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An Open Letter To All Guyanese Politicians:

2006-05-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

An Open Letter To All Guyanese Politicians:

While we are aware of the obvious demands of your time associated with your position, it is out of a sense of frustration and desperation that we address this letter to all political leaders/activists in Guyana in the hope that you may work together towards some form of national reconciliation. We will not make any claims or assertions of being experts on Guyanese politics, however it remains obvious to the Diaspora that we have not received the proper leadership from our elected representatives who frequently appear more interested in attributing blame for past injustices and acts of indiscretion than they are in solving the rampant crime and abject poverty within our country. It is not often that history provides people with an opportunity to do what is fair and just, however we put it to each of you that now is such a time and urge you to use this rare occasion to ensure your legacy not as a divider of a country that has been in turmoil for several generations, but as healer of a fractured state that so desperately looks to you now to provide us with guidance which will deliver Guyana from these abysmal times.

We understand and are fully aware of the complexities that a programme of national reconciliation will require however, there is no doubt that such a project is possible provides you have the courage and determination to do what is right for the entire country. We know that there are several ideological differences that may appear too problematic to overcome. As such, there are many of us who offer whatever resources you require freely and without hesitation in support of this effort because we want to contribute to the betterment rather than to the detriment of our country. Surely if we, the Diaspora can reconcile whatever differences we may have, you, our elected representives can follow our modest yet honest efforts and at least, initiate dialogue between one another in an effort to unite our fractured country.

It is under the spirit of cooperation and national reconciliation that we strongly encourage each and every one of you to put aside whatever political ambitions and personal desires you may have for the sake of our country. At this period in time, we are not interested in blaming each other for past acts of injustice and indiscretion. We are more concerned with the abject poverty and rampant crime that plagues our communities leaving us feeling unsafe even in our own homes. This is not the Guyana that our forefathers had fought and struggled so hard for. This has become a wasteland filled with garbage, intolerance, crime and corruption which has made us become a third world country after we had once been the intellectual and cultural center of the entire Caribbean. It is now that we are forced to ask our elected representatives how much more damage can be done to us and our country as we become buried by your ideological differences and politics ?

In closing, let us thank you for taking the time to learn more about our concerns and we sincerely hope to receive replies from some, if not all of you. We are not naive enough to expect miracles, nor do we believe that such an arduous undertaking will be accomplished immediately. We simply urge you to reconsider whatever philosophical issues and cultural difference that keep you apart in order to achieve national reconciliation. If we, the Diaspora can come together and find the courage within our hearts to promote unity and peace for the sake of our country and our children, can you not also be gracious enough to do the same ?

Sincerely,

Concerned Citizens Of Guyana
http://www.guyanagazette.net

sunflowers...

2006-05-13T00:22:00.000-07:00

The Blue Ball Machine...

2006-05-13T00:08:00.000-07:00

The Blue Ball Machine...

Check it out:

http://blueballfixed.ytmnd.com/

2006 Saleen S7

2006-04-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

This may well be the most exotics of the exotics – and get this – it’s American, in fact, about as American as a car can get, as the 2006 Saleen S7 is hand built in Irvine, California. Introduced to the world as street-legal in 2002, the S7 got a huge power boost in 2005 with the addition of twin turbos. Those 750 horsepower don’t come cheap, and as such this is a car for the stout-hearted, well-moneyed racer boys and girls among us: a super car that starts with a capital S.

Price: $555,000

Power and Performance: A twin-turbo, 7.0-liter V8 that makes 750 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 700 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm, the S7 engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The shifter on the S7 has been altered to produce extremely short throws, and the resulting combination is acceleration times that are barely believable: 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, and a top speed of 248 miles per hour.

Why it matters: Consider this: for $1.5 million more, you get about 2 mph. That’s right: the Bugatti Veyron, the “first” street legal car that can go faster than 250 mph – or so they say – uses two V8 engines and four turbochargers. For virtually the same level of performance – and maybe better – the Saleen S7 will cost you just $555,000. What a bargain! Yes, the horsepower of the S7, at 750, is puny compared to the Bugatti Veyron’s 1,000 horsepower plant. But if you’re overcompensating that much, you need a doctor, not a car. As for Saleen S7 buyers, it’s a hell of a car and a hell of an engine, and proof that American Automotive means something special.

Photos courtesy of the automakers. Auto Show photography courtesy of Ron Perry

ESPN

2006 Porsche Carrera GT

2006-04-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

Unofficially, the Porsche Carrera GT is a racecar; however this is a racecar that was built for the street. It isn’t so much because it produces monstrous amounts of power from its V-10 engine – though it does – or that its carbon fiber construction keeps everything very light weight. It’s more the sum of its parts that make this car worth every bit of its $440,000 price tag.

Price: $440,000

Power and Performance: Derived from Porsche’s 24 hours of LeMans efforts, the 5.7-liter, double overhead cam V10 engine generates 605 horsepower and 435 lb.-ft. of torque, transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The whole shebang sits just behind the driver in a mid-ship configuration, deep in the belly of the car. Similar to those used in exotic prototype racing machines, the engine is equipped with a dry sump oil system so there is no oil pan like on traditional street cars. Cool features abound, such as the rear wing that spans across the rear deck from fender to fender, automatically rising into optimum position as the GT reaches 75 mph. As with every other element of this Porsche, nothing is done without a purpose. The rear wing increases downforce by 30 percent.

Why it matters: The Porsche Carrera GT could arguably be called Everyman’s Dream car, along with the fading Ford GT. It has that mystic cache of power, sex appeal and exclusivity, without looking like a cartoon car or planting the driver into an unappealing stereotype. You can imagine that every car collector of any real significance has a Porsche Carrera GT in his or her garage, and you can imagine that of all the cars that sit in that well-lit and clean garage, the Carrera GT is the one that gets to go out on the track most frequently.

ESPN

2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

2006-04-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

What a treat it is, just to consider what the minds at Formula 1 team McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, and AMG could come up with. The first taste, was, indeed, delectable: a silver bullet of a car called the McLaren SLR, built for racing hearts who have to beat on the streets. At 617 horsepower, they’re beating pretty darn fast.

Price: $450,000

Power and Performance: A 5.5-liter, supercharged V8 engine that makes 617 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 575 lb.-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, the SLR can go from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, up to a top speed of around 208 mph. All that power runs through a five-speed automatic wit overdrive, and a manual setting. The powertrain and the bodywork are the result of collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and its F1 partner, McLaren.

Why it matters: That same Enzo power at half the price? You bet that matters, plus its wrapped up in a body that is much more friendly for everyday use, more refined, and well, less hair-carpet-chest-medallion-down-to-the-navel. Plus, “Trevor” drove the McLaren, the one that won on the morning of the Enzo crash, then disappeared into the Pacific, bound for Tahiti with Dietrich riding shotgun in the McLaren SLR.

ESPN

2006 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster

2006-04-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

If you want to make a shouting statement about the quality of your finances or the craziness of your lifestyle, but don’t have the one mil that will fetch you an Enzo, this is it: the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, introduced at the 2004 Geneva Auto Show, is crazy fast, drop-dead gorgeous, and creates a mechanical symphony more pleasing than anything this side of a Ferrari Enzo.

Price: $319,000

Power and Performance: A 6.2-liter, 12-cylinder, 580 horsepower engine that can accelerate it to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, power transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system.

Why it matters: If 12 bustin’ out and firing cylinders matters to you, if oozing sex appeal matters, if driving a car that’s got a name you can’t pronounce matters, then the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster matters a great deal. If not, go buy a Honda.

ESPN

2006 Ford GTX1

2006-04-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

The GTX1 takes its inspiration from the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford GTX1. Those Ford guys sure get misty over the '60s, and for good reason, too, if what they see when they take that walk back in time are cars like this one, with those four separate, removable roof panels, that big engine, aluminum Brembo brakes, 19-inch front wheels, 20-inch rear wheels, and a stunning yellow and black paint job.

Price: $149,995 for the GT – which is ending production, so be quick – plus $39,00 for the custom work makes for a total price tag of $188,995.

Power and Performance: A 550-horsepower, 5.4-liter supercharged V8 -- with configurable roof.

Why it matters: It’s one of the last chance to get a Ford GT, and to do so with removable roof panels. This is a car collector’s dream car, a life-size hot wheel that can go 550 horsepower while tousling your hair. Now that would look great driving down PCH on a nice, clear summer morning.

ESPN

2006 Fisker Latigo CS

2006-04-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

Henrik Fisker left the relative comfort and prestige of his position as design chief at Aston Martin in order to start his own car company, Fisker Coachbuild, and has since added his own interpretation to some of the world’s most notable cars, including the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, which he turned into the Fisker Tramonto. His latest project, the Fisker Latigo CS, uses a BMW 6 Series Coupe, and the result is a performance-laden Bavarian thrill ride that looks decidedly un-Bangle-like.

Price: $180,000. Figures for the M6-based Fisker aren’t yet available, but the 2006 Fisker Latigo GS built on a BMW 650 Ci chassis sells for $180,000. That includes $72,000 for the donor vehicle, $108,000 for the Fisker Coachbuild body treatment, $7,500 for the Fisker trim package, and $35,500 for the Fisker custom trim package.

Power and Performance: Under the hood is a 4.8-liter V8 offering 360 horsepower, while the Performance Plus Package bumps that up to 470 horsepower. Fisker Coachbuild is also planning on releasing a M6-derived Latigo CS in the coming months, with a standard rating of 500 horsepower and up to 620 horses with the Performance Plus Package.

Why it matters: It’s a completely rebodied 6 Series, and that matters for two reasons: first, because BMW is becoming so, uh, common, really. And because it gets rid of that controversial tail that has many folks coughing, but – to Chris Bangle’s ultimate delight – many an automaker copying. Notable design elements to a Fisker Latigo CS include the grillework, which looks very aviation-orientated, carbon fiber body panels and a total leather interior.

ESPN

2007 Ferrari 599 GTB

2006-04-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

With a promise to continue the family heritage, a new two-door coupe, the V12-powered Ferrari 599 GTB, fills the void created by the departure of the 575M Maranello, a magnificent super car last produced for the 2004 model year. With few exceptions, Ferrari has a long history of creating beautiful and exhilarating automobiles. The 2007 599 GTB suggests that the company’s winning streak will continue on unabated, as this fine coupe, with unmistakable Ferrari styling and performance from a V12 engine derived from the legendary Enzo, finds its way into the hands of anxious owners later this year.

Price: TBA. Expect a price of between $225,000 and $260,000 the prices of the outgoing 575 and 612.

Power and Performance: Under the 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB’s hood is a 6.0-liter V12 generating 620 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 448 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,600 rpm. With that massive twelve-cylinder engine tucked inside, the 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB can reportedly make a run to 62 mph in only 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 205 mph. At those speeds, drivers will likely appreciate the four-wheel disc brakes, with 353-mm rotors up front and 328-mm rotors out back. For clutch pedal aficionados, the 599 GTB can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Others, however, may enjoy the F1-SuperFast automatic that executes shifts in mere milliseconds.

Why it matters: The Ferrari name symbolizes the best in automotive design and outstanding performance, though the time has come where even relative commoners like the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Dodge Viper can better the Italians in a run to 60 mph. With its 620-horsepower V12, the 2007 599 GTB matches or beats its equal and lesser competitors in regards to performance, yet does so with the beauty and exclusivity only available with a Ferrari.

ESPN

Ferrari FXX

2006-04-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

Appropriately, the Ferrari FXX is referred to as a project, since few, if any, of the 29 limited-production sports cars will hit the streets or see actual competition. This super car is for track testing only, so in essence customers are buying the right to give Ferrari advice through what the company calls its "client-constructor collaboration program." Research generated by the FXX project will contribute to the design and engineering of Ferrari's future models.

