Wondering why Bill Gates decided to join the Twitter crazy recently? Turns out he’s probably doing it for the same reason as most of us: Shameless self-promotion. Except he’s promoting some very, very good causes through a new website.

Earlier Bill Gates tweeted about his new website, the Gates Notes, and with his two-hundred-something-thousand followers that announcement is bound to be retweeted until even your grandma has heard about it. This means that by the end of the day a few more people might know about Gates’ ideas on curing malaria with candy, education reform, helping Haiti, and all the other issues the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focuses on.

Pardon that fluffy, happy view on a simple tweet, but—with the exception of the recent calls for Haiti aid—I don’t often see Twitter used to promote something with great potential to make the world a lovelier place and I’ve got a weak spot for the work done by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to begin with. Nice work, Billy. You’ve got a retweet from me. [The Gates Notes via Bill Gates]

The vast yet inaccessible underground waters in southwest Yunnan Province represent the front lines of China’s freshwater crisis. Two openings in the earth, Shi Dong and Nan Dong caves, where the Yang Liu River slips into and out of the shadows, mark the point where a fluvial region rich with surface streams meets an unusual geologic formation of soluble rock layers known as a karst landscape. It is also a fateful human dividing line, a place where China’s challenges with water scarcity, land use, and pollution come into clear focus.

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Opel

The 2010 Astra is one nice-looking hatch, and the good people at Opel are going to great lengths to show the world their five-door accomplishment. The latest example of Astra pride comes in the form of a two-and-a-half minute short that plays off of the clever nature of the Oceans movies starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

If you haven’t seen any of the Oceans trilogy, each film centers around a Las Vegas casino and a gang of crafty crooks that take the owner for everything he has. All three films are edited with quick cuts and multiple clips showing at the same time. The Astra TV spot also involves a Casino and some fancy editing, but the dozen or so criminals are replaced with three “agents” trying to get their hands on the plans for the world’s most expensive casino. Of course, there are also plenty of shots of the Astra highlighting features like the “Astra Eye” that can read traffic signals and headlights that turn with you.

Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself. If you’re as confused as we were, watch the second embedded video that explains what was going on in the first video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Opel goes all “Oceans Eleven” and augmented reality for new Astra

Video: Opel goes all “Oceans Eleven” and augmented reality for new Astra originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer over at Audi, has made it known that Audi of America will increase its viral marketing and social media campaigns while boosting its 2010 advertising budget. They will also still be a part of big-event TV advertising as they will be a featured advertiser during February’s Superbowl, and Winter Olympics.

Audi said that it also maintain a media presence during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament this spring and the World Cup during the summer, and a major sponsorship of one quarter of the NFL’s Sunday night broadcasts this fall.

Though the above-mentioned plans were announced no amounts were released by Keogh or anyone at Audi.

Note: The print ad above is fake.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Below are links to news stories of interest from newspapers that came up during a search today.  These links were active at the time of this e-mail, but should you want to save a story, printing it or cutting and pasting the entire article and saving it to your computer is recommended 

State News  

Illinois Vaults to the Head of the Class in Race to the Top …
Huffington Post – Take the legislation that passed last week on using student-achievement data in evaluating teachers. Not only did the more reform-minded Illinois Education Association bless the bill, but the Illinois Federation of Teachers — which includes the Chicago Teachers Union — backed the evaluation component of the bill as well. (The IFT did oppose the overall legislation due to an unrelated issue regarding the privacy of the teacher evaluations.) On the legislation to expand alt-cert in the state, both unions got on board — even though the IFT had expressed reservations about the idea when it was first considered during last November’s veto session. 

State Capitol Q&A: Acquiring Race to the Top funds  Springfield State Journal Register – Government, by its nature, is not fast moving. So it was a bit unusual to see the speed state lawmakers acted with last week to meet the Race to the Top deadline. 

D-26 to cut staff
Crystal Lake Northwest Herald – Board members Chris Jenner and Julie Jette voted against the plan. Despite the looming cuts, teachers said they weren’t willing to bargain with District 26 officials. The Cary Education Association, which represents more than 200 teachers, turned down a request from the board to renegotiate its union contract.  

