October 28, 2011
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Not a bad trip, and you get to take three friends. Here's the details:
Grand prize winner will receive:
(i) Four (4) tickets to the March 23 and 24, 2012 Monster Jam World Finals at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Approximate Retail Value of tickets is $200;(ii) Four (4) roundtrip coach class airfare vouchers, to and from Las Vegas. Approximate Retail Value of vouchers is $2,000.00. Actual value may vary, based on airline price fluctuations and points of departure. Winner will not receive the difference between actual and approximate retail value. Travel must occur on the following dates: travel to Las Vegas will be Friday, March 23, 2012 and departure from Las Vegas will be Sunday, March 25, 2012; and
(iii) Lodging for a two night stay in Las Vegas, Nevada at a hotel of Sponsor's designation. Approximate Retail Value of lodging is $800.00. Actual price may vary. Winner will not receive the difference between actual and approximate retail value.
The contest runs until December 31, 2011 and you can enter it HERE.
Posted by Ghostshark under Contests/Sweepstakes/Giveaways,Vegas | Comments (0)
October 27, 2011
Nest Labs Introduces World’s First Learning Thermostat
Nest Learning Thermostat Programs Itself, Saves Energy
PALO ALTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nest Labs today announced that it has created the Nest Learning Thermostat™. Nest learns from your behaviors, preferences and surroundings to create a custom heating and cooling schedule, keeping you comfortable when you’re home and conserving energy when you’re away.
“Under the leadership of Tony Fadell, the company is poised to make a significant impact on an industry that has been virtually void of innovation for the past 30 years.”
“It was unacceptable to me that the device that controls 10 percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. hadn’t kept up with advancements in technology and design,” said Tony Fadell, co-founder and chief executive officer of Nest Labs. “Together with the team, Co-Founder Matt Rogers and I set out to reinvent the thermostat using advanced technologies, high-quality manufacturing processes and the thoughtful design elements the iPhone generation has come to expect. The resulting Nest Learning Thermostat is like no other thermostat on the market. We hope it will not only save money and energy, but that it will teach and inspire people to think more about how they can reduce home-energy consumption.”
According to the U.S. Department of Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, the annual energy bill for a typical single-family home is approximately $2,200, with heating and cooling (HVAC) accounting for approximately half of the bill. The programmable thermostat, developed in the 1970s, promised to help people conserve energy, but 89 percent of owners rarely or never set a program (source: ACEEE, 2010). The devices are simply too complicated. In fact, Energy Star revoked its certification of all thermostats in 2009 when it became apparent that people weren’t actually engaging with programmable thermostats to reach their proper functionality.
Nest Learning Thermostat
Nest addresses the programming problem through a combination of sensors, algorithms, machine learning, and cloud computing. Nest learns behaviors and preferences and adjusts the temperature up or down accordingly, making you comfortable when you’re home and saving energy while you’re away. Nest also provides people with tips and information to help them make energy-saving choices.
Product Features:
Programs itself – Nest programs itself based on the temperatures you set. Nest learns your personal schedule in a week and starts automatically turning down heating or cooling when you’re away to save energy. Nest will keep refining its schedule over time.
Saves Energy – Nest tracks the temperatures you typically set and guides you to more energy-efficient ones, displaying the green Nest Leaf as a reward when you set the temperature to a more energy-efficient setting. The Auto-Away™ feature uses sensors to detect when you’re not home, lowering the temperature and saving energy. You can also check Energy History to see how much you saved.
Connected – Connect Nest to your home’s Wi-Fi to control it from your laptop, smartphone or tablet. Change the temperature, adjust your schedule and check your energy usage.
Simple to Use – Rotate the outer ring to adjust the temperature. The display turns blue when cooling and red when heating. Push down to open the menu.
Convenient Installation Options – Bundle installation service with purchase at nest.com or install Nest yourself if you’re handy around the house. Just about everything you need comes in the box. If you've installed a lighting fixture, you’ll find that installing Nest is a similar process.
Thoughtful Design – The brushed stainless steel dial frames the display while the ring’s curved, neutral-silver finish creates a chameleon effect that grounds Nest within its environment by picking up the color of the wall upon which it’s mounted. This combination of sleek design elements and premium materials makes Nest a thermostat you can finally feel proud to display in your home.
Pricing and Availability
The Nest Learning Thermostat is expected to be available at www.nest.com and retail outlets in mid-November for a suggested retail price of $249.00 (U.S.). To be one of the first to experience the benefits of a Nest Learning Thermostat, go to www.nest.com to pre-order yours today.
The Nest Labs Team
The Nest team is committed to helping reduce home-energy consumption. Team members draw upon their years of technology, design and go-to-market experience from world-class consumer-facing companies including Apple, Google, Logitech, Sling Media and Twitter.
“Nest has built an unprecedented team of experienced designers and engineers with backgrounds spanning Silicon Valley,” said Bill Campbell, Apple and Intuit board member and Nest advisor. “Under the leadership of Tony Fadell, the company is poised to make a significant impact on an industry that has been virtually void of innovation for the past 30 years.”
You can read more HERE.
