(Major Malfunction via VD)
Commute
If you are planning on traveling during the holidays, take note of this infographic with information compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation (Word document). Maybe a trip to Hawaii is in order.
In an effort to reduce CO2 emissions in bathrooms up to 50% by 2017, Japanese toilet maker TOTO has created a toilet-motorcycle hybrid dubbed “Toilet Bike Neo” that runs entirely on biogas (aka human waste). The bike’s features include the use of residual light imagery to write messages in the air, the ability to play music, and to actually talk.
On October 6th, the toilet motorcycle will depart on a month-long trip from Kyushu to Tokyo, littered with stops that will showcase the bike’s technology and educate people on the various green initiatives the company is involved with.
Check out an additional photo after the break.
Washington Post humor columnist Gene Weingarten created a card specifically for those who make long flights seem even longer by reclining their seat into your lap. Although it will make these people aware of your discontent, the card is more likely to be met by an insult than an apology.
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With a relentless heat wave scorching most of the country, getting into your car after work probably makes you feel like you’re hitching a ride in a big metal oven. While the first few minutes waiting for the air conditioning to kick in are the worst, there’s apparently a trick you can use to get some relief:
To pull off the magic, roll down a window on one side of the car, and open and close the door on the opposite side several times. The increased air circulation can drop your vehicle’s overheated temperature by double digits.
Check out the Chinese-subtitled Japanese video after the break for a demonstration.
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On Wednesday, the Transportation Security Administration announced the implementation of new software that will allow airport scanners to identify hidden weapons or contraband hidden under passengers’clothing without generating nude body scans. The new software, which has been testing in airports in Las Vegas, Atlanta and Washington since February, instead uses generic human forms like those shown in the attached image.
“This software upgrade enables us to continue providing a high level of security through advanced imaging technology screening, while improving the passenger experience at checkpoints,†TSA Administrator John Pistole said.
The TSA plans to add the software to more than 200 “millimeter wave scanners” in the coming months. Testing for backscatter technology scanners is slated to begin in the fall.
(via LA Times)
Samsonite has come up with new luggage that features a built-in Micro Scooter that will help you get to baggage claim quickly and efficiently. When you encounter the escalator or the moving sidewalk, you can easily fold up the scooter element and covert the device into just another wheelie bag. In addition, the scooter bag is light and tough, and designed to conform with most overhead locker requirements.
The manufacturer claims that they have not encountered any issues in Europe with the bag being brought on-board as carry-on luggage, but they admit that the TSA in the US may be another story entirely. Check out some additional images after the break.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently granted special exemptions for the transition “roadable aircraft” known as the “Terrafugia Flying Car”. This was the last certification hurdle for the machine, which received FAA approval in June. The Terrafugia will be subjected to further testing before shipping begins from the manufacturer’s Massachusetts plant sometime next year.
Terrafugia says the Transition, which notched its maiden flight in 2009, is “the first (light airplane) to incorporate automotive safety features such as a purpose-built energy absorbing crumple zone, a rigid carbon fiber occupant safety cage, and automotive-style driver and passenger airbags. The wings on the 19-foot-long two-seater take less than a minute to fold. In flying mode, it has a wingspan of 26 feet, and a width of 90 inches in driving mode. It has a range of nearly 500 miles.”
Does this mean that everyone will be buying a flying car? Probably not. You’ll need a driver’s license and a sport pilot lisence to operate the Terrafugia, as well as around $250,000 to buy one. The company is already taking reservations, and reports that they have already received around 100 orders.
(CNET via Geekologie)
China’s Qingdao Haiwan Bridge, billed as the world’s longest over water, just opened to road vehicles, cutting the traveling time between Qingdao City and its Huangdao district from 40 minutes to 20. Wikipedia states that the bridge stretches 26.4 miles long, while China’s official news agency, Xinhua, reports that the bridge is 36.48 kilometers, or about 22.66 miles. Whatever the case, it’s a pretty cool sight – check it out for yourself in the video after the break.
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On Thursday, Virgin America announced a partnership with Google that will allow passengers to check out Chromebooks for select flights, complete with a free Wi-Fi pass. The product demos will be available on flights between San Francisco and either Boston, Chicago O’Hare or Dallas airports between July 1 and September 30.
Virgin America has been a tech savvy airline, recently naming a plane with a Twitter hashtag, partnering with Foursquare for an in-flight game, and running several promotions that trade checkins on location-based services for rewards like plane tickets and frequent flyer points.
(via Mashable)
