Geek In Me

by Josh Loposer via greendaily.com

Despite it’s efforts to shut down its smoggy industry and alter its weather for this year’s Olympic Games, it seems that Beijing just can’t catch a break. With the games set to begin in only 2 and 1/2 months, sandstorms from Mongolia are causing Beijing’s air quality to go from bad to worse to worst — and the authorities are warning citizens with respiratory ailments to stay indoors.

Right now, Beijing’s air quality is officially rated as “heavily polluted” — not exactly the kind of environment that attracts world class athletes. Usually, these sand storms hit Beijing skies in March and April, but for whatever reason, they seem to be trying to sabotage the Olympics.

by Joshua Topolsky via engadget.com

We don’t know what’s going on here exactly, but we’re fairly certain they need a load of these on Arrakis, ASAP. Sure, Muad’Dib may be able to summon sandworms and lead an army of Fremen into battle, but he can’t make drinkable water out of thin air, can he? That’s where the Xziex comes in. Basically, this intimidating “atmospheric water generator” siphons moisture out of the air and converts it into water — delicious, clean, healthy water. It may not actually live up to the company’s claim of “The Most Exciting Product Ever,” but if it does what they say, it’s a pretty amazing device. Honestly, the Xziex website does cause a little concern, with its calls for readers to “lock in” their “position,” and excited passages about earning potential — but hey, who can blame them for trying to make a buck?