TRN: Technology Research News
http://www.trnmag.com/
"Technology Research News (TRN) is an independent publisher and news service dedicated to covering technology research developments in university, corporate and government labs." The TRN Web site incorporates prominent and interesting news stories from these sources in a weekly online magazine. The scope of the magazine is quite broad, but commonly featured research includes nanotechnology, breakthroughs in computers and computing, and telecommunications. The Research Directory is the easiest way to find articles about specific topics, and a page of external links provides a good list of useful resources and directories. [CL]
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Internet Art Commissions for 2002
http://www.guggenheim.org/internetart/internetart_index.html
This virtual project of the Guggenheim museum showcases two examples of Internet-based artwork and gives an overview of the significance and origins of this artistic medium. The meaning behind the two works may not be clear until reading the associated project descriptions and essays. The creations, called Unfolding Object and net.flag, are intended to allow viewers to "explore communal interactivity in a virtual space." Visitors to this online exhibit can also read the Ten Myths of Internet Art, which refutes several misconceptions people have about the subject. [CL]
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Yesterday's Tomorrows [.pdf]
http://www.yesterdaystomorrows.org/
When reading old books that alluded to present day, it is always interesting to note how the authors perceived the world of the future. In some cases, they were remarkably accurate, while in others, they were ridiculously far off. This site is the online home of a traveling exhibition of the Smithsonian Institution and the Federation of State Humanities Councils. The exhibition "explores the history of the future -- our expectations and beliefs about things to come." Visitors to the Web site can view image galleries for each of the exhibit's four themes, or test their knowledge of the future with a fun online quiz. Several lesson plans presented by the New York Times and a 30-page teacher's guide are also available. [CL]
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The H-1 Flies Again! [.mov, .mpg, .mp3, .wav, RealAudio, .pdf]
http://www.wrightools.com/hughes/
On July 9, 2002, a project to build a replica of the famous Hughes H-1 airplane reached its pinnacle when the finished product took off from Cottage Grove State Airport. The homepage provides many details of the design process and a thorough background on the historical significance of the H-1. A large collection of photos and video clips show the replica being constructed and flown. Several audio clips are also presented that feature Howard Hughes, the creator of the original 1935 H-1, discussing such things as the future of aviation and an amazing emergency landing with the landing gear up. [CL]
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Java Mathematical Expression Parser [.zip, .gz]
http://www.singularsys.com/jep/
The Java Mathematical Expression Parser (JEP) is a handy tool "for parsing and evaluating mathematical expressions." It is a no-frills package that incorporates several important features, including user-definable functions and implicit multiplication for easy use. JEP can be downloaded as a complete application, or a couple of its features can be used online as applets. There is a separate page of documentation and installation instructions. Also available on this Web site is the AutoAbacus, which allows users to input a system of equations and obtain the solutions instantaneously. [CL]
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Great Projects: The Building of America [RealPlayer, .pdf]
http://www.pbs.org/greatprojects/
Some of the most famous engineering projects are the focus of this series of four programs from PBS. The first looks at the flood prevention systems implemented for the Mississippi River and the Hoover Dam used to harness water resources from the Colorado River in the early 1900s. The development of the US national electric system is discussed in the second. The last two consider the bridges of New York City and the Big Dig in Boston. The online components include synopses of the projects, video clips, transcripts of interviews, and an online quiz. [CL]
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Al Teich's Technology and the Future Toolkit
http://www.alteich.com/tidbits/current.htm
The Tidbit of the Week is a Web site that features an interesting perspective of current and historical technology-related issues. Originally updated each week, the frequency of new additions has dropped to once a month for 2003. The Tidbit for May discusses the innovation and the establishment that sparked the dawn of fast food: the Automat. Although this might seem a bit outlandish, past topics include the Iridium satellite system, snow removal technology, and nuclear fusion; and they can all be browsed via the archive. After a brief essay, most of the Tidbits have several links where readers can learn more about the subject. [CL]
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Two on Tidal Power
San Francisco to Test Tides for Energy
http://www.msnbc.com/news/910115.asp?vts=050820031455
The Australian Greenhouse Office: Tidal Power
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable/technologies/ocean/tidal.html
A plan to construct the United State's first tide-driven power plant under the Golden Gate Bridge is outlined in a May 8, 2003 news article. The project, if approved, will install a system of turbines on the sea floor; tidal currents will then turn the turbines and generate electricity for San Francisco and surrounding areas. Environmental considerations are also touched upon in the article. A more detailed description of tidal power is given on the Web site of the Australian Greenhouse Office. This page explains the notion of harnessing the tide and illustrates a few designs of systems that can accomplish the task. [CL]
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