Genie Hourglass – isn't this just a corset?

Credit: PopSugar

Oops! – Sorry, this is the Genie Hourglass:


“Credit” hardly seems right, but here goes – Credit: Genie Hourglass/Amazon

Didn’t we do this already? Your great-grandmother may have thought this was a good idea, but corsets fell out of favour some time ago, due to a range of health risks & other problems, including:

•  breathing difficulties

•  fainting

•  lung infections

•  slowed metabolism

•  gastric reflux

•  heartburn

•  ineffective digestion

•  stomach cramps

•  constipation

•  diarrhoea

•  damage to internal organs including liver, spleen & kidneys

•  won’t help you lose weight – in fact, slowed metabolism is likely to lead to weight gain

•  reshaping only continues while the a corset is being worn

•  muscles of the abdomen rest against the corset, leading to loss of strength, sag, & a bigger tummy & waist when the corset is removed

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/201426270849?limghlpsr=true&hlpht=true&ul_noapp=true&hlpv=2&chn=ps&lpid=107&ops=true&viphx=1

http://www.highya.com/genie-hour-glass-reviews

http://www.highya.com/articles-guides/are-waist-trainers-an-effective-shortcut-to-an-hourglass-figure / Genie Hour Glass polypropylene waist trainer claimed help instantly look 2 sizes slimmer hourglass shape Genie Hour Glass claimed continue shaping waist more you use it, even when not being worn according to the manufacturer Genie Hour Glass works by reducing shaping your waistline defining curves smoothing rolls bulges added benefits Genie Hourglass support your back help you feel toned Genie Hour Glass double compression waist training technology fasten compression shaper around torso adjust training bands your preference buy Genie Hourglass most pressing questions what is waist training effective waist training waist maintain a certain shape provide slimming effect modern day corsets Jessica Alba used corset train waist after giving birth claim trained waist corsets belts Genie Hourglass extreme measures to maintain the shape effect is temporary only lasts as long as you’re wearing the garment Genie Hour Glass manufacturer claim slimming effect when it’s not being worn models commercial the more I wear it the better I look take off your Genie Hour Glass belt waist will return to its normal size waist training trend trends fads manufacturers bandwagon make a quick buck no clinical proof that waist training works waist trainers Tummy Tuck Belt V-Shape Trainer Belt Hot Belt Xtreme Power Belt none proven to work Genie Hourglass waist training damage your body waist training popularity won’t help you lose weight negative side effects waist trainers Genie Hourglass medical professionals modern versions of corsets area between hips and ribcage smaller greater hip-to-waist ratio restriction restriction temporary temporarily provide slimming effect prevent breathing properly fainting lung infections decreased metabolism tight enough waist trainers damage your ribs prevent bowels functioning properly reflux heartburn less effective digestion affect bowel movements lungs bowels too-tight waist trainers damage other organs liver spleen kidneys your skin health /

Connected cars gather too much data about drivers, say motorists associations

It may be time to add your car to the list of devices that are invading your privacy.

Motorists’ organizations are pushing for transparency & driver choice.

http://www.computerworld.com/article/3009253/data-privacy/connected-cars-gather-too-much-data-about-drivers-say-motorists-associations.html / Car drivers greater privacy public transport users modern connected cars European motoring organizations organisations warned warning help identify faults plan maintenance manufacturers gather performance data connected cars total distance travelled length number of trips made drivers unaware how much other information cars allow manufacturers gather about them study conducted German motorists organization ADAC European lobby group FIA Region 1 addition trip distance data recent model reported maximum engine revolutions engine speed rpm status vehicle lights BMW 320d recorded length of time driver used different driving modes recorded when seatbelt tightened due to sudden braking more sinister sinisterly transmitted latest destinations car's navigation system personal information contacts synchronized synchronised mobile phones ADAC examined one car extend the study how other brands behave FIA car manufacturers come clean themselves unmasked publish easily understandable list each model all data collected processed stored transmitted externally risk data intercepted car hacked data stolen taken FIA carmakers secure data drivers block processing transmission non-essential data impossible car buyers purchase non-connected vehicles Europe from April 2018 all new vehicles must include support eCall system accident automatically communicates exact location emergency services time of incident direction of travel important motorways continuously monitoring position mobile data connection report back in case of incident automotive manufacturers installing hardware link in potentially revenue-generating services music streaming traffic information location-based recommendations FIA give car owners opportunity switch providers services lowest prices most innovative products motorists' organizations launched campaign promote motorists privacy rights freedom to choose service providers /

Rubik’s cube record broken twice in one day – 5 second mark passed

Before Saturday 21 November, the world record for solving the Rubik’s cube had stood at 5.25 seconds for 8 months. On that day, the record was lowered twice to 4.90 seconds.

1st world record of the day – Keaton Ellis – 5.09 seconds



Later the same day 14-year old Lucas Etter lowered the record again to 4.90



https://medium.com/@jblake17/a-historic-day-for-the-world-of-competitive-rubik-s-cube-solving-33a92a5f3d1c#.woy27tgml / Rubik’s Cube puzzle abandoned few minutes of frustration first released 1980s revival younger generations learn how to solve cube video tutorials YouTube online forums emergence community Rubik’s Cube solving enthusiasts speedcubers cubers advanced solving methods buy specially designed speedcubes underground Chinese suppliers adjust tensions lubrication cubes match turning styles discussion amongst cubers online World Cube Association WCA competitions real action happens WCA official body oversees governs organises speedcubing competitions website more competitions more people more fun fair and equal conditions official records set only in competition WCA new Rubik’s Cube world records rare held for over two years maps progression WCA world records past decade world record stood 5.25 seconds set by Collin Burns competition Clarksville Maryland 21 November 21 2015 Keaton Ellis timer 5.09 seconds competition 14-year old Lucas Etter two world records single competition prompted former world record holder long-time champion Feliks Zemdegs Australia craziest ever day in cubing history cubing world Lucas Etter first person break 5 second barrier in competition 4.90 seconds mind-bogglingly fast Rubik’s Cube enthusiast record new chapter for speedcubing unceasing efforts cubers around the globe push boundaries competitive Rubik’s Cube solving speedcubing WCA website speedsolving speed solving speed cubing forums /

Enfield electric car from 1974 – updated – at the drag strip

Enfield 8000 aka E8000 ECC aka Electric City Car
Credit: Wikepedia

Enfield Automotive¹, was encouraged by the oil crises of the 1970s, to produce an electric car, & the Enfield 8000, aka E8000 ECC, aka Electric City Car² was born. Top speed has variously been reported as 40 mph (64 kph), to 80 mph (129 km/h). Since the electric motor produced 8 bhp (6 kW)^1,2, the lower figure seems more likely. Range was around 40 miles (64 km)². Only 120 were produced.

More recently, Jonny Smith, one of the presenters for Fifth Gear³, located one, restored the body, & updated the battery & motor.

Robert Llewellyn takes a look:



At the drag strip – 12.62 @ 101.65!


