InfoSitBack

Home > Archives for 2012-01-15

Giant Automatic Highway Builders of the Future

on Monday, 16 January 2012

"Highways by Automation" by Arthur Radebuagh (Washington Star, August 3, 1958)

After President Eisenhower pushed legislation in 1956 that would radically expand the U.S. highway system, artists began to imagine which technologies might shape our highway-rich future. These weren’t your father’s superhighways of tomorrow. These were highways built for self-driving cars; highways stretching from Alaska to Russia; highways running through the bottom of the sea.

The August 3, 1958 edition of Arthur Radebaugh‘s Sunday comic “Closer Than We Think” envisioned highways built by gigantic machines. These machines would roll along the untouched land, clearing a path with a tree crushing mechanism in front, and pour concrete out its rear, leaving a perfect highway in its wake. The text accompanying the comic explained:

Tomorrow’s turnpikes will “flow” out of giant machines like magic ribbons across the countryside. The basic equipment is already in existence; only a few improvements are needed.

The forward section of such a road-builder would be a variant of the new jungle-smashing LeTourneau “tree-crusher” combined with a grader. The middle section would pour concrete in a never-ending flow, with the rear portion leveling the still soft pavement. A line of freighter helicopters would be on hand to feed the behemoth with the material necessary to keep it moving across any type of country.

Where did old Art get such a silly idea? Radebaugh was likely inspired by an episode of Disneyland*which aired just a few months earlier. Magic Highway, U.S.A. was originally broadcast on ABC on May 14, 1958 and depicted the glorious future of hovercars and automation that exemplify mid-century, techno-utopian futurism. The episode also showed various automatic highway builders, including the one below. The narrator explains that “in one sweep a giant road builder changes ground into a wide finished highway.”

From the May 14, 1958 Disneyland TV episode Magic Highway, U.S.A.

Hosted by Walt Disney, narrated by Marvin Miller (Robby the Robot in Forbidden Planet), and directed by Ward Kimball, Magic Highway, U.S.A. is a perfect artifact of the era, with a heavy emphasis on the family car. Watching the episode today, it amazes me that the episode wasn’t broadcast in color until July 29, 1962. The incredibly lush color palette of the animated sequences are truly what make the episode so stunning and may explain why TV critics gave it terrible reviewswhen it first aired, describing the future as “hideous if Disney artists have their way.”

*People are often confused when I refer to Disneyland as a TV program. From 1954 until the fall of 1958, ABC aired Walt Disney’s TV program Disneyland, which would change names many times over the years. In the fall of 1958 Disneyland would become Walt Disney Presents, then Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color in the 1960s, The Wonderful World of Disney throughout the 1970s, and maybe half a dozen more iterations throughout the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. The name I remember from my childhood was The Magical World of Disney, which was the title when Michael Eisner was hosting the show from 1988 until 1996.

via source

Email in your eye? Next-generation video screen glasses could lay messages or GPS over your field of vision

As advances in computer technology make gadgets ever smaller and more portable the idea of carrying a screen of any kind could soon be outdated.

Consumer products with screens have dropped in size from computer to laptop to tablet via phone.

But one company specialising in cutting edge visual technology waIsraeli company Lumus has shown off the PD-18-2, which may look like a cumbersome pair of shades but allow the user to see high-quality images while they walk.nts to beam information directly into your field of vision.

Translucent TV: Lumus' PD-18-2 is a set of spectacles that can beam high-quality images directly into your eyes but allows the user to see through the images too

Instant messaging: Text and icons can be laid over your field of vision so that users can work on the move

Lumus, an Israeli company, specialises in what it calls Light-guide Optical Element (LOE) technology.

It's latest product is the PD-18-2, which may look to the untrained eye like a cumbersome pair of sunglasses.

But inside the lenses of the glasses, the user can see high-quality full colour images.

Products like this are already on the market for professional and military use, but where the next-generation PD-18-2 differs is that users can see though the spectacles too, instead of having the images block their vision.

The translucent lenses allow for what the manufacturer calls 'augmented vision', overlaying images or graphics over your usual field of vision.

They are designed for professionals such as pilots, surgeons and soldiers but there are hopes that it can be adapted for the consumer market so people could watch film or TV on the move, or play video games as they walk around.

How it works: Lumus speciaises in what it calls LOE technology - Light-guide Optical Element

Heavy duty: The spectacles have to contain the technology, which currently makes them more cumbersome than your average shades

It works by collecting image components from a micro display and projects them into the eye to create a large virtual image with SVGA resolution

'Following the successful deployment of our first generation PD-18-1 in combat aviation, ground soldier and assembly applications, we are pleased to release our next generation PD-18-2 that takes our competitive superiority to a whole new level,' said Dr. Eli Glikman.

