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Monday, September 15, 2014

Interesting story behind the 5 popular office supplies

The paperclip, pencil eraser, until the post-it note, every day we use as the office equipments without prejudice. However, there is history and interesting stories behind the inventions.

One of them, the paperclip which turns on used as a popular symbol of Norway resistance against the Nazi occupation. Or Pritt Stick glue that apparently inspired by the lipstick. Here are the stories as quoted from the BBC on September 11, 2014.

1. Paperclip
No one is sure about the origin of a paper clip. One of the widely circulated theory is that it was discovered by Johann Vaaler, a Norwegian and register the patent in 1899. However, it is considered less practical creation and never mass produced. However, Vaaler still known as the inventor of the paperclip. Even making it into a folk hero in his country.
Paperclip and its statue as high as 7 meter as a form of homage to Johann Vaaler in the front of BI Norwegian Business School. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1y50oRh)
Here's the story: during the years of Nazi occupation, paperclip used as a symbol of resistance in Norway. Mounted on the collar. As a reminder that the people of Norway united against the invading forces. "We are bound together".

Many years after the war, Vaaler the belief that Vaaler was the paperclip inventor become widespread. The story went encyclopedia Norway - mingled with stories of resistance that makes paperclips approaching as an image of national symbol. In 1989, BI Norwegian Business School was built a paperclip statue as high as 7 meter as a form of homage to Vaaler - although not the same design with his paperclip creation.

2. Pink Pearl Eraser
Although not as popular in the United States, Pink Pearl eraser can be easily recognized by UK residents. Distinctive pink color and striking texture is the result of mixing of volcanic pumice mixed with rubber and factually given during the manufacturing process.
Pink Pearl eraser. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1y50oRh)
Pencil eraser made ​​of natural or synthetic rubber. However, rubber is usually only used as a binder, about 10-20 percent. Other materials include a mixture of vegetable oil mixed with sulfur and is known as factually given - which serves as an eraser.

Pink Pearl was launched in 1926, when the compulsory rules are enforced in the United States. Cheap price and decent quality make it a common part in classes across the country. In 1967, Vija Celmins, an artist made ​​a sculpture of balsa wood - shaped and painted like the original. Ten years later, Avon cosmetics manufacturers produce Pink Pearl pink nail brush - to remove eraser dirt in the students nails.

The shape and color of Pink Pearl even known until now - in the version marketed by PaperMate. The 'eraser' icon in Photoshop also mimic its shape. Currently also available Pink Pearl magnets, badges, USB is also included in the eraser.

3. Pritt Stick Glue
In 1967, Dr. Wolfgang Dierichs, a researchers at the German company, Henkel was on a business trip. He checked in to get on the plane, sitting in a chair, install and tighten the belt, ready for take-off conditions.

When the aircraft was about to land, suddenly sparked an idea to revolutionize the world. He was inspired by women who are wearing lipstick. Dierichs who watched, thinking the lip shape can be used for different things such as glue.
Pritt Stick glue. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1y50oRh)
Solid glue is placed in a container like a lipstick, can be issued by way of playing. Easy to use and not dirty. "People who see women wearing lipstick will be thinking," imagine that she smeared the glue on the lips. "

Henkel launched Pritt Stick in 1969. Within 2 years, the product is available in 38 countries around the world. And now has sold in more than 120 countries worldwide. Approximately 130 million Pritt stics produced each year and more than 2.5 billion sold since it was first produced. "Enough to carve the glue line that extends from the Earth, past the Moon, to Mars, and then back again," claims the company. In 1987, Henkel began launching glue ads with a character called Mr. Pritt.

4. Drawing Pin
Just as it is called, was originally used drawing pins to hold the paper drawer that they draw upon. Now often used as tacks paper in offices. Drawing pin or thumbtacks that have a variety of shapes and designs - evolved from simple shape of straight nails.

As well as the rapid development, there is much debate over the drawing pin inventor. Some people claim, nails was found a German clockmaker named Johann Kirsten between 1902 and 1903. Aware that the base of the nail with a wider more comfortable for the thumb, he hammered brass plate and attach it on the nail.
Drawing Pin. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1y50oRh)
Despite being the inventor, Kirsten did not get the benefit from his work. He was only able to sell a small number of spikes for other local artisans - possibly because of his drinking habits - are forced to sell the tacks design to the factory owner Arthur Lindstedt. With a few changes, tacks bring money into the Lindstedt's coffers. Workers can produce thousands of nails every day are exported to all over Europe.