More about the car at Jonny's Flux Capacitor web site: http://www.flux-capacitor.co.uk/
__________

¹  Yes, a manifestation of the British motorcycle/ lawn mower/ firearm company.
Wikepedia: “Enfield Automotive”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enfield_Automotive

²  Wikepedia: “Enfield 8000”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enfield_8000

³  Wikepedia: “Fifth Gear”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_Gear
Fifth Gear has recently reappeared on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/fifthgearuk

/ Enfield 8000 E8000 ECC Electric City Car 8 bhp 6 kW motor aluminium body 120 Enfield 8000s built Isle of Wight mid-1970s lead acid lead-acid battery Greek millionaire Giannis Goulandris production Greek isle Syros oil crisis of 1973 vehicles assembled Isle of Wight oil crises 1970s Enfield Automotive electric vehicle EV electric car Enfield 8000 E8000 ECC Electric City Car ECC Jonny Smith presenter Fifth Gear restored Robert Llewellyn Fully Charged LiIon Lithium ion /

Shoot now focus later

Photograph out of focus? Or the main feature is out of focus & the background, sharp? Panasonic & Olympus have solutions to these & other problems.





http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7952778512/panasonic-s-post-focus-feature-arrives-november-25

http://www.popphoto.com/olympus-announces-new-firmware-for-om-d-e-m1-and-e-m5-mark-ii

http://cameras.olympus.com/stack/en-au/

http://www.wired.com/2015/11/panasonic-cameras-get-a-shoot-now-and-focus-later-feature/ / Panasonic’s Lumix GX7 G8 FZ300 cameras free firmware update this morning update new mode Post Focus Lytro camera different implementation Post Focus mode capture 49 points of focus autofocus Post Focus mode camera records 4K video racking focus frame to frame sequence of differently focused images captured review sequence in camera photographer choosing the focus point Lytro’s living pictures player tapping swiping toggle through different focus points assist modes focus-peaking overlays Lumix cameras higher megapixel count Post Focus limited output resolution frame 4K video resolution of 8 megapixels resolution each frame-grab automated Post Focus completely in focus focus stacking light-gathering fast-shutter wide aperture deep depth of field narrow aperture everything-in-focus macro photography post-processing work stack all the images sequence third-party editing software Lytro Olympus Focus Stacking mode Focus Bracketing mode Olympus technical product manager Matthew Kandel focus stacking Panasonic’s Post Focus Olympus Focus Stacking several images different focus points Focus Stacking Post Focus Focus Stacking composites one image sharp from front to back Panasonic’s focus-after-the-fact feature similar Lytro end-to-end VR platform Post Focus mode Panasonic’s sensors image processors capture data light field Lytro Panasonic Post Focus retroactively pick point of focus selective focus mode larger sensors better overall image quality /

Sociologist suggests corporate disinformation at root of climate change polarization

Short version: study finds that vested interests have set out to confuse the public on climate change for their own commercial purposes.

Similar findings to those described in the book, “Merchants of Doubt”,¹ but worth noting a sociologist coming to the same conclusion as a science historian.

http://phys.org/news/2015-11-sociologist-corporate-disinformation-root-climate.html
__________

¹  Wikepedia: “Merchants of Doubt”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchants_of_Doubt

/ Justin Farrell sociologist School of Forestry & Environmental Studies Yale University conducted study polarity opinions Americans global warming climate change greenhouse effect gas CO2 carbon dioxide global environment change very strongly correlated correlation tied corporate disinformation campaigns paper published Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study publicly available few key players muddle debate minds voters science community Americans refusal to believe planet heating up man-made greenhouse gas emissions information Americans 20 years data identify 164 organizations actors oil companies something to lose alternatives oil use petroleum computational data methods extract information dataset two major findings organizations corporate funding messages meant intended polarize publicly funded corporate funding influenced content polarizing efforts led digression actual science messages meant to polarize generically amplify contrarian views causes readers question scientific evidence contrarian efforts some actors seeking mislead public caused confusion who listen believe research highlights needed information dissemination publicly funded sources counter backed corporations Koch brothers new study reveals funders climate change denial effort Justin Farrell corporate funding ideological polarization climate change Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences large-scale computational data methods research demonstrates polarization efforts influenced patterned network political financial actors /

Light operates without batteries

No this isn’t just another hand-cranked light. The claim is that it generates electricity to power its LED from body heat. Just put a finger or thumb on the fingerprint spot, & the heat from your body will power the light.



http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/11/23/you-only-need-to-touch-this-flashlight-to-power-it/#more-189658

Kickstarter page:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/940015402/lumen-eternal-flashlight-that-doesnt-need-batterie/description

A couple of things to note:

●    This light depends on heat energy flow from your body through the device to the, “lower parts”.¹

●    Because power generation depends on, “... temperature difference between upper and lower parts ...”, the bottom needs to be cooler than the top.

●    Anyone starting to see a problem? — How would you hold this thing? Thumb on the fingerprint spot at the top, fingers on the opposite side? This is demonstrated in the YouTube video. Since the temperature of your thumb is normally the same as your fingers, neither a flow of heat energy from top to the “lower parts”, nor generation of electricity seems likely. So, how can this work? The body is made of either aluminium or titanium. Heat will initially flow from the thumb spot into the metal of the light. With sustained use, the entire body of the light will warm up, reducing output. This may be compensated by energy stored in the capacitor.²

●    Tritium vials described in the Gadgeteer article contain radioactive tritium gas in a tiny, glass vial lined with a chemical which fluoresces when exposed to the radiation produced by the decaying tritium.

●    Tritium is a weakly radioactive element with a half-life of 12.3 years. Radiation produced by tritium is unlikely to make it through the glass walls of the vial.

●    Half life is the time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample to radioactively decay. In the case of a glowing tritium vial, the brightness will halve in this time. It will halve again in the following 12.3 years & so on.³

__________

¹     “HOW DOES IT WORK? Lumen has relatively simple work principle - you touch TEG (Thermoelectric Generator) - small ceramic bar that can produce electric current when we provide temperature difference between upper and lower parts of TEG.” — https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/940015402/lumen-eternal-flashlight-that-doesnt-need-batterie/description

²     “... excessive power is stored in a capacitor to power Lumen whenever you need it.” — https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/940015402/lumen-eternal-flashlight-that-doesnt-need-batterie/description

³     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Protection — “Facts about Radioactive Tritium” — https://www.ccpa.net/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3173

/ touch flashlight torch power Lumen flashlight flashlight external power source your body heat Kickstarter page touch TEG Thermoelectric Generator small ceramic bar produce electric current temperature difference between upper lower parts TEG difference between temperature your body 37 degrees C 98 °F environment 82 °F generate power single LED Metal body Lumen serves radiator temperature difference at least 16 degrees 15 mA 3v greater temperature difference additional energy capacitor later use titanium aluminum one 5mm ultra bright CREE LED phone screen aluminum flashlight torch 45 grams 1.6 ounces tritium vial Lumen glowing bar fingerprint area vial glow dark finding flashlight torch project fully funded torch flashlights backers aluminum version titanium version optional tritium vial /

TurtleCell iPhone case has built-in earbuds

Credit: TurtleCell/The Gadgeteer

Phone cases are for protection. But some add other things. Like built in battery.

