How Google+ can help to enhance student learning in and out of the classroom?

Google+:  Prospective Role in Study and Teaching 

Google+ is the latest buzz in the world of social networking and the features provided by Google+ can easily challenge the supremacy of social networking giants like Facebook and Twitter. Google+ features like ‘Circle’ and ‘Hangout’ can make a big difference and might be used to enhance student learning in and out of the classroom.

Google's earlier shots at social networking, Google Buzz and Google Wave, didn’t succeed to feel the presence. Facebook and Twitter have, so far, dominated the field of social networking on the Internet.

However, with Google+ search giant came with the idea to exploit the weaknesses of its prospective competitors and thus manages to overcome one of the weaknesses of Facebook and Twitter; managing different groups with the same platform. This advantageous feature of Google+ let some professors thinking about how they might be able to use Google+ to better connect with their students.

If Twitter users want to manage different types of messages for different followers, such as personal versus work related messages, they would need to create separate accounts. To switch from one account to another, Twitter users would need a third-party app, or would need to log out and back in. Facebook allows users to create different groups and post messages to specific groups, but the process is clumsy and difficult to learn.

In Google+, creating different groups, called “circles,” is a central feature of the platform. Additionally, people in a circle are able to enter a video chat, called “Hangout,” with up to ten users at a time. (Facebook recently announced that it will add a video chat feature.) A professor, then, could easily create a circle for each class, or break up classes into study groups, each with their own circle. The study groups could meet in an online video conference, and the professor could be available for online office hours.

Adidas Helen Benigson Chair: A rainbow of eccentric colors

Adidas Helen Benigson Chair

The Adidas Helen Benigson Chair puts the shoe company on the map for something other than creating iconic sneakers. Featuring a rainbow of eccentric colors, the chair is as cozy as it is appealing to the eye. 

Adidas Helen Benigson Chair

The Adidas Helen Benigson Chair was created for the brand’s head office and really shows off their company’s culture of fun and spontaneity. It’s no mistake that the chair looks like it’s been splattered with paint all over; the effect is a funky style that instantly grabs your attention.

Adidas Helen Benigson Chair

Take a seat in this chair and you’ll never want to get up again.

VIVA: The world's largest floating island located in Seoul’s Han River - - The Real Tourists Attraction in South Korea

The concept of a floating island is not terribly new. However, the trend towards such islands seems to be catching on. And it could soon become big in Asia, given that South Korea’s new floating island, Viva, is now a week old. Located in Seoul’s Han River, this tourist attraction is currently the largest floating island in the world. But it is by no means the only one of its kind in the region, for there are plans of having three artificial islands on this river.

VIVA: The world's largest floating island located in Seoul’s Han River

Moreover, Viva will soon be ousted as the largest floating island in the world by one of the other two islands in the pipeline. Viva, which measures in at 3,271 square meters, houses a three-storey structure with a convention hall that can seat 700 people. The island is also home to restaurants, parks and outdoor terraces. There are viewing points all around the center that offer fantastic views. However, even the island is a majestic sight by night thanks to light shows that illuminate the three-storey building. There are video games as well, offering some fun recreation.

The remaining islands are due to open in September. The islands are anchored to a huge buoy with 28 mooring chains and float on the river surface. This also ensures safety during bad weather.

Together, the three islands will occupy a space of 20,400 square meters and will be able to host 6,200 people. The complex of floating islands will feature three cultural centers where performances, water sports and aquatic events will be on offer. Last year, before the opening of Viva, 59 million had visited the Han River. The artificial island complex is expected to further boost its popularity.

Team of Ophir Tours and Rocketship Tours Brings You More Affordable Space Adventure with COR Aerospace’s Lynx Suborbital Spaceship

To travel in space for fun and entertainment may always be a dream for anyone; but the cost involved in this kind of expedition is the biggest hurdle in turning dream into reality. Currently, the space travel is offered for as much as $200,000 from few tourism companies.

