PowerUp turns your homemade paper airplane into an smartphone controlled flyer (video)

Credit: Shai Goitein

Make a paper airplane, attach a PowerUp, & fly, controlling it with an iOS or Android device (with Bluetooth 4.0/Low Energy).

PowerUp is a Kickstarter project. You can still get on board for as little as $30.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/11/30/powerup-turns-your-homemade-paper-airplane-into-an-smartphone-controlled-flyer/

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/393053146/powerup-30-smartphone-controlled-paper-airplane / aeroplane air plane PowerUp 3.0 Kickstarter project fly control pilot homemade paper airplane smartphone PowerUp arbon fiber frame propeller battery powered BLE Bluetooth Low Energy LE receiver other opposite end receiver powered lithium polymer battery provides 10 minutes fly flight per charge 180 ft 55 meter range. fold favorite style paper airplane clip PowerUP special clips smart phone smartphone controller cool tilt gestures fancy maneuvering PowerUp 3.0 flown past $50,000 funding goal $200,000 stretch goals goal Android support toy May 2014 timeframe lithium ion LiIon battery charge recharge /

Fast & economical

Credit: Porsche

Hybrid Porsche 918 Spyder sets Nürburgring record.

Connecting rods are forged titanium, though crankshaft is merely forged steel, but it spins past 9,000 rpm none-the-less.

Charged EVs:

http://chargedevs.com/newswire/porsche-918-spyder-sets-nurburgring-record/

Car & Driver:

https://cdns.gigya.com/gs/gigIDsProxy.htm?APIKey=2_XKlHhnfMYoreHKd3Fw8ePNY6z4WE6PwBeR1wRUBr8W6NpfdL4-zJsuRQ-bWNs88k&domain=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caranddriver.com&apiDomain=US1.gigya.com

Porsche press release:

http://press.porsche.com/news/release.php?id=787 / lithium ion LiIon battery charge recharge range EV electric vehicle four wheel drive 4 all traction rear wheel steering 7 seven speed gearbox electric motors internal combustion engine ICE AC DC /

ZEROHOUR USB battery backup flashlight (video)

Credit: Amy Truong & Aaron Son/The Gadgeteer

It's a torch (flashlight), its very bright (up to 1000 lumens), its a charger for your phone (or any other USB charged device) & takes 3 x 18650 lithium ion cells (operates normally on 1 or 2), plus it's a Kickstarter project.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/11/28/zerohour-tactical-usb-battery-backup-flashlight/ / LiIon battery multi purpose multi-purpose flashlights different options sizes ZEROHOUR modular tactical USB battery backup flashlight Kickstarter project Amy Truong Aaron Son versatile modular backup battery pack recharge mobile phone cell phone smart phone smartphone cellphones tablet tablet replace replaceable rechargeable batteries device backup battery packs sealed ZEROHOUR designed design designing access battery compartment use uses three 18650 lithium batteries replace batteries failure fai replacing entire whole device modular design allow allows easy replacement part parts remove removal battery light housing cavity light waterproof container lot of thought went into design practical useful longevity main body 6061 aircraft aluminum 304 stainless steel bezel CREE XM-L U3 LED light source emitter charging charge ZEROHOUR 1.5 amp USB port 2.1 amp USB port ZEROHOUR being funded main options battery batteries Sanyo 2600mAh batteries Panasonic 3400mAh batterie many pledge options project pledge flat cap open cap AC adapter USB charging cord carry carrying bag successfully funded scheduled to ship /

How dangerous is road debris? Very! (video)

The story so far:

• Three Tesla Model S electric vehicles (EVs) have been involved in significant motor accidents in recent weeks.

• Extreme reaction by the media.

• One of the accidents, in Mexico, is just one more example of a drunk/incompetent/irresponsible person in charge of powerful machinery that has, unfortunately, become a daily occurrence over the past century. Nothing about this event was peculiar to EVs.

• Two events demonstrate something which is, in part, peculiar to the Model S: the battery beneath the floor from axle to axle, is susceptible to penetration by road debris in extreme circumstances.

• When penetrated in this way, the battery of the Model S has, in two cases, caught fire.

• All vehicles are at risk from penetration of the floor pan. This includes the fuel tank, oil pan & fuel lines in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

• Over 500 ICE vehicles catch fire every day in the United States.

• No one was was injured in any of the three events. Amazingly, this included the extreme event in Mexico.

Green Car Reports has this about a road debris penetration event in an ICE vehicle:

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1088789_how-dangerous-is-road-debris-its-this-dangerous-video

In a road debris floor pan penetration event, I'd take my chances with the armoured floor pan & battery pack of a Model S rather than the millimeter thick floor pan of an ICE vehicle.

More road debris accidents:

http://youtu.be/_oeCe6ff2IY

http://youtu.be/HdAF2nvq3xQ / armored Tesla Model S Elon Musk EV electric vehicle lithium ion LiIon battery cell charge recharge energy electricity kWh Volt Watt kiloWatt hour discharge range safety fire petrol fuel first fire October 1 Kent Washington outside Seattle Model S ran over piece road debris later described curved section fell semi trailer semi-trailer Tesla Model S in flames Kent Washington punched 3 inch 3-inch hole quarter inch thick 1/4-inch-thick armor plate protecting battery pack force 25 tons according report Tesla car alerted driver fault pulled over exited exit car car's owner Robert Carlson Tesla investor performed very well extreme test during accident plan plans buy replacement Model S National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration NHTSA release released statement Thursday indicate recent battery fire involving Tesla Model S result of a vehicle safety defect non-compliance with federal safety standards second fire October 18 Mérida city Mexican Yucatán apparently occurred Model S driver jumped curb took out several feet concrete wall hit a tree driver reported drunk under the influence alcohol Jalopnik fled the scene not uncommon in Mexico video of the aftermath here NSFW issued statement saying driver appreciative safety performance car expedite delivery of his next Model S fire generated less controversy driver at fault floor pan floorpan /

