It’s official – facts don’t matter – what’s important is how you feel

Former House Speaker, failed presidential candidate, & Donald Trump vice president runner-up, Newt Gingrich, has said, in a tv interview, that:

● the fact that violent crime is down across the USA is not important

● what’s important is how people feel about it
● it’s OK to cherry pick data to suit your argument

See for yourself:



Newt owes 114 small businesses a total of $4.6 million from his failed 2012 presidential campaign. He has no intention to pay. Apparently, the fact that he owes the money, is less important than his feeling that he doesn’t want to pay.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/newt-gingrich-campaign-debt_us_57a4d293e4b03ba6801241c7 / newt is a slender-bodied amphibian. Newt Gingrich is a slippery politician Washington Newt Gingrich no plans pay back dozens small businesses made yard signs TV ads 2012 presidential campaign Gingrich filed document Federal Election Commission detailing debt settlement plan finally terminate 2012 presidential campaign committee document shows Newt 2012 plans stiff 114 businesses consultants together owed $4.6 million former House speaker failed presidential candidate Donald Trump vice president runner-up forced file debt settlement plan FEC alternative dispute resolution process Gingrich complaint alleging campaign illegally commingled campaign funds corporate funds company controlled Gingrich his wife Callista Gingrich FEC general counsel allegations complaint did not penalize Gingrich campaign file debt settlement plan terminate 2016 plan Gingrich debt settlement plan document total amount to be paid to creditors zero dollars Gingrich did not respond request for comment common political campaigns wind up in debt that takes years to pay off Gingrich owes unusually large amount battle Mitt Romney 2012 Republican primary debts owed small firms helped Gingrich campaign vendors pretty mad about getting stiffed sums involved tens hundreds of thousands of dollars small business We got burned Las Vegas graphics company owner vendors seemed accept the fact that Newt would never pay campaign effort to collect Gingrich not first politician disappoint supporters won’t be the last /

Is the writing on the wall for handwriting?

Credit: Pinterest

How much do you write by hand? Most of us use a keyboard, physical &/or on a touchscreen for most of our writing. Dictation to computer or phone is becoming more common. I have to admit to a deterioration in the quality of my handwriting on the rare occasions I use it. Actually, the only recent handwriting I can recall is writing “paid” & the date on bills (paid using a keyboard), & signatures.

Should handwriting continue to be taught at school? Is handwriting important to learning to read? Does it facilitate growth of cognitive development or creativity? Cursive script verses printing? If children didn't have to learn to write by hand, think of the useful skills they could learn in the time saved.

Some see the decreasing use of handwriting as a significant loss. On the other hand, few express any concern about the almost total loss of carving-text-into-stone skills.

Podcast & transcript at:
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/futuretense/is-the-writing-on-the-wall-for-handwriting/6761164

