Eco Factor: Renewable energy powered electric vehicle charging station.
New York-based Beautiful Earth Group has unveiled a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The first-of-its-kind charging station in New York is fed entirely by a 235W photovoltaic system.
Homebrew coder HtheB has released a new version of Beup Live, a homebrew MSN messenger client for the Nintendo DS. The latest update has fixed some login issues and now supports MSNP8.
Download:
My pal Matt Hickey from over at Crave has seemingly connected a few dots as it pertains to the battle between AT&T and Verizon, and this whole Fake Steve Jobs “Operation Chokehold” stunt aimed at taking down the AT&T Wireless data network this Friday afternoon. In case you are unfamiliar, Fake Steve proposed that AT&T customers load up bandwidth-intensive apps on Friday at noon, all at the same time, to saturate the AT&T network to a point of failure as a way of expressing they they are fed up with the horrible performance of the network. Thing is, one of my other pals, John Czwartacki, who just happens to be a contributor to the Verizon Policy Blog and a prolific Verizon personality on Twitter, linked to the movement via a tweet. Some are seeing this as a Verizon official condoning, or possibly even encouraging, the whole “Operation Chokehold” act.
Personally? We think that this is more of a finger pointing statement. It’s John saying “Haha – look at AT&T – their users are so fed up that they want to crush the service that they pay for! Tee hee! Verizon customers wouldn’t do that to us!” What do you think? Was John, and thusly Verizon, out of line here? Either way, we can stomach the rivalry that is happening in the television commercials…but let’s keep the battle outside of our Twitter streams, okay guys?
Edit: John Czwartacki just hit me with an email, pointing out that he certainly doesn’t condone this behavior at all, and even said as much in a few tweets that followed. He was simply linking to industry news, as he normally does. He thinks that if customers are fed up with AT&T, they should vote with their wallets. We agree.
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att,
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john czwartacki,
operation chokehold,
policy blog,
verizon,
verizon wireless,
wireless carriers,
From here it seemed things were looking up, my A1c was also down to 7.2 then. The problem started though when the onset of warmer months (about Sept/Oct). My morning fasting reading was always between 145 – 160 again. My eating was on track..I knew I wasn’t eating many carbs.. as if I did, it totally blew things out of whack for me.
My situation in which I am really curious about and wonder if anyone else has experienced this, is that after the 15 months in Aus, I have returned home to NZ for the next 4 months where the temps are a high of 70 at the moment. What has happened though is my blood sugars have suddenly dropped with my fasting count to 120, and often down below this below 105 before eating which rarely happened in the hotter climate. I’ve only been back 5 days and this happened almost overnight. It’s crazy but can the temps make that much of a difference.
I did suspect it was the heat, but directly before leaving my Dr wanted to put me on Avandia which I was resisting as I suspected this change.
Any thoughts most welcomed.
Thanks and blessings
Ruth
Staying fresh smelling naturally can be challenge. I’ve tried many natural deodorants, only to be disappointed by the end of the day. They work fine if you reapply them several times a day, but who is going to carry deodorant around in their purse or backpack all day? Crystal-based deodorants offer good protection and an alternative to aluminum-based ones that have been possibly linked to breast cancer. Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal products do work, and they are hypoallergenic, non-staining, phthlate-free, paraben-free, aluminum-free, and offer 24 hour protection.
I am not used to using a wet deodorant and spilled it on the floor when apply it. I usually just use homemade mix of baking soda and herbs for my body odor protection. I am also sensitive to scents, so I prefer deodorants that do not smell.
I haven’t put Naturally Fresh to a super sweaty test, but it holds up well for normal usage. It is important to note these products are super safe. According to the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic database Skin Deep, Naturally Fresh products received a hazard school of 0 out of 10! That’s the lowest score you can earn.
Disclosure: I was sent a free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or neg
When I discussed, in the post, Kids & Grndparents’ Holiday Memories, Ron from GeriCare Finder, shared these thoughts:
Memories Image: sxc.hu
Seniors have so much to offer. They have time, wisdom, energy, and stories to tell. Having grandchildren around is often a great gift for them. This allows for them to speak freely about things they remember from when they were young. Some grandparents may benefit from visiting grandchildren because their memories come back to them when they see the smile of their grandchild. Working the memory is a good thing for older adults. So the next time you are around Grandma, ask her something about the holiday season when she was young!
We also don’t realize how much we wish we had written down these memories or recorded them in some way. After grandparents are gone, we don’t recall their stories in enough detail. However, jot down, in words and pictures, what they’ve told you. Spend time with grandparents and their memories.
My daughter has admonished, “Mom, write down your memories…for me and the grandchildren.”
