iPhone 7 to ditch 3.5mm audio socket? – Rumours persist – update

Pssst – check the plug
Credit: TechRadar
__________

Update 25 August 2016

The Woz not impressed – “If it’s missing the 3.5mm earphone jack, that’s going to tick off a lot of people.”

Bluetooth? – “I would not use Bluetooth … I don’t like wireless. I have cars where you can plug in the music, or go through Bluetooth, & Bluetooth just sounds so flat for the same music.” – Steve Wozniak, Co-founder of Apple

More at the Australian Financial Review
http://www.afr.com/technology/mobiles-and-tablets/apple/steve-wozniak-says-apple-must-fix-iphone-7-bluetooth-or-revive-its-headphone-jack-20160821-gqxwsg#ixzz4I6wk11Ub
__________

In January of this year, a furore was created when a rumour surfaced that Apple would ditch the 3.5mm audio socket in the iPhone 7. Over 200,000 online petitioners asked Apple not to.

Almost 6 months later those rumours persist.

One concern is that an iPhone with only one Lightning port & no 3.5mm socket, will not be able to charge & use headphones at the same time. A likely solution will be adapter(s) with two Lightning sockets &/or Lightning + 3.5mm sockets. Some manufacturer will probably produce an adapter with all of these.

Apple’s Macbook 12" with only 1 USB-C port + 3.5mm has already spawned multiple adapters, including its own USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (USB-C + HDMI + USB-C) & the Marble mutiport adapter (2 x USB-C + 2 x USB-A + HDMI + Micro SD reader + mains power adapter).

More:

Ditching iPhone headphone jack annoys everyone except Apple
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/ditching-iphone-headphone-jack-annoys-everyone-except-apple-20160627-gptaxb.html

How your current headphones can work with the iPhone 7 even if it ditches the audio jack
https://bgr.com/2016/01/11/iphone-7-headphone-jack-workround-adapter-converter/

iPhone 7 may include EarPods with headphone jack + Lightning to 3.5mm adapter
http://9to5mac.com/2016/06/20/iphone-7-may-include-earpods-w-headphone-jack-lightning-to-3-5mm-adapter/

If Apple does release an iPhone 7 without a 3.5mm socket, & you don’t want to follow suit, it would be a good time to grab one of the iPhone 6 variants. If the 7 is as uninspiring as some are suggesting, this may be an attractive option:

Wait for 8? More evidence iPhone 7 will be a boring upgrade
http://www.techradar.com/au/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/iphone-7-rumors-apple-design-2016-1323759 / iPhone thinner iPhone 7 rumor mill Fast Company design ditch standard 3.5mm headphone jack make phone thinner Japanese website Mac Okatara November Fast Company 9to5 Mac anonymous sources lend extra weight to the claim Apple developing different potential accessories replace ubiquitous 3.5mm EarPods ship iPhone headphones connect via Lightning port spec Apple defined Lightning headphones 2014 charge phone listening to music phone support wireless charging Apple Watch Android Windows phones completely wireless headset Apple Beats acquisition no wire connecting headphones iPhone no wire connecting left and right earbuds together Apple testing replacement headphones solutions market dongle standard headphones dropping headphone jack thinner phone important extra battery space freed up relatively deep headphone jack dumping old technology drive adoption new technology typical Apple behavior ubiquity 3.5mm jack guarantee consumer pushback Internet petition 200,000 people signing Apple dump 3.5 mm jack plug every computer tablet phone buy billions 3.5mm headphones guarantee a painful transition ditching ditch abandon iPhone headphone jack annoys everyone except Apple furore continues Apple doing away with ditch abandon eliminating standard 3.5mm headphone jack plug technology If it ain't broke don't fix it industry changing its products consumers knee-jerk reaction upset about the rumours garment-rending chest-beating these reports last surfaced in January kerfuffle Apple changing charging cable Lightning cord plug socket headphone port industry standard something Apple uses con arguments buy new stuff new headphones new attachment modify old headphones buying a $1000 phone include Lightning-enabled headphones with every phone particularly soulless money grab tighten Apple's control accessory market digital music Nilay Patel these headphones tacitly support DRM digital rights management keeps you from being able to freely move media files between devices get rid of the analogue headphone jack motivation support anything analogue argument anyone making Lightning headphones will require certification from Apple Beats support new standard more control for Apple a bad thing for consumers open standard closed standard leads to confusion and higher costs for consumers add a second Lightning port to the phone Apple wants to make more room inside the phone can't charge your phone have your headphones plugged in at the same time one-port MacBook power port double duty USB-C sound quality can be better over a Lightning port manufacturers headphones lossiness of today's music make the iPhone thinner create more room in the iPhone bigger battery thinner iPhone boost battery official Apple charging case consumers not user-friendly Apple track record weeding out legacy technologies disk drives CD drives old 30-pin charger makes its customers happy Apple's pros cons for Apple change always on their own side /

Malware found in apps that can root 90% of Android phones

Antivirus provider Trend Micro has named this family of malware apps Godless. Some of them are available in Google Play. They contain malicious code capable of secretly rooting almost all phones running Lollipop (5.1) or earlier. This includes an estimated 90 percent of all Android phones.

After achieving root, a Godless app may:
● respond to remote instructions
● install unwanted apps
● install backdoors
● spy on users

http://arstechnica.com/security/2016/06/godless-apps-some-found-in-google-play-root-90-of-android-phones/

What you can do to protect yourself:

● update to a version of Android more recent than Lollipop – if available for your device

● avoid using third-party app stores – apart from Amazon

● avoid apps from unknown developers

● install a check root app – there are a number on Google Play – their purpose is to allow a user to determine if a device has been successfully rooted – it won't provide any protection against a Godless infection, but will allow you to determine if your phone has become a victim – unless you have rooted the phone yourself

