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June 28 What the World EatsWhat's on family dinner tables in fifteen different homes around the globe? Photographs by Peter Menzel from the book "Hungry Planet"
Japan: The Ukita family of Kodaira City
Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily
Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp
Kuwait: The Al Haggan family of Kuwait City Family recipe: Chicken biryani with basmati rice
United States: The Revis family of North Carolina
Mexico: The Casales family of Cuernavaca
China: The Dong family of Beijing
Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna
Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo
Ecuador: The Ayme family of Tingo
United States: The Caven family of California
Mongolia: The Batsuuri family of Ulaanbaatar
Great Britain: The Bainton family of Cllingbourne Ducis
Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village
Germany: The Melander family of Bargteheide June 18 Gilbert Arenas
Hi, I’m Gilbert Arenas and this is my story, If no one believes in you, April 30 Six tips for tackling a dreaded taskGoing to the gym. Practicing a new skill when you have no skill. Giving bad news. Dealing with tech support. We all have to make ourselves do things that we just don’t want to do. Here are some tricks I’ve learned that help me power through the procrastination. 1. Do it first thing in the morning. If you’re dreading doing something, you’re going to be able to think of more creative excuses as the day goes along. One of my Twelve Commandments is “Do it now.” No delay is the best way. 2. If you find yourself putting off a task that you try to do several times a week, try doing it EVERY day, instead. When I was planning my blog, I envisioned posting two or three times a week. Then Eugene Volokh of the Volokh Conspiracy convinced me that no, I needed to post every day. As counter-intuitive as it sounds, I think it’s easier to do it every day (well, except Sundays) than fewer times each week. There’s no dithering, there’s no juggling. I know I have to post, so I do. If you’re finding it hard to go for a walk four times a week, try going every day. 3. Have someone keep you company. Studies show that we enjoy practically every activity more when we’re with other people. Having a friend along can be a distraction, a source of reassurance, or just moral support. 4. Make preparations, assemble the proper tools. I often find that when I’m dreading a task, it helps me to feel prepared. Here’s a silly example: I always dread packing, especially for my children. Yesterday, finally, I made a list of every possible item I might need to pack for any conceivable trip. Already, I dread the thought of packing less. I have a list. 5. Commit. We’ve all heard the advice to write down your goals. This really works, so force yourself to do it. Usually this advice relates to long-term goals, but it works with short-term goals, too. On the top of a piece of paper, write, “By the end of today, April 25, I will have _____.” This also gives you the thrill of crossing a task off your list. (See below.) 6. Remind yourself that finishing a dreaded task is tremendously energizing. Studies show that hitting a goal releases chemicals in the brain that give you pleasure. If you’re feeling blue, although the last thing you feel like doing is something you don’t feel like doing, push yourself. You’ll get a big lift from it. * April 26 21 Solutions to Save the WorldWe live in an age of anxiety. People everywhere fear the next terrorist attack. Meanwhile, we slowly grow numb to Iraq’s endless string of kidnappings and suicide bombings. Between bird flu, tsunamis, and loose nukes, our list of fears is getting longer. So, we asked 21 leading thinkers: What is one solution that would make the world a better place? Here are their answers.
April 15 Why Reaching Your Goals Will Never Make You HappyHave you ever considered the possibility that reaching your goals won’t make you happy? That achievement and accomplishment won’t satisfy you? Do you ever get a sneaking suspicion that you are cheating yourself out of your own happiness? Like you’re missing something important. I’ve felt this way most of my life, but I believe I found a piece of the puzzle and I want to share it with you. Let me give you a clue… Accomplishment isn’t what you really want. It’s a hoax. You’ve probably heard someone say life is a journey not a destination. A worthless platitude, right? But I had an experience yesterday that seemed to give the idea freshness. Why do children see things so clearly? A respected programmer once told me it was easier to teach a child Object Oriented Programming concepts than to teach a 20-year veteran. I didn’t think much of his comment at the time, but after the last 4 years with my son, I am certain he was right. Children see things as they are, not how social conditioning demands that we see them. If each adult could see the world through the eyes of a child for a day, it would shake the foundations of civilization. But our society doesn’t value the thoughts and opinions of children. Our society views them as destructive little monsters that we need to hammer into shape. As I wrote in “Are video games bad for kids?” – my 4-year-old son is obsessed with Spyro 1&2 