YotaPhone 2 — a phone with 2 screens

Credit: YotaPhone/Indiegogo

Medium to high-end smartphones have brilliant, sharp, colourful screens. Most users place a high value on the quality of the screen. But such brilliance is not without cost: battery consumption & poor visibility in direct sunlight.

In contrast to the screen technologies used in smart phones, there are black-&-white displays which consume much less power, require no backlight & are not compromised by direct sunlight.

popSLATE is a case for the iPhone which contains a monochrome E-Ink screen. E-Ink is superior for specific purposes, such as:
● decorative — protective phone cases often have a decorative image — popSLATE can have one that can be changed as often as desired, & the display only consumes power when it changes
● any other display which is required for an extended period — speaking notes, lists, directions, e-reader — can be displayed without the battery drain of the main screen
● any display which must be viewed in direct sunlight

popSLATE is compromised because, as an add-on, it’s functionality is limited.

YotaPhone released its first dual screen phone last year. Having been designed with the two screens in mind , it made better use of the second screen than an add-on device could hope to do, but was still limited.

As a second generation device, YotaPhone 2 makes all the functions of its Android operating system available on both screens. It's available via Indiegogo:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/yotaphone-2-world-s-first-dual-screen-smartphone#/story

Android Authority


http://www.theverge.com/2014/12/5/7338753/yotaphone-2-hands-on-preview

http://www.engadget.com/2014/12/03/yotaphone-2-review/ / world's first dual-screen always-on smartphone customizable always-on screen hands-free messaging notifications electronic book E-reading up to 100 hours on a single charge Android functionality both screens first dual-screen mobile in the world features OS Android smartphone benefits Electronic Paper Display E-Ink screen consumers EPD Electronic Paper Display always consumes less energy readable even in the brightest sunshine Facebook Twitter news RSS-feeds blogs email messaging one device smartphone e-reader Yotaphone 2 measures battery life Five days reading on a single charge 2 days of basic smartphone functions YotaEnergy app YotaPhone2 EPD customize touch screen full-touch EPD display create multiple dashboards widgets bumper case wireless charger /

Solar Impulse Pacific crossing — take off 18:00 UTC today

Credit: Solar Impulse/Inhabitat

Solar Impulse II is attempting an around-the-world flight.

After waiting in Nanjing, since 21 April, for the right weather window, the plan is for Solar Impulse II to take off at 18:00 UTC today, 30 May. Next stop Hawaii. Expected flight time: 120 hours (5 days, & nights), non-stop. Auto pilot is fitted, but the single pilot is allowed only 20 minutes sleep at a time.

Solar Impulse web site
http://www.solarimpulse.com/

Live cockpit display
http://www.solarimpulse.com/widget-aircraft / solar cell photovoltaic photo-voltaic photo voltaic PV battery LiIon lithium ion adventure Solar Impulse solar power sun-powered airplane night flight in 2010 intercontinental journey cross-country trip Swiss André Borschberg Bertrand Piccard Solar Impulse 2 aircraft solar airplane journey five consecutive days nights continent fuel prototype broke world records solar-powered flight Borschberg Piccard next big challenge world around entire planet bigger Solar Impulse difficulties arduous trip across America USA design complex simulations test flights first prototype new technologies electrolytes energy density batteries nanotechnologies carbon fibers lighter in weight Solar Impulse website altitude energy storage store /

How much coffee do you drink? How much caffeine?

Caffeine content of coffee is not a standard unit. Variables include:
• instant generally contains less caffeine than fresh
• type of coffee bean
• grinding
• how the coffee was made e.g. filter verses percolated
• where it was made

Where it was made? In 2005, a university study measured the caffeine content of 97 short blacks from restaurants on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The strongest sample contained nearly nine times as much caffeine as the weakest.

Ben Desbrow et al: "An examination of consumer exposure to caffeine from retail coffee outlets": http://www.academia.edu/1879395/An_examination_of_consumer_exposure_to_caffeine_from_retail_coffee_outlets / caffeine coffee variability consumer exposure objective analyse distribution caffeine doses obtainable espresso coffee sold sample commercial coffee vendors Gold Coast Qld Australia design espresso short black coffee samples purchased analysed caffeine content micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography MEKC coffees systematic cluster sampling five major retail centres centers results ninety-seven espresso samples analysed considerable variation caffeine content range per serve concentration range contained 120 mg caffeine samples exceeded 167 mg per serve conclusions implications heavily caffeinated samples findings frequently cited caffeine values similar data recently collected accuracy previous intake modelling regarding caffeine use Australian population probability consumer exposure high caffeine doses greater sample numbers variability variance within retail ground coffees caffe latte caffè caffé lattè latté mocha cappuccino ground coffee beans brewing dripfilter French press cafetière percolator /

Meet the man who steals your Instagram photos & sells them for $90,000

Credit: Richard Prince/Gagosian Gallery/Boy Genius Report

Recipe for success as an artist:

● capture photographs from Instagram
● make some minor adjustments to the image (optional)
● add a comment in the style of Instagram
● print as in the image above
● sell for ~$90,000

http://bgr.com/2015/05/26/instagram-prints-photos-richard-prince-art/ / pretentious nonsense posts online permanently etched on the Internet tweet photo digital existence sharing items photos friends concerns about privacy profiting from your personal photos dynamics Richard Prince “artist” skill set photographing other people’s photographs adjusting them slightly selling enormous profit Prince’s most recent exhibit New York City Gagosian Gallery lifted without permission notice Instagram “art” finding photos of women on Instagram blowing photos up 6 ft tall prints 48×65 selling them for a hefty profit adjustment photos photograph fake Instagram comment username richardprince1234 emoji talent Instagram photos random individuals $90,000 sale sold 90 large comically comical Instagram user sued before copyright infringement photographer Patrick Cariou sued Prince stole Cariou’s photos most minor adjustments gallery displayed $10 million settling suit Federal Appeals Court in 2013 constituted fair use subtle undercurrent of pretentious nonsense rationalize Prince’s work as art Guggenheim curator Nancy Spector /

Waste heat can be recovered as relatively green energy

“Pollution is nothing but the resources we are not harvesting. We allow them to disperse because we've been ignorant of their value.” — R. Buckminster Fuller — http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/rbuckmins101926.html

Not normally considered a “pollutant”, but data centres spend a great deal of money on infrastructure, energy & other running costs to remove the heat produced by servers. In accordance with the advice of Buckminster Fuller, above, heat in data centres is coming to be seen as a resource:

http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2011/03/18/energy-efficiency-guide-heat-recycling/

A startup in the Netherlands has plans to move servers to homes for heating:

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1098438_computers-to-heat-your-home-startup-nerdalize-distributes-server-farms-to-dutch-residences

Poultry & pig farmers can reduce energy bills by 65% by capturing waste heat:

http://www.worldpoultry.net/Broilers/Housing/2014/10/Re-using-heat-reduces-energy-bill-by-65-1621821W/

