Fight For Your Mind » Video

Video: How to start a car with a dead battery without jumper cables

Zach Bowman — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:58:00 +0000

Here's a handy trick: Say you find yourself in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery and no way to roll-start your vehicle. What do you do? If you happen to have enough rope lying around (or belts, for that matter), you can conceivably lift the drive axles, wrap the rope around a tire and pull with all of your might with the transmission in gear and the ignition on. The motion should be enough to turn the engine over and start the combustion cycle.

Of course, it's worth noting that the vehicle needs to be properly supported during this whole endeavor, or you could wind up with a runaway hulk in a hurry. Fortunately, the enterprising youths in the video after the jump had their derelict ride well secured before pulling the old rope trick.

We should mention a few safety precautions here. First, make well sure that you can release the rope as soon as the engine fires, or you'll quickly be introduced to the front fender well. Second, don't waste your effort on an automatic. There isn't a power in the 'verse that can cause a slusher to turn over its engine. Finally, be warned that it's going to take a significantly larger amount of effort (thanks, compression!) for any vehicle with more than four cylinders. Check out the video after the jump to see the trick in action.

Continue reading How to start a car with a dead battery without jumper cables

How to start a car with a dead battery without jumper cables originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kid learns who Luke’s father is

Cory Doctorow — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:29:41 +0000

The young lad in this video, four-year-old Faris, is about to learn who Luke Skywalker's father is. His face should be in Wikipedia under the (nonexistent) entry for "mindblown." Kudos to young Faris's parents for capturing this moment for scientific scrutiny.

(via IO9)

NONONONO Cat

Xeni Jardin — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:22:18 +0000

[Video Cat]

Today's weird animal viral video is, like all great examples of the genre, equal parts funny, creepy, cute, and sad. Apparently, the cat in this video is having a fear/anxiety/aggressive reaction to the presence of a young girl (sounds like under 5 years old?), a friend of the daughter of the guy who shot the video. Or I don't know, hairball?

I've never seen this behavior before, and wonder how the owners might best deal with it. But also, I couldn't stop laughing.

And is that a Maine Coon? They're usually so mellow and sociable.

(thanks, Tara McGinley)

Video: Enthusiastic car crash victim gets the Songify auto-tune treatment

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:59:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

You can forget Old Faithful. There's not a more reliable natural phenomenon than the internet. These days, videos mature from the pubescent stages of viral amusement to full-fledged autotuned maturity within hours. Take George Lindell's account of his Michael-Bay-worthy traffic accident, for example. If you've spent even a passing moment in the halls of YouTube, you likely realized that his exaggerated style was ripe for the autotune treatment. Now that itch has been scratched.

Hit the jump to check out the hilarity for yourself, as presented by the Songify people.

Continue reading Enthusiastic car crash victim gets the Songify auto-tune treatment

Enthusiastic car crash victim gets the Songify auto-tune treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Musical spectrum analysis

Nathan Yau — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:55:57 +0000

Jon-Kyle Mohr visualizes the musical spectrum of a song in this mesmerizing video. As the song plays, frequencies bubble up in the 6-o-clock position, and the trace remains as the circle rotates.

[Video Link via feltron]

Video: Best description of a car accident ever?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:01:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos, Humor

In the words of Rick James, adrenaline is one hell of a drug - just ask the unidentified motorist seen above. You see, a local news crew caught up with George Lindell shortly after a fairly spectacular traffic accident. As he tells it, a vehicle rear-ended his van, flipped onto its side and then slid into a power pole, knocking out an electrical transformer at the same time. As anyone who's seen a transformer go down can tell you, a light show ensued, complete with plenty of arcing electricity, a shocked finger and one stunned driver.

If it sounds dramatic when we tell it, you should hear the tale straight from the horse's mouth. Admittedly, we have no idea if this is a new video or not, nor if the motorist in question is intentionally trying to overdramatize things, but it's the first time we've laid eyes on the footage, so watch it along with us: Hit the jump to partake in the hilarity.

Continue reading Best description of a car accident ever?

Best description of a car accident ever? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RealVNC demos BIOS-based server at IDF 2011 (video)

Myriam Joire — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:16:00 +0000

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is one of the of oldest remote desktop solutions around, and while its RFB (remote framebuffer) protocol can require a little more bandwidth than the competition, it's long been praised for its broad cross-platform support and elegant simplicity. Last year, RealVNC teamed up with Intel to incorporate a bona fide VNC server (using hardware encryption native to vPro chipsets) into the oldest bit of PC firmware -- the BIOS. As such, you can securely control a remote computer's BIOS, mount a disk image, and install an OS from the comfort of your living room halfway across the globe. The future is now -- you're welcome. Take a look at RealVNC's IDF 2011 demo in the gallery below and our hand-on video after the break.

Gallery: RealVNC BIOS-based server

Dante Cesa contributed to this report.