Price: $1.8 million, plus taxes. Experienced drivers only, please.

Power and Performance: A 6.3-liter 12-cylinder engine spitting out 800 horsepower at 8,500 rpm in front of an F1-inspired transmission capable of shifting gears in under 100 milliseconds. Formula 1 race cars are considered the extreme in gear change speed, and the FXX's achievement comes as close as any other vehicle today.

Why it matters: For those who have grown beyond the thrills of a “regular” Ferrari, this track-only super car is the perfect way to beat back the throes of ennui.

ESPN

2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4

2006-04-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

So you wanna fly? Try the Bugatti Veyron, which goes so fast that they had to design it not to take off. For slightly more ($1 million) than your Average Joe Enzo, you can do what most people will never, ever get to do – which is generally the point of spending all that cash. In this case, the money goes toward owning the fastest passenger car ever built, a phenomenal exercise in engineering, perseverance and the great lengths a rich person will go in the ultimate game of one-upmanship. The engine, an 8.0-liter W16 (that’s two V8’s fused together) that has four turbochargers, gets 1,001 horsepower. It carries a dry sump lubrication system and a giant radiator so as to handle the amount of heat that comes from all that power, and burns about 1.33 gallons of gasoline per minute.

Frankly, that’s an obscene amount of excess.

Price: Around $1.2 million

Power and Performance: An 8.0-liter W16 that has four turbochargers, gets 1,001 horsepower and burns about 1.33 gallons of gasoline per minute. The transmission is a paddle-operated, dual clutch system with seven gears, driving power to an all-wheel-drive set up. The tires are specially-made Michelins, and are reportedly the widest passenger car tires in the world, designed to handle up to 1.3 G on the skid pad.

Why it matters: Because it’s the fastest passenger car in the world, and because they will only ever make 300 copies. The funny thing is, the Bugatti Veyron is a car to have and not to drive, which is exactly the opposite reason for the car’s existence. Try getting airborne in one of these fellas and you’ll likely hit a pole…and stick the car into the side of a mountain.

ESPN

2006 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

2006-04-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

Mr. Eriksson is, likely, familiar with this beautiful car, having come to LA from the UK. Of course, it may not be on his list as it’s a different vibe than your Enzo-type super car. Still, for glorious nights spent cruising at high speeds, the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish would be a perfect selection for any multi-millionaire’s garage. At a cost of around $228,000, the Vanquish is customized to your taste – you get invited to Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell factory to select colors and fabric.

Price: $228,000

Power and Performance: A 6.0-liter, twin overhead cam V12 that makes 450 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 400 lb.-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed transmission that’s a clutchless manual, given the required driver input. Of course, you can just slide the shifter and not worry about it, as well. Acceleration times come in at 4.5 seconds to 60 mph and a flat 10 seconds to 100 mph. That’ll burn up those 19-inch tires, to be sure, especially given the Vanquish’s rigid and lightweight aluminum frame.

Why it matters: The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is a car that offers the kind of performance and comfort a man of means expects, one far too sophisticated in its style to ever be involved in such Enzo hi-jinks. This is the car that makes Aston Martin a much-desired nameplate among the well-to-do.

ESPN

Ferrari Enzo

2006-04-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

Ten super cars we’d love to fly down PCH by Staff Introduction

By now, we’ve heard the story about the man named Stefan, his Enzo, a bump in the road and the ensuing almost-mythic tale about a bloody lip, a booze buzz, a smashed up Enzo and a very, very, puzzled police force.

And oh, yeah: the Swedish mob and Homeland Security.
The whole thing is just plain weird: Stefan Eriksson, aka "Fat Steffy", reportedly took his Ferrari Enzo up to 162 mph one morning on the famous California highway, caught air, hit a pole and…walked away. The pole, by the way, ended up back in the ground, upside down. Police, who started this whole thing just wanting to know who drove the Enzo into a pole, are now trying to figure out just why there was a magazine clip from a gun discovered near the wreckage, why a Scottish Bank was claiming that they own the Enzo, and why Scotland Yard said another of Steffy’s collectable cars was listed as stolen.

The happy ending to this surreal tale is that Ferrari says the Enzo can be repaired for about $200,000 - $300,000. Chances are good that the famously charmed car just may wind up in a collection somewhere. As far as what happens to Eriksson – aside from driving a short bus in the San Fernando Valley – we’re not sure. Whatever it is, we’re confident that he’ll be riding high and loving life soon enough, driving the latest exotic that catches his fancy along PCH, Bloody Mary in hand and a mysterious German buddy by his side. In order to help him get back to his happy place a bit faster, we put together a list of our Top Ten Crash and Burn Exotics for a special, uh, shopping guide.

(Courtesy of ESPN Sports)

Taking Back the Streets: Cyclist Memorials

2006-04-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

We learned the hard way about a Toronto tradition for taking back the streets today- mass memorial rides for cyclists needlessly killed. Hubert Van Tol was a University of Toronto Professor and athlete- we rowed together on Lake Ontario (well, not quite together- he was twice as fast). Last Thursday a dumptruck turning right got him. This happens too often in Toronto (two cylists were killed on the same day) where the few bike lanes are full of cars and when it comes to enforcement, we quote Bob Dylan: "the cops don't need you and man, they expect the same". There are few North/South streets in the area of the accident and bike commuters are forced to use the ludicrously named Avenue Road, four fast-moving lanes, none for bikes- it just might slow down the rush hour traffic and we can't have that.

A Toronto group, Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists, organizes the rides- this was about their 35th. They usually start downtown and ride to the spot where the accident occurred. There were not a lot of people when we got there for the scheduled start, but our numbers grew.

We followed bike lanes as much as possible and a point was made of driving responsibly but asserting our rights- drivers were not happy with us filling the left turn lane here.

By the time we got to Cortleigh, we were at least a hundred strong, along with a lot of media, and, we were pleased to see, some of Hubert's family. Flowers were placed on the ghost bike, chained to the nearest telephone pole to the accident.

A little guerrilla theatre for the cameras and to make the point- a few minutes of silence while blocking a lane of traffic, exactly one week to the minute after the accident. Then they roll up the banner and back on the bikes, to prepare for another ride this evening for the other cyclist killed.

We had to ride south on Avenue Road, keeping as close to the curb as possible on one of the busiest streets in town in the middle of rush hour, wondering what kind of governments hypocritically promote cycling and then neglect to provide any decent routes; that refuse to demand sideguards on trucks like they do in the UK; that refuse to enforce the few rules about parking or driving in bike lanes; and that refuse to ban cell phone use while driving when 80% of accidents are caused by inattention of drivers. This is one "take back the streets" post I don't want to repeat, and have nothing but respect and admiration for ::ARC (advocacy for respect for cyclists) Imagine. Doing this twice in one day.

Treehugger

FINALLY AN ELECTRIC DIRTBIKE FOR KIDS AGES 8 AND UP!

2006-04-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

MUDE INFORMATION

SPEED: Up to 20 mph*
RANGE: Up to 12 miles*
MOTOR: 450 watt geared motor
CHARGING TIME: 4-6 hours for pennies
BATTERY: 36V 14 Ah
BATTERY: Sealed lead acid (IATA Certified A67)
TIRES: Pneumatic
COLOR: Yellow
SIZE: 130*32*76.5 inches
WEIGHT: 105 lbs

Students in England Show Off CLEVER Car

2006-04-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

By SUEVON LEE, Associated Press Writer Wed Apr 26, 7:27 PM ET

BATH, England - It has two seats, three wheels and so far has cost $2.9 million. Students at the University of Bath in western England, who on Monday unveiled the prototype of the CLEVER (Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport), hope that it represents a greener future for transport.

The prototype, a skeletal speedster which had safety netting in place of body panels, exhibited the general design and technology of the vehicle rather than its actual, finished appearance.

It has the compactness of a motorcycle but the safety of a car, and cornering is smoothed by a tilting technology developed by mechanical engineering students Matt Barker, 29, Ben Drew, 27 and their instructors.

Equipped to handle both city streets and long-distance highway driving, the vehicle runs on compressed natural gas, is capable of 80 mph speeds.

"The goal was to produce a lower-emission vehicle and to combine the efficiency of a motorcycle with the comfort and safety of a car," said Drew, who demonstrated the ease of steering with several laps around the lot.

Yahoo News

Gadget for your Ears

2006-04-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

If you think earbuds are not enough to keep your ears clean then this maybe for you. A gadget which has a camera and light attached to see deep into your ears and a viewer to view it. The Japanese translation seems to be weird but we are assuming it has the ability to clean your ears too.

Sony SNC-CS50P intelligent IP-based surveillance camera

2006-04-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

Sony has launched the SNC-CS50P, an intelligent Internet Protocol (IP) based network camera. The device can detect unattended items and human movement with its Intelligent Motion Detection and Intelligent Object Detection capabilities. It is the first in a new generation of Sony camera that carries out the image processing inside the camera. Sony’s Intelligent Object Detection feature is capable of detecting packages that have been abandoned and delivering this information to the control room. Intelligent Motion detection distinguishes between multiple subjects in motion and environmental conditions.

2006-04-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

For over 30 years, Barry Fox has trawled through the world's weird and wonderful patent applications, uncovering the most exciting, bizarre or even terrifying new ideas. His column, Invention, is exclusively online. Scroll down for a roundup of previous Invention articles.

Apple's all-seeing screen

We could soon see a new kind of display screen from computer maker Apple – one that simultaneously takes pictures while showing images.

The clever idea is to insert thousands of microscopic image sensors in-between the liquid crystal display cells in the screen. Each sensor captures its own small image, but software stitches these together to create a single, larger picture.

A large LCD screen filled with image sensors would be ideal for videoconferencing, Apple suggests, as participants would always appear to look straight into the "camera". The technique could also add a camera function to a cellphone or PDA without wasting space, and light from the screen should help illuminate a subject.

The more sensors there are, the wider and clearer the image. Sketches accompanying the company's patent show as many sensors as liquid crystal cells in a screen. If some of the sensors have different focal lengths, switching between them would make the screen behave like a zoom lens.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

2006-04-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

About this photo

The Hall, home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, opened in 2003 after years of delays. Designed by Californian architect Frank Gehry, it includes an arts theatre, two outdoor amphitheatres and an art gallery in addition to the concert space

http://daguerre.frejol.org/

Thank You For Noticing

2006-04-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

Building A Library From Recycled Airplanes

2006-04-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

April 21, 2006 10:32 AM - Justin Thomas, Virginia

A design firm called LOT-EK from New York has just proposed reusing more than two hundred discarded fuselages from Boeing 727 and 737 airplanes as the major structural components for a new library in Guadalajara, Mexico. The airplane shells would be "stacked in a north-south slant in relation to sun exposure for energy efficiency" according to the designers. The fuselage is the only part of a decommissioned airplane that cannot be effectively recycled.

The cost of its demolition exceeds the profit of aluminum resale. A huge amount of fuselages lay in the deserts of the western states. Boeing 727 and 737 are historically the most sold commercial planes and therefore the most common in these graveyards. They are sold at very low prices completely stripped and in great structural conditions. :: noticias arquitectura via Inhabitat via BLDGBLOG

A computer rendering of the "747 Wing House" which architect David Hertz will construct from a recycled Boeing 747-200. Hertz's client, Francie Rehwal

2006-04-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

SANTA MONICA, United States (AFP) - A wealthy California woman is to turn a Boeing 747 jet into a house on some of the most exclusive real estate in the world.

Francie Rehwald wanted a house that was environmentally friendly and "feminine". Architect David Hertz, a specialist in using recycled materials, said she was stunned when he recommended an old 747, the biggest commercial aircraft in service.

