Future of Corporate Events in Ireland – Futurist Speaker – Video


Future of Corporate Events in Ireland - Futurist Speaker
Future of corporate conferences and events in Ireland. It #39;s already with over 100 million Euros to the Irish economy, and looks set to continue to grow. Unique events are preferred by corporations...

By: Patrick Dixon Futurist Keynote Speaker for Industry Conference

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Future of Corporate Events in Ireland - Futurist Speaker - Video

Virtual Traffic Lights Could Revolutionize City Driving

The average American worker spends almost half an hour commuting each day, but virtual traffic lights could cut that almost in half.

If traditional traffic lights were replaced with virtual ones, the results could include not only a reduction of up to 40 percent in urban workers' commute times, but also lower carbon emissions, less congestion and fewer accidents, a study from Carnegie Mellon University suggests.

"These systems could be made even smarter and more efficient, tweaking things like how many cars you let go by in the main direction during rush hour before letting the side street traffic in," Roger Kay, founder and president of Endpoint Technologies Associates, told TechNewsWorld.

"There's a whole lot of work that could be done in this area, essentially sociological programming," added Kay, who has been enthusiastic about the concept for several years.

Based on vehicle-to-vehicle technology mandates expected within the United States, virtual traffic lights will appear not on the street, but on drivers' windshields as they approach an intersection.

"When the driver is looking through the windshield, they'll see that going straight is a green light, and turning right is a red light," explained Ozan Tonguz, a Carnegie Mellon professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering who helped develop the technology. "It's a seamless process -- the driver does not get involved in this decision making."

Once the driver proceeds through the intersection, the virtual traffic light will disappear.

CMU startup Virtual Traffic Lights is working on commercializing the patented technology.

"I think this technology can hit the market in most large cities around the world within one to two years," Tonguz told TechNewsWorld. "We are currently looking for partners and investments to implement this technology on a large scale."

Virtual Traffic Light tech can be used "as a standalone technology for traffic management," he said. "In addition, it could be used in conjunction with autonomous cars -- pursued by Google and several car manufacturers -- and congestion pricing, which is used by IBM and several other companies in different countries to mitigate congestion during rush hours."

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Virtual Traffic Lights Could Revolutionize City Driving

Editor's choice

The UK industry gathered in London yesterday to debate the future of the office supplies sector.

The Future of the Office Products Industry Conference was hosted by local trade association BOSS Federation (BOSSF) and was pretty well-attended at a senior level by many of the markets larger players.

The audience enjoyed a number of punchy, brief views on the state of the sector from many leading executives and, while it is fair to say that several of the presentations overlapped in terms of content, the overriding message taken away by most delegates is that change is both inevitable and desperately needed if the sector is to avoid going the same way as many other now-almost defunct industries, such as book retailing, video rental, etc.

The single biggest unanswered question is, however, who will lead the industry down the path of change? Conventional wisdom suggests that event organisers BOSSF ought to be the logical starting place, but even the relevance and future of that association itself was questioned publicly at the event in a development we reported on separately yesterday.

London, UK

Tags: BOSS Federation , event , office products

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Editor's choice

Virgin And Qualcomm Are Investing In Satellite Internet Company OneWeb

Credit: OneWeb Ltd

Virgin and Qualcomm announced today that they will be leading investments in OneWeb Ltd, a satellite internet company founded by Greg Wyler, the founder of satellite internet company O3b Networks. OneWeb aims to build and launch a satellite constellation to provide internet directly to users.

The size of the investment has not been disclosed, but Qualcomm Chairman Paul Jacobs and Virgin founder Richard Branson will be joining the board of OneWeb.

The satellite constellation will be comprised of 648 low-weight, low orbit, low latency satellites that will work with mobile providers on the ground to provide high-speed internet connectivity to areas where its too expensive to provide conventionally.

We are excited by OneWebs bold vision to launch this major satellite constellation and be one of its key early investors, Branson said in a statement. Imagine the possibilities for the three billion people in hard to reach areas who are currently not connected.

In addition to Virgin being an investor in OneWeb, it was also announced that Virgin Galactic will launch the satellites. They will do so using their LauncherOne spacecraft, which is designed to put commercial satellites in orbit.