Continue reading RealVNC demos BIOS-based server at IDF 2011 (video)

RealVNC demos BIOS-based server at IDF 2011 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 05:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Kawasaki ZX-10R lapping Nürburgring in 7m 50s is scary awesome

Zach Bowman — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:01:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Motorcycle

By now, we've all grown a little callous to watching high-strung supercars prance their way around the Nürburgring. Nearly every manufacturer has taken it upon themselves to do battle with the infamous road course, and as a result, YouTube is choked with videos of physics-bending cars doing what they do best. It's a little rarer to get to see a motorcycle take on the torturous course. Bridgestone test rider Tim Röthig recently mounted a Kawasaki ZX-10R, strapped on a Gyrocam and proceeded to wring the life out of a pair of Battlax tires.

Watching Röthig coerce the big liter bike through one of the most challenging road courses on the planet is a hair-raising experience, even from the comfort of our keyboards. While his 7:50-second time falls well short of the current 7:14 record for production cars, the knowledge that even the smallest of mistakes could have introduced both bike and rider to the unforgiving guard rail in a hurry certainly earns Röthig a spot in the pantheon of impressive Nürburgring videos. Hit the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Kawasaki ZX-10R lapping Nürburgring in 7m 50s is scary awesome

Kawasaki ZX-10R lapping Nürburgring in 7m 50s is scary awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Eyes-On] Sony unveils the NEX-7 and NEX-5N in Japan

Daimaou - G-A.G — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:24:34 +0000

Good lord! The NEX series was already kicking hard in the XXXs of Micro 4/3rds but with the NEX-7 Sony really want to kill this format all together. Think of the NEX-7 as a compact A77, and you will pretty much know what we mean by Micro 4/3rd filler. Yep the NEX-7 is THAT impressive and comes like the A77 with a 24.3 megapixel APS-C sensor and the very same OLED EVF (Electronic View Finder) with its XGA resolution. The NEX-7 also pack AVHCD 2.0 and its 1080/60p video capabilities, Support ...

Gorgeous machined Stirling engine kits

Cory Doctorow — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:45:33 +0000

Hermann Böhm's metal Stirling engine kits are some of the most beautiful machines I've ever seen, real triumphs. They run about as much as one of them fancy toothpaste squeezers, but they're about ten thousand times cooler, and somehow don't have the same oligarch factor.

(Thanks, Chris!)

Video: How to build a Ferrari 458 Italia’s body frame

Noah Joseph — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:59:00 +0000

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Ferrari

As far as autoworker jobs go, putting together a Ferrari has got to be one of the plum gigs. The company is consistently rated as one of the best places to work in Europe, but if the pleasant atmosphere and long espresso breaks weren't enough, you get to go home at the end of the day knowing that you put together a Ferrari. Not a pickup truck, not an economy hatchback, but a Ferrari.

Unfortunately for most of us, that job isn't really feasible, but to give us a glimpse at what we're missing, Ferrari is apparently releasing a series of videos showing us what it's like inside its factory. Last week it was the engine assembly line, and this time it's the facility where the workers produce the frame.

The factory built in conjunction with aluminum giant Alcoa also happens to be the only Ferrari plant located outside the company's compound in Maranello - situated, as it is, in nearby Modena. Follow the jump to watch the ten-minute video to see the process unfold.

Continue reading How to build a Ferrari 458 Italia's body frame

How to build a Ferrari 458 Italia's body frame originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Research KinectFusion project capable of 3D modeling, more [video]

Todd Haselton — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:41:10 +0000

During the SIGGRAPH 2011 conference in Vancouver this week, a team comprised of researchers from various universities showed off a demo during a Microsoft Research presentation of how the Kinect Xbox 360 accessory can be used in the real world to create real-time dynamic 3D models. The project, dubbed “KinectFusion,” shows off the Kinect’s ability to render 3D models of an entire room nearly instantly as one researcher pans the accessory around. After the device has scanned the entire area, KinectFusion is capable of creating a 3D texture-mapped model of the entire room using a Kinect RGB image. The technology could be used to create highly immersive augmented reality games or, as TechNet points out, for architectural purposes on a budget. Hit the read link to see a video of KinectFusion in action.

[Via TechNet]

Read

Video: You forgot something…

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:59:00 +0000

Filed under: Europe, Videos

There are some steps you can skip, and others you can't. Forgot to wash that apple before you took a bite? Not quite sanitary, but it'll still be edible. But if you forgot to, say, untie your boat before you set sail, you're not going to get very far.

You might have figured that failure to release the parking brake on a car would be closer to the latter than the former, but one driver of what looks to us like an '80s Fiat hatchback somewhere in Europe seemed determined to show us otherwise. Follow the jump to watch the video and see what we're rambling about today.

Continue reading You forgot something...

You forgot something... originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: An engineer’s tour of the 2012 BMW M5

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:32:00 +0000

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW

You don't care about the outer skin. You don't care that it has Bluetooth. You've given a whiff of concern about what sound system it comes equipped with. No, you want to know what's going on under the body work, behind the wheels, beneath the hood and below the interior. You love engineering details, and BMWBlog has put together a trio of videos to feed your fix.

Today's subject: the 2012 BMW M5.

The videos bring you into and under the all new M sedan, and they are waiting for you after the jump. Grab a pencil, some graph paper and take in all of the nitty-gritty details.