The jumbo jet cost about 40,000 dollars from a cemetery for more than 1,500 scrap airliners in the California desert.

The jet is to be moved in parts to a 55-acre (22-hectare) site in the Malibu Hills near the Pacific Ocean and Rehwald admits the final cost will be several million dollars.

Yahoo News

Can Bloggers Make Money?

2006-04-19T23:26:00.000-07:00

April 19, 2006

Blogs have a lot of buzz, but there's still considerable debate about whether that can translate into profits.

While many blogs remain little more than amateur diaries, several bloggers have tried to parlay their online ramblings into branded businesses. One, Jason Calacanis, co-founded Weblogs Inc., a network of blogging sites that was acquired last year by AOL. Mr. Calacanis has been an outspoken proponent of blogs as business vehicles, arguing that quality content can drive enough traffic to attract advertisers.

But longtime Internet entrepreneur Alan Meckler is skeptical. Mr. Meckler, who is chief executive of Jupitermedia Inc., believes that some blogs may achieve a measure of success, but doubts most blogs will be able to generate meaningful profits.

The two agreed to debate the issue for the Online Journal, and their email exchange is below.

Alan Meckler writes: Jason, few people if any will ever make money from writing a blog. One way to make money is to create a "blog network" as you did with your Weblogs Inc., which was sold to AOL a while back. This idea can work, but blogs in such networks are cherry-picked by skilled business people such as yourself. Therefore most blogs are not commercially viable.

Jason Calacanis writes: Alan, you are correct that the best model for making money from blogs is by "curating" and grouping them like we did at Weblogs. Engadget, Autoblog, and Joystiq have become the largest blogs in their verticals because we've packaged, marketed and sold them better than any one individual blogger ever could.

http://online.wsj.com/

Panasonic Unveils 103-Inch TV Screen

2006-04-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Panasonic Unveils Biggest-Yet TV Screen at 103 Inches; It Weighs 400 Pounds

NEW YORK Apr 19, 2006 (AP)— Home TV screens just keep getting bigger. And there's no end in sight. Panasonic pitched a tent outside the New York Stock Exchange yesterday to show off the biggest high-definition plasma screen yet.

At 103 inches, it's an inch bigger than versions being produced by Samsung and LG.

Panasonic vice president Andrew Nelkin says the new screen weighs 400 pounds. If you buy one, and have a wall big enough to fit it, you'll want professional installation.

He also says he wouldn't be surprised to see someone come up with an even bigger screen before long.

(ABC)

Google: Master of Space and (Now) Time

2006-04-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

By Sean Carton
April 17, 2006

Opinion: Those who see Google Calendar as just a new competitor to Outlook aren't seeing the bigger picture.

Google recently launched its Calendar service, and the response has been mostly positive. But those who just see it as a new competitor to Outlook (or any other calendar app) are missing the point.

Its tight integration with the Web, its ability to link in with Google Maps, its ability to automatically sense events in Gmail and its incredible ease of use—check out the Quick Add feature if you're looking for a "gee whiz!" event of the day—put it head and shoulders above the competition.

But the feature (as reported by Charlene Li of Forrester) that's really going to break new ground is its upcoming open API. And it's a lot more than a doorway to cool hacks: It's a brilliant marketing move by Google, the first glimmer of an emerging digital ecosystem at work, and perhaps yet another indicator that Microsoft is becoming increasingly irrelevant.

Google's Map API has allowed anyone with a bit of imagination and some programming knowledge to take control of physical space through some pretty cool applications.

Intrepid hackers have created everything from Virtual Tourism sites where users can tour the world via the Google Maps interface to applications that show the physical locations of Xbox Live users to guides to free university content, housing-finder maps combined with Craigslist, and even local news tied to your ZIP code.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg—one quick trip over to Google Maps Mania will be enough to convince even the staunchest of naysayers that there's some pretty cool stuff going on.

But if Google Maps has made Google the ubiquitous Master of Space, Google Calendar is going to make it the Master of Time as well. As Li points out in her post, the forthcoming open API will allow us to use the networked power of Google's calendar to take control of a whole host of time-based events. She uses the example of a hair salon scheduling appointments, but I've been thinking of a few other applications that combine both Google Calendar and Google Maps:

Automated TV or radio scheduling: Broadcast networks could publish their schedules as public calendars that Gcalendar users could subscribe to and then PVR companies like TiVo could link them into their online scheduling system to allow easier point-and-click (or automated) recording of content. Take this one step farther with an online PVR system (like Germany's new Shift.tv service) and you've got total control over your media. Hook this up with Google Maps, and you could automatically record events pertaining to your neighborhood when they show up on the evening news (provided all these hooks existed).
Automated business scheduling: If a business kept its appointment calendar public (with names of attendees blocked), it could then allow users to automatically schedule appointments through their Google Calendar (or with a link on the site), eliminating the need for human intervention.
Meetups: While Google Calendar already has the functionality to automatically link meetings at locations with a map so that you can find your way to your next appointment, combining this functionality with personally published public calendars could allow you to see where your friends are going to be and when they're going to be there.
Tourism/entertainment with scheduling: Say you're the National Park Service and you've got a bunch of events going on at the various monuments and other attractions in Washington, DC. Why not tie a Google Map with locations into a publicly accessible Google Calendar so that people planning trips can see what's going on where and when?
School scheduling: As any college student knows, there are lots of dates to remember during the semester. If a university could load its academic calendar into Google Calendar and combine it with a Map of the university, students would be able to find out not only what they need to do and when, but where they need to go. Tie this into Google Calendar's SMS event notification and nobody has an excuse to miss a deadline!

These are just a few trivial examples to give you an idea of what's possible. The bigger story, however, is what Google's really starting to accomplish by providing open APIs to its major applications.

From a business standpoint, allowing people access to your core functionality has a number of smart implications. First, it builds brand loyalty by getting users locked in to your solution and providing a sense that Google's a company that works with users rather than against them.

Second, providing an open API is a great way to create a virtual "innovation farm team" of hackers who work on their own dime to come up with great new solutions. When someone hits a homerun, I'm betting that Google's gonna snap up their app.

The open API approach also encourages greater brand exposure as users across the Web build and virally promote their own applications with Google's software.

But most importantly, Google's approach to Web services through things like Maps, Calendar and Gmail has integrated Google into millions of lives across the world. As they expand their offerings (and intelligently tie them together and provide the hooks for others to tie them together), they form an ecosystem in which everything becomes integrated and indispensable.

In this framework, clunky, proprietary apps (like Microsoft's) seem increasingly irrelevant and downright old school. There's no doubt that Google knows this (its acquisition of Web-based word processor Writely makes the direction the company is going pretty clear).

They've mastered e-mail. They've mastered space. Now they've mastered time. You can bet there's a lot more coming.

http://www.publish.com/

Apple says Windows XP can run on Macs now

2006-04-17T22:44:00.000-07:00

Munich - Macintosh users have a limited amount of time to download a free program that lets Windows XP run on Macintoshes.

Boot Camp is in a public beta version, an early form of the program. It can be downloaded at the http://www.apple.com website.

The new program requires a new Mac with an Intel processor chip, according to Apple in Munich. Additionally, it needs Mac's latest operating system, Mac OS X 10.4.6, and 10 free gigabytes.

Boot Camp users can decide when restarting their computers whether they want to boot up with the Windows XP or Mac OS X system. Apple has no plans to provide technical support for the program.

The final version of Boot Camp will be incorporated into Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard - a new operating system scheduled for release in August.

http://www.iol.co.za/

The Importance of Napping

2006-04-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

Brief Respite
DailyOM

In the modern world, we're often compelled to be as productive as possible during as many hours of the day as we can be. While this can lead to great feats of accomplishment, we may become exhausted and find ourselves craving rest and rejuvenation. We may feel like taking a nap but feel guilty about indulging in even ten minutes of rest. This need for personal downtime, which many people experience in the early afternoon, isn't a sign of laziness nor is it necessarily related to how much sleep you had the night before. There was even a time when taking a nap was considered a natural part of everyone's day.

Napping is a pleasurable yet brief period of sleep when our minds and bodies can take a break. Though judged by many to be a pastime for children or the elderly, napping can benefit people of all ages. The desire to nap is a trait shared by many mammals, and napping is still an important part of the day in some countries. Snoozing for a half-hour can be an enjoyable way to promote physical well-being, and naps have been known to improve your mood and memory. A 20-minute nap can sharpen your senses and revitalize you, while a ten minute nap can leave you feeling more cheerful. Falling into a light sleep during the daytime can feel meditative. The thoughts you have as you are taking a nap and the dreams you experience may offer you insights about your life that you may not have at night when you are in a deep sleep.

In order to fully enjoy the benefits of napping, you may need to give yourself permission to nap. Feeling guilty about snoozing or worrying about your to-do list won't do you much good when you are trying to take a nap because your thoughts or feelings will keep you awake. Try to nap at the same time each day, and use an alarm clock to ensure that you don't sleep for too long. If you go to an office, try crawl under your desk for a nap. Learning to nap and enjoy its restorative benefits can help you wake up restored, rejuvenated, and ready for the rest of your day.

Cool Camoflage

2006-04-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

Saab Aero X

2006-04-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com/

Volvo Exterior

2006-04-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com/v

Toyota F3R

2006-04-15T19:40:00.001-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com

Subaru B5

2006-04-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com/v

Nissan Urge

2006-04-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com

Mitsubishi Concept CT

2006-04-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com

Mazda Kabura

2006-04-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com

Lamborghini Miura

2006-04-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com

Hyundai HCD9

2006-04-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com

Chrysler Imperial Exterior

2006-04-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com/

Aston Martin RAPIDE

2006-04-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com/

Acura RDX

2006-04-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoshowny.com/

The New York Auto Show...

2006-04-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

The 2006 NYIAS will showcase some of the hottest concept and production cars ever seen. Many of the vehicles will be cutting-edge innovative design studies, others just a few steps away from production, but all provide a window on the future of automobile design and technology. In addition, more than 43 vehicle manufacturers will feature over 1000 new cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs.

FOR GENERAL SHOW INFORMATION PLEASE CALL
800-282-3336

• PLEASE NOTE THAT BACKPACKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON THE SHOW FLOOR.

• CAMERAS, VIDEO CAMERAS, AND STROLLERS ARE WELCOME.

• PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED.

• WHEELCHAIRS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE JAVITS CENTER, FOR WHEELCHAIRS ONLY, PLEASE CALL 212-216-2196.

AVOID THE TICKET LINES IF YOU PAY BY CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD
For your convenience, we now have ticket kiosks that accept credit and most debit cards. They will be located on the Concourse Level (Two) and outside the North Pavilion.

Location
Jacob Javits Convention Center 11th ave between 34 & 39 Streets

Public Show Dates
Friday April 14th through Sunday April 23rd 11am - 10:30pm
Sundays: 10am - 7pm)

Special Public Sneak Preview
Friday April 14th
11am - 10:30pm

OFFICIAL OPENING DAY
Saturday April 15th
Festivities begin at 9am
SHOW FLOOR OPENS AT 11am.

Rat Zapper Classic

2006-04-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

The rat zapper is the result of years of engineering and customer feedback. We've designed the rat zapper to be effective, clean, easy to use, and humane. The main advantages of the Rat Zapper are as follows:

Effective (kills mice, rats, chipmunks and ground squirrels)
Clean (no blood or guts) and re-usable
More humane than snap traps, glue boards, and poison
Compact (10" x 4" x 4") and easy to use
10 rodent kills or 30 days with one set of 4 Alkaline AA batteries
Flashing kill indicator light (you never have to see the dead rodent!)
Not an ultrasound device
Optional Rat Tale
Optional remote monitoring capability

http://www.ratzapper.com/

A gadget that interprets a baby’s cries.

