Friday 11 May 2012
Beer Lovers Rejoice ! Kona Imperial Stout, A Craft Beer Brewed With Kona Coffee Beans
Manitoba’s oldest microbrewery Fort Garry Brewing is now making Kona Imperial Stout, a limited-edition craft beer that is brewed with 50 pounds of rich roasted coffee beans from Kona, Hawaii. It is described as “intense in-your-face goodness” by the brewery’s Matt Wolff. The stout’s retro-modern tiki packaging was designed by Atmosphere Design.
What’s that in your shoe? It’s a phone charger!
Our bodies create and use a ton of energy, and it could be going to better places, like, uh, your Android phone! If Cinderella were to live in the 21st century, she probably wouldn’t be very happy to hear what we are going to tell you today. 24-year-old Anthony Mutua from Kenya has developed an ultra-thin chip of crystals that can charge mobile phones when placed in shoe soles and the technology is set to go into mass production soon enough.
The chip, once installed into a regular shoe, generates electricity when you step on it, and can be harvested in one of two ways. You can either charge a phone while in motion through a thin extension cable running from your shoe to your pocket, or, you can choose to store the electric energy and charge your phone after you have stopped walking or running, after taking your shoes off.
Either way, there’s no doubt that this is cool, and you’ probably want to start taking care of your shoes more if you choose to go for this innovative technology.
Mutua, the technology’s inventor, expects the crystals to go into mass production very soon, especially due to the fact that they can store energy, which could make them very popular for “people looking to charge phones as a commercial activity”. The Kenyan has failed to tell us if his crystals will be able to power any phone, “dumb” or smart, but has announced that the technology has the ability to charge several devices simultaneously. This is, of course, if you walk enough.
The chip, once installed into a regular shoe, generates electricity when you step on it, and can be harvested in one of two ways. You can either charge a phone while in motion through a thin extension cable running from your shoe to your pocket, or, you can choose to store the electric energy and charge your phone after you have stopped walking or running, after taking your shoes off.
Either way, there’s no doubt that this is cool, and you’ probably want to start taking care of your shoes more if you choose to go for this innovative technology.
Mutua, the technology’s inventor, expects the crystals to go into mass production very soon, especially due to the fact that they can store energy, which could make them very popular for “people looking to charge phones as a commercial activity”. The Kenyan has failed to tell us if his crystals will be able to power any phone, “dumb” or smart, but has announced that the technology has the ability to charge several devices simultaneously. This is, of course, if you walk enough.
Find Your Next Book with 'GoodReads'
I love books. As Elizabeth Scott said, “I like that the moment you open one and sink into it you can escape from the world, into a story that’s way more interesting than yours will ever be”. Books are my best friends; they don’t lie to my face, for one thing. They keep me entertained and encouraged. Whenever I feel depressed or need a shoulder to lean on, I turn back to a book, be it Jonathan Livingston Seagull or Goblet of Fire.
But not all the books are worth your time. We often rely on critics like NYTimes, who heavily rely on sales numbers to measure a book’s quality, to find our next book. But, more often than not, we walk away disappointed. Wouldn’t it be a better idea to listen to your like-minded friends rather than a complete stranger? That’s what GoodReads is all about.
GO HERE http://www.goodreads.com/
But not all the books are worth your time. We often rely on critics like NYTimes, who heavily rely on sales numbers to measure a book’s quality, to find our next book. But, more often than not, we walk away disappointed. Wouldn’t it be a better idea to listen to your like-minded friends rather than a complete stranger? That’s what GoodReads is all about.
GO HERE http://www.goodreads.com/
WWII Plane Discovered Preserved In Sahara Desert !!
A World War II plane a British pilot crashed in the Saharan Desert has been found frozen in time 70 years later. The Kittyhawk P-40 is an aviation time capsule that has remained unseen and untouched since it crash-landed in June 1942 !!
Wednesday 9 May 2012
Tuesday 8 May 2012
Sunscreen Could Be Giving You Skin Cancer !
