Friday, April 29, 2011

Sunset over Bolivia

Photo taken from the International Space Station.

Posted via email from SteveCorneli.us

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

I wish I was an iPhone app developer...

...because I have a great idea for a new app.

Earlier today I took an old Mega Millions ticket to the grocery store and used the lotto scanner to see if I won anything. I didn't win, of course, but it occurred to me that this would make a great app for the iPhone (or Android or BlackBerry!). I can already refill my mother's Walgreen's prescriptions by scanning the barcode and ordering the refills. I can sell an item on eBay by scanning its barcode and setting a price. I can also do price comparisons by using the RedLaser app (owned by eBay). I can also buy coffee at Starbucks by scanning my account number at the check-out counter. Why can't I check my Mega Millions or Powerball tickets to see if I won anything??

To be fair, there are some apps out there that will check your numbers, but they require that you enter your ticket numbers by hand. The technology should be the same as the scanner I used earlier today at the lotto retailer.

Wish I knew an app developer.......

Posted via email from SteveCorneli.us

Friday, April 8, 2011

Impending government shutdown

As of noon EDT, there is no budget agreement and it appears very possible that a government shutdown will occur at midnight tonight. The term "shutdown" is not completely accurate as the government will not completely cease operations. Essential services will continue, but many other Federal services will not continue.

Curious if any of you will be affected by this stoppage.

Posted via email from SteveCorneli.us

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Hole on the Moon

Photo taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter of a very large crater (Mare Orientale) on the Moon. The crater is approximately 600 miles across! It is located just over the edge of the Moon so it cannot be seen from Earth.

Posted via email from SteveCorneli.us

Friday, April 1, 2011

When the Earth takes a bite out of the Sun

Here's a solar eclipse, except it's the Earth blocking part of the Sun, instead of the Moon blocking the Sun. Photo was taken March 29 from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory in orbit around Earth.

Posted via email from SteveCorneli.us