Friday 28 February 2014

Say I’m in a high-speed car chase, what’s the best way to escape the police?

(Asked by Nick from Kent)


In my experience, the weapons cheat usually works a treat. I find that a roadblock is considerably less of an issue if you’re armed with a rocket launcher and twin uzis…


As for the real world, one wonders just why you’re asking me, Nick? (I really don’t want this article popping up as evidence at your trial while I go down for aiding an abetting you). Still, I must answer the questions my editor selects for me, so I’ll give this one a go (but don’t come crying to me if you end up serving several consecutive life sentences, OK?)


These days, law enforcement agencies tend to avoid car chases of any sort. The risks to police, bystanders, motorists and even to the criminal him/herself are simply considered to be too great. There are also the issues of lawsuits and collateral damage to consider.


If the vehicle represents a danger to others on the road, however, then all bets are off and police will act as swiftly as they can to rectify the dangerous situation. The first rule, then, would be don’t drive your getaway car whilst drunk (this rules out committing violent crimes on New Year’s Eve, St. Paddy’s Day, or your birthday).


OK, so let’s assume you’ve actually committed the initial crime and you’re emailing me from the getaway car. What then? 


The police’s general tactic, in most cases, will be to outnumber and outmanoeuvre you. They’ll communicate with each other and co-ordinate their efforts, herding you towards an area full of their colleagues. Also, the longer the chase goes on for, the more units will be dispatched to join in. They’ll simply keep sending cars after you; it’s just a process of wearing you down, really.


In addition, the rozzers are trained for this sort of thing, whereas you likely aren’t (playing GTA IV until 5AM the night before simply doesn’t count). This means that they will have an easier time driving at high speeds and making split second decisions, while you will probably find the process of driving at high speeds mentally and physically exhausting.


If the cops figure out where you’re headed, they’ll close down all possible routes. If you have no destination in mind, they’ll eventually be able to head you off at every conceivable pass anyway. Once the helicopter is dispatched (assuming you last that long), they can track you with thermal imaging technology, even if you leave the car.


They’ll also use a device called the stinger, which lays flat across the road and, quite simply, bursts your tires, making driving impossible. By the time the stingers are laid down, police with dogs are already on their way…


Essentially, once you get in that car, you are on a time limit. The longer you are in the car, the less likely your escape will be. The best thing to do, then, would be to use the car only for a very short period of time, just to get you from one designated place to another. Where possible, changing cars would likely help. If you are going to commit a crime, meticulous planning (together with an awareness of modern police methods), is going to be much more useful to you than a souped-up speed machine that is far more likely to forcibly insert you into a lamp post than it would be to allow you to retire to the Fiji islands and live like a king.


In truth, the vast majority of car chases end spectacularly badly (did you ever see anyone get away cleanly on ‘Police, Camera Action’?) and they endanger innocent lives. Being a paraplegic prisoner for the rest of your life isn’t really a fun thing to think about, neither is ending the day of your first big score as dog food.


I must say though, this is still preferable to living in America, because over there they just shoot you, weapons cheat or no weapons cheat. My advice? Stick to GTA and working for a living, it may not be glamorous, but there’s far less chance of being forcibly sodomized in prison and then ending up as a guest on ‘The Jeremy Kyle Show’ saying something like “I’ve made mistakes, I admit that, innit” as if it exonerates you from all culpability. 



Say I’m in a high-speed car chase, what’s the best way to escape the police?

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Rediscovery of Knee Ligament Validates 19th Century Paper

Doctors have discovered that an important knee ligament, first described in an 1879 paper, before being subsequently ignored for well over a century, is actually a very real and important body part.


Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common problem for many athletes. They are notoriously difficult to repair and the recovery is a tough and painful process that can take up to a year. Following treatment, however, many patients still complain of aches and pains and it is not at all uncommon for the joints to fail the necessary pivot-shift tests (performed so the doctors can check the success of their surgeries). Repeat injuries are also inexplicably common.


Last month, it was announced that a team of Flemish doctors appears to have finally solved this persistently vexing riddle and, in so doing, they validated a discovery made over a century ago.