Watch this: iQi wirelessly charges iPhones without the bulky case accessory (video)

Credit: GigaOm

http://gigaom.com/2013/11/26/watch-this-iqi-wirelessly-charges-iphones-without-the-bulky-case-accessory/ / Indiegogo campaign iQi super thin super-thin wireless charging accessory iPhone iPhones iPod touch devices Apple Apple’s Lightning port review unit wireless charging puck use using two days iPhone 5s works as advertised 0.5 millimeters thin adding wireless charging without adding bulk wireless wirelessly charging iPhone need bulky case accessory iQi adds choose your own case or cover works work video demonstration thin use soft case cover iOS device wirelessly charge capability works best Koolpuck charging pad Qi charging charging pad sends audio feedback isn’t quite lined up right charging Qi charging pad demonstrate in the video Indiegogo campaign, so you can get a iQi for $25 early bird deals deal /

Another Tesla fire (video)

Credit: Fox/YouTube

R.I.P. Brian Griffin.

Brian Griffin, star of the long running TV drama, Family Guy, is dead, struck down by what it is alleged might possibly be a Tesla Model S electric vehicle.

Mr. griffin was 8 years old.

Another Tesla tragedy. Video of the tragedy is available, but law enforcement has indicated that an early arrest is not expected, because, tragically, the number plates had been obscured! See image at the top of this item, & the tragic video linked below.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors was unavailable for comment.

Readers are advised that some viewers may find this video tragic:

http://youtu.be/adzkOv0vvDI

Surprisingly, it has been alleged that the vehicle involved in this tragedy may not have caught fire! / Fox News video tragedy tragic EV electric vehicle LiIon battery penetration charge recharge range armored Tesla Model S Elon Musk EV electric vehicle lithium ion LiIon battery cell charge recharge energy electricity kWh Volt Watt kiloWatt hour discharge range safety fire petrol fuel first fire October 1 Kent Washington outside Seattle Model S ran over piece road debris later described curved section fell semi trailer semi-trailer Tesla Model S in flames Kent Washington punched 3 inch 3-inch hole quarter inch thick 1/4-inch-thick armor plate protecting battery pack force 25 tons according report Tesla car alerted driver fault pulled over exited exit car car's owner Robert Carlson Tesla investor performed very well extreme test during accident plan plans buy replacement Model S National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration NHTSA release released statement Thursday indicate recent battery fire involving Tesla Model S result of a vehicle safety defect non-compliance with federal safety standards second fire October 18 Mérida city Mexican Yucatán apparently occurred Model S driver jumped curb took out several feet concrete wall hit a tree driver reported drunk under the influence alcohol Jalopnik fled the scene not uncommon in Mexico video of the aftermath here NSFW issued statement saying driver appreciative safety performance car expedite delivery of his next Model S fire generated less controversy driver at fault /

Via Motors to make a solar tonneau for its plug-in pickup — video — update

Credit: Via Motors/Charged EVs

Think GM Volt: electric vehicle (EV) with an internal combustion engine (ICE) connected to a generator to provide power to the electric motor when the battery is flat. 100+ mpg (US) overall (better than 120 mpg UK, 2.35 litres/100 km).

Via Motors thought Volt too. Backed by Bob Lutz (driving force behind GM's Volt), they took a big GM V6 pickup, removed the tailshaft & added 800 horsepower of electric motors. Result: a large GM pickup with all of the advantages of an EV drivetrain, (including stump pulling torque — perfect for moving heavy loads & really shines in poor traction conditions) that gives 100+ mpg (US). Just like a Volt.

In a power outage, it can power an entire suburban street.

Have you ever thought, "Electric vehicle — put some photovoltaic (PV) solar cells on the roof, sun shines on roof, PVs make electricity, charge battery, battery drives electric motor, drive for free. Easy!

A lot of people have had the same thought.

Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Problem is, the surface area of a car isn't big enough, the angle to the Sun is less than optimal, & the curved roof of a car makes fitting PVs difficult & expensive.

Things are just a little better with a big pickup. Fit a tonneau cover over the load space & you have a surface which reduces most of the problems of fitting PVs to the roof of a car. That's what the folks at Via Motors thought:

http://chargedevs.com/newswire/via-motors-presents-solar-tonneau-for-its-plug-in-pickup/

Jay Leno, Bob Lutz & Via Motors VTRUX
/ solar panel technical details surface area insolation voltage levels level vehicle design produce energy cost effective Via Motors VTrux commercial market fleet operators but buying stylish looks environment environmental statement demonstrable fuel savings Bob Lutz company’s company new solar tonneau pay for itself bed full size full-size pickup ute utility vehicle surface area soak up the sun run power tools VTrux power outlet remote construction sites site additional source of energy tonneau improve improves fuel economy aerodynamic drag reducing wind resistance roof of a vehicle Jeffrey Esfeld reporter reporters LA Auto Show industrial grade industrial-grade solar panels rigid hinged bed cover handle a fair amount of abuse new solar tonneau 400 800 Watt versions version VIA says add up to six ten miles of range release released price solar tonneau taking orders Vtrux pickup starting at $79,000 /

Why this shepherd loves Twitter

Credit: Constable/HerdyShepherd/Twitter

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/11/why-this-shepherd-loves-twitter/281702/ / shepherd sheep herd photograph photography picture Twitter twit tweet post social media follower followers follow shepherding work England English Lake District continuity part living cultural tradition work little changed when Vikings first settled these valleys our dialect peppered Norse words I like old things old ways doing things stories places people deeply conservative half decent economist most new ideas are a waste of time new ideas fail way of life fairly conservative people suspicious pointless chatter new technologies for the sake spend your life working with sheep fells mountains fens connect connected fancy techno gadgets your pocket our world mountains meadows dry stone walls wall dry-stone-walls sheep sheepdogs managing landscape ancestors ancestor many century centuries nominated World Heritage status unique landscape culture iPhone free upgrade cell phone old mobile died camera Twitter app pocket connect old quirky way /

