Large Hadron Collider nearly ready

This thing is an amazing piece of engineering. Check out the link below to see some amazing pictures of the thing that could change the way scientists look at the universe and atoms.

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a 27 kilometer (17 mile) long particle accelerator straddling the border of Switzerland and France, is nearly set to begin its first particle beam tests. The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is preparing for its first small tests in early August, leading to a planned full-track test in September - and the first planned particle collisions before the end of the year. The final step before starting is the chilling of the entire collider to -271.25 C (-456.25 F). Here is a collection of photographs from CERN, showing various stages of completion of the LHC and several of its larger experiments (some over seven stories tall), over the past several years. (27 photos total)

TED - Ideas worth spreading

I've known about the TED conference for a couple years now and it's unfortunate that more peoples don't know about them. A brief history of the conference is available here. Basically a bunch of smart/talented/interesting people come together to disseminate information and to dream and share ideas. It's pretty cool. Since 2006 the TED talks have been available online for all to view. Below are a couple of my favorites.

Robert Ballard: Exploring the ocean's hidden worlds


Johnny Lee: Creating tech marvels out of a $40 Wii Remote


Blaise Aguera y Arcas: Jaw-dropping Photosynth demo