Boy. The newest headset is incredible. I mean it is just so beautiful and so sophisticated. I pity individuals who grew up without the earpiece.
A covert earpiece is a miniature earpiece worn by an individual while being effectively hidden from plain view. It operates as a radio accessory in times when a user does not want other people to know she or he is communicating with others using radio earbuds. Also known as an invisible earpiece or a surveillance earpiece, a covert earpiece is often worn by government agents, corporate security personnel, undercover law enforcement officers and corporate as well as government spies.
covert earpiece
While many occupations require the use of a radio headset for communication, a covert earpiece is primarily used in instances where communication is of an extremely private and sensitive nature. This is common in cases of private security details and surveillance projects. Sometimes people also use a covert earpiece to defraud businesses and others. Examples of such instances would include someone using an invisible earpiece to cheat on an exam or to defraud a casino by receiving remote information while playing a game.
On-air television personalities may also use a covert earpiece, which is not distracting to viewers, but allows the person to hear relevant feedback from producers and engineers in order to make sure a taping or live appearance flows smoothly. Individuals may also wear a covert earpiece when making a public speech. By doing so, the speaker can receive important cues or changes in a speech without the audience even being aware that communication is taking place between someone located behind the scenes and the individual delivering the speech.
Some covert earpieces are accompanied by a discreet microphone, which enables two-way communication. These are commonly used by security forces with a need for such communication, particularly during surveillance operations. These types of accessories are not only convenient because they feature hands-free operation, but also because they allow undercover security forces to blend in with crowds without having to use a visible walkie-talkie system of communication.
A covert earpiece does not contain any visible wires and is designed to fit inside the ear without being noticeable to the general public. Some devices are even designed to fit on a pair of eyeglasses while amplifying sound inside a person’s ear. An inductive wire is sometimes worn around the person’s neck, but is covered by clothing so as not to be discovered by onlookers. This wire is not connected to the covert earpiece, but connects to a separate radio device that helps modulate sound.
Thursday 25 December 2014
Thursday 11 December 2014
Tech We’d love to to become able to See: Cities around the Moon
Placing a city (or several) on the moon has long been a dream of science fiction writers, futurists and ambitious scientists. Recently however, renewed public interest in space exploration, together with a growing realization that the world is becoming dangerously overpopulated, has lead some scientists, artists and zealous would-be lunar colonists to start taking this ages-old dream extremely seriously.
Why we want it:
Because it could potentially be one of the only non-genocidal solutions to the eventual overpopulation of planet earth. Also, who wouldn’t want to sit on the moon and watch the Earth rise?
When can we expect it?
A couple of years ago, a group called Moon Capital launched a high profile competition, allowing scientists, architects and aspiring artists the chance to create scientifically plausible scenes of moon colonisation (in the style made famous by super-artist Chesley Bonestell).
The competition had (hypothetical) moon colonisation taking place in the year 2068. This estimate was good enough for the entrants of the competition, so it’ll be good enough for us, too. Hopefully, then, you’ll get your lunar colony in about 55 years time (just under a hundred years after Neil Armstrong took that one small step....)
Of course, the problems posed by such a feat of engineering are many-fold. For starters, the moon is some 380,000 km away from us at any given time, (which is quite a trip for a moving van, even taking speed cameras out of the equation), then there’s the difficulty of actually building a working city in such a hostile environment...
We’ve built space stations, of course, so we know we can construct things in space, but they aren’t exactly desirable places to live. Also, we can get people to the moon and back (we’ve been at it since the 60’s, no matter what the conspiracy nuts tell you), but the trip is still intensely dangerous and requires a great deal of training and preparation.
Finally, we come to the complete lack of breathable atmosphere on the moon; this would require scientists to create some sort of artificial environment (or else speed up development of terraforming methods, but that’s a story for another time).
Oh yeah, there’s no food either, not unless you like your Selenite steaks rare.
Yes, the idea of colonising the moon poses a number of mind-boggling obstacles, but if there’s one thing that we as a species excel at, its overcoming obstacles.
So, while it may seem far-fetched to imagine something like this actually happening, consider this; the first powered flight took place in 1903 and just 66 years later, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were hanging out on the moon. Think on that for a second.
Cool Factor: 5/5
Cities on the moon? Now that’s cool.
you can get the original piece here
Why we want it:
Because it could potentially be one of the only non-genocidal solutions to the eventual overpopulation of planet earth. Also, who wouldn’t want to sit on the moon and watch the Earth rise?
When can we expect it?
A couple of years ago, a group called Moon Capital launched a high profile competition, allowing scientists, architects and aspiring artists the chance to create scientifically plausible scenes of moon colonisation (in the style made famous by super-artist Chesley Bonestell).
The competition had (hypothetical) moon colonisation taking place in the year 2068. This estimate was good enough for the entrants of the competition, so it’ll be good enough for us, too. Hopefully, then, you’ll get your lunar colony in about 55 years time (just under a hundred years after Neil Armstrong took that one small step....)
Of course, the problems posed by such a feat of engineering are many-fold. For starters, the moon is some 380,000 km away from us at any given time, (which is quite a trip for a moving van, even taking speed cameras out of the equation), then there’s the difficulty of actually building a working city in such a hostile environment...
We’ve built space stations, of course, so we know we can construct things in space, but they aren’t exactly desirable places to live. Also, we can get people to the moon and back (we’ve been at it since the 60’s, no matter what the conspiracy nuts tell you), but the trip is still intensely dangerous and requires a great deal of training and preparation.
Finally, we come to the complete lack of breathable atmosphere on the moon; this would require scientists to create some sort of artificial environment (or else speed up development of terraforming methods, but that’s a story for another time).
Oh yeah, there’s no food either, not unless you like your Selenite steaks rare.
Yes, the idea of colonising the moon poses a number of mind-boggling obstacles, but if there’s one thing that we as a species excel at, its overcoming obstacles.
So, while it may seem far-fetched to imagine something like this actually happening, consider this; the first powered flight took place in 1903 and just 66 years later, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were hanging out on the moon. Think on that for a second.
Cool Factor: 5/5
Cities on the moon? Now that’s cool.
you can get the original piece here
Tuesday 9 December 2014
Book about Jewel Encrusted Skeleton ‘Saints’ released to vast enjoyment
Paul Koudounaris, who is also known by his nickname ‘Indiana Bones’ in known as an writer, photographer and foremost authority on bone-decorated places and ossuarys. Earlier this year, Koudounaris released a book featuring hd images of the 400-year-old ‘catacomb saints’ of Rome, a group of corpses that was carefully decked with jewels and finery prior to being presented as remains of here to congregations across Europe.
Throughout the Protestant Reformation of that 16th Century, Catholic churches were routinely stripped of their relics, cryptogram and finery. In order to counter this, The Vatican had antique skeletons removed out of the Catacombs of Rome and copiously bejeweled as the remnants of recognized saints.
Although regularly forgotten until Koudounaris published his book, the catacomb saints continue to fascinate concerned parties; they can also still inspire religious zeal. In 1977, the settlement of Ruttenbach in Bavaria labored hard to gain sufficient funds to buy back two of their original saints from private collectors, the ornamental skeletons had initially been auctioned off in 1803.
The book, which Koudounaris has cautiously titled ‘Heavenly Bodies’ sees its author attempt to find and photograph each of the existing tomb saints.
In his glory days (a era that lasted over 200 years before finally coming to a close in the 19th century), the saints travelled everywhere, being transported at enormous expense by the Church. They were respected as things of affection, or conduits for prayer.
Though the saints could appear odd to modern eyes (one Telegraph reporter described them as ‘ghastly’), it is imperative that you remember that people who prayed at the feet of these gilded cadavers were a great deal nearer to demise than their contemporary counterparts. Within the wake of The Black Death (which recurred frequently right through Europe from the 14th to the 17th Centuries), art, literature and worship had come to accept such ghoulish, macabre metaphors.
The remnants were usually decorated by nuns and sometimes placed in different realistic poses, before being protected in glass cabinets. Some of the thorough decoration took as long as five years to complete, with jewelry and costumes being exceptionally grand.
Koudounaris’ book, ‘Heavenly Bodies’ is out there now.
you can obtain the original piece here
Throughout the Protestant Reformation of that 16th Century, Catholic churches were routinely stripped of their relics, cryptogram and finery. In order to counter this, The Vatican had antique skeletons removed out of the Catacombs of Rome and copiously bejeweled as the remnants of recognized saints.
Although regularly forgotten until Koudounaris published his book, the catacomb saints continue to fascinate concerned parties; they can also still inspire religious zeal. In 1977, the settlement of Ruttenbach in Bavaria labored hard to gain sufficient funds to buy back two of their original saints from private collectors, the ornamental skeletons had initially been auctioned off in 1803.
The book, which Koudounaris has cautiously titled ‘Heavenly Bodies’ sees its author attempt to find and photograph each of the existing tomb saints.
In his glory days (a era that lasted over 200 years before finally coming to a close in the 19th century), the saints travelled everywhere, being transported at enormous expense by the Church. They were respected as things of affection, or conduits for prayer.
Though the saints could appear odd to modern eyes (one Telegraph reporter described them as ‘ghastly’), it is imperative that you remember that people who prayed at the feet of these gilded cadavers were a great deal nearer to demise than their contemporary counterparts. Within the wake of The Black Death (which recurred frequently right through Europe from the 14th to the 17th Centuries), art, literature and worship had come to accept such ghoulish, macabre metaphors.
The remnants were usually decorated by nuns and sometimes placed in different realistic poses, before being protected in glass cabinets. Some of the thorough decoration took as long as five years to complete, with jewelry and costumes being exceptionally grand.
Koudounaris’ book, ‘Heavenly Bodies’ is out there now.
you can obtain the original piece here
Sunday 7 December 2014
Mars Rover Spots UFO...Or Does It?
After much global speculation, NASA has at last put out an official statement regarding the true identity of the ‘white spot’ or ‘UFO’ seen on Mars by the Curiosity Rover on June 20th.
...Sadly, the UFO in question turned out to be only as extraterrestrial as a camera glitch.
Interviewed by The Huffington Post, Justin Maki, the main camera operator for the rover, said, "This is a hot pixel that has been around since we started using the Right Navcam (...) In the thousands of images we've received from Curiosity, we see ones with bright spots nearly every week, these can be caused by cosmic-ray hits or sunlight glinting from rock surfaces, as the most likely explanations."
As any photographer will tell you, ‘hot pixels’ sometimes occur during long exposure shots. Such glitches are usually caused by the camera’s sensors momentarily overheating (although they pose no danger to the camera equipment itself).
