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New York, 8:25 AM
Mon Nov 16
16 posts in the last 24 hours

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  • posts about #afghanistan more →

    Pedal-Powered OLPC Tested in Afghanistan: Free Power (and Killer Calves) For All

    AP Photographer Loses Foot in Bomb Blast, Never Stops Taking Pictures

    Motivational Music In a Dangerous Land

    US Soldier Explains Why He Uses a Rifle Stock to Shoot Photographs

    US Army Selects Top Inventions That Can Take, Or Save, Your Life

    Wacky Afghan Engineer Develops Remote Controlled Kalashnikov Burglar Alarm

    Soldier Uses Body to Shield Comrades from Grenade Blast, Survives Thanks to Backpack

    Taliban Orders Afghan Cellphone Companies to Shut Down Networks at Night
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    Dsmvwl  Admin  Promote to frontpage Approve user Ban user ×
    Image of Bokusatsu_Tenshi Bokusatsu_Tenshi
    10/13/09

    In reply to Pedal-Powered OLPC Tested in Afghanistan: Free Power (and Killer Calves) For All
    So, what happens when those kids finds out about porn?
    HUGE HULK legs, that's what...
     Reply
    Bokusatsu_Tenshi was starred Bokusatsu_Tenshi was unstarred
    Image of Electp33 Electp33
    10/13/09

    In reply to Pedal-Powered OLPC Tested in Afghanistan: Free Power (and Killer Calves) For All
    Actually, we have GPRS in most major cities here in Afghanistan through at least 3 providers, so a tethered cell phone would get them 15kbps download speed for about $40 a month.
     Reply
    Danny Allen promoted this comment Electp33 was starred Electp33 was unstarred
    Image of Bertone77 Bertone77
    10/13/09

    In reply to Pedal-Powered OLPC Tested in Afghanistan: Free Power (and Killer Calves) For All
    These guys need the help of a good engineer.

    From what I can see it seems like they are only stepping down a small bit to increase the rotation of the top shaft making the pedaling somewhat more productive.

    But if they added a few more steps they could probably get that top shaft wizzing fast enough to power two or more laptops.
     Reply
    Bertone77 was starred Bertone77 was unstarred
    Image of Curves Curves
    10/13/09

    @Bullet77: I am not an engineer, but I am wondering why 2 foot pedals and not one pedal like on my grandmothers old sewing machine, which would seem easier, less shakey and can be powered (if needed) by one foot.
     Reply
    Curves was starred Curves was unstarred
    Image of GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked
    10/13/09

    @Curves: The "treadle" is good for power, like driving the needle of a sewing machine, but it can also be very tiring. This set up requires minimal power vs. a treadle.
     Reply
    GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was starred GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was unstarred
    Image of met2art met2art
    10/13/09

    @Curves: A treadle could be easily implemented, even with the pedal design. I would imagine that the design was based largely on available salvage. A treadle design would also be more difficult with a chain, as it would require a ratcheting sprocket design on the "up take" to avoid hitching (for those slow on the uptake), and possibly introduce more mechanical drag. A belt would work but introduce slippage and "wow" over time, as well as requiring a large flywheel to maintain the high speed necessary in the step-up (as the large iron flywheel on the side of the sewing machine did, or the large wooden wheel of treadle spinning wheels).
     Reply
    Curves promoted this comment met2art was starred met2art was unstarred
    Image of MaQ MaQ
    10/13/09

    @Curves: I was planing, and still am, on doing just that, just for fun.

    I got all I need so it's only the question of when I'll do it.
     Reply
    MaQ was starred MaQ was unstarred
    Image of Curves Curves
    10/13/09

    @met2art: I love engineers......and whats so nice at Giz is that no matter what I ask, SOMEONE has the answer. Thank you.
     Reply
    Curves was starred Curves was unstarred
    Image of Curves Curves
    10/13/09

    @MaQ: lol@ for fun. Will you salvage an old Singer or start from square 1?
     Reply
    Curves was starred Curves was unstarred
    Image of MaQ MaQ
    10/15/09

    @Curves: I'll start from a Singer and see if I could use it as is,

    I aim to make it practical and disturb it as least as possible.

