Research X Studio

Entrepreneurship: It's Not Just for Mavericks Anymore

2011-03-17T10:57:00.001-07:00

For many Americans, the idea of starting their own business has been a bit of a pipe dream--a risky idea that could only happen if all the stars aligned just right. The current economic disaster has changed all that, and entrepreneurship is now not only a good option, it's the only option for a lot of people.
Here are a few things you need to know about entrepreneurship in the new economy.
The jobs are gone...and they aren't coming back.
This economic disaster is going to recover solely on the backs of small business. The government programs and oversized corporations aren't going to create jobs, in fact some of the most profitable behemoths are continuing to lay off workers, using the economy as an excuse. New businesses have been shouldering the load of job creation for decades...over 80% of new jobs come from companies that are five years old or younger. Starting your own business not only secures your own worklife and financial future, it also will make a positive impact on your local economy.
Entrepreneurship is your best bet to a better life.
Building a business means securing your own future. You can't be laid off, you set your own hours, you even control your own salary. If you want to earn more, you work harder and smarter and grow your business. If you want more free time, you delegate responsibility and take the time you need. Entrepreneurship is the best, if not the only way to take control of your worklife and financial future. Remember, the boss never gets laid off.
It's not risky if you do the work.
Most non-entrepreneurs assume that starting a business means taking a major risk. Experienced entrepreneurs know that's just not true. Launching a successful startup is all about hedging risk by doing your homework and developing a solid plan before you start. Know your product, your competition, and your market inside and out and you will be ready to make the right decisions for your business at just the right time.
Recessions are great for startups.
Many people believe that starting a business right now is a bad idea. After all, money is tight and there are businesses closing their doors all over the country. The truth is that this is a great time to start up. All those closures have flung open doors of opportunity in just about every industry. Resources are cheap and readily available--commercial space leases are more flexible than ever, vendors are desperate to land new customers, and quality employees are hungry and ready to work. And by starting now, your company will be positioned to explode as the economy begins to recover.
You'll never go back.
The vast majority of people who jump into entrepreneurship out of necessity are surprised to discover just how fulfilling the experience really is. We know a former ad executive who is now making documentaries, a former construction VP who runs an education company, and an ex-corporate attorney who is succeeding with a couple of online retail stores. The one thing they have in common? None can even imagine returning to work for somebody else. If you've ever considered going out on your own, now is the time to make it happen!

About the Author: K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System is designed to help entrepreneurs start a business based on their own idea. It includes step-by-step business startup instructions, key software, business tools, and more -- a complete business kit. Visit LaunchX.com to learn more about this revolutionary way to become an entrepreneur.

print your next bicycle, car, airplane?

2011-03-11T19:23:00.000-08:00

Bicycle material is ‘grown’ from high strength nylon powder
07/03/2011
EADS, the European aerospace and defence group has announced the world's first bike to use a new manufacturing process which it claims has the potential to transform manufacturing around the globe.

EADS unveils worlds first bike to use new manufacturing process

The 'Airbike' is made of nylon but, according to EADS, is strong enough to replace steel or aluminium and requires no conventional maintenance or assembly. It is 'grown' from powder, allowing complete sections to be built as one piece; the wheels, bearings and axle being incorporated within the 'growing' process and built at the same time. Because it can be built to rider specification, it requires no adjustment.

The new manufacturing process is known as Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) and it allows single products to be grown from a fine powder of metal (such as titanium, stainless steel or aluminium), nylon or carbon reinforced plastics from a centre located next to Airbus' site at Filton.

Similar in concept to 3D printing, the bike design is perfected using computer aided design and then constructed by using a laser sintering process which adds successive, thin layers of the chosen structural material until a solid, fully formed bike emerges.

Robin Southwell, chief executive of EADS UK, said: "The Airbike is a fantastic example of British innovation at its very best. The team at EADS in Bristol includes world class engineers who continue to push boundaries by working at the forefront of technology. I believe that ALM technology represents a paradigm shift."

EADS says it has developed the technology to the extent that it can manipulate metals, nylon, and carbon reinforced plastics at a molecular level which allows it to be applied to high stress, safety critical aviation uses. Compared to a traditional, machined part, those produced by ALM are said to be up to 65% lighter but still as strong. The technology is likely to be employed in due course in industrial, aerospace, automotive and industrial applications.

Minister for Bus

N ow He's done it. Charlie's show is now 1 and a half men?