Virgin Galactic has announced that its actively hiring people for the LauncherOne program in order to prepare for what would be its first commercial customer. The LauncherOne is still under construction, although the engines have been built and test fired.

Were excited for the opportunity for Virgin Galactics LauncherOne programme to help make it possible through low cost, reliable and frequent satellite launches, added Branson.

Competition Or Opportunity For SpaceX?

One interesting aspect of this Virgin/OneWeb news is that it comes on the heels of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk telling Bloomberg News earlier this week that it would be building a satellite manufacturing center in Seattle. Thats because, in November, the Wall Street Journal ran a report claiming that SpaceX was going to start building internet satellites, too. And in that report, it was claimed theyd be partnering with WorldVu Satellites Ltd. (which operates as OneWeb) to do it. A few days after the WSJ broke that story, Musk confirmed on Twitter that SpaceX was going to be developing internet satellites. However, he also stated that WSJ was wrong on several important points. The article shouldnt have been written on rumor and hearsay.

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Virgin And Qualcomm Are Investing In Satellite Internet Company OneWeb

Salman Rushdie on Charlie Hebdo: Freedom of speech must be absolute | Mashable – Video


Salman Rushdie on Charlie Hebdo: Freedom of speech must be absolute | Mashable
Author Salman Rushdie, who lived for years under a death threat after his 1988 book The Satanic Verses drew the wrath of Iranian religious leaders, said the right to free speech is absolute...

By: Mashable

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Salman Rushdie on Charlie Hebdo: Freedom of speech must be absolute | Mashable - Video

Religious Freedom: What It Is and What It Is Not by Rob Boston (with Q&A) – Video


Religious Freedom: What It Is and What It Is Not by Rob Boston (with Q A)
Religious freedom has traditionally been construed as an individual right to pray and worship as one sees fit. But Religious Right activists are working to change religious liberty into something...

By: Center for Inquiry

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Religious Freedom: What It Is and What It Is Not by Rob Boston (with Q&A) - Video

Pope Francis Backs Freedom Of Speech But Within Limits

Pope Francis disembarks from the plane upon his arrival at the airport in Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday. In comments to reporters aboard the plane, Francis said though the attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine was an "aberration," free speech "cannot make provocations," especially against people's faith. Ettore Ferrari/EPA/Landov hide caption

Pope Francis disembarks from the plane upon his arrival at the airport in Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday. In comments to reporters aboard the plane, Francis said though the attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine was an "aberration," free speech "cannot make provocations," especially against people's faith.

Pope Francis says there are limits to freedom of speech, especially when it comes to someone's religion, in comments that made reference to the deadly attack last week on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

Francis defended freedom of speech, calling it a fundamental human right, but said it must not cause offense.

"It is true we cannot react violently," he told reporters today on the papal plane en route to the Philippines. "But if Dr. [Alberto] Gasbarri here, a great friend, were to say something insulting against my mother, a punch awaits him."

Gasbarri, the official who organizes papal trips, was standing next to the pope at the time of the comments.

"You cannot make provocations," Francis added. "You cannot insult people's faith."

But the pope reiterated his previous comments about the attack on Charlie Hebdo, calling it an "aberration."

"Killing in the name of God is an aberration against God," he said. "I think this is the main thing with freedom of religion. You can practice with freedom but without imposing or killing."

You can watch an excerpt of the comments here.

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Pope Francis Backs Freedom Of Speech But Within Limits

Pope Francis stirs controversy in debate about freedom of speech

Pope Francis on Thursday stirred fresh controversy in the debate over freedom of speech and individual responsibility with a remark that suggested that a violent reaction to insults should be expected.

In an on-board news conference with journalists traveling with him to the Philippines from Sri Lanka, the pontiff was asked for his views after last weeks terror attacks in Paris on the appropriate balance between freedom of expression and respect for others religious beliefs.

Francis had said after the Jan. 7 attacks incited by satirical magazine Charlie Hebdos lampooning of the Muslim prophet Muhammad that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right but that ridiculing anothers deity was disrespectful.

