Month: February 2012

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India to buy French Rafale fighter jets – an annotated graphic

E&T magazine

While we’re in the military zone today, what with our earlier post about gigantic blimps hovering over battlegrounds in Afghanistan, it seemed opportune to post this reflection on the decision by India’s defence ministry to buy 126 French-made Rafale combat aircraft. Costing a whopping $11 billion, it will further strengthen India’s position as the world’s fourth largest air force. No, we didn’t know that, either! Click on the graphic for an expanded view. Continue reading India to buy French Rafale fighter jets – an annotated graphic

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Colonel’s Blimp: giant unmanned airships to patrol Afghanistan – an annotated graphic

E&T magazine

The US army is to deploy  a huge hybrid airship as large as a football pitch to watch over battlefields in Afghanistan. Capable of carrying very heavy loads, it can stay in the air for up to three weeks at a time. Strange days, indeed. Click on the graphic for an expanded view.   Continue reading Colonel’s Blimp: giant unmanned airships to patrol Afghanistan – an annotated graphic

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Apple iPoo Toilet – are you sitting comfortably? Then we’ll begin…

E&T magazine

Yes, this iPoo toilet is a real thing, if not an official Apple product.  Yet. The iPoo Toilet was created by Belgrade digital artist and designer Milos Paripovic, who came up with a toilet that combines the functional elegance of Apple products with waste disposal. The toilet seat is thinner than a Macbook Air and is made from the same material. Like many an Apple product before it, the iPoo has exactly the same function as a regular toilet (e.g. a beige Windows one), merely costing twice as much for the same performance in a more stylish enclosure. We don’t … Continue reading Apple iPoo Toilet – are you sitting comfortably? Then we’ll begin…

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Sony CEO leadership change – an annotated graphic #sony

E&T magazine

The Sony CEO leadership change was announced a couple of weeks ago, but we’ve just found this helpful graphic down the back of our virtual sofa, so thought we’d share it now.  The Sony share price has “enjoyed” quite the rollercoaster ride over the past seven years, eh? Time will tell if Kazuo Hirai can stabilise the company in the wake of outgoing Sony CEO, Sir Howard Stringer. Sony followers might also enjoy E&T‘s exclusive interview with CTO of Sony’s Computer Entertainment division, Maasaki Tsuruta, in which he discusses Sony’s next-generation gaming console, the successor to its Playstation 3. Here’s one nugget … Continue reading Sony CEO leadership change – an annotated graphic #sony

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Olympics 2012 sculpture erected at Weymouth by Dorset County Council – #Olympics2012 #Olympics

E&T magazine

A £350,000 sculpture will greet drivers heading down the relief road into Weymouth for the Olympics in Dorset. It was created by Devon-born sculptor Richard Harris .The project has received funding from Arts Council England as well as support from Dorset County Council and other groups. Mr Harris took his inspiration for the sculpture from the geology of the area and the large boulders that were discovered nearby during excavations for the road. The boulders, which each weigh between two and nine tonnes and are known as bencliff grit concretions, are supported by stainless steel pillars. It is the artist’s … Continue reading Olympics 2012 sculpture erected at Weymouth by Dorset County Council – #Olympics2012 #Olympics

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Red Bull Stratos skydive by Felix Baumgartner – an annotated graphic

E&T magazine

Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner will attempt to make history with the Red Bull Stratos project by leaping from a capsule attached to a helium balloon at a height of more than 36 kilometres – breaking four world records in the process. Today’s graphic explains the how and the why. Click on the graphic for an expanded view. Continue reading Red Bull Stratos skydive by Felix Baumgartner – an annotated graphic

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US approves first nuclear power plant in 30 years – an annotated graphic

E&T magazine

US regulators have approved plans to build the first new nuclear power plant in more than 30 years, as E&T reports in our news today. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) voted 4-1 to allow Atlanta-based Southern Co to build and operate two new nuclear power reactors at its existing Vogtle nuclear power plant in Georgia. The units will cost Southern and partners about $14 billion and enter service as soon as 2016 and 2017. We also present this graphic, illustrating the type of reactor intended for Plant Vogtle, near Augusta, Georgia. Click on the graphic for an expanded view. Continue reading US approves first nuclear power plant in 30 years – an annotated graphic

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The old man and the sea

E&T magazine

A pensioner has discovered a patch of the sea off the coast of Sussex that is as warm as Caribbean waters. John Kapp, 76, goes for a swim every day in the football field-sized stretch of water, which can reach up to 20C. The former engineer believes the heated stretch is a result of water coming from the outflow of the nearby Shoreham power station. People not in the know watch in amazement as John takes to the apparently icy waters in just his trunks for a 45-minute swim. According to John, during the summer the sea never normally gets … Continue reading The old man and the sea

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Airbus A380 wing cracks – an annotated graphic #2

E&T magazine

The Airbus A380 wing cracks story continues. Now the European Aviation Safety Agency has ordered the entire global fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbos to be checked for cracks inside the wings. The EASA last month ordered “a detailed visual inspection” of a third of the planes, but yesterday announced it was extending the checks to the entire fleet of 68, currently flying with seven different airlines, after Qantas grounded one of its A380s after discovering wing cracks. Read E&T‘s news story on these latest Airbus A380 developments. We also offer here an updated version of the graphic we posted yesterday. … Continue reading Airbus A380 wing cracks – an annotated graphic #2

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Philippines earthquake – an annotated graphic

E&T magazine

Since the central Philippines island of Negros was struck by a magnitude 6.7 quake on Monday, 15 people are known to have been killed with another 40 or so people known to be missing. Several remote towns have been cut off because of damage to roads and bridges. According to catastrophe management firm AIR Worldwide, in the coastal areas of the Philippines there are many non-engineered and poorly constructed buildings. The earthquake has regrettably highlighted this issue. E&T has a full news story on this aspect of the Philippines earthquake. We’re also sharing this graphic illustrating the location and magnitude … Continue reading Philippines earthquake – an annotated graphic