Happy Thanks Giving 2012 Everyone.
Even though this year has been pretty rough for a lot of us, Thankfulness can always be found somewhere. One thing I am thankful for is that we are still alive and have this place to meet up and share or stories.

We've all heard of and seen Photoshop in action along with some of the amazing things it can do.

Now a German company's software can perform some very amazing things...IN REAL TIME!!

Video: Voodoo Software Removes Objects From Video In Real Time

Augmented reality is so passé. This German software is all about diminished reality – removing objects from the visual field. We've seen something similar for photos (we're reminded of Photoshop's content-aware fill), but this software can neatly delete any object from live, full-motion video.

The effect is achieved by an image synthesizer that reduces the image quality, removes the object, and then increases the image quality back up. This all happens within 40 milliseconds, fast enough that the viewer doesn't notice any delay. As the camera moves, the system maintains the illusion through tracking algorithms and guesswork. It does seem to be thwarted by reflections though; a cell phone removed from a bathroom counter is still visible in the mirror.

Currently the software only runs on Windows, but the Technische Universität team is planning to develop it for Android in the near future, where it will likely be available for free. See the seemingly magical software in action below.


Watch:

Congratulations Freddy on reaching 1000 posts.

I'm playing a new RTS game called Anno 2070. I am totally absorbed.

Here's the trailer.



Want a new game Diesel? This one has a co-op multiplayer too. I'm only playing single player but you could join me.

My cousin posted this on Facebook, thought I would share it here. It's true the world over I reckon.

The Haircut

One day a florist went to Fred for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replied, 'I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop. When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service this week.' The cop was happy and left the shop. The next morning when the barber went to open up, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Then a Member of Parliament came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you I'm doing community service this week.' The Politician was very happy and left the shop. The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen Members of Parliament lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the politicians who run it.

REMEMBER, POLITICIANS AND DIAPERS SHOULD BE CHANGED OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON
If you don't forward this you have no sense of humor.

Just read a book review of a new book by Ray Kurzweil called 'How to Create a Mind'.

The review was interesting and talks about how to reverse engineer the rules of mind rather than the reductionist approach to functional areas. Sounded interesting.

He has also written 'The Singularity is Near' from 2005.

Really unique way to test the realism of some new monitors. Watch...