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Showing posts with label TRAVEL. Show all posts

8 Out-of-This-World Technologies That NASA Has Invested In

8 Out-of-This-World Technologies That NASA Has Invested In

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We have NASA to thank for many of the technologies we use in ourdaily lives -- everything from memory foam and freeze-dried food, to sunglasses that protect our eyes against UV light and the cameras in our smartphones. The agency says there are more than 2,000 commercial products out there that were influenced in some way by NASA’s know-how.
Related: NASA Building Telescope 100 Times More Powerful Than Hubble
But the inventions spearheaded in-house aren’t the only ones that are making an impact. Through initiatives like the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program and the Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/SBTT), NASA regularly funds proposals for some seriously impressive tech.
Read on for eight examples of innovators that have inspired the space agency’s confidence.

Sleep

It seems like something you would see in a sci-fi movie, but it’s actually being developed right now. SpaceWorks Engineering iscreating pods designed to hold astronauts in suspended sleep as they travel from Earth to Mars.

Capture

A company called Tethers Unlimited submitted a proposal for an apparatus called the Weightless Rendezvous And Net Grapple to Limit Excess Rotation (WRANGLER) system. It’s basically a giant butterfly net for space debris. If anything, you have to be impressed by their skill in finding a perfect acronym.
Related: NASA's New Office Will Try to Protect Us From Death by Asteroid

Automate

3-D-printing company Made in Space is working on Project RAMA -- Reconstituting Asteroids into Mechanical Automata -- which would turn asteroids into simple, programmed space ships.

Explore

Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology and researchers at neighboring Carnegie Mellon University teamed up to develop robotsthat could leap into caves and tunnels on Mars and go rappelling and spelunking.
Related: NASA Turns to Small Businesses for Advances in Space Travel

Recharge

If you feel a little helpless when your smartphone battery falls below 20 percent, think about how that would feel if you were more than 200 miles above Earth. Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation is working on an all-purpose battery charger for all of the gadgets aboard the International Space Station.

Consume

Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC) is responsible for the Vegetable Production System (VEGGIE), the apparatus that has enabled astronauts aboard the ISS to grow lettuce and flowers. Potatoes may be possible down the line.
Related: NASA Wants Your Ideas for Habitats on Mars

Predict

In an effort to cut down on property damage and loss in the event of wild weather patterns, Mississippi-based WorldWinds partnered with NASA to create a more refined system for predicting major storms and mapping floods in coastal areas.

Mine

A California architect named Marc M. Cohen put forth a proposal for robotic systems that would be programmed to carry out missions and mine natural resources from asteroids.

29 Dreamy Castles Around The World That Will Leave You Enchanted



From strongholds shrouded in mist to majestic mountain-top structures, these regal photographs of castles across the globe will put you under a spell. Scroll down, and happy exploring!