Mini Boom Ultimate Ears

Credit: Amazon

Pro:
Impressive sound
Easy NFC pairing
Can connect 2 for wide stereo separation

Con:
Excessive packaging

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/11/22/ue-mini-boom-portable-bluetooth-speaker-review/#more-143858

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/reviews/ultimate-ears-mini-boom-hands-on-review-16121440

http://www.digitaltrends.com/wireless-speaker-reviews/ultimate-ears-mini-boom-review/#/5/ portable Bluetooth speaker review little speaker UE MINI BOOM and it’s made by Ultimate Ears Logitech in ear in-ear headphones manufacturer headphone maker speaker speakers images image hardware specs specifications spec specification maximum sound level SPL 86dBC frequency range 130 Hz – 20 kHz drivers two 1.5″ 4 Ohm drivers one 3″ x 1.5″ passive radiator dimensions: 4.4 x 2.6in 11.1 x 6.1 cm UE MINI BOOM review gripe product packaging unusually cool noteworthy packaging UE MINI BOOM isn’t cool over the top wasteful. thick plastic box promptly be trashed UE use packaging make it more universally recyclable plastic base accepted recycler recycling recycleable recycle center centre package contents UE MINI BOOM speaker nicro USB charging cable instruction sheet 5 colour colour color colors green version front back made of perforated metal top bottom sides covered black rubber like look and feel speaker feels solid well made appreciate lack overly noticeable branding UE carved into each side back power switch status LED micro USB charge port 3.5mm audio input jack top volume button buttons Bluetooth pair button doubles answer end button speakerphone feature has an NFC tag top UE MINI BOOM tap NFC enabled phone on the speaker automatically do the Bluetooth pairing for you near field communication NFC initial indifference the feature like convenience not having drill down into my phone’s settings manually pair speaker NFC capable device still pair manually speaker 10 hr battery life 50 ft range Bluetooth no loss of audio install the UE app iOS Android device connect 2 UE MINI BOOMS together wide stereo separation application app also shows battery level EQ setting ability turn off notification tones texts other alerts won’t interrupt your tunes unexpectedly huge sound little speaker crazy impressive volume sound quality too bass surprisingly thumpy highs mids lows high mid low balanced all types of music sounded good through the speaker fingerstyle ukulele instrumentals each plucked string crisp clear each strum warm soothing pop rock dubstep tunes listen listening through much larger speaker vocals drums piano horns sound sounded clear listening through streaming service Pandora Google portable Bluetooth speakers speaker price range sound quality UE MINI BOOM best smallest speaker tested my favorite portable Bluetooth speaker on a budget limited space UE MINI BOOM speaker keeper /

The quest to end influenza

Credit: Kevin Van Aelst/The Atlantic

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/12/the-quest-to-end-the-flu/354677/ / isolate isolated virus viruses Doris Bucher lab laboratory colleagues New York Medical College life death lives might virus flu influenza 2009 H1N spread spreading across North America appear country countries around the world scientist scientists center centre centres Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed analyze vaccine production next flu season effective immune systems system stop virus global outbreak pandemic 2009 H1N1 expert experts capacity flu pandemics pandemic previous century Spanish Flu 1918–19, killed an estimated 50 million people H1N1 virus research researchers CDC make a new vaccine /

Smart watch: a long time coming

Credit: Engadget

Linked below is an advertisement for the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch. For me, the brilliant ad is better than the watch — barely one day of battery life is a deal breaker.

Here's the video:

http://youtu.be/B3qeJKax2CU

Pebble is my smartwatch. It shows the text of incoming emails & SMS, reminds me of upcoming appointments (again with reminder text), alerts me to incoming calls, even when the phone is on silent in another room, tells me the temperature or remaining charge on my phone or a range of other measures (my choice) & warns me if I've left my phone behind. Battery life over a week, depending on use. Hundreds of free, downloadable watch faces with a range of capabilities.

Some decorative:


Credit, all watchfaces: My Pebble Watchfaces



Some novel:



Some functional:






Credit, all watchfaces: My Pebble Watchfaces

Downloadable here:

http://www.mypebblefaces.com/?pebble_sdk[]=1&

Or design your own at this Web site:

http://www.watchface-generator.de/

Design your own with the Canvas app on Android phone:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pennas.pebblecanvas&hl=en

Canvas blog:

http://pebblecanvas.blogspot.com.au/

Pebble smartwatch review:

http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/25/pebble-smartwatch-review/ / Fitbit Force Flex Pebble Samsung Galaxy Gear Sony smart watch Kickstarter crowd funding source sourced sourcing wrist firmware update SMS text email color TXT /

This $100 beard trimmer projects lasers onto your face

Credit: Phillips

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2013/11/laser-beard-trimmer/ / trim trimming trimmer trimmed mustache beard whiskers sideburns equal length lengths mirror finger fingers sideburns look mirror distance face shave complex geometric patterns beard chalk line chalk-line tool protractor modern science Philips Norelco Beardtrimmer Series 9000 beard trimmer laser guide built in laser guide project intricate multi line multi-line pattern patterns your face project projects one line essentially handy trimmer pop up pop-up laser guide wash Series 9000 in water how close you’re shaving fancy LED display reverse clipper head charge battery /

