Projector Ring

This is a beautiful idea. *3*

albotas:

Limited Edition PS3 for Ni no Kuni

Sigh. Japan gets all the good console colors and variants. Coinciding with the launch of Studio Ghibli’s / Level-5’s Ni no Kuni is a limited edition white and gold PS3. There aren’t any photos yet, but the image above is likely what will be stamped onto the PS3’s sexy plastic.

Oh my god, I want this game to be localized so badly. And that PS3 is two of my favorite colors, aghhh, this sucks. ;____;

fuckyeahmichaeljackson:

Move back from the screen for the image to be revealed!

Prints available from [thedor at etsy]

abagond:

wildunicornherd:

itsfullofstars:

chromatichouse:

sisterspock:

medieval:

Astrolabe | Unsigned | 13th century; French | Gilt copper; 98 mm in diameter

This very small astrolabe is made up of the mater, which contains three latitude plates. Two of these correspond to latitudes of 41 and 42?, and 43 and 44? (Castille and Provence). The third plate has no graduations. The stars on the rete are represented by 22 silver studs.The instrument, which is undated, is from the 13th century, and originates from the legacy of scientific instruments collected in Florence by the Medici family.

Astrolabe = automatic reblog.

Astrolabes were nifty little gadgets that you could use for all kinds of things. As you can see, the edge is marked with degrees and the base has all kinds of lines and numbers on it too. The lacy-looking metalwork with those hooks and studs (which mark out key stars) is called the rete and can be rotated. Other parts you might find on an astrolabe include a rule, a pointer like a compass needle or clock hand that is above the rete, and an alidade, aka a sight.

Things you could do with an astrolabe: tell what time it is based on the position of the stars, tell what latitude you’re at, figure out what stars will be in the sky on a given date, when the sun will rise and set, how long the day will be, how high something is…and so on. Those lines on the very base would have to differ depending on altitude so some astrolabes came with plates you could swap in and out depending on your location.

The astrolabe was invented by the ancient Greeks, but medieval Muslim scientists were badass astronomers and improved on it, making spherical, mechanical, and ultra-portable versions as well. (They could also use it to calculate prayer times and the direction of Mecca.) Later on Europeans adopted the technology, the historical equivalent of your mom getting a Facebook account. Astrolabes were eventually phased out by better technology, but you have to admire their beauty and elegance. It’s not hard to believe that they cost a shit-ton of money and were status symbols of a sort. How things change, eh?

P. S. Here’s a TED Talk (I know, I know) of a guy explaining how astrolabes work and how to use one.

albotas:

For the Ladies: This Triforce-esque necklace by Elena Gallén is all kinds of sexy.

Is there a word for necklaces like this that are meant to be worn backwards? Reverse necklaces? Backlaces?

(via Ma Frangine)

Also check out: More posts for the ladies.

Oh maan, I really want this! It’s super original and is a great design. I don’t think I’d ever be able to really show it off so well though because of how long my hair is, even up in a ponytail this would still get covered up. =(

I’ve been looking at an adorable jelly case like this for my Galaxy Tab. But I think I want something with a full cover.

Samsung Galaxy Tab.

I really want one of these. *3* I’ve been looking at cases and skins for it and wondering if it’s worth spending the money I saved up for a new camera on it. The more I think about it, the more I think I may forsake my camera for a bit longer to get the Tab. I can take it to class and leave my really bulky laptop in my apartment and save myself a lot of extra weight. Not to mention it runs Android Honeycomb, so it has access to the Android and Amazon marketplace. Seeexy.

thedailywhat:

Pottermore Explainer of the Day: So J.K. Rowling’s mysterious “Pottermore” project was (mostly) unveiled today, and it seems early reports that it would be an online gaming experience were only partially correct.

While Pottermore is indeed an “online experience” revolving around the premiere of the Harry Potter books in eBook form, its “gaming” aspect appears to be limited to interactive “Moments” users can engage with while reading the books online.

“On entering,” says the press release, “you choose a magic username and begin your experience. As you move through the chapters, you can read and share exclusive writing from J.K. Rowling, and, just as Harry joins Hogwarts, so can you. You visit Diagon Alley, get sorted into a house, cast spells and mix potions to help your house compete for the House Cup.”

The site will contain “extensive new material about the characters, places and objects in the much-loved stories,” written by Rowling herself — so that’s something.

Additional details on early admission will be revealed July 31st, and the site is expected to open to the public in October. Until then, “follow the owl.”

Watch Rowling herself introduce the “unique online reading experience” below:

[@pottermore / mugglenet.]

Oh  man, I AM SERIOUSLY pumped for this~ I haven’t really been looking into the Harry Potter franchise as much anymore, but this is definitely rekindling an old flame. *3*

I-I need this in my life.

thedailywhat:

This x That:

Know This:

• Weinergate: Nancy Pelosi says she’s “deeply disappointed,” calls for Ethics Committee investigation; Ben Smith: “Can Weiner keep his seat?”; The Hill’s Ballot Box: Weiner’s seat “unlikely to fall to GOP.”

• Deadliest day for American forces in Iraq since ‘09 as six troops killed in rocket attack.

• Syrian protest violence continues as dozens killed in northern city.

• RIP: Leon Botha, DJ and well-known Progeria survivor, dead at 26.

• Former International Monetary Fund Dominique Strauss-Kahn pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges.

• Rick Santorum announced bid for Republican presidential nomination.

Read This:

• Katie Couric will host syndicated daytime talk show on ABC.

• British Board of Film Classification bans Human Centipede sequel for posing a real harm risk to potential viewers.

Look At This:

• LIFE: Before and After D-Day: In Color.

The Other:

• NewsFeed: Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ Album Banned in Lebanon.

• Tea x Time List: The 5 Most Unusual Nominees For President. Ever.

• Above: Fully functional papercraft Leica M3 and pinhole CCTV camera by Matthew Nicholson (template PDFs coming soon). [via.]

Oh  my god, those cameras are fully functional. *3* I’m in love with the Leica. If only I could have one. ;__;