2006-04-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

This isn’t so much a gadget as a life saver. We have a 4 month old baby that doesn’t yet seem to be able to articulate himself other than to scream when he’s unhappy. The wife’s going back to work soon and I’ll be taking care of Paz junior.

I have to say that the prospect terrified me – until I found the “WhyCry” analyser! It’s a device that analyses babies’ cries and identifies them according to their different causes.

The WhyCry analyser has a microphone and digital processor that picks up the loudness of the baby’s crying, the pitch of the cry, and the period between sobs.

After 20 seconds the pre-programmed analyser can sample enough to categorise any problems into five different categories:

Hungry
Bored
Discomfort
Sleepiness
Stress

The device took four years to develop. The manufacturers claim that the device is “98% active when used in conjunction with the accompanying symptoms chart”. That sounds pretty good, but a few things come to mind though.

If Paz junior’s stressed, what on earth can I do about that? I mean, normally if I’m stressed I have a cigarette and a drink – I’m not sure if the wife would approve if I tried either of those on the little one.

On the positive side though, I’m confident I can deal with 4 out of 5 of the above categories, and I’m sure you guys can give me some tips on methods to reduce stress in newborn babies.

All I need now is a gadget so I can change nappies without having to look or smell - something similar to dark eyeglasses with a clothes peg for the nose should do it!

(Courtesy of http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/)

Jackie Robinson Day througout the Majors !!!!

2006-04-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

more info here:

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/events/jrd/index.jsp?year=04

Puzzle Alarm Clock

2006-04-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

This is the alarm clock which is guaranteed to wake you up!

Nobody sleeps through this!

It wakes you up by firing four puzzle pieces up in the air, and then it is your task to get the pieces and put them back in the alarm clock - it won't turn off until then.

Sleep well and wake up safely!

http://www.bimbambanana.com/

FedEx Kinko's Offers Customers Brighter Recycled Paper

2006-04-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

(c) 2006 Business Wire DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 13, 2006--Today FedEx Kinko's, an operating company of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), announced a nationwide upgrade to a new brighter version of its standard white recycled paper at FedEx Kinko's Office and Print Centers.

The upgraded paper, with an increased brightness rating from 84 to 92, displays noticeably sharper text and images and will produce higher quality prints for customers. The new paper is available to customers at no additional cost and will be used in most production equipment and self-service areas at all FedEx Kinko's retail centers.

more info at: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/conws/3791557.html

Solar Powered Wireless Camera and Receiver.

2006-04-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

Lose the wires. All of them. That’s precisely what this 2.4GHz Solar Camera and Receiver lets you do. While most wireless cameras still have a cord lurking somewhere for power, this extra set of eyes gets its juice from that big ball of power in the sky: the Sun. This PIR (passive infrared) motion Camera begins transmitting images and voices the minute they are detected, and alerts you via a flashing LED. The camera has adjustable transmission times, but will continue to transmit as long as the PIR eye is triggered. And it can sense movement up to 26 feet away. The Sun provides all the power needed to keep the camera battery charged during the day and while the camera will work after dark, it does require a minimum light of 3 Lux to be able to see your neighbor’s dog digging through your garbage cans. Security from the Sun. That’s a concept I like. And for those of you who live in Alaska and don’t see the sun for long periods, check out the other non solar wireless cameras in the wireless shop.

http://www.untangledlife.com/

'Smellovision' Added To Hollywood Drama

2006-04-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

TOKYO -- A theater audience in Japan will be sniffing -- literally -- at a Hollywood film that opens later this month in Tokyo.A new "smellovision" service from a major telecommunications company will synchronize seven different smells to parts of "The New World," a movie starring Colin Farrell as colonial leader John Smith, set in early Virginia.A floral scent accompanies a love scene, while a mix of peppermint and rosemary is emitted during a tear-jerking scene. Joy is a citrus mix of orange and grapefruit, while anger is enhanced by a herb-like concoction with a hint of eucalyptus and tea tree.A company spokeswoman said the smells waft from special machines under the seats in the back rows of two movie theaters, which create different fragrances by controlling the mix of oils stored in the machines. (AP)

Laid-Off City Worker Using Billboard To Find New Job

2006-04-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

ERIE, Pa. -- A laid-off city worker has taken an unconventional approach to finding a job -- posting an ad on a billboard. Mary Witt, 48, has been looking for full-time work since December, when she was laid off from her City Hall secretarial job. She sought help from employment agencies and scoured Internet sites and newspapers looking for full-time work, all to no avail.Her husband, Tim, came up with the billboard idea. He said, "The money, to be honest, was an issue. But I just thought it would get her out there."They paid $600 for a 10-foot-tall, 22-foot wide billboard. It includes a photograph of a smiling Mary and the words: "Mary W. Administrative Assistant Looking for Employment." It will be up for a month."It's hard out there. That's what I want people to know," she said. "I've worked almost nonstop since I was 17 years old. I'm a worker. I don't want to sit at home." (AP)

MeteoraTC‘s New TV Tuner Slated for April 29

2006-04-12T17:28:00.000-07:00

Finally a new TV tuner will hit the markets of Japan on April 29th.

Gamers will be happy to note that the tuner even works with Nintendo’s game boy advance and the game boy advance SP. It is powered by single three electric batteries 6, providing 4 hours ‘ground wave analog broadcast’ for TV. Furthermore, it is also possible to use it as a monitor of DVD and the game machine if the AV cable of attachment is used.

But with its enormous size sales are not predicted to be very positive.

Read

New LCD Screens by LG

2006-04-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

LG seems always active by dropping their high end products one after another. We’re just getting a high thinking how aesthetic it’d be feeding on the FIFA world cup on the new high definition LCD, LG is back again with three new LCD screen models with uncanny names: Jar, Eclipse and Ring. All we know is that these screens feature a LED lighting system at the base (blue or red).

Via: akihabaranews

The Assassin: World’s First Fully Customized Football Boot

2006-04-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

Wearable technology has unleashed a new era and in fact bridged the gap by bringing at the doorsteps of the consumers who actually need it. The Assassin is a new football boot introduced by a British company Prior 2 Lever, based on selective laser sintering. Carved out of calf skin and one-piece leather uppers, the boot is especially designed for the players to go for the kill.

P2L simply aims at giving maximum comfort and protection by taking 3D scan of an athlete’s foot, including dimensions and running style. The one-piece upper make and biomechanically optimized outsole ‘supports, controls and conserves the player’s musculoskeletal system.’

Via: gizmag

Searching for the net's big thing

2006-04-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

Searching for the net's big thing

By Mark Ward
Technology Correspondent, BBC News website

Google still dominates in web searches say analysts

You may not know it, but every time you search on Google, the company makes 12 cents in revenue.

That may not sound like much but it all adds up when you realise that Americans alone did more than 2.7 billion searches via Google in January 2006, according to figures gathered by Nielsen/NetRatings.

The analyst firm estimates that 48% of the 5.7 billion searches carried out by Americans in January were done via Google.

It also said that 39% more searches were done in January 2006 than in the same month in 2005. But, said the firm, this was not because search engines were doing a bad job.

"Web users are conducting more searches not because they can't find what they're looking for," said Ken Cassar of Nielsen/NetRatings, "but because search as a utility has become deeply ingrained into people's everyday lives."

The unwritten implication here is that Google too has assumed huge importance in the lives of many web users. For some Google is all they know of the internet because via its various projects that they do their searching, shopping, e-mailing, blogging, picture storing and chatting.

But Google is not just important to lots of web users, it matters to rivals of the search giant too.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4780648.stm

Sextuplet Scam

2006-04-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

In this photo provided, Tuesday, April 11, 2006, in Grain Valley, Mo., by the Everson family, shown is Sarah Everson, apparently pregnant with sextuplets, date unknown. A couple's dramatic account of newborn sextuplets turned out Tuesday to be nothing more than an elaborate scam. The Everson's story about their six babies' births had holes in it from the very start, from their mysterious withholding of information for more than a month to the unanimous response of area hospitals that they had no such newborns. Authorities said the couple admitted Tuesday evening that the entire thing was a hoax aimed at tapping the generosity of others to pay their mounting bills. (AP Photo/Photo provided by the Everson Family)

Signs

2006-04-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

Universal Messages
DailyOM

The universe can often relay messages to us through signs. Often, we are too busy to stop and consider what may or may not be a sign. We may ask the universe for guidance, yet fail to recognize the sign it sends us in response. Learning the subtle language of signs can help you interpret the guidance the universe sends your way. We all have been blessed with a connection that allows the universe to communicate directly with us. To be able to understand the information relayed over that connection, however, it is necessary that we learn to pay attention and know what to look for.

To see and correctly interpret a sign, you must open your heart and mind to the universe and invite its guidance into your life. Many of us are blind to the signs we receive because we expect angels or our spirit guides to speak to us in a booming voice and tell us exactly what we need to hear. But signs are usually of this earth and therefore easier to encounter. A song lodged in your mind or a number that seems to pop up everywhere you look after you've asked the universe for guidance can both be signs. Signs may come through the animal world, from strangers, or jump out of a book in the form of an insightful passage. A sign may be a direct answer to one of your questions. Other signs may point you in the right direction, warn of impending difficulties, or show you a different way. If you want the universe to send you a sign, tell it that you are ready and willing to accept its guidance.

Not everything you hear or see will be a sign. If you are receptive and patient, however, the signs you receive will become easier to recognize. It is important to listen to your intuition. A sign can mean many things to different people, and only you can decipher a sign's meaning is for you. As you practice reading the signs and following their guidance, the universe will send more of them your way.

uranium enrichment

2006-04-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

Ahamad Alavi, head of the Astan Qods Razavi museum, holds a sample of enriched uranium during a ceremony to mark Iran's successful production of enriched uranium in Mashad, 924 km (574 miles) east of Tehran April 11, 2006. Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday Iran had joined the group of countries possessing nuclear technology and was determined to achieve industrial-scale uranium enrichment. REUTERS/Stringer

2006-04-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

London's most expensive sandwich, nick-named 'The MacDonald Sandwich', is seen at Selfridges in London April 10, 2006. The sandwich, which is on sale for 85 pounds ($148 dollars), contains ingredients of Wagyu beef, fresh lobe foie gras, black truffle mayonnaise, brie de meaux, rocket, red pepper and mustard confit and English plum tomatoes. REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Apple PowerBook G4

2006-04-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Description : The new family of PowerBook G4 notebooks introduces higher-resolution displays longer battery life and a host of features that keep it high on the wish list of every pro. And with new low prices your wish is more affordable than ever before.
Key Features : Input Devices: Keyboard, Touchpad Included Network Card: Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps), Wireless Ethernet - 54 Mbps IEEE802.11g Included Devices: Microphone, Modem Battery Life: 5.5 hour(s)

Technical Information : System : Bus Speed: 166 MHz Cache Size: 512 kB Drive Controllers: IDE (Ultra ATA/100) Interface Type: A/V (Composite), Audio - Line In (1/8" Mini), Audio - Line Out (1/8" Mini), Audio - TOSlink Optical Digital, Bluetooth, Ethernet - RJ45 Twisted-Pair (XBaseT), Firewire 400 port, Firewire 800 port, Serial - RJ11 Modular (Phone/Telco), USB - Universal Serial Bus 2.0, Video - 15 pin High-Density D-shell (VGA), Video - 4 pin mini-DIN (S-Video), Video - DVI, Wireless LAN slot (AirPort Extreme) Slots: Type I PC Card, Type II PC Card Display : Display Size: 15.2 in Display Type: Active Matrix LCD (TFT) Resolution: 1440 x 960 Processor : Processor Class: PowerPC G4 Processor Speed: 1.67 GHz Memory : Installed Memory: 512 MB Maximum Memory: 2 GB Memory Technology: DDR2 Multimedia : Video Integration: Card Installed Video Memory: 128 MB Video Chipset: ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9700 Video Bus: AGP 4X Software : Operating System: Mac OS X Dimensions : Height: 1.1 in Width: 13.7 in Depth: 9.5 in Weight: 5.6 lbs Warranty : Warranty Information: 1 Year Limited Warranty Storage : Included Drives: DVD+-RW Dual Layer Combination Drive, Hard Drive Hard Drive Capacity: 80 GB http://www.onlinemicro.com/

Sony VAIO VGN-SZ170P

2006-04-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

PCMag has a review up of the Sony VAIO VGN-SZ170P, finding it a good notebook for daily commuters and giving it a 4 out of 5 rating. The review notes, “The SZ170P comes with only two USB ports. I think all laptops at this stage should have at least three USB ports. Fujitsu’s tiny LifeBook P7120 and the X60s have three. Like the X60s, the SZ170P includes a FireWire port, a Memory Stick slot, and a VGA port. But the SZ170P’s standout feature is the built-in dual-layer DVD±RW optical drive—a rare find on an ultraportable. The included 100GB hard drive is plenty for a system this size, especially if your video collection is growing exponentially.”