1. Schloss Neuschwanstein in Germany

Schloss Neuschwanstein by Hermes S on 500px

2. Bled Castle in Slovenia

Bled Castle in Autumn by Jevgenij Gaus on 500px

3. Mont-Saint Michel in FranceFar Far Away by İlhan Eroglu on 500px


4. Eltz Castle in Germany

Once Upon a Time . . . by Alex Gaflig on 500px

5. Kilchurn Castle in Scotland

Kilchurn Castle by Julien Chaudet on 500px

6. Methoni Castle in Greece

Prisoners of the Dusk by Mary Kay on 500px

7. Rocca Calascio in Italy

The Castle at Rocca Calascio at Sunrise. by Hans Kruse on 500px

8. Matsumoto Castle in Japan

Matsumoto Castle II by Anuparb Papapan on 500px

9. Chillon Castle in Switzerland

Chillon castle by Bruno Paci on 500px

10. Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland

Scotland - Classic One by Kilian Schönberger on 500px

11. Prague Castle in Czech Republic

The Golden City by Martin Rak on 500px

12. Catherine Palace in Russia

Catherine palace in Pushkin, Russia by Anna Serbolina on 500px

13. Hochosterwitz Castle in Austria

Castle Hochosterwitz by Markus Ertl on 500px

14. Chateau de Chambord in France

Chateau de Chambord - Sologne - FRANCE by Vincent Lemonde on 500px

15. Corfe Castle in England

Corfe Castle by Stephen Emerson on 500px

16. Bodiam Castle in England

bodiam castle by Mirek Galagus on 500px

17. Guaita Castle in San Marino


San Marino by Alexander Varlamov on 500px

18. Buda Castle in Hungary

Buda Castle by Csilla Zelko on 500px

19. Castle Santa Catalina in Spain

Game of thrones by yara GB on 500px

20. Vyborg Castle in Russia

Castle of Vyborg by Konstantin Voronov on 500px

21. Gyeongbok Palace in South Korea


Gyeongbok Palace in seoul,Korea by Reonis on 500px

22. Castillo de Barcience in Spain

Señales en el cielo by Jesús M. García on 500px

23. Bran Castle, or “Dracula’s Castle” in Romania


Dracula's Castle by Yair Karelic on 500px

24. Stalker Castle in Scotland

Stalker castle by Tomasz on 500px

25. Jal Mahal in India

LAKE PALACE by Sangamesh Hugar on 500px

26. Palácio de Pena in Portugal

Palácio da Pena by Fred Concha on 500px

27. Osaka Castle in Japan

Urban Castle by Azul Obscura on 500px

28. Swallow’s Nest Castle in Crimea

Palace Swallow’s Nest by Tim Zizifus on 500px

29. Ross Castle in Ireland

Ross Castle Killarney by Stephen Emerson on 500px


How to Travel With a Friend And Not Drive Each Other Crazy

How to Travel With a Friend And Not Drive Each Other CrazyHow to Travel With a Friend And Not Drive Each Other Crazy

Unless you have already tested your friend in many travelings, there is a great chance that they will drive you completely mad if you go on a journey together. And it can happen regardless of how long and well you know each other: chatting to each other in a bar or even working in the same office is absolutely different from spending 24 hours a day together. What if they snore? What if they are ready to walk around the city non-stop for 18 hours? What if they cannot make a decision when you need it?
It depends on the situation and the level of your whateverism, but suchcases can lead your friendship into dangerous territory. You may end up feeling annoyed the whole time of vacation, or even falling out with your friend. Nobody wants that, right? So let us help you with a few things you should consider when planning a vacation with your friend. We hope our tips will let you enjoy your travel adventure despite all the little misunderstandings.

10 Serene Summer Destinations for Avoiding the World Cup Crowds

RioThis June, the World Cup will draw thousands of soccer fans to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For soccer fans, the host city is the ultimate summer destination.
For the rest of us, however, this is an excellent time not to go to Rio. A trip to the Brazilian capital city for the World Cup from June 14-21, including roundtrip airfare from New York and a six-night hotel stay, will cost about $3,800 per person, according to travel booking site Priceline.com.
Rio is a popular tourist destination even when it isn't hosting the biggest sports tournament in the world, and the World Cup has increased demand for flights by 222% and demand for hotels by 306%, according to Kayak.com.
If you're looking for a cheaper summer trip, here are 10 alternatives that offer all the sun and sand without the crowds. (Listed rates are based on packages listed on Priceline.com the week of April 21, 2014. Prices are per person and include airfare from New York City.)

1. Cape Town, South Africa

Kite surfers in Cape Town

People make use of good weather conditions as they kite surf at Scarborough, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014.
IMAGE: SCHALK VAN ZUYDAM/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Veneto Hotel Package: $922
Cape Town has mountains, beaches, amazing vineyards and a somber yet inspiring history.
Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into South Africa's past. Buildings on the island were used as prisons and hospitals for those deemed socially undesirable. The island represents "the triumph of the human spirit, of freedom and of democracy over oppression," according to UNESCO.

2. Costa Rica

Costa Rica hanging bridge in the forest

Costa Rica offers tourists sandy beaches and tropical forests.
IMAGE: FLICKR, ALEX DE CARVALHO
Barcelo Tambor Beach Hotel Package: $1,070
Not much needs to be said about Costa Rica, which has been a popular destination for years. There are beaches, there are zip lines through tropical forests, there are turtles ... You'll forget all about Rio as soon as you arrive.
The popularity of this Central American country has made it a prime destination for scoring travel deals.

3. Panama City, Panama

Panama City

Panama City has a population of nearly 900,000 people.
IMAGE: FLICKR, ADAM REEDER
Panama Marriott Package: $1,187
This summer marks the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal. What better way to mark the centennial than by visiting one of Central America's most cosmopolitan cities?
In addition to the canal, the city has a rich cultural heritage. (And the beaches aren't bad, either.)

4. Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel beach with umbrellas and chairs

Cozumel is a vacationer's paradise.
IMAGE: FLICKR, GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA
Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Package: $1,200
The island of Cozumel has snorkeling, sunbathing and the kind of beaches you've been daydreaming about.
Located off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, Cozumel gets its name from the Mayan "Ah Cuzamil Peten," which translates as the "Island of Swallows."

5. Cartagena, Colombia

Buildings in Cartagena

Cartagena is a less-visited destination in Colombia, but that makes it easy to avoid the crowds.
IMAGE: FLICKR, PEDRO SZEKELY
Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavilion Package: $1,421
Beautiful architecture and vivid colors are abundant in the city, and the food scene has taken off in recent years, giving tourists a wide variety of culinary experiences to choose from.