But now a more affordable package is on the cards. Affordable in the sense that it costs less than half of the prevailing cost. One of the well-known tour and travel agency, Ophir Tours has collaborated with space tourism company, Rocketship Tours, to offers passionate adventure seekers a ride in XCOR Aerospace’s Lynx suborbital spaceship for as little as $95,000 per person.

As per the program, the Lynx suborbital spaceship, which is a horizontal take off spaceship will take the passenger on a ride of their lives, by taking them to the very corner of space, show them the wonders of our planet from miles above and bring them back safely to the take-off site. 

The Lynx spaceship will ascend to an estimated 200,000 feet in just 4.25 minutes with a combined speed of an impressive Mach 2. The entire program that carries a price tag of $95,000 will also be inclusive of stays for the passengers in a luxury resort, where the passengers will be showered with luxurious amenities while they prepare for training, medical evaluation and screening. 

The entire trip will be composed of one passenger, one pilot and a training program conducted at the NASA flight center in Arizona. The suborbital flights aboard the Lynx spaceship will take off from Mojave Air and Space Port in California.

Decca Records to Release Royal Wedding Recording - - Westminster Abbey wedding service on iTunes: Telegraph Reports

LONDON – ‘Royal Wedding’ fever is getting severe as the big day is getting nearer. 

According to latest reports by ‘Telegraph’; iTune set to offer audio of the wedding ceremony, just hours after the couple exchange vows at Westminster Abbey wedding service, which will be available for digital download. 

On the other hand; Decca Records has announced that the entire wedding service’s   album will be available via CD, vinyl, and even cassette tape, the following week, on May 5. 

The physical album will include a special collector’s booklet that includes the complete order of service; the readings, vows, hymns and blessings; and the music performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, the Chapel Royal Choir, the London Chamber Orchestra and the Fanfare Team from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

Decca previously released recordings of "The Wedding of Charles and Diana, Prince and Princess of Wales" in 1981, and "The Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales" in 1997.

Iran's Humanoid Robot 'Surena 2' Listed in World's Top 5 Robots

Hamid Taahbaz Tavakkoli, the secretary of development and technology institute of Iran's Industries and Mines Ministry, told that Surena 2, the humanoid robot made by Iran, has been included among the top five outstanding robots of the world after assessing the performances of the world's advanced robots by ‘Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)’.

According to recent report issued by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE); the performances of the robots Asimo (Japan), Reem-B (Spain), Justin (German), Charli (US) and Surena (Iran) were assessed, Mr Tavakkoli added.

He further told that the Association tagged Surena as an "unexpected development."

Surena 2, which weighs in at 45 kilograms and is 1.45 meter high, has a total of 22 degrees of freedom: each leg has 6 DOF, each arm 4 DOF, and the head 2 DOF.

Ice Hotel in Quebec City, Canada - - The Hottest Concept Hidden in Ice

Canada’s Ice Hotel is the hottest in terms of its concept and its uniqueness. Quebec City holds this “cool” Ice Hotel where visitors have been flocking like birds migrating in winter just to experience something they would have probably never even imagined. The Ice Hotel is based on the concept of an igloo and huge blocks of ice and snow trap the body heat within keeping it a bit warmer than they outside where temperatures can reach minus four F in winter. The Ice Hotel has two bars that serve drinks in ice glasses and it has 39 hotel rooms to serve its guests as well.

Many people have been visiting the Ice Hotel as it has been eleven weeks since its grand opening and they say that it is a delight to be experienced. The Ice Hotel has been inspired from and does reflect the French North American culture and it has been decorated with artistic structures designed by Quebec City’s architecture students.

There is a snow team, an ice team and a bunch of electricians who are on call for the management of the entire structure. Many people also get married in the chapel near the Ice Hotel. Although first time visitors are advised to stay over only for a night this year the Ice Hotel has teamed up with the Quebec City Hotel in offering one night accommodation packages. Prices for a single night’s stay at the Ice Hotel alone begin at around $200 per person.