District 205 Budget Concerns
Rockford WIFR (CBS) 23 – Entire schools could close in the stateline if Illinois continues to cut its education funds. Rockford school board members spoke about what’s being done to ensure that doesn’t happen. Major changes in funding are in store for District 205’s 2011 fiscal year.  

District 94 identifies possible budget cuts
Chicago Daily Herald – Those proposed cuts total $516,000 and include two administrative positions (an assistant principal and a division head), four teaching positions (special education, English, mathematics and social science) and two clerks. In addition, athletic coaching and activity sponsor positions totaling $44,000 could be cut next year.  

Open House! Full access to edweek.org until January 21 

Duncan Carves Deep Mark on Policy in First Year  One year after his confirmation, the education secretary’s record offers a template for the agency’s future policy direction.

• Exclusive Video Interviews:
Arne Duncan speaks on ESEA, Race to the Top, Building a Team, Foundations, and Communication.

1. Obama to Seek $1.35 Billion Race to Top Expansion

2. State of the States: Holding All States to High Standards

3. District Stances on Race to Top Plans Vary

4. Commentary: Debunking the Case for National Standards

5. Bridging Differences: How the Media Garbled Randi’s Message

NEW IN THE NOTEBOOK

Student learning plans, improving school culture will be part of this year’s school turnarounds
CEO Ron Huberman says officials learned from mistakes made with closing and turnaround decisions under previous administrations.

Quinn signs bill to make Illinois competitive in Race to the Top
Two new bills will revamp teacher evaluation and allow non-profit groups to offer alternative teacher certification.   

Skinner, South Loop stories highlight lack of facilities plan
CPS recently backed away from a plan to move South Loop’s middle grades to the National Teachers Academy. At Skinner, conflict over resources pits parents of neighborhood children against parents of children in the selective classical program. 

Huberman offers details on school safety plan
CEO Ron Huberman two-year, $60 million safety plan will focus on mentoring and pay for principal ‘wish lists,’ including truancy officers and additional counselors. 

Political News 

Could borrowing fix Illinois’ pension mess?
Chicago Daily Herald – A group that follows state financial policies thinks the answer to the state’s soaring pension debt could be found in more borrowing. Specifically, the Illinois Policy Institute suggests Illinois borrow nearly $18 billion over the next 15 years to ensure the required, annual payments are made to the state’s pension accounts.   

Quinn, Hynes exchange blows in latest debate  Chicago Current –  Pat Quinn’s flagging candidacy rebounded last night as he scored damaging points in a televised debate against his chief Democratic rival, state Comptroller … 

Criticism rules Quinn, Hynes debate  The State Journal-Register – Gov. Pat Quinn blamed Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes for not uncovering a gruesome cemetery desecration scandal

Quinn, Hynes unload on each other
Chicago Sun Times – They shook hands at the end and said they’d still be friends, but for an hour, Gov. Quinn and challenger Dan Hynes accused each other of incompetence, deception, and/or “cover-ups.”   

Gov. suitors don’t hold back in debate
Crystal Lake Northwest Herald – Gov. Pat Quinn blamed Comptroller Dan Hynes for not uncovering a gruesome cemetery desecration scandal, while Hynes hammered Quinn during a Tuesday debate for wanting to raise taxes on the middle class and releasing prison inmates early to save money. The two didn’t hold back on the harsh words during the debate at Chicago’s WLS-TV,   

Giannoulias, Hoffman spar in Senate debate
Chicago Daily Herald – Alexi Giannoulias focused his attacks on two people in a Democratic Senate debate Tuesday night, and one of them wasn’t even on the stage. Giannoulias repeatedly criticized rival Democrat David Hoffman and ignored the other candidates. He argued that electing Hoffman would be little different from electing the likely Republican nominee, Mark Kirk. Both Hoffman and Kirk,   

Comptroller candidates vow fiscal responsibility
Arlington Heights Daily Herald – Few politicians would take responsibility for Illinois’ current fiscal woes, but the list of candidates trying to oversee state spending is surprisingly robust. The Illinois comptroller’s office has three GOP candidates and three Democratic candidates facing off in next month’s primary, in addition to an uncontested Green Party candidate.   

