Elon Musk’s idea for powering the entire U.S. with solar energy

More on Elon Musk’s idea for powering the entire U.S. with solar energy generated on, “a little corner of Nevada or Utah”:
http://inhabitat.com/elon-musks-idea-for-powering-the-entire-u-s-with-solar-energy-holds-a-lot-of-water/?utm_source=BoomTrain+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=b7b33b5618-&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_87a7bf0b92-b7b33b5618-207235629

Clean Energy Future Report:
http://inhabitat.com/a-new-study-says-us-could-run-completely-on-clean-energy-by-2050/

Of course, renewables can power the rest of the world too. Last year, I reported on these pages on a plan to power Australia with renewables.

With subsidies of fossil fuels running at $10 million per minute world-wide, there is plenty of money to finance a move to renewables. / University of Melbourne Frank Larkins Australia’s targets increase renewable energy electricity more expensive problems consistency storage developments renewable energy integration electricity grids technically feasible scenarios Australian electricity industry 100 per cent renewable energy Sun shine irregular weather patterns uncertain intermittent power output electricity generators retailers money variability renewable energy sources better understood empirical experience wind power electricity grids hourly computer simulations demand states countries global regions South Australia coal fired coal-fired power stations gas fired gas-fired wind farms non-renewable energy supply Germany Schleswig-Holstein Mecklenburg-Vorpommern transmission links neighbouring states supply problems National Electricity Market (NEM) generation Ben Elliston Iain MacGill UNSW meet demand reliably papers published in peer-reviewed international journals, downloaded website mix Elon Musk forward-thinking technology buff serially successful businessman thinking about the world’s big problems possible solutions powering the entire United States with solar power analysis analyzed sense whole country powered a little corner of Nevada or Utah government leaders cooperated invested in infrastructure UN climate conference Musk address Paris 02 December 2 global policy makers business leaders speech Tesla SpaceX CEO very small segment of land capture solar energy convert electricity power entire nation very small area generate electricity power civilization little corner of Nevada or Utah power entire United States science Musk’s recommendation more than enough solar energy beams down on the U.S. each hour match electricity consumed in a year capture capturing collect collector solar power country’s energy consumption nation eventually run entirely on solar power solar taking the lead among energy sources by 2031 Musk’s concept Land Art Generator Initiative maps showing how little real estate necessary generate electricity needed 20 percent conversion rate optimal lab performance for solar panels area size of Spain source 100 percent electricity clean low-cost renewable source politicians energy industry on board /

This drone flies like a bird

As an ornithopter¹, this drone is unlikely to cause the eyeball-slicing injury that happened to 18-month-old Oscar Webb, but caution is still required when flying it anywhere near people.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/12/14/bionic-bird-is-an-smartphone-controlled-winged-drone-that-flies-like-a-bird/

Manufacturer’s website
http://www.mybionicbird.com/


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¹ “Ornithopter”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornithopter / Bionic Bird smartphone controlled winged drone flapping wings flies like a bird drones expensive professional quality drone wing beat wings drones that you see are also called quadcopters propellers four rotors drone Bionic Bird drone looks like an actual bird 12 inch wingspan tail flaps its wings fly just like a real bird Bionic Bird drone controlled app smartphone reach altitudes of up to 328 feet fly up to 8 minutes 12 minute charge portable charger shaped like an egg egg recharge drone multiple times requires its own recharge Bionic Bird fly indoors or out /

Social media associated with depression & anxiety

In January 2012, almost 700,000 users unknowingly became experimental subjects, when they had their Facebook feed altered in an attempt to manipulate their emotional state.