2011-03-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

The Family Rosary Edition of the Holy Bible - Cathedral Edition ! ! !

2010-04-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

I am selling this bible on Ebay.
I need a place to put some pics
so here it is: The first thing you need to know is that the bible I am selling is not this one:

This bible is not the Cathedral Edition. The one I am selling is even rarer. Notice the cover of this bible has no pictures.The Cathedral edition has a different cover with paintings: See Below:

This is the Cathedral Edition of the Bible. It is more elaborate and as you can see it is in much better condition. This is indeed a rare book. I haven't been able to find another one like it. This is the one I am selling.

There are lots and lots of illustrations throughout the whole book. They are very well drawn. The book is an exceptional work of art on it's own.

Some examples:

The Artwork is simply amazing!
And there is lots and lots more. It makes the book come alive!

Wi-Fi signals used to see through w

2009-10-03T03:21:00.001-07:00

Wi-Fi signals used to see through walls

Scientists at the University of Utah in the United States have found a way to harness Wi-Fi signals to 'see' through solid walls

By Claudine Beaumont, Technology Editor
Published: 2:08PM BST 02 Oct 2009

Researchers from the University of Utah have found a way of harnessing Wi-Fi signals to see through walls

The researchers say that the variation of radio signals in a wireless network can reveal the movements of people behind closed doors or even a wall.

Joey Wilson and Neal Patwari, from the University of Utah, have used the principle of variance-based radio tomographic imaging. The system works by measuring interference between the nodes of wireless devices. If someone passes through that field, the device registers a change in the levels of resistance, and feeds that information back to a computer.

The system can currently only see about three feet through a wall, and is so far only capable of sensing motion. At this stage, it is not sophisticated enough to generate an actual image of what lies beyond the wall, but the research team is confident that this feature could be developed in time.

The researchers said the technology could be used in search and rescue operations, with emergency teams using the same radio technology used by Wi-Fi networks to build a web of sensors around a disaster site, revealing the location of victims and survivors.

"We envision a building imaging scenario similar to the following. Emergency responders, military forces, or police arrive at a scene where entry into a building is potentially dangerous. They deploy radio sensors around (and potentially on top of) the building area, either by throwing or launching them, or dropping them while moving around the building," wrote Wilson and Patwari on the arXiv science forum.

"The nodes immediately form a network and self-localise, perhaps using information about the size and shape of the building from a database (eg Google maps) and some known-location coordinates (eg using GPS). Then, nodes begin to transmit, making signal strength measurements on links which cross the building or area of interest. The received signal strength measurements of each link are transmitted back to a base station and used to estimate the positions of moving people and objects within the building."

Internet Business can really make you money if...

2009-09-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

DeyMar.net
This site can enlighten you, inform you, advise you, and more.
What they won't do is take your money. Now it is common for search engines to take you to a site that promises to inform you on how to make money on the internet. The only problem is that there is no information there at all. All you get are promises, and if you send MONEY.. you will get the answers.
I have been tempted and friends and relatives who didn't know better have fallen and some have fallen hard. It is therefore refreshing to find a place that tell you what you need to know in order to succeed at a particular type of business known as Domain Parking. Domain Parking involves little money. It does involve quite a bit of research and there are some very important aspects of this business that one needs to understand in order to succeed. At Deymar, they are doing a good job so far of addressing these issues. The information is clear and written so anyone even without a lot of technical knowledge can follow along. It is a new site. I will follow and report my findings here.
If you are looking for a way to make money from home, without paying anyone, without joining a program, and most importantly without having to invest a lot of money, visit the site at http://www.deymar.net
If you apply the methods listed there, and follow their recommendations, it will be difficult to go wrong. You may not get rich, but if you stick to your plan, you can make a good monthly income doing it.
It takes a little time, and a lot of research on domain names to do this, but if it is something you enjoy, it is a great opportunity to earn a second, or even your main income doing Domain Parking and Sales.

Google Printable Coupons - Massens Photography

2009-09-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

Google Printable Coupons - Massens Photography

Writeup in Picture Business magazine

2009-09-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

Writeup in Picture Business magazine Here

No Worries for Some Pros
Advertising/commercial photographer Mario Massens of Massens Photography in San Diego and Las Vegas, came to the show to visit many of the vendors he uses online to see what new products they might have. "[PMA] is not just for retailers," stated Massens. "There's stuff here for photographers and for anybody in the photo business.