Asked by a French journalist Thursday up to what point can one go in freedom of expression? Francis replied that both religious liberty and liberty of expression are fundamental human rights.

Everyone has the right to practice ones religion, ones own religion without giving offense, the pope replied, according to a transcript of his comments published by Vatican Radio. But he added that one cannot offend, make war, kill in the name of ones own religion, that is, in the name of God."

In an apparent attempt at making light of the consequences of insulting others, the pontiff turned to Alberto Gasbarri, the Vatican travel organizer standing beside him.

If Dr. Gasbarri, a good friend, says a bad word against my mother, then a punch awaits him, Francis said, dealing a mock blow in the direction of the aides face. Its normal, its normal. One cannot provoke, one cannot insult other peoples faith, one cannot make fun of faith.

While the pope had made clear his condemnation of violence in earlier remarks on the recent terror strikes, his suggestion that violent responses to offensive statements or gestures should be expected enflamed the emotional debate over whether free speech has boundaries in a free society.

In response to a flurry of media requests for clarification, Vatican spokesman Thomas Rosica issued a statement asserting that the popes comments and gesture were in no way intended to be interpreted as a justification for the violence and terror that took place in Paris last week.

The popes exchange with Gasbarri was in a friendly, intimate matter among colleagues and friends on the journey, Rosica said.

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Pope Francis stirs controversy in debate about freedom of speech

Freedom has its limitations, warns PM

January 16, 2015

Najib Razak says the authorities would continue to take action against those attempting to cause religious conflicts.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will not allow religious provocation or any threatening act or insulting of any religion to take place even in the name of freedom of expression, said Najib Razak.

The prime minister reiterated that freedom had its limitations.

He said the authorities would continue to take action against those attempting to cause religious conflicts.

Mutual respect among the various races is a basic principle that we need to practise to ensure national harmony is maintained, he said in his message aired over local radio today.

Najib said Malaysia strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in several locations around the world such as in Paris and Sydney recently.

In the Charlie Hebdo context, we completely avoid such attacks, nevertheless at the same time, it is pointless to accept such actions of provocation against other religions, Najib said.

He was alluding to last weeks incident which saw an attack on the office of a French satire magazine in Paris that killed 12 people.

The magazine, among others had published provocative cartoons that were seen as insulting Prophet Muhammad, an act that came under fire from Muslims.

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Freedom has its limitations, warns PM

Developmental Technologies, LLC Sues DuPont and Valmont over Alleged Use of Secrets Behind New Eco-Ag Water …

Bradenton, FL (PRWEB) January 15, 2015

To protect its unique patented Eco-Ag irrigation system, Florida-based Developmental Technologies, LLC(DTL) has announced it has brought suit against two industry giants, DuPont Co. and Valmont Industries, Inc. The case is Developmental Technologies LLC v. Valmont Industries Inc. et al., case number 8:14-cv-02796 in the District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

DTL is represented by Woodrow H. Pollack and Michael J. Collitz III of GrayRobinson PA. According to court documents, after developing its plant-responsive irrigation system, DTL discussed it with DuPont Co. and Valmont Industries, Inc. during a number of meetings held in DTLs offices in Bradenton, Florida. The meetings occurred in 2009/2010, and the information shared included some of DTLs proprietary approaches to irrigation products and methods. Court documents allege that DuPont and Valmont aborted the plant-responsive irrigation system deal under works with DTL and then both companies allegedly used trade secrets learned from DTL to create their own new product.

DTL owns a number of patents relating to processes for a unique new low-pressure water conservation irrigation system. According to the suit, Eco-Ag uses tubes that react to material exuded by plants, enabling the system to deliver water and nutrients only when the plants need it. The system reportedly uses a fraction of the amount of water used in typical drip irrigation and can potentially revolutionize the agricultural and landscaping industries around the world.

This simple system is based on a chemical interaction between plants roots and the irrigation tube, which releases water and/or fertilizer to the roots only when needed. No electronics or pumps are required, maintenance is much lower, and yields are much higher than with any other systems.

