Y6 Copter

I saw this and thought it was the most beautiful thing ever.

I really, really, really want to build a Y6 copter. It's technically a hexacopter, but honestly it looks more like a tricopter. I'm also not quite sure what extra rotors do for you, but I'm sure there has to be documentation somewhere. I feel like if one motor were to fail, you might get better compensation/not fall to a miserable death, but otherwise, it looks like it'd have less lift that a X6 hexacopter. Regardless, I really like the Y6 design aesthetic (I know, I know, but it's the fashion side of me talking), and I'd much rather build a pretty thing if I can. 

I might cheat this time and start with ArduCopter so I don't have to come up with the controls by hand. Bad part is that a nice ArduPilotMega Board is expensive, but then again I don't think I'll need the GPS, barometer, etc. However, a toned-down version is still pricey. The main reason why I'm considering ArduCopter is because the software advertises itself as already set up for Y6 configuration. *Sigh* I really should just man-up and program it myself...but I'm burnt out :(

Also, lookee here!

Now that's magic. He is cheating a little with motion capture camera feedback rather than a true on-board PID, but nonetheless, it's awfully impressive. My new goal is to have Babycopter balance a broom before I graduate. Not too lofty of a goal, eh? :P

Oh and one last treat before I become too busy again.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Uses EL Wire

Hey all! Found another example of "high-tech" fashion. I've posted before on Katy Perry's EL peacock tail, and this year Victoria's Secret did a similar thing with their EL Angel wings. While I think they looked overall cute (and were structurally robust, props to whoever mechanically designed them), I was a bit disappointed in their electronic simplicity. I feel like the amount of work for audio processing/visuals isn't that hard. Bright wings that stay on are pretty, but just a little too boring. I would've really like it if Victoria's Secret made their lighting more dynamic (like the beating heart bra worn at 2:00). It's clear that they were technologically sophisticated enough to know how to vary brightness/speed of their lights, but didn't for their wings. At the end of the day, I suppose my main gripe lies with their decision not to. *Shrugs* I'm too judgmental :P

On the bright side, at least I now know of who might want to buy my EL Shutter Shades :)

Hunt for the cheapest!

I haven't done any fashion posts for a while and I feel deprived (especially with all the Segboard posts lately). I'm going to show you 2 pairs of shoes that I find similar.

Jimmy Choo Glitter Pumps

Urban Outfitters Glitter Pumps

The question "Am I going to buy an IMU or a pair of shoes?" probably isn't asked by many engineers or fashionistas. I don't meet many people here at MIT who care about fashion. In fact, there's almost an "anti-culture" of dressing up (I'm generalizing, but still). In one sense, practicality drives this trend. You can't wear a chiffon anything while messing with motor grease. However, I try to dress well regardless (just bring another set of clothes or dress differently those days), but most people are either too lazy or too "counter-fashion". Anyway, main point - I like dressing nicely even if a lot of engineers don't and I think it's perfectly fine to be smart and chic.

Nonetheless, I am also really cheap. I almost have to pick between 2 types of tools. Do I buy clothes or parts? The point of the pictures was to show the silliness of price. The Jimmy Choos are $745 and the ones from Urban Outfitters are $49. I'm the type of girl who will go for cheaper if they're similar enough (if you want even cheaper go on ebay). When push comes to shove and you've got to pick between parts for your segway skateboard or nice shoes, the going gets tough :P Basically, always look for the best bargain! 

End rant. 

Fashion 2010 (I'll try to stop whining)

So I haven't actually been using this blog for any fashion and since I'm stuck in Minnesota, might as well. Anonymous angst certainly has its cathartic perks, but regardless, how am I going to re[de]fine fashion engineering with that kind of an attitude? 

Nonetheless dear reader, you will still find dramatic, confusing, depressing, and sometimes clever bull on here more often than not, but for now I'll show you some of the fashion I've discovered this past year (and wank just a little more). 

Alexander McQueen, your death frightened me unimaginably. Because of you, I've realized my heroes are mortal. Of course Feynman's been dead for a couple of decades, but never was I there to witness it. The deaths of my idols I noted with passing awareness, but they were always overshadowed by their deeds. Yours was the first I saw on CNN and during which cried about in physics. Mr. McQueen, you were one of my inspirations for coming to MIT and for going into the nascent field of wearable technology. It kills me to know there will never be an opportunity for me to thank you. 

Regardless, Sarah Burton has, in my opinion, done a good job designing pieces that are a tribute to not only McQueen but the McQueen sensibility. The other-worldliness, wildness, and forever costume-esque were prevalent and it was just delicate and lovely. I expect good things to come from this house. Ms. Burton seems up to the challenge. 

Long Live the McQueen.

From the Spring/Summer 2010 Collection. 

By the way, I liked the collection so much, 2/3 of it is up here. Haha.