The economy is not an issue for me because there are a lot of vertical markets I'm tapping into such as the manufacturers and companies here in Las Vegas. And everybody needs to advertise, especially in this economy." Massens also noted that many wedding photographers he knows are seeing an increase in business as more people are getting married for the tax benefits. "They're charging a little less," he says, "but they're getting more work."

The Village News :: Man stabbed at local taco shop

2007-07-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

The Village News :: Man stabbed at local taco shop

Don't get scammed!

2007-03-14T01:57:00.000-07:00

DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR!!!
DO NOT MAKE A PURCHASE UNTIL YOU ARE 100% SURE!!!
DO NOT GET SCAMMED!!!

Hello my name is Mario,

I started looking for opportunities to make money on the internet a little over a year ago when an illness made it impossible for me to go to work as usual. I had a good job but my condition and the pain I was suffering made it so I couldn't continue. So there went my $70,000 a year income that took me 15 years to accomplish. I knew I would not be able to find another job that would pay me $70,000/year. So I started looking for ways to earn money myself instead of looking for another job.

I spent the next 11 months trying almost every business opportunity online and off. I was scammed by several different "get rich quick schemes" and I lost over $5000 or more in that time. Everyone of these so called money making programs all said the same thing: "they were going to help me make a lot of money with out having any experience". I was in the position where I had to create an income quick, I had no other choice. Even though I thought most of these programs were probably scams, I tried them anyway because I knew that if just one of them worked for me that is all it would take.

Out of 22 programs 21 were complete scams and some took my money. Only 1 of the programs actually worked. I am going to give you an honest review of the 1 program that did work for me. Although you might not make money as fast as they say you will, you will make money if you follow their steps. I will post here my honest opinion about that program. If you are looking at any other program besides this one, you are most likely wasting your time. I have tried everything out there and this is the only one that actually made me money.

One more thing. Although I am an experienced computer consultant, it takes no skill other than being able to read and write, and keep organized notes in order to succeed. Additionally, I have not really pursued the program to it's full potential, so chances are that you will do much better than I did. And I did quite well. Why am I sharing this with you. Only because I want to help others not fall into these pitfalls, and to make sure the companies that scammed me don't continue business.

Anyhow, judge for yourself. Besides, it's free and it wont ever cost you any money. You can only win! There are no up-front fees or fees of any kind. I hope this information helps you or a family member succeed. Please drop me a line or leave a comment here if this helped.

Write me at massens@gmail.com if you need additional details. Mention the blog in your email so I know what it is we are discussing.

Hope all goes well!

Regards

Your Friend,

Mario

The Art of Complex Problem Solving

2007-03-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

The Art of Complex Problem Solving

Hacking Knowledge: 77 Ways to Learn Faster, Deeper, and Better | OEDb

2007-03-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

Hacking Knowledge: 77 Ways to Learn Faster, Deeper, and Better | OEDb: "Published on Thursday 30th of November, 2006

knowledgeIf someone granted you one wish, what do you imagine you would want out of life that you haven't gotten yet? For many people, it would be self-improvement and knowledge. New knowledge is the backbone of society's progress. Great thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, and others' quests for knowledge have led society to many of the marvels we enjoy today. Your quest for knowledge doesn't have to be as Earth-changing as Einstein's, but it can be an important part of your life, leading to a new job, better pay, a new hobby, or simply knowledge for knowledge's sake — whatever is important to you as an end goal.

Life-changing knowledge does typically require advanced learning techniques. In fact, it's been said that the average adult only uses 10% of his/her brain. Imagine what we may be capable of with more advanced learning techniques. Here are 77 tips related to knowledge and learning to help you on your quest. A few are specifically for students in traditional learning institutions; the rest for self-starters, or those learning on their own. Happy learning."

artificialmemory.net

2007-03-07T20:43:00.000-08:00

artificialmemory.net
ArtificialMemory is an innovative personal and enterprise knowledge management system integrating Wiki , Personal Information-, blog" alt="THING: Weblog ^blog">Weblog-, and Document Management System (DMS)). It considerably increases the efficiency, creativity, and innovativeness of groups of knowledge workers by adapting semantic web /Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology due to findings of cognitive sciences and usability research.

ArtificialMemory replaces or points to documents by a network of associated knowledge objects. All relations between these objects are verbally expressed. Knowledge and intentions can be freely and easily expressed, structured, and communicated.

ArtificialMemory helps to create and adapt highly structured knowledge bases 'on the fly'. Examples of excellent areas of application are: business intelligence (esp. competetive / market intelligence, Management Information Systems ), knowledge management , strategy, process and innovation management .

