1,000 (Colorful) Places to See Before You Die
Even if you haven’t yet been able to travel as your wildest dreams may desire, put these locations on your list of places to see in life.
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Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The Underground Tunnel Beneath Niagara Falls [PICS]
Imagine a tunnel more than ten storeys underground, a hundred years old, bricklined, wet, and completely inaccessible save by descending through a narrow slit in its ceiling thirty feet above the floor, and then returning up the same rope you came down. This tunnel exists in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
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NIN Confirms Uploads to Public and Private Torrent Sites
The acceptability of P2P took another big step forward over the weekend, as accounts claiming to be ‘the official profile for NIN’ appeared on a number of torrent sites, including The Pirate Bay and the private trackers What.cd and Waffles.fm. NIN has now confirmed that these accounts indeed belong to the band.
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Hot Chicks Who Date Douchebags [PICS]
Humble guide into the dark cultural trainwreck of hottie/douchey commingling. This site is all about poking fun at douche-scrotes and the hotties who love them.
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Flat paint is the new Thing
The Future is Flat: 2008 Geneva Auto Show
Further proof that flat is never dull. The anti-bling movement has come to Geneva.--Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
Chismillionaire's Geneva Report-
Somebody Cut a Nissan GT-R in Half: 2008 Geneva Auto Show
This is simply tragic. Some animal cut this perfectly good Nissan GT-R in half so a bunch of Swiss can ogle its innards. Unfreakinbelievable. With all those lame Sentras and worthless Quests they've got lying around, you'd think Nissan would take a buzz saw to one of those. Heck, I'll personally hack up a Versa just to watch it die. But a GT-R? Have a heart.
Alice, get me Ghosn on Line One. Somebody needs a talking to. -- Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe: 2008 Geneva Auto Show
It was a typical day at the Rolls-Royce booth in Geneva, meaning that we couldn't get anywhere near the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe until 30 minutes after the press conference. Chinese manufacturer BYD had the good fortune to have its booth right next to the Rolls stand, allowing it to pull in a healthy crowd for its own press conference immediately preceding the two-door Phantom's unveiling.
As in the past, we were immediately cowed into silence by the Roller's monstrous size -- exactly as it should be for a car of this stature. Despite its 18-foot length, this will be the sportiest of the Phantoms, as it has the stiffest chassis and the firmest suspension settings. Nevertheless, said Ian Robertson, chairman and CEO of Rolls-Royce, "that waftability that we refer to is still very much in the character of this car."
How this relates to the 2009 Infiniti FX50 that dropped down from a coffin hung in the rafters, we're not sure. But this is a hugely powerful SUV. A 5.0-liter V8 with variable valve timing and lift delivers 390 horsepower and, says Infiniti, upward of 435 pound-feet of torque.
2008 Maserati GranTurismo S: 2008 Geneva Auto Show
Finally, Maserati has a car that can go from zero to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. This would be the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo S unveiled in Geneva today. Noting the crowd's fatigue at this late afternoon press conference, Maserati CEO Roberto Ronchi took a simple tack for his speech.
"People have been asking me, 'What does the S stand for,'" he said. "First of all, it stands for 'sport' because there is the new 4.7-liter V8 engine." That engine makes 440 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 361 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm -- significant gains over the 405 hp at 7,100 and 339 lb-ft at 4,750 in the regular GranTurismo.
"'S' also stands for 'speed,'" he continued, "because this is the fastest Maserati we've ever built." The GranTurismo S has a top speed of 295 km/h, he said, which is 183 mph.
Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans: 2008 Geneva Motor Show
Last night Audi took the wraps off the newly red and newly named Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans. And we were there. We just failed to get a picture of the diesel-powered supercar. Well here it is in all its crimson glory, sorry for the delay.
Mechanically the car's story is unchanged from its showing at the Detroit auto show three months ago. It's still powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 diesel generating 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. And the engine is still mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and Audi's now ubiquitous all-wheel-drive system.
The diesel-powered supercar complies with Euro 6 emissions standards that take effect in 2014 thanks to the use of a 2,000-bar common-rail fuel system, piezo injectors, particulate filters in the exhaust and a urea injection system. Audi even parked a cutaway of the high-tech mill next to the newly red sports car for all the world to see its workings.
So far Audi says the R8 V12 TDI Le Mans is still just a concept, but the good money is on a production version in showrooms by the end of the decade.--Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
Lincoln Letters Online
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Barely a year into the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln suggested buying slaves for $400 apiece under a "gradual emancipation" plan that would bring peace at less cost than several months of hostilities.