Refineries & incinerators:

http://www.howwegettonext.com/Article/VMJq9ysAAJBS0upw/gothenburgs-heating-grid-transforms-garbage-into-warmth#.VWQuyzY4bTY

Even heat from the water in your shower:

http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/save-dollars-planet-with-ecodrain-video.html / Swedish city Gothenburg electrical grid heat pipes warm water refineries incinerators apartment buildings city cheap green heating winter temperatures drop below freezing several months of the year Nordic countries Manhattan’s iconic steam system district heating Sheffield Southampton Nottingham Britain warm parts city center waste incinerators connected hot water networks scope expansion industry London wastes enough heat to supply 70 percent calefaction needs heat energy energy waste wasted circulating Jonas Cognell Göteborg Energi municipally owned company network pipes Sweden major industrial areas oil refinery port Finnish energy giant ST1 waste incinerator operated local recycling company Renova extracts heat city’s sewer system Renova’s plant incinerates household trash recycled burning 535,000 tonnes plant maze of piping cleaning waste burned treat the waste energy recovered heating electricity fossil fuels Christian Löwhagen Renova positive for the environment landfill plant productive Gothenburg waste combustible waste extra capacity good business positive effect environment British landfill Löwhagen 1,778,000 megawatt-hours megaWatt hours MWh Gothenburg’s district heating system waste-to-energy incineration recycling Sweden recycles waste network of pipes network system interconnected harvesting heat from heavy industry waste heat district heating network renewable biomass burning gas-fired cogeneration plant produces power electricity fossil fuels high proportion industrial waste heat far lower prices distribution systems Sweden more expensive Europe European waste heat reuse energy wasted improving study visits plant technology /

Dumbing down Australia — the view from Bloomberg

“Having this reliance on the bottom end of the economy, like small businesses, is a short-term fix,” said Andrew Hughes, a lecturer at the College of Business and Economics at Australian National University. “Cutting back on research is insanity.”

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-25/australia-dumbs-down-as-government-bets-on-baristas-over-brains / ANU Australia betting on plumbers coffee-shop owners scientists researchers drive nation’s next wave of economic growth refrigerators black-box flight recorders bionic ears Wi-Fi cut research budget tax cuts write-offs this year’s budget small firms buy equipment espresso machines lawnmowers plan build stronger more prosperous Australia government reducing spending budget shortfalls 30 percent drop in commodity prices end mining investment boom small businesses lifted consumer confidence boosted shares of retailers Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. JB Hi-Fi Ltd. reliance on the bottom end of the economy small businesses short-term fix Andrew Hughes lecturer College of Business and Economics at Australian National University Cutting back on research is insanity counting on Calculators Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development OECD Australia scientific enterprise transition into technology innovation and development Chief Scientist Ian Chubb declining levels of participation science mathematics students calculators jobs equire an understanding of science Australian school students underperform science mathematics tests high-income economy in Asia New Zealand 34-nation OECD power brains market China India Japan South Korea spend so much more research development think long-term global Innovation Industry and Science Minister Ian Macfarlane ranked 81st out of 143 global innovation efficiency measure, putting it close to average turning ideas to our advantage spending A$9 billion ($7 billion) a year on science budget shortfall predicted tax revenue collapse in iron ore prices low wage growth researcher Danielle Edwards A$385,000 research grant in Australia little prospect of further employment in her native country losing talent through lack of investment left science country government needs reverse job cuts to its national science agency CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation better investment in science help future productivity James Harrison built the world’s first practical commercial refrigerator 1854 1990s of Wi-Fi John O’Sullivan’s radio-astronomy team CSIRO, Australia turning inventions into commercial successes bottom seven countries government spending research and development proportion of gross domestic product GDP OECD scoreboard lower-skilled careers employment Singapore South Korea students skipping university Singapore increasing R&D spending manufacturing shutdown stimulating economic renewal invest wealth-generating activities higher education research innovation /

Formula E, round 8, Berlin, Germany, Saturday 23 May 2015 (video)

Complete results, including race & qualifying:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/results/berlin-eprix.aspx

Driver standings:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/results/driver-standings.aspx

Team standings:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/results/team-standings.aspx / Formula E, round 8, Berlin, Germany eighth race all electric racing series fourth race open wheeler ePrix stadium races F1 FIA electricity sport electric vehicles EV terrific acceleration pass passing possible tracks with tight corners technology range race organizers identical cars Spark-Renault SRT_01E built French company Spark Racing Technology carbon fiber aluminum chassis Dallara electric powertrain electronics McLaren Electronics Systems Williams Advanced Engineering building 200 kiloWatt battery pack batteries powertrain generate 270 horsepower five-speed paddle shift gearbox fixed gear ratios Michelin 18 inch tires wet dry conditions sound 80 decibel whine full grid 20 cars FIA Formula E strategy street courses dedicated circuits tire wear grip management battery life charge prematurely testing drivers learn knowledge teams construction constructors constructing FanBoost pit stop second fully charged car advances in battery technology battery swaps charging battery Renault Michelin DHL Qualcomm Richard Branson Virgin Racing team Leonardo DiCaprio Venturi team lithium ion LiIon battery charge recharge range battery management system BMS /

Sustainable electricity making progress around the world

Burlington, Vermont now runs on 100% renewable electricity & has done it without raising rates since 2009
http://www.triplepundit.com/2015/02/burlington-vermont-runs-100-renewable-energy/

Orkney Island, (16 kilometres (10 miles) north of Scotland) is now running on 100% renewable electricity — largely wind


South Australia 30% + renewable
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_in_South_Australia

Tuesday 30 September 2014: a combination of wind energy & solar provided more than 100% of the South Australia’s electricity needs, for a whole working day between 9.30am & 6pm
http://reneweconomy.com.au/2014/south-australia-hits-100-renewables-for-a-whole-working-day-86069 / renewable sustainable green electricity power solar wind turbine windmill generator storage hydro hydro-electric hydroelectric hydro electric Burlington Electric Vermont powered 100 percent by renewables Greenburg Kansas town coal fossil fuel Vermont’s largest city energy portfolio hydropower plant Vermont’s progressive politics residents local utility Burlington Electric without raising rates since 2009 case study communities investing renewables Vermont’s local topography biomass power station fueled mostly by wood chips woodchips McNeil Generating Station biofuels logging residue culled tree material scrap yard waste wood power station generate megawatts MW electricity city’s power needs electricity electric power energy wind power 40 MW project solar energy solar array hydro electricity hydropower Maine plant Winooski River smart grid project energy more efficiently efficiency photovoltaic PV Sandra Levine environmental attorney old Maine hydropower plant energy portfolio keeping electricity cost-competitive /