Continue reading An engineer's tour of the 2012 BMW M5

An engineer's tour of the 2012 BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feltone the sound-Absorbing Blinds by Tokyo Blinds

DigInfo TV — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:35:37 +0000

This sound-absorbing blind called Feltone, is available from Tokyo Blinds. Made of felt, it absorbs the sound waves, converting them into thermal energy through repeated reflection. The blinds can reduce an 89dB source by 4dB, resulting in a 60% noise power reduction. “This sound-absorbing blind works because sound is absorbed extremely well if there’s a rear air layer, 50-200 mm thick, between the blind slats and a wall, when the blind is attached in the usual way. We’ve ...

Video: How to build a Ferrari 458 Italia engine

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:55:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Ferrari

Generally speaking, we prefer driving cars to building them. Still, you can't do the former if the latter isn't taken care of. And since one of the cars at the top of our "must drive" list is the Ferrari 458 Italia, naturally we're curious to see what it takes to put one together. Thankfully for us, then, Ferrari brought a video crew into its Maranello, Italy factory, and we're gifted a first-hand view of an engine coming to life.

The Prancing Horse's 4.5-liter V8 produces 562 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. That's enough energy to move the 458 Italia from 0-62 miles per hour in around 3.4 seconds. Keep the gas to the floor and you'll eventually see 202 miles per hour.

What does it take to bring that mill to life? Click past the jump to find out.

Continue reading How to build a Ferrari 458 Italia engine

How to build a Ferrari 458 Italia engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: X Games rider nails first motorcycle front-flip in competition

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:29:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc.

Motorcycles were built to have two wheels pointing towards the Earth with the rider above the machine. Over the years, the insane and/or insanely talented athletes of the X Games have flipped that notion on its head. Literally. We've seen backflips, spins and even double backflips, but at the 2011 X Games, one rider has gone against the grain. Ladies and gentleman, Jackson Strong has just landed the first front flip in competition.

Now, credit goes to Jim DeChamp for landing the first forward aerial rotation back in 2009. Strong, however, is the first rider to successfully throw down the move in competition. His front flip wowed both the crowd and the judges, allowing him to ride off with the gold medal.

Click past the jump to see Strong's winning flip.

Continue reading X Games rider nails first motorcycle front-flip in competition

X Games rider nails first motorcycle front-flip in competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Porsche 911 somersaults into parking space, sticks the landing [UPDATE]

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:01:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Porsche

Like most auto enthusiasts, we prefer to park our own cars rather than hand the keys off to the valet. This ~~Porsche~~ car owner, however, skipped the whole parking lot song and dance entirely.

How so? A lot of speed and some barrel rolls. The end result is a parking spot at the rear of the lot, some light body damage and a possible concussion. It's a scary scene, but what is perhaps most remarkable is that even after flipping over a wall, the driver still gets out to inspect the car's damage.

UPDATE: There's speculation amongst staff and readers as to what type of car is shown in the video. We're undecided, but 350Z/370Z has become a popular choice.

Click past the jump to see how a vehicular gymnast parks.

Continue reading Porsche 911 somersaults into parking space, sticks the landing [UPDATE]

Porsche 911 somersaults into parking space, sticks the landing [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: FIA tests fighter-jet canopy for use in Formula 1

Noah Joseph — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:33:00 +0000

Filed under: Motorsports, Safety, Technology, Videos

F1 cars keep getting safer every year. Their carbon-fiber tubs have been strengthened to the point that they're nearly indestructible. Helmets and the HANS neck supports they're attached keep improving. Despite all this, there's still one principal weak point inherent to the design of a grand prix racer: the open cockpit.

If you've ever sat back and wondered why F1 cars stick with open-cockpit designs when drivers are injured - or narrowly escape injury - by airborne cars (or parts thereof) striking their helmets, you're not alone.

The FIA Institute is testing designs to potentially outfit future F1 racers with closed cockpits. The question is, what kind? Many Le Mans prototypes (like the Audi R18 and Peugeot 908) use curved polycarbonate windshields, but in its research, the FIA Institute also looked to fighter jets for their canopy designs. Follow the jump to see what they discovered.

Continue reading FIA tests fighter-jet canopy for use in Formula 1

FIA tests fighter-jet canopy for use in Formula 1 originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Alonso laps Ferrari’s first grand prix winner at Silverstone… sixty years later

Noah Joseph — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Videos, Ferrari, UK, Racing

Ferrari sure had a lot to celebrate this past weekend at Silverstone. Not only did Fernando Alonso score the team's first win of the season, but he did it on a rather momentous occasion for the Scuderia: Sixty years ago in 1951, José Floilán González scored the team's very first victory at the same grand prix, held on the same second weekend in July as this year's race.

In what might be seen as a bit of a premonition of Alonso's victory, or maybe just a little touch of good luck, the two-time world champion borrowed the very same car in which González took the checkered flag there sixty years ago around for a couple of hot laps, and even got it a little sideways coming out of the corners.

The 1951 Ferrari 375 today belongs to F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, who was evidently glad to bring it over to the Northamptonshire circuit for the historic demonstration and entrust it to a pair of hands that, as proven on race day, are some of the most skilled in the world. Follow the jump to watch the video.