10 Ways To Rescue Handwriting From The Grave
https://www.fastcodesign.com/1671586/10-ways-to-rescue-handwriting-from-the-grave / writing on the wall handwriting handwriting anachronism Finland many American states dropped it from the curriculum many psychologists believe cursive writing important role to play in cognitive development We value the written word Civilised societies defining features human advancement concept written word detached original mechanics writing quill pen keyboard keyboard touch screen scrawl ink-filled plastic stick finger and thumb our thoughts greetings communication reassess write literal literary virtue necessity teaching handwriting detractors writing by hand anachronism Finland dropped national curriculum many American states removed handwriting educational requirements teaching cursive script make the news state officials opt to keep it psychologist Angela Webb demise of handwriting real threat basis of education Dr Webb chair National Handwriting Association UK United Kingdom writing by hand stimulates cognitive processes no longer use a pen pencil daily communication teaching of handwriting essential for effective learning helps retain information helps develop other skills reading support retention of concepts mathematics very high correlation between creative writing by hand keyboard handwriting confers very specific benefit cognitive processing neurological research pretty solid evidence handwriting preschool changes brain literate individual looks like Karin James associate professor Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Indiana University conducting experiments young children neural imaging link physical act of writing early reading proficiency facilitates reading really important take that seriously evidence tablets computers introducing in preschool facilitatory effect on reading no evidence contrary production by hand letters help children understand letters then the words human brain is malleable adapt to the computer environment over time texting or typing same impact reading acquisition writing by hand adaptation Professor Anne Trubek author The History and Uncertain Future of Handwriting very different perspective like it or not handwriting already lost its position our primary means of communication time to move on loss fine motor skill kinetic memory lost people hand write less something to mourn advantages that will come in its place many things that we have lost in the history of writing worth mourning carving on stone memories oral cultures more capacious lose when you enter a literate culture writing and technology many revolutions changes years since humans have been writing just part of a transition people have the same anxieties and fears with each change casts doubt veracity research supporting retention handwriting in schools studies not as conclusively convincing headlines studies sample sizes quite small conclusions dumber research conclude writing by hand intrinsic social good disabled punished in the past lack penmanship studies conclusive teachers grade students lower poor handwriting content is identical good handwriting poorly written handwritten essay receive different grades typewritten receive same grade democratising force level the playing field Ewan Clayton warns against sentimentality professor of design University of Sunderland author The Golden Thread: A History of Writing dealing with massive change technology changes in writing practices changing use and think about library newspapers books emotional attachments institutions objects anxiety changes handle big adjustments personally wider social context equality handwriting political ideological weapon tool of enlightenment Industrial Revolution decrease in literacy dangerous thing to teach the working classes how to write records Britain funding schools fund school as long teach those students to read write gender differences writing young boys taught to write young girls taught writing particular kind of writing much narrower form of letter European context marked paperman or a woman previous experience technological change future of handwriting contentious issue debate irrelevance Clive Thompson contributing writer New York Times Magazine Wired type and text next stage of communication voice writing rise of new mass compositional practice handwriting only way to get your thoughts down typewriter get your ideas down voice dictation writing text by speaking it emails smart phone smartphone written using voice transcription service Siri type on a phone slow and clumsy speak clear voice generate an email text message note much more quickly mobile device text message email from me wrote the whole thing using my voice voice transcription slightly more oral cadence to the writing more formal contractions formulates sentences difficulty of correcting errors using voice transcription software means think first what he wants to say mental process computer cut paste undo write with a quill pen dipping ink hard to fix errors mental practices ink quill writing composed their sentences in their heads before they started writing implications for teaching early years of schooling profound introduction of laptops computer tablets classroom composition with their voice teach train do it well avoid poor habits teach people to handwrite teach them to type writing with your voice best cognitive tool educational setting voice design writing expert Ewan Clayton future potential for writing by voice either/or scenario communication technology human habits multiple channels of communication writing Roman world carved in stone wrote on papyrus scrolls styluses wax tablets variety of technologies different situations history handwriting niche uses pencils ballpoints ink on paper /

Scientists stumble upon a new shade of blue that's perfect for roofing

Credit: Oregon State University/Stuff

Shown above, the new pigment, which is:

● more durable than alternatives
● non toxic
● almost totally resistant to fading

has also been discovered to reflect 40% of infrared in sunlight. This makes it ideal as roof paint, for its cooling effect on the building underneath.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/81734717/Scientists-stumble-upon-a-new-shade-of-blue-thats-perfect-for-roofing / near perfect blue pigment accidental discovery Oregon State University scientists ideal roofing scientists Oregon State University accidently stumbled blue hue amazing qualities lead scientist Mas Subramanian color colour pigment 2009 mixing manganese oxide black colour other chemicals heating 1093 degrees celsius market extremely high infrared reflectivity 40 percent roofing eco-friendly method cooling building pigment advantage more durable safe fairly easy to produce energy efficiency happy accidental discovery new shade YInMn Y In Mn combination elements made from yttrium indium manganese Oregon State University near-perfect blue pigment YInMn has a unique crystal structure manganese pigment ions absorb red and green wavelengths reflect blue vibrant blue hue compound structure stable colour will not fade oil water YInMn cobalt blue Prussian blue non toxic /

You're killing your phone battery

Credit: Café iOS

There are 3 basic chemistries in rechargeable batteries in widespread use today:

● lead-acid
● nickel
● lithium

Within each group, there are variations – nickel-metal-hydride & nickel-cadmium in the nickel group, for instance. Each chemistry has different requirements for its management. E.g. lead-acid gives the best service life if it is kept fully charged. By contrast, this is one of the better ways to destroy nickel or lithium based batteries.