Uber is working on an autonomous car too

Credit: Ethan Lott/Pittsburgh Business Times

Google, Tesla, Mercedes, Audi & Delphi are working on autonomous cars. Now Uber has joined in.

http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/blog/techflash/2015/05/exclusive-heres-your-first-look-at-ubers-self.html

http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/22/8643047/uber-self-driving-car-first-pictures

Delphi autonomous car has driven from San Francisco to New York City
http://www.wired.com/2015/04/delphi-autonomous-car-cross-country/

Maybe Apple
http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/4/7976101/apple-cars-roof-mounted-cameras

Some of the advantages of autonomous vehicles are obvious. A little less obvious is more productive investment. / wear and tear motor electric vehicle EV energy fuel resources invest investment park road petrol gas diesel Google search engine battery LiIon lithium ion battery charge recharge autonomous car vehicle Uber developing self-driving self driving cars plans create autonomous vehicles research cars vehicle cruising the streets of Pittsburgh Uber Advanced Technologies Center box of electronic components on the roof device rotating LIDAR sensor map the immediate surroundings device identical profile to LIDAR components Google's self-driving vehicles the so-called Apple car Uber vehicle autonomous not a self-driving test car early research mapping safety autonomy systems research autonomy systems vehicle falling asleep at the wheel Uber's plans build a self-driving car borrowing engineering talent Carnegie Mellon University's robotics center research center centre CMU Uber's research employing drivers eliminate expense /

Saudi Oil Minister: “... eventually, one of these days, we are not going to need fossil fuels”

And the rest of the quote, from Saudi Arabia's oil minister, Ali Al-Naimi at a business & climate conference in Paris:

"In Saudi Arabia, we recognise that eventually, one of these days, we are not going to need fossil fuels, I don't know when, in 2040, 2050 ... so we have embarked on a program to develop solar energy.”

If the Saudis, with their vested interest in oil have noticed, there’s a message there for the rest of us too.

http://www.businessspectator.com.au/news/2015/5/22/policy-politics/saudi-oil-minister-fossil-fuels-doomed-were-switching-solar?utm_source=exact&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1370620&utm_campaign=cs_daily&modapt= / Saudi Arabia's oil minister switch energy focus solar power an end to fossil fuels Reuters Saudi Arabia fossil fuels we have embarked on a program develop solar energy Ali Al-Naimi business climate conference Paris news service reports exporting fossil fuels exporting gigawatts electric electricity Reuters minister world's energy mix fossil fuels oil prices as low as $US30-$40 barrel would not make solar power uneconomic /

Only carpenter bees can unlock the pink gentian flower

Flowers & pollinating insects evolved together. Flowering plants provide a reward, (usually in the form of nectar) & insects carry pollen from flower to flower.

A problem for the plant is that some of the pollen may be wasted, if the insect next visits a different species of flowering plant.

Some insects & plants are adapted to one another — in South Africa, pink gentian flowers provide pollen as a reward, which they keep locked, & only carpenter bees have the key:



For the plant, the advantage is that it doesn’t have to invest energy in producing nectar, & its pollen is more efficiently transferred to other flowers of its own species. A guaranteed source of food with exclusive access is the reward for the carpenter bee. / wings carpenter bees pink gentian flowers release their pollen beating at a frequency anthers vibrate pink gentian grows Southern Africa pollinated bumble furry carpenter bees flowering flowers gentian spread petals wide curving white style three large stamens long thick anther covered yellow pollen pollen-feeding insect yellow anther hollow pollen held inside tiny hole top of the anther extract bee making high-pitched buzzing noise wings alights anther beating its wings lowers the frequency note buzz approximately middle anther vibrate just the right frequency release pollen grains spout hole at the top yellow fountain evolution evolve adapt adapted /

Hybrid batteries repurposed at Yellowstone National Park

You may remember previous posts about plans to repurpose electric vehicle batteries to such purposes as storing excess electricity at periods of low demand for use at times of peak load, or to store solar electricity for use when the Sun isn’t shining.

Here’s a practical example at Yellowstone National Park: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1098326_used-toyota-hybrid-batteries-repurposed-at-yellowstone-national-park / original purpose battery packs hybrids electric cars useful battery energy-storage capacity diminishes over time packs no longer suitable for use in cars automotive service life battery packs usable capacity other applications reuse re-use recycle re-cycle power powering energy electricity storage cluster of buildings remote part of Yellowstone National Park used Toyota Camry Hybrid battery packs store energy generated solar panels Lamar Buffalo Ranch field campus system Camry Hybrid nickel-metal-hydride NiMH battery packs recovered Toyota dealers total of 85 kilowatt-hours storage capacity pack disassembled tested converted stationary energy-storage use battery-management systems Indy Power Systems re-wired in parallel arrays of 52 packs each solar array power Lamar Buffalo Ranch five buildings generates electricity power six average U.S. households USA U.S.A. U.S. Toyota onsite battery packs solar power storing energy sunlight isn't available more dependable source of power micro-hydro turbines capture energy from a nearby stream recycle batteries Toyota recycling program repurposing growth energy-storage business significant demand battery packs pair with solar arrays nickel-metal-hydride Toyota hybrids precious metals higher-capacity lithium-ion cells LiIon electric cars vehicle EV recycling secondary use battery packs landfills automotive service /

Fossil fuel subsidies — $US10 million per minute

Opponents often object to subsidies for sustainable energy. Frequently, this is in the form of a plea for a, “level playing field”.

The absurdity of such pleas is highlighted in the recent working paper on this topic from the International Monetary Fund:

“Post-tax energy subsidies … $4.9 trillion ... in 2013, and projected to reach $5.3 trillion … in 2015.”¹ Note that this is not an IMF report as such — as a working paper, it represents the views of its authors.²

$US5.3 trillion per annum is $US10 million per minute. It’s also more than the total health spending of all the world’s governments.³

Many, on all sides of the climate change & economic debates, have expressed concern that a modern industrial society may not be possible without cheap fossil fuels. This report suggests that those fears are unfounded — fossil fuels aren’t cheap.

