The Manta bicycle seat - umm... wow
By Ben Coxworth
May 28, 2010
First of all, let's just say it: this is the most bizarre-looking bicycle saddle of all time. Feel free to disagree, but c'mon, just look at the thing - it's like the bike is sporting a leaf rake, or perhaps even a rib cage. Like most funny-looking bike seats, however, the Manta promises to rectify one of the most common of cyclists' complaints... the all-too-familiar "numb bum."
The Manta bicycle saddleThe Manta bicycle saddleThe Manta bicycle saddle
Instead of a traditional rigid saddle form, the Manta features a series of elements that tilt from side to side along a central axle, allowing them to move up and down with your legs. The idea behind this design is that it will keep the pressure off the rider's perineum, in particular the pudendal arteries, prostate and associated nerves. It is also claimed to provide three to four times the support area of conventional saddles, thus distributing your weight more evenly and minimizing peak pressure points. As a nice side benefit, it offers better butt ventilation, too.
It's interesting to note that the Manta does have a slightly raised spine running down the center, which seems to be at odds with the "love channel" on many traditional saddles - a cut-out area that (supposedly) keeps the rider's crotch from pressing against the seat. One would assume this is something they've taken into account.
The Manta bicycle saddle
The Manta saddle is available in configurations that emphasize light weight (9 elements) or extra support (13 elements). The second version is currently only available on back order, but the light version can be purchased for GBP77.96 (US$112.80) through the company's website.
Via InventorSpot.
UPDATE: Nov. 24/11 United Sport, the company that makes what was formerly known as the Manta, has informed us that the product has now been rebranded as the new-and-improved Evolve Saddle.
http://www.gizmag.com/manta-bicycle-saddle/15251/
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https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.628881227172081.1073741940.175973345796207&type=1
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carrera de sòlo 400 metros de distancia. Fue la ‘400 Planica’ eslovenia , la que es considerada la carrera más empinada del mundo.300 deportistas participaron
http://diariodeltriatlon.es/not/5541/_sabias_que_una_de_las_carreras_de_running_mas_duras_del_mundo_solo_tiene_una_distancia_de_400_metros_/
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$99 computer kit serves up Pi with Kano syrup
By Brian Dodson
November 24, 2013
The Kano computer kit makes learning programming concepts painless (Photo: Kano)
Billed as "the computer anyone can make," the US$99 Kano kit supplies a Raspberry Pi computer board with the various accouterments (save for a display) required to make it into a complete computer. The Kano programming language uses graphic code blocks to implement a simple but powerful language reminiscent of BASIC.
Kano code blocks provide a simple interlocking graphical programming syntax (Photo: Kano)The Raspberry Pi computer card in the Kano plastic case (Photo: Kano)The specially made keyboard for the Kano computer kit (Photo: Kano)The Kano computer, showing the simple GUI that hosts the programming functions (Photo: Kan...View all
Most people have developed a certain facility at operating pre-packaged smartphones and computer programs designed to delight, but haven't the slightest idea what the hardware and software are actually doing. This is the problem that Kano is designed to address.
Frankly, the ability to build a Kano computer isn't all that impressive, as most of the components simply plug together like peripherals. It is accomplished in 107 seconds in this video, which suggests that very little learning takes place during the process. It is, however, convenient to have all the pieces in one place.
Components making up the Kano computer kit (Photo: Kano)
What Kano does provide is a simple-to-use tool to learn the basics of programming a computer to solve problems. These would include breaking a problem down into a logical sequence of operations, converting that sequence into instructions in a computer language, and verifying the operation of the resulting program.
The Kano programming language, which sits upon a foundation including Python and Linux, allows a newbie to learn the intellectual principles of programming without having to bother with the complexities of coding for a particular machine, or within a complex syntax.
The code blocks, which implement various commands, programming structures, and interface functions, are completely transparent. Programming the Kano is accomplished by arranging appropriate code block graphics on a graphics screen in interlocking structures.
As an educational tool, the Kano is directed at the logical and structural aspects of programming; nothing to speak of is learned about hardware at this level. Remember, however, that underneath the Kano programming is a reasonably capable Linux machine, which provides an excellent platform on which later to learn about memory structures, registers, I/O interfaces, and the like, which make up the upper level structures of the electronic circuitry.
The delightful thing about the Kano system is that the language is so simple, and so easy to change, that a user can enter the program and change parameters and logic just to see what happens. This sort of play usually carries with it the deepest and most lasting learning.
A Kickstarter campaign to bring Kano to market has resulted in the project netting pledges for over six times its $100,000 goal in the first five days online. Pledges for the Kano computer will be accepted until December 19, with delivery expected in the (Northern Hemisphere) summer of 2014.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alexklein/kano-a-computer-anyone-can-make?ref=live
http://www.gizmag.com/99-dollar-computer-kit-raspberry-pi-kano/29893/
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