Amateur photographers occasionally mistake hot pixels for paranormal phenomena as well. In fact, the ghost website ‘Photographing The Paranormal.com’ actually has a section on these little buggers. It warns potential ghost hunters that,
“A perfectly symmetric small red dot in your picture is probably nothing paranormal, especially if it is at the same spot in most of your pictures. That’s actually called a hot pixel, if you spot one, don’t call the press!â€
Older astronomy enthusiasts will no doubt be reminded of the discovery of the ‘Martian face’, a famous image captured by NASA’s Viking 1 orbiter in 1976.
Various theorists hurried to suggest that the ‘face’ was evidence of a long-lost Martian civilization (complete with ‘pyramids’ and everything), but it was actually just a large formation, captured by the relatively low-resolution cameras of the 1970’s, that looked a bit like a face.
Modern images, of course, reveal nothing so grand. The ‘Martian Face’ fiasco is now seen as an example of paraeidolia, a psychological phenomenon that sees people finding recognizable patterns in otherwise random sounds and images, examples of which include The Man in the Moon, Rorschach tests and those times when people see the faces of religious figures in ordinary household objects.
So it seems that there was no reason for us to get excited after all (except that pictures of Mars are unassailably cool).
...Of course, the conspiracy nutters are never going to buy it, but hey, what can you do?
...Sadly, the UFO in question turned out to be only as extraterrestrial as a camera glitch.
Interviewed by The Huffington Post, Justin Maki, the main camera operator for the rover, said, "This is a hot pixel that has been around since we started using the Right Navcam (...) In the thousands of images we've received from Curiosity, we see ones with bright spots nearly every week, these can be caused by cosmic-ray hits or sunlight glinting from rock surfaces, as the most likely explanations."
As any photographer will tell you, ‘hot pixels’ sometimes occur during long exposure shots. Such glitches are usually caused by the camera’s sensors momentarily overheating (although they pose no danger to the camera equipment itself).
Amateur photographers occasionally mistake hot pixels for paranormal phenomena as well. In fact, the ghost website ‘Photographing The Paranormal.com’ actually has a section on these little buggers. It warns potential ghost hunters that,
“A perfectly symmetric small red dot in your picture is probably nothing paranormal, especially if it is at the same spot in most of your pictures. That’s actually called a hot pixel, if you spot one, don’t call the press!â€
Older astronomy enthusiasts will no doubt be reminded of the discovery of the ‘Martian face’, a famous image captured by NASA’s Viking 1 orbiter in 1976.
Various theorists hurried to suggest that the ‘face’ was evidence of a long-lost Martian civilization (complete with ‘pyramids’ and everything), but it was actually just a large formation, captured by the relatively low-resolution cameras of the 1970’s, that looked a bit like a face.
Modern images, of course, reveal nothing so grand. The ‘Martian Face’ fiasco is now seen as an example of paraeidolia, a psychological phenomenon that sees people finding recognizable patterns in otherwise random sounds and images, examples of which include The Man in the Moon, Rorschach tests and those times when people see the faces of religious figures in ordinary household objects.
So it seems that there was no reason for us to get excited after all (except that pictures of Mars are unassailably cool).
...Of course, the conspiracy nutters are never going to buy it, but hey, what can you do?
Saturday 6 December 2014
On The Actual Air, Inside The Air Radio and Air Travel, an inseparable Mix
Radios are a Vital Tool for Air Travel. At London Heathrow airport, for example, three hundred companies employ some 80,000 people every day, whilst 65 million people leave from, arrive at, or pass through the airport. In the face of such staggering humanity, fast, efficient communication becomes paramount.
Medical personnel need to be notified quickly in case of an accident. Security guards must be able to respond and react to any potential threat as swiftly as possible. Other, daily issues such as reuniting lost children with their parents, locating missing luggage and the inspection of imported goods, must also be dealt with in a clear and professional manner.
Without areliable network of two-way radios, the entire daily operation of any airport would be next to impossible.
Today, most modern airports have switched from having individual radio networks specific to each company, to the employment of more integrated solutions. In 2000, the engineering firm Arup was employed by BAA to make these changes possible at Heathrow, specifically in Terminal 5. According to the firm’s official website,
“Previously at Heathrow, individual mobile operators had installed their own infrastructure, resulting in duplication and proliferation of infrastructure across the airport, standards of installation that varied, unreliable records, and unsightly clutter to the terminal landscapeâ€.
Eventually, the site continues,
“It was jointly agreed by BAA and Arup that the most appropriate solution for the new terminal was common infrastructure that could be shared by multiple partiesâ€.
The changes at Terminal 5 proved to be a success. These days, most airports follow this model of radio communication. The benefits are enormous. Airports are running smoother than ever thanks to improved cross communication between individuals and departments (everything from catering, flight and cabin crew to cleaning staff, border controls and freight handling).
Two-way radios are superior to mobile phones for these tasks because they are instant. Also, there are very few lapses in signal and they are sturdy enough for use in almost any environment.
Think of your mobile: if you came upon an accident right now and you wanted to call somebody and report it, you would be dependent on a multitude of factors, wouldn’t you? Do you have signal? Do you have credit? Will they even pick up the phone at their end? However, a two-way radio eliminates most of these problems. The operator simply presses the button to talk and awaits the reply. Easy.
Two-way radios cover a large area, can be used on secure channels and are cost effective solutions to communications challenges presented by organizations such as Heathrow.
The benefits of a two-way radio system have been well known for a long time, it is a system used by police, the armed forces, building contractors, security firms and, of course, cab drivers, the world over. Plus, the technology isn’t upgraded too often, so there’s not much risk of your purchase becoming obsolete by the time you put down your deposit.
In a very real sense, airports would struggle to complete one outgoing flight a day without two-way radio technology.
the origin of this post is here
Medical personnel need to be notified quickly in case of an accident. Security guards must be able to respond and react to any potential threat as swiftly as possible. Other, daily issues such as reuniting lost children with their parents, locating missing luggage and the inspection of imported goods, must also be dealt with in a clear and professional manner.
Without areliable network of two-way radios, the entire daily operation of any airport would be next to impossible.
Today, most modern airports have switched from having individual radio networks specific to each company, to the employment of more integrated solutions. In 2000, the engineering firm Arup was employed by BAA to make these changes possible at Heathrow, specifically in Terminal 5. According to the firm’s official website,
“Previously at Heathrow, individual mobile operators had installed their own infrastructure, resulting in duplication and proliferation of infrastructure across the airport, standards of installation that varied, unreliable records, and unsightly clutter to the terminal landscapeâ€.
Eventually, the site continues,
“It was jointly agreed by BAA and Arup that the most appropriate solution for the new terminal was common infrastructure that could be shared by multiple partiesâ€.
The changes at Terminal 5 proved to be a success. These days, most airports follow this model of radio communication. The benefits are enormous. Airports are running smoother than ever thanks to improved cross communication between individuals and departments (everything from catering, flight and cabin crew to cleaning staff, border controls and freight handling).
Two-way radios are superior to mobile phones for these tasks because they are instant. Also, there are very few lapses in signal and they are sturdy enough for use in almost any environment.
Think of your mobile: if you came upon an accident right now and you wanted to call somebody and report it, you would be dependent on a multitude of factors, wouldn’t you? Do you have signal? Do you have credit? Will they even pick up the phone at their end? However, a two-way radio eliminates most of these problems. The operator simply presses the button to talk and awaits the reply. Easy.
Two-way radios cover a large area, can be used on secure channels and are cost effective solutions to communications challenges presented by organizations such as Heathrow.
The benefits of a two-way radio system have been well known for a long time, it is a system used by police, the armed forces, building contractors, security firms and, of course, cab drivers, the world over. Plus, the technology isn’t upgraded too often, so there’s not much risk of your purchase becoming obsolete by the time you put down your deposit.
In a very real sense, airports would struggle to complete one outgoing flight a day without two-way radio technology.
the origin of this post is here
Wednesday 3 December 2014
The Doctor Who Earpiece Experiment
The short answer is ‘no’. Apple Earpods debuted in 2012, a full six years after the ‘Doctor Who’ episode ‘Rise of the Cybermen’ first aired.
Within the context of the series, the Earpod devices were designed as a metaphor for society’s perceived over-reliance on portable technology in the 21st century. The name ‘Earpod’ was a play on words, meant to superficially sound like the word ‘iPod’.
In addition, the fictional earpieces were mainly utilized as a way to re-package classic Doctor Who antagonists the Cybermen for a new audience (who may have been unfamiliar with them following the gap between the show’s cancellation in 1989 and its subsequent reintroduction in 2005). Variations on the Earpod device are also utilized in later episodes from the same series (in particular, ‘Army of Ghosts’).
Whilst it is something of a stretch to imagine that nobody at Apple has ever watched ‘Doctor Who’, the use of the name did not seem to affect the American computer firm’s decision to create and market their own brand of ‘Earpod’, in 2012.
doctor who earpiece
In terms of legality, it seems reasonable to assume that ‘Doctor Who’ created the brand name for satiric purposes, rather than to create an entirely fictional brand/product (such as The Simpson’s ‘Duff Beer’).
Had Apple simply adopted a product name already owned by the BBC, there may have been a legal scuffle between the two corporations, but since BBC’s product was obviously intended as a wry commentary or, at most, a satirical send-up of existing technology (in particular technology made and marketed by Apple), then it is highly doubtful that there was any friction at all.
Apple’s Earpods (which, as far as we know, have never caused anybody to be turned into a cybernetic creature hell-bent on universal obliteration) are available at a fairly affordable price (the Apple site lists them at £25.00 before P&P), but do not have a reputation for being one of the company’s better products. In a particularly scathing review, TechRadar wrote that,
“The tinkle at the high-end is certainly better than before, and there's improved bass as well. So they're more than good enough if sound quality is not something you are bothered about. If you're going to be buying an iPhone 5 or one of the new iPods, you'll be getting some marginally better earphones than you might have expected, so that's a good thing. But for anyone thinking of buying these things separately for £25/$30 â€" forget it. That price is utterly ludicrous. For that money you could bag yourself a decent pair of Sennheisers â€" low end ones admittedly â€" but they would still be head and shoulders better than the Apple EarPods. In fact, we challenge you to find a pair of £25 earphones on Amazon that sound worse than this - you won't be able toâ€.
All things considered, the Earpod is a pretty basic variation on the standard Apple headphones. It is not even marginally related to the mind-controlling earpieces utilized by the Cybermen. At least, as far as we know...
Within the context of the series, the Earpod devices were designed as a metaphor for society’s perceived over-reliance on portable technology in the 21st century. The name ‘Earpod’ was a play on words, meant to superficially sound like the word ‘iPod’.