Source: Canada’s Ice Hotel

London Fashion Week: Live Streaming of Topshop Unique Autumn/winter 2011 Catwalk Show Tomorrow

LONDON - London Fashion Week (LFW) is already here and the flair on even is promised to be very exciting. 

Planning to make an eternal feeling at the London’s fashion event is Suffolk’s own designer, Craig Lawrence, whose collection was on show today. 

Take your front row seat at 3pm Sunday 20th February for the Topshop Unique autumn/winter 2011 catwalk show live from London Fashion Week. 

On Sunday 20th February at 3pm we will be exclusively live streaming the Topshop Unique autumn/winter 2011 catwalk show, direct from London Fashion Week. 

Live stream: Topshop Unique autumn/winter 2011 show from London Fashion Week

Latest Version of Jumbo 747, Jet 747-8 Intercontinental, Unveiled With Latest Technology and Improved Eco-efficiency

The latest version of the 40 year old 747 jumbo jet, Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, was unveiled on Sunday. The 747-8 Intercontinental is coloured a alluring Sunrise livery of red-orange, known for good luck and opulence, rather than the traditional blue and white.

Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is the only airplane that will serve the 400-500 seat market. This airplane swanks of technological advancements that make it tremendously productive for its customers. These latest improvements include the best of the 787 Dreamliner as well and that facilitates the Boeing 747-8 to have a unique and spacious interior. 

The Boeing 747-7 will function at around 12% lower operating costs, 16% better fuel economy, 16% lesser carbon emissions per passenger and 30% smaller noise footprint than its oldest predecessor, with more room for passenger belongings and a curved, unique architecture.

Boeing 747-8 improves the eco-efficiency of the fleet it is associated with. The management at Boeing Commercial Airplanes is confident that this airplane will set a new standard in economic and eco-efficient performance and also provide a world-class experience to its customers.

Thailand Couple, Akekachai Tiranarat and Raksana Taranarat, Broke Longest Kiss Record on This Valentine's Day - Video

BANGKOK, February 15, 2011 - The World's Longest Continuous Kiss affair, which was arranged to rejoice Valentine's Day in Thailand, started out with 14 couples on Sunday, February 12. Participants 42-year old Akekachai Tiranarat and his wife 31-year-old Raksana Taranarat kiss on their way to winning the World's Longest Continuous Kiss event in Pattaya.

Akekachai- Raksana couples in Thailand broke the previous 2009 longest kiss world record of 32 hours 7 minutes and 14 seconds, with 36 hours of kissing. They set a new Guinness World Record for the longest kiss at 46 hours 24 minutes and 9 seconds.

Watch the video and Enjoy

"Jaguar E-Type": The Most Beautiful Car in the World Set to Celebrate Golden Jubilee

Jaguar E-Type first unveiled for general public in 1961 at Geneva Motor Show. Since its first appearance it became a mush-have thing for luxe-fanatics. It is surely one of the most wanted cars whether one can afford it or not. As much as 70,000 units were sold between its launch in 1961 and 1975, which was an amazing figure according to standards prevailed during that period.  

 Jaguar E-Type is described as “the most beautiful car in the world” and it got this title from none other than Enzo Anselmo Ferrari, founder of Ferrari car manufacturer. And even after almost a half century of its existence; car fanatics around the world always have their favourite E-Type model, and that is undeniable proof to the demand of this immensely popular car.

May be up till now, you have got the idea that why ‘Jaguar E-Type’ is being discussed so specially. Yeah, this legendary Jaguar E-Type is set to celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2011 and British luxury car manufacturer Jaguar Cars has all the plans to make this Golden Jubilee event memorable for their beloved flagship automobile.

Classic Ferrari 340 Mexico Coupe Up for Grab at RM Auctions on March 12

One of only three Ferrari 340 Mexico Coupes built will be up for auction at the forthcoming RM Auctions event at Amelia Island on March 12.