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/18/fossil-fuel-companies-getting-10m-a-minute-in-subsidies-says-imf

http://reneweconomy.com.au/2015/fossil-fuels-subsidies-cost-world-5-3-trillion-a-year-10m-a-minute-27983
__________

¹ “IMF Working Paper”, 2015, p6: “Post-tax energy subsidies are dramatically higher than previously estimated—$4.9 trillion (6.5 percent of global GDP) in 2013, and projected to reach $5.3 trillion (6.5 percent of global GDP) in 2015.” https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2015/wp15105.pdf

² “IMF working Paper”, 2015, p2 https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2015/wp15105.pdf

³ http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/18/fossil-fuel-companies-getting-10m-a-minute-in-subsidies-says-imf / large global energy subsidies larger than we thought new estimates International Monetary Fund cost subsidising fossil fuels enormous $US5.3 trillion a year $US10 million minute calculations extremely robust IMF polluters costs social welfare health environmental broader economic governments burning coal oil gas post-tax energy subsidies dramatically higher previously estimated global GDP report eminent UK economist Nicholas Stern figure significant underestimate complete estimate costs climate change implicit subsidies fossil fuels much bigger coal biggest recipient subsidisation high environmental damage road fuels meaningful excises consumption petroleum most heavily subsidised product report projected subsidy despite declining petroleum prices natural gas electricity global GDP environmental impacts energy inputs power generation report post-tax subsidies advanced developing economies GDP emerging developing countries no justification enormous subsidies fossil fuels distort markets damages economies poorer countries Lord Stern Australia report nation’s fossil fuel sector $47 billion in federal government subsidies wind turbines The Australia Institute Rod Campbell fossil fuel industry schools hospitals public infrastructure state governments mineral fossil fuel industries fully fund the Gonski education reforms diesel fuel rebate fuel tax credit 2015 Federal Budget Paper Galilee coal projects Abbot Point terminal cost Queensland taxpayers old false story cheap fossil fuels health climate costs never accounted directly costing taxpayers billions Campbell eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels cut global carbon emissions by 20 per cent premature deaths outdoor air pollution deliver projected economic gains economic game-changer report says policy policymakers stakeholders need for reform benefits reform fiscal balances environment human health economy report subsidies for renewable energy pricing of fossil fuels subsidies for renewable energy /

The Universal Translator is almost here

But it’s been renamed, Skype Translator Preview.

Students in USA & Mexico on a Skype call with Skype Translator providing the translation


So far, four spoken languages: Spanish, Italian, Mandarin & English + 50 instant messaging languages (Windows 8.1 only) for now.

http://www.skype.com/en/translator-preview/

http://www.macworld.com.au/news/the-future-is-here-%E2%80%93-skype-translator-138106/#.VVnA_TY4bTZ / kids Universe English future devices universal translators instantly converted spoken word between languages the future is here Skype Translator Preview open to everyone Skype Translator currently four available spoken languages English Spanish Italian Mandarin 50 instant messaging languages users write text message language recipient receiving in their preferred language Skype Translator website Skype Translator Preview communication Skype audio and video communications AV Microsoft Research Skype communicate language first phase Skype Translator preview program programme four spoken languages Spanish English 50 instant messaging languages Skype Translator sign-up page Windows 8.1 desktop device Skype Translator around the world connect communicate collaborate geography language barriers two schools try Skype Translator Peterson School in Mexico City Stafford Elementary School in Tacoma USA Mystery Skype children ask questions determine the location of the other school classroom of children speaking Spanish speaking English Skype Translator removed this language barrier enabled communication communicate video Skype Translator speech recognition automatic translation machine learning technologies Skype Translator machine learning technology quality will continually improve communicate people around the world speech translation translate many languages many platforms deliver best Skype Translator experience each platform connected users preview program /

Sodium-ion a candidate for lithium-ion replacement

Graph showing the specific energies of sodium-ion materials achieved in sodium-ion cells http://www.faradion.co.uk/technology/sodium-ion-technology/
Credit: Faradion

Regular readers of these pages may remember Professor Donald Sadoway & his ideas on how to create low cost technology, including: “Confine our chemistry to Earth-abundant elements, that’s how to make it cheap.”

Lithium ion batteries violate this principle — at 0.0017% of the Earth’s crust*, lithium is far from Earth-abundant. Further, sources are controlled by just a few players.

Sodium shares many properties with lithium (same column in the Periodic Table, one row down**), but as the sixth most abundant element in the Earth's crust (2.8%)***, it is abundant almost everywhere & so, cheaper. These properties make sodium an attractive candidate for use in a battery to replace existing lithium-ion.

British start-up Faradion, with Williams Advanced Engineering, Oxford University & part-funded by Innovate UK, has developed a sodium-ion battery with performance comparable to lithium-ion.

http://www.electric-vehiclenews.com/2015/05/williams-demo-worlds-first-sodium-ion.html

http://www.faradion.co.uk/
__________
* "Abundance in Earth's Crust of the elements" http://www.periodictable.com/Properties/A/CrustAbundance.an.log.html

** “Dynamic Periodic Table” http://www.ptable.com/

*** “Abundances of the Elements in the Earth's Crust” http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/tables/elabund.html / Williams Advanced Engineering first public demonstration sodium-ion battery cell powered vehicle developed British battery start-up firm Faradion collaboration Williams Advanced Engineering Oxford University technology demonstrated e-bike application proof-of-concept showcase battery chemistry project sodium-ion battery technology part-funded Innovate UK UK’s innovation agency latest competition disruptive technologies low carbon vehicles lithium-ion batteries currently predominant technology electric hybrid vehicles energy storage applications sodium-ion offer cost safety sourcing benefits base materials sodium-ion batteries more easily sourced lithium-ion batteries limited number of markets market source sources around the world sodium salts sodium-ion batteries common salt more abundant lithium salt available British battery supply chain proof-of-concept cells e-bike manufactured larger than necessary avoid unnecessary costs lengthy manufacturing processes early stage optimised cells comparable in size lithium-ion battery packs already on the market potential exploit technology use in a wide range of electric hybrid vehicles energy storage applications e-bike battery pack four 12-cell modules designed manufactured Williams Advanced Engineering controlled Williams designed battery management system Williams proven leader design manufacture battery energy storage technology developed batteries Formula E electric racing series Jaguar C-X75 hybrid supercar Kinetic Energy Recovery SystemsKERS power company’s Formula One racing cars Oxford University’s expertise maximise battery life comparable performance sodium-ion cells can offer comparable lifetime lithium-ion products Paul McNamara Technical Director Williams Advanced Engineering history innovation lithium-ion battery technology range of different applications lithium-ion dominant choice chemistry sodium-ion alternative real benefits cost availability Faradion Oxford University potential today showcasing concept real world application /

It’s not just the airline food

Everyone complains about airline food. Not without good reason. But it’s not just the food.

Yes, airline food does suffer the disadvantages which come from being cooked, then transported, stored, & reheated.

But there’s more to it than that. Compared to your typical restaurant, an aircraft cabin at 35,000 feet is at a lower pressure, lower humidity & noisier. All of these factors alter perception of flavours. Sensitivity of the tongue to salt & sweet is reduced, for instance. This does not merely make foods bland, because the ability of the tongue to sense sour & bitter is unaffected.

What we perceive as flavour is largely smell, & this too, is much reduced as the nasal passages dry out due to the low humidity. To overcome the tongue's reduced sensitivity, airlines may use additional salt, which compounds dehydration effects.

