Saturday 28 February 2015

Vale Leonard Nimoy




Leonard Nimoy as most will remember him
Credit: movieactors.com


More recent
Credit: Memory Alpha


Despite the title of a biography: “I am not Spock,” it is for that role that he will be primarily remembered. Many know that he directed two of the Star Trek movies, fewer, that he directed “3 Men & a Baby”, fewer still are aware of his photography.

“Boston was a great city to grow up in, & it probably still is. We were surrounded by two very important elements: academia & the arts. I was surrounded by theater, music, dance, museums. And I learned how to sail on the Charles River. So I had a great childhood in Boston. It was wonderful.”

“My folks came to U.S. as immigrants, aliens, & became citizens. I was born in Boston, a citizen, went to Hollywood & became an alien.”

“Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end.”

"I quit smoking 30 years ago. Not soon enough. Grandpa says, quit now!!"

On photography

“For a period of time, I carried cameras with me wherever I went, & then I realized that my interest in photography was turning toward the conceptual. So I wasn't carrying around cameras shooting stuff, I was developing concepts about what I wanted to shoot. And then I'd get the camera angle & do the job.”

“But if you're talking about fine art work, then I think you have to ask yourself some pretty deep questions about why it is you want to take pictures & what it is you want to say.”

“My dream concept is that I have a camera & I am trying to photograph what is essentially invisible. And every once in a while I get a glimpse of her & I grab that picture.”


Leonard Nimoy 1931-2015

/ StarTrek movie actor actor Leonard Nimoy worldwide fan base as the pointy-eared half-human half-Vulcan Mr Spock Star Trek television film franchise died at age 83 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease home Los Angeles Susan Bay Nimoy death New York Times private memorial service outpouring of grief social media paid tribute geek idol Star Trek co-star William Shatner Captain James T Kirk co-star George Takei Mr Sulu heartfelt tribute the world lost a great man great friend live long and prosper friend acting career 1950s television series iconic role Mr Spock Star Trek 1966 spaceship USS Enterprise science officer Spock galaxy exploring new worlds character Spock several feature films Vulcan salute salutation live long and prosper SF SciFi Sci Fi science-fiction hand gesture Jewish blessing US president Barack Obama "Long before being nerdy was cool, there was Leonard Nimoy" accomplished director directing 1987 box-office hit Three Men and a Baby starring Tom Selleck diagnosis diagnosed with COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease chronic obstructive lung disease COLD chronic obstructive airway disease COAD progressive lung disease /

Friday 27 February 2015

What are eyelashes for?


Credit: homeshop.com

There’s the fairly obvious, but rarely used, last moment warning for small objects, like an insect flying into the eye, triggering a tightly closed eye.

Recently, a study of a large number of species, including red kangaroo, camel, African elephant, giraffe, zebra & chimpanzees has found that the length of eyelashes is one third the width of the eye. At this length, eyelashes create an area of still air on the surface of the eyeball.

But people have different length eyelashes — this may reflect differences in the width of the eye, or the shape of the face.

http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2015/02/25/4186151.htm / long lashes eyes stand research researchers ideal lash length protects your eyes dust damage Journal of the Royal Society Interface eyelashes length one-third width eye eye ball protective zone still air eyeball surface Dr David Hu function eyelashes eyes hypotheses eyelashes associate professor mechanical engineering biology Georgia Institute of Technology shade eye Sun dust catchers study colleagues studied 22 mammals Museum of Natural History New York City animal pelts eyelash length animals strict relationship lash is about one-third width of the eye wind tunnel researchers fake eye tested it walking-speed wind tunnel evaporation eye's surface optimum eyelash length minimises air flow on the eye surface cuts down evaporation reduces the amount of dust fine particles contact eye air moving over the eye's surface protect the eye too long funnel air down towards the eye create a zone of still air at the eye's surface variation one-third rule longer eyelashes shape of the face studies influences flow gets to the eye wind tunnels pressure on the eye animals live desert environments camels giraffes especially thick eyelashes shelter eyes from dust children with allergies longer lashes eyelashes provide protective function /

Thursday 26 February 2015

3D printing — faster, cheaper development of better parts



3D printing allows rapid prototyping, which makes parts cheaper. It does this by shortening the development & testing cycle from months to days. A shorter development cycle can also make parts better, because a shorter development cycle allows for more development cycles.

Case in point is the jet engine which has been produced by Monash University & spin off company Amaero Engineering, using 3d printing.

It all began two years ago with a challenge from French aerospace company Safran.
The company gave the Monash researchers one of their old engines, & asked them to make a copy.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-26/australian-researchers-create-first-3d-jet-engine/6262462

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/3d-printing-melbourne-engineers-print-jet-engine-in-world-first-20150226-13pfv1.html

http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printed-jet-engine/36273/ / Australian researchers world's world first 3D-printed jet engine manufacturing breakthrough engineer engineers cheaper lighter more fuel-efficient jets partnership Monash University spin-out company Amaero Engineering Airbus Boeing defence contractor Raytheon breakthrough engineers make test parts melt mould carve turn final product Professor Ian Smith Monash University vice-provost research very quickly final product advantages technology rapid prototyping making large number prototypes quickly make bespoke parts classic engineering technologies technology made materials printing parts developed materials printers sufficient quality French aerospace industry large companies Safran Microturbo Airbus work Monash Australian companies challenge French aerospace company Safran old engine make a copy top-secret prototype parts Safran Boeing Airbus capabilities technology useful aerospace industry enormous applications biomedical industry serious car accident scanned scanner 3D printer operating table print precise body parts additive manufacturing high-powered laser fuse powdered nickel titanium aluminium shape opportunity declining manufacturing industry car industry's decline demise supply chain industry supports automotive sector revolutionary disruptive technologies traditional industries technology industry build new industries regenerate existing industries cutting edge military technology hardware chief scientist US Air Force Dr Mica Endsley great opportunity Dr Robert Hobbs spare parts on demand defence defense /

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Pebble Time — video (update)



Pebble’s original smartwatch set records on Kickstarter, & now there is a new Pebble setting records.

Retaining the best features of the original, including:
● 7 day battery life
● readable-in-the-brightest-sunlight e-paper display
● compatibility with existing Pebble apps & watchfaces

Pebble Time adds:
● new user interface
● colour
● slimmer case
● microphone
Gorilla Glass face, among other new features.