for the PS1. He has completed both games, finding every gem, beating every boss, and discovering every secret. He knows every corner of every map, the strengths and weaknesses of every opponent, and conquers the obstacles with a speed and precision I never imagined he possessed. After working at it for a week, he finished Spyro 1. He collected 14,000 gems, dozens of eggs, 80 dragons, defeated hundreds of bad guys, and solved multiple puzzles. As he was reflecting on his accomplishment he said, “Dad, you know, I don’t like that part. You know, the part when it plays the movie and the music and the words (credits). The fun part is doing all the stuff in the different lands. Getting the gems and dragons is the fun part. Not the end. I don’t like the end.” A light went off – pow! This is what people mean when they remind you to live in the present. Enjoy it now because now is all you have. When the end comes, it’ll be too late. So what’s my point? My point is that the end result of your work or goal isn’t where you really want to be. Once you are there, it’s over. You really want to be where you are right now. That’s why once you reach a goal you always set a new one. Happiness does not lie in accomplishment; it lies in the act of accomplishing. Do not think I am dismissing accomplishment and goal setting. I am not. I have spent most of my life fiercely competitive. Set goals, accomplish great things, but remember the fun part is happening right now – right this minute as you work to achieve your goals. If you wait to have fun until after you reach your goals, you will have missed the point because it will be over… gone… poof… and you’ll be standing there asking… what will ever make me happy? April 14 23 Surprising Things You Can Get for Free
Free EducationWhat’s the Catch? Users can’t enroll, take classes on campus, or earn degrees. Find Out More: www.ocw.mit.edu. What’s the Catch? Classes are one size fits all, which fast learners may find sluggish (and slow learners may find difficult). Find Out More: www.bbc.co.uk/languages, www.frenchpodclass.com. Free ClassesWhat’s the Catch? Novices and more advanced learners share the same classroom. Find Out More: www.sba.gov (click on “Local Resources” for a nearby center and for financial and marketing information). What’s the Catch? All classes relate to (often pricey) Apple products. Find Out More: www.apple.com (click on “Visit an Apple store”).
Free CultureWhat’s the Catch? The free-admission times tend to attract large crowds; expect long lines and less of an opportunity to get up close and personal with a Cézanne. Find Out More: Check out the websites of your local museums. What’s the Catch? Many parents have been taking classes together for a while, so they can be quite chummy. As an observer, you might feel left out and too shy to participate fully. Find Out More: www.musictogether.com, www.musicforaardvarks.com, www.gymboreeclasses.com. What’s the Catch? Tickets go very fast, especially for the most popular shows. Find Out More: www.kidsnightonbroadway.com. Tip: To find out about free movies and concerts in your area, go to Yahoo or Google and type in the kind of entertainment, “free,” and the name of your city. Free GymsWhat’s the Catch? You often have to tour the health club with a sales representative, which sometimes takes as long as an hour. Some gym companies may require you to prove nearby residence with a driver’s license. Find Out More: Go to the gyms for details. Free PhotosWhat’s the Catch? You have to pay for shipping, which usually isn’t more than a few dollars. Find Out More: www.adorama.com, www.dotphoto.com, www.kodakgallery.com, www.snapfish.com.
Free PetsWhat’s the Catch? Not all the owners who post notices are as honest as you’d wish. Out-of-control animals can be listed as “friendly and calm.” Find Out More: www.craigslist.org (click on your city, then on “Pets”), www.petfinder.com (click on “Classified Ads”). Free Phone ServicesWhat’s the Catch? You need to know beforehand that you’ll want rescuing — and you have to be willing to break social graces by taking a phone call in the middle of a meeting or lunch. Find Out More: www.popularitydialer.com. What’s the Catch? You have to listen to a 20- second ad before receiving your number. Find Out More: 800-373-3411 (800-FREE-411). What’s the Catch? If you don’t have DSL or a cable modem, it may be more cost-effective (money- and sanity-wise) to dial up the old-fashioned way. Find Out More: www.skype.com. Free E-Mail RemindersWhat’s the Catch? There’s some innocuous advertising on the website. Find Out More: www.memotome.com. Tip: E-cards have gotten less corny. You can find witty and well-designed cards at www.hipstercards.com, vintage ones at www.cardcow.com, and photographic ones at ecard.digiart.ee.
Free Ice CreamWhat’s the Catch? There are often long lines, and popular flavors, like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, run out early. Find Out More: www.benandjerrys.com for stores. Free Used BooksWhat’s the Catch? Popular fiction moves fast, while classic and esoteric titles may stay put for months. Find Out More: www.paperbackswap.com, www.titletrader.com. Free Household ItemsWhat’s the Catch? You’re responsible for getting the stuff home. Find Out More: www.freecycle.org to find a group.