In 2003, Christa Kothe, the owner of a small hotel outside of Lychen build a statue to commemorate 100 years of the discovery of tacks. At least, there are those who remember the figure of Kirsten.

5. Post-it Note
Spence Silver joined 3M in 1966 as a senior chemist in the corporate research laboratory. Where he joined the team is developing a pressure-sensitive adhesive - can be attached easily, but easily removable.

Working on a formula, Silver change the number one chemical and deliberately create a very weak glue but reliable. Initially, the findings look in vain. However, Silver believes, would be pointless. He show this to his colleagues and even held a seminar to explain the unusual nature of their findings. Silver intends to sell the adhesive in aerosol form - which will be sprayed on the back of a sheet of paper or poster.
Post-it note. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1y50oRh)
One of the employees who attended the seminar Silver 3M is Art Fry - are often frustrated when choir practice. Therefore, the pieces of paper that is used to mark pages in a book singing continues to fall. He realized his artificial adhesive could be a solution.

However, marker adhesive book he proposed that his colleagues did not respond well. One day, Fry wants to write a message to his boss, then he took his bookmarks, write a number sentence and stick it in front of the book.

Then, after receiving the message, the boss also take bookmarks and stick it in front of a paragraph that must be corrected - coupled with a number of comments. Eureka! Sticky note was born. A history begins. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BBC]
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The latest model of Matchless motorcycle

The one of British legendary motorcycle brands, Matchless, ready to be born again with the first performance in the new era. After Malenotti family purchased the company in 2012, this brand started to squirm, although they had started in the fashion lane.

As it is known that Franco Malenotti is a successful entrepreneur and fashion designer. And the 'Matchless' name was borrowed as a clothing brand that is currently widely used by world's celebrities. Now, the brand is ready with a new motorcycle design of the Mallenoti scratches which collaborated with the motorcycle design team.
The classic 1929 Matchless Model X that inspired the newest Model X Reloaded. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/1sUQMEc)
The figure of this new bike will perform at the EICMA, Milan, later this year. Not only appear, Matchless also will celebrate the 115th of brand anniversary. Motorcycle that will be displayed is the Model X Reloaded, which is inspired from the Model X which produced 80 years ago.
One of two varians of the Matchless Model X Reloaded. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1q5Y4iG)
The motorcycle appearance reflects the combination spirit of old style and new models. Outline design of the 1929 Matchless Model X was maintained, then paired with a modern style on the engine and accessories.
One of two varians of the Matchless Model X Reloaded. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1q5Y4iG)
The engine that will use in this bike is the 1,916 cc S&S V-Twin, injection with a compression ratio of 9.75 : 1. The engine also coupled with a 6-speed transmission system. The front suspension is quite unique with hydraulic type. While there are two rear shock absorbers, i.e under the engine and under the seat.

Interestingly, this model can be tuned with a wide range of driving positions. For example, the saddle can be set to different heights. Its footrest can also be adapted to the driving style. While its wheels using the size of 130/90-16 in front and 200/55-17 for the rear, while the height and tilt of the handlebars can also be adjusted. 

The frame is allegedly made from “multiple sheet metal”, and it also serves as an oil reservoir. Finally, one more mind-boggling detail: the front brake is a single-disc system, apparently squeezed by a single 12-piston caliper, as opposed to the 6-pot unit doing the same job in the rear. No price was announced, but real photos and more details are expected soon. Wanna to try it? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]
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Thursday, August 28, 2014

The newest America's All-Electric supercar

So far, Silicon Valley is known as a center for the IT world's development in United States. Now, not only develop the future gadgets, in fact the Microsoft headquarters also penetrated into the research of advanced passenger vehicle.
2015 Renovo Coupé. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1p0SrBO)
Unmitigated, the first vehicle to the creation of the Silicon Valley engineers is an electric powered supercar called Renovo Coupé. This two-seater supercar built by borrowing the Shelby CSX9000 chassis, as quoted from TopSpeed, on Monday, August 20, 2014.

