Mechanical Math

We're living in a world where electronic calculators are everywhere. You can buy simple ones for under $10, fancy ones that can calculate differentials and integrals in seconds, and tiny ones that are no bigger than a business card.

It's easy to forget that in years past, calculators didn't have batteries or wires, but levers and cams. I've never tried to analyze one of these old machines (I've only seen 2 of them) but apparently the art of mechanical computation isn't entirely lost



This impressive conglomeration of legos is actually a re-vamped version of the a Babbage Difference Engine. Basically, it evaluates polynomials at multiple points, making it possible, to generate plenty of data that can be used in the tables which used to be a part of every mathematician or engineer's life. It's not very advanced mathematically, but mechanically these machines are real wonders.

Makes a digital calculator seem a bit boring doesn't it

Be the first on your block

Have you ever seen an invention that you don't know how you lived without?

This is probably not one of those inventions, but it is cool in a geeky kind of way.



Behold the motorized light bulb changer! It can screw lightbulbs in or out and has an extension pole that reaches up to 6'. How have we ever lived without this? Oh right, ladders.

Lighten up

Message in a bottle gets a litering notice.

"I recently found your bottle while taking a scenic walk on the beach by Poole Harbour. While you may consider this some profound experiment on the path and speed" of "oceanic currents, I have another name for it, litter."

"You Americans don't seem to be happy unless you are mucking about somewhere," says the letter, signed by Henry Biggelsworth of Bournemouth, in Dorset

Update

In case I haven't filled anyone in on my whereabouts lately, I am back in Chicago again (arrived Friday evening) and I don't expect to be traveling on business again for at least a little bit.

This last trip to Ohio was actually pretty nice. I only had a few really late nights at work, and despite the high stress level I got to relax by driving around a little. Which brings me to another point, I finally found a Chevrolet that I really enjoyed driving! Avis set me up with a nice red monte carlo and it was really a blast to drive. (Don't worry I didn't do anything to attract the attention of the local law enforcement.) The throttle was smooth and responsive, the controls were easily reached and didn't feel sloppy like on some Chevy's I've driven, I had no blind spot thanks to the long door, and it felt quite manuverable despite its length. Fun times!

I have to work Monday but after that I'll most likely take a little time off. I have no idea what I'll do, but I know several chores, errands, and projects will be competing for my time. I might get to hit the road for a while too. Who knows.

PC in a brown paper sack.

I know that lots of people 'mod' their computer cases or build funny looking computers. I think it's actually a neat way of expressing oneself, besides who doesn't like using things that are customized to be a little special.

This one is a little odd though. Don't take my word for it; check the proof! (anything for a pun!)


I guess that computer must be really boozer friendly.
(C'mon, just try to make a worse joke; I dare you!)

Quote of the unspecified temporal interval

Labor was the first price, the original purchase-money that was paid for all things. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labor, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased.

- Adam Smith

Telegram business declining STOP

"Effective January 27, 2006, Western Union will discontinue all Telegram and Commercial Messaging services. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you, and we thank you for your loyal patronage. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a customer service representative."

Just think, a techology which was first heralded with the message, "What hath God wrought" has fallen to low long distance telephone rates, fax machines, and e-mails.

Worse than a pickup line

I just recieved a forward with this in it, and I am stunned.

I know there are some shy people out there (I'm not always outgoing myself) but sometimes it's surprising how shy people can be.

Meet the, 'Get a Date Napkin'



Kinda pitiful huh? Then again, it's so crazy it might actually . . . nah!

You might be an engineer if...

Have you ever wondered if it's possible to spot an engineer in a crowd? Here's a simple method. Just count the number of items sticking out of the shirt pocket.

Scoring:

Ball point pen = 0 points
2 ball point pens = 1 points
3 or more = 5 points

Felt tip marker = 1 point
2 or more = 5 points

Pocket protector = 3 points (This would be higher, but there's a fair likelihood that you may be dealing with a different math or science related professional)

USB drive or other electronic device = 5 points

Flower or corsage = -50

The more points, the higher the likelihood that you are looking at an engineer.

!!! TILT !!!

Back when I used to play with Lego blocks I thought I was pretty good at building things with them.

Nothing I did could possibly compare with THIS!




Not only only is it a Lego pinball machine, it's a FUNCTIONAL pinball machine!!

I'm in awe!