How to save money shopping on line

Credit: Amazon/Techlicious

http://techland.time.com/2013/11/19/4-price-trackers-that-can-save-you-a-fortune/

http://www.techlicious.com/tip/6-ways-to-save-money-shopping-on-amazon/ / best places find deal online Amazon bargain appears offline world research pays check out tips ensure you're getting great deal while navigating virtual aisles Amazon shop bargain bins what you want bargain bins find found search link named Today’s Deals top every Amazon page Today’s Deals landing page Best Deals section loaded with bargains every category Lightning Deals section time-sensitive sales time sensitive lasting four hours until sold out products specific category automotive electronics Deal of the Day discount up to 75 percent off single item changes daily on Friday Fridays one day one-day discounts more products click clicking Friday Sale link top of the Today’s Deal’s page adjacent two more links worth using Amazon’s Outlet Center Warehouse Deals pages page price checker browser plug-in plug in don’t assume price prices lowest available anywhere seller is a third-party third party store stores on Amazon sell products twice the retail price products that outdated even obsolete check other retailers’ retailer retailers price prices specialty websites Best Buy electronics Home Depot tools hard to find hard-to-find item must have it at any price educated choice browser plug in plug-in InvisibleHand for Firefox Chrome make this process easy browsing on Amazon plug-in display notification pop up price location of the better deal check suggested retail price design error inflated retail pricing your discount appears higher use price tracking browser plug-in plug in find item Amazon hoping price will fall later consider CamelCamelCamel plugin Firefox Safari Chrome install installed graph Amazon price history sign up receive email alerts price drops below level check out seller who sell selling ship shipping item shipped Amazon another seller returns exchange policy different Amazon Amazon’s sold shipped Amazon tagged Super Saver Shipping free shipping Amazon Prime pre paid pre-paid premium membership plan check out seller's feedback rating before buying very few reviews satisfaction rating less than 90% want to take your business elsewhere use Super Saver Shipping total value minimum can push cost shipping charges past price item elsewhere Filler Item Finder site sites suggest Amazon priced exactly the amount you need slightly higher sort your results by category including books music grocery Pinterest price tracking NIFTI bargain hunter save saving money past purchases purchase Slice Amazon camelcamelcamel online shopping /

These airless tyres keep rolling after taking a bullet

Credit: Polaris/Wired

Pneumatic tyres make motor vehicles, as we know them, possible. At the same time, they remain (almost literally) their Archilles heel. There have been many efforts to find an alternative, so far with no commercial success.

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2013/11/polaris-airless-tires/

http://youtu.be/6NnFIqHeV54

http://youtu.be/XptlYoqbIvQ


Credit: NASA/Science Kids

To date, the most spectacular success of airless tyres was on the Lunar Rovers used on the Moon by astronauts during the Apollo 15, 16 & 17 Moon landings. Pneumatic tyres were not an option in that case, because at lunar temperatures, rubber becomes brittle.

http://www.google.com/search?q=lunar%20rover / airless tires tire tyre tyres set Ll terrain vehicle ATV open air open-air tank Polaris Sportsman WV850 H.O. HO vehicle non pneumatic non-pneumatic tire military spec specification military-spec MV850 pound towing capacity winch winching gallon fuel tank single speed single-speed transmission TerrainArmor tires .50-caliber rifle 50 /

Google Now update: The best thing about Android just got even better

Credit: Boy Genius Report

http://bgr.com/2013/11/14/google-now-update-enhancement/ / Android wide range functionality hundreds of thousands of apps applications versatility afforded by Google’s open source elements excellent functional create a fantastic mobile experience impressive most useful Google’s mobile operating system OS Google Now Google announced Google+ page service new card types news topics website updates what to watch fan blog Website update card latest post never miss a story News topic card fresh articles Web topics Google’s Android team What to watch card Movie TV recommendations recommend post continued great additions Google Now today today’s update traffic incidents your commute real-time data Waze set repeat reminders real time scores rugby teams team your packages are ready for in-store pickup in store Google Now intelligent personal assistant solution provides users with information shipping confirmation Gmail account tracking number Google Now show you card delivery information appointment in your calendar across town Google Now alert you need to leave route and traffic into account flight coming up details in an email in your inbox update updated on the status of the flight flights Google Now update updating updated automatically compatible devices installed manually download downloading Google Search app application Google Play store /

Tesla fires

After the accident in Mexico. Expensive car reduced to a pile of scrap. And the driver walked away unharmed! Make that "ran away", as it has been alleged the driver was drunk. Either way, looks like all those stars for crash safety are justified.
Credit: Axis Of Oversteer

You may remember the report in these pages of a fire in Tesla Model S in Washington State, USA on 01 October 2013. At the time, a little investigation made it clear that too much was being made of a single event in an otherwise exemplary safety record.

Since that time there have been two more fires.

In Mexico, a Model S caught fire after it jumped a curb, smashed several feet of brick wall & hit a tree. Obviously, any car is likely to catch fire after such a series of impacts.

The third instance resembles the first: road debris, penetration of the armoured floor pan leading to a fire.

So, what does this tell us about the safety of the Tesla Model S?

1. After a series of impacts, such as occurred in the Mexico event, any car is at substantial risk of fire. No conclusion can be drawn from a single, extreme event, apart from the the extraordinary crash safety of the Model S, given that the driver was able to leave the scene on foot.

2. Two of the fires have some elements in common: road debris, penetration of the armoured floor pan leading to a fire.

3. All vehicles are at risk from penetration of the floor pan. This includes the fuel tank, oil pan & fuel lines in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

4. To this time, the record of the Model S & other EVs is much better than that of ICE vehicles.

5. No one has been injured in any of these events. Amazingly, that includes the one in Mexico.

Further discussion linked below:

Tesla Fires: What We Know, & What We Need To Find Out

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1088281_tesla-fires-what-we-know-and-what-we-need-to-find-out

How Tesla May Beef Up Its Model S Battery Protection System

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1088380_how-tesla-may-beef-up-its-model-s-battery-protection-system

Tesla's Elon Musk: "Despite fires, Model S still the safest vehicle."