Hynes Blases Quinn Over Prisons ‘Gag Order’
Chicago WBBH (CBS) 2 – after the Corrections director threatened to discipline prison workers who go public. “It speaks to an effort at coverup,” Hynes told reporters at a Chicago stop. “I’m calling on Gov. Quinn to repudiate and revoke this gag order.” State Sen. Bill Brady, a Republican candidate for chief executive, was also riled by the “public safety crisis created and concealed by the   

Hynes to Quinn: End Prison Coverup
NBC Chicago – With the primary election only weeks away, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Hynes today continued to blast Gov. Quinn over the state’s prison release program. Speaking at his campaign office, Hynes said Quinn needs “to end the apparent coverup with his Dept of Corrections” and said he wanted to extend 

In blow to Obama, Republican wins in Massachusetts
Washington Post – In a stunning blow to President Barack Obama, Republican Scott Brown won a bitter Senate race in Massachusetts on Tuesday and promised to be the deciding vote against his sweeping healthcare overhaul. Brown’s win robbed Democrats of the crucial 60th Senate vote they need to pass the healthcare bill and sent shudders of fear through Democrats facing tough races   

Gut-check for Obama and Democrats on health care
Boston Globe – It’s gut-check time for President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats on their health care overhaul. A stinging loss Tuesday in Massachusetts cost Obama the 60-vote Senate majority he was counting on to pass the far-reaching legislation. The outcome splintered the rank and file on how to salvage the bill, energized congressional Republicans   

The fallout: Democrats rethinking health care bill
Politico.com – Republican Scott Brown’s upset win in Massachusetts Tuesday threatened to derail any hopes of passing a health reform bill this year, as the White House and Democratic leaders faced growing resistance from rank-and-file members to pressing ahead with a bill following the Bay State backlash. Democratic leaders insisted they planned to press ahead with health reform, and met late into Tuesday   

Tough reviews for Obama’s first year
Washington Times – A year ago, Medea Benjamin, co-founder of anti-war protest group Code Pink, was seated on the Capitol’s West Front, 100 feet from the inauguration stage, watching Barack Obama be sworn in as president. On Wednesday, she and other progressive leaders will rally outside the White House to decry the record of that first year. Mr. Obama’s hope-and-change coalition has frayed under anger from

National News  

Obama wants $1.35b more in school grants
Boston Globe – President Obama said yesterday he is seeking more money for education in his budget to improve test scores and help students succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy. “Offering our children an outstanding education is one of our most fundamental – perhaps our most fundamental – obligation as a country,’’ the president said at an elementary school   

Report: Media use by teens, tweens grows to 53 hours a week  In the last five years, the time that America’s 8- to 18-year-olds spend watching TV, playing video games and using a computer for entertainment has risen by 1 hour, 17 minutes a day, the Kaiser Family Foundation said.  Young people now devote an average of 7 hours, 38 minutes to daily media use, or about 53 hours a week — more than a full-time job.   

TIME.com Today’s Top Stories

Does Brown’s Senate Win Mean the End of Health Reform?  Even if House liberals can be persuaded to accept the Senate bill’s more conservative health-reform provisions, the larger concern is that Brown’s victory could set off a stampede of moderate and conservative Democrats away from the legislation   

One Week After the Quake: Haiti at the Tipping Point  Observers have been surprised that Haiti, which has descended into near universal chaos in the past, has remained relatively stable. Can it last? 

The Fort Hood Report: Why Not Mention Islam?  Critics take the Pentagon to task for ignoring any religious motivations on the part of Major Nidal Hasan, the suspect in the deadly attack on his fellow soldiers   

A Genetic Link Between Migraines and Depression?  Recurrent migraine headaches are enough to drive a person into depression, but new research suggests the link between the two conditions is even more basic 

Afghanistan: Limits of ‘Winning Hearts and Minds’  The aim of Western forces in Afghanistan is not to win affection for their armies but to build support for the Afghan government. A new report, written by the top U.S. military intelligence commander there, slams intelligence failures

Most Viewed Articles on washingtonpost.com

1) Republican wins Kennedy’s seat

BOSTON — Republican Scott Brown dealt a devastating blow to President Obama’s domestic agenda Tuesday night by capturing the Senate seat of the late Edward M. Kennedy, the legendary Democrat who had made health-care reform the cause of his political career.