Paul Segond, a 19th century French surgeon who is known for greatly aiding the development of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (as well as describing the Segond fracture), wrote of the ligament as a “pearly, fibrous band” in 1879. Segond posited that it was an additional ligament, but anatomists did not consider the initial discovery to be accurate.


After reading Segond’s paper and deciding that there may be something to it after all, the team of knee surgeons and an anatomist began investigating the possibility that Segond’s mystery ligament was, in fact, a very real part of the Human body.


The team examined the knees of 41 cadavers, finding that 40 of them actually contained Segond’s ligament, just as he’d described it a hundred years earlier.


With this (re)discovery now published and proven, the ligament has been named as the anterolateral ligament (ALL).


The anterolateral ligament joins the other joint structures in the knee considered most important by doctors and anatomists, such as the lateral femoral epicondyle (LFE), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), Gerdy’s tubercle (GT), popliteus tendon (PT), popliteofibular ligament (PFL), and, of course, the aforementioned anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).


Surgeons are already considering ways in which to repair ALL tears and damage, with the hopes of improving the quality of life for anyone who suffers any ligament damage to the knees. This rediscovery is likely to become a very significant one in the field of sports and athletics, across both amateur and professional playing fields.


 


SOURCES


 


http://www.scientificamerican.com/gallery_directory.cfm?photo_id=7737D2E0-994F-A7AD-8721A14249EB4E02



Rediscovery of Knee Ligament Validates 19th Century Paper

Saturday 22 February 2014

Tech We’d Like to See: Androids

Essentially, an android is a Human-like robot designed to mimic the appearance, mannerisms and body language of a flesh and blood person. However, even that definition is a flimsy one, as science fiction writers have come up with numerous weird and wonderful ways to create many new types of androids (at least on the page).


Sometimes an android is built by an alien race and thus resembles its creators. Sometimes an android is mostly robotic, but has some recognizably Human traits and sometimes an android is a bioorganic machine that is ‘grown’ rather than built (making it very similar to the legendary homunculus creatures of ancient myth, or even the Golem of Jewish folklore). 


The difference, essentially, between a robot and an android is that an android is designed to look more Human (for one reason or another) and a robot looks, well, like a robot (and that’s opening a whole other can of worms, if you’re interested in that, start with Al Jazari and go from there).


Why we want it?


The applications for Human-like robots are actually endless. Android firefighters could rescue people from areas inaccessible to Human beings, android surgeons would never miss a mark and their pleasant, Human-like appearance would certainly be preferable to some sort of scary surgical machine (if we were forced to choose, that is).


Androids could fill up many jobs that regular people simply don’t want to do (but hopefully in a money-less environment to avoid putting people out of said jobs). If we are still using money by the time the androids show up, then android stock-brokers could use their computer-minds to analyse and prefigure oncoming trends months in advance, rendering the entire economy as one clear, safe equation.


Androids could actually be extremely beneficial to the world, but I’m going to avoid the ethical consequences of their creation in this piece. You can discuss that amongst yourselves.


When can we expect it?


Robotics is an area of science that has come along in leaps and bounds recently. It may yet prove to be the breakthrough discipline of this era (following biology, psychology and, arguably, information technology before it).


In Japan, the ‘Intelligent Robotics Lab’ have developed what they call an ‘Actroid’, which is an android by any other name. Able to mimic breathing, movement, blinking and speaking, these machines are actually quite a startling sight! However, despite running a complex form of A.I (artificial intelligence), the Actroid’s ‘brain’ is actually accessed and operated via an external computer.


A bit more recently, in 2011, Danish professor Henrik Schärfe unveiled a robot version of himself. He’s not quite Noonien Soong, but it’s definitely a start!


I think we’ll see realistic androids in at least some workplaces by 2050, but as to proper, artificial people, I’m not sure that the majority of the Human race would ever actually allow such beings to be created. Having said that, if these early pioneering scientists get a consistently strong reaction to their creations, then I certainly wouldn’t rule anything out.


Cool Factor (assuming they don’t rise up and enslave us all): 5/5



Tech We’d Like to See: Androids

Friday 21 February 2014

DP 3400/3401 Non-display Portable Radios

So here’s the official technical information for the Motorola DP3400 2 way radio, as it is easy to see it’s one of the strongest digital 2 way radios within the market and can suit any particular business or environment.


