Atlas, The Next Generation Robot - from Boston Dynamics

Atlas - The Agile Anthropomorphic Robot

Atlas is a high mobility, humanoid robot designed to negotiate outdoor, rough terrain. Atlas can walk bipedally leaving the upper limbs free to lift, carry, and manipulate the environment. In extremely challenging terrain, Atlas is strong and coordinated enough to climb using hands and feet, to pick its way through congested spaces.

Articulated, sensate hands will enable Atlas to use tools designed for human use. Atlas includes 28 hydraulically-actuated degrees of freedom, two hands, arms, legs, feet and a torso.

An articulated sensor head includes stereo cameras and a laser range finder. Atlas is powered from an off-board, electric power supply via a flexible tether.

Several copies of the Atlas robot are being provided as Government Furnished Equipment for the DARPA Robotics Challenge program with delivery scheduled in the summer of 2013.

I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords:

www.bostondynamics.com

Choose Fairtrade - because farmers deserve a fair price

Right now, millions of hard working farmers in developing countries aren’t paid enough to support their families. Yet every day they provide the food that we eat.

Their children go hungry and can’t go to school. Some are forced to work. They have no choice.

Their communities are trapped in poverty, unable to pay for wells and water pumps. They drink dirty water and cannot afford to visit the doctor when they become sick.

This is the cost of exploitation.

The answer is simple. Where we have an option: choose Fairtrade goods - to ensure producers aren't effectively subsidising cheap prices for us - the consumers.

www.fairtrade.org.uk

Chrome malware masquerades as "missing font" files

New hack tricks users into downloading missing fonts loaded with malicious files

A security researcher has discovered a new hacking tactic on Google Chrome that manipulates websites into displaying missing font prompts, which then trick users into downloading malicious files.

The infection was first spotted on an unnamed WordPress website by Mahmoud Al-Qudsi, a researcher at cybersecurity firm NeoSmart Technologies, who detailed the process in a blog post.

The attack involves a hacker exploiting JavaScript to alter the rendering of content on a webpage, causing it to resemble mis-encoded text which appears as a jumble of symbols and shapes. The code then prompts the user to download the missing fonts through a Chrome language pack to decipher the text.

Clicking "Update" results in a file called "Chrome Font v7.5.1.exe" being downloaded and a second prompt encourages the user to run the file, all the while appearing as a perfectly safe Chrome download.

The attack is particularly well disguised and makes every attempt to appear a legitimate Chrome pop up, including the correct text formatting and right use of colours for the "Update" button.

www.itpro.co.uk

Are we tough enough on animal cruelty? Please read this & sign the petition.

When two brothers who filmed themselves torturing a dog were spared jail it provoked an outcry. Yet England and Wales has the lightest maximum sentence in Europe for animal cruelty offences. Now an MP is hoping to make the law tougher on perpetrators.

There was outrage when the abuse to which Andrew and Daniel Frankish subjected a bulldog became public knowledge.

The brothers, from Redcar in Teesside, had repeatedly stamped on the dog and thrown it down stairs. As a result the dog became paralysed in the back legs and was eventually put down.

Yet they were given only a suspended sentence at Hartlepool Magistrates Court. Even if they had been jailed, the maximum prison sentence they could have faced was six months - meaning they would be released in just three.

The sentence attracted widespread criticism. Nearly 500,000 people signed an online petition calling for a tougher penalty. Others held a vigil for the abused dog while a plane was flown over Middlesbrough FC's stadium during a match, calling for the brothers to be locked up.

www.bbc.co.uk

Please sign the petition here: www.change.org

Alien: Covenant. “Prologue: Last Supper"

The official prologue to Alien: Covenant introduces the crew of the mission as they gather for a final meal before entering cryosleep.

Set aboard the Covenant, a colonization ship on its way to a remote planet to form a new human settlement, the main crew (all couples) and their android, Walter, enjoy their final meal together before cryosleep.

Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created, with ALIEN: COVENANT, a new chapter in his groundbreaking ALIEN franchise. The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape. In Theaters: 19th May 2017. I can't wait!

www.youtube.com

Daytona: the best motorcycle boots money can buy.

Daytona, in our view, makes the world's finest motorcycle boots for the serious motorcyclist who commutes, or tours, extensively. Daytona does not believe in bling.

In fact, one might even suggest that their boots are a little dull in design terms. But what they do produce is boots of the very highest quality and safety. Daytona boots nearly all come with a Gore-Tex membrane for the very highest levels of waterproofness, but in most cases their boots are also made from hydrophobic leather that actually repels water. In the sole, Daytona boots have a steel shank for stiffness and protection. As you would expect, you also get hard protectors for the heel, ankles, and toe area. 