Continue reading Alonso laps Ferrari's first grand prix winner at Silverstone... sixty years later

Alonso laps Ferrari's first grand prix winner at Silverstone... sixty years later originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Highly Accurate Visualization of Radio Wave Arrival Directionsby KDDI R&D Labs

DigInfo TV — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:16:56 +0000

At Wireless Technology Park 2011, KDDI R&D Labs revealed for the first time a system which makes the direction radio waves are coming from visible. This system includes a 9-element array antenna, 8 cameras, a GPS, and an electronic gyroscope, and can overlay the direction radio waves are coming from on a display. It is used as a tool to design cells that are within range to receive radio waves from base stations. “We usually use array antenna technology to estimate the horizontal ...

Video: Behold the World’s Luckiest Squirrel

Chris Shunk — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:30:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Lamborghini

Luckiest squirrel on earth dodges Lamborghini - click above to watch the video after the jump

The Internet is chock-full of adorable pet videos and Jackass-style human clips, but it isn't very often when the animal is the one surviving the ill-advised act. That's typically not our cup of tea anyway, but when you throw in a spanking new Lamborghini Murciélago and a happy ending and we're likely to bite.

Beyond the jump is video of a squirrel that cheats death by Lamborghini. The earth-hugging bull is minding its own business at over 100 miles per hour during The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience 4 event at California's Fontana raceway when said squirrel decided to cross the track. What comes next is a bit of a miracle, as the squirrel manages to time its crossing in a most perfect manner. We're not sure who is luckier - the squirrel or the LP670-4 SV driver - but it does look like the furry critter may have had its tail docked a bit in the encounter, so let's hope he's okay. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

UPDATE: Video is now embedded after the jump.

Continue reading Behold the World's Luckiest Squirrel

Behold the World's Luckiest Squirrel originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Subaru releases official video of Isle of Man TT record run

Zach Bowman — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Videos, Subaru, UK

Subaru at the Isle of Mann TT - Click above to watch video after the jump

Subaru has released an official video of the company's recent record-breaking efforts at the Isle of Mann TT. As you may recall, the official sponsor of the race dusted off an impressive elapsed time of 19 minutes and 37 seconds while averaging 115.356 mph. If that's not impressive enough, driver Mark Higgins cracked the 160 mph barrier while blasting through the island course. All told, the U.S.-spec WRX STI clipped through 200 corners, including one spot where the driver and co-driver nearly went tumbling at 130 mph.

Subaru says that the car was left mechanically stock save a few safety additions. A fire-suppression system and roll cage were added in the event of a hairy situation, as well as a set of competition seats and belts. Stouter Mintex brake pads were also fitted for the run, though the stock calipers and rotors stayed along for the ride. The WRX STI also boasted an even freer-flowing exhaust, and engineers nixed the speed limiter, which allowed Higgins to crank the turbocharged flat-four up to 162 mph. Finally, a set of Tein dampers helped the winged machine tackle the uneven pavement and massive jumps of the course. Hit the jump to see the recap video for yourself.

Continue reading Subaru releases official video of Isle of Man TT record run

Subaru releases official video of Isle of Man TT record run originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mercedes-Benz takes a look at blind auto mechanic Bart Hickey

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:58:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Mercedes-Benz

Blind auto mechanic Bart Hickey - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The world is full of enigmas. How else would you explain a composer like Ludwig van Beethoven, who continued to compose and perform even after he went deaf? Chances are you've heard of Beethoven, but you probably haven't heard of Bart Hickey.

Bart, tragically, is blind. Which sadly enough means he can't do a wide variety of things we all take for granted. Like driving, for example. But he probably knows his way around a car better than most. That's because Bart is a mechanic, and runs his own garage in Alsip, Illinois. Not the service department of a Mercedes-Benz dealership, but that didn't deter the German automaker from sending a film crew down to the Chicago suburb for a brief video profile, which you can watch after the jump. Then wonder out loud why, if Bart can do all he does, most of the rest of the population doesn't know to change their own spark plugs.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz takes a look at blind auto mechanic Bart Hickey

Mercedes-Benz takes a look at blind auto mechanic Bart Hickey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hapless Porsche 911 gets lit up with 10,000 rounds of ammunition

Zach Bowman — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:28:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Porsche, Humor

Porsche 911 Target Practice - Click above to watch video after the jump

The video after the jump isn't for the squeamish or the faint of heart.

The owner of one unfortunate Porsche 911 decided to donate his car to charity after the machine vomited up its engine and entire cooling system. After the mechanic handed over an estimate of close to $20,000 to have the Stuttgart-bred heathen repaired, the owner tossed the keys to Commonwealth Second Amendment. The charity group is dedicated to reforming Massachusetts gun laws and decided to use the silver Porsche as a fundraiser. Over 140 individuals showed with weapons and ammunition, forming a formidable firing squad.

You can probably guess what happened from there.

Now, we're a little torn on this one. Guns are cool. Shooting guns is cool. Shooting guns at cars can be cool, but this is what looks to be a largely unmarred Porsche 911. According to The J, the car was in no state to be used for parts or racing, but it seems like there was a heaping helping of good sheetmetal on the vehicle before Comm2A got ahold of it. C'est la vie.

Hit the jump to see two videos of the carnage (and some very bad aim) for yourself. You can also check out a few gaggles of photos from some of the shooters themselves here and here.