/ Godless apps Google Play root 90% of Android phones malware family packages large number of exploits give all-powerful root access researchers detected family of malicious apps some available Google Play contain malicious code secretly rooting estimated 90 percent Android phones recently published blog post antivirus provider Trend Micro Godless malware family has been dubbed collection of rooting exploits works against virtually any device running Android 5.1 or earlier estimated 90 percent all Android devices found app stores Google Play installed more than 850,000 devices Godless infected app malicious code installed vast repository of exploits root device it's running on app functions like exploit kits root kit hacked websites identify specific vulnerabilities individual visitors' browsers serve drive-by exploits Trend Micro Mobile Threats Analyst Veo Zhang Godless exploit kit uses open-source rooting framework android-rooting-tools framework various exploits arsenal used to root various Android-based devices two most prominent vulnerabilities targeted kit CVE-2015-3636 PingPongRoot exploit CVE-2014-3153 Towelroot exploit exploits deprecated relatively unknown security community root privilege malware receive remote instructions app download silently install mobile devices affected users receiving unwanted apps unwanted ads threats install backdoors spy on users first Godless apps stored rooting exploits binary file called libgodlikelib.so infected device app installed device screen turn off proceeds rooting routine successfully roots device installs app all-powerful system privileges can't be easily be removed install system app implements standalone Google Play client automatically downloads installs apps client leave feedback in Google Play fraudulently improve certain apps’ rankings more recent Godless apps download rooting exploit payload server located at malware can bypass security checks Google Play other app stores later variants install backdoor root access silently install apps affected devices various apps in Google Play utility apps flashlights Wi-Fi apps copies of popular games contain malicious rooting code Trend identified name Summer Flashlight installed app recently ejected from Google Play Evil twin Trend post researchers large number benign apps Google Play elsewhere corresponding malicious versions share the same developer certificate potential risk users non-malicious apps upgraded malicious versions knowing about apps’ new malicious behavior note that updating apps outside Google Play violation store’s terms and conditions Godless latest Android malware rooting bugs persistent foothold on handsets researchers discovered family 20,000 trojanized apps powerful exploits gain root access Android operating system root exploits aren't automatically malicious deliberately use them expand capabilities devices bypass restrictions imposed by carriers manufacturers root exploits have ability circumvent key Android security protections users should run them only after thoroughly researching specific app that's doing the rooting Android users should avoid using third-party app stores notable exception Amazon's downloading stores, avoid apps unknown developers /

You are what you eat – & your children & grandchildren are too

Credit: Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News

There is growing evidence that our biological inheritance due to our genes, is rivalled by our biological inheritance due to the microbes in our digestive tract.^1,2

Tim Spector, professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London & head of the British Gut Project, recently revealed some amazing new insights about the human digestive tract when interviewed on ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) radio:

The microbes in a human digestive tract, together
● are approximately the size of the liver
● number around 100 trillion!
● collectively known as the microbiome
● impact our digestion, our immune system & our brain
● can switch genes on & off

● are changed by our diet – by this means, what we eat impacts our health directly & also indirectly by its impact on our microbiome

● are passed from mother to offspring in a normal birth

Through this chain of interaction, our diet can impact future generations.

Podcast of the interview at: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/blueprintforliving/food-and-our-genes/7512020
__________

¹ “When gut bacteria change brain function”, http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/02/when-gut-bacteria-changes-brain-function.html

² “How too much fat & sugar + too little fibre is making us sick”, http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2014/08/how-too-much-fat-sugar-too-little-fibre_23.html

/ growing evidence biological inheritance genes biological inheritance bacteria microbes digestive tract Tim Spector professor of Genetic Epidemiology King's College London head British Gut Project human digestive tract interviewed ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation bacteria bacterium microbes human digestive tract gut approximately size liver 100 trillion microbiome digestion immune system brain psychology psychological switch genes on off changed diet what we eat impacts health directly indirectly impact microbiome passed mother offspring normal birth chain of interaction diet impact future generations Podcast /

Beware “premium SMS”

Credit: androidslots.co.uk/

Happened across this on Whirlpool:

“Hi all recently I've noticed that occasionally when I open an app, I'm greeted with a static advertisement that can be closed with a small x on the top right, just prior the app actually opening. The ad is usually for some mobile game.

“Does anybody know how to remove this?

See the original at: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2540738

And then this:

“Briefly I had been charged “third party charges” by Telstra. Apparently I had “subscribed” to something that would cost me $X to send a message to them, but it would cost me $XXX when the send a message to me. $XXX being much more than $X. I am still tyring to figure out what is their “standard” charge. I have 5 lots of $5 charge for 2 days in May, and more to come next month. The provider is MBLOX PTY LTD. Does anyone know them or have similar experience?”

See the original at: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1925467

Seemed like something to avoid, so I Googled, “Mobidol ads”.

Found this on a service provider, “Crowdsupport”, forum: https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/General-Mobiles/Mobidol/td-p/530835

No encouragement there. Or here: https://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Help-Support/Mobidol-scam/td-p/14947371

Or here: https://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/blogs/2015/july/citizens-advice-scams-awareness-month

Lots of unhappy draftees here: https://twitter.com/hashtag/mobidol

What can you do?
● avoid

● have your service provider bar, “premium SMS” – you may have to phone them – many service providers have an app which allows this to be set

/ scam Mobidol text SMS premium service Telstra Optus fraud fraudulent bill for these charges charged third party purchases phone kids must have accidentally done something bill phone received no messages from this company history billing us for absolutely nothing Telstra deduct these amounts off your bill websites complaints scam notices 1800 number mblox pty ltd bill Telstra locking premium SMS crap ALL mobile cell phones lodging complaint TIO Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman ombudsman /

Autonomous, 3D-printed bus for inner city mobility

Local Motors’ 3D-printed, autonomous, electric shuttle, Olli
Credit: Express Computer

Autonomous vehicles hold the potential to enable many efficiencies & economies in society.^1,2,3,4,5 One take on the autonomous vehicle is the Olli autonomous electric shuttle from Local Motors.

Economies of the Ollie concept include:

● reduced investment in vehicles due to sharing

● no inventory held by the manufacturer, as an Olli can be 3D printed in 10 hours, & assembled in just one more

● reduced energy consumption & carbon footprint due to electric drive⁶

http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/16/11952072/local-motors-3d-printed-self-driving-bus-washington-dc-launch

https://www.engadget.com/2016/06/16/olli-driverless-ev-local-motors-ibm-watson/

Thanks to Karl for this item.
__________

¹ “Fireside chat with Google's Sergey Brin & Larry Page (video)”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/fireside-chat-with-googles-sergey-brin.html

² “We have seen the future & it is delightfully dull”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2015/03/we-have-seen-future-its-delightfully.html

³ “Driving (or kind of not driving) a Tesla Model S with Autopilot”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2015/10/driving-or-kind-of-not-driving-tesla.html

⁴ “Volvo claims it will have “deathproof” cars by 2020”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/01/volvo-claims-it-will-have-deathproof.html

⁵ “Is it the beginning of the end for the rear-ender?”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/01/is-it-beginning-of-end-for-rear-ender.html

⁶ “Why does an electric car generate less carbon dioxide than a petrol powered one?”, https://hhg2t-long.blogspot.com/2011/06/why-does-electric-car-generate-less.html

/ Ollie Olli IBM Watson powered driverless autonomous electric EV electric vehicle bus 3D-printed vehicle seat 12 passengers cute driverless bus roaming streets Washington DC Olli autonomous electric minibus designed Local Motors sell 3D-printed cars this year automaker designed 12-seater 12 seater self-driving self driving system IBM use Watson's capabilities control EV's features AI artificial intelligence Watson tell Olli where you're going natural language ask questions how the technology works Olli Local Motors test the bus cities outside US Berlin Copenhagen Canberra ride trial runs local authorities EV your city driverless public vehicles legally shuttle passengers summon Olli app smartphone mobile device just like Uber Local Motors plans app company co-founder John Rogers building hundreds micro-factories all over the world 3D print Olli Ollie 10 hours assemble in one /

Second-best fiber-to-the-node Internet infrastructure likely to be more expensive

Credit: NBN/Gizmodo

Australia is in the process of upgrading its largely copper based Internet infrastructure, under the project name of the National Broadband Network (NBN). A change of government resulted in a downgrade from a planned all-fibre network to a “multi-technology mix” (MTM), as a cost-reduction measure. Included in MTM is fibre-to-the-node-copper-to-the-premises & the existing HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial) cables previously used for Pay-TV.

