Smartrope counts your jumps

LEDs embedded in the rope display the jump count in the air in front of you. Rechargable, with a Bluetooth linked app on your smartphone. A choice of different length ropes accommodates users from 4’6″ (137 cm) to 6’7″ (201cm).

Two sets of ball bearings in the handles make swinging the rope silky-smooth.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/12/04/smart-rope-makes-jumping-rope-fun-again/#more-190266

Manufacturere’s web site:
http://tangramfactory.com/home/htm/pc_eng.htm / Tangram jumping rope jump rope skip skipping fun again Smart Rope makes Smart Rope so awesome 23 embedded LEDs rope display in mid-air number of jumps future software updates select modes app allow rope display calories burned interval training data magnetic sensors accurately detects completion each revolution rope handles contain two sets ball bearings ensure rope swings smoothly two hours of charging micro-USB cable 36 hours of active use over a month’s of daily hour-long workouts handles chrome gold black colors colours add soft grips silicone five colors blue green pink orange neutral Smart Rope used independently without being connected device blutooth connection device smartphone smart phone Bluetooth ready works with Smart Gym app iOS Android devices app provides number jumps completed calories burned does not sense heart rate calories burned approximate exercise duration show your data week month year rope not adjustable five lengths available accommodate users Smart Rope available Tangram $89.99 pouch exercise cardio /

Metadata retention – what is it & is it important?

Around the world, governments are planning, or have already begun, collecting data about their citizens’ use of mobile communications & the Internet. In most cases, they do not plan to capture the content of phone calls, emails or web pages: merely metadata. E.g. calls who, where from, who sends emails to whom, addresses of web pages visited. This metadata will be available to authorities without a warrant.

“It’s only metadata,” is commonly heard.

This raises two questions:

1.    If metadata is of no importance, why do authorities wish to collect it?

2.    Just what information can be gleaned from metadata?

In Australia, metadata collection & retention for two years, became compulsory on 13 October 2015. An employee of the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) acquired a copy of his metadata from his mobile carrier & made it available to the public to see what they could find out about him. This is what they found:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-16/metadata-retention-privacy-phone-will-ockenden/6694152

What is metadata, & is it important?
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-17/metadata-data-retention-what-is-it/6324962 / your phone tracks your every move digital age how much of your life is actually private ABC reporter Will Ockenden access metadata data looks like many of our actions leave behind electronic footprint collects data critical questions modern society Australia's new data retention laws phone internet companies save information two years every time you call someone where you call them from which cell tower your phone pings connects internet what data might reveal ABC reporter Will Ockenden surveillance selfie access metadata individual Australian's metadata tracking device critics Australia's data retention law mass surveillance metadata track where people go Attorney-General Department map shows every time phone communicated cell mobile tower outgoing call text message internet connection markers locations cell towers phone contacted direction of travel route time of connections daily routine mandatory data retention Federal Government security agencies nothing to worry about metadata content of communications Prime Minister Tony Abbott data system generates metadata dataset contained year outgoing call SMS records six months data sessions records kept phone connected internet cellular mobile network simple data request 13,000 individual records 1,500 outgoing phone calls SMS 11,200 records data sessions time date phone connected mobile network cell tower connected to smartphone Will carrying tracking device logged roughly where he was every 20 minutes Government departments police security agencies all the data more without the need for a warrant pattern recognition follow daily movements collate visualise data patterns heatmaps phone communicated different cell towers patterns ping pings journeys filter heatmaps patterns emerge time slices intimate portrait aspects life tools explore metadata conclusions where you live how gets to and from work when he leaves town where he goes social network metadata show information about an individual connections to other people organisations major main most important top 10 contacts people communicates with most often contact how and when communicated with them preserve their privacy relationships concealed contacts' identities patterns data showed scarily accurate provided analysis metadata many insights about life revealed data dataset mobile cell provider Telstra who he called texted dataset phone numbers how long each phone call lasted time of the communication location of the cell tower contacted outgoing calls were initiated location cell tower contacted SMS Internet connections data kept by telcos Internet providers data retention laws not included in the dataset details of incoming phone calls time date size recipients emails sent ISP's email service webmail services Gmail Yahoo Hotmail file type size attachments sent received emails using ISP's email service internet usage how much bandwidth internet service provides /

Which is Nerdier: Star Wars or Star Trek?

It’s a vexed question which exercises serious minds everywhere. For a definitive answer, CollegeHumor gathered together two of the most central figures for a debate:



More at: www.collegehumor.com / Star Trek Star Wars Luke Skywalker Dart Vader Obi-Wan Kenobi Ben Kenobi fictional character Star Wars universe played by Alec Guinness Ewan McGregor Wookiee Wookie Star Wars Wookieepedia Chewbacca Chewie Death Star C-3P0 Padme Amidala Qui-Gon Jinn Liam Neeson Anakin Anakin Skywalker Lando Calrissian Jawa Jabba The Hutt Princess Leia Organa Carrie Frances Fisher Stormtrooper Yoda R2-D2 Han Solo Harrison Ford Jedi Captain James Tiberius Kirk Jim Commander Data Captain Jean-Luc Picard Enterprise Mr Spock George Takei Mr Sulu Hikaru Sulu Leonard McCoy Montgomery Scott Scotty Nyota Uhura Pavel Chekov Number One William Riker Deanna Troi Beverly Crusher Geordi La Forge Worf Klingon Tasha Yar Wesley Crusher Guinan Whoopi Goldberg /