 


Tri-color LED indicator for clear, visible feedback of calling, scanning and monitoring.


 


Emergency button to alert supervisor or dispatcher in an emergency situation.


 


New accessory connector meets IP57 submersibility specifications and incorporates RF, USB and enhanced audio capability.


 


DP 3401 includes integrated GPS module.


 


Radio housing meets IP57 specifications; submersible in 1 metre of water up to


30 minutes.


 


Powerful, front projecting speaker.


 


Three side programmable buttons for easy access to favourite features. New


 


features such as one-touch calling and quick text messaging are made even easier through programmable button access.


 


Large, textured push-to-talk button. Provides good tactile response and easy access, even when wearing gloves.


 


32 channels. 


 


Non-display Portable Radio Standard Package


 



  • Non-display Portable Radio


 



  • Antenna – Standard whip included with DP


 


3400; GPS Monopole included with DP 3401


 



  • NiMH 1300 mAh Battery


 



  • IMPRES™ Single Unit Charger


 



  • 2.5” Belt Clip


 



  • Quick Reference Guide 


 


Additional Features


 


Enhanced call management


 


Encode: emergency, push-to-talk ID Decode: radio check, remote monitor, radio disable, all call


 



  • Dual-mode analogue/digital scan – facilitates a smooth migration from analogue to digital


 



  • Send quick text messaging via programmable buttons


 



  • DP 3401 can transmit GPS coordinates


 



  • Privacy Options


 



  • VOX Capability


 



  • Multiple Site Support (IP Site Connect) 


 



MOTOTRBO™ System Components and Benefits


 


DP 3400/3401 Non-display Portable Radios


 


Specifications


 



 



 
















































































































































































































GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS



 



Channel Capacity



 



32



Frequency



 



136-174 MHz (VHF)



 



 



403-470 MHz (UHF1)



 



 



450-512 MHz (UHF2)



Dimensions (HxWxL)



 



 



with NiMH Battery 1300mAH



131.5 x 63.5 x 37.2 mm



with LiIon Std Battery 1500mAH



131.5 x 63.5 x 35.2 mm



with LiIon HiCap Battery 2200mAH



131.5 x 63.5 x 39.2 mm



with LiIon FM Battery 1400mAH



131.5 x 63.5 x 37.2 mm



Weight



 



 



with NiMH Battery



 



400 g



with LiIon FM Battery



 



340 g



with LiIon HiCap Battery



 



345 g



with LiIon Std Battery



 



330 g



Power Supply



 



7.2V nominal



Average battery life at 5/5/90 duty cycle with battery saver



enabled in carrier squelch and transmitter in high power.



IMPRES LiIon Std Battery



Analogue: 9 hrs / Digital: 13 hrs



IMPRES LiIon HiCap Battery



Analogue: 13.5hrs / Digital: 19 hrs



IMPRES FM LiIon Battery



Analogue: 8.5 hrs / Digital: 12 hrs



NiMH Battery



Analogue: 8 hrs / Digital: 11 hrs



 



 



 



RECEIVER



 



 



Frequency



 



136-174 MHz (VHF)



 



 



403-470 MHz (UHF1)



 



 



450-512 MHz (UHF2)



Channel Spacing



 



12.5 kHz/ 20 kHz1/ 25 kHz



Frequency Stability



 



+/- 1.5 ppm (DP 3400)



( -30° C, +60° C, +25° C)



 



+/- 0.5 ppm (DP 3401)



Analogue Sensitivity



 



0.35 uV (12 dB SINAD)



 



0.22 uV (typical) (12 dB SINAD)



 



 



0.4 uV (20 dB SINAD)



Digital Sensitivity



 



5% BER: 0.3 uV



Intermodulation



 



65 dB



Adjacent Channel Selectivity



 



60 dB @ 12.5 kHz,



 



 



70 dB @ 20/25 kHz



Spurious Rejection



 



70 dB



Rated Audio



 



500 mW



Audio Distortion @ Rated Audio



3% (typical)



Hum and Noise



 



-40 dB @ 12.5 kHz



 



 



-45 dB @ 20/25 kHz



Audio Response



 



+1, -3 dB



Conducted Spurious Emission



-57 dBm



 


 
































































































