Monday, September 25, 2006

RC VR Plane

Ever need to get a peek where you're not supposed to, but it's just too dangerous to go in yourself? Time for this trick, VR equipped RC plane.

Now, you might think, camera mounted on an RC plane, hmm, not so new. But what is awesome is that the goggles have a gyroscope on it that will turn the camera when you turn your head. The video on this guys site is pretty amazing proof that it actually works too.

So, launch the plane, climb to a decent altitude and spy on Espinoza's party. Take note of where the guards are, because when night falls, you're going down Espinoza!

RC VR Model Plane

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Personal Jet Packs


Flying. No other super power is so sought after. From Prometheus to this guy, everyone wants to fly. But, unless you were blessed with large feathery wings, the powers of levitation, or well, large metallic wings, you're going to need some help.

Enter this guy (AKA Rick Heron). His invention is a 90 lbs. jet pack capable of 6 minutes of flight. It comes equipped with GPS, can run on a handful of different fuels, and the website is fully stocked with videos of him trying to fly.

Well, videos of him trying to fly and some really out of place music. Seriously, sounds kinda like the crap they play at a wedding.

Check out the Jetpack
Digg!

Monday, September 18, 2006

How to Walk Silently

Stealth is a tool that should be in every Superhero's arsenal (unless you're invulnerable, then it doesn't really much matter). This article is chock full of tips needed to walk silently. Learn them well, and you too could sleep the sleep of a tree ninja.

The article is too long to post here, and I recommend reading it, especially if you are inclined to sneaking around. For those of you who want the Reader's Digest version, I paraphrase:

  • Get soft footwear
  • Wear sparse, tight clothing
  • Match the cadence of the person you are following
  • Place the heel or toes of your foot down first and roll your foot slowly and gently onto the ground.
  • Walk on the outer edge of your feet, rolling your foot from heel to pinky toe, if you want to get very close to the target.
  • When walking through a house with wood floors, stick close to the wall to minimize creaking floorboards. The same is true for staircases.
  • Before you start your walking, roll both of your feet around at the ankles a few times. This will make sure to get any 'pops' from your ankles out of the way.
So journey on, young adept. And know well, that it is best to walk lightly and carry a big stick.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

An Honest to Goodness Bionic Arm

According to an article in the washington post this woman cried the first time she had to open a banana with her feet.

NOW she can crush a car single handed!* Left-handed that is.

The robot arm, which is the work of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, is controlled by this woman's thoughts. Tiny electrode extend into the nerves in her chest, allowing her to control the robotic arm with her mind.

One of the next steps is to give the prosthetic a sense of touch that can actually be felt by the person wearing it. I don't know about you, but when I'm punching out a molten monster, I don't want to feel it.

*ok, no actual crushing of cars has taken place...yet!

Something for your Alter Ego to do

Just because your alter-ego is a mild-mannered plumber, doesn't mean he can't work to make the world a better place. This program in Philadelphia is a model in helping stop crime by providing some real basics, in this case, literacy.

Stop Illiteracy

It's All About the Interpersonals, Yo!

Dale Carnegie's landmark book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" is an absolutely must read for every aspiring Superhero.

Using simple tips like "Smile" and "Ask Questions" Carnegie takes you through some simple time tested things you can do to be more persuasive. The book is never mean-spirited or intended for manipulation, it is truly good read.

So, before you just flat-out clobber your next villain, take a second to reflect on Carnegie's lessons. Smile, and ask him (or her) why they're up to doing no good.* The answer, it might just surprise you.

*Tip not actually recommended

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Power for your Off-Grid Lair

Every lair needs an alternate power source. This wind turbine will help you keep the crime computer running even if your nemesis has destroyed the power plant.

This wind powered turbine is can produce about 400w in optimal conditions. This means you can keep your crime computer running (average home PC and monitor is about 200w) and still have enough juice left over to power that coffee pot.

Hey, your computer isn't the only thing that needs to stay charged up!