Supercar with classic design is equipped with a battery power of 740 volts, and capable of spraying power of 500 hp at 1,000 pounds-feet of torque. The electric motor of Renovo Coupe capable of making this car accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds and has a restricted maximum speed of 120 mph.
Right side view of 2015 Renovo Coupé. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1p0SrBO)
The car was developed by Renovo Motors and was introduced to the public in the technology arena, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on the coast of California some time ago.
Rear three quarter of 2015 Renovo Coupé. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1lgtE1L)
Renovo Motors founder, such as Christopher Heiser and Jason Stinson has previously worked in the computer security and Intel Verisign chip maker company. Despite being a new player, they hope to be a challenger to the world famous of supercars manufacturer such as Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Renovo Motors also confirm if they will produce their classic supercar with less than 100 units and go on sale next year. Reportedly, this electric supercar will be priced at U.S. $529 thousand or approximately Rp. 6.2 billion.. *** [EKA | FROM VAROUS SOURCES | TOPSPEED]
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Is it true that this Martian object was a human bone?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on August 14, 2014 released the image which was taken by Mastcam camera mounted on the Curiosity rover. The image was instantly create excitement in the virtual world because objects showed similar to human bone.

For example, UFO blogger talks in stating that the object is part of the human spine and finger bones. Meanwhile, a writer in Northern Voice Online states that the object is a sign that there is life on Mars.
NASA'S Mars Curiosity rover. (Picture from: http://www.theweek.co.uk/)
Furore in cyberspace was forced NASA to provide information. On Friday, August 22, 2014, NASA officially declared that the object was a mere stone, was not human bones, nor signs of life on Mars.

"Seeing with the Mastcam camera that mounted on Curiosity, The Martian rock is probably like the femur. However, a team of scientists think that this is a rock formed by erosion, either by wind or water," said NASA as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald, on Saturday, August 23, 2014.
Curiosity rover captures the image of an object on Mars on August 14, 2014. Many believe that the object was a human bone. However, NASA denies. The object was only eroded rock. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/VRCCX1)
Perry Vlahos from the Astronomical Society of Victoria says that humans do tend to associate the new object seen with other objects present in his memory. "So, no surprise if someone saw 'man in the moon' or 'bone on Mars'," he said further.

According to Vlahos, the human brain is designed to recognize a pattern. It is part of the evolution. Because of this, people tend to look at ordinary objects and compare it with something that makes him fascinated.

He said that the images captured by Curiosity clearly was not the femur on Mars. Therefore, humans obviously never lived on Mars. If life exists or ever existed on the planet, the life forms only microorganisms. *** [EKA | FROM VAROUS SOURCES | SYDNEY MORNING HERALD]
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Monday, August 25, 2014

HD motorcycle into "Reverse Trike" conversion devices

There were many HD motorcycles converted from two-wheeler into three-wheeled. But mostly two parallel wheels, placed in the back. A Wisconsin-based company, Scorpion Trikes made a new breakthrough by producting a set of front wheel device (complete with independent suspension) to be installed on the front of the motorcycle, especially a Harley-Davidson V-Rod.
Scorpion Trikes want to let you turn your Harley-Davidson V-rod into a three-wheeler. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/Xx9lmn)
Two wheels in the front of the so-called Reverse Trike. The production version has been circulating, ranging from Can-Am Spyder, Travertson Striker, until Polaris Slingshot. However, for the modification no one has dared to do it like Scorpion does.

Remarkably, it no need change the frame to install the device. Quite a number of additional devices are connected to the frame, and move some of the components such as the radiator is placed in front. The installing process claimed only takes 6 hours, and it can be done alone.

The first version of this device is only for the V-Rod. But the company promises there will be a similar product for a variety of popular motorcycles, but on request. The closest is to provide for the Harley-Davidson touring type or so-called the FL-coded. 
The price of the device is set at U.S. $5,000 or equivalent to Rp. 58 million. Scorpion promising of these components will be available in early spring 2015, or around March-May. Will be informed more about the installation, whether will be available at the dealership or sent to the buyer and installed itself. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCORPION TRIKES | GIZMAG]
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Friday, August 22, 2014

Japanese legend in the 24 hours of Le Mans arena

The heroes will always be remembered, but the legends never die... That phrase is accurately describes the Mazda 787B, the first Japanese-car racing that conquered Le Mans circuit, France, in 24-hour endurance race in 1991. Unfortunately after becoming champion, the racing committee restricts the use of rotary machinery as used by 787B in subsequent seasons.