Electrochemical Machining for UXO Neutralisation

2007-03-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

Electrochemical Machining for UXO Neutralisation

TechOnline | Inside the Nintendo Wii videogame console

2007-03-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

TechOnline | Inside the Nintendo Wii videogame console:
"The Nintendo Wii"
Take a look inside and see what makes it tick...
A great teardown for all modders. A must see if you are planning on going inside your game console.
A+++

Octopart Search for Electronic Parts

2007-03-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

Octopart
Octopart is a search engine which lets you compare the prices and availability of electronic parts from Allied Electronics, Digi-Key, Mouser, and Newark InOne.

Modern Mechanix » USE CAR’S EXHAUST TO CLEAN CUSHIONS

2007-03-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

Modern Mechanix » USE CAR’S EXHAUST TO CLEAN CUSHIONS:
"USE CAR’S EXHAUST TO CLEAN CUSHIONS
Using the exhaust gas of the automobile to clean the upholstery is the accomplishment of a recently invented device. An aluminum attachment is fastened to the exhaust pipe and the engine is allowed to idle. As the exhaust gas passes through this device suction is created at the inlet hole. Collected by a nozzle, the dust and dirt are drawn through the hose and expelled into the air at the rear of the car. It is made in three models, for cars of different size."

FM Transmitter

2007-03-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

FM Transmitter: "Here is the schematic, PC board pattern, and parts placement for a low powered FM transmitter. The range of the transmitter when running at 9V is about 300 feet. Running it from 12V increases the range to about 400 feet. This transmitter should not be used as a room or telephone bug."

FM Telephone Bug

2007-03-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

FM Telephone Bug
Here is a simple transmitter that when connected to a phone line, will transmit anything on that line (execpt the dial tone) to any FM radio. The frequency can be tuned from 88 to about 94Mhz and the range is about 200 feet. It is extremely easy to build and is therefore a good, useful beginner project.

Urban Legends Reference Pages: Dave Barry's 16 Things

2007-03-05T22:38:00.000-08:00

Urban Legends Reference Pages: Dave Barry's 16 Things

Joost invites up for grabs

2007-03-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

Recently, insidetonic announced it would be giving away two invites to the much awaited Joost TV service. I promptly added my comment hoping for an invite. However, shortly after posting I noticed Reynaldo's comment and frankly, I was blown away. I've taken steam baths, played with steam engines, steamed wrinkled clothes and vegetables, I've even blown off steam from time to time. I know about microwaves and video, but steam?
Wow, this guy rocks!
Besides wanting to know how he did it, I'm also curious as to how it stores the video so there is no longer any need to record it. Amazing I say!

This is the best comment in my opinion, better than mine!

-----------------------------------------------------------

I have set up my computer to steam all my video to my TV set, and I have to say it’s great I no longer record any of my shows, and it sound like Joost may make my Media center complete. I also wish to add if I receive an invitation/ token to joost from your site I will return and give back my token back to you. Thank you for your consideration.

Posted at 3:59 am on Mar 4th by Reynaldo Cabrera

--------------------------------------------------------

because me love you long time

Posted at 4:45 am on Mar 4th by Jennifer Soyama

--------------------------------------------------------

Top ten reasons I should get the Joost Invite are:
10. I’m a misguided rocket scientist. A joost invite would keep me and the world out of trouble.
9. I can be the coolest nerd on my block, and the only one with Joost!
8. I can play that song for my boss, “take this job and shovit” without having to worry I’ll have nothing to do…
7. It will help me score with the “babes”
6. My neighbors will love you. I can put away all the microwave antennas, free to air boxes, card burning software, and take all the junk off my roof.
5. I was planning on taking a vacation. Can I get the travel channel?
4. I didn’t get the PS3 after waiting a week outside Best Buys, this would do wonders for my mental health.
3. I havent been able to watch anything since we upgraded our TIVO.
2. I am your biggest fan. Please pick me. Please?!?
1. … and the number one reason I should get the Joost invite…
Tired of watching network coverage of Anna Nicole Smith’s demise.

Posted at 7:09 am on Mar 4th by Mario Massens

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey, as much as I would like the Joost invite, I truly thing that the last guy with the top ten reasons he should get the Joost invite deserves it more than me… I can’t think of anything better! What do you mean I’m cheating…!