More recently, it has come to light that (ethically questionable experiments aside) social media is associated with undesirable mental health consequences, depression & low self-esteem among them:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2015/04/08/new-study-links-facebook-to-depression-but-now-we-actually-understand-why/

https://medium.com/@katikrause/facebook-s-mental-health-problem-9c48374c1bd8#.tn9uy7hrj

http://www.digitaltrends.com/social-media/social-media-overuse-teen-anxiety/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-08/wellbeing-survey-finds-teens-feeling-left-out-on-social-media/6921780 / irony Facebook social network linked undesirable mental health consequences depression low self-esteem bitter jealousy new study Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology Facebook depressive symptoms go hand-in-hand mediating factor well-established psychological phenomenon social comparison making comparisons our most humdrum moments our friends highlight reels vacation montages cute baby pics what links Facebook time depressive symptoms together time to cut down on Facebook adjust our attitude new study University of Houston researchers queried people Facebook use social comparisons compared with others how often experienced depressive symptoms people who used Facebook more have more depressive symptoms social comparison mediating factor for men doesn’t mean Facebook causes depression depressed feelings lots of time on Facebook comparing oneself to others hand in hand study author doctoral candidate Mai-Ly Steers doesn’t mean Facebook causes depression depressed feelings lots of time on Facebook comparing oneself to others go hand in hand study author doctoral candidate Mai-Ly Steers study face-to-face research social comparison found that upward social comparisons looking at someone more popular attractive than yourself make people feel worse downward comparisons comparing yourself someone lower grades than you make people feel better about themselves new study difference asking people how they felt viewed other people’s posts when I was on Facebook felt less confident what I have achieved compared to other people people logged more Facebook time more depressive symptoms social comparison in any direction mediator both sexes making upward downward neutral social comparison all linked greater likelihood for depressive symptoms /

Jaguar returning to world motorsport – Formula E championship in 2016-2017 season

Credit: Jaguar Land Rover/The Guardian

“It is my belief that over the next five years we will see more changes in the automotive world than in the last three decades. Formula E has recognised & reacted to these trends & the championship's exciting & pioneering approach is the perfect fit for our brand.” – Nick Rogers, Group Engineering Director for Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover have plans for electric road cars too.

http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2015/december/jaguar-returns-to-racing.aspx

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/dec/15/jaguar-to-join-formula-e-championship-electric-cars

http://www.theverge.com/2015/12/10/9885990/jaguar-land-rover-electric-car-formula-e-team / Jaguar returns to global motor sport Jaguar announced return global motorsport fall autumn 2016 Jaguar enter third season FIA Formula E Championship manufacturer its own team FIA Formula E unique opportunity Jaguar Land Rover JLR develop future EV powertrain motor battery technology Nick Rogers Group Engineering Director Jaguar Land Rover proud announce Jaguar's return to racing entry innovative FIA Formula E championship electric vehicle EV play a role Jaguar Land Rover's future product portfolio Formula E unique opportunity further development electrification technologies Championship engineer test advanced technologies extreme performance conditions more changes automotive world Formula E recognised reacted trends Formula E championship exciting pioneering approach perfect fit our brand Alejandro Agag Chief Executive Officer Formula E welcome Jaguar Formula E Jaguar brand rich sporting heritage returning global motorsport Formula E huge endorsement championship influence development electric cars Jaguar passionate fan base drive popularity Formula E championship Formula E is the future of motorsport Jean Todt President FIA series offer alternative competition manufacturers step into sport develop road-relevant electric technologies Jaguar come back to motor racing Formula E forges path forward future electric car Formula E most prestigious historical brand automotive industry 2016/20172016 2017 Jaguar’s team presentation drivers partners season three /

Toddler's eyeball sliced in half by drone propeller

In Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, UK, 18-month-old Oscar Webb had his eye sliced in half by a drone. Needless to say, Oscar lost his eye as a result.


Oscar Webb & his parents after the accident
Credit: news.com.au

This item includes guidance for safe drone flying:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-34936739

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/kids/i-saw-a-bit-of-his-eye-land-on-his-tshirt-toddlers-horror-drone-injury/news-story/5c7ec9b78a39871a65a130362ad3d42e

Oscar Webb's experience was disastrous, but unfortunately, by no means unique:



Check the video above. People having fun, the drones adding something different. Then this:

TGI Friday drone crashes into woman's face and cuts it open in restaurant
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/tgi-friday-drone-crashes-into-womans-face-and-cuts-it-open-in-restaurant-9911934.html

11-month old girl injured after private drone crash
http://abc7.com/news/baby-injured-after-private-drone-crashes-in-pasadena/987551/

Man comes forward after woman knocked out by drone
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-33345417

Pilots report increased near-collisions with drones
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2014/11/pilots-report-increased-near-collisions.html

A few things to consider:

