Like clockwork (that’s running a bit slow), Apple sent out invitations Thursday morning to next Tuesday’s news conference to announce its latest laptop computers.
Apple InvitationScreenshot of Apple’s invitation.

The event, for press and analysts, will be held on Apple’s campus in Cupertino, Calif.

Like almost all Apple events in recent memory, the announcement has been preceded by a growing crescendo of leaks from Apple fan Web sites. Several weeks ago, word that a new manufacturing process for laptop cases was in the works, and there was widespread speculation about what the word “brick” would mean.

Previously, speculation has centered on a new design, derived from the Macbook Air, which the company introduced earlier this year at its annual MacWorld conference.

Now, however, economics and price will probably get more attention than the company’s latest industrial design. One site reported that the entry price of a Macbook laptop would fall to $799, potentially a drop of $300. If this is the price, this will be the cheapest laptop on the market.

In July, after an unusually strong quarter, Apple’s chief financial officer teased analysts with hints that the company was preparing to introduce a new class of products that would give the rest of the consumer electronics industry fits.

The company is planning on taking away what Peter Oppenheimer, the company’s chief financial officer, called an ”umbrella for our competitors.”

Since then, there have been a variety of leaks suggesting that the word “brick” refers to a lower-cost manufacturing process for the company’s sleek cases, although given Mr. Oppenheimer’s description, it is unlikely that a new case could give Apple any unmatchable advantage.

It remains to be seen whether the new computers will give the quirky consumer electronics firm enough of a boost to carry it through what is promising to be a catastrophic Christmas for most of its competitors.

When it comes to agility on the road, sport bikes are pretty hard to beat. That won’t stop people from trying though, and Brudeli Tech thinks they may be close to reaching that goal. Their new bike
based design, called the Leanster, adds a new level of excitement on and off the road.

The Leanster was originally introduced by Geir Brudeli, the inventor, as a concept back in 2006. From there it was put back into the skilled hands of Atle Stubberud, an engineer working for Soon Design who played a large part in creating the 2006 concept. After a bit more refining and polishing, the Brudeli 654L was ready for production.

Powering the Leanster is a 654cc KTM engine that produces 63 horsepower and 47 lb/ft of torque. The little engine is more than enough to launch the 525lb vehicle to a top speed of 105mph. But the real thrill of riding the Leanster doesn’t come from the speed, it comes from cornering.

As you can infer from the name, is was designed to be able to lean very deeply into turns, up to 45 degrees if you are on pavement. The design is best described as a kind of hybrid between a sport bike and a 4-wheeled ATV.

It was originally designed for off-road use but has proved to be just as stable and exciting when on the road. What makes the design so effective is the way the suspension is engineered to work with the riders without overpowering them. Even though the entire vehicle will be leaned to one side, the majority of the weight will stay centered and therefore keep the rider in total control.

According to Brundeli, it doesn’t take very long to become accustomed to the dynamics of the Leanster and you will find yourself doing 100 meter controlled powerslides in no time. On-road use will take a bit longer to master, but it should be more forgiving than 2-wheeled bikes.

The production model
was presented at this year’s Intermot which opened on the 8th of October. The Leanster will be available in limited numbers and costs about $30,000.
Source: GizMag.com

Study Compares Difference in Weight at Chinese Buffets

Have you ever looked at your patterns of eating when sitting down to a nice hearty buffet of food? A study shows that there is a big difference in the behavior of people concerning Chinese buffets.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the eating behaviors of people at all-you-can-eat Chinese buffets differs depending upon their body mass.

Researchers
studied 213 normal weight and obese diners at 11 all-you-can-eat Chinese buffets. They found that overweight people sat 16 feet closer to the buffet, and also sat facing the food. They also used larger plates and ate with forks instead of chopsticks. Instead of casually browsing the buffet to make a choice in what they wanted, many started eating immediately. All of these were factors that caused them to overeat.

“What’s crazy is that these people are generally unaware of what they’re doing - they’re unaware of sitting closer, facing the food, chewing less, and so on,” says lead author Brian Wansink, director of Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab. Read the rest of this article »

54 A.D. - The Roman emperor Claudius I died after being poisoned by his wife, Agrippina.

1775 - The U.S. Continental Congress ordered the construction of a naval fleet.

1792 - The cornerstone of the Executive Mansion was laid in Washington, DC. The building became known as the White House in 1818.

1812 - American forces were defeated at the Battle of Queenstown Heights. The British victory effectively ended an further U.S. invasion of Canada.

Oct 13 1988

A report published in the journal Nature declares the Turin shroud to be a 13th century fake. Although carbon-14 testing places the shroud’s fabrication somewhere between 1260 and 1390 AD, true believers spend much of the next several years attempting to explain away the radiocarbon test results.

Enjoy some of the hotties that have been added to our Biker Babe section.

Would you like to be added? Submit your photo’s to admin@bikersite.org

To see more: NSFO Bikersite.org Biker babes

Oct 12 1285

Accused of the ritual murder of Catholic boys, 180 Jews are burned alive in Munich when an angry mob sets fire to their synagogue.

Oct 12 1960

In response to a speech by the Philippine delegation denouncing the USSR’s domination of Eastern Europe, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev brandishes one of his sandals at the man during a general assembly of the United Nations.

Oct 12 1966

Sammy Davis, Jr. makes a cameo appearance on the ABC television series Batman, during one of their legendary Batclimbs.

Oct 12 1969

According to rumor, Paul is dead. However, the Beatle somehow persists in making several public appearances for years.

Oct 12 1969
Read the rest of this article »

Choosing the right insurance policy is much like choosing the right motorcycle. You want it to fit your needs and lifestyle, but at the same time be within your budget. Although most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, other types of coverage are usually optional. Always ask your insurance agent or company representative which laws apply in your state.

In order to find out what coverage is best for you, it is important to understand all the options available.

Liability coverage

Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident. It doesn’t cover you or your motorcycle. Find out if your coverage includes Guest Passenger Liability, which provides protection in the event that a passenger is injured on the motorcycle. Whether or not this is included depends on the laws of your state and the company issuing the policy.

Collision coverage

Collision insurance covers damage to your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident. Your insurance company pays for damages, minus your deductible, caused when you collide with another vehicle or object. Collision insurance usually covers the book value of the motorcycle before the loss occurred.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by an event other than a collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism. However, just like collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for damages, minus your deductible, and will cover only the book value of the motorcycle. Read the rest of this article »

This is just funny.