Yeey! Business

Freightliner's ecoFRED motorhome chassis now ready for orders

2009-12-11T20:51:00.003-08:00

Filed under: Hybrid, Daimler

Freightliner is now taking orders for its new ecoFred motorhome chassis, the first of its kind in the large RV market. The new chassis uses a Cummins 6.7-liter diesel inline-6 with an Eaton automated-manual transmission. In between the auto-clutch and the gearbox is a motor-generator that provides regenerative braking, auto-stop and electric drive capabilities. Electrical storage comes by way of a lithium ion battery pack although the capacity andSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Finding ways to cover innovation

2009-12-11T20:51:00.001-08:00

MediaShift’s Mark Glaser interviewed David Nordfors, who runs the Research Center for Innovation Journalism at Stanford, which seeks to find ways to help business and technology reporters cover innovation.

Here is an excerpt:

What was your impetus for starting the Innovation Journalism program?

Nordfors: We aren’t able to have a public discussion [about innovation] because journalism is organized in those same darn verticals as the rest of society. So you have oneSource: Talking Biz News RSS Feed

2011 Infiniti M wraps tons of tech in an attractive wrapper, hybrid coming in mid-2010

2009-12-02T21:11:00.001-08:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery
Take a look over Infiniti's current line-up and two vehicles stand out: The M and the QX. Both vehicles have been soldiering on while the brand's volume models (G and FX) have undergone major redesigns, leaving Infiniti's flagship sedan and hulking SUV toiling away unchanged since 2003 and 2004, respectively.
Tonight, that changes.
We'll probably see a mildly Source: Autoblog RSS Feed

Gartner Inc. Buys AMR Research for $64 million

2009-12-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

IT research firm Gartner, Inc. will buy supply chain research company ARM Research for $64 million in cash. Trading Markets has the wire:

The acquisition is expected to expand Gartner’s suite of research offerings and also complement its consulting and events business. AMR Research’s sales team is also expected to enhance Gartner’s ability to further penetrate the market opportunity for syndicated research.

Gartner CEO Gene Hall said, “AMR Research is an excellentSource: Business Pundit RSS Feed

Not-so-shocking admission: Zap kills Xebra, slows development of Alias

2009-12-01T20:41:00.003-08:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, USA

Our sleuthing colleagues over at The Truth About Cars have dissected electric car maker Zap's latest 10-Q filing, and they unearthed the following little tidbit: "The decrease of $1.5 million (in revenue) is primarily due to the phase out of our three wheeled Xebra vehicle with reduced selling prices."
We can't say that we're particularly shocked that Zap has found it difficult to continue moving its little three-wheeled XebraSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

U.S. Fiesta unveiled early by Ford Canada?

2009-12-01T20:41:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Ford, LA Auto Show, Green Daily

2011 Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec - Click above for image gallery
Did our friends in the great, frostbitten north just jump the gun by half a week and reveal the 2011 North American Ford Fiesta ahead of its upcoming LA Auto Show debut? Boy we kinda hope not. Well, specifically, we hope the the little five-door fire cracker we've come to know and love (largely thanks to the well-executed Fiesta Movement) doesn't get this new grille. It's by Source: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

High price for a hybrid: Lexus sets MSRP for LS 600h at $108,800

2009-11-29T23:03:00.003-08:00

Filed under: Hybrid, Lexus

2010 Lexus LS 600h - Click above for high-res image gallery
Lexus' LS 600h may look modest on the outside, but the 2010 version of the hybrid sedan will set you back a cool $108,000, plus an $875 delivery fee, when it arrives at dealerships soon. The flagship LS line was given a mid-cycle refresh earlier this year and the hybrid version was upgraded with the same ECO mode that boost efficiency and can also be found on the 2010 Prius for aSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Bring the Noise: Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps reportedly safe... for now

2009-11-29T23:03:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Government/Legal

Following earlier news that the Donington track, which was supposed to take over the British Grand Prix in lieu of Silverstone, had to declare bankruptcy comes a reversal of fortune for the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The longtime host of the Belgian Grand Prix looked to be in serious trouble with local authorities when nearby residents got fed up with the noise emanating from the track. Government officials threatened to shutSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

Pittman, Bloomberg reporter, dies

2009-11-28T16:21:00.003-08:00

Mark Pittman, the award-winning investigative reporter whose fight to open the Federal Reserve to more scrutiny led Bloomberg News to sue the central bank and win, died on Wednesday, according to a Bloomberg story. He was 52.

Bob Ivry writes, “A former police-beat reporter who joined Bloomberg News in 1997, Pittman wrote stories in 2007 predicting the collapse of the banking system. That year, he won the Gerald Loeb Award from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, the highestSource: Talking Biz News RSS Feed

Chevron staging a comeback with new GR8

2009-11-28T16:21:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, UK, Specialty, MISC

The history of the British automobile is littered with dozens upon dozens of small, independent cottage-industry automakers. Names like Lotus, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Land Rover have stood the test of time. And in recent years companies like Ascari, McLaren Automotive and Ariel have sprung up to join the fold. (Heck, Lee Noble's been responsible for half of them.) But for every newSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

BlackBerry Master Control Program 0.9.2.0 released

2009-11-25T17:57:00.003-08:00

BlackBerry Master Control is an app that sits on your PC and allows you to take screenshots, set the device time, turn the radio/on off, recover memory, gather information, view/clear event logs, display modules, gather module information, create ALX/JAD files, backup and restore third party applications, (Advanced) handheld wipe (all 3 types), factory reset, load, save and erase modules. The application also lets you keep multiple OSs on your PC, whereas RIM says you need to delete themSource: BlackBerryCool RSS Feed

REPORT: China's Changan delays plan to enter North American auto market

2009-11-25T17:57:00.001-08:00

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials

Changan is coming to America, just not yet. Aiming to establish a base in Mexico with which to move into the U.S. market, the Chinese automaker signed a deal last year to build a plant south of the border. The familiar story of planetary financial catastrophe has encouraged Changan to tap the brakes on its plans, however.
Said the company's R&D head to Reuters, "We are still doing market research there. There Source: Autoblog RSS Feed

REPORT: Toyota forced to submit data on Tundra frame rust to NHTSA

2009-11-23T13:26:00.003-08:00

Filed under: Truck, Safety, Toyota

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began a preliminary evaluation last month of rusting Tundra frames from the 2000 and 2001 model years. Around 200 complaints had been registered before the NHTSA commenced its investigation, with upwards of seventy more complaints coming in since then.
As with the rusting Tacoma frames, the Tundra members in question were made by Dana. Importantly, though, the Tundra examination Source: Autoblog RSS Feed

Transformers Watches Are A Modern Tribute To Kronoforms

2009-11-23T13:26:00.001-08:00

By Andrew Liszewski

In terms of transformability, these new Transformers watches aren’t that far off from the Kronoforms that helped make the 80’s as awesome as they were. But I don’t think today’s kids will even give them a second look since all they’re really getting is a basic robot toy and an even more basic LCD clock. No sound effects, no rocket launchers, no LEDs and no websites to interact with. Yeesh! When I was a kid we didn’t have… well you know how itSource: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

Stay-At-Home Mom Turned iPhone App Guru

2009-11-19T14:29:00.001-08:00

Cincinnati.com:

Move over Chad Ochocinco. There’s a new iPhone sheriff in town – a stay-at-home mom of six who has taught herself how to program applications herself.