TurtleCell cases have built-in earbuds.



TurtleCell for iPhone 6 is $US59.95. iPhone 5 & 5s version is $US39.95.

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

Reviews:

The Gadgeteer:
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/11/22/use-turtle-technology-to-keep-your-earbuds-ready-for-action/

Gizmag:
http://www.gizmag.com/turtlecell-iphone-case-retractable-earbuds/28104/ / seen iPhone cases built-in batteries, built-in multi tools iPhone case built-in charger prongs plug into wall outlet socket TurtleCell case iPhone 5 5s 6 iPhone case built-in earbuds TurtleCell case built-in retractable earbuds in-line microphone connected phone’s earphone jack press switch case engage earphone jack 42-inch long earbud cords case retract back in kickstand back TurtleCell cases several colors /

SSDs – a buyers' guide

Credit: Notebook Check

Solid state drives are faster, consume less power & generate less heat than spinning platter drives. They are also more reliable, at least in read-heavy use-cases. Unfortunately, they remain more expensive. AnandTech has a buyers’ guide:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/9799/best-ssds / holiday buyer's guide SSDs SSD prices dropped recommendations high-end SATA SSDs limit performance value segment market flood of drives TLC flash brought prices power performance penalties MLC drives Samsung holds clear lead transitions 3D NAND PCIe interfaces most significant development past year release many good drives Silicon Motion's SM2246EN controller paired with 1x nm MLC flash drives TLC taking over low-end segment SM2246EN drives performance high-end SATA SSDs typical consumer workloads best power efficiency measured prices match beat TLC drives other big shift market 120-128GB capacity class fading away many new models starting 240-256GB 128Gb NAND chips drives aren't large enough full performance modern SSD controllers capable 128GB drives carry increasingly steep premium price per GB 256GB 512GB drives priced very similarly sensible buy always move up 240+GB size prices best discounts baseline holiday deals compared drives SSD Bench database provide performance information comparisons performance enthusiast SATA drives Samsung 850 Pro SanDisk Extreme Pro drives recommended last year's holiday guide summer 2014 guide major competitors Samsung 850 Pro overall faster higher endurance rating hardware encryption support SanDisk Extreme Pro cheaper Samsung advantage 2TB model 4TB version Samsung third generation V-NAND value drives below $0.30/GB good deals $0.25/GB Crucial BX100 top recommendation budget drives best values any market segment TLC-based BX200 severely disappointing performance SM2246EN-based drive BX100 on sale best performance drives controller Mushkin Reactor cheapest 256GB 512GB models OCZ Arc 100 sticks low price better performance under very heavy workloads much better steady-state random write performance power management lacking record-setting efficiency SM2246EN drives laptops options consumer-oriented PCIe storage 950 Pro first PCIe M.2 Samsung officially released retail channel XP941 SM951 M.2 form factor most widely supported connector PCIe SSDs consumer space most consumer motherboards PCIe x4 slot take lanes away from the GPU U.2 connector SFF-8639 rare AHCI variant SM951 much better idle power consumption Samsung's NVMe drives broader compatibility AHCI over NVMe worth paying a little more warranty from Samsung 950 Pro PCIe form factor card Intel SSD 750 performs very well several benchmarks enterprise product significantly more expensive Samsung's NVMe drives performance client workloads doesn't justify premium selection limited smaller form factors drives carry a premium Samsung 850 EVO Crucial MX200 benchmark capacity 850 EVO lower idle power consumption MX200 better steady-state random write performance. average 850 EVO performs better benchmarked mSATA M.2 versions MX200 performance 2.5" versions small form factors SLC caching enabled 850 EVO 840 EVO 1TB mSATA drives 1TB M.2 version 850 EVO /

Drift TV box reduces blue light emitted by your TV, & may help you sleep better

Drift TV
Credit: Saffron/Ars Technica

Blue sky gives a blue cast to everything in daylight. Before humans learned to control fire, light after sunset was typically very dim – moonlight or starlight. Fire gave humans relatively bright light after sunset, but it still differed from daylight in having a red-yellow cast. First open fires, & later candles, oil lamps, kerosene lamps & incandescent electric light all have a red-yellow cast.

More recently, fluorescent & LED lighting has exposed us to light with a blue cast after sunset. TV, computer, phone & other screens, usually have a blue cast too.

There is evidence that these blue lights after sunset can have negative consequences for human health^1,2.

If most of your evening screen exposure is to a device with a HDMI interface, help may be at hand in the form of the Drift TV.

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/11/drift-box-reduces-blue-light-emitted-by-your-tv-might-help-you-sleep-better-2/
___________

¹ “Is blue light keeping you up at night? We ask the experts”, http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/does-blue-light-ruin-sleep-we-ask-an-expert/

² “Blue light has a dark side”, http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side
/ F.lux television TV reducing blue light emitted bed time evening night after dark sunset HDMI box Drift TV improve quality of sleep reduce time fall asleep removing reducing amount blue light emitted TV screen Saffron HDMI input HDMI output buttons amount blue light emitted TV program Drift automatically transition full-spectrum no-blue period hour notice shift wake up time morning full colour spectrum restored exposure certain frequencies light suppress secretion melatonin hormone animals anticipate onset darkness plays a role governing our circadian rhythms 2012 Harvard published research letter blue light very potent suppressing melatonin secretion PC app F.lux evening slowly warms your monitor's output very yellow recently F.lux alternatives Android Drift TV box F.lux added flexibility any display that supports HDMI F.lux Drift increase improve quality of sleep help get to sleep faster try it yourself and see research certain spectra light play havoc your sleeping patterns apps F.lux of positive testimonials normal PC monitor smartphone display shut their eyes try to sleep no issues falling asleep struggle to fall asleep at night try F.lux Drift TV box lower-tech solution not look computers TVs hour or two before bed Saffron Drift TV box /

Encryption, metadata collection & your privacy

Credit: Getty Images/Internationl Business Times

Apple's CEO thinks putting backdoors in for the UK government is a bad idea:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/10/surveillance-bill-dire-consequences-apple-tim-cook

So does the UN’s head of privacy:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/11/10/un_privacy_head_slams_uk_surveillance_bill/

And guess who pays in the end, if Internet Service Providers collect & store data about their customers?
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/11/11/uk_citizens_pay_government_to_spy_on_them/

In Australia, the government is doing something similar, & the people will have to pay to have their privacy invaded. Bizarrely, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (at the time Communications Minister), gave a quick how-to on metadata collection avoidance in an interview in March of this year:
http://www.businessinsider.com.au/malcolm-turnbulls-sky-news-interview-basically-renders-the-metadata-retention-laws-useless-2015-3