Sony VAIO VGN-SZ170P specifications:

* Intel Pentium M T2400
* 1.83 GHz processor speed
* up to 1024 MB RAM
* 100 GB hard drive capacity
* nVidia GeForce Go 7400 graphics card
* Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW
* 802.11a/g
* 13.3 inch widescreen
* weight: 3.8 lbs

http://notebooks-plus.com/

Bloggers Unite to Infiltrate Newspapers

2006-04-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

By Jennifer LeClaire
TechNewsWorld
04/11/06 9:07 AM PT

"It was inevitable that newspapers would recognize there are some really good writers and excellent journalists out here in the blogosphere," WhatsNextOnline President and blogger B.L. Ochman told TechNewsWorld. "It makes sense to bring some of our content in -- and getting paid for it is not a bad thing, either."

Is that a newspaper article you are reading online? Or an excerpt from a blog with commentary to follow? It's getting difficult to tell these days -- and it may get more difficult starting this week.

Pluck is set to release a syndication service on Tuesday that delivers commentary from 600 bloggers. The company is targeting newspaper publishers looking for additional content to populate their online venues.

Black and White and Blogs All Over

Media giants like Gannett, Washington Post Co., the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Antonio Express and Austin American-Statesman have already signed up for the syndicated service. Pluck plans to expand its offerings to push editorial materials to overseas publications in the future.

Standing Out From the Crowd

Pluck's BlogBurst service bills itself as a tool that gives publishers "access to the best of the blogosphere," and provides editorial management tools that help filter and select appropriate content. BlogBurst's editorial team screens the content before passing it along to media giants.

Bloggers, on the other hand, are promised visibility, audience reach and traffic. Some bloggers have asked about compensation or "what's in it for them," according to BlogBurst Editor Eileen Smith. Those are "completely fair questions but something we're still working on," she wrote in her blog.

"When we first started recruiting people for BlogBurst, we had definite blog topics in mind based on our publisher's needs. As more blog requests for invites have poured in, we've been pretty overwhelmed -- in a good way -- with high-quality blogs that stand out from the crowd," Smith wrote.

Drawing the Line

Will this new service draw the line between progressive newspapers and traditional newspapers? It's already happened, according to Ochman. Certain newspapers are ignoring blogs altogether while others are enthusiastically jumping on blog, she said.

n Ochman's neck of the woods, New York's Daily News has added blogs to its content lineup, while The New York Times has increased its number of featured blogs as well, though it still doesn't link to the blog area from its home page.

"If there was any doubt that blogs are a part of the landscape this ought to make people realize that this is not going away. This is a new medium and it's apparently valid enough to be seen alongside, and even inside, of old media. It's the 'if you can't beat 'em join 'em' philosophy," Ochman said.

Turning the Tables

Meanwhile, personal blogging service TypePad is turning the tables on that concept with a new scheme announced Tuesday to offer syndicated lifestyle content through Live Informed, a lifestyle article feed service of Adfusion. The feed will provide regularly updated articles on living trends written by professional editors.

"We cover the issues that are important to consumers," said Katrina Van Overbeke, Adfusion Strategic Partnership Manager. "Most news feeds are hard news/daily news, we provide unique high-quality, updated lifestyle content." Live Informed offers articles on topics like automotive, education and careers, family, food and entertaining, healthy living, home and garden, personal finance, and weddings.

Live Informed was one of 30 companies chosen by Six Apart to enhance the experience of TypePad bloggers and readers. TypePad said the partnership allows bloggers to publish maintenance-free article feeds to their blog while enhancing reader experience through targeted lifestyle content.

http://www.technewsworld.com/

Wine Master

2006-04-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

No matter how complex the wine list or how sophisticated the sommelier, you will be able to order wine with confidence when you carry the Wine Master. This handy electronic device puts more than 10,000 wine and spirit reviews at your fingertips, along with ratings and retail prices from the connoisseurs at Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The easy-load cartridge can be updated each year to keep you abreast of new releases (updates available from the manufacturer). Discretely sized and easy to use, the backlit display is clear even in dimly lit dining rooms.

Requires two AA batteries (not included).

http://www.tshipley.com

RickSycle Tandem Bike

2006-04-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

So we looked at the weird bike thing and asked the guy in the booth "um, where are the handlebars?" and he pointed out the joystick between the two seats. And then we asked "it takes up a lot of space in the road, doesn't it?" and he pointed out that bicyclists have a legal right to occupy a lane and it is more dangerous to try and hug the curb, which is legally true, practically a little dicey in downtown Toronto, but Rick is in a small town, Kerwood Ontario, 100 miles from Detroit. The more we looked, the more we liked- unlike a conventional tandem you can comfortably talk to your partner; it has been adapted for disabled riders and seniors; it is adaptable to up to four passengers.

»Continue reading this post»

(Treehugger)

Hand Grenade Oil Lamp

2006-04-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

These hand grenade oil lamps are made from actual US Army surplus grenades and gilded in either gold or silver, or left natural. This piece is a sure fire ice breaker when entertaining guests. Made in the USA.

http://www.elsewares.com

Koskela Furniture

2006-04-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

“We no longer use Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) in any of our products and have found plywood alternatives that are made with E1 classification low urea formaldehyde glues. .... currently the most stringent in the world.“ And for their sofa and chair frames those plywoods are FSC certified. Koskela make a line of upmarket furniture and lighting. They also handle the curious Mongolian goat hair carpet we mentioned previously. Steel unused in the furniture manufacture is salvaged via scrap metal merchants.

»Continue reading this post»

(Treehugger)

Scoot Scoot

2006-04-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Scoot, Scoot her comes the future. GRO Design, TIM and Korff & van Mierlo from the Netherlands developed a cool design for an electric scooter.

The design focused on simplicity and style. The technical aspects of the scooter include: 40-50km range, lithium ion battery, 30km/h max speed, 6 hour recharge. Price point would be 1,500 Euro.

http://www.i4u.com

UK gets Bond-style gadget centre

2006-04-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Britain's secret service is getting a gadget centre like the one used by super spy James Bond.

In the Bond films, 007 gets a string of amazing tools from a team of expert inventors led by the character, Q.

The Ministry Of Defence has brought together the best scientists in the business to develop technology to help in the fight against terrorism.

The Counter-Terrorism Science and Technology Centre will make stuff to defuse bombs and sniff out explosives.

Click here to try our Bond quiz

A team of 15 scientists will work on various projects at a top secret laboratory in Wiltshire.

Defence Secretary John Reid described the centre as a "world class hub" to keep Britain one step ahead of terrorist threats.

The centre will provide information to many government departments.

The James Bond films have shown the super spy using briefcases, cars and watches containing hi-tech gadgets, in his fight against the villains.

The latest movie, Casino Royale starring new Bond Daniel Craig, hits the big screen later this year.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/

The Greater Cause

2006-04-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

Collective Good
DailyOM

With all that takes place in our lives, it can sometimes be easy to overlook the fact that we're part of something greater than ourselves-a collective consciousness, the Universe, a greater cause. Because of our tendency to forget this, we might make decisions in our lives that don't reflect that responsibility that comes with this belonging. All too often, we focus just on the short-term, tangible gain to ourselves without worrying about its consequences. Other times, we may discard the greater cause because it seems like "hard work." The challenge is to expand our minds so that we transcend the distinction between self and others, so we are aware of how our choices and actions can impact a greater cause.

Contributing to the greater cause doesn't have to be all about self-sacrifice. For example, if you plant a tree in a community space, its shelter will cool and protect you as well as your neighbors. Or, your reward might be in the form of the beauty that you now see in that space or the sincere smiles of appreciation from neighbors. When you serve the greater cause you also serve your greater good. There is nothing that you cannot do for your highest good that will not benefit the good of all. For example, saying no to a relationship that isn't right for you not only benefits you but serves the greater good of the other person that you are honoring with your honesty. Saying yes to your dream job not only fulfills you but also serves the people that will benefit from your enthusiasm and productivity.

When you know you are serving a greater cause, there is little room for fear and doubt. You know that what you do will benefit others, so there is no way the universe is not going to support your efforts - even if sometimes it may not look that way. Serving the greater cause allows you to live from the space of your greatness. When you know that what you do can serve a greater cause, you are aware of your power and ability to influence and create change in this world.

Alaskans get their pizzas by air

2006-04-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

NOME, Alaska (AP) -- Last Christmas, residents of the Yupik Eskimo village of Savoonga added a special dish to their everyday fare of whale, walrus, reindeer and berries -- fresh pizza flown in from Nome, 170 miles away.

A tiny delivery joint, Airport Pizza, opened several months earlier just steps from Nome's busy runways, and many of Savoonga's 700 residents were eager to try something different.

Nome's first and only pizza delivery service does a robust business in the western Alaska town of 3,500. But it really stands out for its free deliveries via commuter plane to more than a dozen other remote, spread-out subarctic villages.

The village council in Savoonga, on St. Lawrence Island in the icy Bering Sea, wanted a special holiday treat for young families in the village. It ordered 50 pizzas, half topped with chicken and ranch dressing and the other half with Canadian bacon and pineapple.

Frontier Flying Service, an intrastate airline, volunteered last year to fly the pizzas at no charge to every village on its regular flight schedule out of Nome, a Bering Sea town settled in 1899 during a gold rush.

Craig Kenmonth, general manager of Frontier, said the free delivery service helps the carrier market itself in a way that benefits customers in the largely Yupik and Inupiat Eskimo villages.

"Our success is directly tied to the success of the communities we serve," Kenmonth said. "And it's a fun thing to do."

The savings can be enormous for Nome's largely impoverished satellite communities, which pay some of the highest fuel prices in America.

"They fly the pizzas for nothing, which is huge for people out in the villages," said Matt Tomter, who quit his Frontier flying job to run the thriving pizza joint.

Tomter said an order for six reindeer sausage pizzas once came in from the Arctic Ocean town of Barrow, the northernmost community in the United States, 500 miles (805 kilometers) to the northeast.

High shipping costs into Nome push Airport Pizza's prices above those charged by pizzerias in less remote spots. They range from $16 for a small cheese pizza to $32 for a large specialty pie, such as chicken Rockefeller or gyro.

The one-room business is all kitchen, with a dough mixer salvaged from a bakery that went out of business, and a cavernous hand-me-down oven from a pizzeria turned Chinese restaurant.

Along a spotless steel counter in the pizza kitchen sit about two dozen small bins filled with colorful ingredients that are rare in this faraway region -- garlic, red and green peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese and chorizo.

Five staffers show up each day to make more than 30 types of pizzas, including Polynesian barbeque chicken, Mexican enchilada, and Mediterranean.