Yikes !
If it's not one thing, it's another. While everybody knows that too much time in the sun massively increases the chances of developing skin cancer, new research suggests that a compound found in most sunscreens may also increase the chances of acquiring melanomas.
Terrific. We're screwed either way.
The research, carried out at Missouri University of Science and Technology, looked into what happens to the compounds in sunscreen when they're exposed to light. In particular, they found that zinc oxide—a staple ingredient in sunscreen—undergoes a chemical reaction when it's illuminated by bright light that may release unstable molecules known as free radicals.
Those free radicals readily bond with other molecules, but in the process they can damage cells or the DNA contained within those cells, in turn increasing the risk of skin cancer. The tests, which were carried out in the lab using lung cells covered in zinc oxide solution, suggest that it is UV light which causes the reaction to take place most strongly. Which is, you know, precisely the kind you use sunscreen to protect yourself from.
The research, which is to be published in the Journal of Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, suggests that the harmful effects of the free radicals increases the longer zinc oxide is exposed to sunlight. After 3 hours of UV exposure, half of the lung cells covered in zinc oxide solution died. After 12 hours, that increased to 90 percent.
The big question here, of course, if whether people should be concerned. In truth, this is a small study, conducted using lung cells rather than skin cells. While there could well be plenty of truth in the notion that zinc oxide degrades in such a way that increases skin cancer risk, there's not enough data here to decide if, on balance, sun screen causes more harm than good. In fact, Dr. Yinfa Ma, one of the researchers, agrees:
"More extensive study is still needed. This is just the first step. I still would advise people to wear sunscreen; sunscreen is better than no protection at all."
It will, however, be interesting to see how this strand of research pans out. If further studies—including clinical trials—confirm this effect to be real, the cosmetic industry will have to change the way it produces sunscreen, and quick.
MORE @ http://phys.org/news/2012-05-sunscreen-ingredient-pose-skin-cancer.html
Terrific. We're screwed either way.
The research, carried out at Missouri University of Science and Technology, looked into what happens to the compounds in sunscreen when they're exposed to light. In particular, they found that zinc oxide—a staple ingredient in sunscreen—undergoes a chemical reaction when it's illuminated by bright light that may release unstable molecules known as free radicals.
Those free radicals readily bond with other molecules, but in the process they can damage cells or the DNA contained within those cells, in turn increasing the risk of skin cancer. The tests, which were carried out in the lab using lung cells covered in zinc oxide solution, suggest that it is UV light which causes the reaction to take place most strongly. Which is, you know, precisely the kind you use sunscreen to protect yourself from.
The research, which is to be published in the Journal of Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, suggests that the harmful effects of the free radicals increases the longer zinc oxide is exposed to sunlight. After 3 hours of UV exposure, half of the lung cells covered in zinc oxide solution died. After 12 hours, that increased to 90 percent.
The big question here, of course, if whether people should be concerned. In truth, this is a small study, conducted using lung cells rather than skin cells. While there could well be plenty of truth in the notion that zinc oxide degrades in such a way that increases skin cancer risk, there's not enough data here to decide if, on balance, sun screen causes more harm than good. In fact, Dr. Yinfa Ma, one of the researchers, agrees:
"More extensive study is still needed. This is just the first step. I still would advise people to wear sunscreen; sunscreen is better than no protection at all."
It will, however, be interesting to see how this strand of research pans out. If further studies—including clinical trials—confirm this effect to be real, the cosmetic industry will have to change the way it produces sunscreen, and quick.
MORE @ http://phys.org/news/2012-05-sunscreen-ingredient-pose-skin-cancer.html
For the Napoleans in all of us !
Got a Napoleon complex? Want to re enact the Civil War? The Mini Cannon from Pocket Artillery is precision machined, muzzled loaded and is capable of firing a .177″ BB using a fireworks fuse. Range is up to 100 yards with this cannon. It also looks like soon they’ll be producing trebuchets, catapults, ballistas and guillotines as well. Certainly not the safest toys out there, but pretty cool none the less. Check out some of the videos.