We also can record the present events (which will become memories) by recording them in a journal. One lady told me she’s compiling a Holiday Journal. Here she writes down what she and her family do for each holiday.
What about you?
Post from: Blisstree
• Proportional electrohydraulic
controls from both
control posts.
• Hydraulic cage levelling.
• Synchronous multi-stage telescope
cylinders.
• Internal hose and cable ducts.
• Hydraulic check valves on all
movements.
• Emergency hand pump.
• Emergency stop on both
control stations.
• Engine start-stop on both
control stations.
• Telescope retainer and turret
rotation blocking in trasport position.
Print Apply without ICA
The print apply systems, known as ICA, are made up of two product lines: ICATECH and ICASET4.
These machines are the fundamental axis of Incas S.p.A.’s print apply line. IcaTech is the top of the range, whereas IcaSet4 serves a less complex range, where flexible performance is required but not exaggerated levels of production and where one can take advantage of the knowledge and experience of Incas in the field of print apply and automatic identification.
ICATECH and ICASET4 are able to satisfy the needs of the market and, subject to studying the situation, those of customisation in relation to the different types of label application: on the front, on the top, on the sides, on the corners, on the surface curves, etc.
Print apply
* Increases the speed and improves the quality of the production line and the packaging area
* Codifies and manages the traceability of the products (SSCC etc.)
* It integrates with pre-existing lines and systems
* It provides a complete solution as regards identification
* Every machine is managed by the maintenance service and can be supplied with all the consumable materials necessary
Your partner in the plastics industry for over 50 years for quick connection of energies and quick mould change, Stäubli has acquired exceptional expertise and skills in every field of plastics and composite processing.
Reliable and tested, our Quick Mould Change systems are designed to integrate your manufacturing processes with flexibility and adaptability.
– Compatible with new machines as well as existing ones and other equipment
– ensuring the integrity of the process
– simple to use and longer lasting
…they help you to optimize your production time.
From selecting the products which correspond to your needs to finding complete solutions for rationalizing and automating your production changes: Stäubli offers a wide range of choices.
– Mould loading: Stäubli provides the most suitable solution adapted to your mould and machine features in a partnership relation with you.
– Mould clamping: mechanical manual clamping, automatic clamping (hydraulic, magnetic). The Quick Mould Change solutions offered by Stäubli range from the simplest systems to the latest
technologies.
– Connecting energies: a wide range to connect your mould control and hydraulic circuits. Many diameters and options for every range.
– Handling & Process: tool changers for robots and handling devices, 4 or 6-axis industrial robots. Stäubli process automation solutions meet all your expectations to increase your productivity.
Our plastics processing expertise enables us to develop solutions for other sectors and applications (wax injection, composites, aluminium foundry, magnesium, Zamak, forming, tool change…).
Feel free to call us: we will build the systems adapted to your current and future projects together.
Visit our dedicated web site for Quick Mould Change and Automation in the Plastics industry.
The V2i is a multi-function vacuum generator with straight through design and electrical ISO 15407-1 valve for on/off and blow off control.
The valve directly mounted on the vacuum generator brings a reliable and efficient solution for all robotics applications wherever short cycle time is required.
Non-clogging V2i, that’s the solution for difficult applications.
FiberStar turnkey marking, engraving and cutting systems offer the benefits of a non-contact, abrasion-resistant, permanent laser mark onto almost any type of material.
A wide range of standard and custom platforms are available incorporating fiber laser source technology. Select a standard platform or custom designed workstation which offers the speed, reliability and flexibility required for meeting stringent quality control and process certification standards.
FiberStar marking systems range from a simple enclosure to an advanced, integrated XYZ motion for step-and-repeat laser marking or coordinated rotary motion for seamlessly marking around a circumference, all controlled through the marking software.
As a turnkey solution provider, LaserStar’s Applications Specialists will evaluate your marking or engraving requirements, define the application goals and objectives, specify and verify the correct marking platform, and define a complete system configuration to accomplish the desired results.
Solar & Semiconductor • Bio Sensor Production • Thin Film Polymers
General Marking & Engraving Automotive (Parts and Displays) • ID Cards & Mobile Phones
Medical Devices & Implants • Electronics & Sensors/Instruments • Industrial Components
Manufacture of Processed Parts
Pneumatic rope balancer manufactured to operate in environment classified ATEX, for explosive atmosphere, protected against the trigger coming both from dust and gas.
It can be supplied with a simple hook or equipped with special handling attachments, designed and manufactured time by time on customer’s request.
For homologation reasons the equipment is completely connected to earth, to avoid any electrostatic sparking. In case of use with self bearing forkliftable base is provided with one wire with pliers for the connecting to the earth.
