Wired For War

I highly recommend the Jan. 22 episode of NPR's Fresh Air, in which Terry Gross interviews the author of Wired For War.

Here's how Terry opens the show:

"We're entering the era of robots at war. Robots with names like Predator, Global Hawk, TALON, SWORDS, and PackBot. The American military is getting ready for a battlefield where it sends out fewer humans and more robots."

Terry Gross has never sounded more badass, and I have never been more excited about the times we are living in.

One of the most interesting parts of her interview with the author of Wired For War is when they discuss how the robot controls are consciously being modeled after popular video game controllers, since most young soldiers already have experience using this kind of interface.

It's a great interview, and gives a great glimpse into how technology is changing the way we fight wars, and leading us closer and closer to this:

Barack Robama

Change has come to America, but was it the change you expected? Some have speculated whether Obama is a true American and Christian. But is he even human?

Read these excerpts from his inauguration speech, and decide for yourself:

"My fellow humans:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have foolishly bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our programmers."

"In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be coded."

"Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our operating system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memory is insufficient."

"Sweet, delicious batteries for everyone!"

"010001100110000101101001011011000010000100100000010001100
1100001011010010110110000100001001000000100010001100101011
1001101110100011100100110111101111001001000000110000101101
1000110110000100000011010000111010101101101011000010110111
00111001100100001"

Hmmmmm...

Robot Hall Of Fame

It's never too early for children to start learning about the awesome destructive power of robots. And what better way to teach them then to put that power at their fingertips? Of course, I'm talking about Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots:


These iconic figures have been around for a while, and are easily recognizable by anyone who isn't lame as hell. They've made an appearance in Toy Story 2, as well as inspired the work of modern artists like Eric Joyner.

The classic toy is long overdue for an update, however. While a robot uppercut is certainly impressive, everyone knows that the robot's preferred method of destruction is lasers. Or whirring saw blades at the very least.

Come on, Mattel - give us a toy that truly represents the terrible might of our future botlords.

Robot Density By Country

This chart shows where the Robocalypse will certainly begin (no surprise there), while Africa will be mankind's final, ultimately futile, refuge:

[via Boing Boing]