Our research has shown a 22% higher yield of crops using Eco-Ag, notes Michael Gould, one of DTLs owners. With water resources diminishing around the world, and in our own country as well, this is an extremely energy efficient alternative to current irrigation practices. It works on both large-scale commercial farms as well as small-scale hobby gardens and its effective on any plant or tree, including vegetables, fruit trees, berries, sod, yard landscaping, grains, corn, and fuel system plants.

Jan Gould adds, The cost is the same as installing any drip irrigation system under the surface of the soil. Theres no new equipment needed. And its especially effective in really dry areas because it uses much less water. With statistics showing that California, Arizona and our Midwest bread basket states are all at risk of another dust bowl, theres no time to waste in implementing this simple, yet life-saving technology.

About Developmental Technologies, LLC

Developmental Technologies, LLC is a privately held research and development company based in Bradenton, Florida. Its mission is to create innovative solutions to real-world problems through the use of technology, science, research, development and sound business practices. Its most recent project, Eco-Ag irrigation systems was designed to deliver water and nutrients to plant life using new processes developed by DTL. In testing, ECO-AG reduces water usage and fertilizer requirements by responding directly to the needs of the plant while maintaining or exceeding normal yields.

For more information contact DTLs representative Dave Conklin:

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Developmental Technologies, LLC Sues DuPont and Valmont over Alleged Use of Secrets Behind New Eco-Ag Water ...

AIA to focus on innovation within the education eco system

Asian International Academy(AIA) which was re-named recently with the appointment of its new board, focuses on an innovative education eco system approach in the current market context. Since its inception in 2011, the educational institute has based its vision on its three core values, which are innovation, contemporary and equality. Below are excerpts of an interview conducted with Shanil Jayasekera - a seasoned professional in the education industry, who is the Managing Director of Asian International Academy.Excerpts of the interview.

Q: What were the changes made?

A: The company has strengthened its management with senior professionals R. Muralidharan, Managing Director of Bartleet Religare Securities has been appointed as the Chairman of Asian International Academy, Dr. Rohitha De Silva, a visionary entrepreneur who has his presence in variety of industries including healthcare, IT and media has been also appointed as a Director of the company. The new board of directors comprise R. Muralidharan, Dr. Rohitha De Silva and myself. The Asian International Academy is based on three core values namely innovation, equality and contemporary which comes as a collaboration of these three experienced professionals. We have been serving the nation for the past three years and we continue to focus on better quality and innovative learning options. Our management team flanked with R. Muralidharan, a recognized leader in the business fraternity and Dr. Rohitha De Silva who is a seasoned professional with global exposure, will surely take AIA to the next level in education. Our team of quality lecturers are capable of creating better results for those who wish to reach for the best

Q: What can students expect from the rebranding?

A: Through the rebranding the institute will continue offering industry best innovative products and new services for a variety of industries and will further enable its programs to a more larger market enhancing the education eco system in the country. Currently the institute offers University of London Degree, CIM and is the study centre and partner of Sri Lanka Institute of Credit Management with a unique offering in customized training and distant learning programs in Sri Lanka. We will continue to focus on innovation within the education eco system.

Q: Can you explain more about your values?

A: The academy provides equal opportunity for people to learn irrespectively of which part of the country or which part of the world a student is from, how busy their schedule is and most importantly it take charge of students who have language difficulties. For students who have language difficulties, especially in the banking and finance sector, we offer the initial training and studies in Sinhalese getting them to show his proficiency on the subject and provide them with adequate time to prep up the English language and move in to more advance programs. This provides an equal opportunity for students who wish to study with AIA.

All our offerings are very contemporary, we keep one ear on the ground and our lecturers are from the industry, who knows exactly what goes on the business world out there be it Marketing, Financial Management or Credit Management. The course content is another factor which suit the modern day need of every industry, in terms of delivery giving a customized option to a student.

Q: Tell us more about the customized training programmes offered?

A: This is a significant move by an education institute, which not only offers a theoretical qualification, but also an institute which takes pride in enabling the future all-rounded employee who is career ready, equipped with an academic qualification, and application of it in the present context in any given industry. Companies now can benefit through these programmes as they can obtain a programme developed precisely to suit their requirements, addressing their training needs, which is more focused, cost-effective and less time consuming true to our contemporary value offering.

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AIA to focus on innovation within the education eco system