TRANSMITTER



 



Frequency



136-174 MHz (VHF)



 



403-470 MHz (UHF1)



 



450-512 MHz (UHF2)



Channel Spacing



12.5 kHz/ 20 kHz1/ 25 kHz



Frequency Stability



+/- 1.5 ppm (DP 3400)



( -30° C, +60° C, +25° C)



+/- 0.5 ppm (DP 3401)



Power Output



 



UHF1 and UHF2



1W and 4 W



VHF



1W and 5 W



Modulation Limiting



+/- 2.5 kHz @ 12.5 kHz



 



+/- 4 kHz @ 20 kHz



 



+/- 5.0 kHz @ 25 kHz



FM Hum and Noise



-40 dB @ 12.5 kHz



 



-45 dB @ 20/25 kHz



Conducted / Radiated Emission



-36 dBm



 



-30dBm > 1GHz



Adjacent Channel Power



-60 dB @ 12.5 kHz



 



-70 dB @ 20/25 kHz



Audio Response



+1, -3 dB



Audio Distortion



3%



Digital Vocoder Type



AMBE+2



Digital Protocol



ETSI-TS 102 361-1, 2 & 3



 


GPS


 


Accuracy specs are for long-term tracking (95th percentile values > 5 satellites visible at a nominal -130 dBm signal strength)


 
















































TTFF (Time To First Fix) Cold Start





TTFF (Time To First Fix) Hot Start





Horizontal Accuracy





 



 



ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS



 



Operating Temperature*



-30° C / +60° C



Storage Temperature



-40° C / +85° C



Temperature Shock



Per MIL-STD



Humidity



Per MIL-STD



Water Intrusion



EN60529 – IP57



Packaging Test



MIL-STD 810D and E



 


* With LiIon battery, operating temperature specification is -10° C / +60° C. With NiMH battery, operating temperature specification is -20° C / +60° C


 



 


 






































































































MILITARY STANDARDS



 



 



 



 



 



810E



 



810F



 



Applicable MIL–STD



Methods



Procedures



Methods



Procedures



Low Pressure



500.3



II



500.4



II



High Temperature



501.3



I/A, II/A1



501.4



I/Hot, II/Hot



Low Temperature



502.3



I/C3, II/C1



502.4



I/C3, II/C1



Temperature Shock



503.3



I/A, 1C3



503.4



I



Solar Radiation



505.3



I



505.4



I



Rain



506.3



I,II



506.4



I, III



Humidity



507.3



II



507.4



-



Salt Fog



509.3



I



509.4



I



Dust



510.3



I



510.4



I



Vibration



514.4



I/10, II/3



514.5



I/24



Shock



516.4



I, IV



516.5



I, IV



 


The motorola DP3400 Radio can be found at 2wayradionline.co.uk


 


Original source - http://www.motorolasolutions.com/web/Business/Products/Two-way%20Radios/Portable%20Radios/Wide%20Area%20Large%20Business%20Portable%20Radios/XPR%206300/_Documents/Static%20Files/DP3400_3401_spec_sheet.pdf



DP 3400/3401 Non-display Portable Radios

Monday 17 February 2014

Friday 14 February 2014

I recently started watching NASCAR and I was wondering how the drivers communicate with the pit crew?

(Asked by Paul from Dublin, Ireland)


Y’know, I visited your fine city of Dublin many years ago and had a wonderful time. It is a truly magical place.


Anyway, on to your question….


NASCAR drivers use a unique radio system that is built in to their crash helmets. These are occasionally customized to suit the individual wearer. In addition to this, there is a push-to-talk button (exactly like the one found on a walkie-talkie), which is situated in the steering wheel. A wiring harness connects the various components together and a separate battery operates the whole thing. The signal is broadcast via a whip antenna that is attached to the roof of the car. In this fashion, NASCAR drivers are able to communicate with pit crews.


In addition to this, most cars are outfitted with a spare Motorola two-way radio that is within easy reach of the driver.


A firm out of Atlanta, Georgia named ‘Racing Radios’ provides the vast majority of the radios used in NASCAR races. Racing Radios have provided equipment to NASCAR races for 30 years or so; they are a trusted firm, creating all the standard NASCAR radio technology and also providing custom radios/peripherals for individual drivers.


