July 25, 2010

Advanced Imaging Reveals a Computer 1,500 Years Ahead of Its Time

In 1900, some divers found the wreck of a Roman vessel off the Greek island of Antikythera. X-rays and advanced photography have uncovered the true complexity of the mysterious Antikythera mechanism, a device so astonishing that its discovery is like finding a functional Buick in medieval Europe.

Amplify’d from io9.com

Advanced Imaging Reveals a Computer 1,500 Years Ahead of Its Time

X-rays and advanced photography have uncovered the true complexity of the mysterious Antikythera mechanism, a device so astonishing that its discovery is like finding a functional Buick in medieval Europe.

In 1900, some divers found the wreck of a Roman vessel off the Greek island of Antikythera. Among the other treasures remanded to the Greek government was an unassuming corroded lump. Some time later, the lump fell apart, revealing a damaged machine of unknown purpose, with some large gears and many smaller cogs, plus a few engraved words in Greek. Early studies suggested it was some type of astronomical time-keeping device – researcher Derek J. de Solla Price laid the groundwork by establishing initial tooth counts and suggesting that the device followed the Metonic cycle, a 235-month pattern commonly used to predict eclipses in the ancient world.

The full function and beauty of the Antikythera device remained hidden until recent studies subjected it to more advanced imaging techniques. First, it was photographed using a technique that exposed the surfaces to varying lighting patterns. This created different levels of contrast that allowed the researchers to read far more of the inscribed Greek text than was previously possible. Then, x-ray imaging was used to create full 3-D computer models of the mechanism, which revealed for the first time some of the more complex and detailed gear interactions. The Greek National Archaeological Museum's discovery of some boxes filled with 82 additional mechanism fragments added new information as well.

The findings, published in Nature, are probably best described as "mind blowing." Devices with this level of complexity were not seen again for almost 1,500 years, and the Antikythera mechanism's compactness actually bests the later designs. Probably built around 150 B.C., the Antikythera mechanism can perform a number of functions just by turning a crank on the side.

Using nothing but an ingenious system of gears, the mechanism could be used to predict the month, day and hour of an eclipse, and even accounted for leap years. It could also predict the positions of the sun and moon against the zodiac, and has a gear train that turns a black and white stone to show the moon's phase on a given date. It is possible that it could also show the astronomical positions of the planets known to the ancients: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.

The Antikythera mechanism wasn't just a scientific tool – it also had a social purpose. The Greeks held major athletic competitions (such as the Olympics) every two or four years. A small dial within the Metonic dial showed the dates of these important events.

The true genius of the mechanism goes beyond even the complex calculations and craftsmanship of a mechanical calendar. For example, the ancients didn't know that the moon has an elliptical orbit, so they didn't know why it sometimes slowed or sped up as it moved through the zodiac. The mechanism's creator used epicyclic gears, also known as planetary gears, with a "pin-and-slot" mechanism that mimicked this apparent shifting in the moon's movement. This use of epicyclic gears is far ahead of what anyone suspected ancient technology was capable of. Scientific American has a two-part video about the mechanism and the imaging techniques used in the research.

The mystery of who built the Antikythera mechanism remains. It has been linked to renowned ancient inventor Archimedes by the writings of Cicero, but this particular device was built after Archimedes' death. Still, the engraved words revealed by the new photos pinpoint the device's origin to Corinth, or possibly Corinthian colonies. Sicily was such a colony, and the Sicilian city of Syracuse was Archimedes' headquarters. The researchers theorize that the Antikythera mechanism is based on an Archimedian design, and might even have been built by a workshop carrying on his technological tradition. But if the design has been "industrialized" in such a way, why have we never found another one like it? Mysteries remain.

The complexity of the mechanism shows that ancient humans were capable of intellectual and engineering feats that boggle our modern minds (and it puts the lie to all those "ancient astronaut" theories). The upheavals of war and natural disasters over 2,000 years have probably caused us to lose many more works and wonders that will never be found.



Decoding an Ancient Computer: Greek Technology Tracked the Heavens
[Scientific American].


Send an email to Ed Grabianowski, the author of this post, at ed@robotviking.com.

Read more at io9.com
 

Centered Rainbow.. balance..


July 22, 2010

Infinity Meditation ~ #Awesome

This simple meditation is a very effective way to create inner stillness,

bringing the mind into peace and quiet.

It's a great tool for practicing the art of concentration, and for stopping the endless chatter of the mind.

It has received wonderful feedback from everyone who has tried it.



Hope you enjoy the deep relaxation that comes as a result of concentrating the mind.

