Ep 95 - Airwolf, LARPing, Ludacris, Middle Earth, Kanye
Nov 16, 2022
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This week they talk about Google Japan's prank keyboard redesign, the portrayal of different cultures in media, the possibility of robots taking over bartending jobs, Polish LARPers recreating an American trailer park for their game, and Polish movies with patriotic undertones.
The TV show Airwolf revolves around the theft and use of a high-tech military helicopter for acts of aggression.
Poland hosts a 28-hour live-action role-playing event inspired by American pop culture and offering a highly immersive supernatural experience.
Google Japan has developed a unique 65-inch keyboard prototype, resembling a piano, to enable simultaneous usage by two people.
Deep dives
Airwolf: An Action-packed TV Series about a Supersonic Helicopter
Airwolf is an American action military drama television series that revolves around a high-tech military helicopter called Airwolf. The show follows the theft of Airwolf by a psychopathic genius named Moffatt and his crew. They use the helicopter to perform acts of aggression and destruction, including destroying an American destroyer. The series features a distinctive synth-based musical score and an 80s-style title sequence. The show aired on CBS and later on the USA Network for a total of four seasons.
In Poland, a unique 28-hour live-action role-playing event called larping takes place. The event, inspired by American pop culture, brings together 200 participants to immerse themselves in a supernatural world reminiscent of popular TV shows like Stranger Things. The highly immersive experience involves activities that occur throughout the night, with participants playing various roles and encountering supernatural events. The event is meticulously designed to offer a realistic and engaging experience for all participants.
Google Japan's Gboard Stick: A Long and Unique Keyboard
Google Japan has developed a prototype called the Gboard Stick, a long and unique keyboard that stretches across a length of 65 inches. The keyboard, resembling the keys of a piano, aims to offer users flexibility and the ability for two people to comfortably use one keyboard simultaneously. The prototype, which was initially introduced as an April Fool's Day prank, has gained popularity and is now available for users to create their own version using the design information released on github.com.
The Rise of Robotic Bartenders
Researchers at the University of Naples have created the world's first robotic bartender called Brillo. Brillo can make almost any drink, remembers customers' preferences, and even engages in conversation using machine learning. While this innovation may signal the end of human bartenders, some believe that the personal touch and interaction provided by human bartenders cannot be replicated.
Polish LARPers Pretending to be Americans
In Poland, a group of LARPers has taken their role-playing to a new level by creating a small rural Ohio town where strange things happen, inspired by Stranger Things and The X-Files. With up to 200 participants and elaborate scripted plots, events, and characters, they live like they're in a small American town for 28 hours. The game incorporates supernatural elements and real-life American problems, addressing poverty, healthcare costs, and even crime. American observers have shared their opinions and critiques, noting that the portrayal of trailer park life may be inaccurate or stereotypical.
This week, Google Japan develops a keyboard that puts all the keys in one long stick, Italian researchers introduce a robot bartender, Brillo, Polish LARPers pretend to be Americans, and Mike begins a new series: The Donald P Belasariosance!