Nickel based batteries require periodic discharge followed by a charge to full capacity to prevent “memory effect”. For nickel-cadmium, the usual recommendation is once a month. Three monthly intervals for nickel-metal-hydride.

Phone manufacturers recommend discharging your phone to below 20% once per month, followed by a charge to full capacity. Confusingly, this is unrelated to, “memory effect”. Lithium ion batteries do not have a, “memory effect”. Your phone (or laptop) needs to be cycled to recalibrate its battery management system.

Linked below is an article about taking care of an iPhone battery. It applies equally well to all lithium ion batteries in phones (& laptops):

https://www.thrillist.com/tech/nation/how-to-make-your-iphone-battery-last-longer-iphone-charging-tips

If you really want to know how to get the best out of any battery, regardless of chemistry, & are ready for a long read (think novel length), you can’t do better than this:

http://batteryuniversity.com/ / killing phone battery iPhone phone battery juice how you charge them charging my phone what could possibly go wrong slow damage lithium-ion batteries charging to 100% lithium ion lithium-ion LiIon battery drops below 90% maintaining full charge most efficient keep your phone battery strong your phone between 30 and 80 percent full run most efficiently stop charging overnight shorter more frequent charges letting your phone die lithium-ion lithium ion batteries drop down to low power avoid low battery warning full discharge wears down your battery damages battery Apple Samsung HTC LG Motorola Sony let it fully discharge calibrate battery gauge overheating your battery charging issue very important phone annoyingly sluggish sitting out in the sun phone iPhone batteries damaged extreme temperatures heat cold comfort zone iPhones iPads iPods Apple Watches between 32 and 95 degrees using wireless charger mophie backup battery case your battery emit heat during charging long term damage avoid overheating portable power source case charge phone feels too hot plugged storing your backup phone without a charge store cool place half-charged battery fully depleted deep discharge state less capable of holding a charge store fully charged using the wrong charger Apple supplied charger cut power when the battery is 100% charged cheapo unauthorized third-party USB chargers overcharge /

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 announced

● 4GB RAM

● 64 GB flash storage – no other capacities available – although Samsung is offering a free 256GB Micro SD card with pre-orders

● faster performance

● higher-capacity battery – 3500mAh

● smaller & lighter than Note 5

● USB type C replaces Micro USB for charge & sync

● iris scanning

● waterproof (IP68) – S-pen too – so you can write on the Note 7 screen under water – if you can think of a reason to – more likely to be useful is resistance to momentary immersion, splash, rain, or spray without damage to S-pen or phablet

● pre-orders start today



https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/aug/02/samsungs-galaxy-note-7-is-waterproof-and-has-iris-scanning

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/mobiles/samsung-unveils-irisreading-galaxy-note-7-20160802-gqjn6e.html

http://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-galaxy-note-7-preview/

Galaxy Note 7? – what happened to the Note 6?

http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/07/samsung-galaxy-note-7-for-release-on-02.html

Galaxy Note 7 Vs Galaxy S7 Edge: what's the difference?



