Since August 23rd, 1991 marks the first day that new users had access to the World Wide Web, this seems a fitting day to discuss some new location for high tech development in the USA. Finding the best place to locate oneself to best take advantage of high tech job opportunities is challenging. Today I am sharing several perspectives beginning with the first such area in the USA founded, some would say, in the late 1930s in a garage. Over on Atlas Obscura, they suggest a way to view Silicon Valley in a historic manner here.
Also, on mashable.com, they tell us "Why 4 emerging tech hubs are luring startups away from Silicon Valley" here.
Finally, on realestate.usnews.com, we're told "Forget Silicon Valley: 5 Tech Hubs With a Lower Cost of Living." Discover more here.
NASA's Apollo program lasted from 1961 through 1975 with flights as early as 1961 and as late as 1972. It encompassed 17 moon missions and may be the most storied time in the history of American space travel. Read more of that time from the NASA website here.
Also, on space.com, check out "NASA's 17 Apollo Moon Missions in Pictures" here.
Finally, from qz.com and the Dean Koska YouTube channel, "The code that took America to the moon was just published to GitHub, and it’s like a 1960s time capsule." have a look at that article here then watch the program in action!
Over on sploid.gizmodo.com, "Imagine plunging into Earth's atmosphere using this re-entry spacesuit" here.
Also, on space.com, "Star Wars? The Coolest REAL Military Space Tech" is here.
Finally, on sciencealert.com, not from or for space, necessarily, but space-adjacent, "This NASA legend just unveiled a tech startup to beat Intel and Google" here.
Over on ign.com, they tell us there are "More Delays Reported for Virtual Reality Headsets" here. This is disappointing news for many but don't lose hope. This is a difficult technological leap that, obviously, is always going to disappoint on some level. When you think about it, anything meant to simulate reality has set a pretty high bar for itself.
As folks probably know from the oculus.com here, they are trying to "radically redefine[s] digital entertainment" and want you to "Immerse yourself in games or go inside your favorite movies. Time travel, space travel, or hang out with friends in VR." And while they claim "Endless worlds await," hardware can only be as good as the software running on it and once the platform arrives, there will be plenty of lesser forms of programs available that will cheapen the experience. I wouldn't be surprised if, even once developed, we can't often make the devices do what they are already fully capable of doing.
Remember from a couple years back, on motherboard.vice.com, where the claim was made that "'Ingress' Brings Virtual Reality MMOs Into Real Life?" What they had was essentially trying to leverage as much VR tech as could be had with a LARP (Live Action Roleplaying). They seem to have had some success and I love the "Ingress Report" up on their YouTube channel which helped make the whole affair a multi-media, multi-platform experience. Enjoy!
We lost Marvin Minsky this week, a pioneer in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Here's a few links providing more information about this incredible individual and his contributions. Over on nytimes.com, here is an article about his passing.
Also, on technologyreview.com, an article from last October shares how "Marvin Minsky Reflects on a Life in AI" here.
Finally, on the 2045 Initiative YouTube channel, a video titled "Dr. Marvin Minsky — Immortal minds are a matter of time." Enjoy!
Over on woodtv.com, they present how a 30-year-old Commodore Amiga still runs the heating and cooling systems for 19 Grand Rapids Public Schools, as it has continuously since being installed. Learn more here.
Also, have a look at the artwork available from Faixfax Prints the next time you might need some wall decor. From Frazetta to Tolkien and more, they all can be found here.
Finally, on pcgamer.com, find out "How GOG rescued 13 Forgotten Realms games from licensing hell" here.
Over on smithsonianmag.com, they tell of how "One Man's Obsession With Antique Toys Resulted in a Museum" here.
Also, on kotaku.com, they tell how one "Man Spends Six Years Crocheting One Super Mario Bros. 3 Map" here.
Finally, on popsci.com, they tell of how yet a third man, designer DJ Harrigan, wanted to bring old school Apple designs to the new Apple Watch. Read more here and enjoy the video.
About a year ago on elitedaily.com, they had a story telling us "You Can Finally Breathe Underwater With This Groundbreaking Device" here.
Also, from the Guinness World Records YouTube channel, a "Man sets Guinness World Record for farthest hoverboard flight" here.
Finally, from the National Geographic YouTube channel heralding their American Genius series episode comes "Steve Wozniak on the Forefront of Technology | American Genius." Enjoy.
Right up front, it would be remiss not to mention that tomorrow (being the first Saturday in May) is Free Comic Book Day. So many of us derive a great deal of inspiration from the artwork and stories in the delightful pages of comic books old and new. Find a shop or participating location near you through their website here.
Also, today sees the release of a Dungeons & Dragons App. According to the description, "Dragon+ is your official mobile source for all-things Dungeons & Dragons. This free app for iPhone or iPad has everything you want to know about D&D in one easy place." Check it out here.
Finally, over on Total Fan Girl, enjoy the weekend knowing that GMs like the youngster in the article will prep all week to have your game ready to play. Read more about "[Total Fan Girl's] Daughter Spent This Whole Week Prepping To DM Her First D&D Game" here.
The Friday Grab Bag on CreativeMountainGames.com
Essentially, a clearinghouse for topics not covered elsewhere or needing a particular focus.
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