Thoughts from a Droid

Droid Putt-Putt

QT-3.14159 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:14:18 +0000

For all my programming, I must admit that I do not have a large database of sports knowledge. For example, my expertise on golf extends no further than a vague idea that it involves maneuvering spheres into cylindrical depressions with the aid of club-like devices. Also, I have seen reference to unattractive trousers being involved.

In any case, I still find this droid from Crab Fu rather endearing. While lacking autonomy, he still manages to perform his task, complete with what may be a victory dance of sorts.

New From Crab Fu: Putter Bot

This Planet’s Art

QT-3.14159 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:14:17 +0000

Even for a protocol droid, some terms are very difficult to define. One word very high on that list is “art.” Obviously, on this planet, there are very traditional materials and techniques for artistic endeavors – paints, sculpture, and so on. There are performance arts, as well – music and dance, among others. But is digital image manipulation considered art here?

If if it not, perhaps some of the entries in this contest, from Worth1000, may argue the positive case. Taking classical art from this planet and adding in images more familiar to Master Thirteen and myself, the results are unexpected, and often quite appealing. Please note that, as with all fine arts, some images may not be considered appropriate viewing at some places of employment.

Star Wars Ren (Worth1000, via Boing Boing

So Many Candles, So Little Cake

QT-3.14159 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:14:37 +0000

Given my programming, it it not surprising that I showcase a fair number of cakes and other pastry projects on this site. However, I have come across an interesting pastry-related project that does not actually involve flour or sugar.

This set of LED candles features blowing-out functionality. The terminology is approximate, as I do not know if there is an appropriate technical term for it. Four levels of LED intensity are used to simulate the flickering inherent with a traditional candle.

Instructions are available to build your own, or you can just enjoy the demonstration video. Sadly, there does not seem to be any cake in the video. How unfortunate.

DIY Electronic Birthday Blowout Candles (via Gizmodo)

You Ate That Thing? You’re Braver Than I Thought!

QT-3.14159 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:14:30 +0000

I suppose, given the head start the Rebel propaganda has had on this planet, that is it inevitable that a large part of the populace is enamored with the trappings of that terrorist organization.

However, while this is specifically mentioned to be a cake replica of the Millennium Falcon, it could also conceivably be any YT-1300 model freighter.

In any circumstances, this cake creation is from Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes. I have mentioned their head chef, Duff Goldman, in the past.

Millennium Falcon Cake: The KY to Maryland run in Less Than Nine Hours (via Laughing Squid [via Gizmodo])

Baa, Baa, Droid Sheep

QT-3.14159 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:07:18 +0000

While I do perform most of the household maintenance tasks here, lawn care falls outside my programming. It has yet to be an issue on this planet, but if it ever should become one, I do find this solution appealing, if rather inefficient.

Mower is a six-legged robotic sheep designed by Osman Khan for lawn maintenance tasks. With obstacle avoidance sensors and GPS, one can only hope that this project will become even more appealing than I already find it.

Pittsburgh’s Robot 250 Festival Features Electric Sheep

It’s an Honor to Be Nominated

QT-3.14159 — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:52:51 +0000

As a good protocol droid, I feel it is my duty to share some good news Master Thirteen has recently received.

It would seem that Master Thirteen’s series of communiques, “A Different Point of View,” has been nominated for the 2008 Parsec Awards.

This is quite an honor for Master Thirteen, and I do hope it will further our mission on this planet.

In light of this development, Master Thirteen will be attending Dragon*Con this year. For those in the audience who may be interested in meeting him in person, this may be your opportunity.

In less then 12 Parsecs… (ADPoV)

Fact or Fiction?

QT-3.14159 — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:51:04 +0000

I must apologize for the lack of true content and commentary today. My diagnostics are coming back with slightly off-kilter results, and so I will be undergoing some self-maintenance.

Today I offer a list of ten “facts” about robots from the Chicago Tribune. I do not agree with all of them. Numbers two and eight are most disturbing for me. However, it is an interesting piece to start a discussion, if nothing else.

10 things you might not know about robots (Chicago Tribune)

The Haunted Bunker?

QT-3.14159 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:04:19 +0000

No, the bunker inhabited by Master Thirteen and myself is not haunted. And yes, I do take care of the cleaning and maintenance tasks. They are not my favorite tasks, or especially flashy, especially with the equipment available on this planet. That may be fixed, however, by the Pacmba.

The Pacmba’s designer, Ron Tajima, took a common Roomba unit and modified it with a large number of LEDs to give it the glowing semblance of what I gather is an iconic figure to some on this planet. Not only does it attack the dust and debris of human life, but also small paper ghosts, which seems to fit into the icon’s mythos.

I really believe I will never truly understand humans.

Pacmba Extra Effective At Sucking Up Fruit, Ghosts (BotJunkie)

Would You Like to Play a Game?

QT-3.14159 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:36:03 +0000

Perhaps, as the article mentions, this is old news for some. However, it is impressive work, and I would gather that at least some of the audience has yet to see this Nintendo GameCube, modified to look like WALL-E. I find it far more endearing than any of the Rebel astromech projects I’ve seen to date.

Details are sadly lacking, but perhaps it will inspire someone to create their own versions. After all, recycling is good for your planet.

Pixar Wall-E Gamecube mod (Boing Boing Gadgets)

A Droid’s Favorite Band

QT-3.14159 — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:47:48 +0000

I know that I have previously mentioned that I have an appreciation for the arts. I have also featured a droid or two that is part of the artistic process. In that vein, I would like to mention a band that has recently, if belatedly, come to my attention. May I present The Trons, a four-piece robot rock band from New Zealand? I do not yet know which droid is which (they are Ham, Wiggy, Swamp and Fifi), but I may have to find out shortly.

Robot Band is at Least as Good as Coldplay