Category: Technology

First Operational Intelligence Satellite, the GRAB I

The GRAB I was the first operational intelligence satellite that would detect pulses from Soviet radars and then relay them to ground stations where they would be sent for analysis.

International Spy Museum Mechanical Dragonfly

At the International Spy Museum located in Washington D.C. there are many interesting things that can be found.  Here is a graphic depicting a mechanical dragonfly that could be used to listen to conversations or take photos without being detected.

Siemens-Halske W38 Phone

This switchboard operator’s desk telephone was manufactured by Siemens-Halske in Germany.  It is believe the history of this specific device was removed from one of the U.S. Missions in Germany.  A close inspection of the typed labels for the switches are in German. The telephone was called “REIPOS”.  The bulk of the unit is made …

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German Spy Pigeon

During World War I (1914-1918) Germany had equipped pigeons with small camera equipment for the benefit of gaining intelligence.

International Spy Museum Micro Camera

At the International Spy Museum located in Washington D.C. there are many interesting things that can be found.  Here is a graphic depicting a micro camera.

The Viking Lander at the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Museum of Air and Space located in Washington D.C. is the host to many free exhibits that are the culmination of different major events throughout history for both flight and space travel.  The Viking Lander shown here is one of those exhibits.  The Viking Lander is best known for being the first U.S. …

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International Spy Museum Army Cipher Device

At the International Spy Museum located in Washington D.C. there are many interesting things that can be found.  Here is a graphic depicting an Army cipher device.

Cesium Frequency Standard Atomic Clock

Rubidium Frequency Standard Atomic Clock

The Wright Brothers at the Smithsonian

At the Smithsonian museum of air and space is an exhibit featuring the Orville and Wilbur Wright.  The Wright brothers exhibit features the aircraft in which they first flew at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and the vertical four-cylinder engine that powered their aircraft.

International Spy Museum Hidden Shoe Compartment

At the International Spy Museum located in Washington D.C. there are many interesting things that can be found.  Here is a graphic depicting a hidden compartment in the heal of a shoe.

Back to Using Hieroglyphics

Joy of Pay Phone Coin Return

Male Version of Alexa

Grandma Telephone

Northern Lights From Space

Eugene Shoemaker’s Sketch of Meteor Crater

Davis Monthan Air Force Base Boneyard

Davis Monthan Air Force Base is located southeast of downtown Tuscon, Arizona. Here lies an aircraft boneyard where numerous planes can be found resting and waiting to be picked apart for parts.

Oldest Apple Computer

Texting For Seniors

Old Technology

Useful Inventions

1. Wash your hands and then use the water for your next flush. 2. Traffic lights in Ukraine. 3. This water fountain allows the water to flow down so dogs can drink too. 4. A mountain finder device in Switzerland. 5. An accessibility mat on the beach for strollers and wheelchairs. 6. This pill bottle …

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Backstage Look at the Oscars

We were able to get a first hand backstage look at everything that goes into hosting the Academy Awards. It is quite remarkable to see all the people setting up the decorations, walls, lighting, sound, cameras, carpeting, and making sure that everything is in place and ready for the event to go off without a …

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National Space Development Agency of Japan Communications and Broadcasting Engineering Test Satellite

Click here to download the full NASDA Communications and Broadcasting Engineering Test Satellite text This is a pamphlet I picked up at the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) museum when I was in Okinawa, Japan. This pamphlet is about the Communications and Broadcasting Engineering Test Satellite (COMET) satellite.

National Space Development Agency of Japan H-IIA Launch Vehicle

Click here to download PDF file of the NASDA H-IIA Launch Vehicle So this is actually really cool. Around 1999 or 2000 I was in Okinawa, Japan and between Okinawa City and Nago there is a National Space Development Agency of Japan site that has some huge antenna dishes. I stopped to check them out …

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Don’t Forget Your Password

Palomar Observatory

Saturday I went for a drive to the Palomar Observatory. Prior to going I checked online to see what their hours of operation are and it showed from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. After driving over there I got all the way to the gate just to find out the observatory was closed for a special event. …

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The Kumachan Available in Apple News

The Kumachan is now available in Apple News and can be read an previewed through the Apple News application.  Above is the icon for the channel and below is the link to the news feed: https://apple.news/TTo-7AcJhRTKnvEfK52oNgw Be sure to add us to your favorites.

Japanese Pig

I was playing around with the application called Procreate and drew this silly Japanese pig that says, “Boo Boo” instead of “oink oink.” Procreate was a very nice and intuitive application that I would like to play around with more to get the feel for it.

No Need For Google

Where will we be in 8 years?

Ratheon XOS 2 is a second generation exoskeleton design for US army use. It allows the wearer to enhance his strength to carry heavy equipment much easier and for much longer. The world’s first virtual shopping center opened in Korea. All the products are just LCD screens that allow you to order the items by …

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