After opening on Kickstarter just a few hours ago, Pebble Time is already oversubscribed many times. When I last looked, the counters were updating every few seconds.

Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-time-awesome-smartwatch-no-compromises/

Pebble web site
https://getpebble.com / colour color e-paper smartwatch up to 7 days of battery new timeline interface important in your day new watch called Pebble Time new timeline interface color e-paper display microphone responding to notifications battery life water resistance customizable customizability Pebble Time fully compatible 6,500+ existing Pebble apps watchfaces watch face colors Kickstarter shipping in May extra special engraving original Kickstarter backers support us again the world’s first real smartwatch Kickstarter community early adopters support worldwide movement overwhelming support feedback Pebble Kickstarter wearables exclusive access to our newest product more info at a glance new color e-paper display easy to read always-on displaying incoming notifications watchface LCD OLED power consumption minimized industry-leading battery life up to 7 days awesome watch easy to read always-on displaying incoming notifications Pebble Time 20% thinner ergonomic curved design fits comfortably stylish durable lens is scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass bezel stainless steel water resistant run rain water-balloon battle swim personalize soft silicone band all standard 22mm watch bands will fit quick-release pin swap bands DIYers accessory makers advanced customizers publishing 3D data create amazing straps, covers docks smart accessory port enabling hardware developers build sensors smart straps connect directly to the watch three colors black watch case silicone black PVD stainless steel bezel silver PVD red watch case /

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Coffee — you should be drinking more — maybe


Credit: Inhabitat

Coffee has lots of benefits:

http://www.inc.com/peter-economy/coffee-5-surprising-reasons-why-you-should-be-drinking-more-of-it.html

Or … maybe not:

http://www.inc.com/travis-bradberry/caffeine-the-silent-killer-of-success.html

Which brings us to the real problem with coffee — lack of good, authoritative, consistent information. / improved improving improve performance cut down on caffeine coffee drinker ability manage your emotions remain calm under pressure direct link performance research top performers emotional intelligence skilled managing emotions high stress remain calm and in control good feel more alert improve mood studies study research caffeine improves cognitive task performance memory attention span short-term participants caffeine habits new research Johns Hopkins Medical School performance increases caffeine intake short-term reversal caffeine withdrawal control controlling caffeine caffeine-related performance improvement nonexistent caffeine withdrawal coming off caffeine reduces reduce reduced cognitive performance negative impact mood back to normal new heights performance back to normal adrenaline triggers release adrenaline fight-or-flight response survival mechanism rational thinking emotions overrun behavior irritability anxiety emotional effects caffeine negative effects increase increased raise blood pressure stimulate the heart rapid shallow breathing deprives deprive brain oxygen thinking calm rational ugly sleep brain memories storing discarding dreams wake up alert clear-headed self-control focus memory information-processing speed sleep feeling rested brain cycles reduce reducing caffeine intake caffeine six-hour half-life caffeine negative effects increasing makes it harder to fall asleep caffeine disrupts quality sleep reducing rapid eye movement REM sleep withdrawal stimulant physiologically psychologically addictive lower caffeine intake guidance qualified medical professional researchers Johns headache fatigue sleepiness difficulty concentrating slowly taper espresso stimulating improving memory cancer Alzheimer's extending life longevity negative stress sleeplessness good news Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee academics scientists advise U.S. government agencies Food and Drug Administration FDA Department of Agriculture good for you drink between 3 5 cups full benefits Dutch long-term health risks reduces risk of heart disease lower heart stroke risk factors arrhythmias type 2 diabetes sugar protect against Parkinson's disease study 40 percent lower risk healthy diet brew /

Monday 23 February 2015

Pon punctureless push pin – update


Credit: Pon/Design Milk


Credit: Pon/Design Milk

Have something you want to hang on a pin board, but don’t want to damage it?

Saved by Pon the punctureless push pin!

Works with pin-proof objects like coins too (see link below).

Have to respect good design.

Update: Kickstarter project has ended, but you can still buy them at https://www.ponitup.com/

Pon has comfortably passed its $10,000 goal on Kickstarter. You can still get on board for amounts between $5 for 20 Pons to $130 for 800.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/markweiser/prevent-picture-puncture-with-pon

Thanks to design-milk.com for this item. / Pon display suspend push pin wall tack for design unique patent pending geometry coil head hug objects stab Pon easy slide display inside the coil special angle coil allows for objects to be inserted without crumpling flexible spirals maintain full grip hold thick objects coasters album jacket layers of small objects reminder notes heat-treated stainless steel spring steel spring back original shape expand expanded small same size ordinary normal standard regular thumb tack strong versatile display things prototype prototyped fine tuned tolerances optimised made in the USA experienced local manufacturer imaginative feeding creativity imagination Jenna Blazevich Vichcraft collaborate calligraphic message rewards risks challenges manufacturing package ship environmentally responsible project is fully funded patent pending geometry /

Sunday 22 February 2015

Solar power for Tesla Supercharger stations

Tesla has always planned to power its Supercharger stations with solar, but to date they have been powered from the grid. This doesn’t mean they are powered solely from unsustainable sources. Modern grids are powered from a mix of sources, including solar & other renewables. In Norway, this means that the 6 Supercharger stations (as of August 2013)* are 98% renewable**.

Elsewhere, the situation is not so bright, but improving everywhere.***

And Tesla is taking steps to deliver on its solar promise: its first solar powered Supercharger station is almost ready:

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1096926_teslas-first-solar-powered-supercharger-store-service-center-is-almost-ready
__________

* Mark Kane: “First Six Tesla Supercharger Stations Up & Running in Norway; ~ 120 kW of Power” http://insideevs.com/first-six-tesla-supercharger-stations-up-and-runing-in-norway-120-kw-of-power/

** “Tesla Model S electric taxis in Oslo”
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/tesla-model-s-electric-taxis-in-oslo.html

*** Wikipedia:” Solar power by country” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power_by_country / electric car vehicle EV maker Tesla Motors rapidly opening Supercharger DC fast-charging fast charging stations USA U.S. North America country providing solar-generated solar generated electricity sites Superchargers electricity conventional power grid change Tesla batteries consumers home energy electricity storage Rocklin California Sacramento location single location Tesla showroom new cars displayed Service Center row Supercharger fast-charging stalls a massive array photovoltaic solar cells power entire site another Supercharger site Roseville Galleria Mall freeway access immediate direct added eight additional Supercharger stalls Interstate 80 exchange Sierra College exit solar Power Boom grid parity work local company Phil Haupt Electric of Roseville previous experience electric vehicle supply equipment EVSE installation and maintenance installation all local employees sourced purchased all of our materials locally solar power plant roof solar photovoltaic panels PV shade /