In addition, the fictional earpieces were mainly utilized as a way to re-package classic Doctor Who antagonists the Cybermen for a new audience (who may have been unfamiliar with them following the gap between the show’s cancellation in 1989 and its subsequent reintroduction in 2005). Variations on the Earpod device are also utilized in later episodes from the same series (in particular, ‘Army of Ghosts’).
Whilst it is something of a stretch to imagine that nobody at Apple has ever watched ‘Doctor Who’, the use of the name did not seem to affect the American computer firm’s decision to create and market their own brand of ‘Earpod’, in 2012.
doctor who earpiece
In terms of legality, it seems reasonable to assume that ‘Doctor Who’ created the brand name for satiric purposes, rather than to create an entirely fictional brand/product (such as The Simpson’s ‘Duff Beer’).
Had Apple simply adopted a product name already owned by the BBC, there may have been a legal scuffle between the two corporations, but since BBC’s product was obviously intended as a wry commentary or, at most, a satirical send-up of existing technology (in particular technology made and marketed by Apple), then it is highly doubtful that there was any friction at all.
Apple’s Earpods (which, as far as we know, have never caused anybody to be turned into a cybernetic creature hell-bent on universal obliteration) are available at a fairly affordable price (the Apple site lists them at £25.00 before P&P), but do not have a reputation for being one of the company’s better products. In a particularly scathing review, TechRadar wrote that,
“The tinkle at the high-end is certainly better than before, and there's improved bass as well. So they're more than good enough if sound quality is not something you are bothered about. If you're going to be buying an iPhone 5 or one of the new iPods, you'll be getting some marginally better earphones than you might have expected, so that's a good thing. But for anyone thinking of buying these things separately for £25/$30 â€" forget it. That price is utterly ludicrous. For that money you could bag yourself a decent pair of Sennheisers â€" low end ones admittedly â€" but they would still be head and shoulders better than the Apple EarPods. In fact, we challenge you to find a pair of £25 earphones on Amazon that sound worse than this - you won't be able toâ€.
All things considered, the Earpod is a pretty basic variation on the standard Apple headphones. It is not even marginally related to the mind-controlling earpieces utilized by the Cybermen. At least, as far as we know...
The long road Home: Radios employed in Transport systems and Fleets
According to the UK Government, there were an estimated 5.2 billion bus passenger journeys undertaken on our roads in 2011/2012. Public and private transportation is not only big business; it is also of massive importance to the smooth running of the country.
Whilst only 14% of the UK’s 25 million commuters travel to work by bus or train, this still accounts for over 1.7 million people. In order for a country this reliant on public transport to survive and thrive, it is absolutely imperative that transport workers can communicate with each other in a quick, efficient manner, fuelling an industry that, by necessity, spans the length and breadth of the nation.
Two-way radios provide the solutions to this monumental challenge.
Rail, bus, here make use of two-way radios in order to keep up to speed with vital information. Drivers and managers can easily contact command and control centres, as well as liaising with depot staff and even customers, all due to using their radios. Together with integrated GPS systems, radios help transport and fleet workers to track deliveries in real time, as well as informing would-be passengers or commuters of any delays or early arrivals.
But it isn’t just truckers making deliveries, commuters travelling to and from work and trains running on time. Public transport is one of the most important aspects of the tourism industry, itself a large part of Britain’s economy. Visitors flock from almost every country on Earth in order to visit popular sites like Stonehenge, The The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the beautiful city of Bath. Without a reliable public transport system, our tourism industry would be seriously harmed.
So, in order to keep things running as smoothly as possible, all relevant personnel are equipped with a two-way radio so that they can keep in direct contact with their colleagues, peers and managers. This also allows for speedy customer service, as well as up-to-date and reliable information.
Health and safety is also a huge concern regarding public transport and, since the tragedy of the London bombings 8 years ago, security is also a large issue. Workers specializing in either area find their radios to be among the most vital of their tools.
Transport companies employ a veritable army of security staff, as well as first-aiders all of whom are connected via rugged and reliable two-way radios.
Without radios, the country’s public transport system could very well come to a standstill. The roads and railways of Britain are, at least in some ways, kept in operation via a network of two-way radios.
the origin of this piece is here
Whilst only 14% of the UK’s 25 million commuters travel to work by bus or train, this still accounts for over 1.7 million people. In order for a country this reliant on public transport to survive and thrive, it is absolutely imperative that transport workers can communicate with each other in a quick, efficient manner, fuelling an industry that, by necessity, spans the length and breadth of the nation.
Two-way radios provide the solutions to this monumental challenge.
Rail, bus, here make use of two-way radios in order to keep up to speed with vital information. Drivers and managers can easily contact command and control centres, as well as liaising with depot staff and even customers, all due to using their radios. Together with integrated GPS systems, radios help transport and fleet workers to track deliveries in real time, as well as informing would-be passengers or commuters of any delays or early arrivals.
But it isn’t just truckers making deliveries, commuters travelling to and from work and trains running on time. Public transport is one of the most important aspects of the tourism industry, itself a large part of Britain’s economy. Visitors flock from almost every country on Earth in order to visit popular sites like Stonehenge, The The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the beautiful city of Bath. Without a reliable public transport system, our tourism industry would be seriously harmed.
So, in order to keep things running as smoothly as possible, all relevant personnel are equipped with a two-way radio so that they can keep in direct contact with their colleagues, peers and managers. This also allows for speedy customer service, as well as up-to-date and reliable information.
Health and safety is also a huge concern regarding public transport and, since the tragedy of the London bombings 8 years ago, security is also a large issue. Workers specializing in either area find their radios to be among the most vital of their tools.
Transport companies employ a veritable army of security staff, as well as first-aiders all of whom are connected via rugged and reliable two-way radios.
Without radios, the country’s public transport system could very well come to a standstill. The roads and railways of Britain are, at least in some ways, kept in operation via a network of two-way radios.
the origin of this piece is here
Tuesday 24 June 2014
I Want to Buy a Long-Range Walkie Talkie, What Should I Look out For?
Long-range
walkie-talkies (which we’ll abbreviate here to LRWT, for short) come in many
different shapes and sizes. They also typically boast a wide variety of extra
features, such as LCD screens, weather warnings and emergency buttons. It is up
to you to decide which of these extra features are worth spending out on.
Shopping
for an LRWT is essentially the same deal as shopping for any other kind of
walkie-talkie or two-way radio. Of course, you should ignore any claims that
the radio can communicate across
distances of 30, or even 25, miles, such claims are always to be considered
fallacious (as we’ve discussed elsewhere this month). In addition, it is worth
investing in a radio that has a ‘privacy’ function if you are planning to use
it at a crowded event, or indeed in any place that is likely to play host to a
lot of signal traffic.
Remember
also that VHF and UHF
radios are completely incompatible. DO NOT attempt to buy a VHF radio to go
with a UHF radio (or vice versa), just trust us on this.
It
also pays to be aware of licensing requirements. Many radios will need to be used
with a license, which you can attain relatively easily (and often surprisingly
cheaply). It does, however, absolutely need to be done. Of course, an LRWT that
is listed as PMR446 (or has a power output of less than 0.5 watts) requires no
license.
Other
questions you could ask yourself are:
What
type of batteries does your prospective LRWT use? Are they AA, AAA or
rechargeable (we recommend the latter)?
Is
the radio water/shock proof? Does it need to be?
Another
consideration is ease of use. In order to be truly effective, a walkie-talkie
needs to be easy to use. There is a school of thought which suggests that, the
more buttons there are to press and functions there are to master, the less
effective the user will be in a crisis. If you can get extra functions that do
not otherwise impede the simplicity of layout and use, then you’re probably
onto a winner, but otherwise, we reckon simplicity is key.
The
most important thing to keep in mind, however, is what you want the radio for.
Do not, under any circumstances, lose sight of the task at hand. If you are
looking for a professional piece of equipment, many of these decisions must be
made with your staff in mind. However, if you’re just looking to have a bit of
a laugh, then you needn’t be as picky as we’ve suggested.
Friday 9 May 2014
What is Ham Radio & How Does it Work
Ham radio (so called because its
operators were originally derided as being ‘hammy’ in the 19th
century, when the technology first emerged) is a term that applies to any form
of amateur radio broadcasting.
There are designated radio frequency spectra
available solely for public use. Uses range from recreation to communication
and the non-commercial exchange of ideas. ‘Hams’ take advantage of these
frequencies in order to transmit any number of things
Strictly speaking, there should not
be any money involved in amateur radio (hence the term ‘amateur’). Although the
majority of Ham radio practitioners are actually extremely knowledgeable about
radio technology (don’t let the ‘ham’ part fool you), they are not considered
professionals because they do not profit from their endeavours. Conversely,
commercial broadcasting involves (a lot of) money: royalties are paid,
producers and performers are paid and the whole thing is ultimately a
commercial exercise.
Hams use a large amount of
frequency bands from all across the radio spectrum, but the majority of
frequencies are to be found just above the AM band.
A lot of hams, however, use VHF FM,
operating hand-held transceivers that send on one frequency and receive on
another. Local radio
clubs set up FM Repeaters (which borrow space from other broadcast devices
such as towers and, in doing so, amplify the radio signal’s strength hundreds
of times over), so that hams can communicate with each other wirelessly over a
distance of hundreds of miles.
As an example of what hams get up
to, here’s an excerpt from Gary Brown, of ‘How Stuff Works.com’
Although a ham radio does broadcast in all directions,
hams generally do not use their radios in a broadcast kind of way as a disk
jockey would at a radio station. In normal AM or FM radio, one disk jockey
transmits and thousands of people listen. Hams, on the other hand, conduct
two-way conversations, often with another ham or with a group of hams in an
informal roundtable. The roundtable of hams may be in the same town, county,
state, country or continent or may consist of a mix of countries, depending on
the frequency and the time of the day. Hams also participate in networks, often
called nets, at predetermined times and frequencies to exchange third-party
messages. In the case of disasters, hams exchange health and welfare
information with other hams.
To become a ham, I recommend
that you join a club. You’ll need an amateur radio license, of course, but this
won’t break the bank, I’m sure.
Monday 14 April 2014
What is the curly tube that FBI Agents wear in their ears
You’d consider that the U.S. FBI (being the United states FBI and everything) would have access to an earpiece a little cooler that just the conventional ‘curly cable’ job, wouldn’t you?
If forced, I’ve to state that I usually imagine a little old fella, like Desmond Llewelyn in the Bond films, (and even a younger example like Ben Whishaw from ‘Skyfall’) making all the devices himself after which explaining them to the agents before they go out and protector the President’s life.
This is simply not the case. They use the models they use as they work and they work well. Fundamentally, wired models continue to be more dependable than their wireless counterparts. With wireless, you tend to get more interference, as well as having to contend with more restricted bandwidth. Essentially, you will need reliable tech when you’re within the field. Lives are at stake in a number of cases.
