New eco-friendly hotel joins Choice Hotels

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Choice Hotels are excited to welcome a newly built eco-friendly Clarion hotel to their accommodation offering in Hamilton.

Clarion Suites Ambassador has been designed and built to ensure minimal environmental impact. Every detail of the property has been carefully considered to create a property that is a market leader in eco-friendly accommodation.

The property features 16 luxurious self-contained studio suites, each of which are linked to the state of the art self-sufficient water system. The system is designed to collect rainwater that goes through a filtration and purification process. The water is heated by solar powered boilers and fed directly to the rooms to provide an endless hot and cold water supply.

The solar roof panels are also used to power in-room radiators and heated towel rails. Wastewater is filtered out to a new tank that then feeds the sprinkler system in the propertys gardens.

LED lighting, double cladding and insulation throughout the property ensures the energy efficiency of Clarion Suites Ambassador is first class.

Clarion Suites Ambassador is conveniently located in the heart of Hamilton City, within short walking distance of Waikato Stadium and only 20 minutes from Hamilton Airport.

The hotel boasts an impressive list of facilities including a large outdoor pool, hot tub and BBQ area. Guests of Clarion Suites Ambassador are able to use the covered car park garage, complimentary Wi-Fi, Sky Guest Select TV and the Fitness Centre.

Also available onsite is the licensed Club Lounge Caf and Bar and three meeting and function spaces, including the new Clarion boardroom with capacity for up to 20 delegates.

Each of the suites sets a new standard in luxury with quality linens and furnishings, plush carpets and double tracked curtains for the utmost privacy. Suites are self-contained with a modern fully equipped kitchen, a washer, dryer and dish drawer to provide a true home away from home.

Each suite is equipped with Eco Pure guest amenities and can be configured to a choice of either King or Twin bedding.

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New eco-friendly hotel joins Choice Hotels

All-new Jazz hits the road

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Honda is hoping to see accelerated sales during the second half of this year with the introduction of its all-new Jazz subcompact, launched yesterday amid martial law in the kingdom.

Last year Honda zoomed away with the best-selling passenger car title after defeating arch rival Toyota for the first time in history, thanks to continuous new vehicle launches as well as existing model updates.

The third-generation Jazz is priced from Bt555,000 - for the baseline S MT variant with a manual gearbox - to Bt754,000 for the range-topping SV+ variant. Honda plans to sell 20,000 annually.

While 5-door hatchbacks were not popular in Thailand prior to the entry of the Jazz in 2003 mainly due to safety concerns, the diminutive Jazz started a trend that has lasted until today.

"Honda introduced the Jazz in 2003 and it rapidly became an outstanding success in the market," Honda Automobile (Thailand) CEO Pitak Pruittisarikorn said. "It set a new trend and changed the demand for car usage in Thailand with its design and multi-utility characteristics."

Since 2003, Honda has sold more than 205,000 of the Jazz (two generations), which contributed to its 5.2-million-vehicle global sales.

The new Jazz is powered by a 1.5-litre engine producing 117 horsepower and 146Nm of torque. While Honda replaced the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) of the first-generation Jazz with an automatic in the second generation, the CVT has returned in the latest model, with the new gearbox being developed under Honda's "Earth Dreams" technology. It also comes with a 7-speed paddle shifter mounted on the steering wheel and an Eco-Assist system to help save fuel. An Econ mode minimises fuel consumption by adjusting the engine mapping as well as air-conditioner operation.

Like other Honda models launched recently, the Jazz comes with E85 capability, allowing the hatchback to enjoy lower excise tax.

Driver assistance systems include VSA (Vehicle Stability Control), HAS (Hill Start Assist), ESS (Emergency Stop Signal), ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and a G-Con (G-Force Control) safety body structure. The top model comes with six airbags as well as a 7-inch touch screen audio system supporting smartphone interface, HDMI audio and video connections. It also features a voice-control function and a SIRI eye-free mode, and connects with the HondaLink App for some phone models.

Other features include a trip computer, automatic climate control, smart entry and a multi-function steering wheel. The rear "Ultra Seats" offer four adjustable modes, and the front seats can be folded to connect with the rear seats, turning the cabin of the Jazz into a large resting space. There are nine cup holders around the cabin plus a mobile phone holder and tablet box.

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All-new Jazz hits the road

YC Synergy to power all-electric yachts with fuel cell technology

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YC Synergy to power all-electric yachts with fuel cell technology

Press release [Friday 23 May 2014]

Specialized in the development of hydrogen fuel cell systems for real world application, YC Synergy Co., Ltd. unveiled its first fuel cell power solution designed for passenger boat applications at the Taiwan International Boat Show. At the event, the company offered free rides on Asia's first zero-emission, eco-friendly yacht, winning warm reception by visitors and boating enthusiasts.