Continue reading Hapless Porsche 911 gets lit up with 10,000 rounds of ammunition

Hapless Porsche 911 gets lit up with 10,000 rounds of ammunition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ever Wonder What In-Lens Image Stabilization Actually Looks Like?

Devin Coldewey — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:00:01 +0000

Not content with Canon’s claims that it is simply unicorn tears that makes their in-lens stabilization work, Camera Technica decided to take apart an 18-55mm IS and record just what was going on in there. Aren’t you curious too?

As it turns out… not too exciting, since the real magic is in the detection of movement and calculation of counter-movement. The little springs and servos hidden in the lens are just the last step in the process.

[via PetaPixel]

eBay Find of the Day: 1965 Ford Mustang shooting brake is a family pony [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:29:00 +0000

Filed under: Classics, Wagon, Auctions, Ford

eBay Find of the Day: 1965 Ford Mustang Wagon - Click above for image gallery

Intermeccanica may be best known today for producing its Roadster, a Porsche 356 replica. Years ago, however, the company built a handful of uniquely styled automobiles for a variety of customers. One of those customers was the J. Walter Thompson Advertising Agency, which commissioned a Ford Mustang station wagon to be shown off to Blue Oval brass. The Ford execs never went forward creating a Mustang wagon of their own, but a few other folks did. The one you see here was built by Joe Ramp, and you can put it in your garage because it's for sale.

Starting with a 1965 Mustang hardtop coupe, Ramp stretched out the roof and created custom rear side glass along with the fabricated D-pillars. The builder tried to retain as much as the stock body as possible, so the rest of the car is all Ford-built Mustang.

Builder Joe Ramp decided to upgrade the powertrain in order to better haul around the extra bit of weight. A 5.0-liter V8 sits underhood and is paired with a T5 five-speed manual gearbox. The power is routed to an eight-inch Ford rear-end and 3.00 gears. Custom control arms and upgraded shocks help the Mustang handle any cargo placed out back.

The car appears to be a clean example of what could have been. RK Motors of Charlotte, North Carolina has listed the car for sale on eBay, with a Buy It Now price of $59,990. Currently, the bidding sits at $15,100, with an unmet reserve. Take a look at the car in the gallery below, and click past the jump if you want to hear it running.

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: 1965 Ford Mustang shooting brake is a family pony [w/video]

eBay Find of the Day: 1965 Ford Mustang shooting brake is a family pony [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Trek fan-film from 1971

Cory Doctorow — Mon, 09 May 2011 04:57:01 +0000

Betamax obsessive Ray Glasser produced this Star Trek fan-film in 1971 for a class at Ohio State; it's a nice, corny piece of work. I really like the scenery-chewing acting, and as John at Neatorama pointed out, the sideburns and mustache for Spock are damned stylish.

This video was a final exam in a TV production class that I took at Ohio State back in the spring of 1971. Even as a lad of 21, I always had to have everything preserved!! I had this taped on 1" open-reel videotape, then transferred it to U-Matic and then to Beta. (I got an A-.)

My College Star Trek Production - from 1971!!!! (via Neatorama)

Video: Projector Screen For Brightly Lit Rooms

Serkan Toto — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:31:10 +0000

This is pretty cool: a team of researchers at Japan’s Tohoku University has developed a projection screen that works inside brightly lit rooms, doing away with the need to draw curtains when starting a projection. The device suppresses the reflection of ambient light by using a special reflective panel and diffusion film.

The device was first made public in 2009, is still a prototype, and it could also be used for digital signage applications, according to its makers at the university.

And as you can see in the video embedded below (which was shot recently by our friends over at Diginfonews in Tokyo), the front projection display shows pictures in pretty good quality:

Unitycorp introduces ASUS Xtion PRO kinect like motion sensor for PC in Japan

Daimaou - G-A.G — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:20:44 +0000

Unitycorp announced today that it will start shipping in Japan ASUSTeK’s Kinect likte motion Sensor, the Xtion PRO. Priced at around 19,800 and scheduled to be available later this month, the Xtion PRO comes with a proprietary SDK made for both Windows or Linux Based OS PC and comes with a 0.8-3.5m effective range and a 70-degree view angle. With Microsoft’s Kinect SDK and the Xtion PRO, the little genius in you will now have everything that you ever dreamed of to create a kick-ass new ...

Heffner Twin-Turbo Audi R8 V10 pipes up

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:27:00 +0000

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Audi

Heffner Twin-Turbo Audi R8 V10 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's hard to argue with the potency of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI. With it's 525-horsepower V10 mounted amidships, the Gallardo-based engine is more than enough motivation for mere mortals. However, some folks out there felt slighted by the fact that Audi detuned the Lamborghini-sourced mill for four-ringed application. Enter the folks at Heffner Performance who decieded to rectify the situation by sticking two massive Garrett turbochargers into the R8's rear-end.

The result? A 725-horsepower twin-turbocharged Teutonic terror that runs from zero to Ludicrous Speed faster than Spaceball One. Oh, and those 725 ponies are measured at the wheels.

Check out Heffner's work in the gallery below and click past the jump to get a taste of the boosted R8 in action.