Nearly all the 11,000 village residents in Airport Pizza's service area consume Alaska Native subsistence foods, such as whale, walrus, seal and caribou, but laws bar Airport Pizza from using native meats -- other than reindeer -- on its pizzas, and there doesn't seem to be much demand.

"I think that would be a little strange," Savoonga Mayor Jane Kava said.

Today's Quote:

2006-04-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

If equal affection cannot be,
Let the more loving one be me.

— W. H. Auden, "The More Loving One"

Bigs bunny: monster rabbit devours English veggie plots

2006-04-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

German rabbit breeder Karl Szmolinsky presents his giant male breeding rabbit 'Robert' in Eberswalde, eastern Germany, February 2006. In a tale reminiscent of the last Wallace and Gromit movie, furious villagers in northeast England have hired armed guards to protect their beloved communal vegetable gardens from a suspected monster rabbit.(AFP/File/Michael Urban)

HP Photosmart R927 Digital Camera

2006-04-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Please note: estimated shipping date is April 2006 When you pick up the compact Photosmart R927, you'll notice two things right off: its giant, bright display (3 inches across) on the back, and how perfectly this camera fits in your hands (you won't want to put it down). That's just the look and feel . . . what about the photo quality? The durable, metal-bodied R927 showcases HP's latest technology, boasting 8.2 megapixels of brilliant photo power and 24x total zoom (3 x optical, 8x digital). So get ready to dazzle your friends and family! Crystal clear, awesome photos are yours for the taking. True-to-life prints
•	Get excellent color and clarity for glowing 4 x 6" snapshots and enlargements (up to poster size)
•	Zero in on your subjects: capture just what you want with the 3x optical zoom and 8x digital zoom
•	Remove red eye and shadows from subjects' faces—right in the camera—with HP's Real Life technologies features
•	Capture the beauty of a panorama by snapping up to five photos and "stitching" them together
•	Capture the action in high-quality VGA video (with audio); save still shots for printing directly from the camera Simple and fun
•	Frame and view shots with ease—indoors or out—on the 3" color image display
•	Review and delete photos and videos by conveniently navigating through the on-screen menus
•	Apply fun effects such as "slimming" your subjects, adding borders and more—all right in the camera (no PC needed)
•	Use the handy, included dock to transfer photos to your PC or printer (and simultaneously recharge the battery)
•	E-mail your favorites without large attachments using easy sharing on your PC
•	Streamline photo editing, organization, and printing with the HP Photosmart software
•	Print PC-free using SD/MMC cards (sold separately) or via any compatible PictBridge printer
•	Store photos with the 32MB of internal memory, plus use the SD/MMC card slot for extra capacity
•	Choose the best HP products for you, then let them work seamlessly, helping you do everything from snap photos to print enlargements Award-recognized support
•	Get peace of mind with the one-year limited warranty
•	Rely on HP's renowned Total Care service and support, which J.D. Power and Associates has recognized as consistently providing "An Outstanding Customer Service Experience"
•	Get answers to your product questions toll-free, 24 x 7, or via e-mail in as little time as an hour, at www.HP.com/go/totalcare

What's in the box?

•	HP Photosmart R927 Digital Camera
•	HP Photosmart R07 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
•	HP Photosmart 6220 digital camera dock
•	USB cable for connecting camera to PC or PictBridge compatible printer
•	Warranty and regulatory brochure
•	User's manual on CD
•	Quick Start guide
•	CD with HP Photosmart software for Microsoft Windows and Macintosh
•	Wrist strap http://www.shopping.hp.com

Affirmations

2006-04-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Words Of Wisdom
DailyOM

The words we speak and think hold great sway over the kind of life that we create for ourselves. Many people live their lives plagued by negative thoughts and never even realize this. They tell themselves and others that they are doomed to fail, not good enough, or not worthy of love, yet they are amazed when their reality starts reflecting these words. Just as the subconscious mind accepts as truth the critical statements we tell ourselves, however, it is also equipped to instantly accept the veracity of our affirmations.

Affirmations are statements chosen and spoken consciously. Once they enter our realm of consciousness, they also enter our subconscious mind where they have the power to change our lives. The affirmations you create should be specific, not too long, worded positively, formed in complete sentences, and spoken in the present tense as if what you are affirming is already true. It is a good idea to repeat your affirmations daily. You may want to tell yourself that you deserve to be happy or that you are in control of your destiny. Or, you may want to focus on a particular goal, such as attracting new friends. Rather than telling yourself you want to be well-liked, say, "I am well-liked." Your subconscious mind will pick up on these positive messages, and you will begin to live your life as if what you are affirming already has happened. Soon, your reality will begin to reflect your affirmations. If you find that you are thwarting yourself with negative thinking, try repeating your affirmations several times a day. Write your affirmations down and say them aloud or in your mind. Allow your conviction to grow stronger each time you say your affirmations, and your negativity will be overridden by your motivation and positive thoughts.

Affirmations are a powerful tool for creating our desired reality. We consciously and subconsciously invite opportunity into our lives when we say affirmations. Trust in the power of your affirmations, and you will very quickly create what you have already stated to be true.

Acer Announces HD-DVD Laptop

2006-04-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

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Acer's Aspire 9800 is the second notebook to boast HD-DVD support

Acer is going all out with its new Core Duo based Aspire 9800 notebook. While the Aspire 9800 has some impressive hardware specifications to justify its estimated $2,600 price tag, the one feature garnering the most attention is its optional HD-DVD drive. This would make it the second announced HD-DVD notebook after the Qosmio G30.

While the HD-DVD drive is rather noteworthy, the Aspire 9800 has a lot more to offer. For one thing, it comes with a massive 20.1" TFT LCD display. Although it has such a large screen, the maximum resolution is "only" 1680 x 1050 -- the same as 20.1" desktop displays like the Dell 2007WFP. It would have been nice to have seen a WUXGA (1920x1200) display offered as an option. Powering the 20.1" display is a GeForce Go 7600 GPU backed up with 256MB of dedicated graphics memory.

The Aspire 9800 is able to support dual SATA hard drives up to 240GB in a RAID 0 configuration.As for other odds and ends, the notebook features a built-in analog/digital TV tuner, 3-watt speakers backed up with a 4-watt subwoofer and Dolby Digital Live support, a bundled VoIP Bluetooth phone, 1.3MP digital camera, 802.11b/g, GbE and Bluetooth support.

The Aspire 9800 can be configured with either Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition or Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition and comes with a 1-year Carry In warranty. Impressive as this new notebooks sounds, there is no word on availability in North America yet.

http://www.dailytech.com/

LG to Ship 71-inch Plasma in the States

2006-04-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

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Its new, but only if you live in the United States

LG Electronics, a leader in cell phones, consumer electronics, household appliances, and other things including LCD displays, will be launching it 71-inch plasma screen televisions in the United States a year after making its way into the Korean marketplace.

LG Electronics is one of the top manufacturers in the LCD industry and is an array of models. The MW-71PY10 plasma display is a 71-inch mammoth which boasts 1080p resolution, a 1,200:1 contrast ratio, a decent 160 degree viewing angle and 6x15 watt speakers.

Being a 71-inch Plasma, the MW-71PY10 does not come cheap, or even close to affordable for the average consumer. Sources such as Engadget state a pretty steep retail price of about $28,000 for a brand new set.

LG made news with Philips in a joint venture in LCDs recently at CES this year with a 100-inch prototype boasting 5ms response times and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio. It may not be long before we see 100-inch plasmas costing, lets say, $50,000?

DailyTech

Hitachi Announces Quad Tuner TVs With PVR

2006-04-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

For its 50th anniversary, Hitachi Ltd. Japan has announced a new line of high-definition plasma and LCD televisions with a little more than just a built-in HDTV terrestrial tuner. The Wooo 9000 line of TVs has 4 tuners, (2 digital, 2 analog) as well as an optional built-in hard drive based PVR.

A total of six models will be introduced, including two LCDs and four plasmas. A distinct feature of the 9000 series televisions is a swivel which positions the screen according to the direction of the remote control signal. Additionally, because each set has four tuners, the screen is able to display two different channels/sources on each half of the screen which improves on current technologies.

The built-in hard drive based PVR will be optional so each model will have a PVR-less counterpart for those who don't care for such functions or those who have already invested in PVRs from 3rd parties.

All models are said to be equipped with HDMI input, SD memory card slots, USB, CableCard and a 10/100 Ethernet port (probably only for the PVR-based models). Pricing on Hitachi's new HDTV plasmas and LCDs has not been officially announced, however, some sources say it will range between about $3000 and the mid $4000 range.

I, myself, am a bigger fan of DLP sets and currently a 61-inch 1080p set can be purchased for around $4000. Sometimes size does matter. However, the additional features making the Wooo series borderline on a PC certainly is an exciting step for the industry -- maybe hacking your TV will become commonplace?

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Blue LED Faucet Light

2006-04-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

Own The Keenest Faucet On The Block...

Tired of that same old monotonous water? Bored with water that doesn't look like futuristic alien mouthwash? Need to make your midnite bathroom appointments more exhilarating? Then you need to get the blue LED faucet attachment from ThinkGeek. You can turn any faucet in your home into a streaming blue lagoon of techie-bliss in just minutes. How does it work? Just attach to the end of your faucet (universal adapters included), and when the water flows through the magic chamber, it simply turns on the blue LED array and illuminates the stream with a soothingly powerful crystal blue hue.

Here's what you get:

Chamber with blue LEDs
Batteries pre-installed plus a set of spare batteries (uses G13-A style watch batteries)
Instruction Sheet
Two universal adaptors included. (fits most standard faucets in USA. Not recommended for faucets outside of the USA.)
Dimensions: 2.25" tall, 1.25" diameter.

http://www.thinkgeek.com

WORKPLACE REWARDS TALL PEOPLE WITH MONEY, RESPECT, UF STUDY SHOWS

2006-04-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Short people may be short-changed when it comes to salary, status and respect, according to a University of Florida study that found tall people earn considerably more money throughout their lives.

“Height matters for career success,” said Timothy Judge, a UF management professor whose research is scheduled to be published in the spring issue of the Journal of Applied Psychology. “These findings are troubling in that, with a few exceptions such as professional basketball, no one could argue that height is an essential ability required for job performance nor a bona fide occupational qualification.”

Judge and Daniel Cable, a business professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill, analyzed the results of four large-scale research studies - three in the United States and one in Great Britain - which followed thousands of participants from childhood to adulthood, examining details of their work and personal lives.

Judge’s study, which controlled for gender, weight and age, found that mere inches cost thousands of dollars. Each inch in height amounted to about $789 more a year in pay, the study found. So someone who is 7 inches taller - say 6 feet versus 5 feet 5 inches - would be expected to earn $5,525 more annually, he said.

“If you take this over the course of a 30-year career and compound it, we’re talking about literally hundreds of thousands of dollars of earnings advantage that a tall person enjoys,” Judge said.

Height was associated with subjective ratings of work performance, such as supervisors’ evaluations of how effective someone is on the job, but also objective measures of performance, including sales volume, he said.

Being tall may have the effect of boosting employees’ self-confidence, helping to make them more successful, as well as prompting people to ascribe more status and respect to a tall person, he said.

Tall sales people who are admired by customers, for example, may be seen as more persuasive leaders and may be able to negotiate more effectively, Judge said. As a result, customers may be more likely to buy from them, he believes.

“If height has the social status we think it does, it stands to reason that tall people would sell more cars because they’re seen as a more authoritative source on the matter,” he said.

The relationship between height and earnings was particularly strong in sales and management positions, Judge said. But the study also showed a correlation for employees in less-social occupations, such as engineering, accounting, computer programming and clerical work, he said.