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150112-why-in-flight-food-tastes-weird / taste buds above the clouds normal sense of taste Katia Moskvitch investigates airlines appetites food airline companies serve bland unappetising normal sense of taste cruise to a level thousands feet flavour pasta dish mouthful of wine taste buds sense of smell Russ Brown director In-flight Dining & Retail American Airlines flavour flavor combination perception saltiness sweetness drop pressurised cabin in-flight experience affects how your food tastes food and drink taste different air ground Charles Spence, professor of experimental psychology Oxford University lack of humidity lower air pressure background noise dryness low pressure air plane airplane aeroplane atmosphere inside the cabin affects sense of smell first air pressure drops humidity levels cabin plummet 30,000 feet humidity less than 12% drier than most desert combination dryness low pressure reduces sensitivity your taste buds sweet salty foods 30% 2010 study Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics commissioned German airline Lufthansa researchers special lab reduced air pressure simulating cruising 35,000 feet 10.6km sucking moisture out of the air simulating engine noise made seats vibrate mimic in-flight meal experience sweet salty senses sour bitter hot burn spicy flavours unaffected taste buds taste smell evaporating nasal mucus smell parched cabin air odour receptors do not work properly makes food taste twice as bland airlines in-flight food an extra kick salting spicing much more restaurant on the ground proper seasoning is key ensure food tastes good in the air Brown American Airlines recipes modified additional salt seasoning cabin dining atmosphere Gerry McLoughlin executive chef US airline United in-flight meals taste more robust chefs constant loud humming jet engines flavour nose mouth psychologists ears study found that people eating to the sound of loud background noise rated food as being less salty and less sweet silence noise sound much crunchier plane’s loud background noise 85db tastes Spence seasonings cardamom lemon grass curry taste more intense salt sugar mass-produced recipes preparing serving tasty food above the clouds food safety standards cooked on the ground food packed blast-chilled refrigerated re-heating in the air modify the flavour served at sea level re-heat food on board safety reasons airlines convection ovens blow hot, dry air over the food microwaves open flames induction ovens airline chefs mass produce recipes Brown control design food ingredients packing long process food preparation delivery reheated reheat re-heated during flight fifth taste umami pleasantly savoury taste fat fatty sardines seaweed mushrooms tomatoes soy sauce taste enhanced loud background noise Spence /

Apple Watch not protected by Activation Lock

Credit: Apple/Forbes

Activation Lock makes a stolen Apple iOS device useless to a thief. An Apple Watch does not have the same level of protection. An optional password can protect the legitimate owner’s data, but a thief can erase the Watch & then activate it like a new device.

http://www.macworld.com.au/news/apple-watch-not-protected-from-theft-138164/#.VVXJajY4bTY / iOS devices protected Activation Lock feature stolen iOS device activated thief Apple Watch has no such protection Apple Watch lost stolen activated configured brand new device Apple Watch passcode option only protects data pressing down on the side button Apple Watch brings up power down options force press screen option Erase All content Settings appears Apple Watch wiped paired with a new device Apple expected features new products original iPhone omit Activation Lock security feature newest product Watch OS 1.1 include Activation Lock /

iFixIt disassembles the Apple Watch

Credit: iFixIt/MakeMac



And the inductive charger.

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Apple+Watch+Teardown/40655

X-ray too

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Apple+Watch+X-ray+Teardown/41323 / teardowns provide a look inside device should not be used as disassembly instructions guide iFixit staff Time flies: it's been eight months since Apple announced its (digital) crowning achievement, the Apple Watch. Join us as we make time stand still by tearing down the Apple Watch—and see what makes it tick.
Update: We've got more Apple Watch teardown goodness! When you're done here, wind your way over to our X-ray teardown iOpener iFixit tech knife opening picks tweezers plastic opening tools pressure-sensitive flexible touchscreen AMOLED retina display custom designed Apple S1 SiP System in Package 8 GB onboard storage NFC Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n Bluetooth 4.0 accelerometer gyroscope heart rate monitor microphone speaker Watch OS Apple Watch Sport Sport Band charging cradle power adapter disassemble Apple Watch MagSafe inductive charging technology magnetically attach charger completely sealed system exposed contacts case composite cover hard-coated optical polymer lenses protecting LEDs photodiodes heart rate sensor combination infrared visible-light sensors heart rate zirconia ceramic cover sapphire lens Digital Crown microphone speaker ports removing remove band display panel antenna 3.8 V, 0.78 Wh lithium-ion battery Apple Watch 205 mAh battery microphone ribbon cable Taptic Engine linear actuator audio cues speaker o-ring water resistance IPX7 /

RAVPower RP-WD02 Wireless Filehub Portable Travel Router

Credit: RAVPower

It’s a router, Wi-Fi hot spot, file hub, & reader for USB flash drives, SD cards, & disk drives. A built in battery (6,000 mAh) can charge your mobile devices or power attached disk drives.

Ports include full size USB, micro USB, full size SD, microSD, & Ethernet. Also available in black.

http://www.rootjunky.com/ravpower-rp-wd02-wireless-file-wireless-filehub-portable-travel-router/

http://www.xda-developers.com/ravpower-rp-wd02-android-accessories-review/

Manufacturer’s listing
http://www.ravpower.com/ravpower-rp-wd02-filehub-6000mah-power-bank.html#sthash.b70mfT9X.dpuf / Ethernet WAN RAVPower RP-WD02 wireless file wireless filehub portable travel router best investment mobile devices wireless wifi storage Seagate Kingston Wi-drive Airstash micro SD card slot USB port connect different storage devices SD cards microSD cards portable hard drives usb flash drives potential product WiFi Wi-Fi disk isc disc must have tech geeks external battery pack 6,000 mAh handy critical must have a charge situations specs Wireless wi-fi storage external battery pack 6000mAh Micro SD card slot USB slot size small portable hard drive wifi connection named WiFiSD-158E password performance wide array of storage media SD card microSD flash drive 4gb 32gb power Seagate portable hard drive SD card slot devices connect to the wifi disk up to 5 devices can be connected to it play video files divx xvid avi mp4 mkv mov 720p 1080p connected 5 devices stream a divx file all at the same time simultaneously worked flawlessly no stutters no audio drops HD 720p 1080p files with 5 devices stream access connected storage 3 different ways recommended mobile apps mobile fun Android Airstor iOS connect device see your connected storage options nice clean simple apps ES Explorer fast smooth APP Wi-Fi hotspot connect to your regular home internet router device connected Internet access wireless bridge router configured apps browser 10.10.10.254 connect via a web interface default username admin password configure password wizard tutorial connect laptop access connected storage wifi disk any file explorer app SAMBA/SMB connections ES Explorer Solid Explorer set it up Network SMB/CIFS computer name IP address 10.10.10.254 authentication method Web interface navigate connected storage build quality colour coloured colored LEDs wall charger USB charger /

Wearables — steps toward a cyborg future?