Over the last few years, Australia's Internet infrastructure has fallen from 30th to 60th in world speed rankings. Neighbours New Zealand & Malaysia both have higher Internet speeds, Malaysia, around 100 time faster!

Widespread dissatisfaction with the MTM model is likely to be fanned by a claim by former NBN boss, Mike Quigley, speaking at the Melbourne University Networked Society Institute, that rather than yielding a saving, MTM is likely to be more expensive.

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/06/former-nbn-boss-reveals-copper-will-cost-more-than-fibre-optic/?utm_source=Gizmodo+Australia&utm_campaign=8302da18f5-gizmodo_2016_06_23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7a0c493e18-8302da18f5-278887065

http://www.zdnet.com/article/nbn-shift-to-fttn-a-colossal-mistake-that-will-burden-australia-former-nbn-ceo/

http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/nbn/founding-nbn-chief-mike-quigleys-simple-indictment-of-the-multi-technology-nbn/news-story/de6588be072e36e271245a711264f0db / former NBN boss CEO Mike Quigley Melbourne University Networked Society Institute current copper-based FTTN strategy costing more original fibre-optic model lobby group Internet Australia call for a review of the National Broadband Network Quigley says FTTP rollout cost $45 billion finished by 2021 Internet Australia CEO Laurie Patton so much uncertainty disagreement NBN strategy costings establish some clarity Communications Minister Mitch Fifield Mr Quigley’s assessment real genuine concern technical circles in the public arena affecting confidence in the project causing people to be hesitant to sign up Australia fallen 60th global speed rankings 30th just a few years ago New Zealand out-performing Singapore our biggest regional competitor delivers broadband speeds 100 times faster slide relative to our peers will continue even as the NBN is being built rely on the current technology mix only a fibre-based broadband network will provide Internet speeds reliability of service needed in the 21st Century recent members survey 80 percent of respondents dissatisfied extremely dissatisfied so-called multi-technology mix (MTM) model fibre replaced by copper inclusion old HFC cables Hybrid Fiber Coaxial Pay-TV Internet Australia Internet is an essential service underpin Australia’s social and economic progress all Australians must have reliable affordable access high quality high bandwidth broadband service both upstream downstream traffic wherever they live work Internet reach potential for good essential make it available to everyone ability participate in our digitally enabled future basic right of all Australians gaining employment dealing with government engaging wide range of community activities increasingly require digital skills build our economic social future connected world everyone has access to the Internet knows how to use it solution is simple wins upcoming election hold a review strategic technical direction NBN make public true costs this nation building project independently verified /

OnePlus 3 has a faster fingerprint scanner than the iPhone 6s (video)

Fingerprint scanners have been available for unlocking mobile phones for some time. Initially, iOS devices were faster & more accurate than Android devices. More recently, Android has caught up to the point where 9TO5Google has declared the fingerprint scanner on the OnePlus 3 to be, “clearly faster”, than the iPhone 6s.



http://9to5google.com/2016/06/21/oneplus-3-fingerprint-scanner-faster-than-iphone-6s/

Yes, the Android is faster. Will the difference be important in practice? No. Most of the difference is due to the animation on the iPhone. If the animation is disabled, the two devices can only be separated with slow motion video.

On the other hand, you might like to keep in mind that fingerprint scanners have been hacked. You may prefer to implement password-free unlocking of your phone using a bluetooth device. / Reuters group German hackers crack cracking cracked iPhone fingerprint scanner Sunday two 2 days Apple Inc launched technology promise promised promises better protect devices criminal criminals snoop snooping snoopers seeking access claim verified embarrassment embarrass embarrassing Apple scanner smart phone smartphone new models Samsung Electronics Co Ltd run running Android OS operating system Google Inc. prominent iPhone security experts Reuters Chaos Computing Club CCC success succeed succeeded defeat defeated defeating Apple's Touch ID personally replicated the work Charlie Miller co-author iOS Hacker's Handbook work complete break Touch ID security secure secured new possibility attack attacking attacked attackers Apple representatives did not respond requests for comment CCC respected hack hacker hacking groups posted video website access accessing iPhone 5S fabricated print members member biometrics team had cracked new fingerprint reader few major high-tech features added latest version iPhone group targeted Touch ID knock down difficult crack fingerprints security secure Starbug Touch ID photograph photography photographing fingerprint user print printer printed printing transparent sheet create mold fake finger CCC similar processes crack vast majority fingerprint sensors market Dino Dai Zovi co-author author iOS Hacker's Handbook fool around hype over-hype make political point 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 /

Fitness tracking with your Pebble smartwatch

Pebble smartwatches have had third-party fitness apps for some time. Creators have included Fitbit & Misfit. Recently, the watch manufacturer added its own fitness app to the Pebble OS for Pebble Time watches. Collected data syncs with the Pebble app on your phone, plus Apple Health & Google Fit. Original Pebble watches have so far missed out.

This week, Pebble Time owners began receiving emails like the following, reporting their activities:


Your Pebble Health Week in Review
From: Pebble Health < health-support@pebble.com >



Cnet
http://www.cnet.com/au/news/pebble-health-bakes-in-all-day-fitness-tracking-to-pebble-time-watches-no-apps-necessary/

The Verge
http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2016/6/8/11889320/pebble-health-mood-tracking-happiness-app-fitness-algorithm / Pebble Health bakes in all-day fitness tracking Pebble Time watches no apps necessary Pebble's new firmware update adds fitness tracking Time watches standard new Time features older Pebbles too Pebble watches regular fitness trackers older Pebbles benefits newer ones Pebble's smartwatches traded off more advanced features exchange for longer battery life always-on screen feature fitness tracking Pebbles track activity in the background handful standalone fitness apps Misfit Jawbone newer Pebble Time watches automatically track fitness sleep all time no apps necessary latest Pebble Time firmware version 3.8 fitness tracking OS operating system daily steps sleep recorded automatically goals set based on average performance weekly summaries other smartwatch fitness apps fitness bands goals set automatically steps sleep Pebble's new firmware adds some useful perks most importantly Pebble Health more interesting Pebble's promise deeper insights features including cross-posting activity Pebble Timeline day-at-a-glance function Time software observations how well you sleep correlates how busy a day was suggesting times to exercise based on calendar appointments Pebble announced collaborating Stanford Wearable Health Lab more open standards collecting sharing health data research using Pebble Time watches new fitness functions cross-sync Apple Health Google Fit future compatibility third-party fitness apps planned Pebble firmware tax battery life around 5 percent more Pebble Health existed newer Pebble Time Time Steel Time Round watch older Pebbles can't get Pebble Health pre-Time Pebble plastic model Steel baked-in fitness tracking use Misfit Jawbone existing apps earlier Pebbles Time timeline at-a-glance calendar feature revamped UI firmware no more eight-app limit for onboard storage /

nonda ZUS Kevlar reinforced charging cable for your phone

nonda ZUS, Kevlar reinforced charging cable is available for Lightning, micro-USB & USB-C devices & has a 90 degree USB-A plug for getting into tight spaces
Credit: nonda/notey.com