This straightforward, trusted earpiece might be relied upon to do the job, every time.
Another benefit that wired earpieces have over wireless ones (in this instance, at the least) may be the fact that a wired set needn't carry an additional battery. Wireless earphones would require charging and, as a consequence, would have a somewhat limited operational capability. It just causes a lot more headaches for individuals who, let us face it, previously possess a good bit on their plates to start with.
According to ‘AskJeeves.com’
The ‘curly earpiece’ tech is really rather common and has been utilized by a number of individuals and organisations beyond the secret service. You can even purchase a wireless version, but don’t expect the FBI to be interested!
I might argue another point, but this is just a pet theory with very little research to back it up. Psychologically speaking, when you see a secret service agent, you recognize them as such without observing them in any form of uniform (beyond a dinner suit, sun glasses and an earpiece), the earpiece, then, is really a subtle reminder to, the civilian, that not merely is this not a regular person in a suit, but also that the area where you now end up is being closely monitored.
With one remark to his/her earpiece, the agent in question can probably call down all the other agents in the immediate area, as well as police, fire brigade and anybody else he/she believes is essential. That subtle reminder is probably a very potent crime deterrent. No guns need to be displayed, no helmets or flak jackets worn and yet y’know that this individual has eyes all over the place and will, probably, really ruin your month. As I said, it’s merely a assumption, but It looks like it makes sense.
Monday 17 March 2014
Gupta: Cell phones, brain tumors and a wired earpiece
You’ve probably stumbled upon this looking for information about radio accessory’s, hopefully this will help you answer some of those questions, if not please click on one of the relevant links within the article
By Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Chief Medical Correspondent
Just about every time I use a cell phone, I plug in my wired earpiece first. Having discussed the use of earpieces on several news shows, people expect to see me using one. If I am walking around the CNN studios, my colleagues often comment on it. In airports, people will stop me in the rare cases I forget to use the earpiece, and remind me about it. Perhaps, they are intrigued because I am a neurosurgeon who openly shows some concern about cell phones.
Truth is, it is a pretty easy thing to do – using an earpiece. Furthermore, my neck doesn’t hurt after being on the phone for a long conference call, and given that many of those calls take place in a car, an earpiece becomes a requirement. Still, though, I don’t want to dodge the obvious question: Do cell phones cause brain cancer?
It may be too early to say for sure. The latency period or time between exposure and recognition of a tumor is around 20 years, sometimes longer. And, cell phone use in the U.S. has been popular for only around 15 years. Back in 1996, there were 34 million cell phone users. Today there are 9-10 times as many. Keeping that in mind, it is worth taking a more detailed look at the results of Interphone, a multinational study designed to try to answer this question.
The headline from this study was there was little or no evidence to show an association between cell phones and cancer. Though, if you went to the appendix of the study, which interestingly was available only online, you found something unsettling. The data showed people who used a cell phone 10 years or more doubled the risk of developing a glioma, a type of brain tumor. And, across the board – most of the studies that have shown an increased risk are from Scandinavia, a place where cell phones have been popular since the early 1990s. For these reasons, the whole issue of latency could become increasingly important.
Cell phones use non-ionizing radiation, which is very different from the ionizing radiation of X-rays, which everyone agrees are harmful. Non-ionizing radiation won’t strip electrons or bust up DNA. It’s more like very low power microwaves. Short term, these microwaves are likely harmless, but long term could be a different story. Anyway, who likes the idea of a microwave, even a low-powered one, next to their head all day?
And, what about kids? I have three of them, aged 5, 4 and 2. Fact is, they are more likely to lead to my early demise than cell phones. But, as hard as it is to believe sometimes, they actually have thinner skulls than adults, and will probably be using cell phones longer than I ever will.
The first person to encourage me to regularly wear an ear piece was Dr. Keith Black. He also is a neurosurgeon, and makes a living removing – you guessed it – brain tumors. Keith has long believed there is a link, and for some time, his was a lonely voice in this discussion. Nowadays, he has loud and prominent voices accompanying him. Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, sent a memo warning staffers to limit their cell phone use. One of the possible consequences, he says, is an increased risk of brain cancer. The city of San Francisco is trying to pass an ordinance requiring radiation warning labels on all cell phones. The European Environmental Agency has said cell phones could be as big a public health risk as smoking, asbestos and leaded gasoline. Even the makers of cell phones suggest you don’t place a device against your head, but rather advocate holding it 5/8 to a full inch away.
Many will roll their eyes at this, scoffing at the precautionary principle on display here. Fair enough. Still, I like my wired earpiece, and I don’t have to turn my life upside down to use it. I also text and email a lot more, because my kids rarely allow me to have a phone conversation. Speaking of kids, you will probably see mine using earpieces too, when my wife and I decide they are old enough to use one, which isn’t in the foreseeable future.
By Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Chief Medical Correspondent
Just about every time I use a cell phone, I plug in my wired earpiece first. Having discussed the use of earpieces on several news shows, people expect to see me using one. If I am walking around the CNN studios, my colleagues often comment on it. In airports, people will stop me in the rare cases I forget to use the earpiece, and remind me about it. Perhaps, they are intrigued because I am a neurosurgeon who openly shows some concern about cell phones.
Truth is, it is a pretty easy thing to do – using an earpiece. Furthermore, my neck doesn’t hurt after being on the phone for a long conference call, and given that many of those calls take place in a car, an earpiece becomes a requirement. Still, though, I don’t want to dodge the obvious question: Do cell phones cause brain cancer?
It may be too early to say for sure. The latency period or time between exposure and recognition of a tumor is around 20 years, sometimes longer. And, cell phone use in the U.S. has been popular for only around 15 years. Back in 1996, there were 34 million cell phone users. Today there are 9-10 times as many. Keeping that in mind, it is worth taking a more detailed look at the results of Interphone, a multinational study designed to try to answer this question.
The headline from this study was there was little or no evidence to show an association between cell phones and cancer. Though, if you went to the appendix of the study, which interestingly was available only online, you found something unsettling. The data showed people who used a cell phone 10 years or more doubled the risk of developing a glioma, a type of brain tumor. And, across the board – most of the studies that have shown an increased risk are from Scandinavia, a place where cell phones have been popular since the early 1990s. For these reasons, the whole issue of latency could become increasingly important.
Cell phones use non-ionizing radiation, which is very different from the ionizing radiation of X-rays, which everyone agrees are harmful. Non-ionizing radiation won’t strip electrons or bust up DNA. It’s more like very low power microwaves. Short term, these microwaves are likely harmless, but long term could be a different story. Anyway, who likes the idea of a microwave, even a low-powered one, next to their head all day?
And, what about kids? I have three of them, aged 5, 4 and 2. Fact is, they are more likely to lead to my early demise than cell phones. But, as hard as it is to believe sometimes, they actually have thinner skulls than adults, and will probably be using cell phones longer than I ever will.
The first person to encourage me to regularly wear an ear piece was Dr. Keith Black. He also is a neurosurgeon, and makes a living removing – you guessed it – brain tumors. Keith has long believed there is a link, and for some time, his was a lonely voice in this discussion. Nowadays, he has loud and prominent voices accompanying him. Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, sent a memo warning staffers to limit their cell phone use. One of the possible consequences, he says, is an increased risk of brain cancer. The city of San Francisco is trying to pass an ordinance requiring radiation warning labels on all cell phones. The European Environmental Agency has said cell phones could be as big a public health risk as smoking, asbestos and leaded gasoline. Even the makers of cell phones suggest you don’t place a device against your head, but rather advocate holding it 5/8 to a full inch away.
Many will roll their eyes at this, scoffing at the precautionary principle on display here. Fair enough. Still, I like my wired earpiece, and I don’t have to turn my life upside down to use it. I also text and email a lot more, because my kids rarely allow me to have a phone conversation. Speaking of kids, you will probably see mine using earpieces too, when my wife and I decide they are old enough to use one, which isn’t in the foreseeable future.
Sunday 16 March 2014
Rediscovery of Knee Ligament Validates 19th Century Paper
Doctors have discovered that an important knee ligament, first described in an 1879 paper, before being subsequently ignored for well over a century, is actually a very real and important body part.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common problem for many athletes. They are notoriously difficult to repair and the recovery is a tough and painful process that can take up to a year. Following treatment, however, many patients still complain of aches and pains and it is not at all uncommon for the joints to fail the necessary pivot-shift tests (performed so the doctors can check the success of their surgeries). Repeat injuries are also inexplicably common.
Last month, it was announced that a team of Flemish doctors appears to have finally solved this persistently vexing riddle and, in so doing, they validated a discovery made over a century ago.
Paul Segond, a 19th century French surgeon who is known for greatly aiding the development of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (as well as describing the Segond fracture), wrote of the ligament as a “pearly, fibrous band” in 1879. Segond posited that it was an additional ligament, but anatomists did not consider the initial discovery to be accurate.
After reading Segond’s paper and deciding that there may be something to it after all, the team of knee surgeons and an anatomist began investigating the possibility that Segond’s mystery ligament was, in fact, a very real part of the Human body.
The team examined the knees of 41 cadavers, finding that 40 of them actually contained Segond’s ligament, just as he’d described it a hundred years earlier.
With this (re)discovery now published and proven, the ligament has been named as the anterolateral ligament (ALL).
The anterolateral ligament joins the other joint structures in the knee considered most important by doctors and anatomists, such as the lateral femoral epicondyle (LFE), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), Gerdy’s tubercle (GT), popliteus tendon (PT), popliteofibular ligament (PFL), and, of course, the aforementioned anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Surgeons are already considering ways in which to repair ALL tears and damage, with the hopes of improving the quality of life for anyone who suffers any ligament damage to the knees. This rediscovery is likely to become a very significant one in the field of sports and athletics, across both amateur and professional playing fields.
SOURCES
http://www.scientificamerican.com/gallery_directory.cfm?photo_id=7737D2E0-994F-A7AD-8721A14249EB4E02
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common problem for many athletes. They are notoriously difficult to repair and the recovery is a tough and painful process that can take up to a year. Following treatment, however, many patients still complain of aches and pains and it is not at all uncommon for the joints to fail the necessary pivot-shift tests (performed so the doctors can check the success of their surgeries). Repeat injuries are also inexplicably common.
Last month, it was announced that a team of Flemish doctors appears to have finally solved this persistently vexing riddle and, in so doing, they validated a discovery made over a century ago.
Paul Segond, a 19th century French surgeon who is known for greatly aiding the development of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (as well as describing the Segond fracture), wrote of the ligament as a “pearly, fibrous band” in 1879. Segond posited that it was an additional ligament, but anatomists did not consider the initial discovery to be accurate.