● a few years ago, the only way to make something this small fly, was with a small two-stroke motor (less than 10 c.c.) & the racket served as a warning

● these things are dangerous

● from reading the accounts, it is clear that at least some of the operators' lives have been adversely affected by these events

● think carefully before you operate a drone anywhere near people

● be particulrly aware of children, who are likely to behave unpredictably & with little concern for their own safety

● if a drone is operating near you, be aware of the safety implications – consider leaving the area

● with Xmas just a few days away, the number of drones is about to increase significantly

/ toddler eyeball sliced in half drone propeller 18-month-old boy lost eye hit by a drone flown family friend Oscar Webb eye sliced in half propeller operator Simon Evans lost control drone toddler Stourport-on-Severn Worcestershire UK United Kingdom Britain first drone injury Oscar surgeon many more Evans brought it back down land clipped tree span spun round heard my friend shriek Oh God no blood his baby on the floor crying Oscar's mother Amy Roberts ambulance taking Oscar to hospital Birmingham opened his eye I can still see it now the worst thing I've ever seen Oscar's accident family were unaware potential safety issues surrounding drones Faye Mellington consultant oculoplastics orbital surgery Sandwell West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust team outlook for Oscar's vision long term was extremely poor see out of his uninjured eye guidance for safe drone flying check drone for damage all components working in accordance with user manual drone within the operator's sight at all times operator responsible avoiding collisions people objects drone flown endanger people or property illegal fly drones over congested areas streets towns or cities stay clear airports airfields fly drones within 50m person vehicle building structure overhead groups of people at any height drones /

Add a better camera to your phone

DxO ONE attached to an iPhone
Credit: Shutterbug

Best camera for the photograph you wish to take? – the one you have with you. For most people, most of the time, that means a phone camera. It comes as no surprise to anyone that more photographs are taken with phone cameras than any other type of camera.

Fundamental to a phone camera, as with the phone which contains it, is small size. Thus (with few exceptions), sensor & lens are tiny, & optical zoom is not available. The few exceptions are in thick, heavy phones which have enjoyed few sales.

Sony was first to conceive of a solution, in the form of its QX series "smart lenses". These “lenses” are actually complete cameras, less viewfinder, which can clip to almost any smartphone. With the phone screen providing viewfinder capability, an app, & Wifi connection, the combination provides at least point-&-shoot capability. Inherent in the WiFi connection, is the option of remote operation.

Recently, 2 more add on cameras have appeared to expand the photographic capability of smartphones. Like the Sony smart lenses, the DxO ONE & Olympus AIR attach to a smartphone, use the phone screen as a viewfinder, & control interface. Beyond that they are very different.

DxO ONE – “the World's First Truly Connected Camera”

•  major design parameters: small size & image quality

•  20.1 megapixel, 1” (12.8 x 9.6 mm)¹ type sensor

•  32mm², F1.8 lens, i.e. no zoom

•  plugs into an iOS device via the Lightning socket for both data & mechanical connection

•  no remote operation capability

http://www.shutterbug.com/content/new-20mp-dxo-one-imaging-device-promises-dslr-quality-images-your-iphone-hands-preview#fmq5WsdUik14B8T1.97

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/5778413776/dxo-one-the-world-s-first-truly-connected-camera

http://www.dxo.com/us/dxo-one

Olympus AIR


Olympus AIR attached to phone
Credit: notey.com


Phone & Olympus AIR attached to 1,200mm telephoto¹ lens
Credit: Photo Rumours

•  16 megapixel, 4/3 format (17.3mm x 13.0mm)¹ sensor

•  28-84mm² zoom lens included but accepts other Olympus lenses

•  data connection via WiFi & Bluetooth to any Android or iOS device

•  clamp allows physical connection to almost any smartphone

•  remote operation capability

•  open architecture – SDK (Software Developer's Kit) & physical design files available

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/olympus-air-a01/olympus-air-a01A.HTM

http://www.techradar.com/au/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/compact-cameras/olympus-air-a01-1298009/review
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¹ "Image sensor format", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_sensor_format#Table_of_sensor_formats_and_sizes

² full frame (35mm film) equivalent / zoom telephoto lens interchangeable lens fixed lens larger sensor /

Patent wars – finally at an end?

iPhone prototype
Credit: Apple/BGR

After a court battle that lasted nearly five years, Samsung has agreed to pay Apple $548 million in damages for infringing a number of iPhone & iPad patents. Durng those 5 years, we’ve seen such things as:

•      Google complaining that, “We didn’t believe rounded corners were patentable.”

