The world's largest solar farm is fully operational. Called Ivanpah, it has almost 350,000 mirrors the size of garage doors that tilt toward the sun with an ability to energize 140,000 homes covering over 5 square miles of the Mojave Desert. All those mirrors are focused on tubs of water to make steam. That cost 2.2 Billion dollars of which Googl …
The winter olymmpics in Russia officially opened last night (in real time it was yesterday morning) to a dream like staged sequence that looked like Cirque du soleil vs Disneyland. Although I really don't get excited about the opening ceremonies, there were two things that struck a chord. Israel came out followed by Iran...a kind of wierd statement …
I enjoy plane rides. At least taking off. That's when you are pushed back into your seat from the g forces. I love the speed. Last night I was enamoured with the view of NY and Long Island from the plane as we broke through the clouds descending into LaGuardia. It looked magical with all the different lights twinkling, defining the natural geograph …
Once in a while I notice a screw or small bolt somewhere on the floor in my house. I normally pick up, stare at it and look around to see where this may fit. I look at all the surrounding furniture, appliances and mechanical stuff. Invariably it doesn't seem to go anywhere. So I put it in on top of my dresser thinking I'll eventually find what this …
Of all the news that crossed my desk this week, this one was especially interesting and a bit scary at the same time. No it's not the new contact lens from Google that will automatically read your blood sugar levels from your tears and alert you...it's Amazon's new patented system called "anticipatory shipping." Yes...they will ship your stuff be …
It's the new year and time for Magical Mitch's predictions for 2014. Since 2007 your trusty soothsayer has been making predictions with a pretty good track record. I'm 13 for 22. That's like batting .590...In the MLB I'd be earning at least 50 million a year. But first, let's review... In 2007 I was 1 for 7. (my rookie year:) For 2008 I was a per …
I awoke yesterday morning at about 7:15AM to a blanket of white and the sounds of snow throwers...another suburban moment. I threw on jeans, T-shirt, heavy socks, a hoodie, ski jacket and boots. Got my gloves and trundled down into the garage to fire up my snow thrower and join the fun. After trying to start it by hand a couple of times I plugged …
Hovercraft have been around for decades but they've always looked like they were bathtubs or those small kiddie pools with a big fan. Well, here comes Mercier-Jones from Chicago with a really cool looking vehicle. This will give new meaning to "blowing into town." Imagine jumping in, whirring it up and floating down the highway. Now I won't have …
A name you probably never heard of but I'm betting you will during next years basketball season. No this is not another sports blog but one of inspiration. To really understand what I'm writing about, please watch this video first...it's amazing. (it's only 1 minute) Zach Hodskins He was born without a left hand and forearm and this 6' 4" young …
In a recent study more than half of the population (62%) shop online at least once a month. The most common items we buy are electronics, books, clothing, household goods and office supplies. Retail sales in brick and mortar stores are up by only a small percentage but shopping online is growing at 10-15%. I enjoy buying online. It's so easy an …
Mandela's life and impact is an incredible story. The son of a tribal chief and imprisoned for 27 years, he was elected President of the country that put him in jail only three years after he was released. He become a symbol of racial reconciliation around the world and an inspiration to millions of oppressed people. What amazed me about this m …
After stuffing myself with fried turkey, brisket, potato latkes, stuffing and brussel slaw, I wondered how many other people enjoy the same. So...I went on a Thanksgiving fact finding tour and found the following morsels for you to digest. Americans eat 736 milllion pounds of turkey every Thanksgiving That's roughly 16 lbs per person (I definitel …
This morning the Salvation Army is sending over a truck to pick up some office furniture that's in my garage. That's the technical description of what's happening. The real story is the desk I sat at for over 20 years, the flat files I used for artwork that was lovingly made for clients and the files cabinets that housed the history of the Tobol Gr …
I know you're on the edge of our seat wondering what he will do after baseball. Well wonder no more...Derek Jeter is starting a book publishing imprint company called "Jeter Publishing" in partnership with Simon & Schuster. Apparently all his time on the disabled list last season had him thinking about life after sports. It must be difficult …
I'm excited. Today is the first ever Gotham Oratorical contest and I'm one of the judges. Fred wrote about it in his blog on 10.18.13 If you're not familiar with the term, it's the art and skill of public speaking. Something I love to do :) This contest is for High School students only and even more impressive is that Nancy's daughter Jackee crea …
It's Saturday...and anything goes.