6. Phuket, Thailand

Tourists on the beach in Phuket

Thailand’s sapphire blue waters, wildlife parks, delicious cuisine and raunchy red light districts have attracted tourists for decades.
IMAGE: SAKCHAI LALIT/ASSOCIATED PRESS
JW Marriott Phuket Package: $1,970
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, offering beaches, deep-sea diving and luxurious resorts.
There are some great surfing spots around the island, and with average temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you won't want to get out of the water.

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik old town is pictured from Srdj, the hill above the city, Friday, April 26, 2013.
IMAGE: DARKO BANDIC/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Package: $2,400
The city of Dubrovnik in Croatia has a wall around it that dates back to medieval times. Not only is it historic, it's gorgeous, too.

8. Sydney, Australia

Sculpture along the water

Artist Nerine's sculpture "Life Boat/Thuyen cuu roi" seen at Sculptures by the sea in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia.
IMAGE: ROB GRIFFITH/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Holiday Inn Darling Harbour Package: $2,507
Sydney is home to the famous Bondi and Manly Beaches, among others. The iconic Sydney Opera House is also a must-see.

9. Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain

Marbella promenade

The beach cities in Spain are a popular destination among northern Europeans.
IMAGE: FLICKR, HANNU MAKARAINEN
Puente Romano Hotel Package: $2,686
Marbella has long been a choice destination among celebrities and aristocrats, and it's easy to see why.
This Spanish city is situated on the idyllic Mediterranean, between Málaga and Gibraltar. There are more than 20 beaches and summer festivals keep the party going all night long.

10. Cairns, Australia

A koala looks at the camera

A koala at the Cairns Wildlife Dome.
IMAGE: FLICKR, MICKITAKESPICTURES
Hilton Cairns Package: $2,777
Activities in Cairns are all about enjoying what nature has to offer.
After you go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef and hang out with koalas in the Cairns Wildlife Dome, soccer will be the last thing on your mind.

15 Themed Planes for Die-Hard Fans

Look, up in the sky! It probably isn't a bird and it definitely isn't Superman. As one of the fastest modes of transportation, airplanes are a common part of the world's everyday scenery.
With distinctive colors and artistic designs on the wings and tail, it's easy to see which planes belong to which companies. But large commercial jets also provide ample space for various kinds of promotions, often taking the mostly blank hull of the aircraft and turning it into a flying billboard.55969422

1. Hello Kitty

This plane from Taiwanese airline EVA Airways even comes with Hello Kitty-inspired meals.Pokemon

2. Pokémon

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has several Pokémon Boeing jets. This is the 2004 version.Simpsons-planes

3. The Simpsons

Western Pacific Airlines flaunted the famous television family on one of its planes.Disneyland

4. Disneyland

Alaska Airlines flies its patrons in style to the most magical place on Earth.164871247

5. Tokyo Disneyland

This plane from Japan Airlines (JAL) celebrates Tokyo Disneyland's 30th anniversary.Harry-potter

6. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

AirTran chose to put imagery for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the wizard-themed amusement of Universal Orlando, on its hull.Lord-of-the-ring

7. The Lord of the Rings

This plane, which flies via Air New Zealand, also has a Middle Earth-themed safety video.Hobbit

8. The Hobbit

Air New Zealand continued the Tolkien tradition and decorated planes with the cast of Peter Jackson'sThe Hobbit.Cardinals

9. The Arizona Cardinals

U.S. Airways has a plane whose facade is decorated with the colors and mascot of American football team the Arizona Cardinals.Red-sox

10. The Boston Red Sox

For baseball fans, this JetBlue aircraft is adorned with the logo of the Boston Red Sox.Real-madrid

11. FC Real Madrid

The Spanish soccer team Real Madrid has its own plane, and they're proud to showcase their colors and club crest. Sadly, it is a non-commercial plane, so it's off-limits unless you're on the team.Barcelona

12. FC Barcelona

In case you're a Barcelona fan, Turkish Airlines has you covered -- and you can fly on this one.Sea-world

13. SeaWorld

Southwest Airlines debuted this special Shamu plane back in 1998.Starcraft-ii

14. StarCraft II

This aircraft from Korean Air celebrates the popular real-time strategy game StarCraft II.Iron-maiden

15. Iron Maiden

There's no doubt this jet from British airline Astraeus rocks hard.
If a particular company, team or group has a large enough following, chances are its likeness has appeared on an airplane. Hello Kitty, the Boston Red Sox and even Mickey Mouse have been featured on aircraft. For those dedicated fans interested in travel, here are 15 themed airplanes that grace the skies with their designs.