2) In key reversal, voters turn their anger on Democrats

President Obama and the Democrats rode a wave of anger aimed at the presidency of George W. Bush to victories in 2006 and 2008. Now, a year to the day after Obama was sworn into office, in a dramatic reversal of fortunes, populist anger has turned sharply against the president and his party.

3) For health-care reform, picture gets much more complicated

Unless Democrats can thread a very narrow legislative needle, Republican Scott Brown’s upset victory over Martha Coakley in Massachusetts on Tuesday could lead to the collapse of a health-care bill that, only weeks ago, appeared close to becoming law.

4) Gunman suspected in Appomattox killings surrenders, police say

APPOMATTOX, VA. — The sounds of gunfire from Christopher B. Speight’s property here came as nothing unusual to his neighbors, who said the avid hunter regularly fired off rounds while shooting rabbit and deer or taking target practice behind his wooded country home.

5) Aftershock hits Haiti; U.S. troops guard convoys in Port-au-Prince

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI — A massive aftershock jolted awake thousands of earthquake victims and relief workers in this ravaged capital early Wednesday, sparking new cries of fear and sorrow even as an enormous international aid effort continued to build.

6) A desert mirage

Every home builder in the country would probably describe 2009 as an “annus horribilis.” But Las Vegas builders Adam Knecht and Ernie Domanico had a particularly horrible year.

7) ‘A Massachusetts man of the people’

In supporting Scott Brown, Republicans have embraced a new attitude that bodes ill for Democrats.

8.) Faith in Obama’s influence on race relations slipping

Soaring expectations about the effect of the first black president on U.S. race relations have collided with a more mundane reality, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

9) TSA nominee Erroll Southers withdraws name from consideration

Erroll Southers, President Obama’s nominee to lead the Transportation Security Administration, has withdrawn his name from consideration, the White House said Wednesday.

10) Democrats cut deal to form debt watchdog

Faced with growing alarm over the nation’s soaring debt, the White House and congressional Democrats tentatively agreed Tuesday to create an independent budget commission and to put its recommendations for fiscal solvency to a vote in Congress by the end of this year

Word of the Day for Wednesday, January 20, 2010

lacuna \luh-KYOO-nuh\, noun;
plural lacunae \luh-KYOO-nee\ or lacunas | Lacuna is from the Latin lacuna, “a cavity, a hollow,” from lacus, “a hollow.”:

1. A blank space; a missing part; a gap.
2. (Biology) A small opening, depression, or cavity in an anatomical structure.

So if the Democratic plans are dead, what’s left?  What’s the Republican plan?

I think those of us who opposed the Democratic bill should have one.  And I happen (ahem) to have a modest little plan right here . . .

Raise the Medicare tax by half a percentage point, and eliminate the tax-deductibiity of health insurance benefits for people making more than $150K a year in household income, $100K for singles.  Then make the federal government the insurer of last resort.  Any medical expenses more than 15% or 20% of household income, get picked up by Uncle Sam.

Yes, people don’t like taxes.  But it’s a pretty small tax.  The benefit exclusion gets the camel’s nose under the tent for ending the employer-health insurance relationship, but it’s targeted at groups that a) aren’t particularly sympathetic and b) can afford it.  And it answers the central fear people have, which is that they’ll end up sick and bankrupt.  20% of your income is a lot.  But it’s a manageable amount, especially if, as I suspect, many more people choose to self-insure for the first 15%, and take the differences as wages.

It doesn’t answer every single thing we could possibly want–David Cutler argues that compliance with treatment regimes is already so low that we don’t want to erect any cost barriers.  But it’s progressive, solves the biggest part of the problem, and it still leaves the market for most health care services intact.

In fact, I think it will be a more powerful impetus for cost control than any excise tax or IMAC could have been, because consumers will be making the decisions by themselves, not sullenly fighting an insurer, employer, or government bureaucrat.  It doesn’t exert cost pressures on end of life care, which will certainly blow the caps–but I found it pretty implausible that we were ever going to find the political will to cut off marginal treatments to the sickest and most vulnerable.  And in other areas, it could make a big difference.

Meanwhile, whatever awesome plans Democrats had to control costs in Medicare and Medicaid, they should implement and show us all how well they work.

