Dangerously Cool

][ CLIP 4: Combat Chess 3

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:14:23 PDT

][ Clip 4 features another of the fights from the Human Combat Chess Match at this year's Tampa Bay Area Renaissance Festival.

This one brings back our friend with the our against a rather sassy wench. Great fight.

It's no secret that I have great respect and love for stage combatants, and this year's Ren Fest cast has done a fantastic job of designing and performing a great show. If you are anywhere close to the Tampa Bay area, you should try to catch this show.

This clip is from the noon show from Saturday, March 14, 2009.

The original Quicktime file is here.

][ CLIPS are mini videos that take a quick, lightly-produced look at things from the world of ][.

][ CLIP 3: Combat Chess 2

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:14:32 PDT

][ Clip 3 features another of the fights from the Human Combat Chess Match at this year's Tampa Bay Area Renaissance Festival.

This one introduces a large guy with a large hammer and a kilt against a gentleman who I can think of only as the "Grey Mouser". A wonderful skirmish.

This clip is from the noon show from Saturday, March 14, 2009.

The original Quicktime file is here.

][ CLIPS are mini videos that take a quick, lightly-produced look at something from the world of ][.

Jumping Off of Buildings; Russian Style

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:23:00 PDT

Let's head back to Russia at least one more time during this feature week here on ][.

This time it's a beautifully lo-tec way to add a little excitement to your day; all you need is a rope and something to tie it to - no shoes required.

All I have to say is that I REALLY want to know what's on the other side of that wall...

|via English R ussia |

Train Surfing, Russian Style

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:31:38 PDT

It's still Russian Week here at ][ and tonight we check out a couple of different ways to have fun with trains.

First we have the tried-and-true method of train hopping seen in every corner of the globe [ever wonder about that saying?]; simply jumping on and going until you jump off. The cool thing here, th0ugh, is that these cats look so comfortable.

And we also have the (apparently) exciting practice of enjoying your commute between the cars. I'm sure the relative darkness adds to the fun, along with the extreme speed and the fact that there is really nothing to hold onto. The image below doesn't look like all that much, but you can click on it to go to a short video (which, honestly, also doesn't look like all that much until about half way through when the young lad decides to look around the side of the car!)

|via English Russia |

Street Skiing, Russian Style

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:49:00 PDT

Let's go ahead and make this Russian Week here at ][. There's no doubting these cats know how to break out and have some fun, so let's celebrate that joie de vivre with our comrades to the east (or west, depending on which route you take).

We'll kick it off with a pastime that surely isn't unique to Russia (a fact I can attest to, having done this myself here in the US of A), but they do it with a style that does them credit; that's right, Street Skiing.

From my thorough (armchair) investigation of modern Russia it seems that many of the country's great cities are slightly flood-prone. Well, here's to making the best of sketchy infrastructure:

The best thing about these images is that the lads appear to be genuinely enjoying themselves.

I wonder what other crazy sport our Russian friends may be up to...

|via English Russia - for a few more pics |

Artistic Pranking, Russian Style

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:23:00 PDT

First, let me state that no one at ][ advocates illegal activity, especially not illegal activities that run up against any real laws. All things being equal (and legal), though, we love a good prank.

This one comes to us from that continuous fount of all sorts of dangerously cool stuff, English Russia. Seems that a small band (possibly activists, although it is unclear what their specific political motive might have been) recently scaled a structure and proceeded to deploy a laser that projected a venomous green skull and crossbones on the the Russian Federal Parliament building.

Urban exploration, technology, artistry, (maybe activism); what better way to spend an evening in the city.

Check out the article at English Russia for more images and a good video (no embed code, sorry).

.

New Blackhawk Getting Closer to Production

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:23:00 PDT

Popular Science is featuring a good (if brief) overview of the new Blackhawk. The UH-60M (as this version is called) made its first flight last summer, with full production planned for 2013.

Stronger rotors and a self-healing fuel system are just a couple of the improvements in this model. Check the POPSCI article for more details.

| via Danger Room |

For when you want to strike back at the rain...

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:26:26 PDT

It's late and I've not much time tonight, but luckily these need absolutely no explanation or commentary. Other than to say, "why didn't I come up with it."

