Latest

Dear future, I’m here. Nice to meet you.

I don’t mean to alarm you, but this is a personal jet pack.  I don’t know how we’re going to use this in the bush, but you can be darn sure we’re figuring it out. Uranium can buy some pretty awesome ish.     – JJ

Here are some facts:

How much will they cost?

Martin Aircraft has built several prototypes so we have a good idea how much they cost to manufacture. Depending on production volume, the initial cost will be about the same as a high-end motorcycle or car. As volume increases this will drop to be similar to a mid-range motorcycle or car.

Are there any restrictions on who can fly one?

Currently the pilot must weigh over 140 lbs (63.5 kg) and under 240 lbs (109 kg). Pilots must also pass the Martin Aircraft training program.

Are we all going to be flying to work on these?

With the current air traffic control system, commuting would not be possible. The US FAA is currently developing a ‘highways in the sky’ technology; think 3D highways based on automated GPS tracks. Initial tests have been positive but the full system is not likely to be implemented for at least 10 years. Thus the main use for Jetpacks will initially be recreational. This is similar to current ATV, snowmobile, jet ski, and ultralight use.

What happens if the engine stops?

The Martin Jetpack is equipped with a ballistic parachute. If something untoward happens, the pilot pulls a toggle and a small propellant (similar to one used in a car airbag) is fired rapidly deploying a parachute. The pilot, Jetpack and parachute descend as one. The use of ballistic parachutes is now quite common in general aviation; for example, they are standard equipment in the Cirrus series of single engine aircraft.

Foreign Policy: The LRA has entered Darfur

“The news of the LRA’s arrival in Darfur should be a clear wake-up call for not only U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration, but the entire international community.”

Currently reading: Percy Jackson and the Olympians

A tidbit of wisdom from children’s literature.

LXD + TED = magic

The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers were invited to the TED conference this year. They received the longest standing ovation in TED history.

“IC is a front to make money in oil and uranium”

Here is a concerned citizen who believes Invisible Children is a war-mongering front group for government and corporate interests.

MAJOR NEWS: The bill just passed the Senate unanimously!

Proof that the Oklaholdout was worth it. Young people changing the world. We are so stoked right now.

La Blogotheque project fundraising success!

We reached the first round of fundraising for the IC/Blogotheque collaboration to take Yeasayer and the Polyphonic Spree to Uganda! You have 4 hours left if you still want in.

Ja’mie King: we can be heroes

This is what we’re dealing with in the world. These people are real. Though this one is not.

Team Pacific Northwest update from Northern CA

“…Northern California tricked us into falling in love with all this beauty: almond farms, orange groves, rolling hills and a cow named Red.”

Good morning Inuvik

The town in Inuvik, Canada goes for weeks without sunlight every winter. Tropicana felt like they deserved a sunrise.

BBC: Is internet access a fundamental human right?

“…governments must ‘regard the internet as basic infrastructure – just like roads, waste and water.’”

Alice made bracelets for IC, then she made a home.

Alice saved almost $400 US making bracelets for us. With her savings, she paid for the construction of a new home for her and her husband. With hundreds of beneficiaries like Alice in our Economic Development Initiatives (EDI), stories like this are commonplace, but inspiring nonetheless!!

Fascinating article about Sachs’ Millennium Villages

Jeff Sachs, economist and development guru, has an 80-village project changing the way we think about African development. The look-at-all-factors approach that Sachs is using is highlighted in this article about Sauri, a Millennium Village in Kenya. Check it out.

Sen. Coburn said yes!!! The holdout is over

After our 262 hours of sleeping in front of his office, Senator Coburn released his hold on the bill! Current mood: Euphoric.

Inside the Taliban

One journalist. 10 days living with Al Qaeda. On a mission to sabotage the US.

2 Days Left to Reach $20k For IC’s First Music Documentary

Invisible Children is taking THE POLYPHONIC SPREE and YEASAYER to Uganda to film a Take Away Show style documentary. Learn how you can play a part.

Team Middle America update from St. Louis, MO

“I’ve heard we were going to be well fed in this part of our great land, and they were not kidding.”

United Nations to begin troop withdrawals from the DR Congo in 2010

Eleven years after the UN’s largest peacekeeping mission began, Peacekeepers will begin pulling out of the DR Congo.

GOOD: Help Invisible Children bring the Polyphonic Spree to Uganda

In an exciting reversal of roles, GOOD blogged about us and our project with La Blogotheque.

Holdout: Resolve Uganda and Sen. Coburn have scheduled a phone meeting

a phone conversation with Senator Coburn scheduled for Tuesday, expected thunderstorms, and stories of kindness from strangers.