Gizmodo: boomerang

Video of Space Boomerang Is Exactly What You Expect

Jesus Diaz — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:06:33 EDT

We knew that boomerangs work in space because Takao Doi tried one in the International Space Station last month. Now, thanks to JAXA's obsession with cameras we have proof on video. The usual skeptics who think that Elvis is really the only human that ever went to the moon—and still lives there—will be happy. [JAXA via Pink Tentacle]

Japanese Astronaut's Space Boomerang Came Back

Kit Eaton — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:00:18 EDT

Japan's Takao Doi has just checked out an aerodynamics conundrum we were all curious about: would a boomerang return when thrown in zero-G? World boomerang champion Yasuhiro Togai had asked him to find out, you see. So, taking time out from his work aboard the International Space Station, he gave it a whirl.

The answer: "I was very surprised and moved to see that it flew the same way it does on Earth," he apparently said during a chat to his wife. Sadly, NASA hasn't released a video yet.

Now, I can't exactly remember my boomerang physics, but I thought gravity was one of the balancing forces? I'm sure someone can set me straight in the comments.

Next up: juggling in space ... [AFP via Yahoo News]

A Knock-Off of the PS3 Controller Nobody Wanted

Mark Wilson — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:55:28 EST

Sony's Boomerang controller for the PS3 never made the light of day, but that doesn't stop it from being knocked off by a Chinese OEM. We spotted this in the International Corridor of CES. And we feel really, really bad for the sweatshop workers who have to crank out such products...that are obsolete before they're even made.

BoomChef Solar-Powered Hot Dog Grill Is Niche Market Gold

kthompson — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:06 EDT

If there is one complaint I have about every boomerang competition I go to, it's that there simply aren't enough hot dogs. Apparently boomerang enthusiast Paul Sprague and I don't frequent the same contests, because when he goes boomeranging (yep, that's a word), he brings along his self-designed BoomChef solar-powered grill, built intentionally for grilling up hot dogs at boomerang competitions. When he says solar powered, he means it—the thing is literally a glass box that catches sunlight bounced off a reflective Mylar panel.

While Paul claims his design is capable of cooking just about anything you'd want to throw on a grill, your body will probably thank you if you stick to pre-cooked foods like the hot dogs it was designed to heat up. On the sunniest of days you can expect a BoomChef to get up to about 230 degrees Fahrenheit after a few hours in the sun, which will actually cook food, but you'll be waiting awhile (long enough to go throw some boomerangs or something). Between the sweet technical diagram and the production notes on the official site, you can probably try out your own "cheap to build, free to operate" BoomChef grill next weekend. [BoomChef Grill via Neatorama]

PC World Gets Confused, Should Stick with PCs

Travis Hudson — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 10:36:47 EST

Thanks, Colin. – Travis Hudson

PC World (Mouse over Nintendo Wii Revew)

PS3's Boomerang Controller Reborn

Jason Chen — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 19:02:35 EST

For the few people that actually miss the old boomerang PS3 controller design—us being one of them—we have the "Tilt Sense Wireless Controller" for the PS2 (left).

It looks fairly similar to the boomerang (right), but with a slightly fatter body and slightly shorter handles. Even so, you can see where the inspiration comes from. It's only for PS2, but it is wireless and it is motion sensitive. Unfortunately there's no rumble on this either. Based on the six pretty lousy ratings on Circuit City's website, you should probably stick to the Dual Shock. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Circuit City via Kotaku]

Invisible Boomerang Reconnaissance Robot

Jason Chen — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 16:45:25 EDT

The defense industry is taking a page from the Batman School of War and making products with more of a boomerang shape. In this case, the Phantom Sentinel, an unmanned aerial vehicle that's not only shaped like a boomerang, but "is in constant motion" and "has a uniquely minimal cross section allowing it to 'slice' through even the most adverse weather conditions".

Great for both seeing what the local population is up to without being detected and a relaxing day at the park. – Jason Chen

'Invisibile' Boomerang 'Bot [Defensetech]