Our Whiz Bang Future March 20, 2009March 13, 2017 HOW TO DISABLE THE ADS ON THIS PAGE Okay, there are no ads on this page.* But what if there were? Blinking, flashing, blocking, annoying ads. Kevin Rasmussen: “I bet you’ll like arc90’s Readability tool. When you’re trying to read a longer web page like a news article, it isolates and reformats the text and makes it a ton easier to read. It works entirely online, too – no download necessary. More info (including a demo video) here. Download the tool itself here.” ☞ It works! Takes about 15 seconds to select your preferences and install on your tool bar. No need even to restart your browser, let alone your computer. And if/when you want to switch back to the “regular view” of a page, just click your browser’s “refresh” button. *Self-serving plugs and rants, but no ads. SIXTH SENSE Mark Langenderfer: “You may enjoy this awesome application of existing technologies. Ray Kurzweil would be impressed!” ☞ What a terrific presentation! (Watch the 8-minute video.) Our luxuries may need to be be less materials- and energy-intensive for a few decades, but this is an example of how technology can add some pretty good whiz bang of its own. BATTERY SPEED And won’t this change a lot – imagine being able to fully charge your cell phone battery (for example) in 20 seconds. BROADBAND SPEED Imagine being able to download at 40 gigabits per second – an entire high-def DVD in two seconds. One old gal in Sweden has been able to do it for four years now (click here), so there’s still room for improvement. DON’T BLAME WEBSTER – HE’S FROM MASSACHUSETTS Lynn Smith: “Regarding marriage according to Merriam Webster: After all, Merriam Webster is based in Springfield, MA, where marriage is available to all.”