Now, Crysta Pleatman has successfully launched eight applications for Apple’s and AT&T’s popular device, with more on the way.

“This was just so new when it launched that I felt I had to be a part of it,” says the energetic 39-year-old. “I had been looking to get back into the working world andSource: Business Opportunities Weblog RSS Feed

U.S., China announce new Electric Vehicles Initiative

2009-11-19T14:28:00.001-08:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, China, USA

2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery
You'll be forgiven if all you know about President Obama's recent trip to Asia was that he bowed (ZOMG!) to the Japanese Emperor, but we have to ask you to stop watching so much cable TV news. Things of substance happened during the trip, too, and one of them (hopefully) is a new Electric Vehicles Initiative that the U.S. and China will work together on.
TheSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

When In Doubt, Ask About A Discount.

2009-11-18T14:00:00.003-08:00

As you know by now, I just finished a move to Denver, Colorado. And because I moved into a new place, there are a few things I needed to buy to make it more like “home”. I have been checking out a few stores looking for these items, and one thing I have done in every single one of them is to ask if what I am buying is going on sale anytime soon. With the holidays coming up, most stores will be cutting prices, so I wanted to make sure that what I wanted wasn’t going to be advertised nextSource: My Two Dollars RSS Feed

Leftist Blood-Curdling Scream Alert: CMPA Reports That Fox Is Fair and Balanced

2009-11-18T14:00:00.001-08:00

Leftists including those in the White House who presumptively and obsessively attack Fox News will not be pleased with this.

At Forbes (HT Hot Air Headlines), S. Robert Lichter of George Mason University’s Center for Media and Public Affairs, asks the question, “Fox News: Fair And Balanced?” — and answers in the affirmative. In the process, the GMU Professor of Communications also makes a number of interesting points about Fox’s competitors, discusses the convergence ofSource: BizzyBlog RSS Feed

Coda unveils new website, company blog for the "practical revolution"

2009-11-14T21:10:00.003-08:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Coda Automotive

When we saw the Coda Automotive promotion team during the AltCar Expo last month, most of the participants were wearing (and giving away) T-shirts labeled "End Dependence Day" (there was also at least one bad sunburn). The idea they were trying to give out was that the company's fairly normal-looking sedan holds within it a lot of potential. Coda's new website, unveiled yesterday, takes the "practical revolution" message from the shirts Source: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Etch A Sketch Freestyle – Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!

2009-11-14T21:10:00.001-08:00

By Andrew Liszewski

What the crap is this?! Another attempt to modernize the Etch A Sketch? Please listen to me Ohio Art, the Etch A Sketch is a classic toy with a simple concept that has made it popular for almost 40 years! We actually like the limitations imposed by drawing with two dials.

Sure the new single controller knob on the Freestyle allows you draw loops and curves that aren’t horribly aliased, but that’s the charm of the original Etch A Sketch! It wasSource: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

Lotus reportedly gives the go-ahead to Esprit replacement

2009-11-12T14:04:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus, Luxury

We have liftoff on the next Lotus Esprit. Finally. Scuttlebutt at the beginning of the year suggested it was taking so long because Lotus was pondering some sort of hybrid system for the car. More recently the talk has turned to three specimens from Toyota's book of engines, including the Lexus LFA's V10, and the word "hybrid" disappeared.
It's the V10 that interests us here, because Lotus is planning for the new Esprit --Source: Autoblog RSS Feed

Arcade Fire: Sega Outrun console being turned into driveable car [w/VIDEO]

2009-11-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Sega Outrun GPS video arcade console scooter -- Click above to view the video after the jump

When we hear the phrase "contemporary artist" we usually say, "Just show us what you're doing because there's little chance we'll understand rationale." Garnet Hertz, the artist in question, is combining a Sega Outrun arcade console with an EVT America Electric Trike (a three-wheeled scooter), an iPhone, and custom GPS software. The result will be aSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

OhGizmo! Review – LUXA2 H1-Touch

2009-11-11T21:58:00.002-08:00

By Chris Scott Barr

If you’ve looked at PC cases, power supplies and cooling systems, there’s a good chance that you’re familiar with the name Thermaltake. However, you may not recognize their new brand, LUXA2. The LUXA2 brand features products that keep simplicity, luxury and unique designs in mind. I’ve had the opportunity to check out one of their first offerings, the H1-Touch.

The H1-Touch is very simply a holder for your mobile phone. Specifically, it is aimed atSource: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

Economist's Notebook: Is Portland Really a Safe Walking City?

2009-11-11T21:58:00.001-08:00

The Oregonian reports on the Transportation for American and Surface Transportation Policy Partnership's report on the safest walking cities in America. Portland was #9, but is it really a safe walking city?
Perhaps, but the methodology is seriously flawed and clearly designed to make a political point and not provide meaningful data. The way they compiled the ranking was to divide the number of pedestrian deaths divided by the number of people who walk to work. What you wouldSource: The Oregon Economics RSS Feed

Renault announces 2011 production of all-electric Kangoo van

2009-11-10T21:43:00.001-08:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Renault, Europe/EU

Kangoo be bop Z.E. - Click above for high-res image gallery
Last week, Renault announced it will build the Twizy EV in Spain starting in 2011 and plug-in vehicle batteries and the Zoe Z.E. in France in 2012. But Renault's push to bring electric cars to market soon don't stop there, they've got a trinity to complete. Today, Renault said it build the all-electric Kangoo Van in early 2011 in Northern France. The Kangoo will be built atSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Oklahomans battling over the cost of NEVs. Should they be free?