Daytona boots all come with a two year warranty, but for most motorcyclists a pair of Daytona's will last a lifetime. And that's because Daytona will re-sole boots, replace membranes, or indeed any other part of the boot that falls into disrepair.

Daytona Boots at: www.motolegends.com

Daytona Boots at: www.infinitymotorcycles.com

Touratec Adventure Travel Event: 5-7 May 2017

The Touratec Travel Event is the UK's premier Adventure Riding event.

It's FREE to attend! Save the dates: 5th to 7th May 2017.

Growing year on year since 2008, it stands as a testament to all riders who desire riding on and off-road.

Educating & informing new & experienced riders with a wealth of industry manufacturers, smaller independent exhibitors, workshops, and ride-outs.

The aim is to provide a rich and absorbing experience over three days in the beautiful Brecon Beacons.

Click HERE to find out more at: touratech.co.uk

Panasonic ToughPads - in Space!

The challenge has been met! Toughpad has taken that giant leap for tablet-kind, leaving our atmosphere and entering space beyond.

We've captured every moment on film, from the early planning stages through to touchdown back on terra-firma. And you can join us for the full adventure, right here online.

So don't miss a moment. Find out how two intrepid Toughpad tablets fared when they tackled space, the final frontier.

computers.panasonic.eu

Kawasaki H2R just not powerful enough for you?...

MTT Y2K SUPERBIKE

MTT produced not only the first turbine-powered street legal motorcycle, but also the most powerful production bike in the world: the MTT Y2K Superbike.

The first generation of Y2K’s were powered by a Rolls Royce-Allison gas turbine engine.  The power train was demonstrated at over 320 HP and 425 ft/lbs of torque on the DynoJet 200 and has been clocked at a record breaking 227 MPH.

MTT’s Y2K bike was recognized by Guinness World Records as the most expensive production motorcycle ever to go on sale and in a second award it was designated as the most powerful production motorcycle.

MTT’s later models have all the standard features of previous versions, but with a larger swing arm, Pirelli Diablo 240 rear tire, increased fuel capacity and an enhanced cooling system.  This new generation is equipped with a 420 HP turbine with approximately 500 ft/lbs of torque.

www.wikipedia.org

www.marineturbine.com

Fancy a second hand "connected car"? Make sure you are aware of this first!

The global head of IBM's X-Force Red penetration-testing team, Charles Henderson, created a flurry at RSA last week by relating how a connected car app could still access a car he traded in – two years after he'd sold it.

Without naming the machine's maker, Henderson related the kinds of features beloved of high-end marques: “geolocation of the car, climate control, navigation control, it allowed me to remotely honk the car horn … and finally I could unlock the car.”

www.theregister.co.uk

Dogs Trust: A Tail Of True Love

It is said that ‘love changes everything’ and with this sentiment, we would like your help in changing the mind-set of the small minority of irresponsible owners who fail to Bag it and Bin it, with the release of our new video...

♥ A Tail of True Love ♥

www.dogstrust.org.uk

Touratech and Donline at the London Motorcycle Show!

Many thanks to all (especially Andy) at Touratech for the tickets to the 2017 Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show - really very appreciated! I'm looking forward to working with Touratech through my Blog (feeling very blessed):

"Your blog has been chosen for the very nature of what it depicts, travel and adventure. 

In the next few weeks we will be adding your details to our website to promote the wonderful array of rides available to novice and experienced riders alike. From the planning to preparations, to the journey logs and post round-ups.".

I went up with my motorcycling bud: Brian. We went up on Thursday afternoon/evening, stayed at the Holiday Inn Express London - ExCel, ate at Yi-Ban, and had a great time at the show on Friday! Knackered now!

Took the opportunity to upgrade my riding suit, as the great guys at Infinity had a spectacular deal on Rukka Armas. Certainly not what you would call cheap, but an investment which will serve well for many, many years!

BTW, tickets are still available, and the show closes on Sunday at 5pm.

It's a great show - go enjoy yourself!

7 year old writes letter to "Google Boss" - gets a nice reply!

An "entrepreneurial" seven year old wrote to Google for a job and its CEO replied.

After discussing her father's work, Chloe Bridgewater decided she would like to work for Google and penned a letter beginning "dear google boss".

It was only the schoolgirl's second letter, after her first missive to Father Christmas, but the search engine's CEO Sundar Pichai wrote back.

www.bbc.co.uk

Calli has been for a wash & brush up again!

Thanks Pam, as always!

www.k9-4pawsandthegroomingroom.co.uk

Massive thanks to Touratech! Feeling very happy & blessed!

Morning Don,

Congratulations you have won two tickets to this year’s MCN London Motorcycle Show.

