Dec 22, 2009

News: Machine translates THOUGHTS into SPEECH in REAL TIME

OK. This is the coolest thing I've read in a while.

Disclaimer: I haven't verified anything.

A joint research project (which I take to be undertaken) by Boston University, Harvard University, Emory University (very well respected in medical research). Supposedly, the process takes about 50 milliseconds - the same amount of time for a non-paralyzed, neurologically INTACT person to speak their own thoughts. If we can figure out how to REVERSE the process....yeah.

That's right.

Telepathy.

Sweet.

Also, if this is what we've got publicly released to us....what does the miltary already have.

What about the idea of a soldier thinking critical real-time updates. Those updates appear on the heads-up display of other special-ops members in the same area. Things like that.

News: Eurostar resumes train service

Thankfully for holiday travellers, it's back on. As long as snow doesn't derail any of them.

News: HP webcam face-recognition can't see African-Americans

Oooooooo....that sucks. Whatcha gonna do now, HP?

Sports: Roy Halladay takes out full-page ad thanking Jays

Class act. Roy Halladay, former Blue Jays ace pitcher recently traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, took out a full-page ad in Toronto. It was to thank the city and fans for their support. Classy, classy guy. Who else would do that? He stuck around for as long as he was asked. And now is trying to win a championship to cap off an already amazing career. Good luck, Roy. We'll miss you.

Dec 21, 2009

News: DOT announces new 3-hour limit on board a plane on tarmac

Just in time for the ridiculous airline delays.

News: Eurostar (Chunnel train) shut down indefinitely

After 4 trains broke down and stranded nearly 2,000 people, some without water, food, or light, the company has shuttered the service indefinitely. Which is sure to make a whole host of passengers really happy right before Christmas.

News: Avatar brings in $73 mil despite East Coast weather

Even despite the crappy weather out East, surely knocking down the numbers a notch, Avatar manages to pull in $73 million domestically. The best 3-D release ever and 2nd-best December release (behind 'I am Legend'). The film has already banked $232 million globally, which should help. And with the buzz on everything from CinemaScore's A rating to the rest of the after-release buzz, it's sure to have some long legs. Reports are also flowing around that IMAX sold out EVERY SEAT (prime showings only, I assume).