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Archive for July, 2006
ARINC eFlyBook
ARINC is a manufacturer of aviation communications solutions. They have recently teamed up with a division owned by Philips to produce the eFlyBook. The eFlyBook is an electronic notepad that permits pilots to download and view navigation charts and other aviation-relevant information. The device is slightly smaller than an A4 page and includes a stylus with which the pilot can add notes to the information on the screen. Information can be uploaded using the built-in wireless networking support or ethernet port.
The eFlyBook utilizes EPD technology which makes use of electronic ink. No front or back light is needed to make images viewable under a wide range of lighting conditions, including direct sunlight. The eFlyBook requires no power to maintain an image, only to turn the page.
The three biggest selling points of this device are reduced power consumption, small form factor and especially the ability to view images in direct sunlight. Maybe a device that could make unfolding huge charts in a cramped cabin a thing of the past.
Cars
According to Alexander, the cars have eyes. I reckon the walls have ears. Overall, we’re probably just a paranoid family, but we all (mom included) enjoyed Cars.
From the Pixar stable, this is another excellent computer animated movie. Featuring the voice talents of numerous well-known actors, it tells the story of Lightning McQueen’s trip to a tie-break race. Through an unfortunate set of circumstances, McQueen gets trapped in Radiator Springs and is forced to perform some community service. He meets Sally, Mater, Ramone, Flo, Sarge, Fillmore and Doc amongst others and finally makes it to the race against Chick Hicks and The King. During his stay in Radiator Springs, McQueen makes new friends, learns to be less self-centred and falls in love. All the things one needs in a movie for young and old.
The story is fun, the animation excellent and the cast of characters very entertaining. Maybe a bit loud for those of us with smaller ears… Cars is a must-see! 
702 moves to FM
5 years ago
by manfred
in Life in South Africa
702 has been transmitting on AM/MW for the past 26 years. Today marks an important technological advance as they move to the FM frequency 92.7. Broadcasts on that frequency could be heard prior to the official seven o’clock launch and are a welcome change to the fuzzy, prone-to-breakup signal. The old 702 AM frequency will be available for another year and a second FM transmission is planned on 106 FM to complete coverage within the entire Gauteng region by November.
Just goes to show: perseverance pays off, even if it takes 26 years 
Microsoft’s answer to the iPod
Microsoft is launching a rival audio player to attempt to gain some market share garnered by Apple’s iPod. The strangely named Zune will form a part of an XBox-themed range of products. The Zune is an MP3 music player with most of the features you’d expect from such a device. Microsoft will probably launch some online music store to compete with iTunes.
Features the Zune is promised to include are a hard drive and some form of proprietary wireless networking protocol. There is scant information available at present, so you’ll need to wait for Microsoft’s press release, or check out Zune Info.
Battery-powered Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster is a new breed of batter-powered vehicle. Not ordinary batteries either. Lithium-ion batteries have made the jump from digicams to provide the main power source for the Tesla. I’m sure the batteries are slightly bigger! In fact, there are a couple of thousand to provide the necessary juice for this carriage.
Performance specifications are quite impressive: from 0 to 100km/h in about four seconds with a top speed of 150km/h. With no clutch and gears to contend with, the driver is able to fully enjoy the torque band which is stated to extend all the way from 0 to 13,000 rpm!
Another power adapter to remember to take on holiday
First man – The life of Neil Armstrong
It’s coincidental that I managed to finish James R. Hansen’s biography about the first man on the moon today, but more on that later. First man – The life of Neil Armstrong is the first authorized book about Neil Armstrong’s life, from birth to present. Hansen has certainly researched every facet of Armstrong’s life and character rather well and offers an incredible amount of detail. At times, there is a lot of technical information, but it’s not extraneous and provides additional detail for those interested in the actual mechanics of flight.
Throughout, Armstrong is portrayed as earnest, hard-working, dedicated and focused. Having started building and launching model aircraft, Armstrong has probably piloted every flying machine known to man, including small aircraft, navy fighter planes, bombers, helicopters and the lunar module (Eagle). With a mind geared toward problem solving and aircraft design, Armstrong was born to be the first man on the moon.
Hansen covers Armstrong’s tragedies, like the loss of his daughter and separation from his wife, and triumphs, like the moon landing and experimental flights. A lot of attention is naturally given to the preparation and completion of the lunar landing. Some fascinating aspects that are of general interest are also covered: references to the iconic statement That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind, Mr. Gorsky and how the selection process of the first man to step onto the moon actually took place. It is particularly fascinating how the Apollo 11 crew managed to complete their mission without having any form of argument or disagreement, given how different the personalitites of the astronauts were. With the description of Armstrong’s personality, it’s no wonder that he decided to distance himself from society eventually. Never having been someone to attempt to gain much from his fame other than help advance spaceflight and aviation, he served on company boards, NASA investigations and tutoring at university until his retirement.
This is an excellent book about a fascinating personality and an event that changed the world. An interest in spaceflight and Neil Armstrong are probably the only prerequisites! I highly recommend it.
In the meantime, get more information on Neil Armstrong here.
And by the way: the historic moon landing took place on this day in the year 1969.
Water supply disruption
5 years ago
by manfred
in Life in South Africa
Some idiot installs water meters for a new development just down the road. Then, some other idiot decides the water meters aren’t installed correctly. Solution: rip them all out and replace them!
They’re nowhere near us. In fact, they’re about 4km away. In spite of that, we have to deal with multiple water supply disruptions, often lasting more than 8 hours. The water supply has just been restored, having been off since 08:30 yesterday morning. So that’s about 30 hours. A household without water for 30 hours. And this has happened more than once in the past month.
Try calling the municipality and you’re told there’s been a burst in the main pipe. That’s if you can get through. Nobody picks the phone up, regardless what number you try, and most of the numbers listed on the website are out of date… The local councillors are not available either. No water trucks and no apology.
Service delivery. A necessity! Water – absolutely essential!
94.7 cycle challenge
A few months to go to November 19th, the day of the Pick & Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge. The route is varied and includes a number of interesting hills! Unfortunately, a section on the N14 highway is once again featured. This must be the most depressing part of an otherwise fun ride: seeing kilometers stretching in front of you with no apparent end in sight.
I need to start working on my training schedule…last time on a bicycle was a while ago…
USPS security DVD’s
Unbelievable but true: my shipment of free DVD’s arrived from the United States Postal Service. What’s crazy about this sentence? Two things: free DVD’s from the USA and the fact that they arrived in my postbox without South African Post Office employees intercepting them.
Before anyone gets too excited, the DVD’s contain short movies relating to security issues, such as identity theft, Internet fraud and telemarketing scams.
The runtime of each is roughly 15 minutes, yet they provide an interesting angle on current issues and may be valuable for small companies to entertain and educate their employees.
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