The one, up for auction made in 1952, was the most thriving of the three Ferrari team cars built specifically for the La Carrera Panamericana Mexican road race.

On the specification side the vehicle is fitted with an Aurelio Lampredi-designed 280 hp, 4,101 cc SOHC V-12 engine, three Weber 40 mm DCF/3 carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension by double wishbone and transverse leaf spring, rear live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and trailing arms, as well as four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

More recently, the car has been showcased in the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum in Auburn, Indiana. It has also been put on show in Ken Behring’s Blackhawk Museum in Danville, California in April 1994.

GoGo Inflight Internet Available on Airtran Flights With Special Free Offer For February 2011

Long flights can be rather dull. A good book can be one way to pass the time, or even watching a movie on your laptop. However, in this age of being constantly connected to the world, being cut off from the internet for a few hours can drive a person crazy. Some airlines have started offering WiFi on their flights, but at a hefty price. Well now there’s one company that will offer you free internet on your flights.

  Seven of the biggest airlines in America have teamed up with aerial Internet provider GoGo and Facebook to offer free in-flight Facebook. Virgin America, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, AirTran, US Airways and Alaska Airlines are all participating in the promotion which runs until the end of February.

The free in-flight Facebook promotion is designed to help sway people towards paying for in-flight Wi-Fi. Travelers will only be allowed access to Facebook, with all other Internet addresses prompting payment and an eventual series of back-clicks.

The catch? You’re only going to be browsing Facebook. That’s not exactly all that exciting, but I guess you can at least talk with your friends. That, and spend the flight playing Farmville.

Beautiful Mug Unveiled: Congratulations Wills and Kate 29 April 2011

A brand-new, modern style mug celebrating Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding has arrived! 

 The gorgeous china creation features cute little pattern (hearts, crowns, champagne glasses and bells) and says Congratulations Wills and Kate 29 April 2011 on the inside rim.

Super Yacht Show in Singapore: First of It's Kind in Asia - - Scheduled From April 8 to 10

There is lot of activity and excitement in Singapore as it is playing host to the first super yacht show in Asia. The show to be held this spring will draw the region’s jet set to a marina full of multimillion dollar water toys. Singapore aspires to be the regional mega boating hub but it is the Chinese market with rapidly growing number of nouveau riche shoppers and its yacht building industry that will dominate the event.

The show is scheduled from April 8 to 10. The Singapore Yacht Show will take place at ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa Cove. Informa Yacht Group, who have a vast experience in the field are the organizers of the event. They have earlier conducted similar successful shows in Monaco and Abu Dhabi. They had also organized the Superyacht Cup Regattas which was highly appreciated by the industry.

Shows like this are extremely important for the industry as it brings together shipyards, brokers, designers, naval architects and anyone with an interest in the industry. It is a high stakes game as some of the most expensive floating real estate in the world is involved. This is an invitation-only event, complete with gala dinner, cocktail receptions, golf tournament and various soirees. You can only wait and hope to be invited.

Alpha Resort Tomamu: Japan's First Ice Hotel in the Shimukappu Village - - Offers Cool Services After Thrilling Skiing Experience

Japan’s first and only Ice Hotel in the snowy northern island of Hokkaido has opened its gates to the first group of guests over the weekend. The hotel has a 15 metre-wide dome and everything from the bed to the table is made from ice. The Alpha Resort Tomamu in the Shimukappu village is Japan’s answer to a number of Ice hotels that have been coming up seasonally. The surrounding areas are a great place for skiers, and this hotel offers and ideal spot to “cool” off after a vigorous session of skiing.

The room temperatures range from minus three to minus five degree Celsius. Alpha Resort Tomamu company spokesperson Natsuko Yamagishi said: “It’s like the freezer compartment of your refrigerator, so the temperature naturally falls to those levels.” The hotel offers guests one-piece sheepskin outfits to keep them warm through the night.

