Tag Archives: Although

Cars

The Scout: International Harvester’s Classic Adaptive 4×4

The Scout 80, although tough with its ladder-style frame, solid axles, and leaf springs, was not known for its speed. It had a 152 cubic inch four-cylinder engine, which was essentially half of International’s 304 cubic inch V8 engine. The engine, known as the “4-152 Commanche,” initially produced 93 horsepower, but that number increased to 111 horsepower with the addition of turbocharging.

In 1966, International introduced the Scout 800, a refreshed version of the SUV. This model offered a larger four-cylinder engine, followed by a six-cylinder option, and finally, a much-needed V8 engine as an optional choice. The Scout 800 marked a shift for the vehicle, transforming it into a more modern SUV with additional features like back seats, carpeting, and an improved heating and ventilation system.

The Scout became a fan favorite and exceeded International’s sales expectations. However, competition soon emerged, with Ford launching the Bronco and Chevy introducing the Blazer. Both vehicles bore a striking resemblance to International’s Scout, indicating the level of influence it had on the industry.

[Featured image by Jeremy from Sydney, Australia via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY 2.0]

Technology

The Best Android Apps For Retraining Your Brain In 2023

While not specifically a brain training app, Calm is a comprehensive platform that offers various features to enhance mental well-being. It is considered one of the best wellness apps on Android for stress and anxiety. Calm provides guided meditations, sleep stories, and calming music, all designed to help users find calm and tranquility in today’s fast-paced world.

The guided meditations are suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners, as they come with step-by-step instructions. The sleep stories, narrated by celebrities, are particularly effective in promoting relaxation and aiding restful sleep.

Calm’s user-friendly interface and daily features make it easy to incorporate meditation and relaxation into your daily routine. The app offers a variety of meditations in different categories, ensuring that users can find practices that suit their specific needs and goals. It also provides specialized programs for children, well-being, and body relaxation, catering to different aspects of mental health and wellness.

Calm offers both free and paid subscription options. The free version grants access to daily features, while the paid subscription unlocks a vast library of meditations, sleep stories, calming music, and masterclasses. Discounts are available for teams, families, and students, making the app accessible to a wide range of users.

Technology

The Kursk Disaster: An Explosive Tragedy on a Nuclear Submarine

The sinking of the Kursk submarine was initially attributed to a collision with NATO forces, but it was later revealed that faulty equipment played a major role in the disaster. According to a report by The Guardian, a faulty torpedo containing a substance called HTP caused a hydrogen peroxide explosion on board the Kursk.

Russian Prosecutor General Vladimir Ustinov explained that the explosion was triggered by an unusual sequence of events involving the oxidizing agent reserve of the torpedo. These findings were shared with reporters.

The seismic activity resulting from the explosion was detected by both American Intelligence and Norwegian monitoring systems, as reported by The New York Times.

The Navy Times reported that 95 sailors perished instantly when the Kursk’s hull ruptured and the submarine was flooded. The remaining 23 sailors managed to survive the initial blast and sought refuge in non-flooded sections of the vessel. Tragically, they eventually succumbed to suffocation when rescue forces failed to reach them in time. An emergency marking buoy, which could have facilitated their rescue, was not deployed. It took a week for Norwegian divers to reach the damaged submarine and gain access, but by then, all 118 crew members had lost their lives.

NewsNew

World’s First Amphibious Motorcycle: Classic Dirt Bike

In the May 1974 issue of Dirt Bike, an interesting motorcycle was featured – the prototype Aquavarna amphibious dirt bike. Although no other references to this bike have been found, here is the story of the 1974 Aquavarna 450 as written by staffer George Wegner.



The Aquavarna was featured in the May 1974 issue of Dirt Bike. No other references have been found.

Someone in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has developed a groundbreaking waterproofing technique. This dedicated individual, Peter “Gills” Dill, has combined his love for dirt biking and scuba diving to create an innovative amphibious motorcycle. His invention, the Aquavarna 450, caught the attention of Dirt Bike magazine, and they decided to put it to the test as the “MASTER TESTERS”.



The inventor with his Aquavarna amphibian.

The test session took place at Lake Michigan, where the Aquavarna amazed the testers. Equipped with a scuba regulator connected to the rider and a modified Husky air box, the bike could be ridden completely submerged. The waterproofing technique used by Dill remains a secret, but it is suspected to involve Elmer’s Glue, malted milk balls, and WD-40.

During the test, the bike achieved a top speed of 14 knots underwater, offering a unique and exhilarating riding experience. The traction was impressive, allowing the rider to maneuver through underwater obstacles effortlessly. Even crashes were enjoyable, as the rider would simply settle to the bottom.

After the successful test, the Dirt Bike team discussed potential improvements for the Aquavarna, including adding fins or rudders for better cornering stability. Gills, the inventor, was invited to join the team as a “Special Underwater Consultant and Test Editor”. The article concludes with a mention of a future cycle park opening off the coast of Delaware, where enthusiasts can explore underwater biking.



Motorsport

2024 Volkswagen T-Cross Debuts With Upgraded Lights and New Touchscreen

The Volkswagen T-Cross may not be getting as much attention as other subcompact crossovers, but it has quietly become a success for the company, with 1.2 million units already delivered. In fact, the T-Cross is so popular that it’s already sold out for the entire year, even though it’s only July. Now, after approximately four years since its launch, the T-Cross is receiving a mid-cycle update to stay competitive in a challenging market.

The flagship R-Line trim of the 2024 T-Cross debuts with a new Grape Yellow solid color, which is accompanied by two new metallic paints: Clear Blue and Kings Red. The updates begin at the front of the car, where the T-Cross now comes standard with matrix LED headlights for the Style and R-Line models, and as an option for the lower-tier Life variant. These headlights are visually connected by a light bar that runs along the side of the Volkswagen badge.

In the future, VW will replace the old halogen headlights with non-adaptive LED headlights, which will be standard equipment on all T-Cross trims. Additionally, all versions of the T-Cross will feature silver underbody protection. The base model will come with 16-inch alloys, while the higher trims will receive larger 17-inch wheels.


Motorsport

Ferrari Hypercar Spotted in Rainy Weather, Utilizing Large Wiper

Ferrari’s top-of-the-line models are not released frequently. In the company’s 83-year history, only a handful of true gems have emerged, including the 250 GTO, 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and the LaFerrari. The LaFerrari made its debut in March 2013 at the Geneva Motor Show, making it time for a successor. However, the new hypercar is not expected to be seen until later in 2024. In the meantime, here are some new spy shots.

Photographed on a rainy day, the hypercar proudly displayed its large air intakes while its double-arm wiper worked tirelessly. A high-voltage sticker at the forefront indirectly suggests that the prototype is equipped with an electrified powertrain. The intricate bodywork should come as no surprise, having seen the track-focused SF90 XX Stradale and Spider. The days of sleek designs appear to be a thing of the past as this new flagship Ferrari showcases a more complex aerodynamic package compared to its predecessor, the LaFerrari.