But if you want to know how to protect your privacy, Edward Snowden’s advice is a better bet:
https://theintercept.com/2015/11/12/edward-snowden-explains-how-to-reclaim-your-privacy/ / back door back door for everyone Tim Cook allow authorities track citizens Internet use without requiring warrant people want read their messages right read emails Tim Cook Apple Apple’s chief executive sharply criticised surveillance powers British government allowing spies backdoor citizens communications dire consequences draft investigatory powers bill new legal obligation bypass encryption Tim Cook encrypt protect people United Kingdom UK Great Britain England weakening encryption hurt good people do bad things criminals terrorists data breaches privacy breaches security issues believe very strongly end-to-end encryption no back doors read their messages read their emails back door back door for everyone crack down on terrorists security secure opening a back door backdoor dire consequences draft investigatory powers bill home secretary Theresa May explicit in law powers for security services police hack into bug computers phones authorities access records tracking every UK citizen’s use Internet without any judicial check new powers requiring internet phone companies keep Internet connection records track every website visited page maximum 12 months not require a warrant police security services access data Cook when the public gets engaged press gets engaged deeply weaken cryptography strengthen it stay ahead of the folks that want to break it warned eroding right privacy technology companies have duty protect their customers US government attempts weaken encryption revelations National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden Apple tech firms strengthen encryption backlash from government officials meta data metadata meta data metadata collection VPN Virtual Private Network Proxy peer to peer Torrent United Nations privacy head slammed UK draft surveillance bill worse than scary annual Internet Governance Forum IGF Brazil special rapporteur on privacy Joe Cannataci Joe Cannataci Investigatory Powers Bill Snooper's Charter Snooper's Charter accused UK government orchestrated campaign get hold new mass surveillance powers evidence shows will not prevent terrorism accused father of the internet Vint Cerf dumb claiming modern privacy may be an anomaly modern times pure undiluted rubbish Right to Privacy in The Digital Age expand surveillance France's new law attack offices Charlie Hebdo UK surveillance bill currently going through Parliament most misleading comments security services same powers telephone out of context context Internet context is completely different laws no internet Internet used today create Megabytes metadata security service never had so much data heads of security services admitted don't need some of the powers attacking so-called father of the internet Chief Internet Evangelist Google Vint Cerf senior Google executives privacy is no longer possible in the digital world Federal Trade Commission Privacy may actually be an anomaly pure undiluted rubbish intelligence Vint Cerf could say anything so dumb just dumb we need to do something about protecting privacy encryption /

If you want this for your child ...

If you want this for your child, don’t vaccinate.

A Brisbane (Queensland, Australia) woman has been attacked on Facebook, in private messages, by anti-vaccination proponents, after she posted a similar video.

This item on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation site, includes the original video:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-17/brisbane-mother-vaccination-plea-whooping-cough-goes-viral/6946040

What is whooping cough (pertussis)?
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/whooping-cough / Brisbane woman anti-vaxxers targeted private messages Facebook post sharing her son's battle whooping cough went viral Rebecca Harreman's Facebook status short video comforting her four-month-old son rubbed his red eyes small coughing fit viewed more than 475,000 times shared 13,500 uploaded Friday son's 20-plus day battle whooping cough pertussis messages love support friends family strangers those against vaccination personally message me offend my views MY views anti-vaxxers anti-vaxxers share say unreliable have my say share my own personal experience turning a blind eye sharing opinions freedom of speech Ms Harreman video her son good coughing fit watching him turn blue coughing can't take a single breath on duty three weeks wake every single time my baby boy coughs fear he will stop breathing vaccinate yourself and your kids Ms Harreman Facebook post supported her stance appreciate messages love support well wishes Austin anti-vaxxers post public thank you family my son his health doing nothing is just wrong whooping cough highly contagious respiratory infection infection causes severe coughing fits whooping sound on inhaling often vomiting particularly serious children up to two years of age especially infants less than six months can be fatal age range 0.5 and 1 per cent children who catch whooping cough die from the disease outlook improves in older children vaccinations herd immunity side effects I tried to do something to prevent this do nothing /

iPad Pro, Smart Keyboard, Pencil

Apple iPad Pro & Smart Keyboard
Credit: Apple/Express UK

Lots of enthusiasm for the iPad Pro, & the Apple Pencil:

Wired:
http://www.wired.com/2015/11/apple-ipad-pro-review/

TechRadar:
http://www.techradar.com/au/reviews/pc-mac/tablets/ipad-pro-1269255/review

If not the best, this is almost certainly the most entertaining review:


Some think that Logitech has a better keyboard:

Ars Technica:
http://arstechnica.com/apple/2015/11/mini-review-logitechs-create-is-the-ipad-pro-keyboard-case-you-really-want/

Cult Of Mac:
http://www.cultofmac.com/397416/review-logitechs-create-keyboard-case-turns-ipad-pro-into-a-bone-fide-laptop/

But not all:
http://9to5mac.com/2015/11/13/review-logitech-create-ipad-pro-keyboard-case/ / Apple iPad future of computing why would you buy a PC anymore? Tim Cook 80 percent work device Apple store London Steve Jobs tablets laptops Apple IBM Cisco enterprise apps on tablets ill-suited work people do tablet isn’t powerful enough screen isn’t big enough iPad Pro iPad Pro powerful big bigger iPad bigger Apple iPad Pro different tablet can replace outgun laptop more importantly tablet bigger version big smartphone tablet phone laptop can’t do solutions problem best tablet best case tablets iPad iPad Pro gold silver space gray color colour options slightly rounded edges gleaming accents home button power volume buttons sturdy heavy iPad Air lighter thinner Surface Pro 4 big hold one hand two hands 12.9-inch screen tablet thinner battery four speakers more space to resonate loud audio software stereo sound mids highs speakers bass all four speakers battery dozen hours charge A9X chip 4 gigabytes RAM fast huge high-res screen app game processor handle the load 12.9-inch display iPad Pro 2732×2048 panel 264 pixels per inch iPad Air display iMovie library apps optimized analytics tools iPad Pro apps Apple Apple bigger screen bigger iPad three-device ecosystem iPad Pro Apple Pencil Smart Keyboard Pencil accurate fine instrument creation control write draw ink shade side of the Pencil beautiful calligraphy sketch amazing accuracy Pencil special access software set it up plug it into Lightning port iPad detects Pencil touching display doubles screen’s read rate checks for movement 240 times a second pressure sensitivity real-time measuring Pencil’s angle position Pencil much more data any other stylus Pencil special Smart Keyboard many accessories attach new Smart Connector three round contact points provide power data Lightning port hub chargers accessories Apple developers building accessories keyboard fabric Smart Cover triangular stand unroll cover screen stand-up mechanism awkward cover lighter thinner handier keyboard accessories keyboard iPad Pro fabric keys big clicky lap laptop iPad Pro split-screen multitasking Smart Keyboard keyboard shortcuts apps press and hold Command key all available shortcuts Command-Tab switch between apps Command-Shift-H accessories iPad Pro creative folks designers Pencil sketching brainstorming device you want size matters /

Tiny robot powers itself by capturing energy from the environment

Row-bot
Credit: University of Bristol, Bristol BioEnergy Centre & Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Bristol, England/ Boy Genius Report

Proof-of-concept at the moment, but this tiny robot can power itself to row across a body of water, consuming organic matter for energy, with an action similar to a water boatman.