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57612068-76/teslas-musk-despite-fires-model-s-still-safest-vehicle/

Mexico Fire

http://blog.axisofoversteer.com/2013/10/another-tesla-on-fire-after-crash.html / armored Tesla Model S Elon Musk EV electric vehicle lithium ion LiIon battery cell charge recharge energy electricity kWh Volt Watt kiloWatt hour discharge range safety fire petrol fuel first fire October 1 Kent Washington outside Seattle Model S ran over piece road debris later described curved section fell semi trailer semi-trailer Tesla Model S in flames Kent Washington punched 3 inch 3-inch hole quarter inch thick 1/4-inch-thick armor plate protecting battery pack force 25 tons according report Tesla car alerted driver fault pulled over exited exit car car's owner Robert Carlson Tesla investor performed very well extreme test during accident plan plans buy replacement Model S National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration NHTSA release released statement Thursday indicate recent battery fire involving Tesla Model S result of a vehicle safety defect non-compliance with federal safety standards second fire October 18 Mérida city Mexican Yucatán apparently occurred Model S driver jumped curb took out several feet concrete wall hit a tree driver reported drunk under the influence alcohol Jalopnik fled the scene not uncommon in Mexico video of the aftermath here NSFW issued statement saying driver appreciative safety performance car expedite delivery of his next Model S fire generated less controversy driver at fault /

Your Zodiac zign, your health

Credit: Wikimedia/The Atlantic

How close you date of birth is to the middle of winter is positively correlated with intelligence. Less positively, it is also positively correlated with schizophrenia. Neither of these correlations are enormous, but they are there. A range of other characteristics are correlated with birth date, including risk for: multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, Type 1 diabetes, bipolar disorder, allergies, & how long you will live.

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/11/your-zodiac-sign-your-health/281358/ / contemporary scientists astrology absurd month born conceived affect future life chances neuroscientists Russell G. Foster Till Roenneberg 2008 study 24 different health disorders connected season of birth despite human isolation from season changes temperature food photoperiod insustrialised industrialized nations nation seasons small significant impact born many aspects of health no clear underlying mechanism observed phenomena theory theories range levels level maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy seasonal viral bacterial exposure connection between seasonal birth certain disorders Chris Ciarleglio neuroscientist currently working postdoctoral fellow Brown University methodologybwhy Ciarleglio’s primary research interest team of researchers John Axley Benjamin Strauss Karen Gamble Doug McMahon McMahon Lab Vanderbilt university uncovered most compelling solution theory please hard line hard-line advocates scientific method astrologer astrologers born winter raised heightened higher risk schizophrenia born sunnier months popular knowledge all humans internal clock circadian rhythm regulates sleep wake cycle when to wake up every morning central life functions function cell growth death reproduction functioning function digestive tissue lung lungs heart liver patterns social behavior control controlled biological clock stable genetically calibrated clock environmental factors permanently negative negatively alter season birth McMahon Lab team newborn mice three different environments corresponding different photoperiod year split between light dark spring fall equinox equinoxes summer solstice winter solstice 21 days different photoperiod environments research researching researchers reacted mice adapted change clocks of the winter raised mice extremely labile unstable instability winter raised winter-raised mind study studies correlate correlation various diseases disorders seasons of birth correlation more than 200 studies confirmed results meta study meta-study 2003 accounting 86 million births different parts of the world born winter higher risk schizophrenia summer sunnier months /

The science behind posture & how it affects your brain

Credit: LifeHacker

Posture & body language not only reflect our moods, but affect them as well. Exercise improves mood. Smiling improves mood too. Try it. More at:

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2013/11/the-science-behind-posture-and-how-it-affects-your-brain/ / confess terrible posture been bad since high school mind eat eating more vegetables post stand sit walk more longer reaching implications mood happiness thought latest studies reveal shake shaking head affect opinion body language closely related posture move body bodies effect effects affect affects how others see us our own moods mood habit habits science sciences scientific research researching researcher overlap surprising posture body language affect thoughts thought think thinking studying study Ohio State University 2003 found that our opinions subconscious subconsciously influenced our physical behaviour behavior behave example examples participant participants participate study nodded agree agreements shook head heads signal disagreement action actions affected opinions opinion study show showed when participant participate participants hugged themselves sometimes able reduce their physical pain Holland Netherlands Dutch behavioural scientist Erik Peper extensive research regularly makes participants participate participant class classes stand up stretch similar reasons exercise has been linked happy happiness three fascinating things that happened once our posture changes example sit up straight more likely remember positive memories think thought something positive according experiment insight skip during breaks can significantly increase energy levels level slow slump slumped walk drain energy study find finding found most affected depression before study energy drained more than others other convinced careful eye posture body language hormones hormone good posture affects affect relationships animal kingdom body language express power expansive postures posture spreading out limb limbs open opening body large body size simple perception large body size Amy Cuddy’s Cuddy famous Ted Talk incredible insights how posture changes change hormone levels level more recent study studies study researchers Columbia Harvard university Universities showed that body language symbolising power actually affect decision making decision-making subconsciously subconscious researcher research researchers measured measure appetite risk participants expansive powerful poses constricted pose poses occupying minimal space keep occupy keeping limbs close to the body powerful poses felt more powerful in control 45% more likely take risky bet study used saliva samples prove expansive postures actually altered participant participants’ participants hormone levels level decreasing cortisol increasing testosterone neuroendocrine profile High T Low C been consistently linked such outcomes disease resistance leader leadership abilities posture mind minds might have thought body our bodies come first alter our posture body language subconsciously influences thinking decision making decision-making no one best posture take advantage proven benefits live healthier happier life where should start know there large amount different areas painful bad posture preventing back strain position measure maintain angle sitting LUMObackbposture sensor wear around your waist develop better posture device watches slouch slouching shifting side vibrates remind sit up straight team doctor data scientist medical advisor advise leaning back leaning-back position workday best posture keep moving /

Zero Motorcycles 2014 — fast & quite (video)

Credit: Solar Business Services

With up to 14.2kWh of lithium ion storage, weight of 201kg, range up to 276km, 0-100kmh 3.3 seconds & top speed of 164kmh this is a very practical & fun motorcycle for a lot of people.

http://solarbusiness.com.au/future-arrived-called-zero/?utm_source=SolarBusinessServices+Subscribers&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=a43fb0bb7b-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_term=0_a7913085db-a43fb0bb7b-57986369