Each one-inch increase in height resulted in an increase in annual earnings of $897 in the one study, $728 in a second study and $743 in a third, averaging to be about $789 more a year, Judge said. It was not possible to get estimates for one of the studies because of the way salary was categorized.

The research showed that height was even more important than gender in determining income, and its significance does not decline as a person ages. The study found it was as predictive of earnings when employees were in their 40s and had accumulated some work experience as it was when they were in their 20s and were just starting out, he said.

Height’s commanding influence may be a remnant of our evolutionary origins, when humans lived among animals, which use size as an index of power and strength when making “fight or flight” decisions, he said.

“When humans evolved as a species and still lived in the jungles or on the plain, they ascribed leader-like qualities to tall people because they thought they would be better able to protect them,” Judge said. “Although that was thousands of years ago, evolutionary psychologists would argue that some of those old patterns still operate in our perceptions today.”

The average height of Americans today is 69.1 inches - about 5 feet 9 inches - for men and 63.7 inches - nearly 5 feet 4 inches - for women.

It has been more than 100 years since U.S. voters chose a president who was shorter than the average man, Judge said. Elected in 1896, President William McKinley, at 5 feet 7 inches, was ridiculed in the press as a “little boy,” he said.

Even language reveals the social value of height, Judge said. When a person is highly esteemed, he may be described as a big man, and people may say they look up to and admire those who are tall, he said.

Conversely, the term “Napoleon complex” is used to describe how some short people compensate for their feelings of insecurity over lack of stature with aggressive, belligerent or arrogant behavior, he said.

Not only does the emphasis on height raise issues of fairness in our society, which protects a variety of protected classes from discrimination, but it may have unforeseen economic repercussions, Judge said.

“If we have a bias against short people and that bias is not shared by other countries, we have placed ourselves at a competitive disadvantage,” he said. “If we’re giving great weight to an attribute like height that’s irrelevant to performance on the job, then we’re introducing error in our hiring and promotion decisions that causes inefficiencies in our economy.”

Sara Rynes, Murray professor in the department of management and organizations at the University of Iowa, said the research examines some interesting issues. “The bias that Drs. Judge and Cable observe seems very difficult to eradicate,” she said. “Indeed, I recently read that because of the widely perceived advantages of height, an increasing number of parents are seeking growth hormone therapy for their shorter-than-average children.”

http://www.napa.ufl.edu
(Thanks to TheTroubleShootah)

Weird

2006-04-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

1) New York City has 11 letters

2) Afghanistan has 11 letters.

3) Ramsin Yuseb (The terrorist who threatened to destroy the Twin Towers in 1993) has 11 letters.

4) George W Bush has 11 letters.

This could be a mere coincidence, but this gets more interesting:

1) New York is the 11th state.

2) The first plane crashing against the Twin Towers was flight number 11.

3) Flight 11 was carrying 92 passengers. 9 + 2 = 11

4) Flight 77 which also hit Twin Towers, was carrying 65 passengers. 6+5 = 11

5) The tragedy was on September 11, or 9/11 as it is now known. 9 + 1+ 1 = 11

6) The date is equal to the US emergency services telephone number 911. 9 + 1 + 1 = 11.

Sheer coincidence..?! Read on and make up your own mind:

1) The total number of victims inside all the hi-jacked planes was
254. 2 + 5 + 4 = 11.

2) September 11 is day number 254 of the calendar year. Again 2 + 5 + 4 = 11.

3) The Madrid bombing took place on 3/11/2004. 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 11.

4) The tragedy of Madrid happened 911 days after the Twin Towers incident.

Now this is where things get totally eerie:

The most recognised symbol for the US, after the Stars & Stripes, is the Eagle. The following verse is taken from the Quran, the Islamic holy book:

"For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced: for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah and there was peace."

That verse is number 9.11 of the Quran.

Still uncovinced about all of this..?! Try this and see how you feel
afterwards, it made my hair stand on end:

Open Microsoft Word and do the following:

1. Type in capitals Q33 NY. This is the flight number of the first
plane to hit one of the Twin Towers.

2. Highlight the Q33 NY.

3. Change the font size to 48.

4. Change the actual font to the WINGDINGS

Hubble & Spitzer Space Telescopes

2006-04-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

This artist's impression obtained from NASA depicts a type of dead star called a pulsar and the surrounding disk of rubble discovered by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. Using NASA's infrared Spitzer Space Telescope, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) skygazers have detected a telltale disk of what could be early planetary debris encircling a pulsar, as the remnants of a supernova are called.(AFP/NASA/JPL)

New species of parrot, mouse found in Philippine island

2006-04-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

This undated photograph shows a new species of a parrot which was discovered by a team of scientists in the forested mountains of Camiguin island in the Philippines. New species of parrot and mouse have been identified.(AFP)

Solar Eclipse

2006-04-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

The moon partially covers the sun during a solar eclipse, seen over the Atlantic Ocean from the northeastern Brazilian city of Olinda, early March 29, 2006. (Alcione Ferreira-Diario Pernambuco via Agencia O Globo/Reuters)

Mars Exploration

2006-04-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

This image, released by NASA on March 23, 2006, shows the wheels of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit churning up the largest amount of bright soil discovered so far in the mission. This image was taken while driving eastward toward the northwestern flank of 'McCool Hill.' The image, taken on the rover's 787th Martian day, or sol, of exploration (March 21, 2006), shows the strikingly light tone and large extent of the deposit. (NASA/JPL-Caltech/Handout/Reuters)

Mars Exploration

2006-04-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

A composite view of the tributary valley on planet Mars that feeds into Valles Marineris, the 'Grand Canyon of Mars', is a video image released by NASA March 13, 2006. (NASA/JPL/Handout/Reuters)

Pacific Island Nation Creates Marine Reserve

2006-04-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

An undated handout photo of Nikumeroro Lagoon inside the newly-created marine reserve called the Phoenix Islands Protected Area. President Anote Tong of the Republic of Kiribati announced the formation of the park on March 28, 2006, at the 8th U.N. conference on the Convention on Biological Diversity under way this week in Brazil. (Handout/David Obura-New England Aquarium/Reuters)

Incredible New Military Robot

2006-04-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

By Preston Lerner

Meet BigDog, a mechanical mutt that does more than snare Frisbees and irrigate fire hydrants. It totes hundreds of pounds of gear so soldiers won't have to, and it will never spook under fire.

Developed by Boston Dynamics with funding from the U.S. military, the BigDog prototype is arguably the world's most ambitious legged robot. Its stability and awareness of its own orientation make it the first robot that can handle the unknown challenges of the battlefield. The Great Dane–size 'bot can trot more than three miles an hour, climb inclines of up to 45 degrees, and carry up to 120 pounds—even in rough terrain impenetrable to wheeled or tracked vehicles. But this one is just a puppy; Boston Dynamics expects the next iteration, ready this summer, to be at least twice as fast and carry more than twice as much.

BigDog's body is a steel frame that houses a one-cylinder gasoline engine driving a hydraulic system, a computer, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that uses a fiber-optic laser gyroscope and a suite of accelerometers to track its movement and position. These devices function together with the legs to create BigDog's precision gait.

Each of the robot's aluminum legs has three joints that the computer can reposition 500 times a second using hydraulic actuators. The joints are fitted with sensors that measure force and position, and the computer cross-references this data with information from the IMU to determine where the legs have to be to keep the 'bot upright and moving in the right direction. By regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid to each joint, the computer precisely places each paw.

And the robo-rover has eyes: It sports a stereo camera and laser scanner mounted where the head would go, if it had a head. Although these don't currently influence navigation, the next BigDog will use them to read the terrain ahead and spot obstacles.

For now, the robot is remote-controlled, but future versions will come unleashed, able to make intelligent decisions about their course without guidance from humans. The more powerful, autonomous BigDog will be ready for battle within the next eight years.

eclipse

2006-04-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

The sun is seen during a partial eclipse at Bukovo, Russia, March 29, 2006. (Eduard Korniyenko/Reuters)

Daily Roundup from Gizmowatch

2006-04-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

News

● Merriam Webster Dictionary, Now on Your IPod
● Lenovo Launches I921 PDA Phone
● The first legal 5-Mile Laser Pointer
● Casio PC fuel cell promises 20 hour life
● Intel Macs run Windows faster than comparable PCs
● TrackStick USB with GPS for James Bond
● HP’s ‘gesture keyboard’ goes beyond the alphabets
● Apple to re-brand iBook as MacBook
● No more page flipping with RFID books

Features

● NGen Hard Drives with storage in excess of 2000 GB
● The amphibious robot
● PCMag presents Best Photos from CTIA Wireless Show
● The museum of questionable medical devices
● Five things you don’t know about Apple’s iPod
● CDs a new weapon against bioterrorism
● Lobster Eye X-ray Telescope for Perfect Sky-gazing
● Read Your E-mails on Your Palm with Smart Laser Scanner
● HOWTO: Build your own lie detector

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History’s Impact: Lincoln Assassination

2006-04-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

Robert N. Taylor Black Star News

On this month, April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln is shot and critically wounded at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. by John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln would linger for several hours but died at 7:22 am the following day April 15th. A debate still rages among historians as to how broad based was the conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln. Regardless, the historical record is clear that the murder of Lincoln was a major setback for Black rights and progress in America – not because Lincoln was so great but because the man who replaced in the White House was so bad.

A bit of background is due at this point. Booth was a racist who supported slavery and the South during the Civil War. Originally, he was part of a plot to kidnap Lincoln and hold him in exchange for captured Confederate soldiers. But on April 9, 1865, Confederate troops under Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox. Later that day, Lincoln gave a speech suggesting that the ex-slaves be given the right to vote. The speech infuriated Booth and thus the plot to kidnap Lincoln was converted into a plot to assassinate him. Booth escaped capture for 12 days. But on April 26, 1865 he was cornered by federal forces and shot and killed during a gun battle. Four of his fellow conspirators, including one woman, were tried and hanged.

The assassination of Lincoln changed the course of history for Blacks. While Lincoln was not as great a supporter of Black rights as he has often been portrayed, he was a much greater supporter than the man who replaced him in office – Vice President Andrew Johnson. Johnson actually sympathized with the Southern slave owning aristocracy and opposed most civil and virtually all voting rights for Blacks. Indeed, during a meeting at the White House which included the great abolitionist Frederick Douglas, Johnson infuriated Blacks by making it clear that he would oppose voting rights for the former slaves.

Thus, the bulk of the pro-Black legislation of the Reconstruction period was normally passed over Johnson’s objection or veto by a group of pro-Black legislators known as the “Radical Republicans.” Top among them were Charles Sumner and Thaddeus Stevens. They not only wanted to aid Blacks (giving each ex-slave “40 acres and a mule” was their idea) they also wanted to punish the South for having started the Civil War by seizing lands from the plantation class and turning it over to Blacks. But Johnson fought against the idea and even helped defeat the “forty acres and a mule” proposal.

Thus, while Reconstruction was definitely a positive period for Blacks educational, politically and socially, Johnson and his supporters were successful in severely limiting economic progress. If the Sumner and Stevens attempts to seize lands from the plantation elites and turn them over to former slaves had been successful, Blacks would have started free life in America on a much more solid economic footing and many of the problems which now plague African Americans would have been avoided.

If Lincoln had lived, there is every reason to believe that this would have been done. Instead, Johnson’s actions emboldened the white South and he is one of the primary reasons the Reconstruction period only lasted 12 years. He helped lay the foundation for the Jim Crow period beginning around 1880 during which time Black political and civil rights were systematically taken away. This probably would not have happened if Lincoln had not been assassinated.

Black Star News

2006-04-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

Tags: portable media players

The Pepper wireless pad from Pepper Computer is the first portable device that has all the activities consumers want most including: Web browsing, checking e-mail, IM with friends, listen to music, watch videos, share photos and create personal journals and much more.