    I'll post the results

    ^__^

    The origin of the idea is from a while back, when I was considering how to keep my lifestyle in case of some horrific disaster, which would leave us without el. power for indefinite period of time.

    Solar power is cool but this came up as the ultimate idea and totally practical, and as you said:
    " seem easier, less shakey and can be powered (if needed) by one foot."

    so you could take turns and keep it going.

    It seams being practical has nothing to do with the engineering degree,
    (:though I'm getting mine soon:)

    :) #pedalpoweredolpcbeingtestedinafghanistan...
     Reply
    MaQ was starred MaQ was unstarred
    Image of appletoad appletoad
    10/13/09

    In reply to Pedal-Powered OLPC Tested in Afghanistan: Free Power (and Killer Calves) For All

    OLPC would like to welcome its latest addition to the engineering team, "The Professor" Roy Hinkley, M.A., B.S., Ph.D!

    His assistant Gilligan is seen on a prototype of the OLPC charger.
     Reply
    GitEmSteveDave_GotOff2HoursEarly promoted this comment Edited by appletoad at 10/13/09 9:56 AM appletoad was starred appletoad was unstarred
    Image of GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked
    10/13/09

    @appletoad: Did you know The Professor recieved a Purple Heart?
     Reply
    GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was starred GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was unstarred
    Image of appletoad appletoad
    10/13/09

    @GitEmSteveDave_GotOff2HoursEarly: I didn't know that.
     Reply
    appletoad was starred appletoad was unstarred
    Image of Noobs-R-Us Noobs-R-Us
    08/30/09

    In reply to AP Photographer Loses Foot in Bomb Blast, Never Stops Taking Pictures
    Don't they have hospitals in Europe where they can do this? WHy did he have to fly all the way back to the U.S. from Afghan? They might have been able to save his foot if not for the long flight back.
     Reply
    Noobs-R-Us was starred Noobs-R-Us was unstarred
    Image of loslosbaby loslosbaby
    08/29/09

    In reply to AP Photographer Loses Foot in Bomb Blast, Never Stops Taking Pictures
    Pulitzer.
     Reply
    loslosbaby was starred loslosbaby was unstarred
    Image of GreyHammer GreyHammer
    08/28/09

    In reply to AP Photographer Loses Foot in Bomb Blast, Never Stops Taking Pictures
    he figured he could use the pictures when he writes his book about the experience.
     Reply
    GreyHammer was starred GreyHammer was unstarred
    Image of aido2002 aido2002
    08/28/09

    In reply to AP Photographer Loses Foot in Bomb Blast, Never Stops Taking Pictures
    You know the xkcd that shows the difference between a scientist and a regular person? The regular person pulls a lever, gets electrocuted, and then walks away, but the scientist pulls it again to see if it happens every time? This kinda reminds me of that: the regular person screams in agony, but the photographer takes the once in a lifetime opportunity for some amazing shots.
     Reply
    Identity: Omg! Nessie! promoted this comment aido2002 was starred aido2002 was unstarred
    Image of anexanhume anexanhume
    08/28/09

    In reply to AP Photographer Loses Foot in Bomb Blast, Never Stops Taking Pictures
    That guy had the courage to stand up and do his job, even when danger was afoot.
     Reply
    anexanhume was starred anexanhume was unstarred
    Image of Bertone77 Bertone77
    08/28/09

    In reply to AP Photographer Loses Foot in Bomb Blast, Never Stops Taking Pictures
    That guy is hardcore.
     Reply
    Bertone77 was starred Bertone77 was unstarred
    Image of Santa_Lock22 Santa_Lock22
    08/28/09

    In reply to AP Photographer Loses Foot in Bomb Blast, Never Stops Taking Pictures
    A 5D Mark II? I've got even more respect for him now!

