Turn life into a video game with this 8-bit camera app for iOS

Credit: Apple

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/01/turn-life-into-a-video-game-with-this-dope-8-bit-camera-app/

iTunes Store listing
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/powerup-retro-8-bit-video/id510019936?mt=8

Or if 8 bits is just 7 bits too many, try 1-Bit Camera

Credit: Apple

iTunes Store listing
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/1-bit-camera/id505119307?mt=8&ls=1 / 256 color colour PowerUp camera app 8 bit photo retro consoles Sega Genesis NES Game Gear interface is especially fun, each different console filter has its own controller that allows you to adjust the contrast and saturation of the photo iPhone iPad iPod Touch Apple phone smartphone /

Really stick your books on the bookshelf with a Katana

Credit: Mustard/ The Gadgeteer

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/01/17/really-stick-your-books-on-the-bookshelf-with-a-katana/ / samurai sword Japan Japanese ninja bookends book ends /

The massive comet that may shine brighter than the Moon in November 2013

Credit: Loke Kun Tan (StarryScapes)/ NASA/ The Week

http://theweek.com/article/index/238761/the-massive-comet-that-may-shine-brighter-than-the-moon-in-2013 / exceptionally bright object streaking across night sky Comet ISON luminous space rock astronomers 1996 Comet Hyakutake 1997 Hale-Bopp brightest Great Comets brightest comet gazed named human eyes Russians Vitali Nevski Artyom Novichonok credited photograph 5.7-inch reflecting telescope International Scientific Optical Network or ISON snapshot dated September 2 2011 corona tail Sun solar orbit /

Chip archaeology: Visual 6502

http://www.mos6502.com/technology/chip-archaeology-visual-6502/

http://www.visual6502.org/

http://www.visual6502.org/docs/6502_in_action_14_web.pdf

http://www.4004.com/ / Visual6502.org preserve study document historic computers visual intuitive manner education inspiration verifiable reference classic computer systems introduction fun images computer process information programs MOS Technology processor Intel 4004 vector polygon models of complete digital model and transistor-level simulation /

5 design books worth a read

http://thetechblock.com/design-books-you-should-read/ / As Little Design As Possible dieter Rams Design of Everyday Things A. Norman Universal Principles of Design William Lidwell Elements of Typographic Style Robert Bringhurst Grid Systems Josef Muller-Brockmann form structure system solve problems practical framework key pioneer structure baseline measuring units Less is More form structure system art science typography letter language type rhythm proportion problem solving hierarchy Hick's law mental models mapping major design principles practical reference /

The Atlantic, Scientology & the theft of credibility

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/01/the-atlantic-scientology-and-stolen-credibility/    / advertorial editorial advertisement advertising ethics fraud cult religion abuse sponsor content mimic design /

FAA grounds Boeing's 787 Dreamliner after battery fires

"Lithium ion" (LiIon) is a term covering a number of battery chemistries, packaging & mechanical configurations.  Advantages they share are: high energy density & low physical density (weight for volume).  These are very attractive properties for aircraft where weight & space are at a premium.

On the other hand, some LiIon chemistries are unstable.  Once an energy source becomes uncontrollable, high energy density also becomes a problem.

One suggested solution is replacing LiIon with nickel metal hydride (NiMh).  Problem: lower energy density & high physical density.  It has been suggested that a NiMh replacement will add 200 kg to the weight of a 787.  This is equivalent to 2 to 4 passengers.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57564393-76/faa-grounds-boeings-787-dreamliner-after-battery-fires/ / Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines ground fleet fleets fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane onboard batteries proven safe operate Japanese carriers All Nippon Airways Japan Airlines grounding battery fire forced evacuation ANA flight in-flight Boeing 787 battery incident emergency airworthiness directive AD address potential battery fire risk operators to temporarily cease operations FAA flight operators U.S. US USA U.S.A. registered aircraft demonstrate Federal Aviation Administration batteries are safe ground grounded Boston Logan International Airport caught fire cause traced back battery pack auxiliary power unit United Airlines mishaps recent weeks oil fuel leaks cracked windshield false warnings electrical panel composite materials Boeing Company /