The SeaOrbiter

French architect and ocean enthusiast Jacques Rougerie has designed the world's first vertical ocean ship called the SeaOrbiter. 

The 167 foot tall vessel, which is solely powered by the winds and currents, will allow 18 crewmembers to spend up to six months in the ocean without returning to port.  This would allow oceanographers to study the ocean in a different way.  Further, Rougerie envisions astronauts using the SeaOrbiter for training.

The $43 million construction project is expected to begin in September and should set sail by 2012.

Source: PM Network April 2010

A TV outside your hotel room

Abu Dhabi is home to the Yas Hotel, the first new hotel to be built over a Formula 1 racetrack. The hotel, designed by New York's Asymptote Architecture, consists of two 12-stories of 449 guest rooms and oversees the racetrack and marina.

However, that is not the only thing that makes this hotel amazing. Over the hotel hangs the world's largest LED structure capable of playing low resolution video. Resembling a local fisherman's net, the gridshell structure consists of 5,389 pivoting diamond-shaped panes.

Source: 

PM Network, March 2010 

wikipedia.org

https://www.yourgolftravel.com/w-abu-dhabi-yas-island

Imagine Vacationing in Space

Galactic Suite Ltd. of Barcelona are taking reservations for their first hotel in space.

The $3 billion project, conceived by a former aerospace engineer, is hoping to welcome their first guests in 2012. A three day stay is said to cost approximately $4 million per customer.

The guest pod will said to orbit 280 miles above the earth and travel approximately 18,651 miles per hour.

Reference: PM Network, January 2010.

Ben Sargent: A. Lincoln

Christmas Cookies

 

Here is a perfect excuse as to why I haven't been blogging.

My wife has finished her business travels. Since she has been home she has been cooking and baking for me and my little boy.

A few weeks ago, she made Christmas cookies. We all contributed in decorating the cookies. I even managed to make a couple a little to risque to even post.

Taken on December 14, 2008 using the Sony DSC-W120.

Evergreen Aviation Museum

Located in east McMinnville, Oregon, the Evergreen Aviation Museum is home of the Hughes H-4 (HK-1) Flying Boat. Also known as the Spruce Goose, it is the world's largest wooden aircraft flown once in 1947.

Daniel Johnston's Hi, How Are You

Daniel Johnston's Hi, How Are You
Originally uploaded by GCAUSTIN

If you've ever been in Austin and found yourself lost on the UT drag, chances are you have seen this frog. At which point, you probably really freaked out and thought you'd never see the light of day--especially with the numerous drag rats roaming around the area--or you may have smiled and felt comfortable in the city whose slogan is "Keep Austin Weird."

The mural was drawn by Daniel Johnston in the early 90s on the wall of what was once Sound Exchange.

http://www.hihowareyou.com/

Taken on May 5, 2008 using the Canon PowerShot A400.