According to Racing Radios spokesperson Tony Cornacchia, the majority of NASCAR drivers prefer to buy their own specialized equipment from the firm.


Because so many teams are racing and so many people are working on the race overall, it is not uncommon for NASCAR events to feature 100 FCC licensed radio broadcasts at any given time.Racing Radios is the company that programs the individual frequencies, not only for drivers and pit crews, but also for staff, officials and security personnel. RR do such a good job, that neither drivers nor pit crews suffer regularly from interference or dead spots. Now that’s something.


According to Terry Boyce of ‘HowStuffWorks’, “Many teams outfit their entire pit and support crews with custom-engineered, hand-built headphones and two-way radios ordered through Racing Radios. Multi-car teams may choose to connect even more people through their radio communications network. Active Noise Reduction (ANR) technology helps to cancel out distracting background noise. Exceptional communication is one of the reasons a 21st century NASCAR pit crew can change four tires and refuel a race car in around 13 seconds — and do it 10 or more times in a single race”.


I hope that answers your question, Paul. Have fun!


 



I recently started watching NASCAR and I was wondering how the drivers communicate with the pit crew?

Monday 10 February 2014

Raw materials used in our everyday gadgets in unsustainable shocker!

A new report has concluded that a sizeable proportion of modern technology (in particular smartphones, tablets and other commonly-used gadgets) is extremely over reliant on very rare materials.


If the report’s findings are accurate, the scarcity of the metals and metalloids in question, combined with a sharply increasing demand for such devices, could seriously damage design innovation, as well as the manufacture of future products.


The report, compiled by researchers at Yale University, discussed the use of 62 materials found in widely used technology. Ultimately, the study concluded that none of the 62 metals or metalloids could be replaced without damaging the efficiency of the product. In fact, 12 of the 62 materials could not be replaced at all.


The potential substitute materials simply aren’t up to the job or, perhaps more worryingly, don’t actually exist. In either instance, these material shortages could lead to an economic and technological downturn in the development of mobile technology.


All of the rare components listed are difficult and expensive to obtain.


This scarcity of product availability would limit potential profits, as well as creating something of a ‘glass ceiling’ for innovation and product improvement.


This new report marks the first time that this worrying issue has been properly researched. 


In the eyes of many, this study should be seen as a warning and a wake up call. In 2010, China restricted the trading of some of the components featured in the study. It was an act that increased market prices fivefold.


As these materials become increasingly rare, tactics like this may become ever more frequent, causing increased political tension around the world.


It also needs to be stated that the mass manufacture of these devices drains the planet of natural resources and the processing of these materials seriously harms our environment.


The report itself warns that,


“As wealth and population increase worldwide in the next few decades, scientists will be increasingly challenged to maintain and improve product utility by designing new and better materials, but doing so under potential constraints in resource availability.”


SOURCE:


 


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25260174



Raw materials used in our everyday gadgets in unsustainable shocker!

Western Black Rhino Officially Declared Extinct

The western black rhinoceros, a subspecies of African black rhinoceros, has officially been declared extinct by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) this month.


The announcement marked a sad day in history for anyone concerned with conservation or the wellbeing of our natural world.


Despite the news sending media shockwaves around the world, the first proclamation of extinction was actually given in 2011 by non-profit organization ‘Save The Rhino’, however, this was not considered official, so some conservationists still held on to hope. Sadly, as of 2006, the IUCN had stockpiled enough evidence to declare the western black rhino extinct, but the group usually waits for five years before making an official announcement, just in case a living specimen is spotted or discovered alive.


The last western black rhinos to live in the wild were confined to a small area of Cameroon and were killed between 2003 and 2006 (reports vary as to the exact dates) at the hands of opportunistic poachers.


Poaching was undeniably the main cause of the species’ extinction and is a continuing threat to all remaining rhino species (there are only three subspecies of black rhinos left in the wild, all of which are considered to be endangered by the IUCN).


Rhinos are killed for many reasons, sometimes because their horns, when powdered, are used in Chinese medicine. Sometimes the animals are killed is because sport hunters enjoy shooting them and sometimes, farmers find them to be dangerous pests, so they shoot the rhinos on sight. In the Middle East, rhino horn is used to make ceremonial dagger handles. Even with populations dwindling, there is still a high demand for rhino horns.