After reading Segond’s paper and deciding that there may be something to it after all, the team of knee surgeons and an anatomist began investigating the possibility that Segond’s mystery ligament was, in fact, a very real part of the Human body.
The team examined the knees of 41 cadavers, finding that 40 of them actually contained Segond’s ligament, just as he’d described it a hundred years earlier.
With this (re)discovery now published and proven, the ligament has been named as the anterolateral ligament (ALL).
The anterolateral ligament joins the other joint structures in the knee considered most important by doctors and anatomists, such as the lateral femoral epicondyle (LFE), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), Gerdy’s tubercle (GT), popliteus tendon (PT), popliteofibular ligament (PFL), and, of course, the aforementioned anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Surgeons are already considering ways in which to repair ALL tears and damage, with the hopes of improving the quality of life for anyone who suffers any ligament damage to the knees. This rediscovery is likely to become a very significant one in the field of sports and athletics, across both amateur and professional playing fields.
SOURCES
http://www.scientificamerican.com/gallery_directory.cfm?photo_id=7737D2E0-994F-A7AD-8721A14249EB4E02
Monday 10 March 2014
Just what would happen if I ignored the safety advice and used a radio or a phone on an airplane?
(Asked by Rory from County Kildare, Ireland)
Before all you regular readers point out that Margot from Brighton asked me a very similar question last month, let me just say that I’m answering this one simply because of the way Rory chose to phrase his question.
In life, we are constantly bombarded by instructions, orders and indefinable ‘rules’ (some of which are written down and legally enforced, while others still are unwritten and socially enforced). I’m sure I’m not the only one who, like Rory from Kildare, wonders what would happen if some of those rules were to be broken.
Being on an airplane is one of those serious occasions when the people around you enact a greatly heightened degree of safety awareness. Frequent fliers among you will no doubt be able to recite a standard safety speech without too much difficulty. As the cabin crew stone-facedly prepare us for the fact that, in the event of a crash, there really isn’t much we can do to save ourselves, they always make a fuss about radios, phones and related equipment, don’t they?
But why is this? Surely something as innocent as a transistor radio or a cellphone can’t hurt a great big aeroplane, and if they can, why are we allowed to have them with us on the flight?
In truth, that is absolutely the case, your radio/phone can’t really damage the plane in any serious way, (death by text message is not going to be a real issue for you) but amazingly, our handheld devices can cause a few problems.
Y’see, a radio receiver houses something called a ‘local oscillator’, which can act as an internal transmitter. This is usually a small signal that helps to clear up the incoming signal for the listener. However, although these oscillators are usually shielded, it honestly doesn’t take much for the signal to escape and play havoc with aircraft navigation technology. In the vast majority of occasions, this simply will not happen, but is it really worth chancing a freak accident?
Mobiles, however, are a slightly different story. They aren’t really dangerous to aircraft technology at all. It is theoretically possible, but so is being burgled by highly trained chimps in ninja outfits…
Essentially, the problem between mobile phones and planes is a logistic/economic one. The phone will search for signal at 30,000 feet and, in doing so, can chance upon hundreds of potential signals at once. This becomes almost impossible for the phone companies to figure out, making it simply a pain in the backside for the companies concerned.
Since there is also a risk (however marginal) to the safety of the passengers and crew, the ban will likely remain in place until someone figures out a way to charge premium rates from high above the Atlantic ocean, then the ads will talk about how they always put the customer first, no matter what.
Ultimately, however, it just isn’t worth the risk, Rory. So now you know and, as I was reliably informed throughout my childhood, knowing is half the battle.
Before all you regular readers point out that Margot from Brighton asked me a very similar question last month, let me just say that I’m answering this one simply because of the way Rory chose to phrase his question.
In life, we are constantly bombarded by instructions, orders and indefinable ‘rules’ (some of which are written down and legally enforced, while others still are unwritten and socially enforced). I’m sure I’m not the only one who, like Rory from Kildare, wonders what would happen if some of those rules were to be broken.
Being on an airplane is one of those serious occasions when the people around you enact a greatly heightened degree of safety awareness. Frequent fliers among you will no doubt be able to recite a standard safety speech without too much difficulty. As the cabin crew stone-facedly prepare us for the fact that, in the event of a crash, there really isn’t much we can do to save ourselves, they always make a fuss about radios, phones and related equipment, don’t they?
But why is this? Surely something as innocent as a transistor radio or a cellphone can’t hurt a great big aeroplane, and if they can, why are we allowed to have them with us on the flight?
In truth, that is absolutely the case, your radio/phone can’t really damage the plane in any serious way, (death by text message is not going to be a real issue for you) but amazingly, our handheld devices can cause a few problems.
Y’see, a radio receiver houses something called a ‘local oscillator’, which can act as an internal transmitter. This is usually a small signal that helps to clear up the incoming signal for the listener. However, although these oscillators are usually shielded, it honestly doesn’t take much for the signal to escape and play havoc with aircraft navigation technology. In the vast majority of occasions, this simply will not happen, but is it really worth chancing a freak accident?
Essentially, the problem between mobile phones and planes is a logistic/economic one. The phone will search for signal at 30,000 feet and, in doing so, can chance upon hundreds of potential signals at once. This becomes almost impossible for the phone companies to figure out, making it simply a pain in the backside for the companies concerned.
Since there is also a risk (however marginal) to the safety of the passengers and crew, the ban will likely remain in place until someone figures out a way to charge premium rates from high above the Atlantic ocean, then the ads will talk about how they always put the customer first, no matter what.
Ultimately, however, it just isn’t worth the risk, Rory. So now you know and, as I was reliably informed throughout my childhood, knowing is half the battle.
Out of Africa: Earliest Human Footprints Found in UK
The earliest evidence of Human footprints (outside of Africa, where most experts believe modern Humans first appeared) has been discovered in the United Kingdom.
The prints, believed to be some 800,000 years old, were identified on the shores of Happisburgh, a small village situated on the Norfolk coastline. The footprints represent a major prehistoric find, as they are direct evidence of the earliest known Humans in Northern Europe.
Dr. Nick Ashton, of The British Museum, said of the footprints that “(They are) one of the most important discoveries, if not the most important discovery that has been made on [Britain"s] shores,”
The hollow, foot-shaped markings were discovered during a low tide last year, when unusually rough seas exposed an area of sandy beach.
Sadly, the footprints were washed away fairly quickly, but they were visible long enough to be properly recorded, photographed and studied. Dr. Aston and his team worked hard to document the monumental discovery, even as heavy rainfall filled the tracks, “The rain was filling the hollows as quickly as we could empty them,” he told a BBC reporter.
Fortunately, the team was able to obtain a 3D scan of the prints. This scan revealed that the footprints likely belonged to a group consisting of an adult male and a few children. This has led some experts to speculate that the prints are those left by a prehistoric family group. The scan was so accurate, that the adult’s shoe size was determined to have been a comfortable 8.
Dr. Isabelle De Groote of Liverpool John Moore’s University was the first to confirm that the hollows were Human footprints. She told BBC that, “They appear to have been made by one adult male who was about 5ft 9in (175cm) tall and the shortest was about 3ft. The other larger footprints could come from young adult males or have been left by females. The glimpse of the past that we are seeing is that we have a family group moving together across the landscape.”
The family, however, were not modern Humans. Experts believe that they would have likely belonged to a group called Homo Antecessor. Remains of this extinct Human species (or possibly subspecies) have been found throughout Europe, most notably in Spain. They are thought to be among the continent’s earliest Human inhabitants.
It is generally accepted that Homo Antecessor was either a relative of Homo Heidelbergensis (an early Human considered most likely to be the direct ancestor of both modern Humans and Neanderthals), or else the same species. In either instance, h. Heidelbergensis is known to have lived in Britain about 500,000 years ago, which is about 300,000 years after changing temperatures are thought to have wiped out Britain’s Homo Antecessor population.
Homo Heidelbergensis is said to have evolved into Homo Neanderthalensis (Neanderthal Man), who lived, alongside our own Homo Sapien ancestors, until about 40,000 years ago, when the receding ice (and possibly competition for food) signaled the end for our last surviving sister species.
Interestingly, in 2010, Dr. Aston and his team discovered stone tools of a kind known to have been used by h. Antecessor in Happisburgh. It is a discovery that neatly compliments that of the footprints. This find, and other supporting material, effectively confirms the presence of early Humans in Britain about one million years ago.
According to Dr. Aston, the find will rewrite our understanding of British and European prehistory. To put that into perspective a little, the Happisburgh footprints are the only such find of this age to have ever been seen outside of Africa. Even then, there are only three specimens that are considered to be older across the African continent.
800, 000 years ago the earliest Britons left a lasting mark on the landscape. In so doing, they inadvertently sent us a message from the past about who they were and how they might have lived.
SOURCES:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26025763
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_antecessor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_heidelbergensis
The prints, believed to be some 800,000 years old, were identified on the shores of Happisburgh, a small village situated on the Norfolk coastline. The footprints represent a major prehistoric find, as they are direct evidence of the earliest known Humans in Northern Europe.
Dr. Nick Ashton, of The British Museum, said of the footprints that “(They are) one of the most important discoveries, if not the most important discovery that has been made on [Britain"s] shores,”
The hollow, foot-shaped markings were discovered during a low tide last year, when unusually rough seas exposed an area of sandy beach.
Sadly, the footprints were washed away fairly quickly, but they were visible long enough to be properly recorded, photographed and studied. Dr. Aston and his team worked hard to document the monumental discovery, even as heavy rainfall filled the tracks, “The rain was filling the hollows as quickly as we could empty them,” he told a BBC reporter.
Fortunately, the team was able to obtain a 3D scan of the prints. This scan revealed that the footprints likely belonged to a group consisting of an adult male and a few children. This has led some experts to speculate that the prints are those left by a prehistoric family group. The scan was so accurate, that the adult’s shoe size was determined to have been a comfortable 8.
Dr. Isabelle De Groote of Liverpool John Moore’s University was the first to confirm that the hollows were Human footprints. She told BBC that, “They appear to have been made by one adult male who was about 5ft 9in (175cm) tall and the shortest was about 3ft. The other larger footprints could come from young adult males or have been left by females. The glimpse of the past that we are seeing is that we have a family group moving together across the landscape.”
The family, however, were not modern Humans. Experts believe that they would have likely belonged to a group called Homo Antecessor. Remains of this extinct Human species (or possibly subspecies) have been found throughout Europe, most notably in Spain. They are thought to be among the continent’s earliest Human inhabitants.