Gallery: Heffner Twin-Turbo Audi R8 V10

[Source: Heffner Performance]

Continue reading Heffner Twin-Turbo Audi R8 V10 pipes up

Heffner Twin-Turbo Audi R8 V10 pipes up originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Inflatable car seat is cheap, convenient… but is it safe?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:01:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos, Design/Style

Easycarseat inflatable - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Just about every time we go through airport security, we notice there is at least one family that has to lug their bulky car seat through the airport, dropping a trail of Cheerio crumbs as they go. And then there is the coworker in your lunch carpool that has a kid, which means everyone must stand outside the car, rain or shine, while he or she removes the seat and jams it in the trunk.

A company has invented an inflatable seat that should theoretically relieve some of these problems. The Easycarseat is inflatable seat that can handle children ages four and older from 33 to 79 pounds. The seat, which inflates in under a minute, only costs about $90, weighs about two pounds and can be folded for storage whenever a mom or dad needs it for travel.

An inflatable car seat just doesn't sound safe, but the company insists it has already met all applicable U.S. and European safety standards. The seat also features a pressure release valve that prevents the seat from popping in the event of an accident.

We're not so sure we'd opt for a blowup car seat for everyday use, but for anyone doing a lot of air travel or car hopping, this seat seems like a real luggage-saver. Hit the jump to view a one-minute demo, and stay for the crash test footage.

[Sources: The Stir, Easycarseat]

Continue reading Video: Inflatable car seat is cheap, convenient... but is it safe?

Video: Inflatable car seat is cheap, convenient... but is it safe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hoax or No? Drifter with a deathwish makes fool out of police

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:01:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Videos

Fast and Furious 6: Mayhem in Malaysia - Click above to watch video after the jump

Unless this is footage from Zoolander 2: Blue Steel Drift Assassin, this drifter has a serious issue with the local authorities. We have to believe this is some kind of stunt rather than footage of someone actually driving fast and then furiously. Call us skeptical, but the placement of the cameraman is a bit too convenient, the road is a little too empty and the cop's guns remain holstered.

Click past the jump to watch the clip (judging by the banner over the bridge, it looks like it was shot in Malaysia), then render your verdict in the comments. Hat tip to Semjon!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hoax or No? Drifter with a deathwish makes fool out of police

Video: Hoax or No? Drifter with a deathwish makes fool out of police originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Razer Switchblade: 7-inch pocket gaming concept blows our minds six ways from Sunday

Darren Murph — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:01:00 +0000

The most beautiful thing to come out of CES 2011? The show ain't over yet, but we're unafraid to say that Razer's Switchblade is the device to beat. Before you go getting your hopes up, we have to (regretfully) point out that this here gaming handheld is but a concept, but considering that Toshiba's Libretto W105 made it to store shelves (if but for a moment), we're hoping and praying that the Switchblade can also find its way to a production line. Little is known about the device itself, but Razer has imagined it using a pair of 7-inch multitouch displays as well as a layer of tactile, dynamic keys on the lower screen. Much like the Optimus Maximus of yesteryear, this keyboard would enable gamers to place different screens underneath depending on title, and even within a game, you could imagine the keys shifting to account for different POVs, levels, scenarios, etc. Internally, the concept is based around an Intel Atom processor, but there's no word on what kind of GPU would work alongside of it. Sadly, Razer's unwilling to talk pie-in-the-sky details when it comes to price and release, but if four million comments show up below begging and pleading for the company to take this commercial...

Update: Just to be clear, the keyboard on the bottom is a full-on LCD , but covered with physical keys. In contrast, the W105 had a flat touchpanel on the bottom.

Gallery: Razer Switchblade 7-inch gaming tablet concept at CES 2011

Continue reading Razer Switchblade: 7-inch pocket gaming concept blows our minds six ways from Sunday

Razer Switchblade: 7-inch pocket gaming concept blows our minds six ways from Sunday originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Micron debuts RealSSD C400 drives using 25nm NAND technology

Donald Melanson — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:41:00 +0000

What's "bringing excitement back into personal computing" more than anything else? According to Micron, it's SSDs, and it says it's now "accelerating this enthusiasm" with its new RealSSD C400 drives. Those are apparently the industry's first drives to use 25 nanometer NAND technology, which naturally brings with it a number of benefits -- namely, storage capacities from 64GB to 512GB (in 1.8-inch and 2.5-inch sizes), peak read speeds of 415 MB/second, and write speeds varying by drive (the 512GB hits 260MB/s). No word on prices just yet, but Micron expects mass production to begin in February, and the drives will also sold by Micron's Crucial division as the m4 SSD in the first quarter of the year.

Update: Hot Hardware managed a hands-on with this bad boy, and there's a video proving it just after the break.

Continue reading Micron debuts RealSSD C400 drives using 25nm NAND technology

Micron debuts RealSSD C400 drives using 25nm NAND technology originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ZScape 3D holographic prints take maps to the next dimension, sans spectacles

Ben Bowers — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 04:23:00 +0000

As the video above shows, Zebra Imaging's so called ZScape prints pull off some pretty amazing 3D visual effects despite being based on old school hologram technology. These prints are made using a variety of 3D data sources -- think AutoCad and the like -- that are then rendered as thousands of holographic elements by recording laser light onto a single film-based material. The resulting images are easily viewed without glasses or spinning mirrors, and just require a run-of-the-mill halogen or LED light source to reveal 360-degree, full color representations -- akin to what a physical model might look like. Fancier versions can also be made using overlays and layering techniques to show more information. To date, over 8,000 ZScapes have already been developed for the US military, but surprisingly their prices range between $1,500 for a 12- x 18-inch version to $3,500 for the largest 2- x 3-foot size, making them relatively obtainable for those not on Defense Department tabs. If the video of Seattle pulling an Inception above didn't impress you enough, be sure to check another embedded video after the break.