Between 1960 and 1995, poachers, no doubt in search of a big payday, killed an estimated 98% of black rhinos in Africa. The western black rhino was the hardest hit of the four species, with numbers steadily dwindling as the poachers refused to stop killing these rare (and increasingly valuable) creatures.


To put the above into perspective, there were an estimated 50 black rhinos left in 1991, but by 1992, there were only 35. In 1997, it was announced that there were only 10 individuals left on the continent


Just 100 years ago, however, approximately a million black rhinos, members of four distinct subspecies, lived on the Savannas of Africa, today, there are only a couple of thousand and now, only three remaining subspecies.


In addition, the Vietnamese Javan rhino subspecies was declared extinct in 2011 and the main Javan species is now considered to comprise of only 50 remaining individuals, the majority of which are at serious risk from poachers.


At the time of writing, there are only seven northern white rhinos (which is possibly a distinct species of rhinoceros, rather than a subspecies) left alive in the world. As a result, there is not a large enough population to ensure species survival. The northern white rhino will almost certainly join its western black cousin on the extinction list fairly soon.


The word ‘tragedy’ simply doesn’t seem adequate.


SOURCES


http://www.universityherald.com/articles/5456/20131108/the-western-black-rhinoceros-was-actually-declared-extinct-in-2011-and-may-have-left-earth-as-far-back-as-2003.htm


http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/2013/11/13/western-black-rhino-extinct/



Western Black Rhino Officially Declared Extinct

Friday 7 February 2014

First look at the new movie Batman & Son

Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment have released a trailer for their upcoming animated feature ‘Son of Batman’. The film will be an adaptation of the 2006 story ‘Batman & Son’, which was written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Andy Kubert.


The comic story deals with the introduction of Bruce Wayne’s son, Damian Wayne, who also happens to be the grandchild of Batman’s nemesis Ra’s Al Ghul. The original story was published in Batman issues 655-658 and proved to be somewhat polarizing amongst the DC Comics fanbase.


The trailer hints that this film will be slightly different from the original story, with a greater emphasis seemingly placed on Damian’s membership within the League of Assassins, the worldwide organisation headed up by his grandfather.


The trailer also suggests that Deathstroke, known to younger fans from the popular ‘Teen Titans’ TV series, will be the main antagonist in the film version, instead of Talia, who was the principle enemy of the comic book story.


It also seems unlikely that this film will take up its potentially broader role as the opening chapter in Grant Morrison’s epic, 7-year Batman story arc; a story which ended with Damian’s controversial death in 2013. For now, it seems that this film will be a one-off.


DC Entertainment’s animated features have proven to be very popular with fans. Film adaptations of well-loved Batman stories such as ‘Batman: Year One’, ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ and ‘Under the Red Hood’ are all big sellers for download or on DVD/Blu Ray.


Jason O’Mara will voice Batman in the new film, whilst Morena Baccarin will voice Damian’s mother, Talia. Completing the casting are Carlo Esposito as Ra’s Al Ghul and Stuart Allen, who is voicing the titular character.


Bat-fans can expect to download or buy ‘Son of Batman’ late in the spring. 



First look at the new movie Batman & Son

Monday 3 February 2014

Peter Capaldi Starts on-set of Doctor Who

Series 8 of the hit British TV series ‘Doctor Who’ has officially started production in Cardiff, Wales. This series will feature the first adventures of the new lead actor, Peter Capaldi, a prospect that has fans of the series very excited.


The show, which debuted in 1963, has starred 12 actors as the titular Doctor. Capaldi, a lifelong fan of the series, is to be the 13th (although he will be recognized as the 12th within the show’s storyline). Said Capaldi of the show, I was five when the show started. I don’t remember Doctor Who not being part of my life, and it became a part of growing up, along with The Beatles, National Health spectacles, and fog. And it runs deep. It’s in my DNA…”



The character of the Twelfth Doctor briefly appeared in the 50th anniversary special ‘The Day of the Doctor’ last November and officially debuted on Christmas Day 2013 in the episode ‘The Time of the Doctor’, although he made his appearance only at the very end. Capaldi has replaced former Doctor Matt Smith, who had been the series’ lead actor since 2010.


