Live Performance: Music Box From Japan

The Biggest Volcanic Eruptions In History

Some of the biggest volcanic eruptions in human history have not always occurred in the typical places of interest. For some of you the eruption may even be a little closer to home. Here is a list of the the Top 5 biggest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. 

Ilopango in El Salvador had its biggest eruption in 260 AD producing more than 10 cubic kilometers of volcanic ash. 

Taupo in New Zealand, it's largest recorded eruption happened in 186. A.D. and it produced 80 cubic kilometers of volcanic ash. The pyroclastic flow traveled for up to 100 kilometers. 

This is what is left of the the volcano in Santorini in Greece, the eruption in 1470 AD produced over 10 cubic kilometers of ash but worse still it completely destroyed the Minoan civilization (along with all the minotaurs).

Kikai is a mostly submerged caldera or super-volcano off the south coast of Japan. It exploded in 4300 BC and produced 100 cubic kilometers of volcanic ash, the pyroclastic flow spread across the ocean 100km and devastated parts of southern Japan. 

Mount Mazama otherwise known as crater lake in Oregon exploded in 4650 BC producing more than 100 cubic kilometers of volcanic ash, at this time this area of America was sparsely inhabited, if such an eruption were to occur today the consequences would be disastrous. 

Digital Kiss Transmission Device

Exoskeleton Suits - Not Just a Load of Pants

After years in development Israel-based Argo Medical Technologies finally unveiled their Robo-aid for paraplegics. The device has been titled Rewalk and is composed of an exoskeleton that allows its user to sustain movement and carry out tasks such as climbing stairs. Although it is being marketed as a device for injured soldiers the mainstream possibilities are quite interesting. Unfortunately it is unlikely such a device will be available for you in the near future, unless you fit into the following categories: soldier of sympathy, wealthy or willing to allow yourself to become the subject of experimental testing.

Even though the device was officially unveiled in the UK only recently at the Naidex product fair at the National Exhibition Centre, it was been available to see on the net since 2008:

There are many other variations of this technology and it is something that has been trying to get its feet off the ground (excuse the pun) for a long time. Personally I think the Japanese variation of this made by the rather comically named CYBERDYNE company. Their robot suit HAL (another comical ref here) offers the same leg mobility as the Rewalk, but has the same technology being implemented on the arms. Thus, giving its user increased lifting capacity also. The suit is also available for domestic renting, which makes it a little bit more accessible. The following video gives some context to the device:

If I was to chose one of these suits it may be apt to chose the more basic one that solves the direct problem at hand i.e. lack of leg mobility. However, as a society that always wants more and is hungry for technology I would advise towards HAL, although I can't say I'm not influenced by its close similarity to favourite film Casshern ;-)

USB Necktie Cooler

Here at MRHP we like to keep our eyes peeled and squishy for gadgets that not only take you out of a tight squeeze, but possibly leave a nice tip afterwards (good prostitute etiquette). One of these so called gadgets seems to have made its way into the buying path of Japanese businessmen and from there it hopes to bring its unique offering of USB powered randomness to the rest of the world. 

The product seems to have been born from its slogan that asks a very simple question. Feeling hot under the collar at work? Well if that is the case then spit your card numbers all over the screen because the busy little men at the Japanese company Thanko have introduced a USB powered necktie that not only offers office breeziness at an affordable price, but also brings with it a perfectly formed silicone Windsor knot that is sure to impress your boss.

In a world where computers seem to be taking over, I think it is a very apt statement for this generation to have an electronic leash strapped around their necks and attached to their computer. If this is the price of feeling mildly cooler, strap one on quick because we lost our agency along time ago anyway. If not then congratulations you are clearly not astute enough to realize the irony that you are reading this on a computer.

Pedobear - Leaving the Limelight?

For those of you not entirely tuned into the wonderful world of the WeirdWideWeb, you may not be familiar with one of the longest running internet memes. Steeped in mystery Pedobear has sustained a long and "fruitful" existence, through his positioning between the cute and the obscene. He is not only a valued member of internet subculture, but is also a key benefactor in the creation of the tapestry of lulz.

The following FOX News report not only shocked me in relation to its content, but also in how it managed to tarnish the long respected Pedobear name.



This clip not only marks an inherent social problem, but also depicts the beginning of a meme's fall from grace. With representations such as these, I don't think it will be long until this meme is finally going to have to act out one of his most famous images and start to tenderfoot his way out of the internet limelight and back towards his home in the Pedohills of Japan.