That’s my suggestion.  I’m sure you can pick holes in it, and it might be pretty ugly by the time the lobbyists got through with it.  On the other hand, it just might work.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Privately, Democrats Know Healthcare Reform Is Toast
• More Than Healthcare Or The Recession, Obama’s Presidency Will Be Defined By Haiti
• We’re Gonna Pass Healthcare No Matter What

Earlier this week, Skype offered up a few bucks of SkypeOut credit to anybody in Haiti; shortly thereafter, Google announced that any calls made to Haiti via Google Voice would be free of charge. Now, Verizon Wireless has joined the effort to connect people with their Haitian cohorts, without charging a dime.

Verizon Wireless has just announced that any fees accrued for long distance calls made to Haiti until January 31st will be waived. Taking it one step further, they’re retroactively waiving any charges for calls made to Haiti from the day the earthquake hit (January 12th) until today. The only catch: you’ll need to be on a monthly bill (in other words, not prepaid) for Verizon to be able to waive the charges; we’re guessing that’s more of a technicality than it is Verizon’s choice.

For more details, check out the press release here.

Crunch Network: TechCrunch obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies

With all the crap that’s gone on (and still going on) between AT&T and Verizon, it’s safe to say that this is the last thing AT&T wanted to come out. According to a study that just came out, AT&T would have to spend approximately $5 billion US to get their network to the same level as Verizon and Sprint.

This probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone who actually owns an AT&T phone, given the almost constant problems with dropped calls, spotty service, and slow data speeds. The study also admits that AT&T has started to upgrade their infrastructure, particularly in the Bay Area, with positive results. This makes sense give the nature of their agreement with Apple.

[Via PCWorld]

Crunch Network: CrunchBase the free database of technology companies, people, and investors

Now that Apple’s hush-hush event is exactly one-week away, the amount of speculation has hit a new high as to what the company’s “latest creation” is. If you are keeping score at home, here’s some of the latest guesses:

—Apple will announce a Tablet, and it will come with a Qualcomm (NSDQ: QCOM) chip, confirming that Apple has chosen Verizon Wireless as its partner, according to Northeast Securities analyst Ashok Kumar. [TheStreet.com]

—Apple is still holding secret negotiations in New York with leading U.S. book publishers for its e-reader strategy, reports The Bookseller. HarperCollins is the only named publisher involved, but all six major U.S. publishers are likely talking with Apple (NSDQ: AAPL). AllThingsD says Time Inc. (NYSE: TWX) won’t be on the tablet. [9to5Mac.com]

—If Verizon doesn’t end up with the Tablet, then surely it will get an iPhone 4G starting in June 2011. Canaccord Adams analyst Peter MisekIn is expecting two surprises during the event. In addition to the tablet, Apple will unveil iPhone OS 4.0 and the new iPhone 4G on Verizon. [Barron’s]

—Just when you get tired about reading about Apple rumors, there’s commentary to keep you going about how “every tech news site the story is the same. Apple, Apple, Apple.” TechCrunch writes in a post entitled “Anticipating the Apple Tablet: When journalism becomes fanfiction” that “most of it reams of gushing speculation over the alleged tablet that the company is allegedly launching.” [TechCrunch]

—If you think any of these rumors are far-fetched, just check out Gizmodo’s list of the “five dumbest Apple Tablet rumors.” [Gizmodo]

David Letterman is definitely Team Conan.

The comedian slammed Leno’s imminent return to The Tonight Show in a promo spoof knocking the comedy veteran for stealing bits from both Letterman and Howard Stern.

“He said we should not blame Conan for what’s going on,” said Letterman. “And I said to myself, ‘No one is blaming Conan.’”

Our bitter cold winter has become one of the hottest topics of conversation in America.

Specifically, people are talking about how a severe cold snap can occur at the same time as global warming. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the debate on the Washington Post website. In this post, I’ll try to clear up two of the issues that emerged from that debate:

1. What does a particular cold spell say about global warming, and
2. If the recent cold spell doesn’t disprove global warming, does that also mean that other kinds of extreme weather, like heat waves, aren't caused by global warming?

Climate versus weather

All of the Post’s panelists were careful enough to explain the difference between weather and climate: Climate refers to the average weather over a long period. For the most part, they did not fall for the common mistake of interpreting a cold spell as evidence against global warming.