 •     a judge pleading for “global peace”

 •     Apple claiming $2.5bn from Samsung, while Samsung counter-claimed $420 million

And we’ve also seen many intriguing revelations from the otherwise obsessively-secretive Apple, including:


iPhone prototype with curved glass on both sides was too expensive for production
Credit: Apple/BGR

More:
https://bgr.com/2015/12/07/apple-secrets-iphone-ipad-samsung-lawsuit/ / contentious patent battle raged on nearly five years Samsung last week finally agreed to pay Apple $548 million damages infringing iPhone iPad patents Samsung holding out hope someday recover those millions finally start closing the book most widely publicized patent dispute recent memory Apple Samsung battle it out courtrooms across the globe Apple legal battle with Samsung unprecedented look behind veil of secrecy typically shrouds all aspects Apple’s product development day-to-day operations over the course of discovery innumerable court filings fascinating trial inner workings of Apple first time in history photographs of iPhone prototypes Apple conducts market research Apple legal battles Samsung tech enthusiasts treasure trove previously top-secret information Samsung agreeing pony up for damages interesting nuggets information hard-fought patent dispute crazy iPhone Prototypes most intriguing items Apple and Samsung’s trial iPhone prototypes interesting designs iPhone prototype with 8 sides interesting bizarre designs Apple black and white design earliest known iPhone prototypes circular dots indication of signal strength vertical bars Apple implement the five circular dots shipping iPhone Jony Ive full control look and feel of iOS extremely early iPhone prototype icons copies OS X counterparts another point of interest home button menu label on it bulky iPhone prototype inspired iPhone 4 design how iPhone project started trial Apple executives incredibly detailed information early days of iPhone development more interesting tidbits to emerge early beginnings and software Control of the iPhone team Scott Forstall Steve Jobs Forstall free rein hire anyone any division within the company team Forstall couldn’t even tell them what they’d be working on work hard give up nights work weekends for years you will work harder than you ever have in your entire life initial development iPhone Project Purple dorm dormatory smelled like pizza security was air-tight video cameras card readers show their badges five or six times access key development areas original iPhone team Fight Club poster first rule of Project Purple don’t talk about Project Purple double-tap to zoom constantly enacting pinch-to-zoom software aside industrial design team sleek hardware testifying at trial long time Apple industrial designer Christopher Stringer hardware and industrial design Apple’s industrial design group iPhone development 16 maniacal individuals imagine products that don’t exist and guide them to life Apple’s industrial design group collaborates closely often exchange sketches ideas for current upcoming products feedback suggested designs iterative process is extensive single design element 50 proposed mockups Apple’s industrial design group designers extensive feedback how various designs durability during drop-testing early iPad prototypes featured kickstand Microsoft Surface kickstand Apple earliest iPad prototypes kickstand original iPhone curved during trial first iPhone release device featuring two curved pieces of glass technology cut glass Apple’s specifications too expensive scale prototypes curved device built Apple idea of a car years ago on the stand Apple executive Phil Schiller brainstorming product ideas build success of the iPod searching for what to do after iPod make the iPod some of the ideas tossed around dedicated camera car former Apple executive Tony Fadell Jobs back in 2008 talked about Apple Car might look like Apple keeps its iOS source code locked down Apple Samsung’s 2012 trial Henri Lamiraux key VP of iOS engineering keep portions of Apple’s iOS source code sealed Apple source code provided highest level of protection security physical access iOS source code limited select groups authorized Apple employees access being provided only to portions of code need-to-know basis access limited employees directly involved software development approved management authorized employees accounts specifically granted access Apple hated Samsung The next big thing is already here ad campaign
Samsung well-done ads lampooning stereotypical Apple fan private emails made public at trial Apple’s Phil Schiller hated Apple had no adequate response Samsung’s jabs suggest to Tim Cook company needed hire brand new ad agency most iPhone buyers use cases Apple survey /