Saturday 21 February 2015

New Pebble watch, Tuesday 24 February


Original Pebble
Credit: Pebble/Forbes

With over a million watches shipped, Pebble is about to announce something new on Tuesday 24 February:

"We’ve found a new framework to use as an interaction model on the watch … It doesn't look like what we have today, & it doesn't look like what's on your smartphone.” — Eric Migicovsky, Pebble founder & CEO

Sign up to “be the first to know”, or just check out the count down timer:

https://getpebble.com/

Other coverage:

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/34422/20150221/countdown-on-pebble-site-suggests-new-smartwatch-debut-heres-what-we-expect.htm

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/new-pebble-release-date-2015,news-20479.html

http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/2/7947799/pebble-1-million-smartwatches-sold-new-hardware-coming

http://www.cnet.com/au/news/pebble-more-than-1-million-smartwatches-shipped/ / smart watch smartwatch smartwatches indie Kickstarter project Pebble improving product selling watches CEO Eric Migicovsky one millionth Pebble price cuts new feature boosted sales figures Google Android Samsung Galaxy Gear new products new software platform Google Apple smartwatches app smartphone smart phone Pebble's new software new framework interaction model apps main focus platform Pebble Steel investment year webOS TV tasked new software platform launch Apple Watch Google Android Wear platform second third generation Android Wear smartwatches third-party developers web-based emulator developers build test apps install software 6,000 apps watchfaces watch face current platform hardware software wrist /

Friday 20 February 2015

Sony just unveiled the stupidest product in the history of the Universe


Credit: Sony/BGR

"Stupidest product in the history of the Universe"? Big claim, but a microSD card that promises, “Premium Sound”, has to be a contender.

http://bgr.com/2015/02/19/sony-premium-sound-memory-card/

http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/19/8068465/sony-memory-card-premium-sound-sr-64hxa

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2015/02/19/sony-to-offer-premium-sound-memory-card/?mod=WSJBlog / seriously wrong Sony single stupidest tech product in history $155 memory card promises deliver premium sound memory card delivering premium sound claim claiming new SR-64HXA memory card produces less electrical noise when reading data card delivers premium sound less noisy other memory cards worth $155 SR-64HXA Class 10 microSDXC card more reasonable $90 Samsung price falls $50 USA US amount speed storage $30 golden-lettered for Premium Sound micro SD SDXC /

Thursday 19 February 2015

"A watch that guaranteed I would never get laid"* (video)


Credit: Cathode Corner

Woz demonstrates his own Nixie Watch (with a bit of commentary on how this thing might be viewed by airlines):



And only $495. Shipping is $15 within USA, $85 to ship anywhere else in the world.

Thinkgeek have a clock kit for $399:


__________
* “If I wanted to buy a watch that guaranteed I would never get laid, I certainly wouldn't have to spend that much on it.” — comment on Slashdothttp://tech.slashdot.org/story/05/12/15/019206/science-meets-style-in-this-cathode-tube-watch / Steve Wozniak Woz wear Apple Watch smart watch smartwatch Nixie Watch clock clocks Nixie tubes hours minutes seconds sequentially set up the watch teach adjust angle hold your arm view the time tubes will light up automatically display the time lift your arm to that angle case black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum mineral crystal face sealed O-ring keep out water dust dirt 2.2″ in diameter 0.79″ thick 20mm band powered by CR2 disposable battery source code firmware page reprogram the watch yourself Cathode Corner Nixie Watch spare Nixie tubes available $15 each video displays the time nixie tubes cold-cathode tube neon mercury argon atmospheric pressure vacuum tube-based Sumlock-Comptometer Anita Mk VII 1961 two-digit wristwatch /

Wednesday 18 February 2015

Patent troll claims to own Bluetooth, scores $15.7M verdict against Samsung

Does your phone use Bluetooth? Your tablet? Computer? Car? Who made it? How long before this troll goes after them too?

How long before patent reform stops this?

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/02/patent-troll-claims-to-own-bluetooth-scores-15-7m-verdict-against-samsung/ / patent enforcers win in court reform Gordon Bremer invent Bluetooth 2.0 admitted stand East Texas Federal Court specification on the market hefty royalty Samsung jury ruled Korean electronics company infringed Bremer's patents 2.5 percent $15.7 million verdict won employer Rembrandt IP oldest most successful patent trolls jury found in Rembrandt's favor Friday trial finding Samsung's Bluetooth-enabled products mobile cell phones tablets televisions Tvs infringe Bremer's patents compatibility between different types of modems connect string of applications 199 first version of Bluetooth invented by Swedish cell phone company Ericsson 1994 award jury verdict giving money to a patent troll make money filing patent lawsuits trial against Samsung same complaint names Blackberry infringer settle settled upcoming trial date Rembrandt's lawyers patents apply to all products using Bluetooth 2.0 products justice was done here Rembrandt lawyer settlement settle inventions patent verdicts trial standards body SIG Bluetooth Special Interest Group /

Tuesday 17 February 2015

How to set a world class time at the drag strip

Internal combustion engine vehicle

Consider fitting “drag radials”. These are actually street legal, & although they will compromise other aspects of tyre performance, times at the drag strip will be improved.

If you’re not experienced with drag racing, or the particular vehicle you will be racing, you will need to get some practice, but not too much, as fast launches are very hard on the machinery.

At the strip, immediately before the start, do a few burnouts to get the tires to the correct temperature. See videos below.

At the start, manage throttle, clutch, & gearbox (or torque converter & automatic transmission) as explained here:
http://www.modernracer.com/tips/dragracinglaunchtechniques.html

Electric vehicle

At the strip, immediately before the start, ensure traction control is engaged, & set performance to highest level. For the Tesla P85D shown in the video below, this will be “Insane”.

At the start, floor the accelerator.