The proposal was outlined in one of 72 letters penned by Lincoln that ended up in the University of Rochester's archives. The correspondence was digitally scanned and posted online along with easier-to-read transcriptions.
Accompanying them are 215 letters sent to Lincoln by dozens of fellow political and military leaders. They include letters from Vice President Andrew Johnson and Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, who both succeeded Lincoln in the presidency in the 12 years after his assassination in 1865.
In a letter to Illinois Sen. James A. McDougall dated March 14, 1862, Lincoln laid out the estimated cost to the nation's coffers of his "emancipation with compensation" proposal.
Calculating costs
Paying slave-holders $400 for each of the 1,798 slaves in Delaware listed in the 1860 Census, he wrote, would come to $719,200 at a time when the war was soaking up $2 million a day.
Buying the freedom of an estimated 432,622 slaves in Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri and Washington, D.C., would cost $173,048,800 — nearly equal to the estimated $174 million needed to wage war for 87 days, he added.
Lincoln suggested that each of the states, in return for payment, might set something like a 20-year deadline for abolishing slavery.
The payout "would not be half as onerous as would be an equal sum, raised now, for the indefinite prosecution of the war," he told McDougall.
The idea never took root. Six months later, Lincoln issued the first of two executive orders known as the Emancipation Proclamation that declared an end to slavery. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified after the collapse of the confederacy, ending two centuries of bondage in North America.
"To be given a document that plunks you right into a situation that Lincoln was facing, it's very compelling," said Brian Fleming, a University of Rochester librarian who is heading the online project, which debuted Feb. 18 — Presidents Day.
Lincon official had letters
The Lincoln letters addressing the war, slavery and other affairs of state, are part of a collection of papers once belonging to his Secretary of State, William H. Seward Sr.
They were bequeathed by Seward's grandson, William Henry Seward III, who lived in Auburn, 70 miles east of Rochester, and arrived at the University of Rochester between 1949 and 1987.
The digitally scanned letters appear on the school library's Web site along with transcriptions, contextual essays written by graduate students and lesson plans designed to help teachers.
The archives are at www.library.rochester.edu/rbk/lincoln
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Be a macgyver: coolest fire making tricks
Below I assembled a list of the absolute coolest ways to make fire
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Axiotron ModBook Review (Verdict: A Touchscreen MacBook Done Right)
It was exactly a year from the time Axiotron first debuted their touchscreen MacBook at Macworld 2007 to the time we got the first hands-on of it at Macworld 2008, and that year of development time seems to have done the company some good. Not only is this ModBook the touchscreen Mac Apple fans have been looking for, it's got all the components of a MacBook, which means it's not a low-powered, stripped down, gimped version (MacBook Air) that sacrifices performance for the tablet pen sensitivity. And for that, we're thankful.
The Pros:
• It's essentially a MacBook. They've taken a Core 2 Duo MacBook with Leopard, replaced the standard screen with a Wacom Penabled Digitizer and even stuck a GPS inside.
• The screen is bright, but matte (not glossy like the new MacBook Pro models), so images are a bit fuzzier than my MacBook Pro.
• Handwriting recognition works well in inkBook (the included app)
• The screen is scratch/fingerprint free and pretty durable
The Cons:
• It's heavier than a standard MacBook, because of its "aircraft grade magnesium alloy", which means it's not quite as portable as you'd like
• The standard digitizer pen is usable, but slightly flimsy
• No keyboard means typing is a pain
• Expensive! $2279 and $2479.
• No way to orient the screen vertically like a clipboard
If you're looking for a touchscreen Apple laptop that lets you actually draw on the screen (similar to the idea of the Wacom Cintiq Jesus reviewed), the ModBook is perfect for you. For $2279 or $2479 (the difference is in CPU speed, slightly more hard drive space, twice the RAM and a double layer DVD drive), you'll be able to get a MacBook and a touchscreen tablet in one—great for traveling cartoonists and caricature artists.
I'm no Photoshop or art expert (obviously), but the ModBook was even better than my current Wacom Bamboo because it allowed me to draw directly on the screen. For an amateur digital tablet user, that's the huge difference between being able to draw something that looks like what it's supposed to look like and an unintelligible blob. The two drawings below are what I whipped up in ArtRage on the ModBook. Bender is a trace, in case you thought I killed Jesus and usurped his talent.
The good news is that the screen works perfectly. It's scratch and fingerprint resistant, durable, bright, but somewhat fuzzy since it's not a glossy screen. The bad news is that it's heavy, and will probably be too heavy for you to walk around like a gym teacher with a clipboard. The white built-in pen that slides into a built-in pen holder is good, but isn't as sturdy as the Wacom pens you're probably used to. It'll take you a few weeks to get used to not hitting either the "right mouse button" or the the on-screen keyboard button when you're drawing.