Do your charge cables seem to die too fast? Then you are part of the target market for the nonda ZUS, Kevlar reinforced charging cable. Nando offer a lifetime guarantee, & their claims are supported by this test:

http://betanews.com/2016/06/19/nonda-zus-kevlar-lightning-cable-iphone-ipad-ipod-touch-review/



Indiegogo
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/zus-kevlar-charging-cable-lifetime-guarantee#/ / nonda ZUS Kevlar reinforced USB-A Lightning cable micro-USB microUSB micro USB Apple Android devices constantly on the go smartphone indispensable tool phone usage need to charge the device a lot charger and cable ready in your car bag pocket cables take a lot of abuse become damaged over time quality cables MFI certified Apple Lightning cables expensive buying replacements become costly new cable nonda ZUS Kevlar Charging Cable nonda affordable built to last available Type-A to Type-C micro USB Apple Lightning Lightning my impressions Lightning USB cable feel it in your hands understand the quality braided cable feels indestructible internally strands of Kevlar bulletproof vests protect charging data transfer braiding prevents tangling test durability abuse abused slam in car door plugged it into my car charger iPhone mobile cell phone charged charging drove car heavy vehicle over both the ends came out unscathed claimed durability real deal accidents happen cable comes with a lifetime warranty cable only one length four feet ideal for car usage testing added length larger vehicle mount your phone window length meet your needs really cool design aspect 90 degree USB Type-A end cable plug inserted into tight places added length value car strange angles USB lighter port convenient plugged into laptop angle look neater need a new Lightning cable extremely high quality decent length MFI certified official Apple-branded cable ZUS Kevlar reinforced cable fast for charging and data transfer more durable Kevlar cable is the one you want USB Type-C micro USB Lightning get it on Indiegogo currently crowdfunded perks discounts Indiegogo /

Humans sharing space with wild animals

You’ve quite likely seen videos such as this:



& this



Although the most important message to take from the above is towards the end of the second video: “I don’t recommend anyone having a bear as a pet … most people don’t know how to handle them & would be hurt or have someone be hurt because of their lack of knowledge.”

These are wild animals. Situations can deteriorate very quickly.



Hard to tell how much of this is staged, but stupidity is a very bad mixture with wild animals:

/ wild animals tame domesticated trainer train animal attack bear chimpanzee great ape monkey gun pistol revolver firearm cough syrup urban tarzan pet tv interview polar bear brown bear grizzly bear domestic pet tranquilizer gun drug cough syrup /

Libraries in Toronto are lending portable WiFi hotspots

Toronto Public Library
Credit: TripAdvisor

Google Canada is partnering with the City of Toronto to lend portable WiFi hotspots, through six of its libraries, all located in low-income areas.

A recent Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission survey found that 11 per cent of Canadians had no home internet service.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-library-wifi-1.3634855

http://futurism.com/libraries-are-now-giving-out-portable-wifi-hotspots-for-free/ / Canadians Canada Toronto borrow portable WiFi hotspots Toronto libraries for free Toronto libraries allowing borrowers take home books WiFi as well city is partnering with Google offer portable WiFi hotspots residents living in low-income neighborhoods project’s goal give free internet Torontonians who can’t afford it WiFi hotspots borrowed for up to six months at a time six library branches around Toronto Google give some of the most underserved a way to bridge the tech divide tech giant Google lending out the hotspots provides users with 10 gigabytes data per month simple effective way to get people online /

Enko running shoes have springs to absorb shocks (video)

Credit: Enko/Hi Consumption

Enko uses metal springs to absorb energy as the runner’s foot strikes the ground, & then releases it again to assist the next step. In the process, it reduces loads on joints.

Springs suited to the users’ weight are supplied with the shoes, & spring tension is adjustable for running or walking.

Replaceable studs improve longevity of Enko running shoes.


Credit: Enko/Hi Consumption



http://hiconsumption.com/2015/01/enko-running-shoes/

Enko began as an Indiegogo project
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/enko-running-shoe-comfort-and-power#/

Manufacturer's web site
http://en.enko-running-shoes.com/ / breakthrough athletic shoe technology hype running shoe shockingly bizarre Enko shoe patented sole prosthetic leg designers sole interchangeable springs shock absorbers dampers deliver unmatched comfort energy propulsion foot hits the ground springs absorb energy send it back to you as our heel lifts off the ground again shoe delivered shock absorbers dampers springs adapted to your weight extremely comfortable outing on your joints Enkos Enko feature interchangeable studs front light and breathable fabric upper Indiegogo /

Nikola One semi trailer tractor (video) – update

Nikola One semi trailer tractor
Credit: Nikola Motor Company/Autoomobile

It’s not as spectacular (either in numbers or dollar value) as pre-orders for the Tesla Model 3, but over 7,000 pre-orders worth $2.3 billion for the Nikola One semi trailer tractor is none-the-less, impressive.

With, “6x6 100% electric drive”, this looks like the solution to the sustainable long distance haulage problem. However, Nikola also claims, “Never plug in – turbine charges batteries automatically while driving”. Sounds like a serial hybrid.

Wrightspeed use a serial hybrid drivetrain, with turbine, for short-haul, such as delivery & garbage trucks. In such applications, efficiency is improved over a conventional, internal combustion engine vehicle because the electric component of the drive-train allows energy to be recovered in the frequent stops in such applications.

Long-haul, almost by definition, is not start-stop, so little gain in efficiency should be expecteded through that avenue. On the other hand, energy recovery going down hill can have a significant effect on overall efficiency.

The largest battery currently available in a Tesla Model S is 90 kWh, so a, “320 kWh battery”, represents the potential for a substantial injection of energy from the grid.

Perhaps most important for customers’ bottom line, is the, “Nikola complete leasing program $5,000 a month. Includes lease payment, unlimited miles, unlimited fuel, warranty & scheduled maintenance.”