Water boatman, AKA backswimmer
(Family Corixidae, Notonectidae)
Credit: University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

In the future, a fleet of self-powered-bots may help to clean up organically-contaminated water.

https://bgr.com/2015/11/13/row-bot-pollution-cleaning-robot-water/ / tip your hat researchers who work tirelessly further technology better the world around them inventions impressive Row-bot tiny robot scientific breakthrough proof-of-concept environment IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems Hamburg Germany Row-bot fuel cell powered electricity generated bacteria living inside device bacteria-powered fuel cell tiny organisms gut generate electricity Row-bot four tiny buoyant stabilizers stabilisers feet two paddles feet Row-bot afloat paddles skimming across surface water device takes water cavity housing moves electrogenic bacteria digest pollutants within water byproducts digestion carbon dioxide electricity fuels powers Row-bot move moving Row-bot brainchild team researchers University of Bristol Bristol BioEnergy Centre Bristol Robotics Laboratory located Bristol England design energetically autonomous artificial organism two subsystems bioinspired energy source bio-inspired actuation research researchers paper describing covering their work Row-bot work first demonstration energetically energetic autonomy microbial fuel cell-powered MFC swimming robot taking energy surrounding aqueous environment surroundings previous work stacked MFC power sources Row-bot employs single microbial fuel cell artificial stomach uses commercially available voltage step-up hardware produce usable voltages energy generated exceeds energy requirement complete mechanical actuation refuel energy production actuation demonstrated separately results showing combination subsystems produce closed-loop energetic autonomy work shows crucial step development autonomous robots long term self-power self-driving self-powered robot fueled waste pollution polluting pollutes polluted pollution Earth /

Android password-level security without having to type the damn thing it in all the time! – update

Update 01 November 2019: MacroDroid can be used do everything that Llama is used for in the instructions below. The the free version of MacroDroid will suffice. Look for a how-too soon.

Find MacroDroid on the Google Play Store or at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.arlosoft.macrodroid&hl=en_AU

Tested with Pebble Time Steel & Samsung S8 & Note 9.

Update 22 August 2019: Llama app is unreliable under Android 9, & appears to have been removed from the Google Play Store. Another Android automation app, such as IFTTT, Tasker or Automate, can probably be used for the same purpose, but I haven't investigated to-date.

Update 16 April 2018: everything below still works under Android 8.

Prior to Android 5, an app called Pebble Locker provided some useful security & convenience features in conjunction with a Pebble smartwatch. It removed the need to enter a PIN or password when a connected Pebble smartwatch was present, but required a passcode if the watch was not present. Under normal circumstances, this meant that the owner did not have to enter a passcode, but a thief or other unauthorised person would be locked out.

Later renamed Dislock, the app was expanded to provide the same functionality with Android Wear, selected Bluetooth devices, or WiFi networks, under versions of Android up to 4.4.4.

Dislock was disabled by Android 5.0, but the built in Smart Lock feature promised to do the same thing. (Plus Google Maps specified locations (e.g. home, work) & face recognition.)

After the update to 5.0 arrived, I set up Smart Lock. As expected, it allowed me to bypass the need for a passcode.

But … the lock on loss of Bluetooth connection function, was absent. Screen lock did occur, but only after the screen timed out, or operation of the sleep/wake/power button.

Good news is that the lock on loss of Bluetooth connection can be added using the inexplicably named, Llama, app.

How to do it:

1.    install Llama from the Google Play store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kebab.Llama&hl=en

2.    open the Llama app

3.    EVENTS

(Where “EVENTS” means “Press the on-screen word ‘EVENTS’.”)

4.    [ + ]

(Where “[ + ]” means “Press the on screen button with the plus sign.”)

5.    Under “Event name and group”, the event you are creating will have a name of the form

New Event (n)

(Where “(n)” is a sequential number assigned by Llama.)

If you wish, you can change the name to something more descriptive. I called mine, “LockOnBluetoothDisconnect”.

6.    [ Add Condition ]

7.    A list of available conditions will appear. Scroll down & select

“Bluetooth Device Disconnected”

A list of paired Bluetooth devices will appear.

Select the tickbox beside the Bluetooth device you want to unlock your Android.

8.    [ Add Action ]

A list of available actions will appear. Scroll down & select

“Screen Off”

9.    Press the back button.

10.  The “Events” screen will re-appear. Your newly created event will be included in the list.

11.  Testing: new lock on loss of Bluetooth capability can be tested by turning off Bluetooth on the phone. If it locks within a few seconds, all is well.

All of the above has been tested with a Pebble Time Steel, Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Android 5.0.1 & 5.1.1, but should work with any Android device with Android 5. x & any Bluetooth device.

Update 16 April 2018: since successfully tested with Pebble 2, Samsung Galaxy S5, S7 & S8 under Android 6, 7 & 8.

How to use Smart Lock under Android 5.0 can be found at:

How To Geek:
http://www.howtogeek.com/202881/use-smart-locks-in-android-5.0-and-never-unlock-your-phone-at-home-again/

Gadget Guide On Line:
http://gadgetguideonline.com/android/lollipop/how-to-use-smart-lock-in-android-lollipop/

Get Llama from Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kebab.Llama&hl=en / home no one else around access your phone unlock it Android 5.0 Lollipop’s Smart Locks solves Pandora Spotify change station thumbs down bookmark song unlock your device look something up OK Google tap out quick text unlocking your phone protective exercise case Smart Locks mitigate frustration you set trusted places within certain range phone tablet won’t lock trusted devices assign Smart Lock paired Bluetooth NFC devices enable trusted face unlocking turn your device on unlock your front-facing camera obscured turning on Smart Locks Smart Locks set up accessing settings pull down top edge your device check your notifications tap gray time date bar tap Settings gear have lock your device before set up Smart Locks pattern unlock device PIN password option settings, tap Security options Smart Lock Smart Lock settings three options trusted devices trusted face trusted places have one other all at the same time Smart Lock allow you have many trusted devices only set up one trusted face home where you don’t have unlock your phone unlimited trusted places convenient tap trusted places turn on home work locations assigned Google Maps add custom place add custom place open your current location add search location address add relies heavily Google location service GPS enabled custom places more precise screenshot choose area trusted place tapping blue bar below map add smaller areas compromise your device’s overall security specific business address location add default home location labeled quickly add variety custom trusted places frequent regularly in range trusted place Smart Lock will engage automatically add Home Work Google Maps locations configure Maps swiping right left screen edge tapping Settings settings pane tap Edit home or work enter home work addresses work home address on and off Smart Locks tapping little green button next setting up using device Smart Locks add trusted device Bluetooth pair them Android Bluetooth settings other devices paired tap add trusted device next screen tap Bluetooth add previously paired device screenshot several other devices paired add connect Smart Lock will activate pair Bluetooth devices notification inform add Smart Lock trusted device Smart Lock NFC tap another NFC enabled device tag Smart Lock Lollipop users nifty feature Android’s face unlock feature previous versions unlock adding trusted face more seamless primary method unlocking device add your face trusted face tap Trusted face button Smart Lock settings initial screen face unlocks aren’t safe other unlock methods someone who looks like you unlock your device tap Set up light just right too bright too dim hold device eye level click Next orange-dotted outline keeping your face inside the dots turn green Android scans stores your face click Next trusted place connected trusted device icon bottom lock screen tablet phone unlocked looking at it icon will change unlocked icon swipe open device lock device tap unlock icon change locked icon unlock device with your face trusted place trusted device conventional unlock method face unlocking doesn’t work well various lighting conditions Smart Lock settings tap trusted face improve face matching Smart Locks coolest security features Android use your phone tablet select locations preferred devices won’t lock repeatedly trusted face feature actually works quite well tests 2013 Nexus 7 unlocking almost instantly turned device on looked at it trusted places only work with Google Maps-based locations home WiFi access point welcome addition Google future release Lollipop Smart Locks trusted places Smart Locks Lollipop Google Play services version 6.5 Google pushing update out download sideload Google Play services APK file /