2009-11-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle), USA

Wheego Whip - click above for high-res image gallery
Low-speed, neighborhood electric vehicles are an interesting case. No one thinks of them as "real cars" - although the Wheego Whip, above, tries to be the Cadillac of NEVs - but they certainly serve a purpose and can meet the transportation needs of some people, some of the time. But, should they be free?
Keith Andrews, president Source: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Mo' Money, Fewer Problems: Can Raikkonen earn more by not racing?

2009-11-09T15:30:00.003-08:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

If you scoffed at the notion that unionized auto workers were being paid not to work, you're going to love this one: According to reports emerging from Europe, Kimi Raikkonen could stand to make more money next year if he doesn't race than if he does.
The bizarre circumstance comes down to the terms of his departure from Scuderia Ferrari. Kimi was reportedly offered a whopping 17 million euros in order to make room for an Source: Autoblog RSS Feed

Audi S8 spy shots

2009-11-09T15:30:00.001-08:00

These Audi S8 spy shots are from Autogespot reader, Michael Biro, and show the new sporty S8 testing in the Austrian mountains. The Audi A8 will be replaced by a new model, substituting the V10 engine for possibly an aspirated V8 with about 450 hp. Audi should also produce a lighter and more economical version for the future.

The S8 shown here has classic Audi design, with a few changes to the grill, sportier bumpers, a new set of alloys and a redesigned exhaust. The newSource: EuroCarBlog RSS Feed

Insider Trading Case: Options Action a Ticket to ‘Big House’

2009-11-06T23:53:00.001-08:00

One of the subjects of the new insider trading charges levied by prosecutors today warned in an intercepted phone call that unusual options activity ahead of deal announcements might be “a ticket right to the [expletive] big house.”

That snippet of an intercepted phone call from February 2008 was included as part of the criminal complaints filed by prosecutors in New York. On either end of the line was Zvi Goffer and Jason Goldfarb, an attorney who allegedly got information andSource: MarketBeat RSS Feed

Aston Martin Rapide new pics

2009-11-06T23:53:00.000-08:00

The Aston Martin Rapide is lovely, there’s no doubt about it, and this new Rapide gallery shows the Aston four-door in all its detail. While there are some murmurings about the lack of practicality of the rear doors for eventual rear passengers, find me the family who’s using it as their daily car and then I’ll be worried.

The Rapide is equipped with a V12 engine with 470 hp and if you want to see it in action, check out the video of the Rapide on the Stelvio Pass.Source: EuroCarBlog RSS Feed

Chrysler to cut weight of next-gen Jeep Liberty by 600 pounds!

2009-11-05T11:52:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Chrysler, Lightweight

The Jeep Liberty is not a particularly large vehicle, but Chrysler engineers managed to pack a lot of mass into it nonetheless. The current Liberty weighs in at nearly 4,300 pounds! At the Chrysler business plan meeting today, product development SVP Scott Kunselman revealed that aerodynamics and weight reduction will be a big part of all future vehicles. Using modern computer design tools and lighter materials the company plans to pare large Source: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

R1 Radio Is Controlled By Rolling

2009-11-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

By Evan Ackerman

On Monday we posted about the Q2 radio, which you control by rocking it back and forth. And today, we’ve got the R1 radio, which you control by rolling it back and forth. So, they’re radios. And they rock and roll. How could we possibly justify not posting about them? I mean, the potential for terrible puns or something is just enormous! Or it would be, if these were somehow combined into one incredibly awesome radio. But sadly, the R1 isn’t even a real productSource: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

REPORT: BMW builds E34 M5 Convertible, keeps it secret for 20 long years

2009-10-30T19:49:00.002-07:00

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Europe, BMW

BMW E34 M5 Convertible - Click above image for high-res gallery
Amongst M Division cognoscenti there rages an eternal debate concerning what's the best ever BMW M car. To the casual Bavarian-enthusiast the answer is quite simple: E39 M5. However, strong cases can be made for both the E30 M3 and the OG E28 M5, which featured the M1's race-bred 3.5-liter straight-six. In fact, there's a whole subculture of folks thatSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

New animated BlackBerry theme Waterfall

2009-10-30T19:49:00.001-07:00

The latest theme from Bplay is looking very nice. It’s an animated theme called Waterfall that features running water and a tropical bird flying around your homescreen.

Also, remember how we posted saying that OS 5 is breaking themes? Well Bplay are now including a warning message on their themes saying: “IMPORTANT NOTICE: Themes may not function properly on BlackBerry Storm 9500 and 9530 devices that have upgraded to BlackBerry OS 5.0.”

Hopefully this gets resolvedSource: BlackBerryCool RSS Feed

Bright Automotive announces eSolutions, army plug-in hybrid contract

2009-10-29T20:01:00.003-07:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Bright Automotive

Bright IDEA PHEV - Click above for high-res image gallery
Bright Automotive is proud of the work they've done on the IDEA van, but the company has always intended to make the vehicle just one method of bringing greener transportation to the masses. As we learned from Bright's VP Corporate Strategy, Michael Brylawski, the company will also offer plug-in hybrid conversions and, this week, Bright announced Bright eSolutions, Source: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Is Venture Capital a Form of Private Equity, Or Vice Versa?

2009-10-29T20:01:00.001-07:00

The Private Equiteer submits:

A recent reader asked, why do I keep differentiating between private equity and venture capital, especially if venture capital is just a form of private equity. Well, in the strict sense, venture capital is private and it is often structured as equity, ergo, venture capital is private equity. (With that same definition, a $100 investment into a friend’s lemonade stall may also qualify as private equity.)

However, when I refer to private equity, Source: Seeking Alpha RSS Feed

Asus’ New ESC 1000 Is A Desktop Supercomputer

2009-10-27T21:25:00.003-07:00

By Andrew Liszewski

The company that introduced the world to the netbook with their EEE is now introducing a system at the other end of the performance spectrum.

The Asus ESC 1000 is essentially a desktop supercomputer with a speed of 1.1 teraflops thanks to a 3.3 GHz Intel LGA1366 Xeon W3580 server processor, 960 cores inside three Nvidia Tesla c1060 graphics processing cards coupled with a Quadro FX5800 GPU. The system also includes 24GB of DDR3 1333 MHz RAM, a 500GB SATA II Source: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

Moms Take A Leap With Food Business

2009-10-27T21:25:00.001-07:00

MyCentralJersey.com:

The blip in the economy didn’t stop two friends — Pinky Kaur and Charan Singh — from plunging into the restaurant business and opening a Panchero’s Mexican Grill on Sept. 15.

