Made On Earth

The Space Cycle: New Way to Exercise in Orbit

The Space Cycle: New Way to Exercise in Orbit

Hf Scit Spccycle051004 01This might make a good low cost DIY centrifuge for here on Earth too – “For most space travelers, the first effect of weightlessness they feel is nausea. But over the next few days and weeks, the lack of gravity takes its toll on the rest of the body, leading to muscle and bone mass depletion and troubles regulating blood pressure…researchers at UC Irvine and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) have developed a two-person, centrifuge-like, one-stop workout machine that makes its own gravity. They call it the Space Cycle.” Link.

The end of Spiral Island…

The end of Spiral Island…

Diagram-1 Giorgio write “Hi, with respect to the post you wrote about Spiral Island, well it seems that island was destroyed during the past hurricane season.” – Spiral Island was a floating artificial island in a lagoon near Puerto Aventuras, on the East coast of Mexico south of Cancun. It was built by British expatriate Richie (or “Reishee”) Sowa beginning in 1998; he filled nets with empty discarded plastic bottles to support a structure of plywood and bamboo, on which he poured sand and planted numerous plants, including mangroves. The island sported a two-story house, a solar oven, a self-composting toilet, and three beaches. He used some 250,000 bottles for the 66-by-54-foot structure. Spiral Island was destroyed by a hurricane in 2005. Mr. Sowa plans to build a stronger island in a more sheltered area. Link.

Giant drinking birds

Giant drinking birds

Exhibition1 Tn
Jon writes “In 1998, artist Daniel Reynolds unveiled an exhibit of six and a half foot tall drinking birds. Reynolds’ birds work on the same evaporative method of the classic toy, but their enormous size leave the senses reeling. Check out www.drinkingbirds.com for photos, videos, and more information.” Link. The videos from the exhibition are both soothing and creepy.

Pretty Dyana – A Gypsy recycling saga

Pretty Dyana – A Gypsy recycling saga

ThumbnailserverHere’s an interesting video on Google video a reader sent in ” An intimate look at Gypsy refugees in Belgrade suburb who make a living by transfoming Citroen’s classic 2cv and Dyana cars into Mad Max-like recycling vehicles, with which they collect cardoard, bottles and scrap metal. These modern horses are much more efficient than the cart-pushing competition, but more important – they also mean freedom, hope and style for their crafty owners. Even the car batteries are used as power generators in order to get some light, watch tv and recharge mobiles! Almost an alchemist’s dream come true!…” Link.