And the name? “Nikola”, was the first name of Nikola Tesla, the famous electrical engineer.



http://futurism.com/nikola-motor-says-its-electric-truck-has-over-7000-pre-orders-amounting-to-over-2-3-billion/

http://www.autoomobile.com/news/nikola-motors-truck-looks-cooler-than-optimus-prime/40030338/

https://nikolamotor.com/one / Nikola One semi trailer tractor prime mover electric truck pre-orders Nikola Motor truck 7,000 big rigs ordered in just one month 2.3 billion dollars coolest trucks ever seen better than Optimus Prime CEO of Nikola Motor Company reservations 7,000 reservations deposits launching electric class 8 semi-truck Nikola One tech technology 10 to 15 years in front other OEM MPG emissions fuel efficiency only OEM almost zero emission trucks outperform diesel trucks 80,000 pounds Trevor Milton CEO reservations 7,000 worth 2.3 billion dollars leasing program Nikola One truck costs $4000 to $5000 per month configuration options chosen first million miles of fuel included offsets monthly leasing cost by 100% average diesel more than $400,000 and over 1,000,000 miles maintenance costs more than $100,000 lease of the Nikola One costs eliminated drive around very cool looking truck Nikola One unveiling /

CSIRO discovers method to boost lithium battery performance

Credit: How Stuff Works

Scientists from CSIRO (Commonwealth Science & Industrial Research Organisation) in collaboration with RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) & QUT (Queensland University of technology) have developed a process for pretreating lithium ion battery electrodes which:

● extends battery life
● increases performance
● improves charge efficiency
● reduces risk fire & explosion
● increases performance
● increases service life

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/06/the-aussie-battery-discovery-that-will-end-the-electric-vs-petrol-debate/?utm_source=Gizmodo+Australia&utm_campaign=c753de045c-gizmodo_2016_06_16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7a0c493e18-c753de045c-278887065

http://reneweconomy.com.au/2016/csiro-scientists-say-salt-bath-will-boost-lithium-ion-battery-performance-safety-88721 / Scientists from CSIRO Commonwealth Science & Industrial Research Organisation collaboration RMIT University Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology QUT Queensland University of technology developed process pretreating lithium ion battery electrodes extends battery life increases performance improves charge efficiency reduces risk fire & explosion increases performance increases service life Australian research team CSIRO treating lithium-ion lithium ion LiIon batteries salt bath extend shelf life performance safer potentially game-changing breakthrough battery technology uptake electric vehicles CSIRO scientists collaboration RMIT University QUT demonstrated pre-treating battery lithium metal electrodes electrolyte salt solution extends battery life increases performance and safety research Nature Communications accelerate development next-gen energy storage solutions battery range anxiety electric car industry CSIRO battery researcher Adam Best pre-treated lithium metal electrodes outperform other batteries research pre-treating lithium metal electrodes create batteries charge efficiency greatly exceeds standard lithium batteries Dr Best pre-treatment process immersion lithium metal electrodes electrolyte bath ionic liquids lithium salts battery assembled batteries materials prevent the risk fire explosion rechargeable battery issue adding protective film surface electrode helps stabilise battery in operation pre-treatment reduces breakdown electrolytes during operation battery’s increased performance and lifetime Dr Best undergone process up to one year on the shelf without loss of performance shelf life QUT researcher Associate Professor Anthony O’Mullane pre-treatment method easily adopted by manufacturers existing manufacturing processes electrolyte salt solutions CSIRO holds patents range of chemical compositions team of scientists currently developing batteries technology partners materials devices market /

Save the Galapagos with GMO rats. What could go wrong?

Galapagos Islands
Credit: izismile.com/

Introduced species have a disastrous record around the world. Rats, rabbits, cats, pigs, goats … the list is almost endless. This is because, without the diseases & predators which keep a species’ numbers in check in its native environment, almost any species can grow to plague proportions. Thus some obscure feral pests, such as camels in northern Australia.

Control measures include shooting, poisoning, & biological control. Results with biological control have been mixed. Poster child is the complete control of the prickly pear (Opuntia sp.) with the cactoblastus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum, a.k.a. cactus moth, South American cactus moth, or Nopal moth) in Australia.¹ In other cases, the intended biological control has itself become a bigger pest than the organism it was introduced to control. E.g. stoats introduced to control rabbits in New Zealand,² & cane toads to control cane beetles in Australia.³

In the Galapagos Islands, introduced rats pose a threat to many of the species which inspired Charles Darwin. One suggestion is introduction of more rats – specifically GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) rats. In this case, the genetic modification in this case, is a gene drive which will cause all offspring of the GMO rats to be male. Result would be that within a few generations, the entire rat population would be male. Problem solved, after that generation dies off.

http://www.wired.com/2016/06/save-galapagos-gmo-rats-go-wrong/?mbid=nl_6816

More about gene drives & CRISPR gene editing (PDF)
http://wyss.harvard.edu/staticfiles/newsroom/pressreleases/Gene%20drives%20FAQ%20FINAL.pdf
__________

¹ Wikipedia: “Prickly pears in Australia”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prickly_pears_in_Australia

² Wikipedia: “Stoats in New Zealand”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoats_in_New_Zealand

³ “Cane toad breeding population located in Sydney”, http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2011/04/cane-toad-breeding-population-located.html / beetle breeding population cane toad feral pest population Sydney cane toad exotic birds Galapagos Islands tortoises iguanas archipelago become overrun more prosaic animals rats mice rodents old sailing ships rodents stowed away modern cruises rodents eat eggs chicks hatchlings animals Charles Darwin islands all over the world Island Conservation nonprofit rids islands invasive species daring plan genetically engineer rodents all turn into males shrinking population one lonely pest at a time plan going into effect serious airing report National Academy of Sciences often makes recommendations controversial areas of research make-all-rodents-boys idea case studies gene drives engineered pieces of DNA spread more quickly through wild population gene wouldgene drives way to cheat evolution gene drives dangerous and unpredictable manmade DNA sequence wild population National Academy’s report guidelines scientists responsibly study method genetically altering wild plants and animals environmentalists long decried genetically modified organisms embrace them for conservation gene drives a way to prevent mosquitoes from spreading disease scientists engineered mosquitoes gene drives kill the parasite behind malaria working on gene drives eradicate mosquitoes that spread dengue chikungunya Zika or make them resistant viruses recent rise of Crispr gene-editing technology scientists construct gene drives gene drives benefit humans restore natural habitats tropical islands beset with invasive rats what is natural engineer animals restore nature environmentalists long decried genetically modified organisms conservation New Natural