Free (and Worth It) SamplesMany free-product programs come with hidden costs. The ones below are legit. Sign up for one and your in-box may be inundated, but there’s also an outside chance you’ll end up with a flat-screen TV. January 15 The smallest personal computer in the world
It’s only 2×2x2.2 inch! It’s called the Space Cube and it’s supposed to be the smallest personal computer in the world. It has a built-in 300MhZ processor and it’s also equipped with 64MB of SDRAM. There are a bunch of ports visible in the picture, such as USB, Ethernet, Flash memory, a monitor output port, serial connection and even a microphone slot. January 14 2007 Concept CarsFord Airstream
Ford's Airstream concept is a plug-in hybrid powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries and a lighter, cheaper hydrogen fuel cell that deals well (says Ford) with cold weather. A dual-view screen gives drivers useful data from one angle while letting passengers blog and watch DVDs from another; for Airstream buffs, there are 12 "ceremonial rivets" to drool over. Audi Q7 V12 TDI
A souped-up 6-liter V12 TDI engine kicks out 500 hp and 737 pounds-feet of torque; a 16:1 compression ratio and exhaust gas circulation help keep emissions within the 2010 Euro-5 standard. Besides all that, it sure looks good. Chevy Volt
The concept is resurrection: The Volt could take GM from "electric car killer" to trailblazer overnight (I'm getting phone calls from eco-maniac friends with a sudden urge to hug Bob Lutz). This time, GM may have gotten it right. Worse things could happen. Ford Interceptor
This muscle car's tough-guy lines hide a 5.0-liter, twin-cam V-8 that serves up 400 horsepower and runs on E85 ethanol. Jaguar CX-F
Beautiful, fast and glamorous, the CX-F sedan evokes the lines of the 1950 Mark VII, but with an aggressive flair fully backed by its enhanced 4.2-litre supercharged V8. According to taste, the pulsing ignition button is either hypnotic or absurd; otherwise, the interior has the dramatic elegance you expect from a Jag. Jeep Trailhawk
For better or worse, the Trailhawk follows the Jeep formula, dressing it up with a T-top and a touchpad nav system. Powered by a 3.0-liter Bluetec diesel engine, it boasts 215 horsepower, 376 pounds-feet of torque, and solid front and rear axles. But its wheelbase and stance may prove too long and low for the off-road set. Lexus LF-A
The horsepower, superior aerodynamics, and revised styling make a top speed of 200 mph not only possible but probable. Lincoln MKR
Like the Ford Interceptor, the flex-fuel Lincoln MKR is based on a stretched version of the Ford Mustang platform; its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, like the Interceptor's V8, delivers 400 horsepower and runs on any gas-ethanol mix up to E85. Mazda Ryuga
The Ryuga -- Japanese for "gracious flow" -- runs variations on that theme, accented with hints of raw power. Nissan Bevel
Nissan claims the Bevel was conceived with middle-aged men in mind. Do they know any? Despite missing the target by a mile, this boxy buggy has its moments, from the passenger-side suicide door to a 110-volt plug powered by rooftop solar panels. Leather seats? Cool. Walnut floors? Not. Nice try, but a mixed bag at best. Suzuki Flix
The tilt-back swivel seats lack street-legal headrests -- just as well, since viewing the pop-top movie screen from inside the car is like taking a last look up at the guillotine. Bonus points for the cineplex-style door stripping. Volvo XC60
Volvo brands on safety, but lately they're showing some style. From its ambient lighting via slots in the backrest to its six-cylinder E85 engine, the XC60 looks like a winner. True to form, Volvo showcases a new safety system designed to reduce rear-end collisions (up to around 19 mph) by automatically braking to avoid a crash. Dubai: Today and TomorrowDubai in 1990 prior to the craziness
The same street in 2003
The madness. Dubai is said to currently have 15-25% of all the world's cranes.
The Dubai Waterfront. When completed it will become the largest waterfront development in the world.
The Palm Islands in Dubai. New Dutch dredging technology was used to create these massive man made islands. They are the largest artificial islands in the world and can be seen from space. Three of these Palms will be made with the last one being the largest of them all.
Upon completion, the resort will have 2,000 villas, 40 luxury hotels, shopping centers, movie theaters, and many other facilities. It is expected to support a population of approximately 500,000 people. It is advertised as being visible from the moon.
The World Islands. 300 artificially created islands in the shape of the world. Each island will have an estimated cost of $25-30 million.
The Burj al-Arab hotel in Dubai. The worlds tallest hotel. Considered the only '7 star' hotel and the most luxurious hotel in the world. It stands on an artificial island in the sea.