Available for $29 from Pocket Artillery. http://www.pocketartillery.com/
Monday 7 May 2012
Indian Military applying for Pak citizenship?
This is a rare gem I was sent over an email recently ! An eye-opener for all of us....
Whaddaya say, gentlemen! - Ejaz Haider
What does the Indian military get for all the good work it does: unabashed scrutiny from the media and the people? The only solution I see is to ask the Indian military to apply for Pakistani citizenship en bloc
I have an offer for the Indian armed forces. They should apply for Pakistani citizenship en bloc. If anyone thinks I am being facetious, please read on.
The other day, fellow columnist Shaukat Qadir began with a doggerel normally attributed to a 17th-century English poet Francis Quarles but which, in the process of making its way to various soldiers' diaries (I first read it in my father's field office), has undergone several syntactical changes. It speaks of how people adore God and the soldier in times of crisis but when things get righted, God's forgotten and the soldier slighted.
Kipling's 1892 poem Tommy is more or less along the same lines (O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy go away"; / But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins," when the band begins to play-).
While God doesn't seem too concerned about being forgotten, at least He makes no mention of it to the media through His spokespersons, the soldier in some countries, ours being one such, is quite sensitive to being slighted. And why not? After all, it is the soldier who keeps vigil so we can all sleep peacefully. Which is why I agree with the spirit of Chaudhry Sahib's suggestion that the ungrateful civilians be summarily executed for denigrating the armed forces.
Now, while we have such respect for the armed forces, what does the Indian military get for all the good work it does: unabashed scrutiny from the media and the people? So poorly placed are the Indian generals that the army chief has to seek an appointment from the defence secretary and is actually answerable to the defence minister. Goodness gracious... try this one here!
The general who led the Indian army during Kargil, an infantry officer, now plays golf somewhere near Chandigarh; then came another one, a gunner, who led the army during the 2001-2002 standoff and is since gone, heaven knows where; he was followed by another infantry officer; he too has faded away. The incumbent, a Sikh from a Maratha regiment, was born in Bahawalpur. His family migrated to Patiala after Partition. If only they had stayed put. He took over in Jan 2005 so by Jan 2008 should be saying goodbye to a long career.
Here's the simple equation: General Musharraf of Pakistan = Gen VP Malik+General S Padmanabhan+Gen NC Vij+Gen [incumbent] JJ Singh. That's one Pakistani chief to four Indian chiefs. Not just that, the Pakistani chief is also the president of this country, thank you ladies and gentlemen!
As president he is supreme commander of the armed forces, including himself. This means he can, as president, give himself extensions as army chief. And since he can do that, why shouldn't he? Who wouldn't do what he could? Those who consider this as an aberration need to get their heads checked.
But my concern is with the Indian armed forces. The media pick up all sorts of funny stories about the soldiers and put them down almost everyday. Generals asking for bottles of Black Label are put on spy-cams (what should they ask for, Blue Label?); officers lying to get bravery medals are splashed on the front pages (what's the big deal about a bit of drama on the Soltoro or any of the other boondocks where India throws its soldiers so the civilians can sleep); newspapers smell out stories of rape and rubbish the army (this should not happen but what's the point of making it public); soldiers having unprotected sex in places like the northeast are talked about - in fact, the ministry of defence itself releases figures on AIDS/HIV-infected army personnel (c'mon, first they send them to all the weird places and then they expect them to live like catholic priests).
My point is: what the hell is wrong with these Indians? Do they have no respect for the men in uniform who guard the nation while it sleeps and some of who can cross the line under pressure? Do they not realise how important image is and what it means to bring the armed forces into disrepute?
I am completely disappointed. The only solution I see, and this is where my offer comes in, is to give the Indian military Pakistani citizenship. This will have many advantages.
Overnight, the Indian (now Pakistani) soldiers will see the difference. They will now be serving, and by dint of that lording over, a nation that really respects its soldiers. They shall have their own chief as the president of the country and believe me that makes a helluva difference.
