IT Business Elsewhere is a look at interesting or unusual technology stories from around the world.
A Beetle with wings
Wired
A car designer and Stanford Phd. has spent four years outfitting a 2000 VW Beetle with a 1,350-horsepower, Navy-surplus helicopter jet turbine. Speeds of up to 140 mph are a breeze but the designer feels that 160 may just be asking for trouble.
Cutting edge technology
New Scientist Tech
Two University of Alberta engineers have created a device that could stimulate the re-growth of broken teeth. Hockey players, rejoice.
Here’s the bill, Bill
BBC.co.uk
European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes says that fines against Microsoft for anti-competitive behaviour in the EU may be inevitable. An earlier judgement called for the Redmond giant to face fines of 497 million euros ($709 million).
AOL may one day be free
New York Times
Various reports, including this one from the Times, suggest that the Internet behemoth is planning a service that relies heavily on advertising to offset operating costs. Good news for consumers, but potentially bad news for thousands of AOL employees who may face lay-offs, according to this article.
You’re Johnny Depp
News.com/Reuters
OK, you’re not Johnny Depp, but you can be an online approximation of Captain Jack Sparrow when Disney launches its online pirate game (modeled on the movies and theme park ride) starting next year.
Comment: [email protected]