http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2016/08/03/galaxy-note-7-vs-galaxy-s7-edge-whats-the-difference/#6b56dab26d23 / Samsung unveils Galaxy Note 7 phablet unlock with your eyes Korean smartphone manufacturer high-end features curved glass premium materials shift latest phablet category creator Samsung’s latest phablet Galaxy Note 7 first smartphone iris scanning technology biometric identification Samsung’s latest Galaxy Note 7 phablet first smartphone ship iris scanner read your eyes let you into your phone in seconds invented phablet 2011 original Galaxy Note Samsung skipped Note 6 Note line up numerical par popular Galaxy S7 line new phone features high-end premium design build Galaxy S7 Edge popular fit and finish Korean firm’s smartphones infrared transmitter receiver iris scanning front-facing selfie camera Galaxy Note 7 biggest selling feature new biometric option infrared iris scanner just seconds to set up unlock phone glance either eye fingerprint scanner home button glasses-wearers appreciate remove glasses contact lenses make the iris scanner work Note 7 similar specifications the Galaxy S7 Edge IP68 rating waterproof to depths of 1.5m for 30 minutes 12-megapixel camera back 4GB of RAM 64GB of flash storage microSD card slot 256 GB microSD Galaxy Note 7 first Samsung smartphone new USB-C connector phablet 5.7in quad HD screen USB-C integrated S-pen stylus waterproof work screen is wet Samsung screen ready new high dynamic range video standard high-end televisions supported content Amazon’s Prime video service Samsung Note 7’s Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow software turn video into gifs screen stylus-related tools write on smartphone’s screen asleep without having to wake it up S-Pen stylus 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels waterproof screen even when wet Samsung Galaxy Note 7 curved front and back edges Galaxy S7 Edge feel premium ergonomic in the hand Note 7’s USB-C port Gear VR headset Samsung more comfortable new Gear VR accessory port side revamped controls Samsung more than 1 million users Gear VR headset VR headsets top-end smartphone sell phablets larger-screen smartphones popular differentiate high-priced phablets large-screened smartphones primarily designed media consumption Korean firm stylus functions premium materials Knox security platform fingerprint iris scanners most secure easy to use smartphones lure customers Galaxy Note 7 Galaxy Note 7 three colours black silver/gold colour light metallic blue with gold sides /

A brief history of climate change

A couple of things that may surprise you in this video:

● Many believe, that the idea that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, is recent. Actually, it was discovered in 1896.¹

● A conservative politician like Margaret Thatcher speaking about, “the global threat of climate change”, all those years ago, may seem surprising. Actually, before she was a barrister or a politician, Margaret Thatcher was a research chemist, so she was well qualified to understand the science.²

__________

¹ S.M. Enzler MSc, “History of the greenhouse effect & global warming”, https://www.lenntech.com/greenhouse-effect/global-warming-history.htm

² Wikepedia: “Margaret Thatcher”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Thatcher / world wide climate change global warming carbon dioxide CO2 carbon carbon monoxide fossil fuel petroleum black coal brown coal petrol gas gasolene gasoline Diesel internal combustion engine burn water vapour vapor greenhouse effect greenhouse gas green house Svante Arrhenius 1859-1927 Swedish scientist first half 2016 blows away temp records record hot June 2016 will be the hottest year on record globally data released running average global temperatures during 2016 monthly numbers from NASA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA planet on track surpass 2015 hottest on record 2016 blown that out of the water Gavin Schmidt director NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies 2016 boost exceptionally strong El Niño record temps excess heat built up in Earth’s atmosphere accumulating greenhouse gases heat raising global sea levels disrupting ecosystems more extreme weather events every month this year has been record warm globally among the first ever recorded exceed 1°C 1.8°F above average NASA NOAA all six months of the year so far exceeded that remarkable benchmark compared to preindustrial temperatures El Niño temperature departures record-high levels June above 20th century average NOAA above 1951-1980 average NASA June record warm for the contiguous U.S intense record-breaking heat wave NOAA record unprecedented 14 consecutive record-hot months streak Deke Arndt head climate monitoring division NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information long-term warming trend setting records beyond anything we had seen before early 2015 June’s record heat year-to-date above the 20th century average NOAA above average NASA temperatures excess global temperature data baselines comparing temperatures long-term warming trend nations have agreed goal keeping warming under 2°C 3.6°F above temperatures from preindustrial times manmade greenhouse gases increasing in the atmosphere end of the century current global temperatures into perspective NASA NOAA data two datasets averaged compared average from 1881-1910 preindustrial era above the average Arctic sky-high temperatures this year record-low sea ice levels roasting Arctic temperatures extended into Alaska hottest temperature Arctic coast oceans persistent warmth NOAA global average ocean temperature above the 20th century average largest such departure in 137 years of records elevated temperatures record third year of a global coral bleaching event water changes temperature air land global ocean heat temperatures record pace forecasts predictions La Niña global temperatures year warmest long-term trend of warming is clear record heat of the 15 warmest years on record, 14 have occurred in the 21st century warmest on record climate variability factors strength of the La Niña warmest years on record /

