Getting Into Robotics

The Open Source Robotics Foundation, Inc. is an independent non-profit organization founded by members of the global robotics community. The mission of the OSR Foundation is to support the development, distribution, and adoption of open source software for use in robotics research, education, and product development. One major project is ROS (Robot Operating System) which … Read more

James Bond Theme by Robot Quadrotors

Flying robot quadrotors perform the James Bond Theme by playing various instruments including the keyboard, drums and maracas, a cymbal, and the debut of an adapted guitar built from a couch frame. The quadrotors play this “couch guitar” by flying over guitar strings stretched across a couch frame; plucking the strings with a stiff wire … Read more

Consumer Sovereignty at Work

Bedding retailers Sleep Train and Sleep Number have pulled their ads from the Rush Limbaugh show due to his impetuous slurs against a young woman attending the Georgetown University Law School. Quicken Loans and Auto Zone withdrew shortly thereafter. The Republican-controlled House had rejected the request of Democrats for Sandra Fluke to testify on the … Read more

Bringing About a High Degree of Economic Justice

In the 1930s, after a prolonged nonviolent struggle, Sweden and Norway “fired” the top 1 percent of people who set the direction for society and thereby created the basis for something different. When the 1 percent was in charge, both countries had a history of horrendous poverty as hundreds of thousands emigrated to avoid starvation. … Read more

Having the Environmental Footprint of a Toddler’s Flip-flop

Deciding to live in a tiny house involves making some big lifestyle choices. You’ll need to be happy with minimal belongings — hoarders need not apply. But cozy quarters also offer huge advantages. Tiny houses are far more affordable than standard-size houses. Most owners of tiny homes live mortgage-free. The lower building costs allow many … Read more