Video

http://youtu.be/EiuWOTuGuEU

http://youtu.be/GjfvCxzfR_Y

http://youtu.be/f4BKOz4Fsn8 / lithium ion LiIon battery pack charge recharge regen regenerative braking /

iPhone 6 Specs: 2014 iPhones to have curved 4.7 & 5.5-inch screens

More references to larger screen(s) on the next iPhone(s).

http://bgr.com/2013/11/11/iphone-6-specs-curved-screens/ / Apple iPhone larger display device devices user experience compromises users compromise news organizations analysts testing larger displays various varying sizes next generation next-generation iPhone iOS iPad iPod OS operating system Wall Street Journal testing displays 6 inches Jefferies & Co. analyst Peter Misek iPhone 6 4.8-inch display 4.8 inch inches DisplaySearch DisplaySearch’s David Hsieh 4.7 4.7-inch screen 5.7 5.7-inch screen latest report next generation next-generation iPhone feature 5-inch 1080p display Bloomberg on Sunday claim claimed confirm confirmed launch launching two completely redesigned iPhone models next year feature display measure measures 4.7 inches diagonally diagonal perhaps flagship phablet tablet iPhablet territory 5.5 5.5-inch display 5.7 5.7-inch panel Samsung Samsung’s massive Galaxy Note 3 model models feature display displays covered glass curve curved curves downward at the edges claim new iPhones will use flexible curved displays recent offerings Samsung LG develop development developer developing working pressure sensitive pressure-sensitive screens screen measure amount pressure applied user touch touches new display technology future iPhone models handset handsets Apple plan planned 2014 review iPhone 5s use using month small undersized diminutive tiny iPhone screen smartphone smart phone phone large larger display size increase increasing overall footprint new feature display displays extend side edges devices narrow narrower rival phones accommodate new larger screens screen /

Smartphone cameras tried & tested: the pros & cons of the latest models (video)

Nokia Lumia 1020
Credit: The Guardian

As indicated in the text of the linked article, phone cameras are the most used cameras in the world. Doesn't it follow that they are among, if not the, most important cameras in the world?

iPhone 5S, Sony Xperia Z1, Nokia Lumia 1020 & Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom compared. Most have their strengths: perhaps most obvious, the optical zoom in the Samsung & the 41 megapixel sensor in the Nokia. With 41 megapixels, a 2 x digital zoom still leaves a 10 megapixel image.

As indicated in the text & just watching the video, it's obvious that the author is a talented photographer who knows a lot more about cameras & photography than anyone else I've seen or read reviewing phone cameras.

Definitely worth a look:

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/nov/08/smartphone-cameras-tried-and-tested / smartphone smartphones smart phone phones Dan Rubin weigh weight weighing palm smartphone cameras camera iPhone 4 phone camera good enough practical use worldwide surge mobile photography photograph photographs photographer photographers Instagram professional photographer renaissance man digital age working software product design pioneering serious professional approach smartphone photography considers no less rewarding taking pictures Canon 5D Mk II most used cameras world now because photos all being shared seeing more world camera phone right conditions right light framing focus shot big camera rendered point and shoot point-and-shoot cameras almost obsolete threaten threatening DSLR software intelligence Canon Nikon image processing mobile photography take more photographs more we take photographs better photographers doesn't matter what hardware you have important thing learning how to see /

Science tries to count its calories during Jurassic sex

http://arstechnica.com/science/2013/11/weird-science-tries-to-count-its-calories-during-jurassic-sex/ / taking performance monitoring into the bedroom know how much getting out of their exercise use cycling computers pedometer pedometers exercise machines machine read out happening Watt tracking exertion bedroom down calorie calories handful research researching researchers 21 couples agree wear devices track energy used onset foreplay end intercourse partner having have orgasm result sex pretty good exercise comparable compare moderate workout treadmill almost all participants reported sexual activity more pleasant than treadmill exercise Men burned more than women 4.2 kCal/minute 3.1 kCal foreplay likely actual sex was even more energetic energy intensive author authors missed out great opportunity correlate calories kilo calorie burned pleasure all participants rate their own partner partner's apparent enjoyment rating rated exercise experience few exceptions exception more fun than a treadmill rate rating ratings same percentage man men woman women rated pleasure high difference both sexes think men enjoy more result men underestimate their partner partner's enjoyment women overestimate confirmed sex dates Jurassic change changed 165 million years insect insects called froghoppers fossil fossilized the act coitus permanentus earliest confirmed instance sex among insects fossils visible genitalia predate assume organs used purpose genitalia froghoppers apparently stuck evolve evolution evolved froghoppers genitalic genitalia genitals genital symmetry mate mating position remained static over 165 million years /

Scientists reveal the full power of the Chelyabinsk meteor explosion

Credit: → Kunde ←/YouTube

You may remember the meteorite which exploded over Chelyabinsk in Russia earlier this year. Seems the damage caused may be greater than first believed:

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/nov/06/chelyabinsk-meteor-russia

It gets worse — the danger is nothing less than the destruction of civilisation itself.

http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2011/12/whats-6-miles-wide-can-end-civilization.html

http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2013/02/heres-what-would-happen-if-huge.html

But there may be ways to avert Armageddon.