Clean power enters new era with fuel cell technology

YC Synergy was founded in 2012, and the team has many years of experience in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Since its inception, the company has closely engaged in technological exchange and cooperation with boat builders, eventually leading to the development of a fuel cell system for electric boats. During the past few years, amid a backdrop of government initiatives to encourage the use of fuel cell vehicles in Japan, the U.S. and parts of Europe, Hyundai rolled out hydrogen-powered cars in North America and Europe while Toyota and Honda announced plans to start mass production of fuel cell vehicles in 2015. The increasingly mature fuel cell technology and applications then prompted YC Synergy to decide to put its technology to work in motor vehicles.

Mark Huang, General Manager of YC Synergy, said: "Since 2012, we have been building relationships with yacht makers with an aim to seize the critical position in this industry's supply chain and to educate the market about the benefits that fuel cells offer. This year, with the launch of our first fuel cell system developed for electric boats, we are all set and ready to come to this promising application."

According to a research of SBI Energy, the fuel cell market grew from US$420 million in 2007 to US$775 million in 2012, and the market is expected to grow rapidly to reach US$4.2 billion by 2017.

Given an increasingly crowded market, YC Synergy has identified and developed a market niche by focusing on fuel cells for use in yachts, an industry that Taiwan is competitively positioned for internationally.

A competitive differentiator created for yacht makers

For an electric boat, the power and propulsion system must deliver both instant power and sustainable cruise speed for long runtime. YC Synergy's fuel cell system solution for electric boats combines its proprietary fuel cell technology with a variety of battery and boat motor products, with all components seamlessly integrated to meet the propulsion and energy management needs of electric boats.

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YC Synergy to power all-electric yachts with fuel cell technology

Local beaches get mostly A's

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San Diego County beaches earned high marks on Heal the Bays 24th annual beach report card, but the environmental organization cautioned that stormwater flows to the countys beaches still pose health problems.

For nearly a quarter century, Heal the Bay has been analyzing and grading West Coast beaches based on levels of bacterial pollution in the water. The report is widely recognized as the definitive source for beach water quality along California, Oregon and Washington.

For the period from April 2013 through March 2014, nearly 99% of beaches in San Diego County received top marks in the summer dry season, with 73 of 74 beaches sampled receiving A or A+ grades, the report concluded. Thats the second year in a row the county has scored 99 percent for that period. During winter dry weather, 98 percent of San Diego beaches earned A grades.

Grades of A or B represent generally safe beaches. But beaches marked C or lower present in increased risk of illnesses such as rashes, stomach ailments or ear infections.

Seven San Diego beaches made the reports honor roll with perfect scores of A+ for all weather conditions. Those included Saint Malo Beach in Oceanside; Carlsbads beaches at Cerezo Drive, Encina Creek, Ponto Drive and Poinsettia lane; Windansea Beach at Playa del Norte, and the Point Loma Lighthouse.

And this year, no San Diego beaches made the beach bummer list of shorelines with the poorest dry weather water quality.

The catch, however, is that the pristine beach conditions are due largely to long dry periods this year. The ongoing drought that has left the region thirsting for rainfall has also reduced stormwater flows that carry pollution to sea.

If you can call it a silver lining that comes with the drought, it would be beach water quality, said Heal the Bay beach report card manager James Alamillo. If theres no rain, theres no runoff, and there is in essence great water quality.

During wet weather, however, just over one in five San Diego beaches earned grades of C, D, or F, the report noted.

The dog beach at Ocean Beach earned an A or higher for water quality during all of the past year, according to the latest Beach Report Card from the group Heal the Bay. / photo by Hayne Palmour IV * U-T San Diego

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Local beaches get mostly A's

Beaches at risk of failing tough new standards

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Beaches at risk of failing tough new standards

12:47am Friday 23rd May 2014 in News

Dozens of beaches are at risk of failing tough new standards for water quality, the Environment Agency said as it launched its summer monitoring programme.

From next year, more stringent European Union regulations will be brought in for bathing spots around England, and the agency is warning that around 40 beaches are on track to fail if action is not taken to tackle pollution ending up in the sea.

They include Scarborough South Bay, Lyme Regis Church Cliff beach, Southend Jubilee beach, Ilfracombe Wildersmouth and beaches at Blackpool, Morecambe and Walney.

If beaches fail on water quality standards under the EU rules, local authorities will have to display a sign advising against swimming.

More than 400 beaches will be tested weekly between now and September, with a total of 8,400 samples taken, and the Environment Agency said nine out of 10 swimming spots were already meeting the new standards.

But there were still areas where pollution was a problem, caused by agricultural run-off, sewage overflows, animal and bird faeces on beaches and households and businesses with badly connected drains, the agency said.

In some areas as many as one in five houses have their drains misconnected, which means sewage is being accidentally flushed into rivers and ending up on beaches.

Water companies, local authorities and the Environment Agency were working to sort out the problem.

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Beaches at risk of failing tough new standards

The coast is clear: Water good at most Bay Area beaches

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There might be one upside to the drought, and it's just in time for the holiday weekend.

Bay Area beaches are cleaner and healthier than ever, because so little rain has washed dangerous bacteria and other pathogens into San Francisco Bay and the Pacific coastline, according to a report released Thursday by Heal the Bay.