It is generally accepted that Homo Antecessor was either a relative of Homo Heidelbergensis (an early Human considered most likely to be the direct ancestor of both modern Humans and Neanderthals), or else the same species. In either instance, h. Heidelbergensis is known to have lived in Britain about 500,000 years ago, which is about 300,000 years after changing temperatures are thought to have wiped out Britain’s Homo Antecessor population.
Homo Heidelbergensis is said to have evolved into Homo Neanderthalensis (Neanderthal Man), who lived, alongside our own Homo Sapien ancestors, until about 40,000 years ago, when the receding ice (and possibly competition for food) signaled the end for our last surviving sister species.
Interestingly, in 2010, Dr. Aston and his team discovered stone tools of a kind known to have been used by h. Antecessor in Happisburgh. It is a discovery that neatly compliments that of the footprints. This find, and other supporting material, effectively confirms the presence of early Humans in Britain about one million years ago.
According to Dr. Aston, the find will rewrite our understanding of British and European prehistory. To put that into perspective a little, the Happisburgh footprints are the only such find of this age to have ever been seen outside of Africa. Even then, there are only three specimens that are considered to be older across the African continent.
800, 000 years ago the earliest Britons left a lasting mark on the landscape. In so doing, they inadvertently sent us a message from the past about who they were and how they might have lived.
SOURCES:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26025763
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_antecessor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_heidelbergensis
Saturday 8 March 2014
two way radios for manufacturing
Modern manufacturing is a tough and competitive world. It is a world where only the strong survive, while the weak go and find an easier career. The widespread adoption of new principles in this area, as well as the general expansion experienced by an always in-demand service, has led to an even harder, more competitive global industry than ever before.
In this new, hard-edged manufacturing world, management teams and boards of directors are looking for anything that can give them an advantage over the competition. Computer systems have enabled automatic functions that improve performance, while new ways of managing production have allowed faster, more efficient manufacturing to take place.
However, the one technology that no company can do without is the two-way radio.
A modern factory is a complex hub of activity, creation and hard work. With the use of two-way radio technology, supervisors are able to interact with management, whilst staff are able to interact with supervisors and security teams, for their part, are able to keep everyone safe.
Health and safety is paramount in such an environment and two-way radios are a vital component in the process of ensuring a workforce that is safe from harm of any kind.
In order for such a difficult process to run smoothly enough to compete, workers, supervisors and managers keep in touch via two-way radio. It is a technology that has proven itself time and time again.
Fast, efficient and easy to use, the two-way radio allows for instant communication between employees. It is easy to train people to use a two-way, as functions are simple, with very few possible mistakes (especially for staff used to operating complex machinery and equipment). In addition, two-way sound quality is generally very good and the equipment is always reliable. With two-way radios in constant use, all levels of a manufacturing company are able to interact quickly and easily. While we’re on the subject, the rugged design of a modern radio is perfectly suited to the hustle and bustle of a busy factory floor.
Global manufacturing is an industry of dedication, sweat and a high-pressure working environment at all levels, but it is also a very rewarding and wholly important way to make a living.
Everyone around the world needs things made, they need them made well and they usually need them sooner, as opposed to than later. Two-way radios simply make the job easier, safer, quicker and more efficient. What could be wrong with that?
In this new, hard-edged manufacturing world, management teams and boards of directors are looking for anything that can give them an advantage over the competition. Computer systems have enabled automatic functions that improve performance, while new ways of managing production have allowed faster, more efficient manufacturing to take place.
However, the one technology that no company can do without is the two-way radio.
A modern factory is a complex hub of activity, creation and hard work. With the use of two-way radio technology, supervisors are able to interact with management, whilst staff are able to interact with supervisors and security teams, for their part, are able to keep everyone safe.
Health and safety is paramount in such an environment and two-way radios are a vital component in the process of ensuring a workforce that is safe from harm of any kind.
In order for such a difficult process to run smoothly enough to compete, workers, supervisors and managers keep in touch via two-way radio. It is a technology that has proven itself time and time again.Fast, efficient and easy to use, the two-way radio allows for instant communication between employees. It is easy to train people to use a two-way, as functions are simple, with very few possible mistakes (especially for staff used to operating complex machinery and equipment). In addition, two-way sound quality is generally very good and the equipment is always reliable. With two-way radios in constant use, all levels of a manufacturing company are able to interact quickly and easily. While we’re on the subject, the rugged design of a modern radio is perfectly suited to the hustle and bustle of a busy factory floor.
Global manufacturing is an industry of dedication, sweat and a high-pressure working environment at all levels, but it is also a very rewarding and wholly important way to make a living.
Everyone around the world needs things made, they need them made well and they usually need them sooner, as opposed to than later. Two-way radios simply make the job easier, safer, quicker and more efficient. What could be wrong with that?
Thursday 6 March 2014
Facebook Acquires WhatsApp for $19bn (£11bn)
Social media giants Facebook have purchased smartphone messaging app WhatsApp in a deal worth $19bn.
According to official statistics, WhatsApp has around 450 million monthly users. The makers of the app claim that it registers 1 million new users every day.
For those not in the know, WhatsApp is an Internet-based messaging service that allows people to get around text message charges. It works in much the same way that SMS (or ‘text messaging’) works, but crucially, it is free. For a small fee of $1 a year, it is possible to upgrade the service.
This is by far Facebook’s largest acquisition to date and has been met with some scepticism, but Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg doesn’t seem daunted by the huge price tag; he described WhatsApp as “incredibly valuable” in a statement announcing the deal.
Prior to this deal, Facebook’s biggest purchase had been photography app Instagram, for which they paid $1bn.
Richard Taylor, North America Technology Correspondent with the BBC, said, “Some are seeing the $19bn price tag as further evidence of swollen valuations of companies as the sector experiences what may yet prove to be another dotcom bubble. WhatsApp does give Mark Zuckerberg inroads into international markets and, as importantly, to a younger demographic. But what is less clear is whether the finances will add up in the long term”.
The acquisition includes $4bn in cash, about $12bn in Facebook shares and about $3bn in stock options for WhatsApp founders and employees (of which there are around 50).
WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum has also become a member of Facebook’s board of directors. “We’re excited and honoured to partner with Mark and Facebook as we continue to bring our product to more people around the world,” said Mr. Koum. Koum has also stated that he does not intend to allow advertising on the app.
Zuckerberg stated that he believed that WhatsApp was well on its way to having a Billion users.
In an interview with BBC News, senior research analyst with eMarketer Cathy Boyle said, “WhatsApp actually has greater penetration in a lot of international markets than Facebook,” It is possible that by linking the two services, Facebook will be able to increase its customer base. She then went on to say, “WhatsApp is trying to siphon the billions that the telecom industry would make from [traditional SMS text messaging]” if that is Facebook’s intention (and we have to consider it as one of them), then it actually makes good business sense.
SOURCES:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26266689
According to official statistics, WhatsApp has around 450 million monthly users. The makers of the app claim that it registers 1 million new users every day.
For those not in the know, WhatsApp is an Internet-based messaging service that allows people to get around text message charges. It works in much the same way that SMS (or ‘text messaging’) works, but crucially, it is free. For a small fee of $1 a year, it is possible to upgrade the service.
This is by far Facebook’s largest acquisition to date and has been met with some scepticism, but Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg doesn’t seem daunted by the huge price tag; he described WhatsApp as “incredibly valuable” in a statement announcing the deal.
Prior to this deal, Facebook’s biggest purchase had been photography app Instagram, for which they paid $1bn.
Richard Taylor, North America Technology Correspondent with the BBC, said, “Some are seeing the $19bn price tag as further evidence of swollen valuations of companies as the sector experiences what may yet prove to be another dotcom bubble. WhatsApp does give Mark Zuckerberg inroads into international markets and, as importantly, to a younger demographic. But what is less clear is whether the finances will add up in the long term”.The acquisition includes $4bn in cash, about $12bn in Facebook shares and about $3bn in stock options for WhatsApp founders and employees (of which there are around 50).
WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum has also become a member of Facebook’s board of directors. “We’re excited and honoured to partner with Mark and Facebook as we continue to bring our product to more people around the world,” said Mr. Koum. Koum has also stated that he does not intend to allow advertising on the app.
Zuckerberg stated that he believed that WhatsApp was well on its way to having a Billion users.
In an interview with BBC News, senior research analyst with eMarketer Cathy Boyle said, “WhatsApp actually has greater penetration in a lot of international markets than Facebook,” It is possible that by linking the two services, Facebook will be able to increase its customer base. She then went on to say, “WhatsApp is trying to siphon the billions that the telecom industry would make from [traditional SMS text messaging]” if that is Facebook’s intention (and we have to consider it as one of them), then it actually makes good business sense.
SOURCES:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26266689
Tributes paid to "wrestling pioneer" Mae Young that has died at the age of 90
Pioneering female professional wrestler Mae Young has passed away aged 90.
To date, Mae Young is the only professional wrestler in history (male or female) to have had documented matches in nine different decades. She began wrestling in 1939, at the onset of the Second World War and her last match took place in 2010.
Young, real name Johnnie Mae Young, was originally billed as ‘The Amazing’, ‘The Queen’ or ‘The Great’ Mae Young but was ultimately far better known simply as Mae Young. She enjoyed one of the most celebrated and unique careers in the history of professional wrestling.
Young’s wrestling debut came whilst she was still a teenager, after starring in the boy’s amateur wrestling team at school. During World War 2, she became a popular attraction, inspiring many other women to become professional wrestlers.
In 1951, Young was crowned as the first ever NWA Florida (National Wrestling Alliance) Women’s Champion and eventually became the NWA’s first United States Women’s Champion.
During the 50’s, Young wrestled for the WWWA (World Women’s Wrestling Association), bringing credibility and popularity to Women’s wrestling. She remained a draw throughout her career.
Modern day wrestling fans know Young best for her stint with the WWF (World Wrestling Federation – now known as World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE) from 1999-2000, in which she played a more comedic role. However, despite being nearly 80 years old, Young was still highly active as a wrestler. She participated in matches and storylines with her best friend, The Fabulous Moolah, another pioneer of Women’s wrestling and multi-time Women’s Champion (who had been partly trained by Young).
Mae Young would appear on WWE television, playing a number of roles from comedy character to respected veteran, throughout the next decade, with her final appearance being a celebration of her 90th birthday in 2013.
Memorable moments from her WWE tenure include being kissed by The Rock, giving the ‘Bronco Buster’ finisher to former WCW (World Championship Wrestling) boss Eric Bischoff, being beaten up by Tag Team wrestlers The Dudley Boyz and becoming ‘pregnant’ by Olympic weightlifter and former World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry. “She will be missed as much as anyone I’ve ever known!” said Henry.
