Thou shalt know the store policies.
6. Thou shalt shop in tag teams.
7. Thou shalt make sure that your cell phones are fully charged.
8. Thou shalt wear comfortable clothes and preferably running shoes.
9. Thou shalt keep some water and snacks in the car.
10. Thou shalt not buy junk just because it is on sale.

Is the dollar safe?

Recently I had some thoughts on money: What does it mean when you say "the economy grew by 3%".... where did this 3% appear from? Is there something like the principle of conservation of money, similar to the principle of conservation of energy? If you are making a profit then somebody is making a loss. Or does the 3% represent the transformation of raw material, resources from nature in to goods that can be measured in currency?

I came across this article which is somewhat related: "http://www.mondovista.com/money.html" . DISCLAIMER: I have no idea regarding the authenticity of the information in this article. And, I have my doubts about all these "conspiracy theories".



The article explains the origin of the currency,paper money, the recent process of 'printing as much money as you want'. It also explains how the US is able to withstand such huge trade deficits (another question that was on my mind). See the following graph:



The article also talks about why the US dollar is in so much demand world-wide: basically the dollar is a currency for oil.

From the article: "Oil and dollars have become the blood of our present civilization. A collapse of this fiat dollar system will not only destroy America's economy and lifestyle but it will have devastating impact throughout the entire planet. Since virtually all wealth is based on this dollar-for-oil scheme, a collapse of the system will send the entire world into an economic depression. This is what the politicians and decision makers are trying to avert. But the collapse is predictable and inevitable."


If the article is indeed true and given the uncertain future of oil, what does the future hold for the dollar and the US economy?

Context aware image resizing & editing

A very interesting take on image resizing. From SIGGRAPH presentation. Watch the last few seconds of the video and see how to make people disappear.

missed connection?

Here's an interesting story: Patrick Moberg was riding the NYC subway last Sunday when he saw the girl of his dreams, but before he got a chance to talk to her, she disappeared into the crowd. Instead of walking away from his missed connection, he created a website: http://www.nygirlofmydreams.com/

It worked! He's got in touch with the girl of his dreams.

The power of the Internet and social networking.

Rubik's cube feats

With one hand in 20 seconds.



in less than 20 seconds, using feet!


By a 3 year old in less than 2 minutes.

"I've done my bit for the environment"

The Toyota Prius has become a symbol of going green and saving the world from global warming effects. I recently saw a woman on TV saying "I've done my bit for the environment" pointing to her new Prius.
That is the wrong attitude/impression to have. First, it is laudable that she has started to think about the environment and global warming, etc. Thinking about the problem, learning more about it is the right direction before actually 'doing your bit'. But buying a Prius is not the end of the story. Its just the start. I would also like to point out that the 'tone' of her statement indicated that driving the Prius was somewhat of a compromise. Let me just say the Prius is a good car in its own right and need not be seen as a step down from your favorite sedan. (although its not comparable to a top-of-the-line luxury car or a sport(y) car .

That aside, the more important point of doing your bit continues beyond the purchase of a Prius. There are many simple things in daily life to follow that can reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint. (It'll even save you a few dollars as well). A few of the things I do differently now i.e. ever since I became environmentally conscious are these:

• Turn off lights / air-conditioning when not you are leaving the room.
• Turn off the monitor of your PC at work/home when I leave for more than 15 minutes (lunch, dinner, end of the day, meetings, etc)
• During winters, set the temperature to 2-3 degrees below my usual level - I never notice the difference. Saves a lot of heating cost. If your house has temperature controls for individual rooms, make the fullest use of it: heating the bedroom only when you are asleep.
  
• Try to combine my shopping chores in to a single trip: it is better to drive once with a full trunk rather than driving many times with a near-empty car. (Driving to the grocery store to buy a one tomato/onion/a bottle of water is an absolute crime. I knew a couple of people who did this.)
• Carpooling: Not always easy. Use of public transport is also a good option.
  

flights

Simulation of 24 hours of flights over europe. Fascinating. I wonder if there is anything similar for the US or the whole world.

Housing bubble

The graph plots the price of a standard home since 1890 (adjusted for inflation). Obviously, incomes have not increased at the same rate. It is self explanatory as to whats happened over the last few years and why the housing market has become unsustainable.