Posted at 7:15 am on Mar 4th by Mike Massens

--------------------------------------------------------------------

On second thought, perhaps Reynaldo Cabrera should get the Joost Invite.He can steam his video. I can Microwave mine, but I’ve yet to steam any video successfully. Give it Cabrera for most creative way to receive or store video. Good job!!!

Posted at 7:18 am on Mar 4th by Mike Massens

Great CANON WIDE ANGLE LENS

2007-03-01T05:41:00.000-08:00

Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 MC Fisheye. What do you do if you want a real wide angle photo, but don't want to spend $500 on a nice wide angle lens? Buy a Russian Zenitar fisheye lens for $120 on ebay! I got it from the Zenitar company (seems they sell one at a time on ebay for $120 each) complete with a carry case, EOS metal adaptor ring, three colored rear filters for use with BW film (red, yellow and green) and a Russian instruction manual (luckily I have some Russian friends!). I use the PTLens free Photoshop plug-in for distortion correction. It didn't come with a profile for the 1.3x 1D (there is a profile for all Canon 1.6x cameras), so I had to calculate and tweak some coefficients, but it wasn't hard. It's pretty soft at f/2.8, but you can't tell it from Canon's great $600 17-40mm f/4L USM at f/8! [$120 on eBay] filter size: none

Pros

Cheapest good quality fisheye you can buy!
Correct distorion using free software.
Works on 35mm film for almost 180^o diagonal views!
Light weight

Cons

Hard to focus manually - You can barely see details at 16mm!
Closest focus is 0.3m - would be more fun if it were 0.1m.
Front cap is a little loose for comfort.
Had to adjust petal hood with a screwdriver since it wasn't straight.

Portable Displays - VG-100K Sunglasses With Video Playback

2007-02-28T07:14:00.000-08:00

Portable Displays - VG-100K Sunglasses With Video Playback

Description

The VG-100K is the one of the first head mounted displays to attempt to blend into the public as much as possible.

Simulating a 30" virtual display and doubling up as a pair of sunglasses, the VG-100K will become a common gadget amongst busy commuters around the world..

Wear it anytime, anywhere, sitting or lying down, enjoy the portability !

Specifications

Optical
Virtual 30” display
63.5 +/- 4 mm IPD design
262144 colours (18 bits)
Brightness: 250 cd/m2
Contrast: 80 : 1
Diagonal field of view: 24 degrees

Electronics
NTSC/PAL/SECAM video formats
4-line comb filter
201K Pixels Resolution.
Support only CVBS input
Dynamic Stereo earphone
Power: 2 x 1.5V AA battery.
It takes only 120mA under 3.3V power supply
Capable of playing video for 12 hours by using
Weight: 100g/3.53ounce (without cables)

Box Contents

* AV cable for iPod Video
* AV cable for Portable DVD Player
* AV cable for General RCA Connection
* AV cable for Female RCA
* Battery 1.5AA*2
* Battery Box
* Manual

Price

$299 USD

Compatibility

Fully compatible with 5th generation Video iPods
Fully compatible with 4th generation iPods with video out (Photo/Colour)
Fully compatible with Microsoft Zune
Compatible with any device with AV output such as Portable DVD Players
Works with the Sony Playstations, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo GameCube

Warranty

1 Year Limited

Purchase

Please e-mail us to register interest to purchase the VG-100K

22Moo Introduces New 3D VGA Stereoscopic Video Glasses, Sunglasses with Video Playback and a 1.6 oz Video Eyewear Product and a SD/MMC Card Mini Media Center

2007-02-28T07:09:00.000-08:00

22Moo Introduces New 3D VGA Stereoscopic Video Glasses, Sunglasses with Video Playback and a 1.6 oz Video Eyewear Product and a SD/MMC Card Mini Media Center

Techdirt: Is It Still Theft Of Service If It's Using The Free WiFi At The Library?

2007-02-26T12:11:00.000-08:00

Techdirt: Is It Still Theft Of Service If It's Using The Free WiFi At The Library?: "Is It Still Theft Of Service If It's Using The Free WiFi At The Library?
from the someone-please-explain dept
In the past, we've made it pretty clear why we have a hard time believing that there's anything wrong with using an open WiFi network -- even as there are an increasing number of stories of people getting arrested and fined for doing so -- usually with the claim that it's 'theft of services.' However, it's difficult to see how it can possibly be considered theft of services when it's done from a place that's giving away the WiFi for free. The latest case, sent in by John, involves a 21-year-old who had his laptop confiscated after he was caught using a library's free WiFi from his car. The police officer quoted in the case, makes it sound like it's a no brainer that using the WiFi in a library from your car is clearly illegal -- but there's no explanation for why (or why it's then okay to confiscate the guy's laptop to 'inspect what he may have been downloading.') Also, if it's so suspicious for someone to be using a laptop in their car, what happens when more people get access to wireless broadband and sit in their cars using their laptops via a completely legitimate EVDO or HSDPA connection? Will the police come and confiscate those laptops as well?"