A few more details can be had here: Core77 (whence this came).

Is he real or is he...cardboard.

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:04:08 PDT

With the recent release of Google Streetview London we've seen the usual mania to find crazies abroad on the streets of The Smoke (not sure why we needed Streetview for that).

Fittingly, as the Streetview Mobile sped down Westway it captured someone who should have been doing his own speeding elsewhere...some say he's really a bipedal cheetah, but we'll just call him...oh you know. The Stig.

View Larger Map

Or more likely a cardboard stand-up of The Stig. Zoom in and decide for yourself.

Either way, though, pretty cool.

(Let's just hope he wasn't in the office receiving the mission brief telling him to report to an aircraft carrier...)

| via Jalopnik |

A Good Landing. Barely.

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:23:00 PDT

They say that any landing you can walk away from is a good landing. In that case, this was a good landing. Sort of.

There seems to be some disagreement about exactly when this occurred, but it is being reported as a crash of an Iran Air Force Su-24MK Fencer at Mehrabad airport in Tehran. The unbelievable part is that the the pilot and the weapons system operator successfully ejected - and lived - seconds AFTER the plane had burst into flames upon impact. It gets interesting at around 90 seconds.

|via Gizmodo, via FlightGlobal |

Belarus SF Training Pics: Infiltration Course with Gas

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:23:00 PDT

Coincidentally, not two days after Nemesis and I were chatting briefly about our fond memories of operating in MOPP-4 and the fun of testing your mask in a room dense with CS Gas, I ran across a few images of Special Forces trainees in Belarus having some of the same kinds of fun.

Here's a thumb of one of the images, check out the original post from EnglishRussia.com for full-size and the rest of the pics.

| via EnglishRussia |

Tactical Impact

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:23:00 PDT

Sometimes I really wish I had a TV. Then I would have something to plug Cable into and I might have heard about this show, Tactical Impact, a little sooner. As it is, DEFENSETECH.org highlighted the show recently and, having backtracked through a couple web sites devoted to hunting shows, I finally found Tactical Impact's main site.

Hosted by Larry Vickers (retired career special operations soldier, now runs Vickers Tactical) and Aaron Roberts (former U.S. Army soldier and Firearms and Tactics Instructor at Blackwater Training Center), the show - at least all the clips I've seen - makes good on its mission to, "...Explore the challenges facing the average U.S. soldier throughout history, and the guns he used to overcome them...".

This clip from their site is entitled "Denying Freedom of Movement" and it explores the relative merits of speed versus accuracy.

Definitely worth a watch. If any of you have seen the full show we'd like to hear your take, both from the informational and production angles.

| via DefenseTech.org |

][ CLIP 2: Combat Chess 1

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:14:46 PDT

][ Clip 2 features one of the fights from the Human Combat Chess Match at this year's Tampa Bay Area Renaissance Festival.

This clip is from the noon show from Saturday, March 14, 2009.

The original Quicktime file is here.

][ CLIPS are mini videos that take a quick, lightly-produced look at something from the world of ][.

Top Gear Season 12 Episode 6 FREE

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:20:52 PDT

I'm sure it comes as no surprise that we are big fans of the BBC's fantastic car show (actually, various vehicles show), Top Gear.

Well, if you are too - and if you happen to dig on iTunes - then you should head right on over to the iTunes store and download episode 6 of season 12. Here's the link, if you'd care for a short cut.

Special Ops Gunboat

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:41:19 PDT

This month's issue of Popular Mechanics features an excellent article on Special Boat Team 22 with a detailed look at the Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R).

I'd go into more detail here, but I really hope you will check out the original article; it's well researched and well written and includes some very good photos and diagrams.

If, for some strange reason, you need more enticement to check out this article, let's just mention that the SOC-R supports 5 weapon mounts that can accommodate just about anything from the M240B to the MK-19 (one of my personal favorites from back in the good old days) on up to a GAU 17/A minigun.

| via Jalopnik |

Bike Messengers in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:23:00 PDT

I've always felt that bike messengers were a breed apart, and by that I definitely mean a good and interesting breed.