'Our new display offers even higher brightness, increased contrast ratio, sharper image, improved image uniformity and enhanced optical efficiency.'

The company currently sells its products to aviation companies as well as military, medical and maintenance markets.

Contact lens: The electronic attachments to the 'glass' contains a mini-projector to beam the images into your eyeline

But the possibility of a move into the consumer market has already brought mixed reactions from technology watchers.

It could be extremely useful as a portable GPS system, but there are concerns that it could be distracting for pedestrians who can often be seen walking round with their heads buried in mobile phones.

One commenter, Erin Altman, wrote in a technology forum: 'Bad idea alert! Just like hands-free devices for cell phones, these things will give people a false sense of security. They will THINK they can still see what's going on around them but will be way too focused on the display instead.'

Another commenter wrote: 'It's bad enough already that people walk around texting and on the cell phones... an example of the DOWNSIDE of technology.'

The new space race: China and India to create world's biggest telescope

-100-foot-wide optical telescope is nine times bigger than ones in use today

-Will pick out objects 13 billion light years away

-Sharp enough to pick out planets orbiting distant suns

China and India are catapulting to the forefront of astronomy research with their decision to join as partners in a Hawaii telescope that will be the world’s largest when it’s built later this decade.

China and India will pay a share of the construction cost - expected to top $1 billion - for the Thirty Meter Telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea volcano. They will also have a share of the observation time. It’s the first advanced telescope in which either nation has been a partner.

China and India have signed on to be partners for a project to build the Thirty Meter Telescope, which will be the world's largest when it's finished in 2018, at the summit of Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii

‘This will represent a quantum leap for the Chinese community,’ Shude Mao, professor of astrophysics at National Astronomical Observatories of China, said.

The Thirty Meter Telescope’s segmented primary mirror, which will be nearly 100 feet long, will give it nine times the light-collecting area of the largest optical telescopes in use today.

Its images will also be three times sharper.

The telescope, known as TMT, will be able to observe planets that orbit stars other than the sun and enable astronomers to watch new planets and stars being formed. It should also help scientists see some 13 billion light years away for a glimpse into the early years of the universe.

The TMT observatory will be so powerful it will allow scientists to see some 13 billion light years away and get a glimpse into the early years of the universe

China joined as an observer in 2009, followed by India the next year. Both are now partners, with representatives on the TMT board. Japan, which has its own large telescope at Mauna Kea, the 8.3-meter Subaru, is also a partner.

TMT may not hold the title of world’s largest for long, however, as a partnership of European countries plans to build the European Extremely Large Telescope, which would have a 42-meter, or 138-foot, mirror.

Mao said Chinese astronomers would likely want to use TMT to study the origin of planets outside our solar system, black holes, dark matter and dark energy.

China has leading theoretical astrophysicists, but it lags in the field of observational astronomy, Mao said. The telescope will help China overcome that.

‘China is ambitious in terms of its science goals. Really it wants to catch up as fast as we can,’ he said.
Mao said the project will also be valuable for the image China broadcasts to the world.
‘There are many things that are manufactured in China, but we want to move up in terms of technology,’ he said. ‘We also want to make contributions to world peace. TMT offers a great opportunity to do this.’
All astronomers, wherever they are from, look at the same sky, he said.

Apocalypse cloud: Extraordinary sight appears above Montana's Crazy Mountains

This astounding image captured above the mountains of Montana looks like the first sign of an alien invasion.

In fact, it is a lenticular cloud, which often forms in a UFO-like saucer shape, triggering reports of extraterrestrial sightings.

The apocalyptic sky appeared over the jagged peaks of the Crazy Mountains just as the new year began.

It comes just weeks after such clouds were spotted in a more unlikely setting, above Fatsley in West Yorkshire.

The spectacular vision is created when moisture droplets are pushed up a steep slope, condensing into cloud on their way and warming up to return to water vapour as they move down the other side.

These clouds are known as Altocunulus lenticularis - referring to their lens-shape - and hover high in the air, usually over the Andes, Himalayas or the Rockies.

This terrifyingly beautiful sight appeared as high winds blew over the mountains on New Year's Day.

Bright colours are sometimes seen along the edge of lenticular clouds, which are said to be the single biggest explanation for UFO sightings across the world.

The awe-inspiring formations have also been known to appear in cases where a mountain does not exist, as the result of shear winds created by a front.

