TotalRewind.org is a virtual museum of VCRs spanning pre-1970 up to the some of the latest systems and formats. Lots of photos, history and tidbits like this: The name Betamax is derived from a Japanese word “Beta”, which apparently means quality (and can also describe the recording system) plus “Max” to imply maximum quality. Link.
In Dayton, Ohio on May 20, 21, & 22, 2005 the annual Dayton Hamvention at the Hara Arena is going on. If you live in the area or can travel there, it’s perhaps one of the best sources of all sorts of electronics- 500 inside exhibits and 2500 Flea market spaces. A few years back I picked up a modded Alinco radio for really cheap. Link.
One last little bit of Star Wars posting before the weekend- Great story about the people who made the Millennium Falcon in 1979. In the winter of 1979 word started to spread in Pembroke Dock that a flying saucer was being built in an old giant aircraft hangar in the town. Those involved were sworn to secrecy. Link.
As Dr. Craig Kizewic worked on the infant, the heart rate began to drop and oxygen levels were declining, but quick work saved the baby. The baby was a new interactive medical simulator known as BabySIM. At 21 pounds and 28 inches in length, BabySIM has the physical characteristics of a three- to six-month old infant, but its fat little belly is stuffed full of computer parts. I wonder if there’s a less expensive design possible (it’s $54k) or an opensource BabySim project opportunity. [via] Link.
California residents wondering if tomorrow’s forecast will be sunny now can find out if there’s also a chance of afternoon tremors. For the first time, they can check a daily earthquake forecast on the Internet just as easily as they check the weather. I wish they’d publish the data source so we could make some “real” ambiant-orb like displays, physical projects that “shake” a map and web widgets with this. Current Forecast. Link.
A better (DIY) BlueMountain…Digital postcards for the people by the people…just select an image…or search all 600,000+ images* to create a unique custom postcard. Search your flickr tags to create postcards with your own pictures- all images are licensed under the Creative Commons. [