Courtesy of Touratech UK Ltd for your worthy adventure blog.

Your blog has been chosen for the very nature of what it depicts, travel and adventure.

In the next few weeks we will be adding your details to our website to promote the wonderful array of rides available to novice and experienced riders alike. From the planning to preparations, to the journey logs and post round-ups.

Hope to see you at the show, we’ll be on Stand R1310...

www.touratech.co.uk

The London Motorcycle Show: 17-19 Feb 2017

With just days to go until the 2017 Show opens its doors to showcase 22 of the world’s leading manufacturers and the very best in new metal. Triumph will be debuting their new Street Triple whilst Norton bring their jaw-dropping V4RR and V4SS Superbikes. Live action, racing stars and a wide range of exciting activities ensures the three day event provides something for the whole family. 

http://www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com/

A very interesting article on fashion to die for - thankfully things are safer now...

While sitting at home one afternoon in 1861, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s wife, Fanny, caught fire. Her burns were so severe that she died the next day. According to her obituary, the fire had started when “a match or piece of lighted paper caught her dress.”

At the time, this wasn’t a peculiar way to die. In the days when candles, oil lamps, and fireplaces lit and heated American and European homes, women’s wide hoop skirts and flowing cotton and tulle dresses were a fire hazard, unlike men’s tighter-fitting wool clothes.

It wasn’t just dresses: Fashion at this time was riddled with dangers. Socks made with aniline dyes inflamed men’s feet and gave garment workers sores and even bladder cancer. Lead makeup damaged women’s wrist nerves so that they couldn’t raise their hands. Celluloid combs, which some women wore in their hair, exploded if they got too hot. In Pittsburgh, a newspaper reported that a man with a celluloid comb lost his life “While Caring for His Long Gray Beard.” In Brooklyn, a comb factory exploded.

www..nationalgeographic.com

Toshiba's financial woes sadly deepen

The chaos at Toshiba, the Japanese corporate giant, deepened Tuesday, with its chairman resigning and the company saying it would book a $6.3 billion loss related to its U.S. nuclear business.

Analysts are now speculating about the possibility that Toshiba, which employs almost 200,000 people in Japan and has significant investments in the United States, may have to file for bankruptcy.

“This is one of Japan’s historic corporations and it’s very important to the Japanese economy, so this could be very significant for Japan,” said Tom O’Sullivan, a Tokyo-based energy analyst. “It would even impact Japan’s sovereign credit rating if there’s a knock-on effect.”

www.washingtonpost.com

www.bbc.co.uk

The Co-op Bank puts itself up for sale

The Co-op Bank says it is putting itself up for sale and is inviting offers to buy all of its shares.

The bank, 20% owned by the Co-operative Group, almost collapsed in 2013, and was bailed out by US hedge funds.

The bank has four million customers and is well known for its ethical standpoint, which it says makes it "a strong franchise with significant potential" when it comes to a sale.

A sad and worrying time for all Co-op Bank customers. 

Please consider joining the Customer Union for Ethical Banking to help protect the future of our bank.

www.bbc.co.uk

Portsmouth Street Pastors are now recruiting!

Portsmouth Street Pastors are now recruiting!!!

Training begins in March 2017.

If you'd like an application form, more information, or would like to invite someone to come and give a presentation at your church please email us at portsmouth@streetpastors.org.uk.

You will need to give 2 references to apply, one of which must be a reference from your Church leader. This is a great way to help your community in a unique way. 

Think it over and pray about it - we'd love to hear from YOU!

https://www.facebook.com/Portsmouth-Street-Pastors

Deal of the Day: Amazon Fire Tablet: £34.99!!!

Beautiful 7" IPS display (171 ppi / 1024 x 600). Available in four colours.

Fast 1.3 GHz quad-core processor and rear- and front-facing cameras.

Free unlimited cloud storage for all Amazon content and photos taken with Fire devices. 

Add a microSD card for up to 200GB of additional storage

Only £34.99!!!

www.amazon.co.uk

Bullguard - Valentine's sale: 60% off Internet Security!

BullGuard Internet Security

Powerful online protection consistently ranked the best - now multiplatform

Protects your PCs, Macs and Android devices with one single license  

Robust, layered protection against all forms of viruses, spyware, malware and other online threats 

Potent firewall that protects you against network attacks and keeps out intruders 

Powerful Parental Control helps to protect kids from cyberbullying and predators

www.bullguard.com

If I do not have love, I am nothing.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

www.biblegateway.com

Macs don't get viruses?...

Hackers are menacing Apple Mac users with Word documents laced with malicious macros that install malware.