In 2008, Mae Young was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Since the announcement of Young’s death, tributes have flooded in from the wrestling world. Former WWE Champion-turned actor The Rock said, “She is a wrestling pioneer. I truly had deep affection and respect for ‘Auntie Mae’ Young”
WWE boss Vince McMahon said, “Her longevity in sports entertainment may never be matched, and I will forever be grateful for all of her contributions to the industry. On behalf of WWE, I extend our sincerest condolences to her family and friends.”
‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper wrote, “”May Young was a wonderful lady! When I started in the business May teased me a lot. Love you May!” Multiple time WWE, WCW and NWA Champion Ric Flair called Young “An incredible person and pioneer of the wrestling business” Whilst, in an emotional Tweet, Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts wrote, “Nobody, male or female, loved & respected the wrestling business more than her. True legend.”
Mae Young will be remembered by her fans as a pioneer and a female icon, as well as a charismatic performer with a great sense of humor. She was genuinely among the toughest human beings, be they male or female, to ever step between the ropes.
SOURCES
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/mae-young-dead-womens-wrestling-3025555
http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Mae-Young-dies:-WWE-Hall-of-Famer-was-90/9394471
To date, Mae Young is the only professional wrestler in history (male or female) to have had documented matches in nine different decades. She began wrestling in 1939, at the onset of the Second World War and her last match took place in 2010.
Young’s wrestling debut came whilst she was still a teenager, after starring in the boy’s amateur wrestling team at school. During World War 2, she became a popular attraction, inspiring many other women to become professional wrestlers.
In 1951, Young was crowned as the first ever NWA Florida (National Wrestling Alliance) Women’s Champion and eventually became the NWA’s first United States Women’s Champion.
During the 50’s, Young wrestled for the WWWA (World Women’s Wrestling Association), bringing credibility and popularity to Women’s wrestling. She remained a draw throughout her career.
Modern day wrestling fans know Young best for her stint with the WWF (World Wrestling Federation – now known as World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE) from 1999-2000, in which she played a more comedic role. However, despite being nearly 80 years old, Young was still highly active as a wrestler. She participated in matches and storylines with her best friend, The Fabulous Moolah, another pioneer of Women’s wrestling and multi-time Women’s Champion (who had been partly trained by Young).
Mae Young would appear on WWE television, playing a number of roles from comedy character to respected veteran, throughout the next decade, with her final appearance being a celebration of her 90th birthday in 2013.
Memorable moments from her WWE tenure include being kissed by The Rock, giving the ‘Bronco Buster’ finisher to former WCW (World Championship Wrestling) boss Eric Bischoff, being beaten up by Tag Team wrestlers The Dudley Boyz and becoming ‘pregnant’ by Olympic weightlifter and former World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry. “She will be missed as much as anyone I’ve ever known!” said Henry.
In 2008, Mae Young was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Since the announcement of Young’s death, tributes have flooded in from the wrestling world. Former WWE Champion-turned actor The Rock said, “She is a wrestling pioneer. I truly had deep affection and respect for ‘Auntie Mae’ Young”
WWE boss Vince McMahon said, “Her longevity in sports entertainment may never be matched, and I will forever be grateful for all of her contributions to the industry. On behalf of WWE, I extend our sincerest condolences to her family and friends.”
‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper wrote, “”May Young was a wonderful lady! When I started in the business May teased me a lot. Love you May!” Multiple time WWE, WCW and NWA Champion Ric Flair called Young “An incredible person and pioneer of the wrestling business” Whilst, in an emotional Tweet, Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts wrote, “Nobody, male or female, loved & respected the wrestling business more than her. True legend.”
Mae Young will be remembered by her fans as a pioneer and a female icon, as well as a charismatic performer with a great sense of humor. She was genuinely among the toughest human beings, be they male or female, to ever step between the ropes.
SOURCES
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/mae-young-dead-womens-wrestling-3025555
http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Mae-Young-dies:-WWE-Hall-of-Famer-was-90/9394471
Tuesday 4 March 2014
Western Black Rhino Officially Declared Extinct
The western black rhinoceros, a subspecies of African black rhinoceros, has officially been declared extinct by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) this month.
The announcement marked a sad day in history for anyone concerned with conservation or the wellbeing of our natural world.
Despite the news sending media shockwaves around the world, the first proclamation of extinction was actually given in 2011 by non-profit organization ‘Save The Rhino’, however, this was not considered official, so some conservationists still held on to hope. Sadly, as of 2006, the IUCN had stockpiled enough evidence to declare the western black rhino extinct, but the group usually waits for five years before making an official announcement, just in case a living specimen is spotted or discovered alive.
The last western black rhinos to live in the wild were confined to a small area of Cameroon and were killed between 2003 and 2006 (reports vary as to the exact dates) at the hands of opportunistic poachers.
Poaching was undeniably the main cause of the species’ extinction and is a continuing threat to all remaining rhino species (there are only three subspecies of black rhinos left in the wild, all of which are considered to be endangered by the IUCN).
Rhinos are killed for many reasons, sometimes because their horns, when powdered, are used in Chinese medicine. Sometimes the animals are killed is because sport hunters enjoy shooting them and sometimes, farmers find them to be dangerous pests, so they shoot the rhinos on sight. In the Middle East, rhino horn is used to make ceremonial dagger handles. Even with populations dwindling, there is still a high demand for rhino horns.
Between 1960 and 1995, poachers, no doubt in search of a big payday, killed an estimated 98% of black rhinos in Africa. The western black rhino was the hardest hit of the four species, with numbers steadily dwindling as the poachers refused to stop killing these rare (and increasingly valuable) creatures.
To put the above into perspective, there were an estimated 50 black rhinos left in 1991, but by 1992, there were only 35. In 1997, it was announced that there were only 10 individuals left on the continent
Just 100 years ago, however, approximately a million black rhinos, members of four distinct subspecies, lived on the Savannas of Africa, today, there are only a couple of thousand and now, only three remaining subspecies.
In addition, the Vietnamese Javan rhino subspecies was declared extinct in 2011 and the main Javan species is now considered to comprise of only 50 remaining individuals, the majority of which are at serious risk from poachers.
At the time of writing, there are only seven northern white rhinos (which is possibly a distinct species of rhinoceros, rather than a subspecies) left alive in the world. As a result, there is not a large enough population to ensure species survival. The northern white rhino will almost certainly join its western black cousin on the extinction list fairly soon.
The word ‘tragedy’ simply doesn’t seem adequate.
SOURCES
http://www.universityherald.com/articles/5456/20131108/the-western-black-rhinoceros-was-actually-declared-extinct-in-2011-and-may-have-left-earth-as-far-back-as-2003.htm
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/2013/11/13/western-black-rhino-extinct/
The announcement marked a sad day in history for anyone concerned with conservation or the wellbeing of our natural world.
Despite the news sending media shockwaves around the world, the first proclamation of extinction was actually given in 2011 by non-profit organization ‘Save The Rhino’, however, this was not considered official, so some conservationists still held on to hope. Sadly, as of 2006, the IUCN had stockpiled enough evidence to declare the western black rhino extinct, but the group usually waits for five years before making an official announcement, just in case a living specimen is spotted or discovered alive.
The last western black rhinos to live in the wild were confined to a small area of Cameroon and were killed between 2003 and 2006 (reports vary as to the exact dates) at the hands of opportunistic poachers.
Poaching was undeniably the main cause of the species’ extinction and is a continuing threat to all remaining rhino species (there are only three subspecies of black rhinos left in the wild, all of which are considered to be endangered by the IUCN).
Rhinos are killed for many reasons, sometimes because their horns, when powdered, are used in Chinese medicine. Sometimes the animals are killed is because sport hunters enjoy shooting them and sometimes, farmers find them to be dangerous pests, so they shoot the rhinos on sight. In the Middle East, rhino horn is used to make ceremonial dagger handles. Even with populations dwindling, there is still a high demand for rhino horns.
Between 1960 and 1995, poachers, no doubt in search of a big payday, killed an estimated 98% of black rhinos in Africa. The western black rhino was the hardest hit of the four species, with numbers steadily dwindling as the poachers refused to stop killing these rare (and increasingly valuable) creatures.
Just 100 years ago, however, approximately a million black rhinos, members of four distinct subspecies, lived on the Savannas of Africa, today, there are only a couple of thousand and now, only three remaining subspecies.
In addition, the Vietnamese Javan rhino subspecies was declared extinct in 2011 and the main Javan species is now considered to comprise of only 50 remaining individuals, the majority of which are at serious risk from poachers.
At the time of writing, there are only seven northern white rhinos (which is possibly a distinct species of rhinoceros, rather than a subspecies) left alive in the world. As a result, there is not a large enough population to ensure species survival. The northern white rhino will almost certainly join its western black cousin on the extinction list fairly soon.
The word ‘tragedy’ simply doesn’t seem adequate.
SOURCES
http://www.universityherald.com/articles/5456/20131108/the-western-black-rhinoceros-was-actually-declared-extinct-in-2011-and-may-have-left-earth-as-far-back-as-2003.htm
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/2013/11/13/western-black-rhino-extinct/
Sunday 2 March 2014
MOTOTRBO™ REMASTER YOUR WORKFORCE WITH THE RIGHT SOLUTION
The Mototrbo radio has many different uses, but it works best at communicating two or more individuals between each other, be it leisure or business, long distance communication can be crucial in a number of environments. This promotional information was firstly a PDF on the motorola Internet site.
HELP TEAMS WORK BETTER AND FASTER, TOGETHER
Your people are on the factory floor, at the front desk, moving across campus or around the country. Hauling freight or handling emergency repairs, MOTOTRBO connects them instantly and efficiently, everywhere they go.
Whether they need ultra-thin portables or extra-tough mobiles, integrated Bluetooth® or industry-leading data applications, we have the right solution to fit your workforce now, and evolve as your enterprise grows.
More than a progressive portfolio, MOTOTRBO is a complete and expertly integrated solution of portable radios, mobile radios, repeaters, data applications, accessories, software and services. MOTOTRBO puts the right solution into the hands of the right user – to make decisions easier, efficiency better, safety greater and productivity higher. And that can transform your enterprise.
BE IN-TOUCH AND UP-TO-THE MINUTE WITH MOTOTRBO APPLICATIONS
Take your business beyond voice and ensure all your people stay connected with the speed and efficiency of data. Whether sending a text message to crews doing road repairs or using the integrated GPS module to manage your taxi fleet, MOTOTRBO makes response time more immediate, customer service more effective and your operation more productive.
With the industry’s largest Application Developer Program, MOTOTRBO supports a wide range of data applications to expand communication beyond voice. Plus, you can work directly with third-party developers or your IT staff to create customised applications for your unique needs.
