1. I bought a SONY camera which is rated at 20.5 megapixels. The memory card is a standard 8 GB. I can take approximately 1250 shots. Technology is whizzing past me. Lexar now sells a 256 GB memory card, which is good for 40,000 photos. It costs $900. The Defense Advanced Projects Agency is using a 1,800 megapixels camera to peer down on us from space.
2. How sober are designated drivers? The latest info says that 40% of them drink before driving, and around half are at 0.5 grams per 210/liters, where .08 is the maximum threshold. There is a move to drop the 0.8 down to 0.5. Of course, any bit of ethanol can begin to distort your capabilities. Here is the latest device (there are five of them in different colors), called the FLOOME, from Italy. Costs $80. No need for batteries, for you plug the results into your smart phone, which knows your gender, height and weight, then, if necessary, helps you contact a cab or personal connection. There is a removable mouthpiece, so any number can be tested by cleaning it.
3. In 1960 the cremation rate was 3% in the USA. This figure has jumped to 42% today, and will reach 50% in 2017. Mississippi is the low at 16%, while Nevada is already up to 74% (Hawaii is #3). One reason why: cremation costs $2,570, and you can get a decent urn for $100, while burial is at $7,745, then you need to purchase a plot, and put up a headstone. TIME calls cremation the New American Way of Death. Cremation rates:
Japan 99.85
Denmark 76
UK 72
4. Do you worry that the "new" Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, is perhaps not quite 30 years of age? Two years ago I proposed to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, a plan for their energy future when I was asked to help review their future. He is 61 years old, and just handed on the Emirship to his 33 year old son, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (left). Tamim's older brother gave up his seniority. A lot more peaceful this time, as Hamad bin Khalifa overthrew his father in a coup 18 years ago. The new Emir's claim to fame is that he orchestrated bringing the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. He has been on the Olympic Committee for more than a decade now, and is aiming to gain the Summer Olympics in 2024.
Chances are very good that their citizenry will not be as fussy as that of Brazil.
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It is now Hurricane Cosme, now at 80 MPH. However, this storm will fizzle in a few days.
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