WIRED Blogs: Bodyhack Emergency Medicine Research: No Permission Required

2007-02-26T12:06:00.000-08:00

WIRED Blogs: Bodyhack: "Emergency Medicine Research: No Permission Required "

Big Event in Orange County - Roth Conference

2007-02-24T16:30:00.000-08:00

The scanner ZBackscatter was a topic at this conference. They are trying to get the corporate world hooked on this stuff. It won't be long folks...

Snoop Dog At Roth Conference In Orange County Big Event - For more of the funniest videos, click here

Extensive coverage of the Z-Backscatter system

2007-02-24T08:02:00.000-08:00

Z-Backscatter system
The link above will tell you way more than you want to know about the new snoop technology now being pushed on us. I thought we still had rights in America. It won't be long before we start seeing these devices everywhere.

Privacy Violation? Security Scanner Sees Thru Clothes

2007-02-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

PHOENIX (AP) -- Sky Harbor International Airport became the country's first to begin testing a controversial new federal screening system that takes X-rays of passenger's bodies in an effort to find concealed explosives and other weapons.
The Phoenix airport started testing the new technology on Friday. It can see through people's clothes and show the body's contours with blush-inducing clarity.
Critics have said the high-resolution images created by the "backscatter" technology are too invasive. But the Transportation Security Administration adjusted the equipment to make the image look something like a line drawing, while still detecting concealed weapons.
During testing, the machine will be used only as a backup screening measure. Passengers who fail the standard screening with a metal detector will be able to choose between the new device or a pat-down search.
"It's 100 percent voluntary, so if the passenger doesn't feel comfortable with it, the passenger doesn't have to go through it," TSA spokesman Nico Melendez said.
Passengers selected for screening by the device are asked to stand in front of the closet-size X-ray unit with the palms of their hands facing out. Then they must turn around for a second screening from behind. The procedure takes about a minute.
"It seems faster. I'm not uncomfortable with it," said Kelsi Dunbar, 25, of Seattle, who chose the machine. "I trust TSA, and I trust that they are definitely trying to make things go quickly and smoothly in the airport.
But one expert said the machine's altered image is ineffective, while the clear picture is an invasion of privacy.
"The more obscure they make the image, the more obscure the contraband, weapons and explosives," said Barry Steinhardt, director of the Technology and Liberty Project at the ACLU in Washington, D.C. "The graphic image is a strip-search. You shouldn't have to be strip-searched to get on an airplane. Millions of Americans would regard them as pornographic."
The machine will be tested for up to 90 days at a single checkpoint at Sky Harbor International Airport's largest terminal, which hosts US Airways and Southwest Airlines, the two busiest airlines in Phoenix.
The technology could be left in place after the trial period, and the TSA hopes to roll out similar machines at the Los Angeles airport and New York's Kennedy Airport by the end of the year.
The security officer who works with the passenger going through the screening will never see the images the machine produces. The pictures will be viewed by another officer about 50 feet away who will not see the passenger, the TSA said.
The machine cannot store the images or transmit them and "once we're done screening the passenger, the image is gone forever," Melendez said.
He said the device at Sky Harbor costs about $100,000 but is on loan from the manufacturer, American Science and Engineering Inc. of Boston.

Asteroid threat demands response, experts warn - space - 17 February 2007 - New Scientist Space

2007-02-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

Asteroid threat demands response, experts warn - space - 17 February 2007 - New Scientist Space

iTWire - Asteroid heading for Earth needs UN plan say scientists

2007-02-18T16:51:00.000-08:00

iTWire - Asteroid heading for Earth needs UN plan say scientists

Spy101 Video Released

2007-02-13T23:16:00.000-08:00

1st in a series of simple but effective techniques to add to your spy arsenal.
This video shows how to read the contents of an envelope or letter without opening. The best part is that you will not leave any traces.
Available on Metacafe (long version) SPY101 Video
or YouTube (short version) SPY101 short
Take a look. More to come.