Posted by Ghostshark under Design | Comments (0)
October 20, 2011
This is Google's new flagship phone, and it has just about everything on it. If you're looking for a new non-iPhone, this is going to be the one to get. Here's a few details:
Android 4.0
Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich brings an entirely new look and feel to Android. The lock screen, widgets, notifications, multi-tasking and everything in between has been rethought and refined to make Android simple, beautiful, and beyond smart.
Single-Motion Panoramic Camera
With Galaxy Nexus you get a high-end camera with zero shutter-lag, automatic focus, top notch low-light performance and a simple, intuitive way to take panoramic pictures. No stitching needed. Take amazing photos or 1080p.
Vibrant high-definition display
Galaxy Nexus is the world's first phone with a 4.65" high-definition sAMOLED display making text, videos & games look crisp, vibrant and rich. With an edge-to-edge 720p screen high-definition, videos look amazing and the unique Contour Display curves nicely to the shape of your face and makes it easier to hold.
Slim and curved design
Galaxy Nexus features a Contour Display that sits perfectly within the device’s slim, curved and no button design. At just 8.84mm thick and with a minimal 4.29mm bezel, Galaxy Nexus provides superb portability alongside an expansive screen.
Features
- TI OMAP 4460 dual-core Cortex A9 processor clocked at 1.2GHz
- 1GB of RAM
- 32GB of built-in storage
Posted by Ghostshark under Electronics | Comments (1)
October 20, 2011
This is kind of an odd little device. It's a trainer, where you can upload your information online, and an MP3 player. It's kind of competing with the iPod Nano, but it doesn't do as much, and costs more. If you're seriously into fitness, I can see paying the extra cash for this, but other than that, I'd get a Nano. Here's a few details:
MOTOACTV is a GPS fitness tracker and smart music player combined into a small, wearable device. Your running and biking performance is tracked and stored online. Your speed, distance, and burned calories are all captured effortlessly. The music player stores hours of your music and "learns" what tunes motivate you. Elegant controls but rugged construction – it’s sweat proof, rain resistant, and scratch resistant.
You can read more about it HERE.
Posted by Ghostshark under Electronics | Comments (0)
October 20, 2011
This is a Battlefield 3 themed hard case for the Playstation 3. Here's the details:
The award-winning team at DICE deliver their biggest and most accessible first person shooter ever with Battlefield 3, the long-awaited successor to the epic and internationally acclaimed game, Battlefield 2™.
Battlefield 3 sees players step into the role of the elite U.S. Marines. As the first boots on the ground, players will experience heart-pounding missions across diverse locations including Paris, Tehran and New York. As a U.S. Marine in the field, periods of tension and anticipation are punctuated by moments of complete chaos. From city streets to open rural landscapes, as bullets whiz by, as walls crumble, as explosions force players to the ground, Battlefield 3 offers unparalleled depth and gameplay variety. Feel the impact of explosions, drag your fallen comrades to safety, and mount your weapon on almost any part of the terrain.
The cutting edge animation, spectacular visuals and the real-as-hell war will attack your senses and make you feel the visceral warrior's experience, on a battlefield that feels more alive and interactive than ever before.
You can grab one over at the Calibur11 site HERE.
Posted by Ghostshark under Gaming | Comments (0)
October 18, 2011
If you haven't been to Vegas for Halloween, you really should. It's a blast. Also, this trip has two grand prizes, and both of them are actually really good in that you get to decide where you want to stay, where you want to eat, and what show you want to see. Here's the details:
There are a total of two (2) Grand Prizes offered in the Sweepstakes.
GRAND PRIZE #1: Build Your Own Las Vegas Experience #1. A 3-day/2-night trip for two to Las Vegas, Nevada which includes: (i) round trip, coach class air transportation for winner and one (1) guest from a major US commercial airport near winner’s home residence at the time of entry to McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada; (ii) two (2) nights accommodations for winner and a guest in a suite at one of the following Las Vegas resorts: ARIA, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay or The Mirage; (iii) for two (2) days during your stay, lunch (each meal up to $100 USD) and dinner (each meal up to $200) for two (2) at the restaurant of your choice at any of the Grand Prize #1 listed resorts; (iv) a spa treatment for you and your guest (one spa treatment per person) from any of these resort spas; (v) two (2) VIP seats to two (2) of the following Cirque Du Soleil shows: VIVA ELVIS! (ARIA); "O" (Bellagio); The Beatles LOVE (Mirage); Ka (MGM GRAND), or Disney's THE LION KING; and (vi) round-trip ground transportation between McCarran International Airport and hotel.