Kent Redford director Wildlife Conservation Society Institute working definition natural synthetic biologists conservationists conservationists Ryan Phelan executive director Revive and Restore promotes synthetic biology genetic rescue endangered and extinct species two groups talking specific problems like invasive rodents on islands genetic modification current approach to killing island invasives enthusiasm gene drives British island of South Georgia pilots spread 200 tons of bait one helicopter load at a time blanketing island rat poison brodifacoum blood clotting rodents die internal bleeding birds mammals high doses gene drive most humane way possible all-male population live out their natural lives Heath Packard communications director Island Conservation Islands well suited gene drive solutions ocean is a natural barrier against their spread invasive rodents are a critical problem Charles Darwin discovered islands hotbed of biodiversity 40 percent critically endangered species in the world live islands rats mice easy genetic target scientists tinkered genetics lab laboratory downside unintended consequences ecology is complicated nobody put a gene out in the wild before Island Conservation scientists investigating gene drives game-changing eradication technology Crispr research partners Texas A&M University North Carolina State University studying naturally-occurring gene drive mice Crispr technology Island Conservation partnered US Department of Agriculture Australia’s national Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation CSIRO regulatory approval field planning fundraise gene drive research National Academy report conservation scenarios gene drives off mosquitoes spread avian malaria Hawaii controlling invasive knapweeds US forests report how to define nature understand the value attached to nature difficult philosophical and social problems report open questions growing and heated debate among environmentalists values that underpin environmentalism gene drives unnatural how natural dropping tons of rat poison out of the sky scientists can construct gene drive conservationists permission release mice as planned islands Galapagos benefit huge rat poisoning campaign rid the Galapagos of most of its pests boat traffic there rodents make their way to the islands again Charles Darwin observations understand laws of natural selection scientists technology cheat the game /

CHAdeMO DC fast-charging for electric vehicles to charge even faster

Credit: insideevs.com/

Tesla has a proprietary fast charging network, with charging rates between 90 & 125 kW.

Long range electric cars are in the works from GM, Audi, Porsche & others.

Charging facilities for these manufacturers are patchy at best, &/or slow.

To fix “slow”, the CHAdeMO Association will be releasing an amendment to the protocol late this year, & the first 150 kW charging station is planned for 2017.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1104346_chademo-dc-fast-charging-to-run-at-up-to-150-kilowatts-starting-in-2017 / CHAdeMO DC fast-charging fast charging fastcharging /

All-electric long-haul trucking

Credit: krone-trailer.com

Electric personal transport, including long distance travel, is a solved problem.

Short-range trucking has also been solved.

All-electric long-haul trucking, on the other hand does not yet have a solution. Although Swiss rail-infrastructure company Furrer+Frey has a suggestion: tractor swapping.

Be sure to check the comments on the articles linked below – lots of interesting discussion.

Slideshow of the original presentation included in this article:
https://chargedevs.com/newswire/furrerfrey-proposes-tractor-swapping-for-long-haul-trucks/

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1104425_how-to-turn-long-haul-trucking-all-electric-tractor-swapping

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2016/05/2060530-furrerfrey.html / Furrer + Frey proposes tractor swapping solution electrification long-haul trucking Furrer + Frey provider rail electrification rapid charging systems transport tractor swapping solution electrification long-haul trucking Furrer + Freylong-time partner Opbrid provider overhead pantograph-based ultra-fast charging Opbrid Bůsbaar buses IAA 2014 Opbrid introduced Trůkbaar heavy-duty trucks Trůkbaar one element Furrer + Frey tractor swapping solution Furrer + Frey acquired Opbrid operations presentation outlining concept Roger Bedell founder Opbrid Furrer + Frey numerous studies 2020-2030 heavy-duty vehicles overtake passenger cars largest global contributor fuel consumption GHG green house gas greenhouse gas green-house gas emissions transport sector solutions shifting long-haul trucking electric drive overhead catenaries in-road inductive charging ultra-fast battery recharging battery swapping require major investments infrastructure heavier lower energy density LTO batteries ultra-high charging rates technically difficult size battery packs expensive dedicated stations proposed tractor swapping model tractor-trailer low battery charge pull into station fully charged tractor waiting driver switches tractors departs with a full pack first tractor recharges recharge enabling technologies streamline the process Jost KKS automated coupling system fully automatic driver assistance system controls all functions coupling decoupling process previously performed manually first automated interface pneumatic electric connections Furrer + Frey Opbrid Trůkbaar Opbrid Trůkbaar designed ultra high power mode 4 DC charging up to 650 kW power transfer conductive technology transferred European electric rail industry Furrer + Frey power transfer enables scenarios super short charge stops 24-hour operation advantages are clear simple fast, without need for large infrastructure projects disadvantages need to be addressed Bedell precise scheduling avoid idle tractors nstallation KKS system participating tractors and trailers delays can propagate through the system similar delays air travel business model favors large shippers Bedell estimates range required per tractor 200 km 124 miles plus buffer wind hills tractor-trailer electricity consumption same as 12 m bus 1kWh/km 2kWh/km pack 400 kWh /

Why am I still fat?

Sustained weight loss is a difficult & complex question, apects of which are addressed in the video below. The most interesting part triggers my, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is,” reflex, but the experimental evidence is in: rats fed a diet equivalent to thickshakes, burgers & fries unsurprisingly, gain weight & develop other symptoms of obesity, such as inflammation, increased blood pressure, insulin insensitivity & reduced heart & liver function. When plant juice, rich in the purple anti-oxidant pigment anthocyanin was added to the diet, all of the harmful effects were reversed!

Starts at 16:50 mark.



Transcript of the video
http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4327346.htm