Available at Amazon

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EZ DUB - Easy DVD/CD Copying

2006-04-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

Introduction

The LITE-ON name carries with it a certain reputation of precision, accuracy, and quality. Their ability to consistantly offer top-shelf optical drives at prices well below competitors of the same caliber (Plextor, NEC, etc.) have pushed them into the top three CD/DVD-ROM manufacturers of the world. In fact, many 'big name' companies like Sony actually rebrand LITE-ON drives and sell them as their own at a premium. The astute shopper can save alot of money without sacrificing quality by shopping LITE-ON. With that said, we are pleased that Lite-On has provided us with the opportunity to test-drive a sample of their flagship technology, the EZ-DUB. The EZ-DUB makes big promises to simplify and streamline what has become the increasingly technical and complex task of duplicating CDs and DVDs. With this new, easy to use external drive, LITE-ON aims at users who don’t like to hassle with complicated software programs when they want to duplicate a disc or backup their files. The claim is substantial, one button CD and DVD duplication; let's see if LITE-ON has the brass to back it up.

From Lite-On's EZ-DUB press release:

EZ-DUB allows you to copy discs in three simple steps:

Insert the original CD/DVD

Press the 'DUB’ button

Peplace the disc with a blank disc to record when prompted

EZ-DUB allows you to backup data in three simple steps:

Drag files to the EZ-DUB folder on the desktop

Insert a blank disc

Press the 'FILE' button

Let's take a look at what makes up the new EZ-DUB from Lite-On.

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Vanity Fair's "Green Issue" Hits Newsstands Early

2006-04-09T00:26:00.000-07:00

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! We’ve got word that Vanity Fair’s “Green Issue", due to hit newsstands on April 11th, has arrived early! Featuring about a 20-page spread with environmental notables and celebrities from all over, we’re ecstatic to see TreeHugger’s very own Graham Hill (that's him in the front!). The content isn’t available online yet, so you’re going to have to visit a newsstand near you to pick up a copy. Pictured above with Graham, from left to right: Jennifer Boulden and Heather Stephenson of Idealbite, Laurie David of StopGlobalWarming and Chip Giller of Grist Magazine. P.S. – We’re still disappointed that it doesn’t contain recycled content. Via ::Grist Magazine Photo Credit ::Mark Seliger, exclusively for Vanity Fair

http://www.treehugger.com/

Electric Cyclery

2006-04-09T00:11:00.000-07:00

Get ready for the new eGO LX 2005 Special Edition. Stylish cast alloy wheels give this limited edition eGO a whole new look. Say goodbye to spokes with super durable cast alloy wheels and Metallic Platinum paint on the seat stem and fenders make this the coolest looking eGO yet.

Performance Modes		Two (Go Far / Go Fast)
Top Speed		24 / 18 MPH
Range per Charge		25 Miles (Go Far, 150 lb rider, flat terrain)
Motor		1.5kw (2.0 hp,) 4800W max, 24V Brushed
Motor Controller		200 Amps (max)
Max Load Capacity		250lbs rider + cargo, +100lbs in trailer
Drive System		eGo WhisperTM belt drive
Throttle		Right hand twist grip
Battery Monitor		10 segment LED display
Charger		6 Amp internal smart charger
Charger input voltage		100 to 250 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz
Recharge Energy Cost		~$0.08
Recharge Time		~ 3 hours to 80% full, ~6 hrs to 100%
Front Suspension		YES
Rear Suspension		Optional seat post
Safety
Automatic Braking		YES
Wheels		Cast alloy wheel
Tires		100PSI, 20" x 1.97
Front Brakes		Disc
Rear Brakes		Caliper
Headlight		DOT Headlight
Tail / Brake Light		DOT tail/brake (Incandescent w/ tag light)
Front and Rear Directionals		YES
Lighting Controls		Left Grip
Audible alert		YES Electric Horn
Rear View Mirrors		Left and Right
Reflectors		YES
Dimensions Features
Colors		Metallic Platinum
Frame		Annodized Aluminum
Length		64 Inches
Width		23 Inches
Height		44 Inches
Weight		132 lbs / 142 lbs shipping
Saddle		Suspension
Ignition		Keyswitch for increased security
Battery System		24V 34Ah
Other features		Rear cargo rack, Illuminated tag holder, kickstand
Warranty
Chassis/Frame		10 years
Batteries		6 months
The Rest		1 year

eGO Cycle LX Special Edition in store price:$1700
$75 Packaging and Shipping
anywhere in the continental United States

Order now for immediate delivery

Test ride the eGo at our Laguna Beach Showroom
949 715 2345

http://www.greenspeed.us/index.html

The Outdoor Beer Fridge

2006-04-08T23:20:00.000-07:00

Take this refrigerator right to where your guests are sitting. The lightweight Roll Bar can be easily transported on its large, smooth wheels. Don't worry about the drinks getting warm either. The rechargeable battery pack will power the extremely quiet Peltier cooling system for up to 5 hours after it's unplugged. The high-tech Iso Titan™ insulation foam keeps it all cool.

Dent-resistant with a top surface that can be used as a table, adjustable inner shelves, an interior light, and a bottle caddy to hang on its side. Holds 57 12-ounce cans. Uses environmentally friendly cooling aggregate. Comes with AC and DC adapters. Dimensions: 32" x 24" x 21"

* OVERSIZED ITEM - ADDITIONAL SHIPPING CHARGES APPLY
* EXPRESS SHIPPING NOT AVAILABLE
SHIPS ONLY TO CONTINENTAL U.S. ADDRESSES Product Specifications

A truly "mobile" refrigerator
50 liter cooling capacity
Holds 57 12-ounce cans
Active cooling for up to 5 hours once it's unplugged from a 110-volt, or 12-volt power source
Large, smooth wheels
Extremely quiet Peltier cooling system
High-tech Iso Titan™ insulation foam
High insulation power
Dent resistant
Top surface useful as a tabletop
Adjustable inner shelves
Illuminated cooling cabinet
Includes bottle caddy to hang on side
Comes with AC and DC adapters

http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/

Really Cool Portable GPS Tracker

2006-04-08T23:12:00.000-07:00

This must be one of (if not the) coolest spy gadgets I’ve ever reported on. It’s sort of a cross between a USB memory stick and a GPS receiver and what it does is store where ever you take it on the flash memory.

The Portable GPS Tracker is pretty small so you could either always carry it on you or use it in 007 spy mode by planting it on a person or vehicle you want to monitor. You may be wondering how you retrieve the stored info and secret routes, well that’s where it gets really cool.

Once the tracker has done it’s travels and it’s back in your possession you simply connect it to you PC and download the data. This data can then be plotted on Google Earth, Mapquest, maps.google.com and Virtual Earth to show exactly where it’s been, how long it took and how it got there.

I just think this is so cool (may of said cool a record number of times in this post) it obviously has the spy functionality of tracking somebody else but to me it is even more useful for tracking your own holidays and backpacking adventures. So not only can you bore visitors with your holiday snaps you can also show them exactly where you went.

Full feature list:

Records time, date, location, speed, direction and altitude
Works with Google Earth, Mapquest, maps.google.com, Virtual Earth
Location points are downloaded into its software and then mapped
Battery duration is 5 to 7 days of typical operation with 4,000 records
Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included)
Dimensions: 4″ x 1 1/4″ x 3/4″
Comes with TrackStick, lanyard, software CD

You can buy this nifty GPS tracker from Think Geek for $249.99, if you do please let us know how you get on with it as I am so tempted.

http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/

HP’s ‘gesture Keyboard’ Goes Beyond the Alphabets

2006-04-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

Hewlett-Packard has unveiled a computer keyboard pad that should make typing tasks like Web browsing easier for millions of people in India who read and write languages that don't translate well into a Western alphabet.

The same approach could make personal computers more attractive to millions of other people all over the world whose languages use scripts, rather than the Roman alphabet common in Western culture.

HP's ``gesture keyboard'' -- a digitized pen and pad packaged with handwriting-recognition software -- allows people to quickly jot down words in Hindi script on the digitized pad that transmits them to a desktop computer screen. Indians can use it to type a report, chat on instant messengers or search the Web. The new system could prove more convenient than tediously typing combinations of characters from the Indian script-based languages that, if assigned their own computer keys, would require a keyboard with close to 1,000 buttons.

The technology, developed by HP's research unit in Bangalore, India, may offer an answer to the Palo Alto-based computer and printer giant's soul-searching slogan of ``Where's our next billion customers going to come from?''

The imperative facing the huge Silicon Valley-based company is to increase revenue -- rather than boost earnings by simply cutting costs -- and that's on the minds of everyone from the chief executive down to the engineers.

``This really opens up the lid'' to India's PC market, said Ajay Gupta, director of HP Labs India, the research division based in Bangalore.

According to statistics HP cited from a 2004 I-cube study, only 24 percent of India's 223 million urban residents know how to use a computer. While affordability is one factor, language is another.

``We understand even though the price of technology is coming down and incomes are rising, there are lots of non-economic obstacles to the adoption of our technology,'' said Dick Lampman, HP's senior vice president for research and director of HP Labs.

Eighty-three percent of India's urban population can read and write, but only 30 percent read and write English, according to the I-cube study.

India is home to 14 nationally recognized languages and about 500 dialects. So far, the gesture keyboard works only with two languages: India's national language of Hindi, which about 40 percent of the country's population knows how to write, and Kannada, the official language for the state in which Bangalore is located.

But HP says the keyboard may one day be used with other phonetic, script-based languages and benefit more than 1.5 billion non-English speaking people in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and elsewhere.

``If we want the PC market to grow, we need to break that lock between PC literacy and English,'' Gupta said.

HP Labs India was established in 2002 as ``a long bet,'' Gupta said. Its 50 employees and contract research associations focus on research and development that addresses issues in India and can be broadened globally.

The gesture keyboard, which is being manufactured and distributed by another company HP would not name and is available to all PC vendors, was launched three weeks ago. So far, about 100 units have been sold for between $45 and $50, said Shekhar Borgaonkar, department director at HP Labs India.

Borgaonkar demonstrated Thursday how well the gesture keyboard works with applications like Microsoft Word at HP Labs' Palo Alto headquarters. But when he tried it in Google's search engine, he struck out with no results -- twice.

But it wasn't a problem with HP's handwriting-recognition technology, he assured.

``I'm making a spelling mistake in the name of the president of India,'' he said sheepishly.

On the third try, it worked.

http://www.mercurynews.com

Untitled by George Jakely

2006-04-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

Turner Masterpiece Sells for $35.8M

2006-04-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

Thu Apr 6, 2:15 PM ET

NEW YORK - A Venice canal scene by J.M.W. Turner sold for $35.8 million at Christie‘s on Thursday, setting an auction record for a work by a British artist.

It was sold by the St. Francis of Assisi Foundation, a nonprofit institution in New York that receives donations to support the missionary effort of the Capuchin order of friars. A private collector had bought the painting in 1992 and donated it to the foundation, which did not display it to the public.

The sale included an auction house commission.

On the Net: http://www.christies.com

Mood Light Shelf

2006-04-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

MOOD LIGHT SHELF, an illuminated, colour-changing shelf based on ultra bright LEDs, is the latest newcomer in the multiple award-winning MOOD LIGHT Collection

The Mood Light Shelf has a range of millions of colors, and because it can be mounted vertically or horizontally, it can be used in multiple configurations.

Power supply and remote control included.

Dimensions: 13.8W x 3.4"H x 14"D
Materials: Ultra Bright LED Light Matrix with RF Mood-Light Program.
Availability: In Stock

Price: US$229
Including ground shipping*

http://www.gnr8.biz/moodshelf.html