Zombie Traps

Movies always depict groups of humans manually sweeping areas for zombies, but devices specifically designed for the task would be much more effective and far safer. To catch them alive for experimentation, the simplest would probably be a shipping container with a one way security turnstile welded into one end and a noise maker for a lure. Airlift it in, and then once full, pick it back up again. Destroying the zombies is more difficult, and depends on exactly what type is being encountered. Those that are simply infected but mortal offer many simple solutions, such as exposure to radiation or other toxins, but I will focus on the much more problematic undead variety. The need to significantly damage the brain and the fact that they could be crawling or of widely varying sizes complicates things considerably, so a crusher would probably be the most effective. Similar to some compacting trash containers, solar panels (mounted on an appropriately tall mast) would allow for extended operation without fuel and likely be the most practical option, although there are, of course, also highly impractical ones. Again, a noise maker would draw zombies inside, through a one way gate and then once filled to capacity they would be crushed by a motor highly geared down to be very slow but powerful. The wall opposite the crushing panel should be releasable, sliding sideways via another powerful, slow motor and built heavily enough to oppose the compacting force, so that the remains could be scraped out and pushed aside to create more room for prey. While simpler, forcing the zombies through a grate would be susceptible to jamming were a foreign object to somehow make its way into the trap. Obviously, a fairly open site would need to be chosen for the growing pile of gore, although decay should limit its maximum size and allow the powerful actuators to continue to deal with it. A parking lot, lawn, or even a street intersection would probably be adequate.

Social Network Anonymity Hybrid

I've been reading a fair bit about the pros and cons of requiring users to employ their real names on social networking services. I won't bother to recap these comparisons here in any detail, but will instead outline my preferred compromise, which is that if a pseudonym is employed, the profile must make this clear. This allows those who aren't comfortable with unknown persons to filter based on the fact and avoids impersonation issues, while still allowing the benefits of anonymity to those who require it. Users who violate this policy could face appropriate disciplinary action in an easy to keep consistent manner. The issues surrounding the verification of one's true identity are no different than a system that mandates real names. It may be useful to distinguish between accounts that have been declared anonymous and those that are simply unverified as yet, perhaps with a reasonable deadline and possibly even levels of confirmation. Many variations are possible, but the fundamental idea is this: give users the information and features required in an easy to use, consistent manner so that they can decide for themselves how they feel about anonymity.

Update: a possible option of particular note is one where the user is required to verify their identity, but then are free to use any public name they desire. This eliminates the issues with multiple accounts and impersonation, but still allows anonymity.

Fireman's Pole With Stairs Combo

I saw this great picture of a spiral staircase with a slide around it and noticed that it seemed too small to really be useful for an adult. What's really required is a fireman's pole, although that is a safety nightmare, especially for small children. Since spiral staircases are problematic to get approved in many areas owing to their narrow treads near the pole, I decided to design one using regular right angle stairs with landings. It doesn't take too much imagination to see how it would translate to a spiral stair. I assumed a story height of nine feet, which can be accommodated nicely in fifteen steps. These stairs could be extended up multiple floors if desired, with the pole extending all the way to the bottom floor. A more practical, if less entertaining, use for the central area would be as a wheelchair lift.