We also believe in stability and consistency. No more of this three-year rotation at the top. We promise a seven- to eleven-year tenure for whoever can make it to the top. Those who can't make it to the ring contour shall also be adjusted nicely after they doff uniform. They can choose from a variety of top jobs for which the civilians traditionally have no capacity ... the list is long and ranges from the agri sector to strategic use of nuclear weapons and everything in between.
If nothing else, we could increase the number of universities and have more vice chancellors from among the retired generals. Just so the Indian armed forces know this is no joke, my suggestion is that we make offers to the last three retired army chiefs and promise a lucrative position to Gen JJ upon his retirement. With the Higher Education Commission coming up with several universities, blessed they be, the three gentlemen could easily be adjusted. This would signal to the Indian army that we mean business.
In any case, before Partition, it was all the Indian Army. Now, it can all be Pakistan Army. How about it gentlemen; any takers?
Ejaz Haider is Consulting Editor of The Friday Times and Op-Ed Editor of Daily Times. He can be reached at sapper@dailytimes.com.
To corroborate the same take a look at this article...sigh !
Whaddaya say, gentlemen! - Ejaz Haider
What does the Indian military get for all the good work it does: unabashed scrutiny from the media and the people? The only solution I see is to ask the Indian military to apply for Pakistani citizenship en bloc
I have an offer for the Indian armed forces. They should apply for Pakistani citizenship en bloc. If anyone thinks I am being facetious, please read on.
The other day, fellow columnist Shaukat Qadir began with a doggerel normally attributed to a 17th-century English poet Francis Quarles but which, in the process of making its way to various soldiers' diaries (I first read it in my father's field office), has undergone several syntactical changes. It speaks of how people adore God and the soldier in times of crisis but when things get righted, God's forgotten and the soldier slighted.
Kipling's 1892 poem Tommy is more or less along the same lines (O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy go away"; / But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins," when the band begins to play-).
While God doesn't seem too concerned about being forgotten, at least He makes no mention of it to the media through His spokespersons, the soldier in some countries, ours being one such, is quite sensitive to being slighted. And why not? After all, it is the soldier who keeps vigil so we can all sleep peacefully. Which is why I agree with the spirit of Chaudhry Sahib's suggestion that the ungrateful civilians be summarily executed for denigrating the armed forces.
Now, while we have such respect for the armed forces, what does the Indian military get for all the good work it does: unabashed scrutiny from the media and the people? So poorly placed are the Indian generals that the army chief has to seek an appointment from the defence secretary and is actually answerable to the defence minister. Goodness gracious... try this one here!
The general who led the Indian army during Kargil, an infantry officer, now plays golf somewhere near Chandigarh; then came another one, a gunner, who led the army during the 2001-2002 standoff and is since gone, heaven knows where; he was followed by another infantry officer; he too has faded away. The incumbent, a Sikh from a Maratha regiment, was born in Bahawalpur. His family migrated to Patiala after Partition. If only they had stayed put. He took over in Jan 2005 so by Jan 2008 should be saying goodbye to a long career.
Here's the simple equation: General Musharraf of Pakistan = Gen VP Malik+General S Padmanabhan+Gen NC Vij+Gen [incumbent] JJ Singh. That's one Pakistani chief to four Indian chiefs. Not just that, the Pakistani chief is also the president of this country, thank you ladies and gentlemen!
As president he is supreme commander of the armed forces, including himself. This means he can, as president, give himself extensions as army chief. And since he can do that, why shouldn't he? Who wouldn't do what he could? Those who consider this as an aberration need to get their heads checked.
But my concern is with the Indian armed forces. The media pick up all sorts of funny stories about the soldiers and put them down almost everyday. Generals asking for bottles of Black Label are put on spy-cams (what should they ask for, Blue Label?); officers lying to get bravery medals are splashed on the front pages (what's the big deal about a bit of drama on the Soltoro or any of the other boondocks where India throws its soldiers so the civilians can sleep); newspapers smell out stories of rape and rubbish the army (this should not happen but what's the point of making it public); soldiers having unprotected sex in places like the northeast are talked about - in fact, the ministry of defence itself releases figures on AIDS/HIV-infected army personnel (c'mon, first they send them to all the weird places and then they expect them to live like catholic priests).