Amplify’d from www.youtube.com

Infinity Meditation
See more at www.youtube.com
 

21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography.. from SmashingHub

❤ Fantastic blogger! ☆☆☆☆☆
Amplify’d from smashinghub.com
SmashingHub

21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography
There are many aspects in photography. Most beautiful elements are natural photography. Today's post consists of artificial lighting or natural lighting. You must have a good understanding of each. You will inspire to these outstanding and delightful natural photographers. I really appreciated these talented photographers.
Here are 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Moonlight

light photography 21 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Ocean of Light

light photography 6 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Morning golden light

light photography 1 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography
BY : Addran

Revealed

light photography 2 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Morning golden light

light photography 3 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography
By : Addran

Return of the light

light photography 4 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Canyon Storm

light photography 5 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Stormy night in late summer

light photography 7 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Lonely, but getting into light

light photography 8 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

The Road Goes Ever On & On

light photography 9 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Golden Light

light photography 10 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Flight at dawn

light photography 11 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Cornfield

light photography 13 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography
By : Alex

Cold Morning Flight

light photography 14 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Last Light

light photography 15 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Robin in Beautiful light

light photography 16 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Toward the Light

light photography 17 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography
By : Alex102

Pencak Silat

light photography 20 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

From light

light photography 19 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Carpets

light photography 18 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography

Oh. That Morning Light..

light photography 12 21 Examples of Delightful Natural Lights Photography
Read more at smashinghub.com

July 21, 2010

Look at the ORBS in this picture as a huge tornado funnel cloud touches down..

July 20, 2010

Project Camelot interviews Michael Tellinger: Temples of African Gods

also Michael Tellinger on Coast2Coast AM w/ George Noory - (Archived)

Michael is interviewed on Coast to Coast radio about Adam's Calendar and Extraterrestrials.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8285311574020077424#

MICHAEL TELLINGER

Michael Tellinger : Temples of african gods

Los Angeles, May 2010 |.mp3 | .mov

NOTE: SEE BELOW FOR AN IMPORTANT STATEMENT BY MICHAEL TELLINGER

I decided to do an audio interview with Michael Tellinger in order to provide an upldate on what is becoming worldwide attention on the ruins in South Africa. The stone circles including Adam's Calendar were brought to the forefront when Johan Heine contacted Michael Tellinger, author of Slave Species of god back in 2007 to tell him about the discovery of a massive set of stone ruins located in South Africa. As the author of an investigation into the Annunaki and the genetic engineering of man, Michael iinstantly saw the connection to his own work.

Now, years later, with more scientists beginning to recognize the importance of these sites, known as Adam's Calendar and Makomati, Michael is spending more of his time showing interested parties what has been found. His investigations into these ruins have yiellded secrets regarding the origins of humanity, the technology and knowledge that resides in this place and the signfiicance this has for our future.

In addition, this interview happened as part of what became a strange synchronicity with a controversy that has erupted aournd Michael Tellinger and Credo Mutwa. In a special effort to clear up this controversy, I have asked Michael to talk about this and reveal details of his relationship to Credo. I sincerely hope that the information here will clear up this misunderstanding. More and more, in this field of research, journalists and personalities find half truths or misconceptions and take it upon themselves to publicize them either for their own advancement or for some nefarious purpose that is not immediately clear. This is a call to all those who have participated in this to come forward with public apologies and understanding.

Official Statement by Michael Tellinger - 26 May 2010

On Credo Mutwa and the accusations of fraud.

michael with credo

Due to certain developments beyond my control, I have been drawn into an unfortunate situation where a faceless, nameless individual supported by a group of so-called journalists have started spreading malicious lies about me stealing large amounts of money from Credo Mutwa. At first I saw it as a minor irritation that would just go away if I ignored it, since it is without any merit or substance, but to my surprise, these allegations have grown in their venomous nature to the extent that they have convinced some prominent international authors and respected journalists to fall for these lies. The lies and allegations against me have been so well planned that they have even created some doubt in the mind of my dear friend baba Credo and his wife Virginia.  It has also led to the souring of relationships between me and some prominent international authors, who in my opinion should have done more to investigating the source before siding with those that began the rumours.

So, I now feel that it is imperative to go on record for all to see that whoever has concocted these accusations is guilty of launching a smear campaign against me for some inexplicable reason.

My relationship with Credo and Virginia Mutwa is healthy and I have warned them to be aware of this sinister activity. I can categorically state that I have done my very best to help raise funds for Credo and Virginia, and will continue to do so into the future.

