Thursday, July 2, 2009

A design straight from Hitler’s heart: Horten 2-29 stealth fighter recreated

hitler fighter
The mind of one gifted genius, be it a very evil one, unleashed a war on the world unlike anything else before or after it and while Adolf Hitler and his barbarous Nazi regime ended decades, the heaps of secret documents and the vast technological progress that its army made as early as in 1940’s still is being uncovered. Part of this exercise was the recreation of the Horten 2-29, a fighter plane that the Nazis designed to go undetected by the radars and would have surely changed the course of war had it been perfected and mass produces.

The latest recreation based on the last surviving Ho 2-29 and the Nazi blueprints gave experts this little beast that you see and designed to attain a maximum speed of 600 miles an hour and armed with four 30mm cannons and two 500-kilogram bombs, the Ho 2-29 was just averted in time by the Allied forces before it could spring to action. There was a reason why in early 1940 the German army was considered the mightiest on the planet and its wars were a mater of ‘blitzkrieg’… Such technology couple with the mind of their Fuhrer!
This is one design that even the ‘generally hard to please’ Hitler would have been proud to claim as his own…

Google Wave: the revolution is coming

wavee Google Wave: the revolution is coming
There is not the slightest doubt that the Google Wave has the potential to trigger a revolution. It’s a mixing tool e-mail, instant messenger and wiki, but goes beyond that. Extensions of all kinds can add features to the service or facilitate the execution of tasks on the web. Among the different types of supplements, those who most stand out are the robots. Exactly. Are small programs that act as assistants: just add them to a conversation that they begin to work.

For those who do not read anything yet about the service, it is explained that each “wave” starts as a simple message. Then, simply add more participants, or robots. The conversation can follow the traditional way, with an answer then the other, or in real time, as in a chat on MSN – as users write, the characters now appear on the screen. It is possible to add maps, drag images directly from a folder to the browser, attach files and search on Google and include some of the links found in the wave. The possibilities are endless.
Some of the extensions already available in two sites: the Wavety.com and Wave Samples Gallery, the latter located within the Google Code. The Bloggy can post the contents of a direct wave in a blog. The Tweety lets write and read messages on Twitter. Dr. Weather shows the forecast according to the city entered, for today and the next three days. The Eliza hits a chat with the user. The Convertsy convert measures. Roshambo has played rock, paper and scissors with you.
You can also add gadgets to a wave. A game of Sudoku, for example. Or a match of chess. Or make a drawing in the style of the Paintbrush. Or create a map, generated from a typed address. With all this included in one product, who will want to send and receive e-mails by traditional tools, like Gmail, Windows Live, Yahoo! It will not make any sense.

The big question is whether Google’s developers are able to leave the Wave ready for 2009 yet, as they have promised. Only few people have access to the invitations: the version open to developers has many bugs and lack implementing a series of functions.
Via: Info.

North Korea Test Fire Additional Short-Range Missiles

According to South Korean Defense Ministry, North Korea test fired four more short-range missiles today, amid the growing tensions, strained international relations and growing strict economic and military sanctions. Pyongyang has been under immense pressure from the United Nations Security Council since it conducted its second nuclear test in the month of May this year, along with multiple missile tests.
In this latest missile test, North Korean forces test fired two surface to ship missiles from coastal city on Wonsan. This city lies in the eastern region of North Korea. The nature of the third and fourth missiles that were also launched as part of the test program are unknown at this time. The latter two missiles were fired from the east coast of the communist country. However, the region as well as the exact location of the missile sites could not be ascertained.
NK missile test
The test missiles covered about 60 miles (100 kilometers) and according to  military officials, the missiles have been classified as KN-01 missiles that have a range of up to 100 miles or 160 kilometers.
The North Korean missile test hasn’t come as a surprise to the international community and especially to South Korea, as Pyongyang had already declared its east coast as a “no sail zone” till July 10th 2009, for military drills. However, experts and analysts had predicted this move as a clear indication of an upcoming missile test.
According to Yu Myung-hwan (Foreign Minsters. South Korea), “ We had expected that they will fire short-range missiles at any time. It’s not a good sign because they are demonstrating their military power.”

The House that Bridges the Creek

11 The House that Bridges the Creek
Who wouldn’t love a dwelling wrapped around with scenery? An agricultural scientist, Chris Anderson and Claire Davenport wished for the same in their 10-acre wooded site an hour’s drive south of Adelaide. They laid the burden on South Australia–based architect Max Pritchard and this is what they finally got- a stunning Bridge House. Straddling a creek, the house stands on four small concrete piers anchoring two steel trusses and satisfies all the prerequisites for a home sweet home.
2 The House that Bridges the Creek
Precoated steel panels drape the walls and roof made of plantation pine. The double-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample winter sunlight to heat up the black concrete floor slab and in case it falls short, the wood combustion heater would take over the job. The operable windows, ceiling fans and the pressed steel louvers on the north aid ventilation and shading. The water used inside the house comes from the roof, which collects it. The house lights up using the electricity the photovoltaic cells on the roof generate. The wastewater is pumped down to 300 feet below the ground level.
111 The House that Bridges the Creek
The Beach House cost about $220,000 Australian (around $177,000 U.S.) to take shape and bagged an award from the Australian Institute of Architects (South Australian Chapter). The house would surely give its inhabitants the pleasure of nature and a green life away from the pacing urban world.

Special Trends: World’s Top 10 Honeymoon destinations

 
So here exactly do you go first to strengthen your bond of love after you have just said ‘I do’? That is the big question that most couples are eagerly looking to answer and with the planet today connected like never before, there are some stunning locations, countries and exotic places that will give you a dream trip you will cherish for a lifetime. So what are the top 10 spots that we would recommend on this love-filled voyage? Well, here we go…

 
The magnificence, untouched beauty, eternal charm, romantic magic makes these simply stunning masterpieces of nature as the gateway to eternal nirvana. Once you plunge into the beauty of the Norwegian Fjords, their timeless charm and extravagant grandeur will leave you wanting for more.