My point is: what the hell is wrong with these Indians? Do they have no respect for the men in uniform who guard the nation while it sleeps and some of who can cross the line under pressure? Do they not realise how important image is and what it means to bring the armed forces into disrepute?
I am completely disappointed. The only solution I see, and this is where my offer comes in, is to give the Indian military Pakistani citizenship. This will have many advantages.
Overnight, the Indian (now Pakistani) soldiers will see the difference. They will now be serving, and by dint of that lording over, a nation that really respects its soldiers. They shall have their own chief as the president of the country and believe me that makes a helluva difference.
We also believe in stability and consistency. No more of this three-year rotation at the top. We promise a seven- to eleven-year tenure for whoever can make it to the top. Those who can't make it to the ring contour shall also be adjusted nicely after they doff uniform. They can choose from a variety of top jobs for which the civilians traditionally have no capacity ... the list is long and ranges from the agri sector to strategic use of nuclear weapons and everything in between.
If nothing else, we could increase the number of universities and have more vice chancellors from among the retired generals. Just so the Indian armed forces know this is no joke, my suggestion is that we make offers to the last three retired army chiefs and promise a lucrative position to Gen JJ upon his retirement. With the Higher Education Commission coming up with several universities, blessed they be, the three gentlemen could easily be adjusted. This would signal to the Indian army that we mean business.
In any case, before Partition, it was all the Indian Army. Now, it can all be Pakistan Army. How about it gentlemen; any takers?
Ejaz Haider is Consulting Editor of The Friday Times and Op-Ed Editor of Daily Times. He can be reached at sapper@dailytimes.com.
To corroborate the same take a look at this article...sigh !
Sunday 6 May 2012
Art in its botanical avatar !
Botanical Portraits
Francis Ooi, a creative director in Singapore and amateur photographer, needed to fill a wall in his home, so he started obsessing about taking botanical photographs. His obsession turned into a botanical portrait blog and brand new shop.
His weekly runs turned into nature walks where he would document the foliage around him. Now those photographs are for sale online. I love how clean and simple the photos are; they really let you focus on the curves, lines and shapes that form in nature as plants grow and die. Francis is selling his prints for $30, and you can check out his botanical blog for more ideas !
Read More @ http://www.whatiseewhenirun.com/
Francis Ooi, a creative director in Singapore and amateur photographer, needed to fill a wall in his home, so he started obsessing about taking botanical photographs. His obsession turned into a botanical portrait blog and brand new shop.
His weekly runs turned into nature walks where he would document the foliage around him. Now those photographs are for sale online. I love how clean and simple the photos are; they really let you focus on the curves, lines and shapes that form in nature as plants grow and die. Francis is selling his prints for $30, and you can check out his botanical blog for more ideas !
Read More @ http://www.whatiseewhenirun.com/
A Safe Swiss Army Knife Just for Kids ! Seriously !
If you have a toddler that’s fascinated with your pocket knife, you can give her one of her own that you know is safe. ThinkGeek has the Kids Swiss Army Knife. This is an official Victorinox toy with 6 plastic tools. There’s a spoon and fork (big enough to eat with), a saw blade and knife blade, a screwdriver/can opener that can pry apart plastic building blocks, a plastic magnifying glass, and there’s a small carabiner. The Kids Swiss Army Knife is $7.99. For ages 3-7.
Buy it here !
Android Takes Over the World - Part S III !
Samsung Galaxy S III Unleashed.
Being a great fan of Android OS, I am glad to see the new S III. A great new product.
Being a great fan of Android OS, I am glad to see the new S III. A great new product.
Just when you thought animals on Safaris are tame...
