mcdspot

The U.S. Coast Guard on Monday shut down Loran-C, a navigation and timing system that has guided mariners and aviators since World War II. Now that GPS has taken over, this old solid-state technology is going the way of the dodo.

This strange device is a Roman army precursor to the Swiss Army knife. Not bad, for 200 A.D.

On a related note, see these photos of an ancient aqueduct recently found beneath Rome.

And now we have computerless email!

Let’s face it: you use email, facebook and twitter to keep in touch. But when was the last time you sent Grandma a snail mail? Stop feeling guilty about it and purchase Celery’s affordable solution today.

With Celery, you can send email to your non-computer using parents/grandparents without forcing them to learn anything new. You’ll also get their handwritten letters (and those hometown newspaper clippings) delivered directly to your email inbox.

I’m liking this electric skateboard.

Showdown: iPhone v. Motorola Droid.

Haunting photos of Chernobyl.

The airless tire makes me wonder why this hasn’t been around longer.

It looks like a lot of traffic buttons at intersections for pedestrians are placebos. I think the “close door” button in the elevator has got to be one too.

Amazing photographs of the infrastructure of the Manhattan Project.

I, pencil. Interesting essay on what goes into basic technology.

Sometimes even the homeless get cool gear.

And the not-so-homeless get solar tents!

(thanks, Sharon)

It’s a good thing the Gettysburg Address was not a powerpoint presentation.

These electrical towers were inspired by nature.

Shimano’s new Dura-Ace 7970 Di2 bicycle shifting system is almost definitely the most precise shifting mechanism ever. The carbon fiber brake levers will have either wired or wireless connection to the derailleurs, eliminating bulky and inefficient cables. The derailleur movement is precisely controlled through computer automated movement and servo motors, creating perfectly synchronized and calibrated shifts every time.

Can’t find a plug to charge your laptop. Just press the pedal repeatedly.

Do not screw with the President’s limo. You will regret it.

Brief and not very informative article on a fascinating new military technology: the brigade-level Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). These little robots will be used for reconnaissance, security and target acquisition operations in nearly all terrain, including urban environments. Great picture, though.

Speak & Spell.

Behold the monowheel.