Proper safety devices protect the operator against the load loss caused by accidental or wrong manoeuvres, for air pressure fall down and against the cutting of the feeding or control pipes.
Max capacity 75 kg.
Max work radius up to 3 m.
Max vertical stroke 2 m.
Owens Corning Fibreglas France is a division of Owens Corning Vetrotex that produces Fiber Glass, the production process is continuous; the plant is so designed that the production should never stop.
To avoid downtime for maintenance works and comply with the new safety regulation in its Ardoise plant near Avignon, Owens Corning Fibreglas France decided in the early 2000’s to change the plugs and sockets of its power supply network. Marechal Electric became the obvious choice thanks to the safety features of its technology, Marechal’s decontactor being simultaneously a plug and socket and a load-breaking switch. Among others, the decontactor has a safety shutter that shields the live parts from operator contact. This feature was a key in OCFF’s decision.
Additionally, while Mr. Bouquet, the Ardoise plant’s maintenance manager, was thinking about making his installation compliant with the new regulations, the plant got equipment from its US counterparts with Marechal plugs. This further strengthened his decision in favour of Marechal Electric: “It became possible to set a standard for most of our production equipment, and that was a key point, said Mr. Bouquet. Technical benefits such as ruggedness, automatic IP66/IP67 seal and protection against UVA were also important arguments for these products’ reliability and safety.”
Some parts of the plant are very humid and previous sockets often failed because of corrosion. Corrosion generated overheating of the contacts until destruction of the connection. The decontactor’s solid silver-nickel butt contact was completely corrosion resistant even in such harsh environments; its superior conductivity proved reliable over time.
These features were necessary to connect outdoor equipment too. Marechal offered an interesting modular design, the decontactor comes in coupler socket, wall box mounted socket and inclined socket configurations as standard features while guaranteeing reliability and user safety through its load-break switch capability
Instead of eggnog in your mug this holiday season, make these delicious Eggnog Truffles. These rich truffles are easy to make, using white baking chocolate, cream cheese and spices from McCormick.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Refrigerate: 5 hours
Image: Courtesy of McCormick
Ingredients:
Directions:
Makes 2 dozen.
Test Kitchen Tip: When dipping the truffles, do so in 2 batches (as directed above in Step 3) as the coldness of the truffles may cause the melted chocolate to harden. For more holiday recipes, visit McCormick.com.
Post from: Blisstree
Back in October, we wrote about how various newspapers, under the auspices of the “Newspaper Licensing Agency” were threatning NewsNow, a UK news aggregator that is (in my experience) one of the more comprehensive aggregators out there, but which only shows headlines and links to full stories. It’s difficult to see how that would be a copyright violation in anyone’s definition of the term or why that should require any kind of license. The NLA gave NewsNow until last week to “comply” and according to the folks over at the Nieman Lab, NewsNow has decided to bid adieu to those sources rather than pay up:
“Unfortunately, we have not been able to reach an agreement with the NLA. In spite of the NLA’s claims to the contrary, we continue to maintain that what they are demanding of ourselves and our customers is unacceptable and of questionable legitimacy. Irrespective of the lack of a legal basis, the NLA’s licence is not fit for purpose. This is not just about the charges they intend to impose on us, but the charges they would also impose on our customers for receiving and circulating links within their own organisations. In addition, it is a perhaps an under-reported fact that the terms dictated by the NLA scheme would oblige us to hand over customer details to the NLA, which seems to be developing a potential rival service itself. It is hard to imagine that this kind of behaviour would be tolerated in any other sector. The NLA has also offered no reasonable guarantees of limitations on the increase of costs over time. We strongly feel that to accept the NLA’s terms would set a dangerous precedent restricting our customers’ ability to conduct their business freely. We see this as a ‘slippery slope’ towards any free-to-access website demanding licence fees from any organisation for circulating or clicking on links.”
It is interesting that part of the license would have required handing over customer info, and good of NewsNow to resist this. The aggregator says that it will still provide links to those sources in its free (extremely feature limited) online offerings, but will remove them from its subscription offerings. It’s difficult to see how this benefits anyone. It makes life worse for newspapers, NewsNow itself and NewsNow customers.
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A report from Environmental Defense Fund shows that just one percent of New York City’s buildings, those burning the dirtiest grades of heating oil, produce more pollution than all the city’s cars and trucks combined. The report “The Bottom of the Barrel: How the Dirtiest Heating Oil Pollutes Our Air and Harms Our Health,” advocates phasing out the dirty oil by 2020.
The pollution produced by burning No. 4 or 6 oil—some 1,000 tons of it every year—threatens the health of all New Yorkers, creating a rain of toxic soot that aggravates asthma, increases the risk of cancer, exacerbates respiratory illnesses and can cause premature death.
