Friday, November 26, 2010

Machine Golf

I was wondering today whether a machine would ever be able to beat a human in golf.

I think the machine should definitely be able to dominate the human in putting and off the tee.

With regard to the other shots, I think it would be extremely difficult for the machine to deal with all of the slight variations in stance, lie, and strategy. But maybe the advantages on the tee and green would be enough to make up for this.

Another challenge is how the machine would get from one shot to the next. I think a standard part of golf that is often overlooked is (a) finding the ball after the shot is played, and then (b) navigating to that spot.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Angular Momentum


So I walk in the door coming home from work, and Sam shows me his cool top that he's been playing with. I explain to Sam that angular momentum is helping the top stay balanced. He says "I know that". Then after dinner he has a sudden desire to show me the Angular Momentum flash game. I am instantly hooked.

Although this game was maddening at times, we were able to finish it off in about an hour. Unlike some games, we were quite pleased when we got the "Congratulations" screen, knowing that we would not have to face any more of the levels in the Expert mode.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

RSS Teases - GraphJam

RSS feeds can often be a tease, like slot machines. They pay off just enough enough to keep you addicted for a little while longer.

Case in point - GraphJam.

About 19 out of 20 posts are garbage like this:


But then on the 20th you get a little gem like this:



And it's enough to keep you coming back for more.