Credit: Apple/9To5Mac

New technologies require a new way of thinking. Human beings have to feel their way towards that new way of thinking. At the moment, we are feeling our way towards the ways of thinking required for wearable technology

After using the Apple Watch for a week, Mike Elgan writes in Computerworld that he feels that the Apple Watch may point the way to some significant new ways of interacting with wearable technology.

http://www.computerworld.com/article/2920305/wearables/the-apple-watch-and-our-cyborg-future.html

More about wearable technology:

Smartwatches – wide choice available

Activity trackers can help to improve your fitness

Google smart contact lenses / wearing smartwatch smart watch wearable Apple Watch transformed my thinking direction mobile wear wearable computing we're all becoming cyborgs cyborg person normal human abilities enhanced magnified technology technology as a tool haptic haptics tech move Apple Watch our cyborg future cyborg sounds unappealing boost health happiness prosperity Android fans Apple-haters techno-skeptics column Apple is cultural journey all on together my week of wearing the Apple Watch experienced three epiphanies wearable revolution spontaneous knowledge most important feature Apple Watch Taptics engine Taptics Apple's branding haptics technology Apple Watch newest laptops haptics phone vibrate Xbox game experienced haptic buzzing jobs haptics mobile phones silent substitutes audible ring ding inform someone is calling text message has arrived convey incoming information communication vibrating game controllers enhance the experience most advanced haptics mainstream mobile device haptics watch spontaneous knowledge haptics actually convey information Apple Watch users fun turn-by-turn directions feature press and hold Digital Crown dial button on the side of the watch tell Siri navigate home displays your current location map press Start button the magic begins watch displays contextual directions screen turn your wrist high resolution haptic event combined with sound right turn coming up communicated haptics audio signal rapidly repeats a note starts low goes higher left turn starts higher note followed by a lower note different combination movement sound indicates arrived at your destination haptics say Time to take action simultaneous sound tells you what to do look at the screen use Apple Watch's turn-by-turn directions drive forget about it get used to the process stop thinking about haptics and sound information about where to drive bypasses your conscious mind experience spontaneous knowledge where to drive Apple Watch communicate with haptics feature called Tap dial up favorite contacts press the tap icon screen felt by the other person communicating basic information this way surprisingly interesting experience one pound or two replies with two taps gaining knowledge through taps feels like telepathy perceive incoming information information appears to emerge into your conscious mind directly spontaneous knowledge some notifications Google Glass wearables spontaneous feels comfortable efficient somewhat thrilling personal-area-network personal area network epiphany Apple Watch and the iPhone together new platform new medium elegant discreet smart glasses smart shoes clothes connected medical stickers glucose-monitoring contact lenses smart jewelry cyborg /

Formula E, round 7, Monaco, Saturday 09 May 2015 (video)

Complete results, including race & qualifying:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/results/monaco-eprix.aspx / Formula E Monte Carlo Monaco seventh race all electric racing series race Monte Carlo Monaco open wheeler ePrix stadium races F1 FIA electricity sport electric vehicles EV terrific acceleration pass passing possible tracks with tight corners technology range race organizers identical cars Spark-Renault SRT_01E built French company Spark Racing Technology carbon fiber aluminum chassis Dallara electric powertrain electronics McLaren Electronics Systems Williams Advanced Engineering building 200 kiloWatt battery pack batteries powertrain generate 270 horsepower five-speed paddle shift gearbox fixed gear ratios Michelin 18 inch tires wet dry conditions sound 80 decibel whine full grid 20 cars FIA Formula E strategy street courses dedicated circuits tire wear grip management battery life charge prematurely testing drivers learn knowledge teams construction constructors constructing FanBoost pit stop second fully charged car advances in battery technology battery swaps charging battery Renault Michelin DHL Qualcomm Richard Branson Virgin Racing team Leonardo DiCaprio Venturi team lithium ion LiIon battery charge recharge range battery management system BMS /

Mophie Juice Pack adds battery & protection to your iPhone 6 or 6+ — update

Credit: Mophie/TechRadar

Many phones have the option to replace the standard battery with a larger one, or just another standard battery, when the original goes flat late in the day, or capacity deteriorates after a few years of use.

iPhone batteries are not user-replaceable. To overcome this, Mophie has been manufacturing cases for iPhones, which contain a battery, for a number of years. When the iPhone’s battery is substantially discharged, it can be recharged from the battery in the Mophie case. Other features include:
● switch to control charging from the Mophie battery
● LED lights to show Mophie level of charge
● pass-through charge & sync
● protection for the phone similar to other cases

Most recent is a Mophie battery case for the iPhone 6 & 6+:
http://www.techradar.com/sponsorship/transform-your-iphone-6-and-iphone-6-plus-with-mophie-s-powerful-juice-pack-cases-1292876

Mophie battery cases for other iPhones include the Mophie Space Pack which also adds flash memory storage to the iPhone 5:
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/mophie-space-pack-adds-storage-battery.html

Manufacturer’s web site:
http://www.mophie.com/

Update — some alternatives:
http://dailytekk.com/2015/05/08/the-5-best-battery-cases-for-iphone-available-now-2015/?reading=continue / mophie number one selling battery case manufacturer battery cases mophie's UK website Juice Pack family iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus boost battery life handset handsets smart phone smartphone device Apple Apple's latest flagship smartphones notorious battery guzzlers life use consumption mophie's juice pack cases charge recharge charged battery booster juice pack air for iPhone 6 protects new phone knocks drops more than doubles battery life handset juice pack plus for iPhone 6 delivering more than 120% extra battery more power juice pack ultra for iPhone 6 increases device's battery life 150% charger owner Apple's larger iPhone 6 Plus juice pack air for iPhone 6 Plus delivers more than 60% extra battery super sized smartphone charge your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus don't need to remove the case pass through pass-through charge sync connect cable case juice pack family is mophie's thinnest battery cases extra 17 hours talk time 15 hours of web browsing black white gold Apple certified mophie's juice pack range iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus mophie battery product Triple Test Certified three different stages of production capacity efficiency built quality long-lasting performance digital power management devices completely safe power quickly charging charge vault technology best in class battery life mophie's products charge extended periods of time iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus boost reliable efficient industry leading battery life /

CHIP — the $9 computer

Credit: Next Thing Co./Kickstarter

1 GHz processor
512 MB RAM
4 GB on board storage
Linux operating system
Bluetooth & WiFi
Connects to any screen — composite on-board — VGA & HDMI optional

Many more features. Check it out on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598272670/chip-the-worlds-first-9-computer?ref=nav_search / chip CHIP C.H.I.P. computer tiny easy to use C.H.I.P. computer work in LibreOffice save your documents C.H.I.P.’s onboard storage surf Web check your email Wi-Fi wifi play games Bluetooth controller applications tools preinstalled C.H.I.P. power it on computer students hackers C.H.I.P. computer computer based projects built in WiFi + Bluetooth Internet attach keyboard mouse wirelessly work with any screen C.H.I.P.’s built-in composite output add simple adapter VGA HDMI LibreOffice edit spreadsheets create Word documents Chromium browser surf the web check websites send emails watch videos pre-loaded with Scratch easy to learn language teaches the basics of programing connect bluetooth controllers C.H.I.P. games retro new DOS game MIDI keyboard C.H.I.P. jam portable music player attach powered speakers C.H.I.P.'s open source operating system easy to use navigate graphical display C.H.I.P. preinstalled dozens of useful applications tools games free applications open source community PocketC.H.I.P. Pocket C.H.I.P. portable QWERTY keyboard /

SpaceX Crew Dragon pad abort test

Credit: SpaceX/Space

Launching people into space has many difficulties, not the least of which is caused by placing said people at the top of a rocket filled with a lot of energy-dense chemicals which stand a reasonable chance of starting a runaway reaction which may blow said people to pieces.