Why you don’t want to wirelessly charge your smartphone

Why not?

1. it's inefficient

2. harms the battery – part of that inefficiency is due to the receiving aerial in the phone getting hot – which heats the battery – which shortens its life

3. positioning is critical – differences of less than a centimetre (0.4 inch) can substantially reduce the charging current

4. slower

5. more expensive

http://www.howtogeek.com/233205/why-you-dont-want-to-wirelessly-charge-your-smartphone/ / wireless charging overrated current form dream wireless power sounds great current wireless charging technologies plugless wireless less convenient slower less-efficient less efficient just plugging phone in wireless chargers more interesting proof of concept future technologies practical charge your smartphone plug it in cable wireless chargers even more constrained charging cables use wireless charger place your smartphone down charging mat mat plugged in wire sits on table smartphone charging mat wirelessly transmit power phone smartphone mat wireless charging stop wireless technologies wireless Internet freedom move around charging cable better cable smartphone is very short very near a power outlet much longer third-party charging cables Lightning cables iPhones standard USB cables Android phones plug your smartphone into longer cable use while charging smart phone wireless charger smartphone bedside table charging mat use longer cable charging smartphone desk longer cable cheaper buying wireless charger device less convenient smartphone wireless charger a bit finicky lines up starts charging plugging it in wireless chargers charging pad outlet phone charging pad contactless wireless wireless charger takes longer uses more power generates more heat faster more efficient transmit energy over wire wired charging much faster charging overnight quickly top-up your phone wired connection wireless less efficient take more electricity charge phone wirelessly wasted power excess heat destroy your phone heat enemy smartphone’s battery wireless charging extra power electric bill extra heat accelerate battery’s decay downsides less convenient flexible simply plugging your phone in even less efficient even slower more wasteful electricity /

Exercise can reverse dementia

CSL Florey Medal recipient, Professor Perry Bartlett
Credit: Shannons

At least in mice – but CSL Florey Medal recipient, Professor Perry Bartlett, says his team are gearing up to start human experiments next year.

“Too short or too long interestingly, & nothing happens, so there’s a sweet spot of exercise that's able to activate the new neurons & also result in this cognitive improvement.”

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-11/brain-researcher-perry-bartlett-awarded-florey-medal/6932586

https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2015/11/top-brain-researcher-awarded-csl-florey-medal

http://www.scienceinpublic.com.au/floreymedal/2015cslrelease

http://discovery.wehi.edu.au/timeline/neuro-immunology-lab / world’s first neuro-immunology laboratory institute headed by Perry Bartlett Professor Perry Bartlett colleagues discover existence stem cells brain produce new neurons new hope patients brain injuries degenerative conditions Alzheimer’s disease Perry Bartlett immunologist neurologist Perry Bartlett medical research PhD immunology work Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Jacques Miller Gus Nossal Sir Macfarlane Burnet immunology neuroscience finishing PhD Johns Hopkins University USA cell biology MHC major histocompatibility complex molecules immune system University College London Professor Martin Raff immunology neurobiology identifying different types brain cells first monoclonal antibodies identified subsets nerve cells brain neuroscience immunological new field of research Gus Nossal Hall Institute world’s first neuro-immunology laboratory Walter and Eliza Hall Institute major discoveries MHC molecules brain immune-response free zone molecules inflammatory processes basic neuroscience understand different types of cells development brain investigating stem cells give rise neurones patients with brain injuries stem cells developmentally adult brain cells able to make new neurones brains having capacity make new nerve cells lose cells with age gain 10 years investigation adult brain did have the capacity to produce new neurons nerve cells hope brain injuries degenerative conditions dementia Alzheimer’s disease scepticism furore capacity meaningful role in the brain remnant development new nerve cells important redefining brain isolated characterised brain stem cells brain capacity make new nerve cells important normal function source regeneration reverse decline of cognition animals further research in humans reverse cognitive decline old mice activating production new nerve cells sweet spot exercise exercise enough but not too much change in the brain’s biochemistry new Queensland Brain Institute University of Queensland heavy-hitting medical research biotechnology sector neuroscience institute thinking techniques commitment long-haul investigation stem cells lineages regulation stem cells neuroscience Metcalf haemopoietic blood system science driven ideas neuroscientists how lineages worked stem cells were important reductionist approach fundamental processes regulate production nerve cells start developmentally adult painstaking narrative /

How to make a boro implosion pendant

Boro Implosion Pendant
Credit: Bill & Rae Grout, Aspen Hot Glass

That's boro, as in borosilicate glass.



More at Aspen Hot Glass. / burner William Grout implosion style pendants borosilicate glass GTT Cheetah torch pressed dot pattern created florist frog craft stores floral department heating edge folding clear around color implosion pendant example design tutorial Flow Magazine hot glass work implodes condensing bubble end of a tube glass work using difference viscosity temperature produce three dimensional fold generates three dimensional look deep floral encasements implosion glass working technique different uses meanings glass artists video display store customer could many versions finished product answer question How do you do that final item briefly photogenic my work beautiful just the way it goes experimenting with color videos finished marbles Etsy store web site glass /

Victorian teachers beat down iniquitous laptop leasing scheme

Credit: itnews

Teachers in government schools in the Australian state of Victoria have, since 2009, been required to lease laptop computers from their employer. Further, they have been prevented from using a laptop they may already own.

Apparently, this iniquitous arrangement has been brought to an end by a decision in the Victorian Federal Court on Friday, which ruled the scheme was illegal under the Fair Work Act. Victorian education authorities look set to have to repay up to $20 million in back pay & interest.