GRAND PRIZE #2: Build Your Own Las Vegas Experience #2. A 3-day/2-night trip for two to Las Vegas, Nevada which includes: (i) round trip, coach class air transportation for winner and one (1) guest from a major US commercial airport near winner’s home residence at the time of entry to McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada; (ii) two (2) nights accommodations for winner and a guest in a deluxe room at one of the following Las Vegas resorts: Monte Carlo, NYNY, Luxor, or Excalibur; (iii) for two (2) days during your stay, breakfast (each meal up to $50 USD), lunch (each meal up to $100 USD) and dinner (each meal up to $200) for two (2) from the restaurant of your choice at any of the Grand Prize #2 listed resorts; (iv) two (2) complimentary passes to three (3) of the following attractions: Titanic (Luxor); Bodies "The Exhibit" (Luxor); Shark Reef Aquarium (Mandalay Bay); Adventure Dome (Circus Circus); Siegfreid and Roy's Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat (Mirage); (v) two (2) premium seats to one (1) of the following shows: Cirque Du Soleil's Zumanity (NYNY) or Criss Angel Believe (Luxor); Tournament of Kings Dinner Show (Excalibur); or Jabbawockeez (Monte Carlo); and (vi) round-trip ground transportation between McCarran International Airport and hotel.
I'd pick the Aria and The Beatles LOVE, but that's just me.
The contest runs until October 31, 2011, and you can enter it by clicking HERE.
Posted by Ghostshark under Contests/Sweepstakes/Giveaways,Vegas | Comments (0)
October 18, 2011
I like the look of the Camaro a lot, and the convertible continues looking great. The car is planned to have a V8 6.2 liter engine producing an impressive 580 hp. Not sure about a 0-60mph time, but with that much horsepower it should be respectable at least.
You can read more about it HERE.
Posted by Ghostshark under Cars | Comments (0)
October 17, 2011
I'm guessing this is a one-of-a-kind boat, and it's for sale. No idea on the price, but if you're interested, I'm sure they'll be happy to give you a price. Here's the details:
This MTI was themed after a ZR1 Corvette with all the original GM parts used in the build purchased from GM dealers. The boat is constructed of carbon fiber. The black paint job is accented by carbon fiber airbrush work on the canopy and the entire hull of the boat. The exterior of the boat has ZR1 inspired hull sides, headlights, taillights, marker lights, custom ZR48 emblems and engine vents. The cockpit is truly one of a kind. The cockpit hatches are a custom gull wing type that have built-in escape hatches. The canopy also has an electric sliding rear window. The custom dash has fully function gauges, a custom ZR1 steering wheel and shifter. The custom shifter throttles both engines and controls drive trim. The interior is ultra leather and suede, with six air conditioned seats. The driver and throttle man’s seat are power sliding with footrests. The air conditioning is provided by a 24K BTU cruise air marine A/C system. The entire cockpit area is accented by custom Lumiflex and LED lighting. A true state-of-the-art sound system was installed which includes a custom engine block bow speaker pod with LED accent lights. The pod lifts electronically from the deck. The pod has 8 Focal K2 coaxial speakers and 2 horns, 2 Kicker Solo Baric 10-inch subs in custom matched ported boxes firing into the cockpit, aft-mounted speaker pods, custom amp cooling system, Apple TV with Wi-Fi network, custom iPad dock integrated into the ZR1 glove box and a separate volume control for the subs, cockpit and exterior sound. The total sound system is 8000 watts RMS. The uniquely designed engine bays are loaded with carbon fiber trim, LED and Lumiflex lighting, custom ZR48 badging and bulkhead accent panels. The accessories are powered by a 4.2 kW Fischer Panda Diesel Genset. The power for this monster comes from two Mercury Racing 1350 HP twin-turbo engines with number 8 drives. The engines are accented with ZR1 type supercharger covers, giving the engines a proper Corvette themed appearance. This one-of-a-kind boat has won many awards and is truly every Corvette enthusiasts “Dream Boat”.
You can see more pictures of it HERE.
Posted by Ghostshark under Design | Comments (0)
October 17, 2011
This is pretty expensive for a lamp, at about $1,345. However, both models are something unique. Here's the details:
DESIGN:
Angela Jansen has reinvented the standard lamp. The design evokes memories of old fashioned lamps, but when you see the floating part, you realize this is designed for the future.
APPEARANCE:
The lamp consists out of a handcrafted wooden base with a high glossy black finish. Attached is a stylish black fabric covered power cable. The conical shaped lampshade is manufactured in matt black fabric with a pearl white inner sid furnishing. The light flows through the openings of the mirror which covers the lower part of the lampshade.
TECHNOLOGY:
What makes this lamp floating is the integrated levitation technology. It consist out of electromagnetic components and a sophisticated control system. Next to the fact that they employ the very latest LED technology, the lamp is low in power consumption too. With a touch of your fingertip, the lamp can be dimmed to the intensity you require.
SPECIFICATIONS:
The fabric covered power cord is 2.00 meters long (6,5 feet) and is connected to the universal power adaptor with a power cable with the length of 1.85 meters (6 feet). The standard universal power adaptor has a EU two pins power plug, but you can order an US power adaptor.
Light intensity: 300 Lux. Power consumption: 3W standby (only levitation on), 15W when the LEDs are fully on.
You can check it out over at the Goodsie site HERE.
Posted by Ghostshark under Design | Comments (0)
October 17, 2011
I really enjoyed the movie Drive, though I really don't think I'd wear the jacket. Don't get to wrong, the jacket is pretty cool, I just don't think I could putt it off.
If you're interested in one, you can grab one for $160 HERE.
Posted by Ghostshark under Fashion | Comments (0)