Tesla P85D
11.683 sec @ 114.681 mph

Dodge Hellcat
17.467 sec @ 82.74 mph (this is slower than a Volt)

“During the run the Tesla Model S P85D set a new world record (verified by NEDRA) for being the quickest and fastest production electric car in the world running 11.6 @ 114.6 MPH down the 1/4 mile with a very impressive 1.65 60′ time. 0-60 MPH came in last just 3.1 seconds during the run as per the VBOX.”1

And the Hellcat? The driver seems to jump the start, apply the brakes &
then give a dramatic demonstration of uncontrolled wheelspin.

Same Hellcat, same driver after a bit of practice & with drag radials fitted:


10.8 sec @ 127 mph

In the events shown, the Hellcat is faster by over 0.8 sec. This shouldn’t be considered conclusive. An accurate comparison can only be done on the same track on the same day.

And the Tesla would benefit from some special-purpose tires too.
__________
1 Street Car Drags: "Tesla Model S P85D Sets 1/4 Mile World Record While Challenger Hellcat Goes up in Smoke Drag Racing", http://www.streetcardrags.com/tesla-model-s-p85d-sets-14-mile-world-record-while-challenger-hellcat-goes-up-in-smoke-drag-racing/ / P85D performance dual motors 4WD four all 4 wheel drive Tesla owners fans Tesla's fastest highest performance electric vehicle car battery charge recharge Hellcat high powered power Hemi V-8 performance two owners fastest baddest beast on the road two cars face off drag strip Palm Beach International Raceway Tesla Model S P85D 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat competed traditional quarter mile drag race it's no contest quieter car wins decisively loud noisy noisey Tesla P85D set a new world record fastest-accelerating electric car quarter mile time et elapsed time 11.6 seconds speed through the finish terminal velocity 114.6 mph comparable five seat luxury sedan four doors hatchback Challenger traditional muscle car coupe only two doors separate trunk sedan combined output 691 horse power hp front rear electric motors electric luxury car thrashed old style gasoline petrol muscle car decisively all four wheels are powered traction control stabiity power delivered each wheel maximizing total torque delivered to each wheel loss of traction rear-wheel burnout tire smoke practice burnout appeal of raw electric power amply demonstrated wimpy electric golf cart /

Monday 16 February 2015

Will Apple build an electric vehicle? — update

Some facts, some rumours:

● forty-six current Apple employees were formerly at Tesla
Apple is offering substantial bonuses & salary increases to current Tesla employees

● Apple is rumoured to be aggressively recruiting engineers who specialize in battery technology

● Steve Jobs had plans to design an iCar
● “Titan” is the name frequently connected with the rumoured project
● many have failed, but
Tesla has shown that it can be done

● Apple has a history of entering a field in which it has no experience, disrupting & subsequently dominating it — iPod, iTunes, iPhone — often completely blindsiding competitors1

● modern cars contain many computers — computers & user interfaces are at the very core of what Apple does

● “an incumbent automaker would spend $2-4 billion over seven to 10 years on a cleansheet design”2

Apple has $178 billion in cash reserves3

Commentators have said that the cost of designing a car from scratch for an organisation with no experience in the industry would be prohibitive. Apple isn’t an automaker, but it has many employees with auto industry experience & seems bent on acquiring more. If it is assumed that Apple’s inexperience in the industry adds 50% to the cost of development,2 $8 billion is not an insuperable barrier to an organisation with $178 billion in cash reserves.

Update 19 February: Apple accused of poaching electric-battery maker's engineers: http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-accused-of-poaching-electric-battery-makers-engineers/

http://www.wsj.com/articles/apples-titan-car-project-to-challenge-tesla-1423868072

http://www.techradar.com/news/car-tech/apple-car-said-to-be-in-development-1284774

http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/02/13/apple-has-several-hundred-workers-designing-new-electric-car-codenamed-titan---report

http://www.wired.com/2015/02/apple-making-car-isnt-ridiculous-think/

http://time.com/3710375/apple-car-titan-marc-newson/

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/munster-heres-why-i-think-news-of-an-apple-car-is-suddenly-pouring-out-2015-2

Alternative views:

Update 19 February: "Apple would be crazy to make cars," says former GM chief: http://www.cnet.com/news/former-gm-ceo-says-apple-would-be-crazy-to-make-cars/

Apple’s car will drive itself
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/02/apples-car-will-drive-itself-says-reuters/

The Apple Car is going to be great for Tesla!
http://www.businessinsider.com.au/the-apple-car-is-going-to-be-great-for-tesla-2015-2
____________________

1 “There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance. It’s a $500 subsidized item. They may make a lot of money. But if you actually take a look at the 1.3 billion phones that get sold, I’d prefer to have our software in 60% or 70% or 80% of them, than I would to have 2% or 3%, which is what Apple might get. … But my 85-year-old uncle probably will never own an iPod, & I hope we’ll get him to own a Zune.” — Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO 2007
http://www.businessinsider.com.au/heres-what-steve-ballmer-thought-about-the-iphone-five-years-ago-2012-6


2 Davey Alba: “Apple Making a Car Isn’t as Ridiculous as You Think” http://www.wired.com/2015/02/apple-making-car-isnt-ridiculous-think/


3 Zack Whittaker: “Apple has $178 billion in cash …” http://www.zdnet.com/pictures/hey-big-spender-apple-has-178-billion-in-cash/

/ Apple to get into cars automobiles vehicles van electric vehicle EV devices Sam Jaffe analyst Navigant Research bigger picture major resources electric car device company The Wall Street Journal today Apple hundreds of employees on the project codenamed Titan led Steve Zadesky former Ford engineer helped develop iPod iPhone Apple’s long term intentions entering car manufacturing business big leap moved computers music phones Tesla first new American automaker profit since Chrysler industry history littered failures bones tried self driving self-driving autonomous cars Google uses modified rejiggered Toyota vehicles Prius hybrid small cars built by Roush industry supplier recent changes auto industry give Apple an edge companies rise of information technology telematics active safety driver and passenger interface Tesla’s success industry logical precedent Apple’s entry automakers becoming tech companies dozens of computers inside it core competencies automotive company Karl Brauer senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book Cupertino company traditional connections to the car industry swimming upstream building up resources endeavor forty-six current Apple employees formerly at Tesla raise past experience in the automotive industry rumored rumor rumour aggressively recruiting engineers battery technology develop development develops consumer devices automotive market clues Parsons The New School for Design Apple board member Mickey Drexler Steve Jobs design an iCar Marc Newson design designer concept car Ford Jonny Ive design of American cars money incumbent automaker proper infrastructure industry connections creating create brand new car division spend spending more money market cap of more than $700 billion rounding error massive cash hoard $5 billion major car manufacturers assemblers of other people’s parts new entrance advantage for Apple /

Sunday 15 February 2015

Lead astray — lead exposure in childhood & violent crime

Recently, ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) ran an item about lead & its effect on the brain, particularly developing brains. It has long been known that lead exposure in childhood has a depressing effect on adult IQ. What is new in the programme linked below, is the relationship between lead exposure in childhood, & violent crime.