If a catastrophic failure occurs, those people need to get out of there really fast. Spacex has successfully tested their launch abort system for doing just this. A launch abort system is like an ejector seat, but instead of ejecting seat & pilot, the entire crew capsule is ejected.

Previous launch abort systems have involved a rocket tower mounted on top of the crew capsule. In the event of an abort, a rocket tower would tow the crew capsule to safety. Rocket towers were jettisoned soon after launch.

SpaceX places its launch abort system below the crew capsule. It remains attached & provides an abort capability all the way to orbit. On return from space, the same thrusters can be used to provide a controlled descent to land.

SpaceX expects its first crewed flights in 2017.



http://www.spacex.com/news/2015/05/06/crew-dragon-completes-pad-abort-test

http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/06/spacex-dragon-pad-abort-test-video/

Written before the test was run, but has excellent background information:
http://www.spacex.com/news/2015/05/04/5-things-know-about-spacexs-pad-abort-test / SpaceX first key flight test of its Crew Dragon spacecraft vehicle designed carry astronauts to and from space successful Pad Abort Test first flight test SpaceX’s revolutionary launch abort system data captured here Crew Dragon first human missions 2017 test simulated Dragon would carry astronauts to safety emergency on the launch pad Crew Dragon’s abort system powered eight SuperDraco engines produces 15,000 pounds of thrust engines integrated directly into the sides of the vehicle carried on top of the vehicle previous launch abort systems configuration astronauts escape capability launch pad all the way to orbit spacecraft use the same thrusters land propulsively at the end of a mission Pad Abort Test eight SuperDracos ignited ignite simultaneously reached maximum thrust propel propelling spacecraft launch pad half a second vertical flight Crew Dragon pitched controlled burn SuperDraco engines throttled throttle control trajectory real-time measurements vehicle’s sensors accelerate 0-100 mph in 1.2 seconds maximum velocity 345 mph abort burn terminated propellant trunk jettisoned spacecraft heat shield small parachutes drogues deployed trunk separation drogue parachutes stabilized vehicle three main parachutes deployed spacecraft splashdown ignition Dragon splashed down Atlantic Ocean downrange launch pad test Crew Dragon test dummy equipped with sensors gather data necessary safe environment future crew humans provide valuable data future flight testing Crew Dragon spacecraft high-altitude abort test uncrewed mission Space Station /

No third party watch faces for the Apple Watch

Credit: Forbes

As previously indicated in these pages, there are no third party watch faces for the Apple Watch, & it looks like Apple intends to keep it that way:

http://www.tgdaily.com/mobile/132176-no-new-time-telling-apps-for-apple-watch

Maybe, in time, Apple will liberalise the rules, as they did with the iPhone. / Apple update App Store Review Guidelines new rule 10.7 states "Watch Apps whose primary function is telling time will be rejected." Apple Watch battery problem Apple’s website states choose face customize 9 nine faces Apple built into the Watch problem third-party developers new faces for the Apple Watch Apple carefully thought out iconic face designs people wearing the devices instantly recognize nine built-in faces Apple Watch changing the look of the face confuse other people you spent all that money Apple Watch Apple Watch face display displaying using customers marketing efforts Apple public facing image apps users ability customize faces Apple Watches trivial apps a lot of people out there some pretty imaginative designs new faces Apple loosen up their restrictions /

Is the Galaxy S6 Edge worth $100 more than the Galaxy S6? (video)

For me, the only advantage of the Edge over the standard S6 is location of the power button in my preferred position at the top, rather than at the side, opposite the volume buttons. Scratch that one — Note 4 Edge has the power button on the top, but S6 Edge has it on the side opposite the volume buttons.

As noted in the video, the surface area at the sides for gripping the Edge is considerably reduced by the curved edges.



Transcript:
http://www.phonedog.com/videos/galaxy-s6-edge-worth-100-more-galaxy-s6

Review from The Gadgeteer:
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/05/06/samsung-galaxy-s6-edge-smartphone-review/#more-177794 / Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge battery LiIon lithium ion edge screen personal device smartphone smart phone review unit video topic best smartphones Samsung Samsung Galaxy S5 two devices, use using daily basis hard to recommend standard Samsung Galaxy S6 tech enthusiast casual user hardware looks really sleek futuristic premium both edges display curve around the side really hard good grip device few millimeters space each side device fingers grip curved display actually grip device Gorilla Glass front back cover Galaxy S6 easier to hold grip Galaxy S6 best better Edge $100 $200 less good amount of money screen curves left and right hand side device same resolution same display size same display technology slightly larger battery 2600mAh 2550mAh difference curve curved display unique effect watching videos content looks great effect appear content Edge screen features Edge Lighting People Edge Information Stream Night Clock Edge Lighting lights up edge of the display calls notifications received 5 people contact most frequently most contacted Edge Screen Edge Lighting Information Stream view feeds edge screen main screen is turned off dash clock unique features aren’t very practical most practical People Edge open up Dialer app Messenger app contact retrain yourself People Edge feature features worth $100 S6 display appears slightly larger edges aren’t tapered displays phones bigger save your money /

Convert a disposable lighter into a pocket torch

Credit: sotooutdoors.com/The Gadgeteer

Fits on the top of a disposable lighter & adds:

● temperatures up to 1,300°C (2,372°F)
● wind resistance
● increased lifespan for the lighter

Soto notes that the Soto PT-14SB Pocket Torch may not work at altitude or low temperatures, but this is a limitation of the lighter, rather than the torch.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/05/04/convert-a-disposible-lighter-into-a-pocket-torch/

Not all disposable lighters fit:
http://www.sotooutdoors.com/where_to_buy/lighter.html / Soto PT-14SB Pocket Torch transform standard disposable lighter strong wind-resistant wind resistant proof burner electronic ignition Soto enclosure lighter produce flame temperatures 2300 degrees Farenheit Celcius 1300°C light stoves lamps solder metal melt snow torch increased lifespan up to 60% lighter tool outdoor may not ignite colder temperatures altitudes above 5,000 ft /

