amazing but a little freightening!!

DARPA Grand Challenge

Created in response to a Congressional and DoD mandate, DARPA Grand Challenge is a field test intended to accelerate research and development in autonomous ground vehicles that will help save American lives on the battlefield. The Grand Challenge brings together individuals and organizations from industry, the R&D community, government, the armed services, academia, students, backyard inventors, and automotive enthusiasts in the pursuit of a technological challenge.

The Grand Challenge 2005 was held on October 8, 2005 in the desert Southwest. The Stanford Racing Team won the $2 million prize with the winning time of 6 hours, 53 minutes. A total of five teams completed the Grand Challenge course which was 132 miles over desert terrain.

Four of the DARPA Challenge finishers.

Stanley, the fastest robot!

Drove 132 miles without a driver! Can we say Terminator??

josephine and i have been sick like crazy for the past week. unable to really do anything productive. not really a good time to be sick since we both have tons to do. i have a journal club to give on thusday. i will be ready but it would be a lot better if i wasn't sick.

it's been over a month since i've blooged and i apologize for the long absence. it's been too long i know! but i'm back in 2006 with a renewed spirit! i hope that everybody had a wonderful holiday break. mine was spent with family at home. josephine and i had both sides of the family over for ham on christmas. it was very meaningful to have our first christmas at our place as a married couple with both families together. i'm so happy we pulled it off.
for new year's jo and i went to mansfield and watched the ball drop there. is it just me or does it seem like it's becoming less and less important as each year passes? by the way, it was great to see dick clark back on new year's rock'n eve but at the same time, it was sad to see what the stroke had done to him. but not to get anybody on a down note! HAPPY 2006 to everybody!
i wish you all a wonderful and productive new year. best of luck and good health. may each day be filled with friendship, family, and love. for all you still looking to establish yourself in the world, may this year bring you great success. and for all you looking for love, know that love is looking for you too, so open your eyes and heart and let this year be your lucky year!