Other references:

Jessica Wolpaw Reyes: “Environmental Policy As Social Policy? The Impact Of Childhood Lead Exposure On Crime” http://www3.amherst.edu/~jwreyes/papers/LeadCrime.pdf

Kevin Drum: “New York City's Murder Rate Was Zero Last Monday” http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/11/new-york-citys-murder-rate-was-zero-last-monday

Jonah Lehrer: “The Crime of Lead Exposure” http://www.wired.com/2011/06/the-crime-of-lead-exposure/ / dust site lead exposure delinquency violent crime child child’s mothers blood level lead exposure leaded paint leaded petrol octane highest level of lead exposure early adult criminal career rape murder domestic violence higher childhood blood level blood lead level smaller brain frontal cortex impulse control impulsivity reduction brain chemicals dose dependent IQ scores points soil Pb percent lead parts per million micrograms per decilitre dust children exposure mining smelting refining communities developmental defects death /

Saturday 14 February 2015

Bracelet with endless E Ink designs


Credit: Liber8/IndieGoGo

Bracelet with a monochrome design. Described as “16 color greyscale” on IndieGoGo. Hardly remarkable.

Except — unlimited monochrome designs can be downloaded from your smartphone:



Other interesting claims are that it never needs charging. No of sign a battery in the exploded diagram. Check it out in the IndieGoGo project linked below.

So how does it work, with no battery? IndieGoGo claims that it gets enough power from NFC when a new display is loaded:

“In order to change the displayed picture on the tago arc and transmit enough energy for the device to work, the user has to place his/her smartphone to precisely match both NFC chips”

NFC induces enough energy during image transfer that the small E Ink display is able to reconstruct the chosen image.”

E Ink displays only consume a miniscule amount of power, & that, only when the display changes. “The image transfer interval is currently 15 seconds, depending on the smartphone device and the image complexity”

It this can be made to work, it will apparently go like this: 15 seconds of NFC will transfer the image, plus charge the capacitors (see the exploded diagram) with enough power to change the display.

Android only for the moment, as Apple has, so far, only enabled NFC for Apple Pay.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tago-arc-one-e-ink-bracelet-with-endless-designs#home / tago arc E Ink Eink bracelet endless designs stylish high-tech hightech high tech jewelry the future needs no recharge high-fashion high fashion E Ink bracelet endless display possibilities cutting edge technologies technology mood outfit tago arc premium bracelet infinite display possibilities change the image display E Ink surface anytime any design pattern text app downloaded smartphone smart phone smart-phone charged plugged in power source accessory 24/7 black and white images high quality silver gold matt black finish timeless elegance bracelet no cord charging no buttons effortless high fashion jewelry smart wearable tag wear build you wearable easy to interact with accessory accessories transfer button experimental prototype picture transfer working prototype enabled emerging technologies NFC E Ink no button cord charge technical details technology section bracelet premium bracelet infinite number design patterns wrist durable premium quality accessory dying batteries app settings wearable tech smartwach smart-accessory buttons ports Bluetooth pairing recharging Valentine’s Day gift high tech gift card girlfriendor boyfriend beta testing image transfer app image energy transfer community tago artists artists share artworks warning tech content existing technologies stylish advanced jewelry mass production /

Friday 13 February 2015

Bookniture unfolds from a book into multifunctional furniture




Use it as a table or a chair
Credit: Mike/Plateus/Kickstarter


And then pack it away on a bookshelf
Credit: Mike/Plateus/Kickstarter

As of this writing, still available for $70 on Kickstarter.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1985945130/bookniture-furniture-hidden-in-a-book?ref=NewsFeb1215&utm_campaign=Feb+12&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter / book furniture bookniture extremely compact furniture store carry flip unfold unfolds book multifunctional furniture easy storage quick setup multifunctional highly portable use uses used stool foot rest nightstand standing work desk stack table & chair set wood board bench stack layers shelf light portable fold advanced honeycomb paper structure traditional craft book binding factory traditional book binding bind binder assembly prototypes mass production your support funding tooling molds MOQ minimum order quantity mass production design designer living working space honeycomb board sample strength load capacity structure furniture industry composite boards shelves tables seats guests sitting on the floor seat floor space empty space bookcase creating perfect furniture piece different materials studied structural design developed paper mass production honeycomb structure sourced machine different toolings tooling tools final sample combining strength flexibility portability super honeycomb kraft paper USA superior strength excellent resistance to moisture engineered structure 100 times its own weight expands 14 times compared to the original volume unfolded comfort durability felt top laser engraving tabletop materials environmentally responsible tough splash resistant fully recyclable neodymium magnets embedded cover /

Thursday 12 February 2015

Buying happiness

There are a number of proverbs about what money can’t buy. Health, love & happiness among them.

A couple of articles which support the idea that money can’t buy happiness:

Billionaire who's proof that money can't buy happiness
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2778696/Billionaire-s-proof-money-CAN-T-buy-happiness-He-s-mobile-phone-tycoon-money-burn-lifestyle-make-jaw-drop-But-s-worth-fmaily-s-turmoil.html

Money can't buy happiness
http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/money.aspx

But, there are claims that there are ways to get a better happiness bang for the buck. Two that might not be the your first thought: paying off debt, & spending on others.

