The time in human form...

Once upon a time, going from analog clocks to digital seemed to imply a kind of laziness - it's like you were having the time handed to you without effort.

But let's face it: on some days, even reading those numbers can be too much. Hence the Verbarius. This sleek, clock will give you the time in what they call "human" form: "A quarter to three" rather than "2:45." "Noon." "Midnight."

My question: what do they do with those slightly awkward times, like 4:17? Is 2:25 the same as half-past?

(Or am i just missing the point, asking myself these questions?)

useless inventions

Trying to keep you cool this summer? Thanko steps in to assist with this USB necktie with a geeky-looking fan nestled inside its Windsor knot.
If you don't mind being chained to your desk, this might help evaporate a modicum of sweat in even the steamiest of situations. That is, if the fan on this contraption were pointed directly at you. Taking a look at the photos of this beast, it looks like the fan is pointing straight ahead, cooling off people standing in front of you rather than blowing on your own face. Well, at least it might be able to keep your neck cool.
Just remember that you're attached to your PC when it's time to stand up...

we start with some science

lemons anyone ?

or, how to transform your daily lemons into batteries...



[credits to luci :) ]

you might wanna find out....

world's first available dynamic RAM

In 1970, the newly formed Intel company publicly released the 1103, the first DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chip (1K bit PMOS dynamic RAM ICs), and by 1972 it was the best selling semiconductor memory chip in the world, defeating magnetic core type memory. The first commercially available computer using the 1103 was the HP 9800 series.

Intel 1103 Chip -->

in the news

Finger vein authentication technology

On July 24, Hitachi announced the development of a biometric cardless credit payment system, called “finger vein money,” which allows shoppers to pay for purchases using only their fingertips. The company plans to begin field testing the finger vein money in September.

Finger vein money relies on Hitachi’s finger vein authentication technology, which verifies a person’s identity by reading the pattern of blood vessels in his or her fingers. These blood vessel patterns are unique to each individual, much like fingerprints or retinas, only they are hidden securely under the skin, making them all the more difficult to counterfeit. Hitachi’s finger vein authentication technology is already being used to verify user identities for ATMs, door access control systems and computer log-in systems in Japan and elsewhere.

In the finger vein money system, consumers first register their finger vein pattern data with the credit card company. The data is then entered into a database along with the individual’s credit account information. Later, when shoppers want to pay for something, they simply go to the cash register and place their finger in a vein reader, which uses infrared LEDs and a special camera to capture a detailed image of their vein structure. The image is converted into a readable format and sent to the database, where it is checked against the records on file. When the system verifies the identity of the shopper, the purchase is charged to the individual’s credit account.

As a cardless payment system that promises the ultimate in convenience and security, finger vein money could help contribute to the disappearance of credit cards and all the anxieties associated with their loss and theft. When that day comes, we may only need to worry about losing our fingers.