More about those big, massive, fast moving things up there:

http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-sky-is-falling-flash-video.html

http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2012/07/striking-streaks-15-photos-of-meteors.html

A further risk of a major impact similar to the Tunguska meteorite (Russia, 1908) is that it could be mistaken for a nuclear missile strike, triggering a major nuclear exchange. / acclaimed British scientist Stephen Hawking urgent call continuation space exploration programs programme program beyond Earth live next millennium species extinct space humanity Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles proponent space exploration planet Earth continue to support human life population finite resources planet Earth growing exponentially, technical ability change environment genetic code selfish aggressive instincts survival advantage avoid disaster next hundred years, let alone the next thousand or million Hawking our only chance of long-term survival spread out into space space exploration global financial crisis major spending cuts NASA NASA’s budget planetary science cut $300 million exploration prediction Kepler mission discovering scores potentially habitable planets new technology fusion powered fusion-powered rockets rocket journey planets starship threats posed space rocks meteor meteorite asteroids hit Earth risk impact crater shock wave passed overhead blew out windows injured hundreds of people 2012 DA14 zipping past Earth inside orbit some man-made satellites astronomers strikes NASA America's space agency watching the sky rock orbits bring them close to Earth near-Earth object NEO track tracking tracked down around 90% of the very biggest NEOs planet killers a kilometre or more across wiped out dinosaurs 7-10km heavyweights are smaller less dangerous damage hit town city hard harder to spot NEO-detection detection Japanese Space Agency universities ask for more money to expand their search researchers, meanwhile pondering what to do if an asteroid is detected that is indeed on a collision course with Earth blast dangerous asteroid apart using nuclear weapons doomsday scenario fracture large asteroid into several smaller ones 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty bans nuclear explosions in space The European Space Agency mission called Don Quijote large heavy spacecraft ram asteroid away alter send sending rocket engine asteroid could work asteroid relatively small detected plenty time spare proposal paint one side asteroid light dark colours colour color colors tweaking tweak trajectory neat bit physics called Yarkovsky effect describes which sunlight gives celestial bodies force gentle push gravity tractor orbit around asteroid rely relying gravity tug rock gently out of the way /

For the price of a mile of highway, you too can have a bike-friendly city (video)

Roadways suitable for motor traffic are expensive to construct & expensive to maintain. Cycle paths on the other hand are much cheaper.

Of course, there are many other benefits of bikes for transport, including improved health of cyclists, improved air quality & reduced traffic congestion.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/28/price-mile-highway-bike-friendly-city / cars Fred Armisen Spyke, bicycle advocate Portlandia car noisy ugly smell terrible cause disease epidemic proportion. move too fast extraordinary amount space leech economy run people over kids motor accident fatality death road toll bicycle activist Portland Oregon bicycle friendly most bicycle-friendly city USA US hate cars people who drive cars drivers most to lose cost expense money major source cause household debt investment investments like houses depreciation depreciate cost costing more own them use car ownership federal Consumer Expenditure Survey 2012 average family spend spends transportation spend on food reasonable affordable cost of roads construct construction build building maintenance maintaining them petrol gas gasoline gasolene taxes tax myth President Eisenhower signed Interstate Highway Act generation generations escalating civic and private debt sales income property special levies pay for roads bargain taxpayers users alike paint signage concrete rider riders disease chronic diseases heart disease stroke cancer diabetes autism exercise zoning fast food consumption stress social isolation depression healthcare savings invest millions network bicycle only bicycle-only highways connect city suburbs commute save savings healthcare claims medical bills save our lives /

Australia's carbon tax — no repeal bonanza?

Australia relatively recently introduced a "carbon tax" on emissions of carbon dioxide as an initial step towards a carbon trading scheme. The then opposition Liberal/National coalition complained loud & long about the upward pressure on prices which the carbon tax was alleged to have produced. Late last year, the Liberal/Nationals (whose leader, Tony Abbot, once described global warming as "crap") won an election substantially on a promise to repeal the carbon tax, with a substantial downward impact on consumer prices.

Now industry leaders are claiming that repealing the carbon tax will have little or no impact on prices.

http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/11/7/policy-politics/no-carbon-repeal-bonanza-0?utm_source=exact&utm_medium=email&utm_content=500899&utm_campaign=cs_daily&modapt= / assorted claim claims past five years Abbott tabloid media Australia Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry buy buying price prices buy buying electricity bills halved repeal price bonanza business groups industry association ACCI businesses represent sell sale sales Australian Industry Group membership manufacturer manufacture centric manufacturing-centric government AiGroup survey per cent businesses business manufacturing services construction sectors sector pass through on carbon related carbon-related energy cost increases to customers sample pass through cost business businesses total carbon costs estimated passed on to customers customer suggest energy prices price not go down energy prices price risen continue continuing rise other reasons reason particularly large increases electricity network costs dramatic increase in wholesale gas prices proportionate impact remove removing carbon costs not match impact introduction Energy Supply Association coalition government now reduction power bills previous prior government claimed based Treasury modeling modelling Energy Supply Association reduction in prices legislation parliament inform informing direction power bills consumers electricity power prices Australian Food and Grocery Council government community food grocery prices abolish abolishing across the board reduction repealed Business Council of Australia proportion carbon price nature industry contract implication implications government community expectations expectation scale price reductions reduction community community’s expectations expectation impacts impact carbon price based on exaggerated claims elect election elected /

Fun with USB On-The-Go gadgets

Credit: The Gadgeteer

USB OTG (USB On-The-Go) flash drive (4GB) connects to (some) Android devices. Also includes microSD card reader & full size USB flash drive for $25.


Credit: The Gadgeteer

USB OTG 4 port USB hub shown connected to Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Apple keyboard, Lenovo mouse & two USB flash drives. Supplied with an adapter for use as a conventional USB hub for your laptop or desktop computer for $11 total!

