If you’re like me, you’ve tried escaping from the annoyances of real life by playing one of various MMOs. Personally, I have played World of Warcraft, Star Trek Online, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. It seems, however, that real life might be trying to follow us into these imaginary realms. The New York Times is reporting that federal intelligence services (NSA, FBI, CIA) have been snooping for terrorists inside games like WoW and Second Life. Because of the nature of these games, the potential covert communication and transferring of funds does exist. While it’s true there is some risk, experts say that the risk is less than one might think since game companies collect considerable data about players, which might compromise the secrecy of any potential gamer terrorists.
Turns out the Lich King isn’t the only bad guy in the game.
I really want to know where I apply to play WoW for the CIA. I think I could live with that job.
Researchers at MIT are working on a new biosuit that may soon replace the bulky space suits to which we are all accustomed. Surprisingly, it only takes one third of an atmosphere (about 5 psi) to keep a human alive in a vacuum. Current space suits provide this pressure through a combination of rigid structure and positive air pressure, whereas these new suits use polymers, elastics, and a special, active material to achieve this. Additionally, the MIT team is working on a different suit that can be worn to help reduce the muscle loss that occurs in zero g.
This had better not be what the future of space travel looks like.
If the future of space exploration is about to become more form-fitting, I really need to get in better shape.
Speaking of the future of space exploration, Mars One, the project that is planning a manned mission to Mars, is adding a new, more achievable mission to its plans. Mars One is intending to land an unmanned craft on the red planet in 2018. The probe will consist of two parts, an orbiter and a lander. The orbiter will remain in orbit as Mars’ first permanent satellite, while the lander will perform a water extraction experiment, as well as several other experiments designed by students and chosen in a competition.
Let’s hope Mars One will be better at successfully landing stuff on Mars than NASA is.
Finally, a little holiday DIY project for you. If you hate untangling Christmas lights, make your own. With some tape, an LED, a few pennies and a lemon (yes…a lemon) you can make your own little light. Now all you need is 69,999 more and you can make a truly spectacular holiday display.
It’s ok little fellas, you can be useful too!
I wish I had known about this before I cashed in 638 pennies. This would have been way cooler than the $6.38 I got instead.
Therefore I Geek 