5 ways money can buy happiness, backed by science
http://time.com/3545709/money-can-buy-happiness/

How to buy happiness: the purchases most likely to bring you joy
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/02/how-to-buy-happiness-the-purchases-most-likely-to-bring-you-joy/?utm_source=Lifehacker+Australia&utm_campaign=da00907808-lifehacker_2015_02_05&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9fc709844c-da00907808-278953185 / true happiness only be found in the heart money buy some happiness check write a cheque tax credits measure happiness points system accurately measure happiness emotion buy buying happiness how you spend your money new album favourite artist trip travel to unlock secret true happiness life provide some ideas get the most your hard-earned money buy your financial security stress enemy of happiness feeling insecure your finances major source of stress affect your health negative worry debts loans paying them off extra cash splurge debt credit card debt happier paying off your credit cards best financial return cash experiences buying experiences life memory a great holiday new smartphone shaping who you are learn about yourself new TV survey Harvard University psychology professor Dan Gilbert majority of respondents greater happiness experiential purchases material goods happiness type of experience important engaged time-lag analyses mind wandering cause effect diminished happiness unhappy mind keep focused maintaining presence Elizabeth Dunn associate professor psychology University of British Columbia happy money science of smarter spending change buying happiness big purchases house happier most surprising findings impact happiness human happiness system attuned to change get out in the world do some new things alone buy experiences with others being social makes us happy investing experiences talk about later with others new experience perks involved in something special friends family plan multiple far ahead anticipation make it rain for others spending money on yourself spending money on others create happiness smile social science researcher Michael Norton experiment he conducted Canada spend money buy things for themselves buy things for others feeling much happier first world country wealthy undergrads experiment Uganda similar results donate money volunteering currency your time spending money invest in others material goods buyer’s remorse spend your time comfort principle fun purchase experiential items excitement joy good book enjoy reading hours of entertainment splurge inexpensive items splurge time hire hiring a house cleaner cleanliness cleaning house cleaner pitfalls happiness boosters downsides manage expectations experiences time material goods inner peace love contentment contentedness make money spend spending more money lifestyle inflation fun things to do journey /

Wednesday 11 February 2015

The law of large numbers won't limit Apple’s growth

Some analysts have recently suggested that the law of large numbers limits the size of an organisation — in particular Apple.

While there are good reasons to believe that large organisations become restricted by various effects related to size, this is totally unrelated to the law of large numbers. “In probability theory, the law of large numbers is a theorem that describes the result of performing the same experiment a large number of times.”* An example is tossing a coin. 10 coin tosses is unlikely to give exactly 5 heads & 5 tails, but after a million, the ratio will be very close to half a million of each.

Yes, there is a mathematical law of large numbers, but it has nothing to do with growth of Apple, or any other large organisation.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-11/tim-cook-doesn-t-believe-this-made-up-math-law-will-limit-apple-s-growth
__________
* Wikipedia: "Law of large numbers" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_large_numbers / mathematical theory analysts concerns over Apple's growth potential interview Tim Cook debate mathematics Gary Cohn president Goldman Sachs Group numbers Cook's Apple chief executive officer Apple law of large numbers law of large numbers company has surpassed a market value of $700 billion math theory investors future prospects Apple giant companies financial growth begins slow mass of revenue because increasingly difficult new businesses growth move the needle Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference in San Francisco old dogma Steve Jobs putting limits on your thinking is never good not focused on the numbers focus probability perform same experiment a large number of times predictable outcome flipping a coin heads tails half the time Yuri Lima postdoctoral fellow mathematics University of Maryland wouldn't apply corporate earnings results were truly random iPhone sales controllable factors manufacture decisions people buy buying stock-market observers Zach Shrier co-founder Los Angeles financial advisory firm Shrier Wealth Management Wall Street statistics Apple's earnings growth phone market smartphone sold last quarter larger-screen iPhone 6 /

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Not in front of the TV — your Samsung smart TV may transmit anything you say to third parties


Samsung smart TV manual on left, George Orwell’s 1984 on right
Credit: Samsung/George Orwell/EFF/TechCrunch

The headline says most of it: Voice commands are not acted on completely within your TV, but are transmitted over the ‘Net for processing.

Just as important:
● it’s not just Samsung — in 2013, LG was found to be gathering information about users’ viewing habits, without user permission*
● any smart device which accepts voice commands is probably transmitting them over the ‘Net
● some devices have voice commands on by default

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/05/your-samsung-smarttv-is-spying-on-you-basically.html

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31296188

http://techcrunch.com/2015/02/08/telescreen/

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/02/09/samsung_listens_in_to_everything_you_say_to_your_smart_tellie/

_________
* http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/lg-investigates-smart-tv-%E2%80%9Cunauthorised-spying%E2%80%9D-claim / Samsung warning customers discussing personal information smart television set warning TV viewers control Samsung Smart TV voice activation feature listen what is said share with Samsung third parties privacy campaigners technology telescreens George Orwell's 1984 spied on citizens data sharing warning section Samsung's privacy policy net-connected Smart TV sets record what is said when a button on a remote control TV set will be listening commands queries remote your spoken words personal sensitive information data captured transmitted third party Corynne McSherry intellectual property lawyer Electronic Frontier Foundation EFF campaigns on digital rights issues Daily Beast third party company speech-to-text conversion Samsung customer who that third party was transmitted in a secure form activist for the EFF circulated the policy statement on Twitter George Orwell's description of the telescreens novel 1984 widespread sharing policy statement Samsung statement voice activation works voice recognition feature activated TV's remote control privacy policy owners make informed choices consumer privacy consumer consents voice recognition feature voice data server retain voice data audio captured smart-TV owners microphone icon visible on the screen third party handling translation speech to text speech-to-text Nuance voice recognition smart net-connected TV problems IT consultant LG TV software update data collection share information /

Monday 9 February 2015

Some of the best motor racing you will ever see — final laps of the Bathurst 12 hour (video)

Almost at the end of 12 hours, the 20th safety car entered the track. Naturally, the front runners closed up, & when the safety car left the track with 4 minutes to go, this:

/ this year's year Bathurst 12 Hour race late safety car bunched up traffic long lengthy endurance race into four minute sprint race leader Matt Bell 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour record number of safety cars pull away establish a lead Audi R8 Laurens Vanthoor Bentley Continental GT3 safety car race pits fifteen minutes race Bell defensive line track Audi Vanthoor Bell twentieth safety car less than ten minutes race Porsche sand trap track recovery crew Bell battle race Vanthoor Aston Martin Stefan Mucke Nissan GT-R Katsumasa Chiyo win recovery crew sand-trapped car pits nineteenth 19th 20th final four minutes seven different makes of car top four finishers Aston Martin Audi GT-R Bell's Bentley battle checkered flag Vanthoor the esses down the hill Conrod Straight Hell corner Bentley went wide final corner dehydration exhaustion medical centre watching his mirrors LMP1 Florian Strauss Wolfgang Reip Nismo racing Gran Turismo /

Sunday 8 February 2015

Touch — how important is it?

