Astronaut pegman on Google Maps

Just noticed how the drag-and-drop Google street-view "pegman" icon changes into an Astronaut on Google Maps when browsing the new self-guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center. :)




Previously: Lego Minifig on Google Maps

8765i.jpg

Clearly, you came looking for the Vanessa Hojda Resume Nicolas Cage picture. :)

Original email:

Here it is, 8765i.jpg, in all it's glory:

Nicolas Cage is awesome! :)

Vanessa's original post is here.

Watching This Is the Closest You'll Get to Aerial Combat [Video]

 

 

Sent to you by Aakash via Google Reader:

 

 

Watching This Is the Closest You'll Get to Aerial Combat [Video]

via Gizmodo by Sam Biddle on 4/25/12

If you've ever dreamt of flying a jet into war—I see you, joystick jockeys—this incredible GoPro footage is your best new alternative. Watch it in fullscreen if you actually want to feel nauseous.

All that's missing is the g-force factor pulling at your face, and, of course, the risk of crashing or being blown out of the sky. But that's OK! These F-15 videographers were just training, anyway, as part of ACM (Air Combat Maneuvering) dogfight practice between the "Fighting Cocks" (hush) and "Vampire Bats" squadrons, based out of Japan. But man, it looks like the real thing: flares released, midair refueling, and best of all, the absolutely crazy maneuvering. All the Top Gun radio chatter helps with the mood, too.

For you true air combat nerds, David Cenciotti points out that the video is a great way to check out the JHMCS (Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System)—the advanced helmets the pilots wear: "it enables pilots to cue onboard weapons against enemy plane merely by pointing their heads at the targets."

One real world hazard? The awful music that seems more at home in a compilation of monster truck crashes than the Air Force. BUT PERHAPS IT MAKES IT ALL FEEL MORE X-TREME—GUITAR SHRED ENGAGED. [Vimeo via The Aviationist]

 

 

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Samsung Galaxy Nexus Case Review, Comparison (US version - Verizon 4G LTE)

I spent a lot of time researching cases for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus today and thought a quick write up with links to review videos and case product pages would help others. This is not a review per se, but I’ve listed pros and cons of the cases I found and what I think might b a good, affordable choice that meets most of my needs. The following were my requirements for the case:
What is the best, thin profiled case for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus (US version)?

1. Must be thin and not add any bulk to the phone
2. Must protect edges, corners and not leave them unprotected
3. Must be under $35 USD
4. Must fit the Verizon Galaxy Nexus CDMA US version
5. I prefer a hard-case over cheap gel cases. However, am open to suggestions that are quality products.
6. Must have a fine lip on the front side so that the screen is not scratched if the phone is placed face-down

Regarding #2 above, see what happens when you don't protect the edges below. This is a HTC Google Nexus One after <2 years of medium to heavy use:

• The SGP Neo Hybrid Case looks good but is unfortunately, not available for the Verizon US version of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus:

Looks good, but not available for the US Verizon version of the phone

Product link:goo.gl­/MHwI0

• The Incipio Feather does not cut it because of the corners it leaves unprotected and missing front lip:

Feather Touch: Not enough cover on the corners and edges

• The Incipio Silicrylic is simply "silly" & looks ugly:

Incipio Silicrylic: Ugly Sibling of the Incipio Feather

• Not impressed with the Otterbox: adds a lot of bulk and seems expensive!

Both the commuter and Defender add a lot of bulk

Product link: goo.gl­/MhvI2

• The Case-mate Barely There Case came very close to meet all the requirements of a good samsung galaxy nexus case, but leaves far too much exposed on the edges. I’m just afraid that when the phone falls and bounces around on asphalt, the edges and screen will surely take a scratch or two. Also, the black case seems out of stock as of this writing.

Great case, $25, but leaves a lot exposed. See #2 above.

Product Link: goo.gl­/Z4RWa

And the winner, so far, is ultra-thin, custom fit flexible TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Diztronic Matte Back Black Flexible *Revision 3* TPU Case & Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
I know this isn’t a hard case, but seems to meet most of my requirements. Wonder how much lint it will gather but from the video review, this looks pretty good for the price:

the winner so far

Product Links: goo.gl­/bQUee, goo.gl/u2plE
I’ll post an update after I buy the above or find something more fitting.

Update: 08/03/2012: I've had the diztronic Matte case for the last few months and think that the case is the best! I've not had any issues with the case and will recommend it any day! (have already recommended it to 3 people).

This post is for informative purposes only and just some research I did online. All content above is copyright original youtube uploaders and product owners.

Google map maker live stream

Pretty cool tool that let’s you watch google map updates made by people from around the world live!

http://www.google.com/mapmaker/pulse

Back to the future

 

From Irina’s website:

I love old photos. I admit being a nosey photographer. As soon as I step into someone else’s house, I start sniffing for them. Most of us are fascinated by their retro look but to me, it’s imagining how people would feel and look like if they were to reenact them today... A few months ago, I decided to actually do this. So, with my camera, I started inviting people to go back to their future.

All of her work here.

Source: Irina Werning

Tick Tock (Emory University 2011)

Source: Youtube

Refill T-mobile flex account via a text message

How do i refill my tmobile account through a text?

To refill a t-mobile flex account using a text message or SMS without having to log into T-mobile’s site, you can directly send a text to 7777. The body of the message needs to contain the amount (in dollars) you want to credit to your account followed by the last 4 digits of the credit/debit card that you’ve used (last? or) atleast once online to refill that same number’s account in the past.

For example, if my credit card number is 1234 5566 1234 5678, and I want to add $10 to my T-mobile flex account using a text message I should send the following sms to 7777:

10 5678

You should receive a text reply from T-mobile (456) confirming the transaction right away.

Try the links here to get discounts on refills:

Ascent - Commemorating Shuttle

 

To achieve orbit, the space shuttle must accelerate from zero to a speed of almost 28,968 kilometers per hour (18,000 miles per hour), a speed nine times as fast as the average rifle bullet. It takes over a million moving parts, weighing in over 4.5million pounds to work in perfect synchronization to put this marvel into orbit:

This compilation of film and video presents the best of the best ground-based Shuttle motion imagery from STS-114, STS-117, and STS-124 missions. Rendered in the highest definition possible, this production is a tribute to the dozens of men and women of the Shuttle imaging team and the 30yrs of achievement of the Space Shuttle Program.

Don’t miss the awesome detail on some of these clips- the “docucam” for documentaries and that awesome shot of the sun behind the SRBs @ 34:45- amazing photography. I could watch this for hours. :-p

Must watch if you are a shuttle-head: Worth every minute of the 45minute collection.

Original Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2VygftZSCs | Source: Jalopnik

Speed-flying at Chamonix

Source: Gizmodo