Speaking of the on-screen keyboard, this is what you're going to be using to type. There is no built-in keyboard. Forget about writing long emails with this thing unless you've got a USB keyboard handy. It's solely for drawing. But, if you really have to write something long or take notes, the handwriting recognition is actually great and fairly accurate. For the times when you're forced to use the keyboard (like in OS dialogues), here are the options you can choose from.
There's also a GPS inside, which gives you the same result as attaching a GPS unit to a regular MacBook. It works, and you can rig it up to do navigation or look up where you are in Google Earth, but it's not a practical GPS device that you can take into the car and drive to grandma's with.
The people who are in the market for a ModBook are people who want to draw and make art with a laptop, but have another computer for their normal email and internet browsing. If you're one of these people, the ModBook is a definite buy. For others who just want a touchscreen MacBook so they can do art sometimes, but rely on a keyboard most of the time and want a regular laptop more often than not, the ModBook isn't quite right, and we recommend a standard Wacom tablet instead. [Macsales]
10 Celebrity Tombstones Worth A Laugh
I’m back from my L.A. trip, and despite getting deathly ill my last day there, I had a great time. One of my favorite stops was the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, which is Marilyn Monroe’s final resting place. Much to my surprise, there were some celebrity tombstones at Westwood Village that were far more attention-getting...
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Brett Favre tells Packers he's retiring
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has decided to retire, ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting. Mortensen reported that according to Favre's agent, Bus Cook, Favre has informed Packers coach Mike McCarthy of his decision.
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The Most Redneck Phrase Ever Captured On Paper
They... they should have sent a poet.
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Amazing 360º Images of Great Britain's Heathrow Terminal 5
"The opening of Heathrow’s Terminal 5 this month will change the way international travellers look at Britain and restore our principal airport to its rightful position as one of the world’s best.” So said a delighted Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways, as he took The Daily Telegraph on an exclusive walking tour...
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D-Link launches Quadband DIR-855 Wireless N Router
This Thing looks Crazy!!
Perpetual HD media streaming and online deathmatches got your current router in a bind? D-Link's looking to solve said quandary by introducing the Quadband DIR-855 Wireless N Router, which quite simply "supports true concurrent 802.11n transmission over both 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels at the same time." Granted, you'll need a wireless chipset capable
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Top 10 Barely-Legal Gadgets for the Modern Spy (W/Cool Pics)
Here are listed 10 categories of devices you can buy to make you feel like a James Bond, from laser beams that cut things to x-ray goggles that see through clothes to CSI grade forensic lab hardware.
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Monday, March 3, 2008
Mrs. Tom Brady
click here for more pics:
http://www.totallycrap.com/galleries/galleries_gisele_bundchen/
Adam Carolla to host US version of Top Gear
Forget Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld or even Tim Allen. It looks like Adam Carolla, formerly of Loveline and The Man Show is adding Top Gear to his list of new projects.
Last Friday, on his nationally syndicated radio show, Carolla hesitantly answered a fan's question during his "How Say You?" segment, announcing that he'd be working on the U.S. version of Top Gear. Carolla describes the show as "a super cool, super-expensive, super high-end car nut show to air on NBC primetime." Shortly after his announcement, Internet message boards showed mixed reaction to the news.
There's been no official word yet from NBC on any of the show's hosts; however, our sources say that Dan Neil, a Pulitzer Prize-winning automotive writer for the Los Angeles Times, will also be part of the show, most likely to add journalistic integrity.
Carolla, known as the Ace Man to his radio fans, is considered by many to be a celebrity car guy. He owns a replica BRE Datsun 510, has competed in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race in Long Beach and recently broadcasted a NASCAR weekend radio show from the Palms in Las Vegas.
Clearly, Carolla is into cars, but is there room for Top Gear on his already full plate? Here's a breakdown of some his other current projects:
A respsonse to the Chis dojo post...
Couldn't help but think of this scene while watching. When Seagal was a bad ass (for a short period)...
AUSTRIA
Planning my trip to Europe Next year. Thanks to Jack Reno, for some suggestions:
chekc these out:
http://www.salzwelten.at/cont/salzwelten/en_salzwelten_home.aspx
http://www.eisriesenwelt.at/site/content/CB_ContentShow.php?coType=photos#
Slowing economy leads to sawdust shortage
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Sawdust Shock: A Shortage Looms As Economy Slows
By Joel Millman
Word Count: 1,206
Ernie Johnson figured $100-a-barrel oil was bound to happen someday. But the 58-year-old businessman Missoula, Mont., never thought he'd see sawdust at $100 a ton.