Here's what's been happening with the weather recently: There have indeed been below-average temperatures recently in much of the eastern U.S. and in parts of Europe, Russia, northern China, and northern India. But at the same time, there were above-average temperatures in the western U.S., eastern Canada and Greenland, some other parts of the Arctic, North Africa and Central Asia, as this map shows.

This distinct pattern of temperatures was caused by an unusually persistent version of an atmospheric flow pattern known as a “Greenland block.” This Greenland block diverted frigid Arctic air far to the south in eastern North America and Europe. (More about it on the Weather Channel: "Why So Cold? Blame the Greenland Block.")

It’s important to look at weather events like cold snaps in context—we can have a relatively brief spell of cold weather in certain regions even while the global climate is warming. All the evidence shows that the world overall has been warming over the past several decades. (See a chart in a post on this same topic by Lisa Moore in 2008.)

So how do we know if the climate is warming? We look at a wide range of long-term trends. Along with rising air and ocean temperatures, the other signs of a warming climate include rising sea level, retreat of glaciers in most regions, rapid shrinkage of summer sea ice in the Arctic, and shifts in species distributions and seasonal behavior.

Global warming does cause more extreme weather

Although the Post’s panelists were accurate on the first issue, there could have been more discussion on the fact that global warming does have an effect on some kinds of extreme weather. One of the panelists even claimed that extreme events like heat waves cannot be used as evidence of global warming. That is wrong, so let's look at how the frequency and intensity of certain extreme weather events are expected to increase under global warming.

Records indicate that there has already been an increase in intensity and frequency of heat waves and heavy rainfall in many parts of the world over the past several decades. (See “Frequently Asked Question” number 3.3 excerpted from the 2007 IPCC report [PDF].) Why? Global warming drives a rise in average temperature and atmospheric moisture, promoting more heat waves and torrential downpours. On top of that, changes in atmospheric circulation patterns caused by global warming are also thought to contribute to stronger heat waves.

There will still be variations from year to year, but on average, these extreme events will increase over time as the Earth warms. On the other hand, extremely cold temperatures are becoming less common — but can still occur — as heat builds up in the climate system.

Of course, individual weather events should not be blamed on global warming, just as an individual cold snap doesn’t disprove global warming. EDF has been careful not to attribute individual events to global warming. Instead, we point to examples of what we expect to see more and more of in the future if we don’t fight global warming.

And with the trends in extreme weather we’re already seeing, that future ain’t lookin’ pretty.

Porsche will not build hybrid versions of the 911 and Boxster, according to CEO Michael Macht.

While the company will make a hybrid Cayenne, they have no interest in altering their sports car lineup. Enthusiasts can now breathe a sigh of relief. The Cayenne SUV and the 4-door Panamera have been a sore subject amongst Porsche purists.

Read more of this story »

Biking is better for the environment than driving because you’re not using up non-renewable gas resources or adding to the pollution issue PLUS you’ll be healthier due to the exercise biking entails. However, biking is not as simple as getting on that bike and pedaling. There’s a learning curve to riding more often than walking. That said, if you want to bike more often and drive less there are a number of ways to make it possible.

Start slow: Biking is not too hard, but it is an exercise, and any form of exercise can take some getting used to. Before you attempt to bike for commuting purposes take the time to bike for fun. Bike to a nearby park, bike with friends, and see how you feel after 30 minutes, an hour, or more. When you feel ready you can incorporate more useful bike trips – to work, to the store, etc.

Bike safe: Bike in bright colors or attach LED safety lights to your bike. At night and on cloudy days you should be wearing a reflective vest as well. Keep basic traffic rules in mind and follow them. This means using hand signals when turning, follow traffic signals, and pay attention to traffic signs. If you’re on wheels act like it.

Choose the right path: Before commuting with your bike you should map out the safest routes. While less crowded may seem safer, that’s not always true. For example, busy main streets have more signs, more traffic lights, and better controlled intersections than rural or out of the way streets. Additionally if you’re lucky enough to live in a city with ample bike paths use them! Often bike paths add a few minutes to your route, but they’re safer and made just for bikers so that extra time is worth it.

Don’t carry more than you can handle: If you’re using your bike when you shop or have heavy work gear make sure you can handle it. Protect your back with a decent backpack. Use an appropriate bike basket or rack to carry heavy stuff and check that the carrier is properly attached often.