We all need touch in our life.

Children in orphanages in Romania, half the normal height for their age, show the destructive effects of touch deprivation. Touch has a positive effect on immune function, stress hormone levels, blood pressure, digestion & levels of physical & verbal aggression.

In recent times there have been many revelations of breaches of trust by adults involved with children: orphanage staff, teachers, priests. Probably as a result, many organisations with responsibility for children have instituted a no-touch policy. An entire touch-deprived generation may be another victim of the abusers.

Recently, ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) hosted a discussion of the issues raised above. Stream, download or transcript at:

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bodysphere/who-can-you-touch3f/6046900#transcript / welcome touchy touch children taboos around physical contact touch deprived Cuddle Party adults feeling a lack of physical contact tickling extraordinary behaviour physical contact Touch Research Institute University of Miami School of Medicine the benefits of touch clinically study touch deprivation experiment done University of Wisconsin baby monkeys surrogate mothers Harry Harlow study terrycloth simulated mother wire mesh bottle soft to touch no food hard babies preferred student Steve Suomi plexiglass barrier hear each other see each other smell can't touch become extremely aggressive touch deprivation touch deprivation in humans non-clinical setting children in orphanages in Romania post-Ceausescu 1990s lack of touch in human children failure to thrive orphanages caregivers age half their expected height extremely developmentally delayed adequate nutrition teachers childcare workers mandates teachers are not allowed to touch children child abuse rates are just as high medical benefits of touch touch taboos massage any kind of clinical condition it improves with touch more aggressive violent touch deprivation body heat pressure relaxing /

Saturday 7 February 2015

Tesla Model S vs Citroen DS (video)

Tesla Model S: ahead of its time. In 1956, the Citroen DS was ahead of its time. How has the Citroen stood up to the passage of 50 years? How will the Tesla look in 50 years time?



http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1096617_tesla-model-s-vs-citroen-ds-futuristic-car-of-50-years-ago-video / today yesterday's tomorrow Tesla Model S electric car of the future automotive history cars advanced new technological era today's car of the future sleek design unorthodox construction self-leveling suspension Citroen DS most innovative car 1950 20th century video comparison 1956 DS-19 2013 85-kWh Model S performance fuel economy ride comfort innovation long-range battery-electric powertrain aerodynamic body 17-inch touchscreen display impressive technical features luxury performance car Model S preconceptions electric car can be Tesla started from scratch Citroen DS contemporaries Model S styling one-spoke steering wheel hydropneumatic suspension system automated manual transmission bodywork construction modeled on aircraft DS French auto industry World War II Citroen most radical cars of its century goddess Citroen Citroen CITROËN /

Friday 6 February 2015

Smaller, safer, solid state battery = double range for EVs


Credit: SolidEnergy/Charged EVs

SolidEnergy is an MIT spin-off founded by Dr. Qichao Hu & colleagues. Their battery uses a thin metal anode & solid state electrolyte to halve cell size.

Economies of scale will be immediately available because the cells can be manufactured on existing LiIon production lines.

SolidEnergy predicts:
2016 - smaller battery for handhelds & wearables
2017 - 2 x range for EVs

http://chargedevs.com/newswire/solidenergy-hopes-to-double-ev-battery-range-by-2017/

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/534626/a-battery-for-electronics-that-lasts-twice-as-long/ / SolidEnergy MIT spin-out company commercializing commercial solid electrolyte technology release 20 Ah EV battery 2017 two times range current Li-ion batteries battery technology Solid Polymer Ionic Liquid SPIL electrolyte ultra-thin lithium metal anode company improves cell-level energy density compared graphite anode compared silicon-composite anodes prototype 2 Ah pouch cell volumetric energy density 1,200 Wh/L novel electrolyte combines ionic liquid liquid polymer solid-polymer-coated lithium anode solid polymer coating dendrite-suppressing additives prevent dendrite growth SolidEnergy founder Dr. Qichao Hu colleagues MIT conventional lithium-ion batteries high temperature applications >50° C high reactivity volatility liquid electrolytes solvent-free solid-state solvent free solid state polymer electrolytes safe stable operation lithium-ion batteries battery elevated temperatures recent advances polymer synthesis devlop development novel materials exhibit solid-like mechanical behavior ionic conductivities liquid electrolytes A123 Venture Technologies Massachusetts technology incubator LiIon lithium ion EV/

Thursday 5 February 2015

How to keep your passwords secure

Passwords — how many do you have? Can you remember them all? Have you resorted to using just one password for everything? Maybe you name?

Above are only some of the many ways to create insecure passwords. Other things to be aware of:

http://www.softwarepro.com/articles/comp_passwordmistakes.htm

If creating & remembering a large number of secure passwords is too difficult, try a password manager:

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/02/lifehacker-faceoff-the-best-password-managers-compared/?utm_source=Lifehacker+Australia&utm_campaign=da00907808-lifehacker_2015_02_05&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9fc709844c-da00907808-278953185 / secure lock protect strong locks access digital property weak password computer password best line of defense defence damaging intrusions poor obvious password leave you vulnerable to identity theft theft of money invasion of privacy company data exposure sharing sensitive embarrassing information top 10 password mistakes create use more secure passwords mistakes make your passwords stronger easy to locate written on Post-It notes hidden under your keyboard typed smartphone tablet calendar day-timer easily find them secure location use password manager program best option passwords memorable unique write them down too common common phrases obvious patterns dictionary words combinations of words hackers hacking hack hacked attack dictionary dictionaries English foreign languages odd combinations based personal data information easily obtained name your spouse pet kids birth dates phone numbers addresses names grandsons change password easy to remember personal name login network login ID reversed capitalized doubled first middle last name your initials nickname easy to guess personal information automated programs people to decipher passwords based common items brands desk password dream car favorite vacation typed quickly look at the keyboard steal your password letters only secure passwords combinations numbers special characters punctuation marks upper lower case letters short in length at least 8 characters long minimum length variety of characters strengthen strength passwords too old change your password cracked LastPass Dashlane KeePass 1Password Roboform two-factor authentication 128 bit encryption reliability, features, security and support basic feature set mobile device features usability support security basic features password generation the only secure password is the one you can’t remember different password for every account you use password generator new account website web site form filling fill out your name address information automatically sites secure password sharing password managers support secure notes store extra passwords Wi-Fi networks personally identifiable information /

Wednesday 4 February 2015

Don't text while piloting an aircraft


Credit: Reuters/Sgt Aaron Pataluna/Adams County Sheriff

We all know the dangers of talking or texting on a mobile (cell) phone while driving. Add selfies to that list.