Singh, a former human resource specialist and stay-at-home-mom, and Kaur, an advertising representative for IndiaPost newspaper, have been friends for more than four years.

“I started a business because I wanted to secure my kids’ future,” said Kaur, a mother ofSource: Business Opportunities Weblog RSS Feed

Quick Spin: Myers Motors NmG - redefining fast and small for the future

2009-10-26T13:44:00.001-07:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Green Daily, Business of Plugging In

Meyers Motors NmG - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's ironic that the NmG we got to take for a spin during the Business of Plugging In conference in Detroit last week might be the last one-seater that Myers Motors ever makes. The company is getting ready to focus on building the NMG2, a wider, more practical version of the easily-identifiable all-electric NmG. Since theSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Honda Racing finally puts NSX out to pasture as SuperGT tweaks regs

2009-10-26T13:43:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Japan, Honda, Specialty

The Honda/Acura NSX has had a good run. The mid-engine supercar developed with input from the legendary Ayrton Senna first hit the market in 1990 and didn't cease production until 2005, giving it one of the longest production runs in the business. But even after Honda stopped selling the NSX, it was still being campaigned in Japan's SuperGT racing series. No more, says Honda, as the 2010 regulations switch exclusively to the useSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

The internal battle at Bloomberg

2009-10-21T15:06:00.003-07:00

Jeff Bercovici of DailyFinance.com writes about the greater significance of Bloomberg’s proposed acquisition of BusinessWeek — the internal machinations at Bloomberg over strategy.

Bercovici writes, “But the significance of the purchase is much larger than the numbers would suggest — even if Bloomberg insiders aren’t sure yet exactly what that significance is. One thing they do know is it signals a victory for that faction of the management hierarchy that thinks BloombergSource: Talking Biz News RSS Feed

Fancy an eRoll-up or a bit of Nookie?

2009-10-21T15:06:00.001-07:00

Lately it feels like you turn your back for a minute and up pops another ebook reader and today is no exception.
AUO have announced a 6” flexible e-paper display which is claimed to be unbreakable and uses Sipix Microcup technology to enable the screen to be bent like real paper and display 16 levels of grayscale with 33% reflectance and a 9:1 contrast ration. Some impressive facts if you wish to bend it as you read it!
They have also announce the first 20” EDPSource: Booksellers Association RSS Feed

Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID Awarded TUV Sud Environmental Certificate

2009-10-20T12:40:00.003-07:00

Following in the tradition of its non-hybrid S-Class brethren, the new Mercedes S400 HYBRID has been awarded an environmental certificate by the technical inspection authority TÃV SÃ¼d. Other Mercedes models that have received the award include the A-, B-, C-, E- and GLK-Class models. To arrive at their final decision, technical inspection authority TÃV examined more than 40,000 individual processes, all of which helped went towards the construction of an eco-profile for the model. InSource: eMercedesBenz RSS Feed

Tokyo Preview: Toyota Mark X enters second generation

2009-10-20T12:40:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

2010 Toyota Mark X - Click above for high-res image gallery
Here in the U.S., if you want a rear-wheel drive sedan from Toyota, you'll have to buy a Lexus. That's not the case in Japan. There the motor buying public can opt for the Mark X, the second generation of which will be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show this week. Based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as our own Lexus GS, the new Mark X gets a redesigned exterior Source: Autoblog RSS Feed

Txtr eBook due for a December debut

2009-10-19T17:29:00.001-07:00

Txtr eBook due for a December debut

Txtr, a new eBook was just announced at a book fair in Germany. It has the same name than the company making it, and should be in retail in Germany in December. Unfortunately, this eBook will cost almost $500, which is way more than the 6' Kindle. On the technical side, content can be uploaded to Txtr via USB, WIFI or proprietary short-range wireless protocol. In the meantime, the Kindle will land in Germany next week. Good luckSource: Technopress RSS Feed

Kansas newspapers calls for end to ethanol subsidy

2009-10-19T17:29:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Ethanol, Legislation and Policy

It's no secret that ethanol is a controversial fuel. There are numerous arguments against the use of corn-derived alcohol as a fuel, both economic and environmental. The federal and some state governments have been subsidizing corn ethanol production for many years, but the 2007 energy bill mandated a huge increase in production of both corn and cellulosic ethanol.
The subsidies were intended to be a carrot to stimulateSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

VIDEO: Vette versus Impreza at the scariest track day ever

2009-10-17T17:01:00.003-07:00

Filed under: Videos

Click above to view the video after the jump
We know two things about this video: 1) The in-car camera is mounted to a Subaru Impreza WRX modified by Canadian tuners Lachute Performance and 2) We've thankfully never been to a track day like this.
From what we can tell, the Lachute crew is drawing a bead on one of the Corvettes and right around the four-minute mark (after several scary passes and slides), the Impreza gets clipped by one of Chevy'sSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

Real Soccer Stadiums Have Grass Surfaces

2009-10-17T17:01:00.001-07:00

The New York Times' Goal blog has the this story on the installation of the natural grass field at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, future home of the MLS New York Red Bulls.
How can they possibly make it work in such a climate?!? They are installing a SubAir system that helps control the moisture in the turf and can keep it warm as well in freezing temperatures. It is what the Broncos use in Denver and has been installed in the beautiful grass fields at the new MLS stadiums in Salt Source: The Oregon Economics RSS Feed

H2 Olympics power: BC Transit gets first fuel cell bus with Ballard stack

2009-10-13T20:04:00.003-07:00

Filed under: Hydrogen

Over two years ago, we first learned the British Columbia Transit was planning to acquire 20 fuel cell-powered buses for use in the Whistler area ahead of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The first of those buses was recently delivered to the transit company with the rest arriving over the coming weeks and months. The 20 bus-fleet will be the single largest deployment of hydrogen-fueled buses in the world. The buses are built on chassis supplied by ISESource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Fiat-Chrysler electric car confirmed

2009-10-13T20:04:00.001-07:00

The Fiat-Chrysler alliance is working on a joint electric car, making use of Chrysler’s know-how in electric engine technology. The news has been confirmed by Alfredo Altavilla from Chrysler, and is the first open recognition of the project.

Fiat will officially present its plans for the future of the Fiat-Chrysler partnership on November 4th, when hopefully we will have full knowledge of the Fiat group models headed for the US, and an idea of how the electric car willSource: EuroCarBlog RSS Feed

Should the Markets Get Giddy When the Dollar Weakens?