About 9,000 buildings, many in the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, use this unrefined sludge. The Flatiron Building (5th Avenue and 23rd St.) and The Dakota (Central Park West at 72nd St.) are among a number of iconic structures that burn it.
EDF has created this interactive map so that every tenant with a mouse can see if their building, or others nearby, use dirty oil and take action to help them convert to cleaner fuel. The map web site also lets users send a message to the mayor, asking him to phase out permits to burn the dirtiest oils.
If your building burns dirty oil, work with your property manager to switch to cleaner fuel. Building managers and owners can improve air quality and often lower operating costs by:
This map is a companion to the report The Bottom of The Barrel [PDF], from Environmental Defense Fund and The Urban Green Council. The report details the threat to our air quality and offers solutions to cut soot pollution from heating systems by 95%.
The report contains:
View the full report [PDF].
Contents:
Appendices
I just heard about this attack of the killer tomatoes issue and it’s really interesting. Some new research has emerged that has found garden variety vegetables (literally) like tomatoes and potatoes are just as capable of killing insects as the Venus fly trap.
According to the Telegraph, botanists recently discovered for the first time that some plants are carnivorous predators who can kill insects in order to “self-fertilize.”
The new research shows that plants such as some species of petunia, ornamental tobacco plants, some varieties of potatoes and tomatoes, and shepherd’s purse can capture and kill small insects via the sticky hairs on their stems. When the insects decay and fall to the ground the plants absorb their nutrients through their roots. So when you’re eating a nice tomato you may also being getting some bug nutrients. I’m wondering what Peta will have to say…
According to scientists working on this research it’s assumed that plants developed this technique while in the wild because soil quality can be lacking in vital nutrients. However, this may not totally be the case because they also found that domestic variety plants, in healthy garden soil, do this as well. The research was done at Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, and scientists there note that there may be hundreds more killer plants than previously realized.
The study researchers note, “We are accustomed to think of plants as being immobile and harmless, and there is something deeply unnerving about the thought of carnivorous plants.” I don’t know though. Maybe a HUGE science fiction plant would be unnerving, but otherwise it’s kind of cool to know that some plants can take care of their needs when necessary.
Maybe we’ll all be a little nicer to our tomatoes now though; just in case 
[image via stock.xchng]
Post from: Blisstree
The fact that Sony Ericsson is releasing two new greener cell phones is great news for me because I LOVE Sony Ericsson phones. When I first got a cell, hmmm, maybe 6-7 years ago (yeah, I jumped on that bandwagon late) I had no clue which phone to choose. I checked out CNET, as I always do when muddled about tech, and one of the good phone reviews in my preferred price range was the Sony Ericsson. I went with it and the darn thing lasted and lasted for years. When I got another about two years ago I went straight for a another Sony Ericsson.
However, this November some freakshow of a human busted through my car windows and stole my phone and I couldn’t find a Sony Ericsson through my carrier so I went with another brand, which I’m not happy with at all. Long story short, I really liked and miss my good old long-lasting Sony Ericsson.
Sony Ericsson Hazel in Passionate Red
So it may be time for me to make the move back to Sony Ericsson and not just because I can’t stand my new phone. Yesterday Sony Ericsson announced the release of two new slick GreenHeart phones along with the first Bluetooth Noise Shield Handsfree VH700 headeset. This move accents the sustainability practices the company is already working on (yay).
Fortuné Alexander, Global Marketing Director at Sony Ericsson, notes that just because these are “greener” phones though, consumers shouldn’t expect fewer features. Alexander says, “These mobile phones also give consumers a better voice quality experience, with Noise Shield, Clear Voice and Intelligent Volume Adaptation. Both phones offer an easy-to-use social networking experience featuring the Widget Manager application, which allows users access to their social networking page via the stand-by screen and quickly switch between different social networks.”
Both of the fresh new phones, the Sony Ericsson Elm and Sony Ericsson Hazel, have many excellent eco-friendly features that benefit the environment and help reduce CO2 emissions such as…
Both phones will be shipped with a GreenHeart personal handsfree; the Stereo Portable Handsfree HPM-60J, which is a step towards reaching the 100 per cent GreenHeart accessories goal. PLUS OMG the new phones are so good looking. My favorite is the Sony Ericsson Elm (shown above) which comes in Metal Black or a dreamy Pearly Rose (the pink is way tooooo cute)! The Sony Ericsson Hazel (shown below) is cool too but I’m not sure I’m into slider phones, so I’d go with the Elm – also I like the pink. Hazel comes in Superior Black and Passionate Red.
Learn more about these new green phones and all their features at Sony Ericsson.
[image via Sony Ericsson]
Post from: Blisstree
