source site - TG Daily - Bill Gates' new mission: Saving lives

When you already have transformed the way the world works, what do you do with the second half of your life? Ask Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, the insanely rich guy we so often loved to hate, but who is being credited with bringing computing to the mainstream. Today, Gates released the first annual letter describing his new role at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. What we read is a passionate introduction to the challenges and goals of his charity. And I remember the old saying: There are those who say they are saving lives, and those who actually do.

this is pretty inspirational. yes, i do not like bill gates the microsoft man. but bill gates the man, is a different matter altogether. even at microsoft he was singularly focused on changing the way we work. i believe that this singular focus will allow him to achieve good things with his foundation. his work at the foundation is described on his 2009 annual letter.

this is one of the best ways to see wealth being shared across the world.

source site - Fasten Your Seatbelts - washingtonpost.com

When the present promises only economic hardship and political upheaval, what does the future look like?

source site - Scientists plan to ignite tiny man-made star - Telegraph

While it has seemed an impossible goal for nearly 100 years, scientists now believe that they are on brink of cracking one of the biggest problems in physics by harnessing the power of nuclear fusion, the reaction that burns at the heart of the sun.

source site - Sleep Dealer Trailer Hits - Movie News - Latest Movie Reviews and trailers

If you're a fan of early sci-fi indie films like Shane Carruth's PRIMER and Darren Aronofsky's PI then Sleep Dealer is right up your alley, its like a Mexican Matrix or THX 1138.

the concept is quite interesting: in a world where borders are broken down by communications and internet... some other borders (such as human migration) remain firmly shut. yet, with technology - certain nations can access these human resources but without having to deal with the cultural issues associated to migratory groups.

the trailer indicates a almost dystopian future in the manner of The Matrix, and Blader Runner.

source site - Image: global cooling idea

Aside from doing this to reduce global warming, can this technique be used to also reduce temperatures in tropical countries? The heat in Malaysia can be really hot on most days... resulting in increased electricity usage for air conditioning. would this idea work to reduce malaysia temperatures by a few degrees centigrade?

source site - Chart Porn: The Most Accurate (and Inaccurate) Predictions About Homes of the Future

For decades, scifi movies and futurist documentaries have promised us domestic bliss via flying cars and housecleaning droids. We may not have home heliports yet, but several old movies actually got it right when it came to predicting the crazy gadgets that would be in our homes today. We've whipped up an infographic for you (just click it to expand) that shows what nine movies predicted, and how accurate they were.

We all were told that the 21st century will herald the flying car.... we are still waiting.

source site - Cal Scientists: One Step Closer To Spiderman-Like Substance - News Story - KNTV | San Francisco

According to UC Berkeley researchers, that day may come for the rest of us. The scientists announced Wednesday they have made progress in creating a synthetic, gecko-like adhesive that shakes off dirt.

"It brings us closer to being able to build truly all-terrain robots, which will in the future be able to scamper up walls and across ceilings in everyday environments rather than only on clean glass," said Ron Fearing, UC Berkeley professor of electrical engineering and computer science.

interesting that this material will allow machines to climb almost vertical surfaces. there are a number of applications with the increasing number of skyscrapers being built today.

We often marvel how computing technology has progressed over the years. I remember about 20 years ago, most home computers did not have much storage space, and disk(ettes) had sufficient capacity for 720 kilobytes of data. Today now one spreadsheet file can easily be 720kb in size. Computers today are on the verge of becoming a personal appliance capable of providing its user with education, information, entertainment and inspiration at a click of the mouse (or touch of the screen / surface).