Bosco Verticale: World’s First Vertical Forest in Milan

A fascinating new pair of residential tower called Bosco Verticale is being constructed at Milan, Italy. Designed by architect Stefano Boeri, Bosco Verticale is being construed as “a project for metropolitan reforestation that contributes to the regeneration of the environment and urban biodiversity without the implication of expanding the city upon the territory”. Towering over the city’s skyline the world's first forest in the sky will be a sight to behold. The 27 storied building will accommodate nearly one hectare of forest trees as tall as oak and amelanchiers in its cleverly designed balconies. The 365 and 260 foot emerald twin towers will house an astonishing 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs and 11,000 ground cover plants.

This is a concept illustration of how Bosco Verticale will look like when completed.

In summer, the trees will provide shade and filter the city’s dust; in winter, sunlight will shrine through the bare branches. Bosco Verticale's greenery will absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, while protecting the building from wind and penetrating sunlight. Boeri claims that the inclusion of trees adds just 5 percent to construction costs, and is a necessary response to the sprawl of the modern city. If the units were individual houses, it would require 50,000 sq m of land, and 10,000 sq m of woodland.

Currently, Bosco Verticale looks like this.

via source

A (sky-high) Turkish fantasy: Blown away by a land of five-star caves and exotic culture

Up, up, and away we rose. The landscape fell beneath us as we glided over the extraordinary remains of volcanic eruptions that devastated this region some 70 million years ago.

We could make out the famous giant chimneys, many of which still provide living quarters for local people, some with their farm animals in a cave just below their own.

It looked like nowhere else on earth, especially in the light of early morning – and from the comfort of a hot air balloon.

Hot air balloons over Cappadocia, Turkey

The high life: Balloons take to the skies over caves at Cappadocia, a fantasy land with centuries of history

We were in Cappadocia. The eruptions left the area thickly layered in soft porous stone called tufa, formed from the hot ash. Over many years, wind and rain have sculpted this into a lunar landscape, creating an improbable wonderland of strangely shaped pillars looking like giant phallic symbols.

As the rock is relatively soft, especially when wet, generations of humans have tunnelled into and below it, creating vast underground chambers and even villages in which the population used to hide from marauders.

The early Christians, persecuted for their faith, built secret churches inside these chimneys on their way from Palestine to the relative safety of the countries to the north-west. Images of Christ and the disciples can still be seen, jewel coloured frescoes dating from around 1000 AD or even earlier.

The entrances to these chambers were protected by massive millstone 'doors' that could only be opened with a pulley system from inside.

Cave stay: The Anatolian Houses resort has been carved out of the porous rock and boasts views over a magical landscape

There are secret tunnels up to the surface to provide ventilation. The open air museum at Goreme, where these incredible chapels can be seen is a must for any visitor.

We had flown on Turkish airlines to Kayseri from where we drove to Goreme, which is at the heart of this magical land. It is now a National Park, an area of astonishing peaks rising 100 feet into the air.

The balloon flight was a marvellous overview and our pilot, who had flown balloons all over the world, told us this was the most spectacular area he had ever found.

We landed gently, bracing ourselves in the basket, which slowly tipped sideways so we could step out safely. The softest landing we had ever experienced.

But it is only on the ground that the true purpose and past use of Cappadocia can be discovered. The Turkish government has a long term scheme to offer more modern housing to those who still cling to living in the caves but some of the older inhabitants are reluctant to leave their troglodyte existence.

All white: The rooms are a lesson in five-star (cave) luxury and perfect for enjoying a Turkish bath

Already there are more modern uses for the caves. Our luxurious hotel suite at the Anatolian Houses was inside one, carved out of the rock with views over the nearby fairy landscape. It was very much a five-star cave, including a complimentary Turkish bath.

Our sense of wonderment was not diminished by a visit to a nearby cultural centre to witness the Whirling Dervishes. They believe it is a fundamental condition of human nature to revolve – pointing out that the earth goes round constantly – and that their routines bring them to spiritual maturity.

The Dervishes whirl round their hearts from right to left, the right hand pointing to the sky ready to receive God’s beneficence, the left pointing down towards the earth.

In their tombstone tall hats and white skirts they spin for up to half an hour, in a trance, and they appear never to get dizzy. Awe inspiring and thought provoking, this is a religious ceremony not a performance and you do not applaud at the end.

The food in Turkey is generally good and restaurants are not as expensive as those in London. But be warned. Some serve alcoholic drinks and some do not. It is worth checking if you are partial to a tipple.

Turning point: Whirling Dervishes believe it is a fundamental condition of human nature to revolve

Apart from the wines there is an excellent lager-type beer called EFS. Starters include the usual meze or lentil soup, which is a speciality.