Test driving a fossil fuel car

Linked below is a tongue-in-cheek test drive of a fossil fuel car, by a Swedish Tesla electric vehicle (EV) owner. Some of the humour may be lost if you aren’t familiar with EVs in general, or Teslas in particular, so a few points to note:

● it is not necessary to start a Tesla — sit in the driver’s seat with the “key” — select drive (which releases the hand brake) — go
● similarly, no need to turn a Tesla off — shift to park/engage hand brake, get out, lock — if preferred, let the Tesla lock itself
● EVs use the electric motor to generate electricity when the accelerator is released — this produces a braking effect — in the Tesla, the braking effect is quite strong & the brake lights are activated — use of the mechanical brakes is generally necessary only for coming to a complete stop, or in an emergency
● owners routinely charge their EVs overnight, at home, at little cost
● Tesla have installed free-to-use, ultra-fast chargers (Superchagers) to facilitate cross-country travel
● electric motors have only one moving part, while fossil fuel engines have hundreds
● in practice, fossil fuel engines use approximately 20% of the energy in fuel to propel the vehicle — the remainder is lost as heat — EVs use approximately 90% of the energy in the battery to move the vehicle
● Tesla sells its cars through Tesla-owned stores, rather than independently owned dealerships

Fossil-fueled test drive
http://teslaclubsweden.se/test-drive-of-a-petrol-car/

Thanks to Canberra EV for the link. / Tesla Model S electric vehicle EV battery internal combustion engine ICE battery LiIon lithium ion charge charger recharge Supercharger efficient inefficient /

Tesla’s Power Wall

Fundamental to existing electricity supply around the world is “base load”, mainly provided by fossil &/or nuclear. Norway is an exception, with 99% of electric power provided by hydro*.

Hydo & geothermal excepted, renewable sources of electrical energy are intermittent: solar when the Sun shines, wind only when it blows.

All of the above notwithstanding, some claim that base load is an outdated concept. They reason that a modern grid, of continental scale, can be used to supply power from the places where the Sun is shining &/or the wind is blowing to the places where little or no power is being generated. E.g. Professor Mark Diesendorf, at the University of New South Wales claims that all of Australia’s electricity needs can be supplied with wind & solar, existing hydro, plus 6% from bio-fuelled gas turbines. In such a mix, the bio-fuelled gas turbines would be filling the peak demand function which fossil-fueled gas turbines fulfil in the existing Australian & other grids.

If it turns out that base load is required for a sustainable power grid, there are a few possibilities, including:

● Ambri utility-scale aluminium storage battery

● Repurposed used electric vehicle batteries

● Tesla has just announced its range of power storage batteries for domestic, businesses & power utility use:

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/05/tesla-powerwall-a-battery-for-your-home/

Tesla Power Wall press kit
http://www.teslamotors.com/presskit/teslaenergy

Should you get a Tesla Power Wall?
http://www.wired.com/2015/05/get-tesla-home-battery-let-physics-explain/
__________
* “Renewable energy in Norway” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy_in_Norway / 20 trillion kWh energy power supply energy nuclear power plant fossil fuel transportation electricity production USA electric power sector carbon dioxide CO2 EPA forest environmental damage electricity grid fossil fuels sustainable renewable energy sources power consumption dirtiest power generation resources cleaner smaller more resilient energy grid Tesla Energy homes businesses utilities fostering clean energy ecosystem fossil fuel energy innovation company Tesla Energy zero emission power generation Tesla Energy, Tesla move away from fossil fuels sustainable energy Tesla batteries store sustainable renewable energy manage power demand backup power increase grid resilience renewable power partners deploy storage on the grid improve resiliency cleanliness grid Tesla Powerwall rechargeable lithium-ion battery store energy residential level load shifting backup power self-consumption solar power generation Powerwall Tesla’s lithium-ion battery pack liquid thermal control system software dispatch commands solar inverter integrated with the local grid harness excess power load shifting financial savings charging during low rate periods demand for electricity lower discharging more expensive rate periods electricity demand is higher increasing self-consumption rooftop roof top solar power generation store surplus solar energy generated back-up power outage Powerwall grid outages solar grid backup power optimized solar power Powerwall cost benefits installers load shifting mounting wall mounted indoor outdoor inverter energy continuous power peak power round trip efficiency warranty Powerwall distribution Treehouse sustainable home improvement store Fronius Symo Hybrid inverter photovoltaic PV reduces overall system cost SolarEdge Green Mountain Power powertrain Tesla electric vehicle Tesla energy storage systems consumption avoid peak demand charges power outage Amazon Target Jackson Family Wines EnerNOC Tesla Energy for Utilities Advanced Microgrid Solutions OnCor Southern California Edison Edison Energy Edison International AES /

Do you have enough time?

Really?

Linked below is an article that develops the idea that widespread claims of not having enough time are motivated by a range of ulterior motives, including, avoiding more tasks/social engagements, inflating the speakers importance, etc.

Lots of interesting ideas in the comments, too.

http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2014/03/brigid_schulte_s_overwhelmed_and_our_epidemic_of_busyness.html / too busy proud but exasperated tone desperately trying to assistant I work roughly 100 hours a week getting more and more behind I am simply unable to keep up demands on my time handle more requests push folks away do the work that I do art of busyness convey genuine alarm at the pace of your life helpless resignation completely on top of your game humble brags overwhelmed work love play no one has the time cultural epidemic the overwhelm working adults always behind always late one more thing and one more thing and one more thing to do conference call mounds of unfolded laundry waking up in a 2 a.m. panic to-do list friends crazy all the time busyness deep in the overwhelm doing too many things no sense of distinct phases researchers contaminated time women are more susceptible what needs to get done time pressure free or leisure time time serenity flow time use diaries squeezing out any free time time squeeze brag about it disease holiday letters anthropological record words phrases hectic whirlwind consumed crazy on the run way too fast meta-busy phase busyness working at the speed of light launch ourselves through the day breakneck speed busyness work three jobs mark of social status checklists competing about being busy showing status if you’re busy, you’re important full and worthy life busyness Schulte John Robinson sociologist Father Time collecting time use diaries American Time Use Surveys antidote overwhelm meditate vacation breathe walk in nature to-do list feeling oppressively busy busy created host of personal and social ills unnecessary stress exhaustion bad decision-making ideal worker available at all times grateful to be busy insane schedules Silicon Valley entrepreneur diaries paradox free time virtue empty time busy trap redundant obsolete time use diary free time she lying in bed exercising playing backgammon working mother leisure time write review contaminated time repairman fix the washing machine skipped email work breakfast being mindful living in the moment being present to-do list how busy you are /

Sent from my Apple Watch

We’ve all seen emails with a signature line: “Sent from my iPhone”, “Sent from Samsung” etc. Just now, sighted for the first time, an email with a, “Sent from my Apple Watch”, signature line. / smartphone smart phone signature line e-mail email iPad tablet Android iOS device /