Future Camera

Small handphones were all the rage last time. Now, big is better. (So say tablet sales).

Small cameras were all the rage last time. Now, smaller is better. Meet the Ubi-camera.

You connect it to the your index finger, then make a rectangle with the index finger and thumb of both hands, and press hard with your thumb to snap a shot. I can foresee much potential for this device. It will probably start off with an average megapixel quality, and then it will slowly improve in newer models, after which bluetooth/wifi/infrared capabilities will be thrown in, and viola, a small portable camera that can be hung around your neck.

You can find out more info here.

Blast to the Past

The wind howls gently outside the window, as if mindful of the flashbacks to come. Rustling leaves, coupled with mercury inching earthward set the tone, the pace, the ambience, the race.

Pictures flash, videos play,

Like a collage, like a mosaic,

Lips move and teeth gleam,

Time stands still, so does the zodaic.

He walks among the past,

Bittersweet till the last,

But no wind can make this fast,

Not the owls nor the green grass.

He was a father, a son, a disciple,

He was the listener, adviser,

Words were minimal,

Actions spoke more,

The twitching of the ear.

Every friend that we make,

A part of our heart is given.

And we slowly die away.

Every friend that is made,

We gain the whole world,

Or so we say.

The boy climbed the mountains,

And peered down amidst the fluffy clouds,

Turned to his left and asked the flaming bush,

What is treasure?

That which cannot be bought or sold,

That which fools regret,

That which cannot be measured, weighed, packaged,

That which is not food but satisfies,

That which is not water but quenches,

That which is you.

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You ain't nothing but a heavy dog

You ain't nothing but a heavy dog, so stair lift you up!

I came across this article today about a stair lift for dogs. It's the typical side-of-stairs lift that are usually used for humans whom need assistance on stairs, save for a different species.

The pictures are rather self-explanatory. Head to here for more info.

Pulse

The rain thumps the sheltered walkway repeatedly as he scurries under. Pitter patter, it strikes with purpose. Hurriedly, with adrenaline coursing through his veins, he walks swiftly. The wind blows against him, rising to ferocity within seconds. He pauses and looks in the distance. Sheets of rain looming in the distance. Only it isn't so distant anymore. Thunder bellows above, fueling his steps. Lightning crackles in the distance, spurring him on, like a whip in a chariot. Cars drive by with teary windscreens. He reaches shelter, and waits.

No rain comes. The skies above clear, and there is nay a tinge of darkness abound. His pulse beats within.

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Grippy Pad

Meet the Grippy Pad.

Designed to hold your devices firmly on any surface you want.

I don't really know how else to describe it except to say it is probably inspired by geckos or lizards. (or kids that just stick to your leg and won't budge an inch.) It comes in four different colors, and can hold anything. I mean anything.

You can check out the video at http://www.firebox.com/video/3581 This dude placed his iphone on it, to test the grip and well, I'll be damned. It sure seems solid.

It would probably be well-used in a vehicle like an F1 car or a bullet train. I wonder if it can be used on wet surfaces though, like the bathroom.

You can get it at http://www.firebox.com/product/5078/Grippy-Pad?via=top10&cat=.

Hello Knork, Goodbye Spork

You would probably have heard of Spork, the cross-breed between a spoon and a fork. (No, it's not superman and pork.) Now, meet Knork. The cross-breed between a knife and a fork.

The knife or sharp blade is actually the edge of the fork itself. Now, I can't really testify how sharp it is, but from what I've read, it doesn't cut your skin or your gum. It could be that it's not that sharp, or it could simply be a trade secret. Who knows eh? You try and let me know :)

You can get it at Amazon at USD $22.99 for 4.

Garden of Babel?

Imagine a skyscraper covered with greenery. No, it isn't a full-sized advertisement. It is soon becoming reality; this garden of babel.

Designed by architect Stefano Boeri, the Bosco Verticale is already under construction. Made up of two skyscrapers, each luxury apartment will hold "around 900 small trees and other plants."

I would hope they build one locally. Then again, we just need to place a whole row of plants on every HDB corridor, and people would be none the wiser. So, what for waste our time and build this right?

On a side note, I do wonder what plants and trees will be built or maintained. Wouldn't mind trying out some fresh produce cultivated a hundred feet in the air. :)

Do check out http://blog.janjaaprypkema.nl/post/19394936826/stefano-boeris-vertical-forest-is-not-new as well. An informative article.

3D Desktops?

It is only natural that 3D projections will leap from (movie) screens, to (computer) screens.

At Microsoft, a guy named Jinha Lee came up with a 3D screen. Basically, it has sensors that detect where your fingers are, and accurately reflects that on the screen. It's a see-through screen, so you don't have to blindly grope about. Just look, pinch, and zoom and it will be done virtually.

Having watched the video, I dare say it was slightly disappointing. Now the concept is cool, but surely they could have spruced up the video a bit more? Or perhaps technology has not reached that stage yet. After all, HD didn't come about in a day.

This definitely has much potential, though early prototypes would mean looking at grid lines all day long. (Simcity anyone?)

Designers and architects may want to keep an eye out for one of these, if it ever goes into production. Even animation artists or special effects personnel too. No need to master after effects or maya.

For more info, you can go to http://cargocollective.com/jinhalee/See-Through-3D-Desktop

Sing To The Dawn

Sing To The Dawn, a book I last read during secondary school as part of literature lessons. Now, it has evolved to be a musical.

Honestly, I would prefer the book better than the musical. It seemed as if the scriptwriter wanted to strike the right balance between being true to the book, and simplifying it so that children are able to understand. Unfortunately, that balance could not be found.

One does wonder if 12 year old students are aware of gender equality issues in countries round the world, amongst other issues portrayed in the musical. While acting by the cast were brilliant, the music itself left much to be desired. If the musical is to be targeted for kids, its duration of two hours could be shortened perhaps. One could consider composing songs with catchy lyrics so that it will be impressionable upon the yung patrons.

Sex is always a sensitive issue among the young. There was a scene depicting a scantily clad female dancing for money as a culture of the city. Naturally, that garnered much verbal response from the students. Was it really necessary, one wonders.

Overall, the props and acting were well-done, especially by the father. I overheard students reacting angrily when the father nearly struck his daughter on-stage. It's one thing to read about it. It's another to see it on stage. That said, the singing was sorely lacking n the lower register. The high jarring notes did clash with each other at certain points, creating more of a cacophony than a symphony. A good attempt nevertheless, though more work needs to be done for it to rise to the next level of success. 

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