New South Wales & Western Australia have operated similar schemes, which are likely to suffer similar fates.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-07/teachers-may-be-repaid-millions-over-department-laptop-scheme/6921128

http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/government-it/teachers-sue-over-having-to-lease-laptops-from-education-department-20140721-zv6ch.html

http://www.itnews.com.au/news/victorian-teachers-beat-down-unlawful-laptop-leasing-scheme-411548 / $20m in compensation Victorian state government forced pay back $20 million school teachers lease laptops Education department federal court ruled scheme unlawful Australian Education Union launched legal action 2013 mandate Victorian Department of Education teachers access laptop classrooms requirement existed July 2009 teachers restrictedtheir own devices lease laptops department charged $4 $17 per fortnight machines automatically taken out teacher salaries agency operated standard four-year lease agreement Victorian federal court Friday ruled scheme illegal Fair Work Act employers prohibited forcing staff spend money specific area considered to be unreasonable Act states Federal Court Justice Mordecai Bromberg laptop leasing program unreasonable teachers had no choice participate scheme inflicted excessive costs did not benefit teachers ruling potential implications other jurisdictions across the country NSW Western Australia operate similar laptop leasing programs decision stands state Education department pay back $20 million amount charged teachers laptops more than 40,000 teachers affected scheme Australian Education Union laptops essential teachers unreasonable pay resources job teachers need computers write school reports respond to parent emails develop co-ordinate curriculum collaborate colleagues offices desks teach classrooms need laptop computers Meredith Peace AEU Victorian president statement today’s decision teachers principals state monies unlawfully deducted salaries wages receive backpay interest /

Formula E, season 2, round 2 – Putrajaya, Malaysia, Saturday 07 November 2015 – full race video (update)

Race starts just after the 34 minute mark. Audio is very quiet on some devices.



If the video above is not available to you, try this:


Extended highlights:


Closing laps:


Complete results, including race & qualifying:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/all-results/season-2/putrajaya-eprix.aspx

Driver standings:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/all-results/season-2/driver-standings.aspx

Team standings:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/all-results/season-2/team-standings.aspx / Formula E all electric racing series fourth 2nd race Putrajaya Malaysia ePrix stadium races F1 FIA electricity sport electric vehicles EV terrific acceleration pass passing possible tracks with tight corners technology range race organizers 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 /

Formula E, season 2, round 2, today – Putrajaya, Malaysia

Putrajaya, Malaysia
Round 2 - Saturday 07 November 2015
Practice - 07:45-09:00 Putrajaya local time
Qualifying - 10:00-11:00
Race - 14:00

Race time has been moved to the earlier time in an attempt to avoid monsoon rains.



Circuit guide
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/calendar/2015-putrajaya/putrajaya-circuit.aspx

Trulli team out of Putrajaya ePrix
http://www.eurosport.co.uk/formula-e/jarno-trulli-out-of-putrajaya-eprix-after-failing-scrutineering_sto4980769/story.shtml

Interesting insights in this Verge article
http://www.theverge.com/2015/11/6/9680842/formula-e-racing-season-2-putrajaya-live-stream-time / Formula E all electric racing series fourth 2nd race Putrajaya Malaysia ePrix stadium races F1 FIA electricity sport electric vehicles EV terrific acceleration pass passing possible tracks with tight corners technology range race organizers 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 /

Beware bad USB-C cables & adapters – Google engineer names & shames

Belkin USB-A to USB-C cable complies
Credit: Belkin

USB-C is the future of USB, but for now, those of us who own one of the small but growing number of devices with USB-C ports (including Google Chrome Pixel, Apple Macbook 12", Nokia N1 tablet, HP Pavilion x2 10 Hybrid, Nexus 5X & 6P phones) probably need one or more adapters between the older standards (USB-A, B, mini or micro) & USB-C. Some manufacturers are not complying with the standard, & can place users’ devices at risk.

Google engineer, Benson Leung, who worked on the Chromebook Pixel, is on a mission to name & shame manufacturers of cables & adapters which do not comply.

Point to note: the Macworld article linked at the bottom of this post, states that the problem involves only USB-C to USB-A or USB-B adapters or cables: “The issue lies solely with cables that have the new reversible USB Type-C connector on one end, & legacy Type-A or Type-B connectors on the other.”

However, Benson Leung describes a Micro USB to Type-C adapter which has the problem (“... do not work properly with the Chromebook Pixel.”) at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/A25GROL6KJV3QG/ref=as_at?tag=httpwwwidgcsm-20&linkCode=as2&ie=UTF8&page=1&sort_by=MostRecentReview#R1189CCK1UXGT5

Macworld article:
http://www.macworld.com.au/news/beware-bad-usb-c-cables-google-engineer-warns-names-and-shames-140560/ / engineer Google personal campaign against non-compliant USB-C adapter cables potential charging problems device damage Benson Leung Google latest Chromebook Pixel Pixel C tablet calling out guilty cables reviews Amazon issue cables new reversible USB Type-C connector legacy Type-A or Type-B microUSB miniUSB micro USB mini USB connectors cables use specific resistor value meet compliance charge safely safety worst case scenario cables could damage user’s hub charger device plugged into laptop Chromebook Pixel fail charge properly reviewing USB cables Amazon early cables third party vendors blatantly flaunt specification hold them to task Leung wrote Google+ no easy way consumers identify non-compliant cable time of purchase Leung posted instructions Pixel users run their own tests developer mode help with the campaign for now best check Leung’s own reviews weed out bad actors identified seven non-compliant adapter cables vendors CableCreation Monba Kupx Juiced Systems Orzly TechMatte praising cables meet USB-C spec Frieq Belkin iOrange safe bets USB-C’s reversible connector vast improvement over legacy USB adapter cable work with older chargers peripherals cable makers exploit demand cutting corners early adopters USB-C devices Pixel 12in MacBook or new Nexus phones buying additional cables unknown brands /

Motorola Droid Turbo 2 Android smart phone

Looking for a new phone? You might like to consider Motorola’s Droid Turbo 2:
● almost indestructible
● 5.4-inch OLED display, 2560×1440 (Quad HD) resolution, 540ppi
● up to two days of battery life
● 13 hours of charge in only 15 minutes
● 21-megapixel camera
● instant shutter response
● 2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 SoC
● 3GB RAM
● zippy performance
● 32GB & 64GB configurations
● 4K video at 30fps
● microSD slot
● splash-proof