Peter Capaldi, who is both a BAFTA and Academy Award winner, has appeared in Doctor Who before, playing the role of Lucius Caecilius Lucundus, a real-life banker who lived in the ancient Roman city of Pompei. He also featured in the Doctor Who spinoff series ‘Torchwood’, where he portrayed a civil servant. Outside of Who, he is well known for his roles in popular series such as ‘Skins’ and ‘The Thick of it’.


Expectations are high for the new series, which began filming this week and will be broadcast later this year. Upon arriving on set, Capaldi said “New job, first day, slightly nervous. Just like the Doctor, I’m emerging from the TARDIS into a whole other world”.


Showrunner Steven Moffat was obviously excited, saying, “The Capaldi era begins!” In an earlier interview, the series boss said of his newest star, “Of course, he’s brilliant. And just seeing the energy and vitality that he brings to his performance, he works – he’s like Matt – he works, he’s a worker. And he’s an extraordinary vital performer. The man is not at all elderly in style, he leaps around the place probably more than any other Doctor in that first scene.”


Elsewhere, in an interview with ‘Doctor Who Magazine’, previous Executive Producer and Head Writer Russell T. Davies said that the casting of Capaldi as The Twelfth Doctor was “perfect”. He also said, “The moment Zoe Ball said his name was actually quite mind-blowing. I still find it difficult, even now to find adjectives big and bold enough to describe how brilliant this is!


When cast in the role of The Doctor, Capaldi was 55, making him the same age as the first actor to play the character, William Hartnell, when he was cast.


Series 8 of Doctor Who will be broadcast on BBC in the third quarter of this year.


 


SOURCES:


http://www.doctorwhonews.net/


http://www.doctorwhotv.co.uk/what-does-russell-t-davies-think-of-peter-capaldis-casting-52683.htm


http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/133633/Peter-Capaldi-In-A-State-Of-Madness-Following-Doctor-Who-50th-Anniversary-Cameo#fUXrtIJrJ213ZYW6.99



Peter Capaldi Starts on-set of Doctor Who

Saturday 1 February 2014

How to waterproof headphones?

Asked by Betty from Hammersmith


I take it you’re a newer reader and you therefore aren’t aware of my dislike for recommending specific sets of headphones. In a usual case, (like when one reader asked me to recommend sweat-proof headphones) I have to answer with “it depends on a multitude of factors, such as how often you use them, how important sound quality is to you or even (in that one case) how much you tend to sweat. However, I’m not going to let you down, Betty, because waterproof headphones are actually a bit different…


 


There are several companies that specialize in designing totally waterproof headphones, some of which I’ll be glad to recommend to you. However, at this point, I really must stress that I have never owned, borrowed, or even reviewed a pair of waterproof headphones, so although I am happy to point you in the right direction, I (metaphorically, of course) wash my hands of responsibility if they don’t quite work. My advice to you is to try Headsetonline.co.uk first and read the customer reviews (especially the negative ones), before making your purchase.


 


Anyway, now that’s over and done with…


 


A company called ‘Swimmer LTD’ specialize in all things swimming related, with special emphasis on watertight cases for iPods, smartphones and even iPads. They also sell headphones, of course and their site features customer reviews for most of their products.


 


Another company called ‘H20 Audio’ also makes waterproof headphones and FINIS have a set called the ‘SwimP3’ which, dopey name aside, seems to be rather well-regarded by swimmers. The ‘SwimP3’ utilizes bone conduction technology, which is probably the best way to go if you’re planning on listening to music whilst swimming.


 


Bone conduction, in case you don’t know, simply bypasses the outer ear and stimulates the tiny inner ear bones (called ‘ossicles’), just as an organic sound would, your brain then interprets this sound exactly the same way as it would if you’d heard it in your ear, only, because your outer ear is not directly being used, you are free to wear earplugs (which some swimmers like to do).


 


These suggestions are by no means your only options though; there are a veritable ton of companies out there all manufacturing products exactly like the ones you want. So, whilst I can’t give any of them a personal seal of approval (sorry about that), I can at least offer a helping hand. Is that enough, Betty?


 



How to waterproof headphones?