But if it’s not their style, then guests can go on wearing their ski gear. Only two people can be accommodated per night and the cost is 20,000 yen per person. Such places have gained immense popularity through the years probably because they offer a chance to live in a dream world of sorts. These places look like they are straight out of a fantasy novel.

Farfalla (Butterfly) Watches Collection From Italian Company Artya Watches - - Colourful Butterfly Wings Under a Sapphire Crystal to Tell You Time

Lepidopterists are those guys who collect and preserve moths and butterflies under glass for easy observation. Artya watches have taken this hobby and beautifully incorporated it into their watches. Sounds interesting, right! They have taken the wings from butterflies and made it into a colourful collage under a sapphire crystal. No harm was done to these lovely insects as all were already post mortem. This collection is called the Farfalla Collection, Farfalla meaning butterfly in Italian.

Artya developed a special technique to create this butterfly watch. Clients can pick out the palette that they want. The watch obviously doesn’t scream out that its dial is made up of butterfly wings but then it can be a great conversation maker. All of the watches are handmade and are intended for both men and women. These one-of-a-kind watches are placed in equally one-of-a-kind “Coup de foudre” cases. The Farfalla watches have a self winding movement and has been manufactured entirely in Switzerland.

They have a power reserve of 42 hours, a steel case and 2 years guarantee. This watch does not come with an in-your-face kind of glam, but a subtle beauty and oodles of creativity. If you happen to be a Lepidopterist then it would definitely be the watch for you, and if you don’t have this particular hobby then I am sure you would still love to have a watch this unique.

Source: Artya watches

Hydrogen-fueled Global Observer UAV Successful Maiden Flight - - Announcement by AeroVironment

AeroVironment has announced that the company’s Global Observer UAV has successfully completed its maiden flight. The unmanned aerial vehicle is powered by an eco-friendly hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine. The UAV has a wingspan of 175 feet and can stay aloft for up to a week at a time. 

The maiden flight was conducted at lower altitudes above Edwards Air Force Base in California and lasted four hours. The company does state that the UAV can fly at 65,000 feet, which makes it an observation platform and communications link over a very wide area about 600 miles in diameter. The developers believe that continuous coverage over any part of the earth’s surface can be provided by combining a pair of Global Observers. 

The UAV is powered by a hydrogen-fueled propulsion system that drives a generator to power four propellers as well as batteries and operational payloads. The UAV has been designed for military purposes but since it is able to provide a continuous coverage over a wide area, it can also operate as a satellite that is positioned at a lower altitude and at a fraction of the cost.

Lumipants: Battery-powered Pants - - Provide a “Dazzling Luminous Effect in Darkness”

I can only imagine how crazy the rave community will go if they ever find out about Lumipants. Lumipants are battery-powered pants that provide a “dazzling luminous effect in darkness.” Translation: these bad boys light up the night.

Lumipants are powered by three AAA batteries and have a reported run time of 12 hours with the LEDs themselves having a 50,000 hour lifespan. While Lumipants may sound too good to be true, they do actually exist.

Gold to Go Machine Reaches Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas After Boca Raton, Florida and Abu Dhabi (Must See Video)

The Gold vending machine has finally reached the casino haven of Las Vegas. It isn’t the world’s first casino accessory. In the past similar installations have been seen in Boca Raton, Florida and Abu Dhabi.

It is the Golden Nugget Hotel that has set the pioneering trend here in Las  Vegas. No points for guessing that this ATM machine actually does. It  spits out gold instead of cash, users can choose between gold coins or 24-Karat bars weighing from 1 gram to 1 ounce from this Gold to Go Machine. More so, the prices here will change every 10 minutes to reflect actual market value.

The Gold Nugget is famous for housing the the largest gold nugget in the world. It claims that given their bling gold quotient, nothing could have been better than Las Vegas’ First Gold to Go Machine. The World’s first gold ATM machine was installed at Florida. Its popularity went through rooftops and it had to be refilled about every three days or so. Who says people are still recovering from the economic meltdown?