If you don’t believe the “almost indestructible” claim, check this:


http://www.wired.com/2015/11/motorola-droid-turbo-2/?mbid=nl_11415

http://www.androidauthority.com/motorola-droid-turbo-2-review-653534/ / gadgets beautiful want gadgets beautiful tech capabilities advance miracles become commodities do everything look good too flagship device handheld powerhouse built premium materials elegant curves wraparound display smart phone smartphone smashed screen prevent phones screens getting smashed protective cases cases hide craftsmanship Motorola Droid Turbo 2 problem doesn’t need a case drop it face-down screen Kimmy Schmidt of phones Volvo you cannot smash phone’s screen dropping it toss around repeatedly meets the ground gnarly sounding SLAP perfectly intact screen no spiderwebs no shards screen drop-proof can dent electronics inside 30 drops phone worked perfectly few minor scuffs unbreakable screen really sharp 5.4-inch OLED display 2560×1440 Quad HD resolution pixel density 540ppi screen plastic feels like glass touch Droid Turbo 2 durable display most impressive best battery life Motorola up to two days juice single charge plug it in included 25W Turbo Charger gives 13 hours battery life 15 minutes fully charge 3,760 mAh battery hour phone’s groundbreaking durability battery life Droid Turbo 2 best smartphones available 21-megapixel camera absurdly fast shutter fires instantly screenshot picture eight-core 2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 SoC 3GB of RAM performance zippy shoots 4K video at 30fps microSD slot 32GB 64GB not fully waterproof withstand splashes of water tough-as-nails build design wise design your own Moto Maker site materials ballistic nylon pebbled leather tested textured rubberized soft grip backing face-down on the floor bezels no physical buttons fingerprint reader under screen stereo speakers bottom handset plasticky running last year’s version of Android Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Motorola Verizon update Android Marshmallow coming soon OS update bloatware preinstalled apps hide pre-installed apps disabling disable ability withstand drop after drop after drop run single charge two days excellent Android phone Android flagships performance offering features no other phone can match shatterproof screen quick-charging high-capacity battery slicker-looking phones Nexus device Droid Turbo 2 singular carrier-exclusive phone pragmatists drop handset forget charger occasionally /

VW software emissions scandal widens to include Porsche

2015 Porsche Cayenne
Credit: Car & Driver

Volkswagen’s growing emissions software scandal looks set to expand to involve its wholly owned subsidiary, Porsche¹, too:

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/11/vw-software-emissions-scandal-widens-to-include-porsche/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-03/vw-emissions-scadals-include-porches-audis/6907390

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/11970987/Porsche-dragged-into-emissions-cheat-crisis.html
__________

¹Wikipedia: “Porsche”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche / Volkwsagen 800,000 vehicles bogus software Matthias Müller VW CEO automaker scandal VW vehicles US pollution regulators Volkswagen emissions-test cheating scandal Porsche brand run by VW new CEO EPA Environmental Protection Agency cheating software rig pollution tests 3.0 liter diesel engines Audis Porsches model years 2014 to 2016 VW failed obligation comply law protects clean air Americans Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator EPA's enforcement unit agency diesel models defeat device cheating software 2014 VW Touareg 2015 Porsche Cayenne 2016 Audi A6 Quattro A7 Quattro A8 A8L Q5 scandal hit Porsche VW's new chief executive Matthias Müller elevated VW's top position clean up emissions scandal head of Porsche VW EPA automaker vehicles 3.0 liter diesel V6 engines software function application process company US pollution regulators Volkswagen AG software installed 3-liter V6 diesel power units alter emissions characteristics VW EPA VW's software vehicles Auxiliary Emission Control Devices AECD failed to disclose describe justify applications certificate conformity manufacturer apply EPA approved certificate conformity model illegal cars AECD designed circumvent emissions test defeat device Porsche innocent Porsche Cayenne diesel fully compliant Porsche VW admitted 11 million diesel vehicles cheating software installed software rig emissions tests forcing engine pollute less during testing car function much better pollute more on the road US government software allowed vehicles spew toxic nitrogen oxide nine times beyond EPA standards VW victim rogue engineers tinkered software VW executives not corporate decision automaker $7.4 billion scandal criminal investigations /

IronWire – immortal iPhone cable

If you are tired of replacing broken cables for your iPhone, this may be the answer. Comes with a lifetime warranty, & Apple certification. Video shows it being used to tow move a Mini. Tangle-proof too.



IronWire is an Indiegogo project:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ironwire-by-echo-the-10-lifetime-iphone-cable/x/9010251#/ / $10 lifetime cable Apple licensed cable can pull a car lifetime warranty Echo IronWire $10 cable Apple certified braided cable lifetime warranty 10,000 unit pre-order target bring an end to poor cables broke second Lightning cable in six months buy stronger cable certified standard charging cable Echo’s IronWire free from general wear and tear broken cable strongest cables you can buy LIFETIME warranty persistent pain point cables tangle difficult to store sturdy braided design IronWire completely tangle-proof quality hefty price tag pre-order cable price far lower MFi certified cables cost for-profit campaign amazing deal need to sell minimum 10,000 cables price point target eliminate poor cables forever tough cable tow Mini IronWire Echo’s $10 IronWire strongest most efficient cable best price LIFETIME warranty cable extra long tangle-free MFi certified fully compatible Apple devices Lightning connector LED lights flash when your device is fully charged /

VW sued over emissions scandal

2012 Audi A3 TDI
Credit: Green Car Reports

Readers may recall the scandal over Volkswagen cheating on small diesel emissions standards, mentioned in these pages.

A recall of over 480,000 vehicles & cost of up to $18 billion was suggested. $18 billion may have seemed high, but Volkswagen may have to pay for more than just the recall.

Bannister Law in Australia, has filed two class action lawsuits: “... strong case for the owners of affected diesel vehicles to claim a full refund or other compensation under consumer law. The value of car owners' vehicles has been diminished through no fault of their own and people should be compensated ..." – Bannister Law principal, Charles Bannister – AAP/Business Spectator

http://www.businessspectator.com.au/news/2015/11/2/automotive/vw-audi-owners-launch-local-lawsuit?utm_source=exact&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1658233&utm_campaign=cs_daily&modapt=

Not only in Australia:
http://www.autonews.com/article/20151006/OEM01/151009900/vw-sued-by-west-virginia-over-clean-diesel-claims

And it’s not only vehicle buyers who have been burned:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-25/volkswagen-sued-by-pension-fund-over-diesel-emissions-scandal / announcement U.S. Environmental Protection Agency major automaker German carmakers Volkswagen Audi ordered recall half million popular TDI four-cylinder diesel vehicles sold U.S. 2009 to 2015 EPA TDI detect emission-testing cycles significantly reduce emissions cars software turns off emissions controls driving normally turns on emissions test Cynthia Giles EPA enforcement officer teleconference reporters defeat device software cars emit 40 times maximum level nitrous oxides permitted EPA regulations regulations Tier 2 Bin 5 carmakers sell diesels regulations urea injection more complex emission-control systems control nitrous-oxide emissions Volkswagen system separate tank holding urea injected aftertreatment system small four-cylinder TDI diesel VW's vehicles EPA limits urea injection Mazda high-efficiency diesel engine U.S.A. USA market urea injection several missed deadlines Mazda engine cost recall Volkswagen $18 billion Volkswagen America EPA investigation defeat device TDI diesel engines owners affected vehicles investigation European studies passenger-car diesel engines emitting far more Volkswagen Beetle Golf Jetta Jetta SportWagen Audi A3 TDI /