The allegations are as follows:  An anonymous, faceless individual, who states that he represents a large organisation of over 10,000 people, donated a large sum of money towards Credo Mutwa, which he paid into my account. I have been accused of keeping the money and not paying it to Credo, thereby stealing large amounts of money from him. A group of journalist were given this information upon which they called Credo and asked whether he received a large amount of money from me, which was due to him. Obviously Credo and Virginia responded with surprise and stated that they had not received any money from me – there was no money donated in the first place. But what it did manage to do, is sow the seeds of doubt with Credo and Virginia about my levels of credibility. This is what saddens me most.

I can categorically state that I have received no large donations or even small donations for Credo. To this point all my attempts to raise money for Credo have not been successful.  I did send out an email to my database asking people to donate money and help Credo, after he told me that he was in dire straits when I saw him in March 2010.

I recently released a DVD of myself in conversation with Credo which is selling on my website, www.zuluplanet.com – for which Credo is receiving a very substantial royalty – much larger than normally allocated by publishers.

In about Jan 2010, we created a donation button to raise money for Credo’e cultural village in Soweto, which was completely ruined and broken down. This amazing space was created by Credo himself several decades ago and was/is filled with his art and spirit. I responded to a plea from a group of young concerned South Africans who were devastated by the condition of the village. They saw it as a window of opportunity to bring some pride back to Soweto and restore a precious part of our cultural history.  Any money raised in this attempt was going to go to the restoration of the village. We did not receive any donations.

When I visited Credo at his house in March 2010, he told me that he had disassociated himself from the village and he had no more feelings for it. We immediately removed the donation button and planned to reintroduce it later, with the intent to raise money for Virginia’s hospital for abused children, which she is building behind their house. Virginia showed me the partially constructed building and explained where and what still needed to be completed. I left there with a promise to do what I can to help raise funds for the hospital.

michael with Virginia

Not long after this these accusations against me began.


So, to make it very simple and expose this devious, venomous individual and the horde of so-called journalist who fell for his lies, I propose the following. Since we all know who I am, but we do not know who this individual is - Tell us your name; tell me and the journalists that surround you, how much you deposited; when you made the deposit; and into which account you made the deposit.


michae at credos houseIf this account actually belongs to me, I will gladly disclose all deposits made into my account on that day for all to see if I actually received any such donation.

michae at credos house

I trust that this will be that last we ever hear of this, and our faceless individual will probably never be revealed. I hope this satisfies those who may have had doubt, and makes all of us realise how vulnerable we are to malicious and slanderous attacks by those who want to damage our reputations for reasons of their own.


Yours sincerely

Michael Tellinger

Keep exploring.

Cheetalogo
PROJECT CAMELOT PORTAL
See more at projectcamelotproductions.com
 

July 19, 2010

40 Breathtaking Examples of Silhouette Photography.. (via EricShafer)

Nice!

Amplify’d from creativefan.com

40 Breathtaking Examples of Silhouette Photography

July 19th, 2010 Posted in Inspiration by Eric Shafer

Silhouette photography is a cool branch of photography, which involves capturing silhouetted person or object.  A silhouette is generally defined as an image where the subject’s outline is visible with a featureless interior.  In order to properly capture silhouette photography, clever and innovative use of lighting and technique are required.

This post showcases 40 breathtaking and inspirational examples of silhouette photography, captured masterfully by photographers around the world.  From interior to exterior, sunset and bright daytime skies, these photographs demonstrate what can be achieved using silhouette photography techniques.

Enjoy!

Photo by pixx0ne

Photo by Thomas Hawk

Photo by LensEnvy

Photo by nmangelo

Photo by Sharkbait

Photo by bail56

Photo by simpologist

Photo by pmarella

Photo by fortphoto

Photo by matthijs

Photo by FalSal

Photo by Thomas Hawk

Photo by KreativeImages

Photo by Rahmat Mulyono

Photo by Freewine

Photo by Muha

Photo by Sahrivi

Photo by MikeBaird

Photo by voj

Photo by Shoothead

Photo by mk_lynx

Photo by ThreeBlindMice

Photo by Kevin Fleming

Photo by Thomas Hawk

Photo by TJ Scott

Photo by BoganTropuz

Photo by Tomaocron

Photo by Ashiham

Photo by Barbara Orienti

Photo by Muha

Photo by An Untrained Eye

Photo by Kieth Marshall

Photo by Lempkin

Photo by Prateek PK

Photo by Wei Bunn

Photo by Nathan Snider

Photo by Dan B

Photo by Muha

Photo by Matinee

Photo by amaranthinecreations





Eric Shafer


Eric Shafer is a creative media enthusiast from Chicago, IL. He works frequently in the fields of graphic design, web design, web development, programming, audio, music and computer graphics. He is one of the founders of Presidia, an entrepreneurial team designed at empowering the creative media community.

He is also one of the administration team members here at CreativeFan.



Visit Author Website
|
All Articles From This Author




If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
Read more at creativefan.com