Of course there's the physical aspect of being in great shape and pushing one's self as hard as possible. There's the geolocative factor of knowing the urban landscape in extreme detail and using that knowledge to make the most scratch in the least amount of time. There is the semi-mythical association with concepts such as the 'lone rider', the 'messenger', and even the Pony Express.

But really, it's just because they are freakin' crazy.

| via Jalopnik |

New weapon in the war on Malaria

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:30:40 PDT

Tip of the hat to blackzer0, who passed this WSJ article on to us. We agree with his comment of this being ][ material, "...If only for that headline." So true.

Rocket Scientists Shoot Down Mosquitoes With Lasers

You may think that there is a clever and surprising twist coming, one that will spin the article in a whole new, and more rational, direction. But if you think that you are wrong. Our favorite passage from the article.

"The scientists envision their technology might one day be used to draw a laser barrier around a house or village that could kill or blind the bugs. Or, laser-equipped drone aircraft could track bugs by radar, sweeping the sky with death-dealing photons."

I'm not sure about you, but as cool as that sounds there is a certain menace associated with legions of miniature, laser-equipped drone aircraft swarming the skies with the ostensible mission of hunting bugs. No opportunity for misuse there.

Hard not to admit that it is pretty cool, though. Check out the complete article here.

BigDog's Smaller Sibling

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:28:04 PDT

"They set a Slamhound on Turner's trail in New Delhi, slotted it to his pheromones and the color of his hair. It caught up with him on a street called Chandni Chauk and came scrambling for his rented BMW through a forest of bare brown legs and pedicab tires. Its core was a kilogram of recrystallized hexogene and flaked TNT."
from Count Zero, by William Gibson

It seems that Boston Dynamics' BigDog is getting all the press these day, so I thought it fitting that we point out that there are other robots in the Boston Dynamics line-up, not least of which is the eerily nimble smaller sibling, LittleDog.

There is something about the shape and the potential for extreme movement that made me think of the opening passage of Count Zero. One can easily image a not-too-future version of the LittleDog tearing across just about any terrain carrying small payloads, weapons, sensors, or what-have-you.

Here's a video from about 18 months ago showing the LittleDog in action. It's easy to see how its kinesthetics designs have influenced BigDog. I'd be interested in seeing what this thing can do today.

][ CLIP 1: The Stone Put

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:02:59 PDT

Tonight we are debuting ][ CLIPS: - mini videos that take a quick, lightly-produced look at something from the world of ][.

][ CLIP 1 shows a few of the competitors from the Stone Put event at this year's Highland Games at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival in Tampa, Florida.

It goes without saying that hurling big rocks (whether at someone or simply for distance) is cool. Add to that the physical risk involved [especially if you are A) not in excellent shape for this sort of activity and B) down-field and not paying attention] and the associated danger of not taking men in kilts seriously, and you have all the elements we look for here at ][.

More ][CLIPS: soon.

(Click for Original Quicktime File)

Nike SFB Tactical Boot

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:17:41 PDT

I'm posting this untried (by me) tactical boot from Nike is because I've long been a fan of the Adidas GSG9 and I'm hoping that someone out there might be able to give us a first-hand report.

The main innovation here, and it will either be what sets these boots apart or relegates them to the recycle bin, is the choice of materials which results in no break-in time and a much quicker drying time. Nike states,

The SFB breaks new ground in lightweight athletic boot delivering innovation for athletes in any environment. The SFB, perfect for warm weather conditions, is the lightest, fastest drying, natural motion boot on the planet. It features a Natural Motion Cushioning unit that helps allows for optimal support and speed during heel to toe transfer, translated the boot is made to move and form with the foot's natural motion allowing for quick flexible movement in any direction while drastically reducing the weight of conventional boots. Making it the perfect companion during multi-day backpacking hikes which can be cut short if your boots don't work with your foot.

Offering unparalleled traction, the SFB's outsole is fitted with a directional traction heel sole that utilizes reverse tread bars and a slightly raised heel for better traction going downhill, while the Sticky Rubber forefoot lugs were strategically placed to allow exceptional agility and traction in any terrain. Upping the ante on protection, the SFB's mid-sole comes equipped with puncture and laceration resistant thermoplastic forefoot shield and genuine leather with Kevlar sheath, both placed in the sole of the SFB allowing the boot to form to the foot of its wearer while offering protection from jagged rocky terrain.