Behind the controversy of the rotary engine prohibition in the race, now Mazda 787B get respectable position as the legends of the Hiroshima based auto manufactur, and got a special throne at Mazda Museum in Hiroshima.
Mazda 787B is the first Japanese-car racing that conquered the Le Mans circuit, France, in 24-hour endurance race in 1991. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1q1Gz6y)
When you visit the museum, you can see that on display the figure of Mazda 787B with its controversial engine. Called controversial because some people believe the prohibition is a conspiracy because the Mazda 787B is too tough, so tough to beat it in the race.

In 1991, Mazda became the first Japanese manufacturer which won in the Le Mans arena, although two other Japanese manufacturers actually more idealized. The history also recorded, 787B became the first race car that won the Le Mans race with a rotary engine to complete the distance of 4923.2 km with an average speed of 205.1 kph.

The 787B winning story is just as interesting. Steered alternately by three drivers, Johnny Herbert of England, Bertrand Gachot of French, and Volker Weidler of Germany, a car with the number 55 was the start at 19th position, and two others Mazda 787B with numbers 18 and 56 are on the position of 23rd and 30th.

At the beginning, the car with the number 55 that was straight poking into the third position. In several laps later, it already in the second position behind the Mercedes-Benz C11 who steered by Michael Schumacher, Fritz Kreutzpointner and Karl Wendlinger. When the race was held in 22 hours, the C11 had to go the pit-stop because of engine problems.

At the last pit-stop, Herbert will ask for remain to steer the car and took the 787B through the finish line the first time as the winner. But at the end of the race, Herbert experiencing fatigue and dehydration and he could not standing at the podium with Weidler and Gachot.

Now, the story of the race is always to be remembered in the Mazda Museum. Now the legendary 787B race car to get its throne as the Rising Sun country's pride. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOMOTIF]
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Thursday, August 21, 2014

This is the Hiroshima's new pride

Almost all car manufacturers around the world have a research division that develops racing cars. In addition for technology development purposes, can also increase the prestige of the brand through the racing arena, once proof of engines creations performance. No exception to the Hiroshima based auto manufacture, Mazda Motor Corporation.
Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Racing, the car that competed in the Rolex Grand-Am GX Race in Atlanta, United States last year and is now on display at the Mazda Museum in Hiroshima, Japan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1q1Gz6y)
In addition to the 787B model that has been a legend since it is the first Japanese brand to win the endurance race 24 hours of Le Mans in 1991, Mazda is now developing the Grand-Am GX Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Racing series. The models that competed last year in the Rolex Grand-Am GX Race in Atlanta, the United States, is now on display at the Mazda Museum, in Hiroshima, Japan.
Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Racing, the only participant car that uses a diesel engine in the Rolex Grand-Am GX Race in Atlanta, United States. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1q1Gz6y)
After years known as the car company that uses 'rotary' engine, by 2013 they are now relying on SKYACTIV-D engine for the Grand-Am GX Mazda6. In its fourth appearance in Atlanta Road Circuit, Georgia, United States, this car occupies the first and third position of the Grand-Am GX Race podium.

Keizo Okue, President Director of PT. Mazda Motor Indonesia, on Monday, August 18, 2014 says, "After being the only team that has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a rotary engine, Mazda has now become the only participant that uses a diesel engine in the prestigious turing race event like the Grand-AM GX Race."

"This is a very historic moment for the Mazda Motorsports's world, as we once again bring innovative technologies to the race track and demonstrate the performance, quality, durability and reliability of our brand," said Okue.

Although the use of more than 60 percent of the 250 mass production version engine parts which is embedded in the latest Mazda6. A four-cylinder engine SKYACTIV-D 2.2L turbo that is embedded on a race car is capable poured 400 hp of power at 5,000 rpm and maximum torque of 445lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. For the deduction its speed, Mazda collaborated with F1 brakes producers, Alcon with the brake kit products used are 4 piston monoblock 355 mm on the front and 4 piston 328 mm for the rear.

Mazda6 Car Racing using a combination of tubular chassis and double wishbone independent suspension. With a total weight of 1,111 kg, the car is quite nimble in maneuvering on the race track. "What is clear, can compete with the latest generation of engines for the new car is a very great feeling," said Okue further. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOMOTIF]
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