In Goreme we visited the Comlek restaurant which specialised in pottery kebabs. The pot, in which chicken, or lamb or beef has been gently cooked along with a selection of vegetables, is brought whole to your table, looking like a miniature version of one of the chimneys.

Then, it is smashed open with a small hammer to spill out the delicious contents

Two large glasses of the house red wine cost us £5 and the whole meal came to £51.50 for two, including service, which was exceptional.

When we revealed it was our wedding anniversary the owner brought us complimentary puddings – a delicious Turkish version of rice pudding.

After the excitement of Cappadocia we needed to calm down and so we headed for the Lycian Way on the south coast of Turkey in a two-day trip by car, stopping on the way at Konya, which is where the founder of the Whirling Dervish movement, Mevlana, lived in the 13th Century. The museum there is well worth a browse.

A shore thing: Kalkan is an ideal place to kick back and relax on Turkey's balmy Lycian Coast

Then on to Kalkan and the Regency Hotel on the coast where we were treated to a suite with its own infinity pool, views over the sea and superb service.

From there we took two sea trips to visit the sunken city of Kekova on the coast, submerged under the water following earthquakes in the 4th and 5th centuries.

We had a memorable night with a barbeque round the pool followed by a communal dance. I could not help noticing that all the male Turks, waiters, cooks, managers and pool boys danced and all the women tourists joined in. We chaps remained firmly in our seats.

Our trip had begun by arriving in Istanbul where we stayed in a beautiful hotel on the Asian side of the Bosphorus called Sumahan on the Water.

More...

With views over the busy channel between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, this modern conversion of an old commercial building had every comfort imaginable.

From there, a quick ferry ride and a tram took us to Sultan Ahmet, the Old City where we could wander round the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and the busy, busy Grand Bazaar - along with thousands of others.

Turkey has applied to join the EU but the EU is wary of Turkey. Now many Turks are becoming increasingly wary of the EU.

And who can blame them? Some people say Turkey doesn’t quite know what it wants, looking east and west at the same time. What I know is that it gave us the most original and unusual holiday we have ever had.

Travel Facts

Turkey specialist Exclusive Escapes (020 8605 3500, www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk) offers Cappadocia and the coast combinations from £2,013pp, including 14 nights’ B&B, return flights from London Heathrow to Turkey, and a private, guided overland transfer.

Seagaia Ocean Dome: An Artificial Beach in Japan

Artificial beaches are gaining popularity all over the world. We can see them in Monaco, Hong Kong, Paris, Berlin, Rotterdam, Toronto and others, but the biggest among them is Seagaia Ocean Dome in Miyazaki, Japan.

The Ocean Dome, which was a part of the Sheraton Seagaia Resort, measures 300 meters in length and 100 meters in width, sported a fake flame-spitting volcano, artificial sand, artificial palm trees and the world's largest retractable roof, which provided a permanently blue sky even on a rainy day. The air temperature was always held at around 30 degrees Celsius and the water at around 28. The volcano becomes active every 15 minutes and spews fire every hour, and incredible waves lashes the beach for surfers’ delight.

The beach can accommodate 10,000 tourists, and the kicker is that there's an actual beach only 300 meters away.

It opened in 1993, and visitor numbers peaked in 1995 at 1.25 million a year.

[via Gadling]

via source

Belaz - 73600, The Biggest Dump Truck In The Cis Country

The coal mine on the Bachat river is the largest region of the Kuznetsk Basin in Siberia. Its annual production is over 8 million and 700 thousand tons. It extracts fuel for energetic and metallurgic branches of Russian and many other countries of the world. The biggest dump truck BelAZ-75600 used here has a bearing capacity of 320 tons and weighs 560 tons.

The coal mine is located in the Kemerovo region. It is 300 m deep.

The mine was launched in 1949. It was the first enterprise in the world that started open-pit mining of metallurgical coal in 1966.

Today the mine exploits 29 excavators, 63 trucks,9 locomotive engines and 3 rock-drills.

The truck is 14,5 m high, 9,25 m wide and 7,22 m high.

It engine volume is 77,5 l.

BelAZ-75600 was created in 2005. It is the first truck in the factory that used alternate current electromechanical transmission, electronic monitor and diagnostic system.

In case its main system fails to function or the engine stops working, the vehicle uses pneumatic and hydraulic accumulators with enough energy to accomplish a couple of maneuvers.

The machine can develop 64 km an hour.

The machine has 3 control pedals.

Every wheel weighs 8 tons and costs around million rubles.

The truck is supplied with an air-conditioner, air cleaning system, additional heater, electric heated mirrors, signaling device that warns the driver when the truck approaches a high-voltage power transmission line.