Help bring Google fiber to the 'burgh!

With the recent FCC announcement to have a goal of making faster internet available to everyone in the next 10 or so years Google has announced that they're going to be one of the first contenders.


"Google is planning to build, and test ultra-high speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the country. We'll deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today with 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. We'll offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000, and potentially up to 500,000 people.
As a first step, we're putting out a Request for Information (RFI) to help identify interested communities. We welcome responses from local government, as well as members of the public.
Our goal is to experiment with new ways to help make Internet access better, and faster for everyone. Here are some specific things that we have in mind:

• Next generation apps: We want to see what developers and users can do with ultra high-speeds, whether it's creating new bandwidth-intensive "killer apps" and services, or other uses we can't yet imagine.
• New deployment techniques: We'll test new ways to build fiber networks; to help inform, and support deployments elsewhere, we'll share key lessons learned with the world.
• Openness and choice: We'll operate an "open access" network, giving users the choice of multiple service providers. And consistent with our past advocacy, we'll manage our network in an open, non-discriminatory, and transparent way.

Like our WiFi network in Mountain View, the purpose of this project is to experiment and learn. Network providers are making real progress to expand and improve high-speed Internet access, but there's still more to be done. We don't think we have all the answers – but through our trial, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to the shared goal of delivering faster and better Internet for everyone."  
               via http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/public/overview



They're in the process of choosing cities right now, and Pittsburgh is a contender.
HOWEVER! In order for this to happen you need to voice your opinion by this Friday.

http://www.pittsburghgoesgoogle.com/

Click the link to make your voice heard!

Hack Pittsburgh

Have you heard about Hack Pittsburgh yet?

"HackPittsburgh is a non-profit, community-based workshop that allows members to come together and share skills & tools to pursue creative projects. Our membership is open to everyone but typically comprises inventors, engineers, scientists, programmers, hobbyists, artists, roboteers, families, entrepreneurs, and arts and crafts enthusiasts. Our focus is on collaboration, education, and community outreach. We’re a benevolent group and do not promote or condone illegal activities. The term “hacking” is used in a benign sense, in the context of deconstructing and understanding objects and systems and re-purposing existing materials for new and innovative uses." (via hackpittsburgh.org)

This Friday (tomorrow, the 19th) they will be having a craft night - Make your own buttons!

They also hold other events on a regular basis, definitely worth checking out.

Click the image to go to their site.

Popular Science Archives!

Popular Science magazine has recently opened up their archives for public searches. This service is free and it covers 137 years of their publications.

From their website:
"We've partnered with Google to offer our entire 137-year archive for free browsing. Each issue appears just as it did at its original time of publication, complete with period advertisements. It's an amazing resource that beautifully encapsulates our ongoing fascination with the future, and science and technology's incredible potential to improve our lives. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do."

Their full-color "magazine" style issues start at January 1920, and the ads featured are worth looking at.

As for right now it is searchable only by keywords, but in the future it will be much more in depth. Check it out when you get the chance!

Click the image to go directly to their archive.