Security researchers spotted a rash of poisonous files doing the rounds earlier this week, one of which was titled "U.S. Allies and Rivals Digest Trump's Victory – Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.docm." Apple fans who opened the document on a Mac are prompted to enable macros.

If enabled, the file executes a function, coded in Python, that downloads a malware payload to infect the machine. The Python code is taken from the open-source EmPyre project, a pure Python post-exploitation agent. The tactic is used to push persistent malware onto compromised Macs.

www.theregister.co.uk

Programmer develops phone Bot to target telephone marketing & scammers - absolutely hilarious!

Robocalls are among the more annoying modern inventions, and consumers and businesses have tried just about every strategy for defeating them over the years, with little success. But one man has come up with a bot of his own that sends robocallers into a maddening hall of mirrors designed to frustrate them into surrender.

The bot is called the Jolly Roger Telephone Company, and it’s the work of Roger Anderson, a veteran of the phone industry himself who had grown tired of the repeated harassment from telemarketers and robocallers. Anderson started out by building a system that sat in front of his home landlines and would tell human callers to press a key to ring through to his actual phone line; robocallers were routed directly to an answering system. He would then white-list the numbers of humans who got through.

www.onthewire.io

www.jollyrogertelco.com

We need more kindness in this world...

“I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again,” goes the old saying from William Penn. Kindness is not an inconvenience to be avoided but a characteristic to be embraced.

Kindness provides for the other people’s needs. Kindness is more than a pat on the back while saying, “Have a nice day.” Kindness gets involved. It gets its hands dirty. It’s visible and active. It moves beyond the spiritual and the emotional to the physical and practical. Kindness’s theme song says, “Find the need and fill it. Find the hurt and heal it.”

The watchword of today’s society is “Don’t get involved.” But at the heart of a kind person is involvement. They see the needs and seek to fill them. They are willing to risk in order to help others out. They know they can’t do everything, but they can do something.

Please get involved, do something kind today...

The new Honda CRF250 Rally - it's like a mini Africa Twin!

CRF250 RALLY

Ready for weekend adventure, long distance tour or the daily commute, with long travel suspension, large-disk ABS brakes, excellent weather protection from the CRF450 RALLY-inspired bodywork and an impressive cruising range. Engine performance combines solid bottom-end torque with substantial top-end power.

With styling DNA drawn directly from the HRC CRF450 RALLY Dakar racer, the CRF250 RALLY brings something new to the market. It not only looks ready to compete in a desert stage, but also delivers a real taste of adventure to riders who prefer a light, easy-to-manage machine. Around the world or around the block, the CRF250 RALLY is good to go.

www.honda.co.uk

My Greatest Adventure: Bear Grylls' Story

What does it take to live a life of adventure?

Watch world-renowned TV adventurer Bear Grylls share the untold story of his greatest adventure. 

Got questions about life? #TryAlpha

www.alpha.org

Question: "Is it important for a Christian to have daily devotions?"

Daily devotions is a phrase used to denote the discipline of Bible reading and prayer with which Christians start or end their day. Bible reading in daily devotions can take the form of a structured study using a devotional book or a simple reading of certain passages. Some people like to read through the Bible in a year or two. Prayer in daily devotions can include any or all of the different types of prayer—praise, confession, thanksgiving, petition, and intercession. Some people use prayer lists for their daily devotions. Others prefer to pray as they read the Word in an interactive manner, listening for God speaking to them through the Bible passages and responding in prayer. 

Whatever the format of daily devotions, the important thing is that our daily devotions, as the name implies, be truly devoted to God and occur daily.

www.gotquestions.org

Gmail will stop working on Windows XP and Vista on Chrome beginning next week

The G Suite team announced that users using Google’s Chrome browser version 53 or lower will no longer be supported by the company’s email platform, Gmail.

This means no more Gmail support specifically for Windows XP and Windows Vista users. That’s because both of these were only supported up until last year when Chrome was at version 49. Once Microsoft pulled the plug on them in April and November respectively, Google did as well.

www.onmsft.com

Do you have a hunger for justice?

www.christianaid.org.uk

Donline is 11 years old today!

1st February 2006 was day one of Donline.

489 clients, 2111 Purchase Orders, 2945 Invoices, 11 years later: here we are!

A massive thank you to all of my clients for your business.

I look forward to working with you for many years to come.

Blessings & best wishes, Don.

This blog is overdue for a puppy pic!

An oldie but a goldie! 

This picture was taken late Jan 2015, just a few days after Calli arrived from Greece.

Calli's a fair bit bigger now, about 2.5 times the size: 10Kg.

She loves life, her toys, family, visitors, and FOOD!

Thanks to Sue for rescuing this dear little pup & for all of the great work that she does!

Please consider supporting Sue's work via the PayPal link here. Thanks!