semi human-powered flight

Human Birdwings

Update: too bad it ain't real.

the Gipper lays it out

The names may have changed, and some of the pressing issues of the day are a little different, but this 1964 speech by Ronald Reagan could just as easily be given today - just add a zero onto any dollar value he mentions.

Handy Zombie-Fighting Weapon

When the Zombie Apocalypse arrives, you want to be prepared. A shotgun will get the job done, sure, but to a Zombie horde, a shotgun is like a dinner bell. Whoever made that noise has braaaaainnnsss. Ideally you want a noiseless weapon capable of action either at a distance or close-up. You want a Slingshot Zombiehammer.


(hat tip to Small Dead Animals)

Stratolaunch

Take Microsoft VP Paul Allen, add Burt Rutan and Elon Musk, and stir:



Compare to the Skylon; this is a great idea, as it provides a completely reusable first stage and eliminates the need for a launch tower.

(via Cosmic Conservative)

Last Dragonflight

“Gone away, gone ahead
Echos roll unanswered
Empty. Open. Dusty. Dead.
Why have all the weyrfolk fled?

Where have dragons gone together?
Leaving Weyrs to wind and weather.
Setting herdbeasts free of tether.
Gone, our safeguards. Gone. But wither?

Have they gone to some new Weyr?
Where cruel Threads some others fear?
Are they worlds away from here?
Why, oh why the empty Weyr?”

Something you won't see on the 99percent blog

a handy guide