More at:

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/11/04/fun-with-usb-on-the-go-gadgets-from-brando/#more-142541 / Android device phone mobile cell smart smartphone OS version 3.1 higher USB on the go On-The-Go useful feature USB On-The-Go abbreviated abbreviate OTG enable enabled enables attach flash storage drive mouse mice keyboard keyboards Android device through micro USB port device Brando sells sell images image 2-in-1 micro USB Flash Drive vailable red black silver 2-in-1 micro USB Flash Drive standard key flash drive full size sized USB connector computer one end micro USB connector Android phone opposite end 2-in-1 3 capacities 8GB 16GB 32GB version 8.43 GB free drive transfer files computer plug it in copy files ordinary flash drive Android phone’s phone micro USB port file explorer app X-plore view copy delete files drive play audio video files easy use works great blink blinks file files being accessed transferred annoy annoying distracting plugged in into phone tablet watch video blink blinking red LED drive full sized USB connector micro USB connector 4GB capacity micro SD card slot MacBook Air Samsung Galaxy S3 Samsung Galaxy Note 2 flash memory SD card mounted separate drive drives copy copying files built in storage SGN2 3rd party ROM installed $25 PQI Connect 201 2-in-1 USB Flash Drive 16 32GB capacities capacity PC Mac Macintosh Linux machine mount external drive remove cap expose micro USB connector connect plug Android device 32GB flash storage PQI physical size built in memory MicroUSB OTG 4-Port Hub gadget review reviewed reviewing micro USB cable groove along the edge /

iPin Laser Presenter for iPhone

iPin laser

Installed in iPhone
Credit: The Gadgeteer

Relatively expensive for a laser presenter, but no batteries to replace (powered from the earphone socket) & nothing extra to carry. iPhone only.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/11/01/ipin-laser-presenter-for-iphone-review/#more-142401/ iPhone iPad iPod iOS Apple present presentation beam point /

SR-71 Blackbird — Running out of superlatives (video)

Credit: NASA

Having entered service in 1964, the SR-71 remains the fastest air breathing, manned aircraft. Ever. At an altitude of 87,000 feet (16.5 miles, 26.5 kilometres), the pilot could see the curvature of the Earth & the blackness of space. Faster than a bullet, the SR-71 flew too high & too fast to be threatened by fighters or missiles.

At Mach 3 it had a turn radius of 100 miles (160 kilometres).

Interestingly, it is claimed that the SR-71 is the only plane that used less fuel the faster it travelled.

Stories from SR-71 pilots:

http://www.twinturbo.net/nissan/300zx/forums/general/view/1116764/Humor-Man-Ive-been-stressed-badlythis-broke-it.html

Video of SR-71 Blackbird:

http://youtu.be/vpVT5Lr0BbI

Longer video (47 minutes)

http://youtu.be/kn6CgKEuB-M / sr71 plane air plane aeroplane photograph aerial surveylance pilot photograph photography Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird advanced long range long-range Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft development develop developed black project Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft Skunk Works division Clarence Kelly Johnson design designing designer design's innovative concepts reconnaissance missions SR-71 operated operate operation high speeds altitude altitudes outrace threats surface-to-air missile launch detected standard evasive action accelerate outfly missile serve served U.S. Air Force Habu world record fastest air breathing air-breathing manned aircraft /

TronicalTune adds push-button tuning to your existing guitar (video)

Credit: TruNorth/The Gadgeteer

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/11/01/tronicaltune-adds-push-button-tuning-to-your-existing-electric-guitar/

Video of TronicalTune add-on push-button tuning in action:

http://youtu.be/Y0D8k5TwtcI / TronicalTune Cybertronic Tuning System Germany German TruNorth tunes tune guitar seconds push button strum strings system consists miniaturized low profile micro controller micro-controller six motorized tuning pegs install installs back guitar’s headstock replace replacing replaced existing tuning pegs peg 10 minutes professional installation alteration special tools TronicalTune powered rechargeable lithium polymer battery lithium ion LiIon provides 300 tunings tuning tune per charge charged charging system compatible with hundreds of electric acoustic guitars well known brands brand Gibson Fender Yamaha Taylor Epiphone Ibanez music musician musicians switch between 18 different tune tuning tunings 12 factory presets 6 user presets preset press of a button button pressed TronicalTune signals signal servomotor servo motor peg turn tighten tightening tighten loosen tight loose loosening string adjust adjusting adjusted pitch tune TronicalTune recommend recommended retail price pricing suggested price $329 chrome vintage pearl $349 black $369 gold close closest retailer /

Blood & Gore: Coal is becoming a stranded asset

Credit: BBC

With widespread installation of solar, wind farms & other renewable sources of electricity, coal is becoming less attractive to investors. In an article published in The Wall Street Journal, Al Gore & David Blood, claim that coal may become a stranded asset. I.e. "... an asset that has become obsolete, or non-performant, but must be recorded on the balance sheet as a loss of profit. The term has particular relevance to pricing long-term economic and environmental sustainability." — Wikipedia

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1088081_gore-and-blood-coal-is-becoming-a-stranded-asset / power station Gore Blood our energy future stranded assets those lose economic value anticipated useful life reserves fossil fuels particularly coal unused value values fall decrease legislation legislative technology improvements obsolescence petroleum future stranded asset regulation education automotive industry spending more cut contribution climate change form emitted carbon regulatory regulation side influenced carbon budgets budget limits limit restrict carbon output energy usage use company companies industry long term long-term carbon budgets reduce fossil fuel use existing fuel reserves monetized authors suggest cause the current energy market energy-market bubble burst investors see perceive value assets will fall Al Gore David Blood writing The Wall Street Journal carbon based carbon-based energy investors same mistake invest investment invested sub-prime mortgages global economic crisis 2007 2008 ignore risk stranded carbon assets government governments governmental policy attempts mitigate effects climate change coal reserves viewed as valuable major part electricity electrical electric energy generation particularly susceptible stranded-asset stranded asset risk regulation advances technology green greener options fixing fix problem best option divestment encouraging investors away from portfolios carry high carbon related carbon-related risks risk towards low risk reduce reduced alternative energy convinced by climate change global warming green house greenhouse green-house effect carbon dioxide CO2 arguments change changes government governmental policy invest investing industry increasing increasingly expensive regulation political economic outlook renewable energy becoming cost competitive cost-competitive subsidy subsidies future success alternative energy base based regulation regulatory mandates energy companies company looking towards alternatives investors invest investment coal exports reducing reduction dropping USA U.S. coal-heavy China reduce pollution problems hint fairly value coal decline future investors overlooking risk stranded assets asset bottom line continued use carbon-based fuel fuels economic /