If you’re lucky enough to live in a start where a large portion of your grid is fed by wind power, you can enjoy your new LCD TV with no guilt. All the HD, none of the guilt. But what’s the right LCD TV for you?
There are a number of important decisions that you have to make. The first is: How Big? Although some of us believe there’s no such thing as too big, in fact, if you’ve ever tried sitting just a few feet from a very large (100”) screen, you know that’s not true. A good rule of thumb to follow is to sit one-and-one-half to two-and-one-half times the diagonal size of an HD screen away. In other words, if you are looking to buy a 50 inch screen, you’d want to sit between six feet (72 inches) and ten-and-a-half feet (106 inches) away.
The next decision is what resolution. You really have two choices in LCD: 1080 or 720. A 1080 HDTV has 1920×1080 pixels, while a 720 HDTV has 1280×720 pixels—that’s twice as much for the 1080. That being said, if you’re looking at a smaller panel (50” or smaller, especially if you are not sitting right on top of it), you will likely not see the difference between the two resolutions. At that point, for the same money, you would do better to buy a good 720p set than a lower quality 1080p set (or a good 720p set instead of a good 1080p set).
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So Horrid After All…Hah!
There is one thing that is absolutely feared by any owner of the Xbox 360. This thing is the image of all that is evil, and an indicator to many that all hope is lost. This is especially true in older Xbox models. This terrible symbol is known as the "Red Ring of Death".
The "Red Ring of Death" is a red ring that surrounds the power button to indicate a general malfunction of the Xbox 360. Unfortunately, general is literal, as there are at least 4 component issues known to cause the red ring of death.
Heat is one of the most common. The components of any computer generate temperatures that would even make someone living in Death Valley sweat, and when vents and airways are obstructed, this heat can not escape. The red ring of death occurs in this case because certain design flaws begin to manifest themselves in these extreme temperatures.
Another may be damage to the solder holding the computer parts together. Microsoft intelligently decided to use a lead-free solder for the sake of childrens' health, and better yet, a solder that grows brittle and cracks from extended exposure to heat. These cracks prevent the flow of electricity, thus causing errors in the the system. It is also possible that the solder was under heated when being applied, thus causing the same problem but in an even more extreme case.
The heat sink for the CPU has also been known to cause issues. The x-clamp used to hold it down is known to apply an uneven force on the motherboard, thus causing it to bend and warp when under intense heat. This eventually causes things to break, ruining your Xbox 360. Also on some heat sinks, Microsoft forgot to remove some of the foil on the underside, thus causing heating issues.
The last issue is mostly found in older Xbox 360s. Microsoft decided to design the original video card for the 360 in house. THe result was something that worked, but put out a horrible amount of heat. Fortunately, newer Xbox 360s have cards designed by an ASIC vendor in the US, which have essentially removed many of the heating problems in newer models.
If, after checking all of your cords, surge protectors, outlets, and given your Xbox hours or even days to cool off, then it might be time to ship it in to Microsoft or a professional repair shop, before anything gets too damaged. If it turns out to just be overheating, you might want to invest in a cooling array. You can find a variety of them on sites like eBay for relatively cheap.
Whatever you do, DON'T do either of the next two things: wrap your Xbox 360 in a towel in an attempt to heat the internal soldering. While this might help the soldering, it also bakes the internal chips. Basically you'll end up with a silicon-chip cookie. Not a good thing. Also, you should never expose your 360 to anything less than room temperature when trying to cool it down. The instant hot to cold is very stressful on the components, which were designed to run at room temperature.
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Bruce Lee is “the master of Kung Fu.” Lee Jun Fan, famously known as Bruce Lee, was a very popular actor who starred in many famous motion pictures. Throughout his life, he studied many different types of fighting styles. He wanted to learn how to win any battle, therefore the best way to do that, is to expect and know all the punches, kicks, and whatever else that might be thrown his way. With all of his experience, he started fighting unconventionally. Bruce Lee created his own fighting style, the only Non-Classical Kung Fu there is, Jeet Kune Do.
Jeet Kune Do roughly translated means, “The way to stop (or intercept) the fist.” This style was depicted in all of his major films (Game of Death, 1978; Enter the Dragon, 1973; Tand shan da xiong, 1971; and more). This style has grown increasingly popular, and currently there are schools around the world that teach this fighting style.
Bruce Lee died July 20th, 1973. This was only three weeks before the movie, Enter the Dragon was released on the “big screen.” One day on the set, he finished some scenes, and started complaining of a headache. So he decided to take some headache medicine and take a nap. Lee never woke up after that. He died of brain swelling, or Cerebral Edema.
Though Bruce Lee has been dead for many years, his fighting style and movies still live on. His movies are nearly legendary, if talking about Kung Fu movies. RIP Lee Fun Fan
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How long until we are able to transmit electricity wirelessly? Eric Giler demonstrates wireless electricity. The death of the battery? Let's hope so.
