Sunday, July 22, 2012

Ah, Ha!...Oh, Crap!

Ah ha!...Oh, Crap!

Just stumbled upon this article that tells how a team of Makers are currently developing a Fabricator that can print organic molecules, including pharmaceuticals.  If you'll recall, RocketFans, I mentioned that Conestoga Rovers boasted fabbers that were equipped with this ability.  The industrial implications of your local Walmart being able to print your prescription as easily as the photo-shop can print your memories pales in comparison to the social implications.  Think about what meth labs would look like in the future...

Or here's a real fun example:  One of the petty warlords in central Africa makes a deal with, say, a Chinese electronics firm, where the warlord will guarantee palladium shipments for two years in exchange for the fabber templates that China will have surely retro-engineered by then of the latest HIV treatments meds.

What do you call said warlord?  Possibly the first ruler of all of Africa.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Zhang Qing in 3D!

In 3D!!!
Zhang Qing in 3D!

        Here is a model of the Zhang Qing orbital cutter, made in the surprisingly capable Wings 3D.  I've yet to create a UV map or cover the model with a skin, and I dunno if I will.  I can, using the free and robust GIMP program.  Using the various filters and other bells and whistles, I can make a simple "coloring book" image of just a black outline on a white background without the hours-long process of tracing the outline by hand.  Just look at the primitive and flat image of the Qing  and you can see how far we've come.

More detail, but less...depth.
        I other news, my sugar had finally begun to stabilize again, through the agressive application of intense excersize and a very restrictive diet, as well as insulin and all of my medications.  The new fun comes from my having a fever at least once a week for the last month or so.  It's ridiculous to be in southern Alabama, where the outside heat index is in the triple digits as early as nine-thirty some morning, tottering around in fleese gammie pants and a jacket.  Seriously.

       I hop you like the eastern bloc spacecraft design ethic as much as I do.  Enjoy!
Google+