 
Spectacular Sognefjord is the crowning glory of the Norwegian Fjords along with Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Lysefjord and many other untamed and enchanted beauties. It seems ironic why such staggering beauties are often forgotten!

 
Greece and the many astonishing islands that surround it are perfect for a romantic holiday. There is so much social life going on here, both during the day and at night, that you will have more than just the sun and the sand to keep you busy. With some historical sites, great wine and delicious cuisine, this is the place to get lost in each other’s eyes…

 



If you wish to be floating in a sea of clouds and get lost in a world that looks like a Hollywood conception from the age of Lord of the Rings, the there is no more panoramic and magnificent mountain destination that Huangshan Mountains in China. With its isolated serenity, audacious views and warm hospitality, this ancient mystique land has a magical aura to it unlike anything else.
Bora Bora Island, Tahiti:
bora bora french polynesia
The wonderful Polynesian island is quite simply paradise on earth and its serene turquoise blue waters, white sandy beaches and the many myths surrounding the various legends in the island make Bora Bora a Honeymoon treat. The facilities here are top notch, privacy complete and nature at its unadulterated best.
tahiti Special Trends: World’s Top 10 Honeymoon destinations
With adventure sports and various water activities along with world class spas, there is always so much to see and do around here. Yet, you can also just find yourself lonely in the company of each other, lost in time forever… Truly romantic!
Swiss Alps:
swiss alps
By now a honeymoon in the breathtaking Swiss Alps has become pretty famous across the plant; especially for those who love snow filled slopes, amazing mountain views, serene lakes and picture perfect landscape. The country is known for its chocolates, cakes and other food that is aphrodisiac in nature, further making sure that you really never feel too low on your first romantic getaway after the wedding.
Jellyfish Lake, Palau:
jelly Special Trends: World’s Top 10 Honeymoon destinations
The Pacific Island of Palau may not be on the favorite honeymoon destination map as of yet, but it should get there pretty soon. While, this may not be exactly very romantic, the experience of swimming with millions of Jellyfish and living in an isolated island in the middle of nowhere is pretty much and experience that you will rarely ever experience. Just for its sheer special location and unique swimming companions, this surely merits a look.
Kashmir, India:
kashmir1 Special Trends: World’s Top 10 Honeymoon destinations
Many have dubbed it as ‘heaven on earth’ and for good reason too. While regional tensions and terrorism have kept Kashmir largely off of the tourism map, with peace being largely restored to this hypnotic Himalayan valley, it is hard resisting a trip into its very heart. While you will still have to face up with tight security, a house boat ride in Srinagar and a glimpse of the mighty Himalayas will fulfill your dream vacation.
kashmir2 Special Trends: World’s Top 10 Honeymoon destinations
Italy:
italy Special Trends: World’s Top 10 Honeymoon destinations
Here is another little European nation that is real big when it comes to stunning romantic holidays. A trip to Italy has everything- great beaches, wonderful sites, boat rides through Venice, a sojourn in the heart of Rome and of course, delicious Italian food to keep you sumptuous. With places like little Amalfi adding to the affordable trip, Italy beats both London and France with its completeness.
Aruba, Caribbean:
carribean Special Trends: World’s Top 10 Honeymoon destinations
The entire region of Caribbean itself has so many great destinations for a honeymoon that you will have a hard time choosing one. Aruba though is the most popular of the lot with its isolated beaches of the south and the rocky region of the north. Simply vivacious…
Hawaii:
hawai Special Trends: World’s Top 10 Honeymoon destinations
Hawaii is one destination that few need any enlightenment about. The culture, traditions, music, beaches, swinging palm trees, the dances, fiery volcanoes and the surfing on the waves…
hawaii2 Special Trends: World’s Top 10 Honeymoon destinations
There is simply no other place like Hawaii on the planet and whether you are going on a honeymoon or otherwise, it will never ever disappoint you.

A breath of fresh air: Concept respirator mask

 
If you are a young designer who is working his heart out in putting together a prototype of that very special design or product that you think will be the next big hit, then there is absolutely no doubt that you will need a respirator mask that will make the job easy for you. Designer Elijah Stillson probably realized this fact while he himself was working on his creations in his backyard and hence came out with the latest respirator mask.

 
The ergonomic design takes into account the contouring of the human head and hence makes it a perfect fit. The special moving filters are inspired by fish gills and hence move around gently to give you fresh clean air. Yet, by placing them away from the line of sight, the mask gives you a very clear vision. With the filter cartridge integrated into the mask, the life of the filters is extended as it automatically closes down when you put the mask away. Young designers and industrial workers… Get in line please!

Inspired by evolution: A furry behemoth that offers cool shade in scorching sun!

 
MOS, the winner of this year’s MoMA/P.S.1 Young Architects Program—I, built a very unique and somewhat weird courtyard pavilion in the form of P.S.1. At first look, you would think that the apparent fur on the giant structure that looks more like a giant shelter made from the skin of a wooly mammoth will actually cause the place to heat up, rather than cool down. But take a personal look at it and your view will be altered radically. Constructed by a technique which uses a series of chimneys creates an air-pressure differential to cool the interior and palm-fiber thatch from Indonesia called ijuk, the P.S.1 is a lot more sophisticated than you think it is.

 
The architectural value of this one-of-a-kind wacky structure truly is found out when you stand underneath its shade and experience the pleasant breeze drawn into it. While its rough exterior and smooth interior present a great visual contrast, there is no doubting its efficiency and value!