Prepare for the weather: If your feet slip on an icy path there’s a good chance your bike tires will too. Don’t bike uphill or downhill if the streets aren’t in great riding condition. Ice, heat waves, and fog do not make for ideal biking weather. It’s better to drive your car or call a cab or carpool or take the bus than take a chance with your life for the sake of saving resources.

Get some help: The following resources can help you prepare to be the best biker possible…

• Community bike programs
• Bike education programs
• Find all sorts of products (carriers, lights, and more) at Planet Bike
• Learn to ride like a pro
• How NOT to get hit by cars – important bike safety lessons
• Learn about eco-friendly electric bikes
• Everything you ever wanted to know about bike commuting
  
• Hack your bike – cool stuff for bikers!
  

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Blisstree

Bike More, Drive Less!

When the head of one of New York’s top unions was named chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s board last year, more than a few observers’ jaws hit the floor.

After all, what was the head of a union, a man who represents everyday working stiffs, doing at the helm of the regional central bank most entwined with Wall Street? Never mind that the board of any Fed regional bank is not involved in any meaningful level of policy making. New York AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes’s appointment was a head-scratcher that led to conspiracy theories.

Now in yet another ironic twist: At a time of intense populist anger at the central bank, Hughes is one of its strongest defenders. Congress, angered by the Fed’s inability to spot the financial crisis and by its subsequent bailout efforts, is looking to clip policy makers’ wings in big ways. In response, the labor leader laments how poorly the central bank is understood and says he fears for the institution’s future.

Hughes, who spoke Wednesday at a Partnership for New York City event that also featured an address by New York Fed chief William Dudley, admitted his current perch is a “schizophrenic role.” The problem, as he sees it, is that many in the general public believe the Fed “does not work for them” and is instead a stooge for the financial sector.

Given the extraordinary interventions and bailouts the Fed has been involved in since late 2007, it’s not a crazy thought, the official allowed. But Hughes says by helping create stability on Wall Street, the Fed has in fact been “a system that’s worked very well” for the nation as a whole.

As congressional knives come out for the Fed, Hughes says “there is a real danger” that a misguided Congress, supported by an angry public and uninformed news media, will do something that “will change the Federal Reserve system in a way that will make it inefficient” in its role of creating stability. It’s possible that by the time Congress is done, the Fed could even be “irrelevant,” Hughes said.

Hughes’s appreciation of the Fed followed Dudley’s speech, in which the New York Fed president defended the central bank’s conduct during the financial crisis. Dudley also warned that congressional efforts that could see monetary policy making audited and banking supervisory activities moved out of the central bank could threaten the Fed’s ability to keep inflation low and growth moving higher.

Other participants in Wednesday’s event offered similar sentiments. From former Fed governor and current TIAA-CREF leader Roger Ferguson to insurer Metlife head C. Robert Henrikson and Sullivan & Cromwell’s H. Rodgin Cohen, all agreed that a paramount threat to the future of the financial system is the possibility that the Fed could be stripped of important and valuable powers by those who don’t see the good the institution can do.

Right now, the Fed’s fate is undecided. Financial reform efforts are shrouded in uncertainty. The vigor to pass auditing legislation has been surprising strong. The new year could prove a defining chapter in the Fed’s nearly century-long history.

Clearly, 2010 is poised to be the “year of 3D.” This includes movies, TV and maybe even “affordable” printers for small businesses. HP and Stratasys have teamed up to deliver a 3D printer that should cost less than $15,000.

“This is the boldest step we have seen so far in 3-D printing,” says Scott Summit, chief technology officer for Bespoke Innovations, a company that creates 3-D artifacts for medical use. “A lot of people want to do 3-D printing but it is a mysterious world. With HP embracing it, it is likely to demystify the idea to many consumers.”

“There are millions of 3-D designers using 2-D printers,” says Santiago Morera, vice president and general manager of HP’s large format printing business, in a statement. “Stratasys’ technology is the ideal platform for HP to enter the market and begin to capitalize on this untapped opportunity.”

There aren’t any specifics on the hardware or the price, but hobbyists and small businesses should be pretty excited about the future. In the meantime, your cheapest option for 3D printing continues to be the Makerbot. It’s certainly not as advanced as the HP printer promises to be, but a kit will only set you back $750. [Wired]