"Dry weather has meant less urban runoff. This is all great heading into Memorial Day weekend, but we shouldn't have a false sense of security," said Amanda Griesbach, a water-quality scientist for the Santa Monica environmental group. "Next year, especially if we have an El Nio cycle, things could be very different."

Heal the Bay's 24th annual survey of 650 West Coast beaches showed some of the highest-ever grades for cleanliness, with 95 percent of California's beaches receiving "excellent" or "good" marks.

The group looked at the amounts of harmful bacteria from sewage leaks, pollution runoff and industry - pathogens that are flushed into creeks and storm drains and ultimately onto the beaches.

When people or wildlife come into contact with the bacteria, they're likely to suffer from gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, skin rashes, or eye, ear or lung infections.

In San Francisco, the beaches with the highest grades - an A or A+ - include Aquatic Park Beach at the Hyde Street Pier, Ocean Beach at Balboa Avenue, and Baker Beach.

Most Marin and East Bay beaches also received high scores.

The Peninsula saw some challenges. Marina Lagoon in San Mateo is a perpetual low scorer, and 2013-14 was no exception. In fact, it ranked as the second-worst beach in the state, largely because it's enclosed and shallow and the water tends to stagnate.

Pillar Point near Half Moon Bay also received poor grades, and was singled out as a "beach bummer."

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The coast is clear: Water good at most Bay Area beaches

How Coronal Mass Ejections May Influence Life on Earth : Astronomy & the Solar System – Video

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How Coronal Mass Ejections May Influence Life on Earth : Astronomy the Solar System
Subscribe Now: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=ehoweducation Watch More: http://www.youtube.com/ehoweducation The sun has a lot of magnet...

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Full Dark-matter Jacket Allows Failed Dwarf Galaxy To Survive Galactic Collision

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May 23, 2014

Image Caption: This is a false-color image of the Smith Cloud made with data from the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). Credit: NRAO/AUI/NSF

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Like a bullet wrapped in a full metal jacket, a high-velocity hydrogen cloud hurtling toward the Milky Way appears to be encased in a shell of dark matter, according to a new analysis of data from the National Science Foundations Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT). Astronomers believe that without this protective shell, the high-velocity cloud (HVC) known as the Smith Cloud would have disintegrated long ago when it first collided with the disk of our Galaxy.

If confirmed by further observations, a halo of dark matter could mean that the Smith Cloud is actually a failed dwarf galaxy, an object that has all the right stuff to form a true galaxy, just not enough to produce stars.

The Smith Cloud is really one of a kind. Its fast, quite extensive, and close enough to study in detail, said Matthew Nichols with the Sauverny Observatory in Switzerland and principal author on a paper accepted for publication in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Its also a bit of a mystery; an object like this simply shouldnt survive a trip through the Milky Way, but all the evidence points to the fact that it did.

Previous studies of the Smith Cloud revealed that it first passed through our Galaxy many millions of years ago. By reexamining and carefully modeling the cloud, astronomers now believe that the Smith Cloud contains and is actually wrapped in a substantial halo of dark matter the gravitationally significant yet invisible stuff that makes up roughly 80 percent of all the matter in the Universe.

Based on the currently predicted orbit, we show that a dark matter free cloud would be unlikely to survive this disk crossing, observed Jay Lockman, an astronomer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia, and one of the coauthors on the paper. While a cloud with dark matter easily survives the passage and produces an object that looks like the Smith Cloud today.

The Milky Way is swarmed by hundreds of high-velocity clouds, which are made up primarily of hydrogen gas that is too rarefied to form stars in any detectable amount. The only way to observe these objects, therefore, is with exquisitely sensitive radio telescopes like the GBT, which can detect the faint emission of neutral hydrogen. If it were visible with the naked eye, the Smith Cloud would cover almost as much sky as the constellation Orion.

Most high-velocity clouds share a common origin with the Milky Way, either as the leftover building blocks of galaxy formation or as clumps of material launched by supernovas in the disk of the Galaxy. A rare few, however, are interlopers from farther off in space with their own distinct pedigree. A halo of dark matter would strengthen the case for the Smith Cloud being one of these rare exceptions.

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Full Dark-matter Jacket Allows Failed Dwarf Galaxy To Survive Galactic Collision

Rodney Brooks: "Intelligent Machines are Different" – Solid 2014 Keynote – Video

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Rodney Brooks: "Intelligent Machines are Different" - Solid 2014 Keynote
From the 2014 Solid Conference: In the old days software seemed pretty deterministic. If you ran your program 10 times it got the same answer all ten times. Once software was connected to the...

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Rodney Brooks: "Intelligent Machines are Different" - Solid 2014 Keynote - Video

Aerospace CNC Engraver Video with Fagor FKM 22 Drives from DMS CNC Routers – Video

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Aerospace CNC Engraver Video with Fagor FKM 22 Drives from DMS CNC Routers
This close-up demo features a custom DMS CNC Engraver with Fagor FKM 22 Drives throughout, utilizing a Fagor 8037 CNC Controller. This custom engraver was custom-engineered by the in-house...

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Aerospace CNC Engraver Video with Fagor FKM 22 Drives from DMS CNC Routers - Video