Morning glory – extraordinary clouds

Morning glory
Credit: http://viralcamera.com/



Satellite image
Credit: http://viralcamera.com/

"A Morning Glory cloud is a roll cloud, or arcus cloud, that can be up to 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) long, 1 to 2 kilometres (0.62 to 1.24 miles) high, often only 100 to 200 metres (330 to 660 feet) above the ground. The cloud often travels at the rate of 10 to 20 metres per second. Sometimes there is only one cloud, sometimes there are up to ten consecutive roll clouds." – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morning_Glory_cloud

Morning Glory clouds have been observed irregularly in a number of places, including central United States, English Channel, Munich, Berlin, eastern Russia, & on one occasion 35km (22 miles) North of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Those which appear over the southern part of Carpentaria Gulf from from late September to early November are the only ones which appear with any degree of predictability.



Because of the lift generated at the front face of a morning glory cloud, it is popular with glider (sail plane) & hang glider pilots.

/ Morning Glory cloud rare meteorological phenomenon low-level atmospheric solitary wave associated cloud occasionally observed different locations around the world wave often occurs amplitude-ordered series of waves bands of roll clouds southern part Gulf of Carpentaria Northern Australia only known location predicted observed more or less regular basis configuration land sea Morning Glory clouds observed Burketown late September to early November town attracts glider pilots riding phenomenon well formed spectacular clouds Burketown ragged unspectacular cloud lines start to break up only stay well formed over water aircraft significantly better chance sighting the cloud Morning Glory cloud roll cloud arcus cloud up to 1,000 kilometres 620 miles long 1 to 2 kilometres 0.62 to 1.24 miles high often only 100 to 200 metres 330 to 660 feet above ground cloud often travels at rate 10 to 20 metres per second only one cloud sometimes up to ten consecutive roll clouds three distinct types of Morning Glory clouds have been identified Morning Glory often accompanied by sudden wind squalls intense low-level wind shear rapid increase vertical displacement of air parcels sharp pressure jump at the surface cloud continuously formed leading edge eroded trailing edge showers or thunderstorms may develop in its wake front of the cloud strong vertical motion transports air up through the cloud creates rolling appearance air middle and rear cloud becomes turbulent sinks cloud quickly dissipates over land air is drier cloud described solitary wave soliton undular bore wave single crest moves without changing speed or shape world's biggest wave wave may occur without appearance of any clouds exploration unusual cloud formations since ancient times local Garrawa Aboriginal people kangólgi Royal Australian Air Force RAAF pilots first reported phenomenon 1942 Morning Glory cloud Gulf of Carpentaria studied scientists early 1970s mathematical models complex movements air masses in the region Morning Glory cloud not clearly understood rarity rare little significance rainfall or climate complexity atmospheric phenomenon research main causes most Morning Glory occurrences mesoscale circulations sea breezes develop peninsula Cape York Peninsular Gulf of Carpentaria Morning Glories usually associated frontal systems crossing central Australia high pressure northern Australia Morning Glory likely to occur humidity is high provides moisture for cloud form strong sea breezes blown the preceding day conditions that cause the Morning Glory cloud to form in the Gulf of Carpentaria /

BlackBerry says no to Pakistani backdoor demand

BlackBerry Passport smartphone
Credit: Selfridges

Governments around the world want unfettered access to your data. In Pakistan, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority made such a demand on BlackBerry Enterprise Services, with a deadline of 30 November. To their credit, Blackberry said, “No,” & are closing up shop in Pakistan, despite an extension to 30 December.
http://arstechnica.com/security/2015/11/blackberry-says-no-to-pakistani-backdoor-gambit/

Other companies with the same responsibilities to their customers have been making moves in this direction too:
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/search?q=Apple+tells+judge

It remains to be seen if any of these companies would have the same attachment to their convictions if the market had a bigger impact on their bottom line – say European Union or USA. / government ordered shutdown enterprise service BlackBerry total access response demand backdoor access enterprise messaging products BlackBerry completely pulling out Pakistan market announcement ban providing BlackBerry Enterprise Services over mobile networks Pakistan due take effect today Pakistan Telecommunications Authority ban BlackBerry Enterprise Services BES issued become 30 November security reasons ban Privacy International report warned Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence ISI agency gain network surveillance capabilities USA NSA National Security Agency government order 30 December 30 BlackBerry COO Marty Beard exit Pakistani market completely meet government demands unfettered access message traffic regret leaving important market valued customers Pakistan forfeiting commitment protect our users’ privacy compromise Pakistani government demanded monitor all BlackBerry Enterprise Service traffic BES e-mail and BES BBM message prompting ban we do not support back doors granting open access to our customers’ information completely shutter operations in Pakistan /

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 /