barrier
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328 foot-long floating barrier will collect ocean trash
There are numerous efforts underway to clean the world's oceans, but The Ocean Cleanup is testing what may be both the simplest and the most ambitious. It just launched a 328 foot-long prototype floating barrier that will collect trash floating in the North Sea. If it can survive the rough conditions of those waters, the plan is to deploy a 62 mile-long (!) barrier in the Pacific Ocean and reduce the size of the notorious Great Pacific Garbage Patch -- the hope is to halve the size of the trash field in 10 years.
The US military wants walls that automatically pop out of cans
Many soldiers dream of having instant cover on the battlefield, and it looks like they might just get their wish. DARPA is soliciting proposals for BlockADE (Block Access to Deny Entry), a system that would automatically form a barrier from material stuffed into a canister 1ft by 6.5ft or smaller. If US troops needed to block off an entrance or create a makeshift building, all they'd have to do is hit a button -- much more effective than sandbagging or pitching a tent, we'd say.
Upcoming 3.1 class changes: Rogue, Priest, Shaman
Development just relayed major class changes coming in content patch 3.1 for rogues, priests, and shaman on the forums. Eyonix advises the list is in no way comprehensive, is subject to change, and is likely to receive additions as the weeks go by. Major class changes include: Priest's Divine Spirit is now a base ability of all Priests. Priest's Power Word: Barrier, a new Disc Priest talent that acts like a Power Word: Shield for the entire group. Rogue's Killing Spree increases damage an additional 20%. Rogue's Mace Spec now additionally increases haste. Shaman's Mana Spring and Healing Spring totems combined, along with Poison Cleansing and Disease Cleansing combined. Shaman's Spirit Weapons now reduces all threat. Shaman's Chain Lightning now hits 4 targets. What are you waiting for? Check out after the break to read 'em all!
Paper Tyger unveils printable RFID Shield
If you're wondering how the privacy advocates that get shipped off to Japan's wireless island will maintain their sanity, we've got a hunch that they just might look Paper Tyger's way before departing. The aptly-named RFID Shield is reportedly "easily printable" and unsurprisingly aims to protect personal information on contactless credit cards and similar wallet mainstays. Purportedly, the unit contains "a new security barrier to assure that sensitive information contained on the card's RFID chip remains protected when not in use," and can even be fabricated into envelopes or paper sleeves. No word just yet on when this here RFID-shunning technology will be available for purchase, but we're sure at least a small sect of individuals will be clamoring for dibs when it finally goes commercial.