ENHANCE SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
GPS location tracking allows efficient tracking of workers, vehicles, and business assets to enhance safety and productivity.
ACCELERATE RESPONSE TIME
Work order ticket management solutions help expedite resolution of customer issues, enhance the efficiency of personnel responding to issues, and generate reports to create efficient work flows.
STAY IN control
Conveniently monitor machine or facility alarms, and remotely control doors with advanced telemetry solutions.
MOBILISE YOUR TEAMS
Effectively manage fleet operations and extend access to radio functions via an IP connection from remote locations.
STAY CONNECTED
Send and receive text messages and emails directly from your MOTOTRBO radio. Enhance worker safety and productivity by integrating with phone systems to make phone calls in places where mobile phone coverage is not available.
CONNECT WITH OTHER DEVICES
Interoperate seamlessly with technologies such as other radio systems, telephony systems and mobile computing devices.
LIFE-SAVING SOLUTIONS
Enhance worker safety with lone worker and man-down emergency alarms. These solutions integrate with location tracking solutions and can emit tones from the radio to allow the radio to call for help when a worker can’t.
Source - http://www.motorolasolutions.com/web/Business/Product%20Lines/MOTOTrbo/_Documents/_Static%20Files/MOTOTRBO_System_Brochure.pdf
HELP TEAMS WORK BETTER AND FASTER, TOGETHER
Your people are on the factory floor, at the front desk, moving across campus or around the country. Hauling freight or handling emergency repairs, MOTOTRBO connects them instantly and efficiently, everywhere they go.
Whether they need ultra-thin portables or extra-tough mobiles, integrated Bluetooth® or industry-leading data applications, we have the right solution to fit your workforce now, and evolve as your enterprise grows.
More than a progressive portfolio, MOTOTRBO is a complete and expertly integrated solution of portable radios, mobile radios, repeaters, data applications, accessories, software and services. MOTOTRBO puts the right solution into the hands of the right user – to make decisions easier, efficiency better, safety greater and productivity higher. And that can transform your enterprise.
BE IN-TOUCH AND UP-TO-THE MINUTE WITH MOTOTRBO APPLICATIONS
Take your business beyond voice and ensure all your people stay connected with the speed and efficiency of data. Whether sending a text message to crews doing road repairs or using the integrated GPS module to manage your taxi fleet, MOTOTRBO makes response time more immediate, customer service more effective and your operation more productive.
With the industry’s largest Application Developer Program, MOTOTRBO supports a wide range of data applications to expand communication beyond voice. Plus, you can work directly with third-party developers or your IT staff to create customised applications for your unique needs.
ENHANCE SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
GPS location tracking allows efficient tracking of workers, vehicles, and business assets to enhance safety and productivity.
ACCELERATE RESPONSE TIME
Work order ticket management solutions help expedite resolution of customer issues, enhance the efficiency of personnel responding to issues, and generate reports to create efficient work flows.
STAY IN control
Conveniently monitor machine or facility alarms, and remotely control doors with advanced telemetry solutions.
MOBILISE YOUR TEAMS
Effectively manage fleet operations and extend access to radio functions via an IP connection from remote locations.
STAY CONNECTED
Send and receive text messages and emails directly from your MOTOTRBO radio. Enhance worker safety and productivity by integrating with phone systems to make phone calls in places where mobile phone coverage is not available.
CONNECT WITH OTHER DEVICES
Interoperate seamlessly with technologies such as other radio systems, telephony systems and mobile computing devices.
LIFE-SAVING SOLUTIONS
Enhance worker safety with lone worker and man-down emergency alarms. These solutions integrate with location tracking solutions and can emit tones from the radio to allow the radio to call for help when a worker can’t.
Source - http://www.motorolasolutions.com/web/Business/Product%20Lines/MOTOTrbo/_Documents/_Static%20Files/MOTOTRBO_System_Brochure.pdf
Monday 24 February 2014
‘Batman & Son’ Movie Trailer Released
Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment have released a trailer for their upcoming animated feature ‘Son of Batman’. The film will be an adaptation of the 2006 story ‘Batman & Son’, which was written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Andy Kubert.
The comic story deals with the introduction of Bruce Wayne’s son, Damian Wayne, who also happens to be the grandchild of Batman’s nemesis Ra’s Al Ghul. The original story was published in Batman issues 655-658 and proved to be somewhat polarizing amongst the DC Comics fanbase.
The trailer hints that this film will be slightly different from the original story, with a greater emphasis seemingly placed on Damian’s membership within the League of Assassins, the worldwide organisation headed up by his grandfather.
The trailer also suggests that Deathstroke, known to younger fans from the popular ‘Teen Titans’ TV series, will be the main antagonist in the film version, instead of Talia, who was the principle enemy of the comic book story.
It also seems unlikely that this film will take up its potentially broader role as the opening chapter in Grant Morrison’s epic, 7-year Batman story arc; a story which ended with Damian’s controversial death in 2013. For now, it seems that this film will be a one-off.
DC Entertainment’s animated features have proven to be very popular with fans. Film adaptations of well-loved Batman stories such as ‘Batman: Year One’, ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ and ‘Under the Red Hood’ are all big sellers for download or on DVD/Blu Ray.
Jason O’Mara will voice Batman in the new film, whilst Morena Baccarin will voice Damian’s mother, Talia. Completing the casting are Carlo Esposito as Ra’s Al Ghul and Stuart Allen, who is voicing the titular character.
Bat-fans can expect to download or buy ‘Son of Batman’ late in the spring.
The comic story deals with the introduction of Bruce Wayne’s son, Damian Wayne, who also happens to be the grandchild of Batman’s nemesis Ra’s Al Ghul. The original story was published in Batman issues 655-658 and proved to be somewhat polarizing amongst the DC Comics fanbase.
The trailer hints that this film will be slightly different from the original story, with a greater emphasis seemingly placed on Damian’s membership within the League of Assassins, the worldwide organisation headed up by his grandfather.
The trailer also suggests that Deathstroke, known to younger fans from the popular ‘Teen Titans’ TV series, will be the main antagonist in the film version, instead of Talia, who was the principle enemy of the comic book story.
It also seems unlikely that this film will take up its potentially broader role as the opening chapter in Grant Morrison’s epic, 7-year Batman story arc; a story which ended with Damian’s controversial death in 2013. For now, it seems that this film will be a one-off.
DC Entertainment’s animated features have proven to be very popular with fans. Film adaptations of well-loved Batman stories such as ‘Batman: Year One’, ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ and ‘Under the Red Hood’ are all big sellers for download or on DVD/Blu Ray.
Jason O’Mara will voice Batman in the new film, whilst Morena Baccarin will voice Damian’s mother, Talia. Completing the casting are Carlo Esposito as Ra’s Al Ghul and Stuart Allen, who is voicing the titular character.
Bat-fans can expect to download or buy ‘Son of Batman’ late in the spring.
Sunday 23 February 2014
Why isn’t there a Dick Tracy style radio wristwatch on the market? (Asked by Nadia from Los Angeles, California)
(Asked by Nadia from Los Angeles, California)
Before I answer your question, I have a question for you; what’s the weather like in the City of Angels?
Because right now, as I type this from my home in the UK, its bloody freezing and if it’s warmer where you are, then I think I may have to answer your question in person!
Just kidding.
On to your question, does it matter if the watch isn’t ‘Dick Tracy’ branded? Because if that’s what you’re after, then I’m sorry to say that, to the best of my knowledge at least, a ‘Dick Tracy’ branded two-way radio wristwatch doesn’t exist. If/when they make another DT movie (the last time they did, I was a little boy and I had the promotional T-shirt, so we must be due for one), then it seems likely that they will make one.
However, if you just want a two-way radio in the form of a wristwatch, then actually, you’re in luck. Two-way radio watches, like those used by Dick Tracy, do indeed exist and are available for purchase as I type this. They don’t appear to have gotten big as a consumer item (which is somewhat odd, when you think about it), but you never know, you could start a trend.
Wow. I’ve actually finished early this time out, I’ve still got a fair old bit of space to use up. What I’ll do, then, is list a few of the available products for you.
First, there’s the XACT X2X Wristlinx, which boasts 22 available channels and a 1.5-mile range, then there’s the AGPtek Multi-channels wrist-operated walkie talkie which, clumsy name aside, offers 5 hours of talk time and full headset/headphone compatibility (though quite how attaching headphones to your wrist would work is anyone’s guess), although it only has 12 hours of time display before the batteries conk out of you (and, somewhat disappointingly, it has no back-up power source), this isn’t really a bad bit of kit. After those two, there are a bunch of variations on a theme, most of which can be ordered via Amazon, they are usually priced between $45 and $95, but you can probably find a bargain if you look around a bit.
So, as I shuffle off to bed in time for my long winter’s nap, I hope I’ve helped answer your question, Nadia. Enjoy the weather while you can, you’ll miss it when it’s gone!
Before I answer your question, I have a question for you; what’s the weather like in the City of Angels?
Because right now, as I type this from my home in the UK, its bloody freezing and if it’s warmer where you are, then I think I may have to answer your question in person!
Just kidding.
On to your question, does it matter if the watch isn’t ‘Dick Tracy’ branded? Because if that’s what you’re after, then I’m sorry to say that, to the best of my knowledge at least, a ‘Dick Tracy’ branded two-way radio wristwatch doesn’t exist. If/when they make another DT movie (the last time they did, I was a little boy and I had the promotional T-shirt, so we must be due for one), then it seems likely that they will make one.
However, if you just want a two-way radio in the form of a wristwatch, then actually, you’re in luck. Two-way radio watches, like those used by Dick Tracy, do indeed exist and are available for purchase as I type this. They don’t appear to have gotten big as a consumer item (which is somewhat odd, when you think about it), but you never know, you could start a trend.
Wow. I’ve actually finished early this time out, I’ve still got a fair old bit of space to use up. What I’ll do, then, is list a few of the available products for you.
First, there’s the XACT X2X Wristlinx, which boasts 22 available channels and a 1.5-mile range, then there’s the AGPtek Multi-channels wrist-operated walkie talkie which, clumsy name aside, offers 5 hours of talk time and full headset/headphone compatibility (though quite how attaching headphones to your wrist would work is anyone’s guess), although it only has 12 hours of time display before the batteries conk out of you (and, somewhat disappointingly, it has no back-up power source), this isn’t really a bad bit of kit. After those two, there are a bunch of variations on a theme, most of which can be ordered via Amazon, they are usually priced between $45 and $95, but you can probably find a bargain if you look around a bit.
So, as I shuffle off to bed in time for my long winter’s nap, I hope I’ve helped answer your question, Nadia. Enjoy the weather while you can, you’ll miss it when it’s gone!
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