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Alternative power or alternative energy is a phrase that we often hear discussed in the present time. There is no way of getting around it; in order for our civilization to continue to exist without major problems we will have to find and implement a viable alternative energy source. There are numerous forms of alternative or green energy already in the works including wind power, solar power and electric power.
Wind Power and solar power have already begun to display varying levels of success thus far. In states like California where wind is prevalent large wind turbines in the hills are churning out energy in a way that does not destruct the environment. Solar power has probably seen a bit less success thus far. Solar power units or panels are costly to manufacture and install and thus the every day consumer is reluctant to use this form or power. It will ultimately be up to the government of nations to implement and encourage the use of solar power. Still, solar power needs to be improved before widespread reliance on it would be at all possible.
The source of power for our vehicles is certainly one of the most pressing issues we have. The continued use of gasoline-powered vehicles is damaging the environment and more importantly, oil as we know is a finite resource that will eventually be gone. There are various solutions in the works including electric cars and the use of clean “bio fuels”. Only time will tell what will ultimately unfold in the alternative power situation.
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Tis the time of the year in which we allow our creative juices to flow in the kitchen and come up with wonderful culinary creations. The time honored gingerbread house is a staple of many's holiday traditions and there are several ways in which these edible abodes can be jazzed up. In addition to the standard gingerbread cutouts and icing sugar/glue which holds the framework together it is common to involve various other techniques. Fondant, this is a covering for many cakes however there is no reason that this manipulative morsel can not be utilized to increase the loveliness of any house made of ginger bread. Also, modeling chocolate is a great way to add textures and artistic abilities. Let us now forget the time honored tradition of candy coating. A simply spray of oil can bring out a luster of all of these candies and make the creation gleam. Having an artists etching kit would be a great thing to have on hand so that personalized touches can be embedded for the season. Turn your gingerbread home into a sports lovers dream, turn it into a fairy castle, turn it into whatever you can dream of. You be the architect, the interior designer and buyer. Once your gingerbread home has garnered you praise, compliments and astonishment it will soon be time to break down the cookie castle and share it amongst family and loved ones. It is recommended that you heat up the gingerbread in a microwave for up to 30 seconds in order for it to moisten and it never hurts to serve this with your favorite hot drink. Do not consider this to be work, make your gingerbread house with love and eat it with gluttony as the holidays will also come around again next year so that you can take part in this tradition year over year and pass it down amongst family members.
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The world has introduced surprising technology based improvements in creating new support to the world in everything including the power from the wind, a source available in plenty in the nature. No limits available for the use of this wind power generated from this wind energy. Wind power is the natural source available to the mankind bringing more support in various fields such as generating of current or electrical energy. The wind power is also known as wind energy that is a gift of nature to mankind. Wind power (is the power generated from an unseen natural product that can be sensed,) is the natural product being processed to manufacture a product. There are other natural resources like the sunlight that bring sun rays to the earth, green energy such as the bio products from the plants or trees. Wind power is considered to be the best alternative power source to the world, even though there are atomic power generating units, lignite based power generation units, water based power generation units. The wind power being generated from the wind is a source that supports a part of the power requirement of the whole world or a country. Natural wind power generated is used for multiple purposes of a nation or a locality, bringing more revenue from the nature, increasing the support level for the nation on power requirement. In general, a very good processing of wind power yields more revenue and returns at all time. Make use of the power through wind and never misuse the power of nature.
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INTRODUCING ECO CITY HAMBURG-HARBURG
Big Thinking with a Small Carbon Footprint:
A Sustainable Creative-Industrial Environment for the Future
The initial signs of Germany's first entirely sustainable creative-industrial corporate development are sprouting up on the shores of Hamburg-Harburg Harbor. Once the site of Hercules Sägemann's Kamm worldrenowned comb factory, and a ship building area before that in the late 19th century, the new ECO CITY Hamburg-Harburg (ECO CITY) (www.ecocity.de) is situated on a site well associated with German entrepreneurship and ingenuity. ECO CITY revives and continues this tradition, offering new generations of businesses workspace that is healthy, sustainable, and inspiring. This innovative sustainable urban development will also serve as a major catalyst in the revival of the Harburg Harbor area when it is completed, bringing industry, entertainment, and pedestrian life back to the neighborhood. Once again, international design firm tec architecture (www.tecarchitecture.com) and global engineering company ARUP (www.arup.com) have teamed up to blend futuristic, environmentally-progressive architectural design with state-of-the- art technology and engineering to create a working city that challenges the notion how an urban, working environment should look and function. "ECO CITY represents a synergistic approach to urban development," explains tec Principal Sebastian Knorr. "By working in close cooperation with all the stakeholders and taking into consideration the immediate environmental context of the project, we've created a different type of sustainable, creative-industrial complex. We hope that iconic ECO CITY project becomes a model for sustainable urban development."
"ARUP thinks about sustainability in every aspect of our design and as engineers we understand the driving principles of the triple bottom line – environmental / social economic," adds ARUP Principal Steve Done. "For a project to be truly sustainable, must embrace and meet each of these categories of need, and ECO CITY certainly accomplishes this."
