Energy, Security

800hp and low-emissions

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Autoblog reports that the company that makes the fastest supercar in the world has a new engine that meets global emissions standards:

Ultima’s efforts start with Chevy’s LS7 lump from the Z06, which rocks 505 HP standard. Ultima then adds their own exhaust, for a boost up to 565 HP. The camshafts are swapped out, raising the horse count to 650. Finally, a supercharger provides the 150 HP coup de grace, for a finally tally of 800. The entire package meets global emissions standards, as does every step in between.

Amazing.

Poetry, Security

European poetry takes over Washington DC

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All 27 European Union member states and the European Commission in Washington, DC, have launched a literary project titled European Poetry in Motion to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the EU.

Over a hundred poems ― five poems from each of the 27 member states of the European Union ― will be exhibited this month on posters in Washington area public bus and metro systems in their original language along with an English translation. EU country representatives also will participate in a marathon reading at the Goethe Institute and poetry readings at Bus Boys and Poets.

They have an awful flash-based website, demonstrating that good poetry is often still presented with bad code, so here are some notable events:

May 1st
Begin of exhibition in Metro buses and Metro stations

May 5th
2—7 p.m.: Poetry Marathon
Goethe Institut
812 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
For more information call: 202.289.1200 or go to
www.goethe.de/washington

May 7th-8th
EU Short Film Festival
Goethe Institut
812 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
For more information call: 202.289.1200 or go to
www.goethe.de/washington

May 9th
Europe Day
Ambassadors to School Program
European Commission Ambassador John Bruton and Ambassadors from 27 countries will be teaching students about the EU at Washington area schools to commemorate Europe Day, May 9. This marks the day in 1950 when French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman called on France, Germany and other countries to pool together their coal and steel production as the first concrete foundation of a European federation.
For more information go to www.eurunion.org

May 12th
Open House at EU member state embassies and the EU Commission in Washington, DC
Shuttle service provided
For more information go to: www.germany.info

May 20th
4 – 6 p.m.: European Poetry Reading
Busboys and Poets
2021 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
For more information call: 202.387.POET or go to
www.busboysandpoets.com

I like the ability to switch between languages when you click on the text. Very nice idea; but flash is still a horrible way to present ideas. Placing text side by side actually gives a better sense of translation. And what’s with the giant “print” button? Perhaps an “embed” button would be better so bloggers around the world could weave favorites into their own threads. Print. Who wants to print?

After looking around I’m already tempted to work on another translation of Petr Borkovec’s poem (Natural Causes).

Security

Prisoner conviction based on return address

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This story might have more to it than meets the eye:

A Wisconsin state appeals court refused to overturn the conviction of a prisoner who said no one ever saw him write a threatening letter to a judge.

The 2nd District Appeals Court noted Wednesday that Anthony Dwane Turner’s return address was on the envelope, sealing its decision.

Since he was a prisoner at the time, it would seem his return address was determined for him:

Turner asked the appeals court in 2005 to overturn his conviction. He argued prosecutors didn’t present any evidence at trial that anyone saw him write the letter or that the handwriting was his.

The appeals court refused, saying the envelope was marked with Turner’s name, inmate number and the address of the prison in Green Bay.

So I guess the question raised is whether someone in a prison can impersonate a prisoner by sending a letter that appears to be from their cell. The address is treated as a signature, but how trustworthy/spoofable is it?

History, Security

Happy Greenery Day

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Perhaps the most interesting thing about this Japanese holiday, traditionally celebrated on April 29th, is that it was “renamed” this year as Showa Day while a new Greenery Day was established on May 4th. Not sure why they say it was renamed when they could just say it moved. Maybe the rules prevent moving holidays.

And what ever happened to the People’s Day of May 4th? Apparently “Greenery” is a veiled reference to the Emperor’s love of greenery, so the effect has been to create a double holiday for the same guy separated by only a few days.

Showa Day now openly acknowledges the infamous Emperor Hirohito’s rule during the 1940s.

…critics say the move will upset other nations, especially China and the two Koreas, who will say it glorifies Japan’s often brutal militaristic past.

A similar bill was abandoned in the past, due to political pressure.

But this time the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan backed the bill, which was proposed by the ruling coalition.

The opposition said it now accepted the idea that the holiday would encourage public reflection of the turbulent 63 years of Hirohito’s reign, rather than glorify the emperor himself.

I think they should have stuck with Greenery, and left the People’s Day alone, as they already provide plenty of reflection.