The price of sawdust has soared since 2006, up from about $25 a ton to more than $100 in some markets. Blame the housing slump: Fewer new homes mean fewer trees cut for use in construction, which leads to less sawdust and other wood waste, driving up the price.
"I've never seen sawdust so hard to find. We're having to go 400 miles to get it," says Mr. Johnson, the president of Johnson Brothers Contracting, ...
How to make your own flavored Vodka
Infuse Vodka
From Wired How-To Wiki
"Maceration" may sound like some crazy combat maneuver, but it's really what happens when a flavor is steeped into a fluid. If you're using the process to add flavor to your vodka, it's given the much cooler moniker of "infusion." Vodka distillers have caught onto the craze, but for the most part they've stuck to common flavors like citrus. But with a decent jar, some produce, and lots of vodka, anyone can create their own signature flavored spirit.
Contents[hide] |
What You'll Need
- Vodka - Vodka is easily the most important (and expensive) part of the process. Although practically any brand will do in a pinch, close attention should be paid to its ingredients and distillation methods. In short, the fewer high quality sources of starch (wheat, potato, or even soy), and the more distillation and filtration, the better. A quick and dirty test: If it smells like rubbing alcohol and burns going down, spend the extra ducats to upgrade. It doesn't matter what kind of flavor you infuse if the base vodka tastes like death.
- Flavor - In terms of flavor, it's an open playing field. Berries, melons, vegetables, and even spices can be infused to add some kick. However, just like gourmet cooking, the fresher the ingredients the more vibrant the flavor. Frozen or jarred fruits and vegetables should be avoided at all costs. At a loss for which flavor to shoot for? Some common choices include: Watermelon, lemon, apple, strawberry, peach, mango, cucumber, chili, mint, ginger, garlic, and lavender. If you want to get really saucy, try mixing a few.
- Infusion Jar - Almost any glass jar will work, if short on time or materials. If you can track down a bona fide infusion jar, even better. They're easy to spot as most have a spigot at the bottom and a secure lid for the top. In a worst case scenario, you can always go to local retailer (Target, Wal-Mart, etc.) and pick up a cheap sun tea jar. Just make sure that whatever you bring home is clear, can hold up to 750ml, and has a tight lid.
Step 1: Prepare the Produce
Since there are a number of choices for flavor, there are tons of ways to prepare your fresh materials. If working with fruit, be sure to expose the flesh. This means slicing into things like melons and strawberries, removing the rinds of fruit like mangoes, and getting rid of any pits. The same type of rules apply for vegetables -- if the section in question doesn't harbor flavor, get rid of it. Once the unnecessary bits have been removed, cut your selection(s) into medium-sized sections. Think "fruit salad," not "puree."
Step 2: Fill the Jar
Once the produce is prepared, it can go into the empty jar. If you've gone the spigot route, make sure the spigot is tightly closed. Traditional methods of infusion call for the jar to be filled (but not packed) with fruit/vegetables. Since that can turn out to be a sizable commitment to a whole lot of alcohol, it's advised to start with modest quantities.
Step 3: Add the Vodka
Once you've added the desired amount of fruit, start dousing it with the desired amount of vodka. The goal is to make sure that your produce is covered (if not submerged) in vodka. Don't mind any floaters -- they're normal. Also keep in mind that the ratio of vodka to produce has a direct effect on flavor, so pour accordingly. When you've poured in the desired amount (or filled the jar), throw on the lid and make sure it's sealed tightly. Place the jar in the refrigerator, or in a cool, dark place. Direct sunlight can wreak all sorts of havoc, so keep it away from the sun at all costs.
Step 4: Wait For It...
This is the hardest part of the process -- waiting. Stronger flavors like citrus can be infused as quickly as couple days, while mellow flavors like water melon and apple can take a week. Really light flavors like cucumber and lavender can take as long as two weeks. Since preference plays a big part in the end result, it's wise to periodically taste the mixture to see where it's at. A day more (or less) won't likely ruin the mixture, and if you splurged on the jar with the spigot pouring the occasional 'test shot' shouldn't be a problem.
Step 5: Strain It
After the desired taste is reached, it's time to rid the vodka of the fruit/vegetable pulp. The easiest method is to line a wire mesh strainer with cheese cloth (coffee filters work too), set it on top of a bowl or pitcher, and then pour the contents of your infusion jar through. Once it has made its way through you can discard the pulp, and enjoy your infused vodka. Or, eat the vodka-flavored fruit instead of throwing it away.
This How-To was originally submitted by Wired.com writer Terrence Russell.
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