America's North Shore Journal » Tech
DARPA’s Shredder Challenge
The squad of American troops burst through the door, only to find that their terrorist targets had fled. There was a pile of shredded documents which was carefully gathered up and taken back to base. Now, reconstructing shredded documents takes brute force, thousands of man hours, or lots and lots of computer processing with little chance of success. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is wondering if there is a better way. It created the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Original writing, Reporting, Tech, War on Terror
Solving the Solar Energy Storage Problem
One of the most inconvenient aspects of renewable energy solutions such as wind or solar power is that the energy is produced with no regard to the actual needs of the electrical grid being supplied the power. The grid, even in the United States, has times when it cannot accept the energy produced by solar panels or wind turbines. The excess supply over demand often results in the temporary shutdown of production. Part of the problem … Read entire article »
Filed under: Original writing, Reporting, Tech
The Keystone XL Pipeline
In September 2008, TransCanada began the process of obtaining all the various clearances and permits to build an oil pipeline from northeastern Alberta Canada to the oil refinery region of eastern Texas in the area of Houston or Port Arthur. The Province of Alberta claims that the oil sands contain the third largest proven crude oil reserve in the world. The Athabasca deposit in Alberta is the largest developed oil sand production site on the … Read entire article »
Filed under: American Economy, Original writing, Reporting, Tech
Why Is There an Electricity Shortage in Japan?
As the Tokyo Electric Company continues rolling blackouts and electric users try to reduce energy consumption, the question becomes: Why is Japan short of electricity? The easy answer is that nearly 20% of the operating nuclear power plants in Japan are shut down, due to the earthquake and the tsunami. The more complex answer involves the convoluted history of electrical power in Japan and the Japanese electrical grid. Perhaps alone among modern nations, Japan has a divided … Read entire article »
Filed under: Disasters, Earthquake Japan, Hard Science, Original writing, Reporting, Science, Tech
Smart Grid Application
Southern Company teams up with EPRI to develop a Smart Grid project to demonstrate a broad array of technologies. The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, health, safety and the environment. EPRI also provides technology, policy and economic analyses to drive long-range research and development planning, and supports research in emerging technologies. EPRI’s members represent more than 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to 40 countries. EPRI’s principal offices and laboratories are located … Read entire article »
Filed under: Hard Science, Science, Tech
Navy Railgun Test Part 2
The Navy is still testing railguns, really really fast railguns. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) achieved a milestone Dec. 10 when it successfully conducted a world-record 33-megajoule shot of the Electromagnetic Railgun aboard Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. “Today’s railgun test demonstrates the tactical relevance of this technology, which could one day complement traditional surface ship combat systems,” said Rear Adm. Nevin Carr, chief of naval research. “The 33-megajoule shot means the Navy can fire projectiles … Read entire article »
Filed under: Hard Science, Military, Science, Tech
Power generated afloat supplies Iraqi port
The government of Iraq has been concentrating on providing basic necessities to its people while striving to maintain order and security. Electricity has been an issue Iraqis are concerned about. In the southern city of Basra and throughout Iraq demonstrations have been held demanding more reliable power. In response, steps are in place to help ease the power problems. In the southern port of Umm Qasr, the hub of imports and exports for the country, a large ship sits moored to the docks. It is adorned with Turkish and Iraqi flags painted on the side, and large transformers cover the majority of the deck. “It’s like an on-land power facility,” said Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Frank Bullock, a logistic coordinator with the Joint Interagency Task Force. Reciprocating generators on the deck of the ship … Read entire article »
Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, Tech, War on Terror
The Art of Knife-making in Iraq
As the smell of burnt metal clouds the stale air and bright-red ambers bounce across the floor, a Soldier with Special Operations Task Force – Central mentors other troops about the untold art of knife-making. In his spare time, Chief Warrant Officer Russell Faulkner, the honorary blacksmith of his Special Forces unit, teaches a weekly class on the creation of knives to enthusiastic students. “It’s very rewarding for me personally to watch someone do something they never thought they would ever be doing,” said Faulkner. “Some people have never even touched a hammer – literally.” One student, Pfc. Kevin Haskins of Oxford, Ohio, said it feels good to be able to find something to do in his spare time while deployed. The light-wheel vehicle mechanic added the class is both productive and … Read entire article »
Coming Soon: Future Posts
- Declaration of War 1812 (in 132 days)
- USS President vs HMS Belvidera (in 137 days)
- General Hull Invades Canada (in 156 days)
- First Battle of Sacketts Harbor (in 163 days)
On Y!CN
- Radioactive Gravel from Japanese Nuke Disaster Used in Buildings
- Fuel Supplies Reach Nome
- Fuel Convoy Reaches Nome
- Russians Sail to Rescue of Ice Bound Alaska Community
- Pope Embraces Anglicans in U.S. with New Ordinariate
- Nebraska Nuke Plant Placed on Special Inspection Status
- Radioactive Water Leaks at Japanese Nuke Site
- Japan Damaged Nuke Plants Still Not Under Control
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