Continue reading ZScape 3D holographic prints take maps to the next dimension, sans spectacles

ZScape 3D holographic prints take maps to the next dimension, sans spectacles originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John’s Phone review: ‘the world’s simplest cellphone’

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:59:00 +0000

It's said to be "The world's simplest cellphone." That's a bold claim from anyone let alone a previously unknown (in gadget circles anyway) Dutch team of creatives over at John Doe Amsterdam who wanted to build a basic phone -- the most basic phone ever -- that wasn't as dull and boring as other affordable phones on the market. So is it? Well, it certainly is basic. In the age of smartphones and cheap featurephones, John's phone is more clearly defined by what it lacks than what it has: no fancy color touchscreen display; no camera; no 3G radio, WiFi, Bluetooth or even GPRS data; no FM radio; no user-accessible storage; and no music player or apps of any kind. It can't even send a text message. It's just a quad-band GSM phone with an ink pen and paper notepad tucked neatly into its capacious recesses. That's right, pen and paper. So, it's definitely basic, but is it simple to use? Read on to find out.

Gallery: John's Phone review

Continue reading John's Phone review: 'the world's simplest cellphone'

Filed under: Cellphones

John's Phone review: 'the world's simplest cellphone' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Multitasking FAIL

Cheezburger Network — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:59:11 +0000

Submitted through the FAIL Uploader

Original video by: TeamRule34

Video – A Step toward Holographic Videoconferencing

(author unknown) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:00:00 +0000

A full-color holographic display system refreshes every two seconds, fast enough to send live 3-D images.

HP Slate 500 finally (finally!) official, rings up at $799

Joanna Stern — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:19:00 +0000

Nope, you're not dreaming, but feel free to pinch yourself, rub your eyes or take a cold shower! You've read right -- the HP Slate is finally official, and after all the teasing, back and forth, and (very recent) leaks, the Atom-powered, Windows 7 Slate will finally see the light of day -- though in a different way than originally intended. While the first videos released by HP may have made it seem like it would be for consumers, HP's tactfully changed its tune (don't forget it's got Palm / WebOS tablets on the way) and is now aiming the Slate at the enterprise and business market. Still, it will be available on HP's site for $799 to anyone who wishes to purchase one.

So, what does $800 of your hard earned cash buy you? Well, in addition to the dock and case, which are included in the box, the tablet packs pretty much everything we'd heard over the last year -- it's powered by a 1.86GHz Intel Atom Z540 processor, 2GB of RAM, 64GB SSD and packs Broadcom's Crystal HD accelerator for handling 1080p video. (The included dock has an HDMI-out port if you want to hook it up to the big screen.) Obviously, the 8.9-inch capacitive touch Slate runs Windows 7 Professional, but it's got a ~~Wacom~~ N-Trig active digitizer for taking notes, which certainly sets it apart from the other Win 7 tablets we've seen over the last couple of weeks. Oh, and don't forget its front facing VGA cam and 3 megapixel camera on its back. We got a chance to finally grope the tablet earlier this week, so hit the break for our early impressions and a short video.

Gallery: HP Slate hands-on

Gallery: HP Slate press shots

Continue reading HP Slate 500 finally (finally!) official, rings up at $799

HP Slate 500 finally (finally!) official, rings up at $799 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 20:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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webOS 2.0 vs webOS 1.4.5: Speed Tests (Including Overclocking) [Video]

Dieter Bohn — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:20:33 +0000

Just how much faster is webOS 2.0 on the 1GHz Palm Pre 2 compared to the Palm Pre Plus? We won't say it's twice as fast, but it's close. That's not the whole story, however, as many of you homebrewers out there are already running your Palm Pre and Pre Plus phones at 1GHz with overclocking.

Is stock webOS 2.0 on the Pre 2 any faster than an overclocked Palm Pre Plus? The answer is ....sometimes. Check out the video above to see what we mean.

Lego, For the Love of the Brick Gods, MAKE THIS RC TANK [Video]

Jesus Diaz — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:20:00 +0000

This Metal Slug-inspired tank is one of the nicest Lego constructions and RC toys I've ever seen. But what puts this in another league is how the builder—Peer Kreuger—used Lego RC camera cars to shoot this video. More »

Cop jumps into stranger’s car to escape pack of wolves running on freeway: Real or Fake?

Xeni Jardin — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 22:14:05 +0000

Update: Astute Boing Boing readers have identified the video as fake. Good comment thread.

Details are as fuzzy as the video, and I'm jaded enough to believe it could be an ARG or a viral promotion for online traffic school. But if this video is to believed, a policeman in Russia jumped into a stranger's car when he saw a large pack of wolves running on to the freeway (the cop was making a routine traffic stop). Wonder if he still gave the driver a ticket.