More about anthocyanin & the Queen Garnet Plum
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-14/antioxidant-rich-plum-to-fight-obesity/6094914 / Associate Professor Amanda Salis University of Sydney clinical weight loss trials finding better ways to lose weight keep it off for long term shape of the human body changing dramatically prevalence of obesity has doubled in the last few decades Professor Stephen Simpson proportion of the population that was considered obese epidemic number of obese children has tripled population is getting fatter nine million adults are overweight explosion of fat-related diseases two out of three Australians overweight obesity is the new normal BMI bodyweight science fight against fat intervene kids at risk before they're born conventional genetics at play Dr Nathan O'Callaghan 50 genetic variants associated with obesity contributes 5% of the variation in body size increase in global obesity can't just be explained by eating too much exercising too little our bodies in our brains environment Why am I still fat? your efforts to lose weight helping you to keep the kilos on in-built survival mechanism controlled by our brain the famine reaction effects famine reaction makes you hungrier increases your drive to eat famine reaction famine reaction broken my diet I gained weight dieted myself fat personal experience motivates her research TEMPO diet trial University of Sydney world-first research three-year study long-term effects weight loss in 100 post-menopausal women compared effects fast versus slow weight loss famine reaction head-to-head two types of diets are being compared very low energy diet of 800 calories a day fast weight loss conventional diet slow weight loss women study keen gardener medical researcher participants controlling weight classic yo-yo dieter yoyo dieting yo-yo dieting eating well cooking slow and steady diet TEMPO trial dieter heart attack lean leaner weighed more diet fast-track diet rapid weight loss diet trial obese don't notice putting weight on like an addiction dieters who lose bodyweight put it back on again within five years why is maintaining weight loss so difficult why do so many dieters hit a wall the longer you carry weight the harder it is to lose it hypothalamus in your brain resets the amount of fat your body defends famine reaction keeps you craving food lose weight feel hungry DEXA scan type of X-ray measures the mass of fat muscle lean tissues mineral density of bone calculate how much fat in the different regions of the body impact of the famine reaction measure body composition famine reaction alters your hormones make your body inclined to hold onto fat midriff region makes your body more inclined lose lean tissues muscle and bone fat mass lean mass calorimetry hood measures metabolic rate how much fat burning famine reaction increases drive to eat makes body more fuel-efficient more fuel efficient relaxed awake measuring resting energy expenditure changes with weight loss affects how many kilojoules you burn over the course of the day affects how much you can eat without putting on weight TEMPO trial testing participants reporting how hungry they feel rapid weight loss should be avoided makes the famine reaction stronger first progress results diets don't work for everybody more drastic intervention to lose weight rapidly making it harder for food to fit in your stomach lap-band operation unfit feel unhealthy never feel well go out for walks food obsessed with food think about food all the time lap-band surgery inability to lose weight type 1 diabetes high blood pressure high BMI lose 30kg bariatric surgeon life-threatening diseases come with obesity lap-band tool lap-band under your skin stomach adjustable keyhole surgery relatively safe nerves that control appetite neurologist Amanda Page nerves allow the stomach communicate with the brain difficult situation once you're obese to actually lose that weight again weight gain resets the sense of feeling full stomach mouse nerves fire when receptors respond to stretching tension-sensitive nerve in the stomach nerve record the nerve activity nerve activity increases signals to the brain full regulating appetite brain wouldn't know when to stop eating compares stomachs of lean mice obese mice response to stretch dramatically humans obese person just stop eating reset the receptors lean condition non-surgical therapy for obesity Bariatric surgeon Stephen Wilkinson install lap-band laparoscopic instruments lap-band abdomen stomach band oesophagus stomach simple operation lose excess weight our society values thinness and health encourages us to overeat and consume more blame obesity on food manufacturers resistance from the industry labelling healthy choice nutritional individual nutrient groups finding best mix in a balanced diet carbohydrate protein fats appetite control automatically priority protein fats carbohydrates taste like protein lipsmacking amino acid umami flavours diluting protein makes food cheaper to make good for business bad for appetite control savoury snack food industry potato chip protein decoy tastes like protein bodies evolved associate flavour cues with protein loaded up fat carbs carbohydrates protein appetite unfulfilled continue snack eat more subversive extra calories why we get fat white fat cells protect us providing a safe home for lipids keep the fats out of our organs overloaded swell and burst leaking lipid into the bloodstream body's defences red alert inflammatory reaction chronic low-grade inflammation causes organ damage cardiovascular fatty liver disease insulin resistance diabetes Professor Lindsay Brown stops obesity stops inflammation Toowoomba University of Southern Queensland medicinal power natural foods counteract obesity reverse inflammatory effects fruit and vegetables color colour color colour purple anthocyanin natural pigment range of compounds in plants keep systems healthy ours too veggie vegetable highest anthocyanin purple carrots are by far the best amazing amount of anthocyanin fruits queen garnet plum ordinary purple plum five or ten times as much of the purple colour in it anthocyanins rats fattened diet similar to thickshakes burgers fries BMI Body Mass Index BMI most of the Australian human population obesity obese rats bodies blood pressure going up quite dramatically heart function is going down liver function going down abdominal fat pad increased hormones go up whole of the body affected characteristic of obesity Professor Lindsay Brown inflammatory response every organ organ immune anthocyanin-rich anthocyanin rich juice food half the rats anthocyanins purple carrots queen garnet plums completely changes changed the diet high-carbohydrate high-fat diet intervention all of those parameters characterise obesity back to normal billion-dollar billion dollar multinational company-type company type product carrot plum rats human clinical trials food driving obesity young children nearly one in four children are overweight or obese obesity leading threat to public health new science emerging research synthetic chemicals act like hormones change the way our bodies react to fat obesogens oestrogen estrogen oestrogen estrogen mimic exposed to these chemicals phthalates bisphenols phthalates bisphenols in their bodies plasticisers plasticisers bisphenols BPA BPA almost impossible common in our food packaging and consumer goods Dr Bridget Maher used as a resin lining of household water supply our drinking water is often contaminated with BPA chemicals exposure in children affect obesity risk rest of their lives measure their chemical load sample short-lived chemicals collect samples urine breast milk house dust child's body study levels of chemical exposure growth rates birth body composition measured babies baby's per cent body fat lean body mass first study short-lived environmental chemicals obesity first six months of life growth rates BMI slow weight gain through diet increase risk of obesity metabolic disease later in life BPA endocrine disrupter interferes with the hormone system could obesogens reshaping our genetic destiny science epigenetics environment changes structure gene function of the gene epigenetics normal human development environmental toxicants things go wrong losing weight slow and steady diet fast-track diet fat lose low-energy diet famine reaction making her want to eat more fast weight loss famine reaction appetite eating crash diets which diet is best study clinical trial participants famine reaction hunger famine reaction lap-band operation weight changed lap-band lap-band medical reasons obesity weight healthy healthy diet more exercise better for everyone losing weight why am I still fat Why am I NOT fat new science improve public health efforts tackle obesity getting fat being lazy lacking willpower the full picture powerful biological and environmental reasons why we put weight on regain manage to lose health /

Why aren’t there any green stars?

Actually, there are a lot of them, including our own Sun!



Thanks to Peter for this item. / star stars astronomer astronomy black body radiator black body radiation spectrum spectra planet brown dwarf black hole visible light radio waves infrared infra-red infra red ultraviolet ultra-violet ultra violet Xrays X-rays X rays peak black hole light black body curve emission spectra spectrum peak peaks temperature higher energy light shorter wavelength gamma rays visible light shine human eye sensitive sensitivity cells retina rods cones color colour red blue green see primary colours Doctor Michelle Thaller Dr. Michelle Thaller Ask an Astronomer Spitzer Space Telescope NASA /

24 tons of towering stone & grace, held together with compression

Vaulted archway at the entrance to the stadium, Olympia, Greece, 200 BC¹
Credit: https://baderjournal.wordpress.com/2016/05/30/katakolon-greece-olympia/

Vaults, constructed without mortar, hidden substructure, or other means of support (apart from compression) have been known since antiquity. Viewed in that light, structures such as that shown above are extraordinary.

But the vault below has the same absence of hidden support!