Wet macroburst over Phoenix

@chopperguyhd Here's a closer look at today's microburst over Phoenix pic.twitter.com/jkXuRvXL3k

— Bruce Haffner (@chopperguyhd) July 19, 2016

Some of the predictions of climate change models include:
● warmer, more moist atmosphere
● more energy in the atmosphere
● more variable weather
● more violent weather
● less frequent, but more intense rain

All of these come together in a wet microburst,¹ less formally known as a rain bomb. Winds up to 250 kph (150 mph) are generated.² On Tuesday 19 July in Phoenix, much the same thing happened, but because the radar footprint was larger than 4 kilometres (2.5 miles), it is called a wet macroburst.¹



http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-29/forget-tornadoes-rain-bombs-are-coming-for-your-town

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/07/19/microbursts_like_the_one_that_hovered_over_phoenix_work_like_tornadoes_in.html
__________

¹ Wikepedia: “Microburst”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microburst

² NOAA: “What is a microburst?”, http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ama/?n=microbursts / Tornadoes rain bombs evidence sky water larger and larger cascades storm an inch of rain down 23 people died West Virginia flooding peak more than 8 inches fell within half a day once-every-1,000 years rain storm maelstrom dropped five times as much rain as normal Houston more than a dozen people died city's fifth major flood rainfall is trending higher most dramatic recent image Bruce Haffner Phoenix TV helicopter pilot looks like 20-megaton warhead going off rain bomb phenomenon known meteorology circles wet microburst supposed to happen rarely conditions must be just right thunderstorm dry patch of air sucks moisture away air underneath the storm cloud cools making it more dense air around it cooler air drop into even warmer air accelerates air can blast out of the sky more than 150 miles per hour 250 kilometres per hour deflects off the ground pushes winds outward tornado strength Phoenix event macroburst radar footprint wider than 2.5 miles Amber Sullins chief meteorologist ABC-15 News scientists understand mechanics small-scale weather events rain bombs tornadoes severe thunderstorms modest improvements projections storms behave changing atmosphere region research showing rain events less frequent more intense climate change our new reality Sullins known much greater confidence climatologists storms continue intensify stockpiling water vapor atmosphere building worldwide arsenal rain bombs wet microbursts macrobursts typical Noah-scale deluges study climate change relationship to war sky keeps falling is clearer human activity increased amount carbon dioxide CO2 air atmosphere more than 40 percent above pre-industrial levels CO2 climate pollutants trap more heat in the atmosphere hotter atmosphere holds more water 4 percent more degree Fahrenheit rise average temperature more water vapor energy more intense storms lots more water once-every-five-year storms occurred 40 percent more often normal U.S.A. USA every three years five-year storms 80 percent more frequently than expected Ken Kunkel scientist NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Centers for Environmental Information amount of rain is increasing amount extreme rain increasing Earth's land masses year 2010 88 percent more broken records occurred stable climate study German researchers from 1981 to 2010 12 percent more record-breaking rainstorms occurred worldwide than would have happened without human influence implies that over the last 30 years, roughly one in ten record-breaking events would not have occurred without climate change scientists rain bomb land lightning will strike next clear wide-ranging research human activity climate change global warming /