Hydropolis, the world's first underwater hotel. Entirely built in Germany and then assembled in Dubai, it is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2006.
The Burj Dubai. Construction began in 2005 and is expected to be complete by 2008. At an estimated height of over 800 meters, it will easily the be world's tallest building when finished. It will be almost 40% taller than the the current tallest building, the Taipei 101.
This is what downtown Dubai will look like around 2008-2009. Fifty stories (around 190 meters) of the Burj Dubai have already been completed.
The Al Burj. This will be the centerpiece of the Dubai Waterfront. Upon completion it will rival The Burj Dubai for the title of tallest building in the world.
The exact height of the building is being kept strictly confidential for reasons of competition. Since the Al Burj and Burj Dubai are both striving to become the world's tallest building, it is rumored that the Al Burj will be built a little higher since the Burj Dubai will be completed first. January 12 How to Build a Cardboard CastleADIDAS 2007
Healthy Diet
iPhoneThe iPhone is a phone, an iPod, and a mini-Internet computer all at once, and contrary to Newton—who knew a thing or two about apples—they all occupy the same space at the same time, but without taking a hit in performance. In a way iPhone is the wrong name for it. It’s a handheld computing platform that just happens to contain a phone.
It's the most anticipated product in consumer electronics history.
They began by melting the face off a video iPod. No clickwheel, no keypad. They sheared off the entire front and replaced it with a huge, bright, vivid screen—that touchscreen Jobs got so excited about a few paragraphs ago. When you need to dial, it shows you a keypad; when you need other buttons, the screen serves them up. When you want to watch a video, the buttons disappear. Suddenly, the interface isn't fixed and rigid, it's fluid and molten. Software replaces hardware. Because there's no intermediary input device—like a mouse or a keyboard—there's a powerful illusion that you're physically handling data with your fingers. Into that iPod they stuffed a working version of Apple's operating system, OS X, so the phone could handle real, non-toy applications like Web browsers and e-mail clients. They put in a cell antenna, plus two more antennas for WiFi and Bluetooth; plus a bunch of sensors, so the phone knows how bright its screen should be, and whether it should display vertically or horizontally, and when it should turn off the touchscreen so you don't accidentally operate it with your ear. Look at the video, which is impressively crisp and plays on a screen larger than the video iPod's. This is the first time the hype about "rich media" on a phone has actually looked plausible. Look at the e-mail client, which handles attachments, in-line images, HTML e-mails as adroitly as a desktop client. Look at the Web browser, a modified version of Safari that displays actual Web pages, not a teensy crunched-down version of the Web. There's a Google map application that's almost worth the price of admission on its own. Weaknesses? Absolutely. You can't download songs directly onto it from the iTunes store, you have to export them from a computer. And even though it's got WiFi and Bluetooth on it, you can't sync iPhone with a computer wirelessly. And there should be games on it. And you're required to use it as a phone—you can't use it without signing up for cellular service. Boo. (Source: Time)
iPhone集手機，MP3播放器，和迷你電腦與一身，而且與牛頓－－對“蘋果”略知一二的家夥－－唱反調，它們能夠在同一時間占據同一地點，卻絲毫不會影響性能。總之，iPhone取錯了名字。它是一個手攜計算平台，碰巧裝在了手機裏。 這是有史以來最令人期待的消費電子産品。 手機沒有任何按鍵和轉盤，取而代之的是一個巨大、明亮、清晰的屏幕。需要打電話時，出現撥號盤，其他的需要也一樣，屏幕會體貼周全。突然間，手機界面不再死板單調，而是流動、熔化在手心裏。軟件取代了硬件。 由于沒有了中介輸入設備－－比如鼠標或鍵盤－－給以你一個強烈的錯覺：一切數據都逃不脫你的五指山。 iPhone采用的是個人電腦的操作系統OS X，不再是個玩具。裏面還集成了不少感應器，知道要橫著顯示還是豎著顯示，知道何時要關閉觸摸屏。 “富媒體”終于落戶手機，e-mail可以處理附件，縮水版網頁被淘汰，Google map沒問題。缺點？必須先用iTune下載到電腦上，即使有WiFi和藍牙，也不能與iTune同步；也沒有預裝遊戲。但是你想用手機來做這些玩意，怎能不給運營商放點水呢？
Space ElevatorA soaring celestial structure stretching 62,000 miles from earth into the heavens that would be capable of transporting people - and products - into space, stopping at various platform-based cities along the way.
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