    Seriously though, that's really great. Photography sure can bring out the dedication in people.
     Reply
    Homerjay WANTS to jailbreak his iphone but is still scared to brick it. promoted this comment Santa_Lock22 was starred Santa_Lock22 was unstarred
    Image of Homerjay is utterly alone. Homerjay is utterly alone.
    08/28/09

    @Santa_Lock22: You don't go to Afghanistan with a Rebel.
     Reply
    Homerjay is utterly alone. was starred Homerjay is utterly alone. was unstarred
    Image of omgwtflolbbqbye omgwtflolbbqbye
    08/28/09

    @Homerjay WANTS to jailbreak his iphone but is still scared to brick it.: Since Afghanistan is already rife with them of course.
     Reply
    omgwtflolbbqbye was starred omgwtflolbbqbye was unstarred
    Image of GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked
    07/19/09

    In reply to Motivational Music In a Dangerous Land
    Ahhh, the "reductions". The ones that were promised within 6 months, then 12 months, then 18 months to reduce "combat" troops, but leave 30-50k over there in non-combat roles.

    My party affiliation aside, he keeps a "promise" about as well as Corzine does. I just had a family friend in special forces get recalled to Afghanistan earlier this week.
     Reply
    GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was starred GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was unstarred
    Image of apollo89 apollo89
    07/19/09

    @Summermodoin'_GitEmSteveDave: Ummmmm, he is rolling troops out of 3 years if you bothered to pay attention.

    And ones staying are there to train Iraqi troops, not fight.
     Reply
    Summermodoin'_GitEmSteveDave promoted this comment apollo89 was starred apollo89 was unstarred
    Image of GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked
    07/19/09

    @apollo89: 36 months now? Hrmmmm, that puts it right around the next election , doesn't it? Way longer than the initial promise of right after he gets in office. But about on par with the "first" Excutive Order he promised of lifting restrictions on Embryonic Stem Cell lines.
     Reply
    GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was starred GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was unstarred
    Image of Skyman747 Skyman747
    07/19/09

    @Summermodoin'_GitEmSteveDave: Yes, because removing troops from another country is just a matter of snapping your fingers. /sarcasm
     Reply
    Summermodoin'_GitEmSteveDave promoted this comment Skyman747 was starred Skyman747 was unstarred
    Image of GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked
    07/19/09

    @Skyman747: But that's what I was promised! And here I am, still having to pay a mortgage and pay for gas. I should have voted Kang.
     Reply
    GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was starred GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was unstarred
    Image of Ginsu Ginsu
    07/19/09

    In reply to Motivational Music In a Dangerous Land
    I love that this soldier doesn't have the Significant Other album cover....and the 7.62 rounds are a nice touch given that most soldiers don't carry a weapon that fires them...and that this soldier keeps the iPod OUTSIDE their body armor next to their strap cutter. Oh, and besides no-contact convoys, when the hell is a soldier gunna be listening to their iPod anyhow? Ya kinda have to keep your situational awareness up out there.

    When I was in Iraq, I kept my iPod in one of my ACU chest pockets INSIDE my body armor, cuz I didn't ever really want to test its durability like that. I suppose it would have hurt like a sonofabitch if I'd been shot in the chest, but, well, it would have regardless.

    Great propaganda...little else.
     Reply
    switchblade saints promoted this comment Ginsu was starred Ginsu was unstarred
    Image of IUHoos IUHoos
    07/19/09

    @OMG! Ginsu!: More than likely the soldier is using a m240b, they fire 7.62 (and given one is a tracer), and if thats the case he more than likely is a gunner on hmmwv. Even though i think its a very bad idea, i saw many gunners with an ipod headphone in while patrolling.