2009-10-07T19:29:00.003-07:00

Here’s an interesting snippet we found in the bowels of Tom Lauricella’s nice Journal piece focusing on yesterday’s market action:

Over the long term, a declining dollar is usually a negative for U.S. markets, because it makes them less attractive to foreign investors and drives up inflation by making imports more expensive. In the short term, as seen in Tuesday’s markets, the dollar’s decline has been giving a lift to U.S. stocks. In part that’s because it helps inflateSource: MarketBeat RSS Feed

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 caught playing in the rain

2009-10-07T19:29:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The car that authored the "four-door-coupe" terminology - and a great deal of Internet debate and dictionary definition checking - will introduce its second act toward the end of 2011. Unsurprisingly, the new model (which is expected to wear a 2011 designation), will look much like the current model. That's the way it goes with genre-defining things most of the time.
Perhaps it is just our eyes, but in the spySource: Autoblog RSS Feed

Vectrix officially files for bankruptcy, plans to stay in business

2009-09-30T21:25:00.001-07:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, On Two Wheels, Vectrix

Vectrix scooter - Click above for high-res image gallery
Vectrix has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Much like what recently took place with General Motors and Chrysler, the old company will be purchased by an entity called New Vectrix LLC in relatively short order unless another interested party comes along and presents a better offer to the bankruptcy judge. Production of theSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

From the Prancing Horse's Mouth: Montezemolo reportedly confirms Ferrari 458 Spider

2009-09-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Ferrari

Ferrari 458 Spider rendered by Jon Sibal - Click above for high-res image
Ever since the introduction of the 348 Spider back in 1993 and on through the 355 Spider, 360 Spider and F430 Spider - to say nothing of the targa variants that came before - Ferrari has always produced droptop versions of its mid-engine V8 supercars. So it should come as no great surprise that Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has reportedly confirmed theSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

The Split Ring Key

2009-09-23T21:09:00.003-07:00

Gadget Lab:

Scott Amron, friend of Gadget Lab and serial-innovator, has come up with yet another why-didn’t-I-think-of-that invention: The rather painful sounding Split-Ring Key-Blank.

The key blank, which can be taken to your locksmith and cut to fit your locks, incorporates its own keyring: Instead of a tiny hole, you get a more-or-less standard split-ring, the kind found on most keyfobs. Yes, the idea is great, and you only need one per bunch as you can slip on allSource: Business Opportunities Weblog RSS Feed

BlackBerry Instant Messenger clients updated to 2.5

2009-09-23T21:09:00.001-07:00

RIM is on an updating roll bringing all the IM clients to 2.5 with some new features. Apart from being OS 5.0-compatible, the new clients feature deeper integration with BlackBerry address book contacts, conversation search function, and better emoticon selection.

There is also a new feature that allows you to save a favorite contact as a home screen icon for even faster navigation.

Grab the latest version of your favorite flavor IM client:

Yahoo! Messenger

GoogleSource: BlackBerryCool RSS Feed

Backyard Bizs Find Niche Market

2009-09-22T23:23:00.003-07:00

The Salt Lake Tribune:

Adam de Havenos didn’t know much about gardening when he moved to Utah from New York City, but it seemed a shame to let the small plot in the backyard of his Sugar House dwelling become weed infested.

The 31-year-old neurology resident didn’t have much time to spare, so this summer he hired a company to plant and care for his 5-by-10-foot garden. These days when de Havenos gets home from his job at the University of Utah Hospital, Source: Business Opportunities Weblog RSS Feed

AIG Shares: Still Not Worth Anything.

2009-09-22T23:23:00.001-07:00

GAO

Frequent MarketBeat readers know we love pointing out that shares of a certain government-controlled insurance giant are likely worth little-to-pretty-much-squat.

Citigroup said it. Credit Suisse said it. S&P said it.

Of course, plenty of the people who are buying these shares don’t really care if the company has any value. They care about being able to sell them to someone willing to buy the stock for a higher price. And it seemed like they wereSource: MarketBeat RSS Feed

About Dell's Purchase of Perot Systems

2009-09-22T12:19:00.001-07:00

Yesterday morning's big corporate news was Michael Dell's computer making company buying Perot Systems. For a hefty $30/share, a hefty premium to the $17 or so Perot closed at on Friday. A price the consultant/system integrator hasn't seen in ten years!
I'm sure Dell shareholders are thanking Michael profusely for squandering their money so unwisely.

I happened to have lunch with my friend and former/sometimes business partner, B. He noted that all of Ross Perot's companies Source: The Reasoned Sceptic RSS Feed

Onkyo HT-RC180

2009-09-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

Onkyo HT-RC180

Onkyo has a well-earned reputation for building A/V receivers with fabulous price/performance ratios, and at first glance, the feature-laden HT-RC180 looks to be no exception. But we can’t recommend this 7.2-channel receiver to anyone who owns a home theater PC or an older DVD-Audio player because the HT-RC180 lacks the multi-channel analog inputs needed to establish a proper audio connection with those devices.
Strangely, we can’t understand theSource: Technopress RSS Feed

Vodafone - Ever More Two-Sided Strategy!

2009-09-18T20:31:00.003-07:00

Here’s a fascinating slide from Vodafone CEO Vittorio Colao’s presentation to a Goldman Sachs investors’ conference in New York this week. Note that Vodafone’s future strategy seems to be getting more and more Telco 2.0 - they want “efficient pipes”, i.e. a broadband network that’s cheap to run in the radio, transport, and core elements, “smart pipes” as wholesale services, and top-level products for the consumer market.

The first is a prerequisite ofSource: Telco 2.0 RSS Feed

“EmeryCat” Invention Does Double Duty

2009-09-18T20:31:00.001-07:00

USA TODAY:

Necessity is the mother of invention. We’ve all heard that old saw. Maybe half believed it, maybe not.

Evidence of its truth is at hand: in the form of Michael Diep.

The cat-loving business consultant couldn’t face taking his brother’s two cats to the vet every couple of weeks for pedicures in order to prevent shred-jobs on the expensive furniture while he was presiding as pet sitter.

