Ron Mueck is an Australian hyper-realist sculptor who makes sculptures that faithfully reproduce minute details of the human body, but plays with scale to make them visually jarring. Check out this gallery in the Washington Post and try not to be amazed. It's what would happen if Michelangelo and Jim Henson each took a hit of acid and then joined forces. And by 'joined forces' I mean made sweet tender love to each other. Because that's how sculptures are made, my friend. Through the magic of sexual intercourse.
GamePro has compiled a list of what they feel are the most controversial video game ads of all time. The list is pretty short and not all that shocking though, making me wonder just how much research they put into this thing. I'm sure the ad for Tetris featuring me having sex with a cow was pretty controversial. And yet, no cow sex ad to be seen. What's the deal, GamePro?
Organizers of the annual ROBO-ONE robot battles in Japan have announced plans to hold a robot fight in space by 2010. The competition, which is designed to increase the progress of killer space robot technology, will take place near a special satellite and consist of grappling matches between two biped robots. The robots must be no larger than 4 inches, and the whole competition depends on unsecured international approval, but I'm excited that there will finally be robots fighting in space. Unless the competition is just a front for a plan to steal service from the HBO satellite, which has been the secret goal of every space exploration mission since 1963.
Korean robot manufacturer Yujin has released pictures of its upcoming nanny robot "Jupiter." Jupiter recognizes human voices and orders, and it can carry out simple duties like rolling around your house and knocking things over. Jupiter also interacts with people via two main displays, its face and a screen on its chest. Jupiter's face uses electronic facial expressions that display emotions like happiness, confusion, and bone-crushing rage. The screen on its chest is hidden behind a chest plate, and it delivers messages, weather forecasts, news information, and tutoring programs for children. Jupiter also apparently has spikes extending from its side, so you know can feel safe leaving your kids alone under its care while you take another relaxing robot-free vacation.
Fisher-Price has announced that it will launch the Digital Song and Story Player, an MP3 player that is aimed solely at toddlers. The MP3 player will feature volume-restricted headphones, a basic five button layout, and a screen that will feature simple pictures. Fisher-Price is also unrolling its online music store that will sell only parent-approved songs, stories, and Scandinavian death metal. The MP3 player will be released this summer, and it is only the first in a line of gadgets that will target toddlers, which includes digital cameras, cell phones, and junior electronic breathalyzer tests. Maybe.
Not everybody can be an talented bartender, spinning bottles of alcohol while simultaneously making out with a movie star girlfriend and preaching the word of Scientology. Or something. I don't know. For those who are unsure of their abilities as a mixologist, pick up the Lazy Drinker, a computer controlled mixed cocktail dispensing device that is housed in a blue cooler. The Lazy Drinker holds 16 ingredients, and it uses a simple computer program to mix over 5000 different drinks. You'll always need a computer nearby, so your trips to the beach might not change, but casual Fridays at your work are about to get a whole lot more casual.