We have reached overwhelming global consensus that human induced climate change is a clear and present danger. As former US Vice President Al Gore recently noted:
There is no longer a debate about the fact that global warming is real. We’re causing it. The consequences are serious, and could be headed towards catastrophe if we don’t fix it. And it’s not too late.
Many new initiatives have started to help people make a lasting change in their personal and professional lives. TED blog recently discussed the launch of Save Our Selves (SOS) and its “Live Earth” worldwide concerts planned for July 7th, 2007 (7/7/07). SOS-Live Earth organizers note that:
SOS is designed to trigger a global movement to combat our climate crisis. It will reach people in every corner of the planet through television, film, radio, the Internet and Live Earth, a 24-hour concert on 7/7/07 across all 7 continents that will bring together more than 100 of the world’s top musical acts.
Whereas Al Gore‘s presentations have reached thousands in person, and the movie of his climate talk has been seen by millions, the organizers hope that:
Live Earth alone will engage an audience of more than 2 billion people through concert attendance and broadcasts
Learn more about climate change, SOS, and Live Earth via LiveEarth.org. You can also read the announcement or watch the SOS-Live Earth launch by clicking here.
In addition to doing your part to reduce carbon emissions, if you’re a US voter you should also consider sending a message to Congress that it’s time to take on the climate crisis now. One way to do that is by signing up to have Al Gore personally take a printed copy of your concerns to your representatives. Sign up here.
Please take action.
Sure Apple is planning some interesting things with multi-touch for iPhone, but just how far could the technology be taken?
Check out this demonstration from NYU spin-off Perceptive Pixel for a glimpse of the possibilities:
and here’s a video of Perceptive Pixel founder Jeff Han premiering his multi-touch tech at TED in February 2006:
I wonder if Apple’s patent team licensed any of Perceptive Pixel’s work? It appears that Apple has talked with Mr. Han, but I’m not sure if anything other than words has changed hands(?). Anyone with the inside skinny, please speak up.
I’m also wondering how many points-of-contact (POCs) iPhone will be able to register simultaneously. Steve Jobs showed two POCs during his keynote as he pinched and stretched things, but I don’t recall seeing three or more at once. Jeff Han meanwhile illustrated using several fingers from both hands during his TED talk, admittedly on a much larger touchscreen than the iPhone’s. I could see more than two POCs getting really tricky on the limited real estate of a mobile phone screen.
[Thanks to m-trends.org for bringing the Perceptive Pixel videos to my attention]
Two more Joost invitations are up for grabs.
This time we’re taking it up a notch: The first two people to post their first name, last name, email address, and a description of the kinds of things they’d like to see more of in my blog will get an invitation. Keep the suggestions pertinent, please.
Numerous sites have reported on the now infamous F-22A Raptor systems crash as the first internationally deployed F-22 squadron crossed the International Date Line earlier this month. Read a transcript with CNN military analyst Major General Don Shepperd, USAF-Ret. for more details of what happened (Cntrl+F search for “F-22” to jump to the pertinent bits).
This is certainly not the first time software has caused an aviation malfunction. It’s but the latest in a long line of aerospace software snafus.
What is interesting about this one, however, is that for a manned system, one might have expected more physical, non-computerized backup systems than appear to have been in place. I’m versed in fly-by-wire and the basics of modern avionics (even have a BS in Aero Eng to prove it), but I have to wonder if there shouldn’t be at least a few critical backup gadgets that aren’t wired-in to the computer systems. Altimeter, compass, etc.
Perhaps there were, and they simply weren’t discussed in any of the coverage. If not, they should have been. F-22 pilots, you know what to add to your kit next time you’re heading up into the wild blue yonder.
BTW, the bug was fixed and the Raptors successfully arrived at Kadena AFB, Okinawa a few days later. Enjoy the arrival with a little video (the narration’s in Japanese, but jet noise sounds the same in any language):
The latest two Joost invitations have been handed out.
Interested in checking it out but didn’t get your request made in time? CBS has posted a Joost “show and tell”:
More invites will be offered on my blog if/when I receive them.
I have two more Joost invitations.
First two reasonable requests get them.
Both of the beta invitations to Joost have been given away.
Please watch my blog for any future invitations I receive.
I’ve been a beta tester for Joost since mid-December and have a couple more beta invitations I can give out to interested parties.
Leave a comment with your first+last name and email if you’d like an invitation. First two people with interesting comments get one! 🙂
I bought myself a Kensington Pico FM Transmitter so I could listen to my Nano tunes sans cables in my car.
It’s a simple transmitter, it uses the iPod’s power so no battery or recharging of the Pico is required, and it just works.
Recommended.
Canon has announced their new PowerShot TX1 which will pack 7.1 megapixel stills and 720p HD video recording into an Elph-sized form factor. TX1 builds-in optical image stabilization and a 10x optical zoom as well.
Read more on Engadget or visit Digital Photography Review for the spec list.
Though I don’t particularly care for the styling, the tech in this digicam is impressive. I’m a long time Canon Elph user (currently on my fourth Elph, having given older models to family members as I upgraded over the years). I’ve also recently begun looking for a worthy, HD-capable, HDD- or SD-based replacement for my aging Sony MiniDV camcorder.
I can’t wait to try the TX1 out!
BillDay.com 