Cheetahs attacks tourist at Kragga Kamma Game Park
Scottish tourist Violet D’Mello was mauled by two cheetahs at the Kragga Kamma Game Park in Port Elizabeth as she was trying to protect a seven-year old Bay boy on Saturday (28/04/2012). Cleary Estate family Glenda and Samuel Malan, and their children – Cassidy, 11, Camryn, 8, and Calum, 7 – were also there. Camryn was also attacked. Violet's husband, Archibald captured the attack on camera.
Read more here : - http://www.peherald.com/gallery/79
MY TAKE - Why the F... was the husband trying to click snaps instead of saving his wife ! Will never know.
Scottish tourist Violet D’Mello was mauled by two cheetahs at the Kragga Kamma Game Park in Port Elizabeth as she was trying to protect a seven-year old Bay boy on Saturday (28/04/2012). Cleary Estate family Glenda and Samuel Malan, and their children – Cassidy, 11, Camryn, 8, and Calum, 7 – were also there. Camryn was also attacked. Violet's husband, Archibald captured the attack on camera.
Read more here : - http://www.peherald.com/gallery/79
MY TAKE - Why the F... was the husband trying to click snaps instead of saving his wife ! Will never know.
Taking your love of books to a higher level !
What do you do with your old hardbound books ? Stock them for later...or due to space constraints and busy lives ..throw them / gift them ? Here is where the creative genius of www. ReAuthored.com steps in...
ReAuthored saves old hardbound books from the shredders and converts them into protective cases for tablets and eBook readers !!!
Books are selected for condition and size, then they are hand-customized into cases for your Kindle, Nook, iPad, or other similar devices. You can choose to leave the exterior as is, or you can elect to have the exterior covered with light brown, black, or dark brown heavy jacquard cloth. Your device will be held in with corner bands, and an elastic band will hold your ReAuthored cover closed. Covers are about $40 – $60, depending on the device. If your device isn’t listed, you can request a custom size to fit.
http://www.reauthored.com/products/kindle-dx-book-case
ReAuthored saves old hardbound books from the shredders and converts them into protective cases for tablets and eBook readers !!!
Books are selected for condition and size, then they are hand-customized into cases for your Kindle, Nook, iPad, or other similar devices. You can choose to leave the exterior as is, or you can elect to have the exterior covered with light brown, black, or dark brown heavy jacquard cloth. Your device will be held in with corner bands, and an elastic band will hold your ReAuthored cover closed. Covers are about $40 – $60, depending on the device. If your device isn’t listed, you can request a custom size to fit.
http://www.reauthored.com/products/kindle-dx-book-case
Be smart and buy a Retro handset for your uber-cool smartphone !
Finally technology might be turning a full circle ! This is a great idea.....I don’t find cellphones or smartphones especially comfortable to hold for my marathon phone calls.The Solo Travel has a long, straight, nylon-wrapped cord that I actually prefer to the coiled cord on my iClooly handset. There’s a button on the handset for answering/disconnecting calls directly from the handset. The handset is black with a soft-touch finish; the cord is available in red or gray. It has a 3.5mm audio connector for use with your iOS device or laptop. It comes with a travel pouch and a cable splitter if your device has separate connectors for headphones and microphones. Adapters are available for phones that use a different headphone connector. And FYI, using handsets like this reduces your exposure to radiation from the phone. Native Union says the Solo Travel reduces your exposure by up to 99% compared to a direct use of your mobile phone.
POP Phone
The original retro handset. An interpretation of the classic 50's Bakelite design telephone that combines a retro style handset with luxurious soft-touch texture. Award-winning product by French designer David Turpin.
http://www.nativeunion.com/us/collection/pop-phone.html
POP Phone
The original retro handset. An interpretation of the classic 50's Bakelite design telephone that combines a retro style handset with luxurious soft-touch texture. Award-winning product by French designer David Turpin.
http://www.nativeunion.com/us/collection/pop-phone.html
Hiatus no more !
Sorry dear all, took a small break....but I'm back. With ever more things to share..so shall we ?
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