Armadillo Vault, Venice, Italy, 2016
Credit: Iwan Baan/Dezeen Magazine

If the entire structure looks as if it's about to collapse, consider this: “A football team could dance on top of it.” – Philippe Block, ETH, Zurich

“Other means of support”, during construction:


Credit: Anna Maragkoudaki/Dezeen Magazine

More
http://www.wired.com/2016/06/compression-keeps-24-tons-stone-collapsing/?mbid=nl_6816

Wikepedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vault_(architecture)
__________

¹ Wikipedia: “Olympia, Greece”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia,_Greece / 24 tons of towering stone grace held together with compression compression nature nature’s glue Armadillo Vault self-supporting pavilion comprising 399 limestone slabs spanning 52 feet curving bending columns 13th-century Venice building this year’s Architecture Biennale no glue no mortar no hidden substructure 24-ton edifice doesn’t collapse really smart architecture architects engineers opposition between compression pushing together tension pulling apart Eiffel Tower stone-clad cathedrals Europe every bridge ever rely on balancing these two forces Armadillo Vault different direction limestone blocks series of conjoined arches classic form turns compression into strength stands minimalist system tension ties helps balance structure at the ground level need a little help imagine this kind of shape computation Philippe Block research group ETH Zurich developed develop development Armadillo Vault Block Research Group software package RhinoVAULT designed let architects manipulate tension compression forces 3D model design Armadillo inside world heritage site Corderie dell’Arsenale redistribute forces on the floor minimal footprint as possible undulating shape software both functional aesthetic build pavilion RhinoVAULT results assign blocks West Texas quarry numbers specific locations built wooden form inside pavilion laid the stones in place remove scaffolding stones support themselves not put a razor blade between the stones pretty tough football team could dance on top of it American football team walking inside visitors see forces acting on the blocks ceiling visual representation physics Armadillo Vault proof flowing sinuous forms buildings architects don’t need complex steel substructures design tools RhinoVAULT build same elaborate structures with far less material more honest representation of a geometry materials beautiful /

This umbrella tells you if you need to take it with you

Where is your umbrella when you need it? Often at home.

TARAbrella aims to solve this & other problems people have with umbrellas.

Not sure if you’ll need your umbrella? TARAbrella has a system of lights in the handle to warn of rain before you leave the house.



Solutions to other umbrella problems:

● Left it in the bus/train/taxi/coffee shop – Bluetooth tracker will remind you as you move out of range (~10 metres (30 feet))

● Adds weight to an already heavy bag/backpack – carbon fibre runner & framework for a weight of only 198 grams (7 ounces)

● Not specifically an umbrella problem, but a light in the crown lights the way & warns of your presence to motorists

Gizmag
http://www.gizmag.com/tarabrella-rain-predicting-umbrella/43678/

Cnet
http://www.cnet.com/au/news/is-a-smart-umbrella-a-dumb-idea/

Indiegogo project
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tarabrella-the-world-s-first-super-umbrella/x/9010251#/ / TARAbrell lightweight smart umbrella features integrated advanced weather detection system anti-lost tracker anti loss glowing LED tip carbon-fiber material construction five times stronger than steel TARA company behind new umbrella launched Indiegogo Campaign early-bird backers umbrella wall mount charging stand device color-changing LED display handle alerts you when it's umbrella weather umbrella's key features TARA feather weight 198 grams TARAbrella lighter than iPhone weather forecast system built-in pressure-sensing hardware provides accurate weather forecast 6 hours patented safety runner durability ease of use combine locked release with a simple click super LED light TARAbrella super LED light brighten up dark foggy places ensure the user's safety in hazardous conditions anti-lost loss tracker detachable clip alert wearer move more than a set amount of feet from the TARAbrella Bluetooth ergonomic design handle handle TARAbrella ergonomically fit in your hand comfortable hold for extended periods smooth texture crowdfunding campaign project crowdfunded project risk contributing campaign crowdfunding site policies Indiegogo refund policies campaign project /

Wild storms lash the coast of Eastern Australia

Sydney beachfront homes may need to be dismantled – engineer
Credit: ABC – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

No one weather event proves that climate change is happening. However, the series of unusual weather events, world wide, that have been on-going for a number of years, together, form a substantial body of evidence. Just one such event is the extraordinary storm that, at the moment, is battering the east coast of Australia.

NSW weather: Sydney's beachfront homes may need to be partially dismantled, engineer says
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-07/sydney-weather-storm-damaged-beachfront-homes-likely-dismantled/7487056

In the face of this & other events world wide, many see the firing of up to 350 climate scientists from Australia's CSIRO, (Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation) as extraordinarily ill advised.

East coast erosion should stop CSIRO from cutting climate jobs: planning expert
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-07/east-coast-erosion-should-stop-csiro-from-cutting/7485650

Other signs of climate change

11 record hot months in a row
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/04/11-record-hot-months-in-row.html

Recent unusual weather worldwide calls for urgent preventive action, UN official warns
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=52915#.V1aGwZOGORs

Why We’ll Keep Having Weird Weather in 2016
http://time.com/4164945/weird-weather-2016/ / East coast erosion stop CSIRO cutting climate jobs planning expert expert coastal planning massive erosion along the east coast wake up call for all political parties CSIRO good reason to halt plans cut climate scientists jobs Professor Barbara Norman chair of urban and regional planning University of Canberra The World Today protecting coastal properties responsibility of State Government planning legislation coastal planning expert massive erosion along the east coast of Australia wakeup call wake up call wake-up call all political parties reason CSIRO halt plans cut the jobs climate scientists fire Professor Barbara Norman chair or urban and regional planning University of Canberra State Government local councils responsible protecting coastal properties State Government responsibility planning legislation planning acts implementing state policy State Government risks and liabilities for coastal planning dumping it on local councils we were starting to get some good coastal planning around Australia national coordination floods on the weekend coastal planning controls Queensland New South Wales New South Wales and Queensland Governments Australian Federal Government review coastal controls New South Wales proposed set of reforms Queensland develop a new state coastal plan population is growing most of that growth is expected to be along the coast particularly the east coast consequences big challenge national challenge National Government projections this country growth coastal Australia primarily on the eastern sea board seaboard sea-board expansion continuing urban pressures risks of climate change very very significant public policy issue other countries United States well funded National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration NOAA other examples in other countries national coastal plan national coastal strategy national framework ministers work together support State Governments local governments election campaign urging all sides of politics national plan 25 reports nationally inquiries last 30 years all with the same message we need a national coastal strategy ask all political leaders major political parties conservatives liberals Labor Greens commit to a national coastal strategy coastal development climate change global warming Great Barrier Reef resolved at the local level Governments at a national level money risk liabilities what's happening in the northern beaches in New South Wales who will pay for the costs of rehabilitation who will pay for the cost of repair National Government responsibility State Governments balanced approach development responsibility falls to local councils resources means deal with it political issue CSIRO scientists providing the data to local councils data disappears scientists disappearing councils Australia's east coast Sydney northern beaches a lot of erosion in northern New South Wales Queensland's Gold Coast for example wake-up call wake up wakeup call CSIRO sackings of the climate scientists should be a wake-up call we need science need clear data accessible data members of the public decision-makers transparency and accountability risks absolutely fundamental to solving these problems Australia CSIRO's future Asia-Pacific information serious work collaboration in our region /