The very idea of those tripsSource: Business Opportunities Weblog RSS Feed

WSJ.com to launch live twice-a-day Webcast on Thursday

2009-09-16T21:36:00.002-07:00

TALKING BIZ NEWS EXCLUSIVE

The Wall Street Journal’s Web site is expected to launch on Thursday a twice-a-day Webcast called “The News Hub” that will air at 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

WSJ.com executive editor Alan Murray, in an e-mail to the staff, writes, “The show will be webcast from the 6th floor news hub, and will bring together reporters, columnists and editors from the Journal, Newswires, MarketWatch and Barron’s, to talk about the top news stories ofSource: Talking Biz News RSS Feed

Lotus Evora Type 124 pics from the Frankfurt motor show

2009-09-16T21:36:00.001-07:00

The Lotus Evora Type 124 is the star of the Lotus stand at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, although the Elise and Exige Cup model year 2010 were also on display. The track-prepared Evora is equipped with the V6 3.5-litre from Toyota with more than 400 hp. Weight has been reduced, though, by 200 kg to keep to 1,200 kg overall. The coupe is equipped with a 120-litre capacity fuel tank so that it can compete in the 24-hour Sepang, Silverstone, Nurburgring and DubaiSource: EuroCarBlog RSS Feed

UberTwitter goes Beta 5 with TweetPhoto and bug fixes

2009-09-15T22:56:00.001-07:00

UberTwitter is a great Twitter client that is now in Beta 5. The latest build integrates TweetPhoto, allowing you to now send both picture and video from your device to the Twittersphere.

The latest version of UberTwitter also comes with the requisite bug fixes and application stabilization. Beta 5 will utilize TweetPhoto’s uploading, voting, favoriting, commenting and geo-tagging feature-sets. The app will also allow users to view all photos they have uploaded,Source: BlackBerryCool RSS Feed

Frankfurt Preview: Renault shows off Fluence Zero Emissions Concept

2009-09-14T22:24:00.003-07:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Renault, Alternative Fuel

Renault Fluence Zero Emissions Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Renault Fluence is the model that is replacing the Megane sedan this year. The Megane, of course, is the vehicle that the Renault-Nissan Alliance is using to test Better Place's battery swap technology. Put these two facts together and it's no surprise that Renault is bringing the Fluence Zero Emissions Concept to Source: Autoblog RSS Feed

Fiat announces new dual fuel natural gas Qubo Natural Power MPV

2009-09-14T22:24:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fiat, Natural Gas

Fiat Qubo Natural Power - Click above for high res image gallery
Fiat is launching a new dual-fueled version of its Qubo van in Europe that can run on gasoline or compressed natural gas. The Qubo Natural Power is propelled by a 70 hp, 1.4-liter engine that should give the van leisurely performance. The new Qubo is intended primarily for use in urban areas where the cleaner-burning methane fuel will provide the greatest advantage. CarbonSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

REPORT: Electric Chevy Spark to get its fire from....Reva?

2009-09-12T19:23:00.003-07:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, GM, India

2010 Chevy Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery
Reva, the little electric car company from India whose product has withstood ridicule from the likes of automotive entertainer Jeremy Clarkson seems to be working very hard of late to turn those jeers into cheers. Not only will they be showing off two new models with fancy telematic systems and a "wireless charging" set up in Frankfurt next week but now comes news they may beSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Beeronomics Update: Hoppin' It Up in Hood River

2009-09-12T19:23:00.001-07:00

I got a note from the good folks at the Hood River Chamber that the Hood River Hops Fest has a website with loads of information. From the website:
Featured breweries again will include Gorge favorites such as Double Mountain Brewery, Full Sail Brewing, Big Horse, Elliot Glacier, Walking Man and Mt. Hood Brewing. Oh yum. Plus, if you go, you'll also be able to enjoy the delights that await you at the Double Mountain Taproom and the Full Sail Pub if you want some more Killer Green Source: The Oregon Economics RSS Feed

REPORT: Subaru considering using more CVTs

2009-09-09T21:24:00.003-07:00

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for a high-res image gallery
The 2010 Legacy will be the most fuel efficient Subaru in the Japanese automaker's US lineup, but only when it's powered by the 2.5i boxer engine mated to a CVT transmission. According to the EPA, that powertrain returns 31 mpg on the highway, a full four mpg better than the six-speed manual. With fuel economy standards set to climb over the next decade, Subaru is going to need moreSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

Lenovo Releases New ThinkPad USB Keyboard

2009-09-09T21:24:00.001-07:00

By Chris Scott Barr

I spend a lot of time typing, so having a keyboard that’s comfortable is really important. When I’m on the road, I don’t generally mind typing on my MacBook, but only for short periods. If I’m going to be writing anything of great length, I’m going to prefer a desktop keyboard every time. It’s for that reason that I’m surprised to find that Lenovo makes an external keyboard that’s modeled after their notebookSource: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

iRiver VR-1 W/ Linear PCM Recording Announced

2009-09-07T17:44:00.003-07:00

iRiver VR-1 W/ Linear PCM Recording Announced

For your next voice recorder, you might want to take a look at what iRiver has to offer. The VR-1 is a Linear PCM recorder coming with 2GB or 4GB of internal storage. It also plays MP3 music and FM. The iRiver VR-1 promises optimum recording against a noisy background and also supports voice prompts. It measures 34.6 x 98 x 17.4mm and weighs 46 grams, supposedly including the 2 AAA batteries. No pricing yet or date ofSource: Technopress RSS Feed

Subscriptions up for WSJ Asia

2009-09-07T17:44:00.001-07:00

Circulation of the Wall Street Journal Asia daily jumped 6.3 percent in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2008, according to an Editor & Publisher story.

The story states, “The circulation gain was fueled mainly by what Dow Jones called a ’substantial increase in subscriptions, with particularly significant growth in Hong Kong, India, Malaysia and Taiwan.’

“Average daily circulation rose to 85,822 in the period between January to Source: Talking Biz News RSS Feed

Oil age celebrates 150th birthday, death urged

2009-09-01T23:33:00.003-07:00

Filed under: Etc.

It has now been 150 years since Edwin Drake first successfully struck oil in Titusville, Pennsylvania and, while it certainly wasn't the first well created (the earliest known dates back to 347 AD in China), that discovery is marked by many as the beginning of the oil age. As that original production of 25 barrels a day has grown to 85 million worldwide, the end of the oil age is being urged for in a piece published in the Houston Chronicle, the paper ofSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Nintendo Announces Black Wiimote Bundle

2009-09-01T23:33:00.001-07:00

By Andrew Liszewski

Throughout their lifespans the Nintendo 64 and the Gamecube came in a variety of different colors, and if I remember correctly, the Cube was even available in black or purple right at launch. But the Wii has been a different story. Since it launched everyone has had to settle for a white console, though that limitation clearly hasn’t had much impact on its sales. But there is hope that the Wii might eventually get a splash of color.