YouTube Video, and Dagbladet report.

What do you think? Fake/staged, or video verité? I'm having a hard time believing it, but it's a cool clip.

(Via BB Submitterator, thanks Ferenczy)

Garmin’s $23 Chirp wireless beacon brings geocaching thrills to Oregon, Dakota GPS units

Darren Murph — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:27:00 +0000

Looking for an avenue to join millions of others in geocaching, eh? We know, there's hardly a better way to spend a weekend than by playing a sophisticated game of hide-and-seek, and Garmin's right there with us. If you, like it, are stuck in Kansas with nary a Jayhawk game in sight, this here pebble is the answer to all of your boredom woes. The Chirp is a wireless beacon that's designed to work with any compatible wireless-enabled Garmin handheld (the Oregon, Dakota and the recently announced GPSMAP handhelds are mentioned by name), and once you've set it up to cooperate with your device, it'll automatically transmit program coordinates so other cachers can find each stage of your multicache -- it's touch-and-go in its simplest form. The whole thing measures just 1.3- x 0.9-inches, weighs under an ounce and can be had for just $22.99. So yeah, good luck sticking to Segway polo with an offer like that.

Update: Video after the break!

Continue reading Garmin's $23 Chirp wireless beacon brings geocaching thrills to Oregon, Dakota GPS units

Garmin's $23 Chirp wireless beacon brings geocaching thrills to Oregon, Dakota GPS units originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canon Cross Media Station pulls your pics and charges your cameras, wirelessly (video)

Tim Stevens — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:14:00 +0000

Pulling memory cards and downloading pictures? A pain. Keeping track of a drawer full of different-sized battery packs for your travel, studio, and video cameras? A headache. If that's you, Canon's Cross Media Station could be a big hit of aspirin. Finally shown to the world after being teased at the Canon Expo last month, the prototype device looks something like a chubby scanner from a dark future. However, the top is actually an inductive charging pad. Set your camera up there (up to three at once) and a blue light will pop on to indicate flowing electricity. While the power heads one direction the data goes whizzing by in the other, pictures pulled and categorized on the device based on time, place, and recognized faces. As you can see in the video after the break, photos can be displayed over HDMI onto your HDTV. We're guessing the wireless data spec is TransferJet, as Canon is a member of that consortium, but when it comes to the wireless charging we're somewhat in the dark. It looks like the models in the video are using adapters to enable this functionality, but surely this will be integrated eventually. You know, in the future, when all the best stuff happens.

Continue reading Canon Cross Media Station pulls your pics and charges your cameras, wirelessly (video)

Canon Cross Media Station pulls your pics and charges your cameras, wirelessly (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stop Lookin’ At My Moms

Xeni Jardin — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:29:04 +0000

Video Link. "Stop Lookin' At My Moms" [sic], by The Astronomical Kid (Twitter / Facebook)

Buy the song, or the album: Amazon

Etymological note: "moms" is used to refer to one mother, singular; a regional slang term of familiarity and endearment like "pops."

(via Luke Hoverman / Sean Bonner)

Largest Lego Ship Ever Built Is Bigger Than Three Queen-Sized Beds [Video]

Jesus Diaz — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:30:00 +0000

The 23-foot-long Lego USS Intrepid aircraft carrier should be renamed the USS Insane. It's the largest Lego ship ever built. Ed Diment made it to minifig scale, complete with Wildcat and Corsair airplanes built by Ralph Savelsberg. Watch the video: More »

Cam.ly Security Cam Offers Cheap Secure Video Streaming

Dave Freeman — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 01:00:18 +0000

Cam.ly is the latest company to offer a home security camera monitoring system. Built around an ARM processor, the Cam.ly is an IP camera, but with a difference – you can choose to store video footage on the camera or at the Cam.ly webserver. This provides DVR functionality without all of the equipment.

The Cam.ly has a few other things going for it as well. The ARM processor allows the camera to record video at H.264, using a built in encoder chip. You can also tell the camera to record all the time, or only when motion is detected. Cam.ly also works with any web browser that supports Adobe Flash – ideal for when you don’t want to install a dedicated application on your computer. Best of all is the price – the Cam.ly product sells on their website for $119. For more information check out the Cam.ly FAQ, and we’re also going to be reviewing it as soon as we can get our hands on one.

A Jewish Perspective Of The Temple Mount – VIDEO

Jeremy McClintock — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:17:12 +0000

My brother sent me a link to this three-part video and I am very thankful; Rabbi Chaim Richman takes us on a video tour of the Temple Mount in strict accordance with Jewish halachic law. As a Christian I find the Rabbi’s perspective both fascinating and sad, as he shows such true love and compassion towards God, but does not yet know/accept God’s son. The video is invaluable for anyone who wants a quick history lesson about the Temple Mount and who wants to witness, first-hand, the injustice done to the Jews by the hands of the Moslems. The video is split into three parts and can be watched on-line, or downloaded. Don’t miss it, link below:

Video: http://universaltorah.com/programming/2008/01/31/exclusive-temple-mount-footage.htm

Also – here is an overhead view of the Temple Mount from Google Maps:

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