Illustration of what X37b can do in orbit

The Pentagon has set April 21 as the date for the launch of the robotic space plane known as the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), which is a reusable unmanned plane capable of long outer space missions at low orbits.

Since the nature of the project is shrouded in mystery, defense analysts allege that the US military is building the first generation of US ‘space Predator drones’ that will build up the United States’ space armada …

That’s from Iran’s PressTV website – US to launch secret ‘space warplane’

You’ll find lots more technical details @ Secret Military Space Plane Primed For Test Launch on SPACE.com – like these:

The 29-foot-long, 15-foot-wide Orbital Test Vehicle arrived in Cape Canaveral, Fla., last month according to the Air Force. The OTV spaceplane was built at a Boeing Phantom Works facility in Southern California. …

The reusable spacecraft is more famously known as the X-37B. The design is based on the orbital and re-entry demonstrator initially developed by NASA, then handed over to the Pentagon. …

The X-37B’s mission is to “demonstrate a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the United States Air Force,” the military fact sheet says. “Objectives of the OTV program include space experimentation, risk reduction and concept of operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies.”

At the end of its mission, the X-37B will fire its engine and drop from orbit, autonomously navigating through a fiery re-entry on the way to its 15,000-foot-long primary runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Edwards Air Force Base is the backup landing site.

Shady enuff for ya?

Harvey recently published the preliminary results of his theory showing how face-paint or makeup can be used as camouflage. You’ll have to click over to his site to see the different faces and how he’s disguised them (I don’t want to spoil the fun). While you’re there, look at his previous posts that show how he reached this point…

Read more @ “CV Dazzle Makeup” on AHProjects.com

a 3d graph of how skin texture is recognized

For more info on facial recognition and surveillance techniques check out these sources:

How Stuff Works – Facial Recognition – this article provides additional info on how to disguise yourself from digital analysis:

However, it is not a perfect system. There are some factors that could get in the way of recognition, including:

* Significant glare on eyeglasses or wearing sunglasses
* Long hair obscuring the central part of the face
* Poor lighting that would cause the face to be over- or under-exposed
* Lack of resolution (image was taken too far away)

Wikipedia page on Facial Recognition Systems

The team developed its iDriver app to manage the highly modified “Spirit of Berlin” autonomous vehicle using WiFi and the smartphone’s controls. The unit’s accelerometer controls steering, accomplished at hand by turning the device, while screen buttons control braking and acceleration. The system also sends a live video stream of the road ahead to the iPhone screen.

The van can also drive itself…

Read more @ iPhone App Remotely Drives a Chrysler Minivan on Popular Science.

Hardware, software, cyborg enhancement, robot advancement, military grade to consumer grade and everything in between.

From smart phones and internet tablets to digital cameras and recording equipment, this is yr 1-stop spot for the coolest gear on the planet. Everything here has to survive rigorous testing by real mutants before earning its place on this page, so this is where you’ll find true tools for mutating yr lifestyle. None of this (so far) was given to us for review and none of these reviews have been sponsored by anyone. No hype, no empty promises, no product placement and no jive. Just honest-to-goodness boasting about how wicked our toys are and what amazing abuse we’ve subjected them to on a daily basis.

Top Toys in action at this time:

Nokia N800 Internet Tablet

that’s right, the “old” N-series tablet, using OS2008 on a Linux-based maemo platform. This thing ROCKS my whole world wherever I am (except for ski resorts that have neither wi-fi nor cell phone reception… still trying to find an internet tool that works in the middle of nowhere…)

Canon DSLR cameras with Image Stabilization

currently addicted to the Rebel XSi 450D, my best gf just scored a D40. We’re def gonna do some side-by-side comparisons with these 2 digi-razzi devices.

Sony Point-n-Shoot cam

when you need to smuggle a camera into a camera-free zone, nothing beats this slim beast for high-quality photos. If I can’t deal with a big pro-lookin’ DSLR, I always grab this little guy and I’m never disappointed. Great for sketchy situations and times when mobility/size is a concern. Even when I’m using the Canon as my main rig, I still keep this one in my pocket for shooting video and/or a backup option. Sometimes a pro-looking camera intimidates the intended target, while an innocent-looking little PnS keeps things groovy…

Check back for reviews on these top tools PLUS more to come, like:

All kinds of tools for mobile journalists, snowboard photographers, concert historians, off-road enthusiasts, militant campers, rebel musicians, field recorders and much, much more!!!

Reuters – the world famous news and wire agency – opened a digital news bureau in the virtual world Second Life on October 16, 2006.  To this day, a team of reporters including Adam Pasick, aka Adam Reuters, and Eric Reuters, aka Eric Krangel, have their pens on the pulse of Second Life’s politics, economics, industry and more – both real and virtual versions.

Reuters CEO Tom Glocer talks about online publishing in real-life and Second Life:

Reading through the list of articles streaming out of the Reuters digital bureau is a multidimensional experience. Articles about the CEO of San Francisco-based Linden Lab are mixed in with interviews from real world conferences, right alongside interviews with virtual world bankers and so on.

What happens in Second Life that’s newsworthy? It may not surprise anyone to learn that election polls in Second Life favored Barack Obama by a landslide. There isn’t a strong Republican faction in the virtual world yet. I wonder how Prop 8 would have fared there?

Interviews with Adam Pasick / “Adam Reuters”:

CNET interview

NYTimes interview

Reuters interview

Second Life news page on Reuters.com

Interesting intersection of real and virtual worlds:

HBO buys machinima film created in Second Life – Sep 4, 2007

HBO has acquired the rights to a short-form documentary shot entirely within Second Life, as entertainment companies turn to virtual worlds as a source for new content.