Monthly Archives: March 2010

Greece Advised to Sell Private Islands

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zx500y290_868328Island lovers know that islands are a hot commodity and a valuable resource. In the case of Greece however, they may also be a way out of debt.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel recently recommended that Greece should sell of some of its state assets, including some of it’s private islands. According to reports, Josef Schlarmann, a senior member of Merkel’s Christian Democrats, and Frank Schaeffler, an MP for the Free Democrats - the junior partner in the centre-right coalition  - apparently told Germany’s Bild daily that the Greek government should consider selling stakes in all its assets to raise more cash.

The BBC says that “dotted in the blue waters of the Aegean are some of the country’s most valuable assets - about 6000 islands, of which only 227 are inhabited”. Some sources say that your own private island could cost as little as 1.5 million euro.

Chris Krolow of Private Islands Online, in a statement did note that more Greek Islands will be coming on the market over the next few months, but would not confirm whether or not these properties would be listed by the Greek Government.

If the economic crisis continues in Greece this could present a rare opportunity to purchase a prstine Greek Island, something that rarely comes on the market.

Source: BBC

Thunder 30 Amplifier is Still Orange, Gets Louder [Amps]

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Most amplifiers are black. Inconspicuous. But not Orange. The designers saw legions of muted amplifiers on the market in 1968 and went, well, really orange. As for this new Thunder 30, it may be just as loud as the color.

Musically inclined folks will appreciate the amp's four EL84 class A 30 watt-pumpin' power valves. Completely new to the Thunder 30 line are a twin channel setup and an FX loop. Further customization is available, as you shredders out there can opt for head alone or front loaded 1x12. That's all Greek to me, but you musicians out there can get hot and bothered, or bored, at your leisure.

Unsurprisingly, a company called Orange Amplifiers deals primarily in orange amplifiers, and has since about 1968. This new model aside, the rest of their line is, yes, still very orange. [Orange Amplifiers via CrunchGear]


Obama Heads To The Space Coast

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Obama plans Florida space summit to defend his vision for NASA, Orlando Sentinel

"In the latest sign that his NASA vision is in peril, President Barack Obama will announce today his plans to host a space summit in Florida on April 15. The move follows weeks of criticism from Congress about his proposal to cancel NASA's Constellation moon-rocket program in favor of an approach that would push NASA engineers to develop new technologies while using commercial rocket companies for future astronaut missions."

President Obama to Host Space Conference in Florida in April, White House

"The President, along with top officials and other space leaders, will discuss the new course the Administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human space flight. Specifically, the conference will focus on the goals and strategies in this new vision, the next steps, and the new technologies, new jobs, and new industries it will create. Conference topics will include the implications of the new strategy for Florida, the nation, and our ultimate activities in space."

Al Qaeda Spokesman calls for Muslims in America to Attack targets in the US

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Says to Brother Muslims, Attack Americans wherever you can

A new video has been released by Al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn. The American-born (California) Gadahn called on American Muslims to emulate the example of Ft. Hood shooter Major Nidal Malik Hasan. But he also said, attacks need not be limited to Military installations.

From MyWay.com:

"Brother Nidal is the ideal role-model for every repentant Muslim in the armies of the unbelievers and apostate regimes."

Later in the Video:

"You shouldn't make the mistake of thinking that military bases are the only high-value targets in America and the West. On the contrary, there are countless other strategic places, institutions and installations which, by striking, the Muslim can do major damage."

He seemed to suggest possible soft targets such as shopping malls, advising attackers to find ways to bring down "consumer confidence and stifle spending" in the economy.

UPDATE!!!

The Associated Press and MSNBC are reporting that Adam Gadahn has been captured by Pakistani troops. CNN is saying "mixed reports" on capture of Al Qaeda spokesman.

False Alarm! All media outlets now retracting the story...

DIY Pixel Qi Kits Arrive Q2, Bring Transflective Displays to Old Laptops [Pixel Qi]

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Were you as impressed with the Pixel Qi display as we were? Good news: There's a DIY kit coming late this year that will allow you to swap out 10-in. laptop screens with a transforming Pixel Qi transflective combo screen.

Better news: The folks at Pixel Qi contend that switching out the old display with a shiny new one is only "slightly more difficult that changing a lightbulb." Naturally, you'll be voiding whatever semblance of a warranty you may have had on your present laptop by doing this, but for many the sunlight-friendly transflective e-ink-like/LCD combo displays Pixel Qi provides might make it worth the headache should things go awry down the road. We just hope you can uninstall the screen just as easily as it goes on however, should our concerns about this tech being "one or two generations" from true usability pan out when the kit launches later this year.

Watch for the kit in Q2. No pricing info given , but if you find it updated somewhere be sure to get your citizen journalism on and let us know. [Pixel Qi via Engadget]