Unsurprisingly, turns out it's dangerous to do any of the above while piloting an aircraft too.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/03/us-usa-crash-colorado-idUSKBN0L720720150203

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/02/pilots-selfies-likely-caused-fatal-crash-flight-investigators-say/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/02/03/ntsb-selfies-disoriented-pilot-causing-crash/22785475/ / pilot small plane was taking selfie pictures mobile phone cellphone cell phone short flights around Colorado airport 2014 crashed jaunt jaunts killing himself passenger federal investigators National Transportation Safety Board NTSB 29-year-old 29 year old pilot Cessna 150K plane lost control crash near Watkins Colorado contributing accident pilot pilot's distraction cellphone use maneuvering low altitude NTSB report Adams County coroner's office identified pilot Amritpal Singh passenger 31-year-old 31 year old Jatinder Singh related GoPro camera mounted the windshield plane facing into the cockpit captured actions pilot passengers series of short flights around the Front Range Airport Denver NTSB report GoPro camera capture the flight the crash recordings previous flights that day pilot passengers taking selfie pictures cellphones pilot observed texting on his phone NTSB report /

Tuesday 3 February 2015

What to do with old electric vehicle batteries?


Nissan Leaf battery
Credit: Nissan/Torque News

For the naysayers, this question has long been settled: a major disposal problem.

Reality is that a electric vehicle (EV) battery will gradually lose capacity over time. At some point, diminishing capacity will reduce range below a useful level. E.g. if a Nissan Leaf owner is regularly using 75% of the vehicle’s battery capacity, the 25% capacity left at the end of the day leaves a useful safety margin. If, after several years of use, capacity has reduced to 80% of the value when new, the remaining 5% margin will probably be too small for comfort. At this time, there are a number of options availalble, which parallel the situation with an older internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle:

● pass it on to a family member with more modest commute needs, or the opportunity to charge through the day
● sale as-is
● replace the battery — for a Nissan Leaf in the United States, this will cost $5,500, which includes a $1,000 rebate for the old battery (clue: Nissan is prepared to pay $1,000 for the old battery)

A new Nissan Leaf battery has a capacity of 24 kWh. In the hypothetical example above, the used battery with 80% capacity remaining still has capacity of (24*0.8=) 19.2 kWh.

Though marginal for some automotive purposes, such batteries could be repackaged for a number of less demanding applications, such as storing excess grid electricity at periods of low demand for use at times of peak load. This is already being done using hydro in such places as the Snowy Mountains in Australia & Foyers Power Station, Loch Ness, Scotland *.

http://www.torquenews.com/2250/you-only-live-onceunless-you-are-ev-battery

Recycling Nissan Leaf battery

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/18/used-nissan-leaf-batteries-support-solar-energy-system-japan/

http://www.torquenews.com/2250/you-only-live-onceunless-you-are-ev-battery

BMW has plans too:

http://chargedevs.com/newswire/bmw-establishes-retirement-plan-for-ev-batteries/

Making renewables base load:

Large scale storage is necessary to make renewables base load.

__________
* Foyers Power Station, Loch Ness http://schulen.eduhi.at/kultfor/eee/energy/energy/foyersps.htm / electric vehicle LiIon lithium ion lithium-ion batteries limited life span long life typical EV battery capacity falls below 80% Nissan LEAF 50 or 60 miles of range vehicle no longer fulfills its purpose option recycling recycle battery shredded metals cobalt, aluminum nickel copper recovered lithium salts filtered out converted lithium carbonate economic value lithium minimal metals nickel cobalt lithium-ion batteries less conducive to recycling nickel-metal hydride cells valuable nickel economic benefit recycling varies battery chemistry large scale economics economy economies of scale battery recycling facility Toxco received D.O.E. funding dedicated EV lithium-ion battery recycling facility Ohio plant due to be completed 2014 or 2015 storage capacity battery great energy storage second life EV batteries automakers research labs think tanks universities companies significant resources investigating secondary uses spent electric vehicle batteries utilities load leveling stabilization back-up power emergency emergencies integration renewable energy sources solar wind energy storage can smooth fluctuations power output sources more reliable viable utilities utility distributed applications stationary storage residential solar panels services energy storage systems increase in value smarter electricity grid /

Monday 2 February 2015

The Pirate Bay is back!


Like a phoenix from the ashes
Credit: The Pirate Bay/Torrent Freak

After a police raid on its data center, near Stockholm, Sweden, The Pirate Bay has been unavailable.

Until 31 January.

http://torrentfreak.com/pirate-bay-back-online-150131/

https://thepiratebay.se/ / back on line online The Pirate Bay has risen from its digital ashes once again TPB back online today seven weeks servers raided notorious torrent site operating familiar .se domain appears data loss minimal early December The Pirate Bay raided Nacka station nuclear-proof data center mountain complex near Stockholm down two weeks domain came back online waving wave pirate flag temporary homepage TPB countdown to February 1st reappear that day lived up to comeback expectations one day ahead of schedule site started serving torrents delight millions users The Pirate Bay’s homepage currently features a Phoenix /

Sunday 1 February 2015

How much fun is a Tesla Model S? (video)

This much:



Unexpurgated version:
http://youtu.be/LpaLgF1uLB8

And about to get a little bit more fun:
http://mashable.com/2015/01/29/air-update-tesla/

Tesla Roadster is still a whole bunch of fun too:
https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/how-much-fun-is-tesla-electric-car.html / Tesla's 'Insane' acceleration button about to get more insane Tesla Model S P85D zero to 60 mph 3.3 seconds insane mode button Tesla CEO Elon Musk even faster latest dramatic reveal Twitter tweet tweeted electric vehicle EV 4 four door sports saloon Model S P85D acceleration will improve 0.1 seconds automatic over the air software update insane speed side-effect another feature over-the-air software update inverter algorithm dual motor cars also all-wheel drive main goal purpoe dual motor traction on snow side effect LiIon lithium ion battery /