GLOBALLY GREEN DESIGN
Good for the Planet, Good for People ECO CITY is one of very few projects in the world designed to achieve a globally green rating from the three major green building rating systems on the planet: USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Program, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), and the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB)'s Program. Currently, ECO CITY is seeking the highest level of environmental certification from all three programs.
Capitalizing on the predominantly westerly winds that blow in off the North Sea, the design proposes two large wind turbines atop high-rise towers. These functioning (as opposed to ornamental) building-integrated turbines will generate more than 10% of the complex's power, surpassing any other high-rise project in the world. Solar water heating will be used to offset the use of natural gas. Site lighting will be powered by solar technology. Over forty percent of ECO CITY's footprint will consist of open air. The majority of all visible roofs will be green roofs, serving to slow storm water runoff and significantly reducing the heat island effect of ECO CITY. Green areas will be elevated to the second story where there is more access to air and sunlight. In addition to roof gardens, more than half the site will be covered with vertical gardens, further minimizing the development's carbon footprint and maximizing leisure space. These raised green beltways will create a microclimate of sorts, allowing workers and visitors ample outdoor recreation space. The project will utilize environmentally friendly materials that will help promote a healthy indoor building atmosphere. Passive design techniques and efficient façade and building design will reduce energy consumption by about 30%. Existing structures from the original site have been rehabilitated and materials from demolished structures re-used whenever possible. Located within walking distance from several major transportation nodes, ECO CITY is an easy commute or quick bike ride for most visitors.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
The Creative-Industrial Complex
ECO CITY represents one of the first creative-industrial complexes. Comprised of ten major , ECO CITY offers a variety of different spaces for different purposes, bringing both large-scale industry and creative start-ups together in one, cooperative, and ecofriendly business community. The spaces range from studios to large warehouse and productionfacilities.
With Phase 1 completed, ECO CITY has secured its first major tenant with the arrival of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, the global manufacturer of printing presses that can trace its history back to the 1800s. The pioneering company brings over 150 new jobs to the area and features an interactive showroom that showcases the company's advances in the area of ecological printing methods.
During Phase 2, construction will begin on the first high-rise tower that will house a luxury hotel, restaurant, and retail space, attracting people from beyond ECO CITY to the location, making it a destination in and of itself. Construction will also begin on B05, a major office complex located on the very visible corner site of the development. The five-story office block is slated for completion in Spring / Summer 2010. The final phase of construction will see the completion of ECO CITY, including the second highrise tower, remaining storage and production facilities, and several more auxiliary buildings. Phase 2 is currently in entitlement.
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Small Spanish village Bullas becomes leading example in solar energy
According to a report in El Mundo today, a small Spanish village in the province of Murcia called Bullas, until now known only for its wines, has become a leading example in renewable energy. The solar field in Bullas first began to function in November 2007 generating 21% of the total energy required by this municipality, the equivalent of 42% of the energy required by all households.
According to the spokesperson for Gehrlicher Solar, Fernando Sacristán, the use of this solar field has led to a reduction of CO2 emissions by 8000 tonnes per year in line with the requirements set out in the Kyoto Protocol.
Another advantage of the use of the solar field is that part of the energy produced by the solar panels is used by a nearby water plant which provides irrigation to the surrounding land. The solar panels account for 30% of the plant’s electricity consumption. Part of the land where the solar plaques are located is owned by the local town hall and part is owned by landowners from the area.
Bullas generates 21% of it's total energy needs via solar fields
The profits from the solar field are being invested in a training workshop on solar energy and there are several solar powered open-air cooking facilities where people can go to have picnic. These cooking facilities can boil a litre of water in 6 minutes.
The solar field is the result of an agreement between Gehrlicher Solar and Bullas town hall run by PSOE. It is managed by Ecoparque Solar de Bullas, a business consisting of 70 small investors from Murcia and provides employment to 15 people.
At present a project of expansion which hopes to double the number of solar panels within a year and a half is underway. In addition, there are plans to install solar panels on public buildings such as schools, sports centres and the town hall itself.
According to Fernando Sacristán ‘the environmental impact of these panels is minimal given that the panels are not permanently fixed and if there is a problem or one breaks down then it can be removed and replaced easily without leaving any waste behind’.
Until now wind has been the preferred source of renewable energy in Spain, and increasing areas of land in Castilla la Mancha and northern Spain have had windfarms installed. However solar energy has taken longer to become an established source of eco-friendly energy, despite the fact that many areas of Spain enjoy more hours of sun per year than most other European countries. The price of solar energy systems for private use has only recently started coming down, making it possible for more and more homeowners to consider the possibility of installing panels. And recent solar energy initiatives like this one reported in El Mundo , as well as similar ones we have seen in Zaragoza and Albacete offer further proof that Spain may be starting to recognise the country's huge potential to generate renewable solar energy.
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