Friday, June 29, 2012

Preserve the Unknown


My latest obsession: BBC's Human Planet. A documentary series geared to enlighten the developed world about how humans survive in the most intense places on earth. It's absolutely fascinating.

One section, however, could not be studied (and for good reason). Above is an arial image of one of the last uncontacted tribes in the world. Located in the heart of the Brazilian rainforest, the group of indigenous people have never EVER been exposed to the outside world. They only know their immediate surroundings.

Take a second and try to fathom that tribes like this exist. They have no idea about different races and places around the world. They remain untainted from outside influence and Jose Meirelles intends to keep it that way. Working for FUNAI, a government organization, he is fighting to preserve their way of life and make sure they remain uncontacted. The threat of illegal mining and logging poses to be his main problem in making sure he wins the fight.

Described as "the last free people on the planet", take a look at the video excerpt below to get a better understanding of the importance of preserving these tribes:



Source

Friday, June 1, 2012

Look Mom! No Hands!


On May 22, a fleet of self-driving cars drove on a public highway in Spain during normal traffic... A WORLD FIRST! Google's self-driving cars were equipped with safety systems including cameras, radar and laser sensors, enabling them to monitor the lead vehicle and other vehicles on the road. 


Those sitting in the driver's seat were asked to take their hands off the wheel and feet away from the pedals as the cars zoomed along at a speed of 85 km/h for 200 kilometers


"It is quite funny to see the passing vehicles. They are quite surprised seeing me not driving the car but reading a magazine," Wahlstrom, driver. 
Check out this video to see how a legally blind man has also been using these cars to help him gain more autonomy. What was once a figment of our imagination is now quickly turning into a reality. And I thought self-parking cars were mind-blowing! 


What are your thoughts? 

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