Available in Desert Tan and Black.

| via Core77 |

$30 For A New You!

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:00:50 PDT

So here we are in March, and it's already half over with. Our New Year's resolutions are long forgotten and we've eased back into all of our bad habits. Our vows of, "getting back in shape" died a quick death when life seemed to get in the way once again. I recently stumbled across a great piece of workout "gear" that provides an excellent and quick workout. It's called the Iron Gym by Pro Fit. It specifically targets the upper body and is small, compact, and can be used just about anywhere. I was in the store last weekend and stumbled across a display of them, and when I saw it was only $30 I put one in the cart immediately. So, here it is one week later and I can't say enough good things about it. It fits in your doorway by hooking onto the molding, no permanent attachment needed. You can do a number of different pull-ups and leg lifts in this position. It also works well on the floor, assisting in crunches, push-ups, and even dips. I've created a quick 15 minute workout for myself that already has me seeing results. My sister-in-law even uses the one my brother bought and when she first tried it she couldn't even do a single pull-up; now she can do four. By setting goals for yourself you can quickly get your upper body back in shape. This is a great piece of gear that quickly gets you back into fighting shape. Pro Fit - Iron Gym

Also, really challenge yourself and use it in conjunction with the P90X training system to see massive results in just 90 days. P90X

TASER XREP - Wireless Bio-Effect Generating Projectile

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:16:45 PDT

XREP stands for eXtended Range Electronic Projectile and at 20 metres for this type of device (one gets the impression that TASER goes very far out of their way NOT to use the word weapon) that is quite a jump from the 10.2 metre range of the TASER X26.

The XREP is a self-contained unit that can be fired from most existing smoothbore and rifled barrel 12-gauge shotguns. The transparent shell (see image) ensures officers properly identify the XREP cartridge prior to loading it in the shotgun - an EXTREMELY important feature.

The TASER XREP press release cites not only the Neuro Muscular Incapacitation (NMI) delivered by the projectile, but also its blunt impact as key to its effectiveness. TASER reports,

Another innovative and unique feature of the XREP nose is the reflex engagement electrodes. An anticipated reaction to the pain of a projectile impact is for the subject to grab at the impact site. If the subject tries to grab or disconnect the XREP projectile, the reflex engagement electrodes complete a circuit allowing TASER NMI to discharge from the nose, through the subject’s body, out to the hand that grabbed the projectile. This reaction creates a significant spread that allows the XREP projectile pulses to affect a large body mass, causing overpowering NMI.

I haven't seen this system in action yet, but I will be interested to see how well, and consistently, the flight stabilization system works.

Non-Pro Drifters

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:53:25 PDT

60% because it's fun to see some folks out on a track doing it pretty much on their own, 40% because the clip is edited quite nicely.

Drift Mechanik's Don't Stop from Will Roegge on Vimeo.

|via Jalopnik |

KZ Extreme Defense Pen

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:32:00 PDT

I suppose there might be some way to could rig this to be used as a plumb or possibly even a dreidel, but aside from those this pen is really just for either writing or stabbing people. The KZ Extreme Defense Pen is made from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum and is machined with a slip-free knurled center section. For the writing part, it comes with a replaceable FISHER Black, Medium Point Pressurized Ink Cartridge.

No wait, sorry, that's a PDA stylus on the other end. Never mind.

For those of you who are only interested in the "stylus", you're in luck.

| via BoingBoing |

Boston Dynamics 'BigDog' Update

noreply@blogger.com (Dangerously Cool) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:23:00 PDT

The first time I saw Boston Dynamics' 'BigDog' quadruped robot it was a little hard to reconcile what I was seeing with what I thought was possible, in terms of mechanical movement, at the time. After seeing this new video from The Benning Report which shows BigDog in tests alongside a squad in the field, I'm even more impressed.

It's not to the point of being deployed yet, but at only four years into its dev cycle it's easy to see how these things could someday be viable additions to dismounted units.

|via Gizmodo |

PS. Looking back over our first month of operation, it seems that an alliterative grouping of 'Military Monday' would be a good way to add some structure to the web journal. Of course, if we hear of something particularly cool on the military front throughout the week we won't wait till Monday to note it.