Source: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

Hubless Clock

2009-08-31T20:37:00.003-07:00

By Andrew Liszewski

Ooh! Another minimalist clock design. This time it’s by Petter Knudsen who has a design studio in Bergen, Norway. While it doesn’t appear to be available for sale, his Hubless Clock features a set of inner and outer tabs that rotate around the circumference of the clock’s ‘face’ instead of hands. Unfortunately his website’s a bit vague when it comes to the mechanics of how the clock actually works, or if it even does work, but it’s stillSource: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

New Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell Gets Ready For Series Production

2009-08-31T20:37:00.001-07:00

Mercedes-Benz is launching its first series-produced fuel cell car on the road: the new B-Class F-CELL. The environmentally friendly electric car has better a performance similar to than a 2,0-litre petrol car and is fully suited for everyday driving. The zero-emission drive system consumes the equivalent of 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). Production of the B-Class F-CELL will commence in late 2009 with a small lot. The first ofSource: eMercedesBenz RSS Feed

MSI's AMD-powered U210 up for pre-order, still not 'official'

2009-08-30T12:50:00.003-07:00

MSI's AMD-powered U210 up for pre-order, still not 'official'

Who needs press releases? You can snap up an MSI U210 pre-order right this second on Amazon, so why bother waiting MSI to actually confirm the thing for a Stateside release? Morality. That's why. Kids these days think they can just drop $430 on any old Athlon Neo MV-40-powered (the same chips at the heart of HP's dv2) 12-inch XGA ultraportable with 2GB of RAM and a 250GB HDD and 802.11n and not have to pay theSource: Technopress RSS Feed

Frankfurt Preview: Saab 9-5 wil come with five engine options

2009-08-30T12:50:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Diesel, Ethanol, Saab, Frankfurt Motor Show

New Saab 9-5 sedan - Click above for hi-res image gallery
The new Saab 9-5 sedan that's coming to the Frankfurt Motor Show in a few weeks features a lot of snazzy interior upgrades - heads-up display, adaptive cruise control and lighting and tri-zone air conditioning, to name just three - but will also be offered with a range of engine options to fit every type of Saab buyer. The powerplants include: 2.0-literSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Citigroup's Recent Performance

2009-08-28T20:33:00.001-07:00

I recently witnessed a discussion of Citigroup's recent total return, and whether it was now a legitimate investment vehicle. I can't recall the exact timeframe, but the price change cited was something like +300% or more. Being curious, I produced the nearby Yahoo-sourced price charts for the ailing, government-owned bank and the S&P500 Index prices for the past 6 months and 2 years.
For the former, Citi's return looks to have been about +150% since early April. From the 2-year chart,Source: The Reasoned Sceptic RSS Feed

Hercules Announces New 720p Webcam

2009-08-28T20:32:00.001-07:00

By Chris Scott Barr

I recall just a few short years ago that webcams were these little balls that sat on your desk and recorded fuzzy video at low frame rates. They weren’t really good for much, other than choppy video conversations with long-distance friends thanks to slow internet connections. However, with faster internet speeds, and the immense popularity of YouTube, webcams are quickly catching up with the times. This new Dualpix HD 720p cam from Hercules Source: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

Tac Bac – Tactical Canned Bacon

2009-08-27T21:11:00.003-07:00

By Chris Scott Barr

So lets say that you’re out on some covert operation in the wild, and you’re craving bacon. We’ll also assume that you’re in an area that’s devoid of pigs. Unfortunately without a freezer, or access to one, most people would be out of luck. But not you, you’re much more resourceful than that. You’ve got Tactical Bacon.

Yes my friend, the bacon that you know and love now comes in a convenient can that does not needSource: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

XM SkyDock Turns Your iPhone Into A Satellite Radio Receiver

2009-08-27T21:11:00.001-07:00

By Chris Scott Barr

I haven’t jumped on the satellite radio bandwagon, mostly because I’m happy with just hooking up my iPhone and listening to my collection of tunes. However, for those that aren’t content to listen to their iTunes collection in the car, you might be interested in this XM SkyDock, which turns your iPhone into a Sirius XM Radio tuner.

This, combined with the corresponding app, gives you full access to all of Sirius XM’sSource: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

Long live the Mini: 50th birthday

2009-08-26T20:53:00.003-07:00

Today we wish Mini a happy birthday with this historic gallery of 50 years of the Mini. The official birthday is today as 50 years ago the British Motor Corporation first released its revolutionary small car. In the gallery below we take a look at the Mini in all its forms, as perhaps the world’s coolest and most iconic car.

Always enjoying large production numbers and cult status, the Mini is famous also in its Cooper S version from John CooperSource: EuroCarBlog RSS Feed

It’s Not Like Your Dog Needs Dignity, Get Him The PooTrap And Never Touch Poopy Again

2009-08-26T20:53:00.001-07:00

By David Ponce

It’s a little plastic bag attached to a harness that you tie to your dog’s behind and that catches its excrement. It’s great! We can see all sorts of enjoyment in this product. For one, you’ll be the center of attraction anywhere you go; nothing quite like a dog with a plastic bag stuck to its ass to get people talking. Secondly, it’ll help you bond with your dog as he’ll be eternally grateful that you’ve thought of such a dignifiedSource: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.24.09

2009-08-25T20:08:00.003-07:00

First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a diamond on the rough
With the Raptor, Ford's SVT boffins managed to create a pickup with a 1,000-pound payload capacity and a 6,000-pound towing capacity that doubles as a beginner's guide to trophy truck driving -- but still acts like an F-150. Frankfurt 2009 Preview: Maserati GranCabrio unveiled!
After what seems like years of eager anticipation, and with the weeks ticking down until the Frankfurt Motor Show, Maserati hasSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

Cash For Clunkers ends tonight, 8 p.m. EST - $2.65 billion spent so far

2009-08-25T20:08:00.001-07:00

Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

The Cash For Clunkers (C.A.R.S.) program ends today. There are about five hours left before the er-successful government program comes to a sodium silicate-induced halt. So, anyone who's on the fence about getting an extra $4,500 for their low-mileage clunker should call their local dealer pronto. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood repeated that every dealer that submit their rebate requests by 8 p.m. tonight will get Source: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Lenovo IdeaPad U450p announced

2009-08-16T14:40:00.003-07:00

Lenovo IdeaPad U450p announced

Lenovo's latest IdeaPad U450p has just been announced, where this 14' thin and light notebook will come with the following :-

Intel Pentium SU2700 1.30GHz/Core 2 Solo SU3500 1.4GHz processor
Intel 4500MHD integrated graphics
Up to 4GB RAM
Up to 320GB hard drive
DVD burner
6-cell battery

The display will rely on LED backlight forSource: Technopress RSS Feed

$1/2M To be buried above Marilyn Monroe

2009-08-16T14:40:00.001-07:00

For those who would like to lie with a star there’s a once in a lifetime opportunity on eBay to occupy the crypt above Marilyn Monroe when you pass away.