    But ya, its probably just meant to be a cool pic given the song playing.
     Reply
    kagekiri promoted this comment IUHoos was starred IUHoos was unstarred
    Image of The Analrapist: Half Analyst Half Therapist The Analrapist: Half Analyst Half Therapist
    07/19/09

    @OMG! Ginsu!: This does look like a setup pic. The rounds are tracers and the light from the Ipod at night would be a great target...but a cool pic non the less
     Reply
    Summermodoin'_GitEmSteveDave promoted this comment The Analrapist: Half Analyst Half Therapist was starred The Analrapist: Half Analyst Half Therapist was unstarred
    Image of GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked
    07/19/09

    @The Analrapist: Can't you turn off backlighting?
     Reply
    GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was starred GitEmSteveDave_Isn'tFreshPerked was unstarred
    Image of Claytons Claytons
    07/19/09

    Uh, I don't think those are 7.62, folks. I could be wrong, but look at the scale. That Ipod is about 4 inches long, where the 7.62 round has an overall length of 2.75 inches.

    Yeah, I'm pretty sure those are .50 BMG.
     Reply
    kagekiri promoted this comment Edited by Claytons at 07/19/09 6:11 PM Claytons was starred Claytons was unstarred
    Image of SigmundTheSeaMonster SigmundTheSeaMonster
    07/19/09

    @OMG! Ginsu!: Mmmm, Bench Made knives....
     Reply
    SigmundTheSeaMonster was starred SigmundTheSeaMonster was unstarred
    Image of switchblade saints switchblade saints
    07/19/09

    In reply to Motivational Music In a Dangerous Land
    great, troops listening to "break stuff"

    BTW that is a fantastic site Jack, thanks for the link. Went straight to favorites
     Reply
    Edited by switchblade saints at 07/19/09 3:36 PM switchblade saints was starred switchblade saints was unstarred
    Image of ChibaCityCowboy ChibaCityCowboy
    01/30/09

    In reply to US Soldier Explains Why He Uses a Rifle Stock to Shoot Photographs
    Years ago I saw some footage taken from a reporter's camera who had wound up recording his own death. I don't think he was using a rifle stock mounted camera, but in the hot zone, and in a US uniform, I don't think it would make that much difference safety-wise.
     Reply
    ChibaCityCowboy was starred ChibaCityCowboy was unstarred
    Image of Purple Dave Purple Dave
    01/31/09

    @ChibaCityCowboy:
    Ernie Pyle is the war photographer whose last photo is of his dead body, shortly after he got killed by a Japanese machine-gunner during WWII, but there's another similar instance that happened more recently. In 2006, independant documentarist Brad Will was filming footage of the violent armed conflict in Oaxaca, Mexico when he was shot and killed. The video reportedly shows two armed gunmen in the distance, and right after one or both of them fire shots the camera was dropped. The belief is that Will actually filmed the shot that killed him. Both of these stories only show half of the story, and it's not the same half. One shows just the dead body after the fact, and the other shows just the killing act.
     Reply
    Purple Dave was starred Purple Dave was unstarred
    Image of Steeplebomb Steeplebomb
    01/31/09

    @Purple Dave:

    wow. morbid.
     Reply
    Steeplebomb was starred Steeplebomb was unstarred
    Image of Purple Dave Purple Dave
    01/31/09

    @Steeplebomb:
    Yeah, in a way. But if you actually look at Pyle's photo, you can't really tell that he's not just sleeping or unconscious. There's supposed to be a bit of visible blood coming out of his mouth, but it's a B&W photo that was shot over 60 years ago. The image quality isn't exactly the greatest. And with the video, you can't actually tell _why_ the camera was dropped unless someone tells you.


    And when you get right down to it, neither of these men was taking a walk through the park. Both were trying to document the real horrors that take place very far away from our mostly-secure little corner of the world (in the entire last century, Pearl Harbor, 9/11, and the Unabombing are the only three comparable acts of violence that I can think of that have been perpetrated on US soil).

     Reply
    Purple Dave was starred Purple Dave was unstarred
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