The tomb is currently occupied, but the widow intends moving her deceased husbands body “so as to make room for a new resident”. Hugh Hefner will be a neighbour as he purchased the spot next door for when he’s ready for his final resting place saying “Spending Eternity next to Marilyn Monroe is too sweet to passSource: TameBay RSS Feed

Microsoft Inks Exclusive Deal With Nexflix, But There’s Hope For PS3 And Wii Owners

2009-08-14T20:09:00.001-07:00

By Chris Scott Barr

I’ve been enjoying being able to stream Netflix to my 360 for a while now. What I don’t enjoy is paying for a Gold subscription in order to use it. One could argue that most 360 gamers already keep themselves at Gold status so they can play games online. That’s great for them, but I rarely play anything on my 360 with people online (I do most of my online gaming with my PC). I have both a PS3 and a Wii as well, and I’ve been hoping to Source: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

Email, hamsters and bottlenecks

2009-08-14T20:08:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, I was a part of a panel intiatied by Yann Gourvennec, with Vincent Berthelot and Emilie Ogez. At the beginning there was a book , The Hamster Revolution: How to Manage Your Email Before It Manages You that caught Yann’s attention. So he gathered a few “experts” in order to discuss some of the traditional email related issues. I’m not sure sharing the video is very useful since it’s all in French without subtitles, but I’ll take advantage of it to explain some ofSource: Bertrand DUPERRIN's Notepad RSS Feed

Apple Reinstates Matte Screen Option On 15-inch MacBook Pro

2009-08-13T21:44:00.001-07:00

By Chris Scott Barr

For a long time now, Apple has only offered glossy screens on their notebooks, which has frustrated some people to no end. Apple ended up offering an anti-glare option on their 17-inch MacBook Pros, but not for any of their others. Well today Apple has caved into demands and allowed buyers of 15-inch MacBook Pros to pay an extra $50 for this option.

Personally, I love the glossy screen on my 15-inch unibody MBP. I have threeSource: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

Performance Therapy wants to reward you for having a good time with your car

2009-08-13T21:43:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Etc.

In times like these some folks have retail therapy and some have donut therapy. But if you've got a tire-smoking car you still want to enjoy no matter what folks are saying about cars and the auto industry, then a contest called Performance Therapy could be for you.
Essentially an online auto show, participation is simple: take a picture of your car and upload. There are nine different categories of photos, from garage to family to action to racing andSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

Chop Sabers

2009-08-10T08:46:00.003-07:00

By Andrew Liszewski

Will mankind ever run out of stick-like objects that can easily be turned into light sabers? I certainly hope not. The latest distinctly non-Star Wars item to get the light saber treatment are these Chop Sabers, or light saber chop sticks from Kotobukiya which were apparently shown off at their booth at this year’s Comic Con. The Chop Sabers come in adult sizes (9-inches long) featuring Darth Vader’s and Luke Skywalker’s sabers, as well as aSource: OhGizmo! RSS Feed

POLL: LEAF, Volt or neither? Which do you prefer?

2009-08-10T08:46:00.001-07:00

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet, Nissan

We got a note the other day from Lyle Dennis over at GM-Volt about a poll he's running among his readers following this week's announcement of the Nissan LEAF. Lyle wanted to judge the readers preference among the two electrically-driven cars. As a site that's been dedicated to all things Volt since he launched it two years ago, the results turned out to be pretty predictable. Thus Lyle suggested we ask our audience, since our focus isSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Architect Plans Ahead: Harvests Utah Rainwater

2009-07-30T20:35:00.003-07:00

AJC Architects have thought ahead to a hotter Utah in the sensible ideas incorporated into their Wetland Discovery Point educational building that helps educate Utah schoolchildren about nature.

These are the green ideas in order of importance to sustainable design:

On-site solar panels for green electricity – to make net zero energy onsite;
Solar thermal collectors for hot water supply and radiant floor heating;
Radiant cooling Source: Home Design Find RSS Feed

Fear Index Now Inverse of VIX

2009-07-30T20:35:00.001-07:00

Tyler Durden submits:

Either the VIX is being gamed by volatility sellers into one of the biggest short squeeze rallies in recent history or the CSFB Fear Index should add the phrase "Lack Of" somewhere in its description. Or is mainstream media simply pumping whatever is the most behind the scenes manipulated index to promote a false sense of calm among the retail population?

Complete Story

Source: Seeking Alpha RSS Feed

Bank of America Closing 10% of its Branches

2009-07-29T21:57:00.003-07:00

The LA Times reports on B of A’s plan to close up to 10% of its branch locations:

Bank of America spokesman James Mahoney told the Associated Press today that the nation’s largest bank is working on a branch closure plan. The strategy was discussed by Chief Executive Ken Lewis and another bank executive in an investors meeting last week in Charlotte, N.C., where the bank is based.

Such a move would represent a retrenchment for the giant bank,Source: Business Pundit RSS Feed

Reminder: BlackBerry Cool Deal of the Day still going strong

2009-07-29T21:57:00.001-07:00

As of July 28th, we’re on Day 6 of our Deal-of-the-Day campaign in the BlackBerry Cool Store. Today’s deal is MP3 Ringtone Creator, which is half price.

MP3 Ringtone Creator by Javatek Media provides a convenient way to take songs (MP3 files only) stored in your BlackBerry or on a media card, and create your own ringtones. The process takes place on-device (no computer software is required). Compared to the price of downloading ringtones, this app pays for Source: BlackBerryCool RSS Feed

Corsair Introduces New Extreme Series High-Performance SSDs

2009-07-16T19:59:00.003-07:00

By Andrew Liszewski

This morning Corsair launched a new ‘extreme’ series of solid-state drives that use the Indilinx Barefoot controller, Samsung MLC NAND flash memory and 64MB of on-board cache to achieve read speeds of up to 240MB/sec and and write speeds of up to 170MB/sec. The drives will come in 3 capacities including 32GB, 64GB and 128GB and should be available worldwide immediately. While they’re obviously not the biggest SSDs on the market, if speed is your priority I’m sure these will work quite nicely.

[ Corsair SSDs ]

Source: OhGizmo! RSS Feed