Tag Archives: Green

News, Space

DOJ Sues SpaceX Over Alleged Hiring Discrimination In The US

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, alleging hiring discrimination in the United States. SpaceX has previously stated that it requires U.S. green cards as a minimum requirement for employment due to the company’s involvement in advanced weapons technology. Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, has emphasized that the company is legally prevented from hiring international candidates. He has also mentioned that a normal work visa is insufficient, unless the applicant receives special approval from the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of State.

However, the Justice Department argues that there are no hiring restrictions in place based on export control laws. According to the DOJ, refugees and asylees have equal access to employment opportunities without requiring additional government approval for accessing “export-controlled information and materials.” The lawsuit aims to bring about policy changes at SpaceX, as well as seek civil penalties and back pay for victims affected by the alleged hiring restrictions.

BMW

Exploring the Scottish Highlands with the next-generation MINI Countryman

Lochearnhead. The Scottish Highlands, with their deep green meadows, brilliant sun, and frequent rain showers, are a captivating natural wonderland. This region, rich in history, is characterized by approximately 1,000-meter-high mountains called Munros, rivers, and crystal-clear lakes called lochs. Loch Lomond, the largest lake in the United Kingdom, is located in the national park of the same name and offers the perfect destination for challenging test drives with the adventurous third-generation MINI Countryman.

From the rustic Castle Hill to the wild world of the Munros. The tour begins in the small town of Stirling, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Highlands from Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s largest and most important castles. Traveling north along the A84 and A85, surrounded by dense forests and deep blue lakes, you reach the village of Mid Lix. From here, a detour along the A827 takes you to the northeastern mountain range, offering a winding route through the Munros, where the MINI Countryman can showcase its comfortable and sporty driving dynamics.

Noteworthy is the Ben Lawers, one of the highest Munros in the region, with an impressive dam that holds back 344 meters of water from surrounding mountain rivers. The MINI Countryman with its SAV presence perfectly complements Scotland’s unspoiled landscape, providing ample space in the boot for all the necessary hiking equipment.

On the trail of James Bond. The Scottish Highlands, with their breathtaking ups and downs, constantly inspire visitors’ curiosity to explore. Traveling northwest on the A82, you’ll pass through the Glencoe Mountain Range, where the winding road follows numerous rivers that flow into the stunning loch landscape of Lochan na h-Achlaise. Beyond the historic Bridge of Orchy, a narrow path leads south along the wild River Etive, famous for being one of the most challenging white water kayaking routes in Scotland. This route was also featured in the film “James Bond: Skyfall,” where Daniel Craig’s 007 embarked on a thrilling ride to evade pursuers. On the return journey south, the MINI Countryman ALL4 with its off-road tires is undoubtedly better suited for the rugged terrain than the British sports cars preferred by the world’s most famous agent.

Natural beauty and Atlantic delicacies. Continuing on the A82 towards Arrochar, you’ll encounter the picturesque Falloch waterfalls, offering a unique viewpoint. As you head south, Loch Lomond is always visible on the left, until the branching A83 leads west to Loch Fyne. Known as the northernmost spur of the Clyde Fjord, Loch Fyne cuts deep into the coast from the Atlantic. Its fresh and nutrient-rich waters make it an ideal breeding ground for oysters and a prime fishing spot for numerous fish species. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Loch Fyne Oysterbar at the end of this adventurous discovery tour, where you can savor the results of these abundant natural resources while enjoying panoramic views of the sea and mountains.

Technology

Understanding the Meaning of the Orange and Green Dots on Your iPhone

When you notice an orange or green dot on your iPhone screen, it indicates that your iPhone is currently receiving input from external sources. The orange dot specifically indicates that the microphone is in use, whether during a phone call or in a recording app. On the other hand, the green dot signifies the use of one or both cameras, as well as the microphone. You can easily check which apps are using your microphone and camera by swiping down from the top-right of your iPhone screen to open the Control Center. It is important to pay attention to app permissions and not ignore them (source).

If you prefer a different way to distinguish between the dots rather than relying solely on color, you can customize the orange dot to appear as an orange square by making a simple change in your settings. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on Accessibility.
  3. Select Display & Text Size.
  4. Toggle on the Differentiate Without Color setting.

Keep in mind that this setting only applies to the orange dot, as the green dot cannot be changed in color or shape. Additionally, if you were considering turning off these dots entirely, unfortunately, that is not possible. The dots cannot be removed from your iPhone screen as they play a crucial role in ensuring your privacy. They are similar to the bright red light on a video camera that indicates when recording is in progress. Apple considers it essential to inform users when their device may be recording audio or video.

News

Jet lag for EV drivers as Heathrow shuts chargers

The switch to bio-fuels and more efficient engines by airlines may give the impression of green initiatives, but drivers of electric vehicles using Heathrow Airport in the UK have been left stranded as the major charging network has been unexpectedly turned off. Neither the airport nor the charging company has provided an explanation for this sudden shutdown.

In order to cater to the growing number of electric car users at the airport, Heathrow had installed more than 25 chargers as part of its Pod Point network in the short-stay car parks. However, over the past few months, drivers have discovered that these chargers are no longer functional and have taken to social media to express their frustration.

Jonathan Whelan, owner of a Tesla Model 3, shared his disappointment, stating, “Looks permanently shut now. All powered down.” Another theory circulating is that Heathrow failed to renew its contract with Pod Point. However, neither Pod Point nor Heathrow provided a reason for the sudden shutdown, with Heathrow only mentioning that it is “developing plans to meet the growing demand.”

Although the Pod Point chargers at Heathrow have been deactivated, there are alternative charging options available for electric vehicle drivers. Networks such as BP Pulse and Polar offer chargers at various locations near the airport, including major hotels and some nearby car parks. Additionally, Tesla Supercharger sites are available at terminals 2, 3, and 5.

Furthermore, some valet parking services at Heathrow now offer EV charging. One of the first companies to do so is Park Giant UK, a meet-and-greet parking operator. They launched their EV charging service in January 2022 and currently charge around 40 cars per week. Charging is available through slow, three-pin sockets in their storage compound or, upon customer request, at the nearby Tesla Supercharge facility at the Hilton, Terminal 5.

Bob Gill, director of Park Giant UK, shared his satisfaction with the demand for EV charging services and expects it to increase further as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion takes effect and more people switch to electric vehicles.

Not only at Heathrow but also at airports across the UK, the provision of charger facilities is inconsistent, with many chargers available in car parks and hotels in an apparently ad hoc manner. Autocar contacted the UK’s 10 busiest airports for details on their charger provision, and only Luton and Gatwick responded. Luton confirmed the availability of 10 7kW chargers in Terminal Car Park 1, while Gatwick has 24 22kW charge points across its public car parks. Moreover, Gatwick will soon have a dedicated EV charging facility called the Gatwick Electric Forecourt, provided by Gridserve. It will be located on the approach to the airport’s South Terminal and feature 36 medium and high-power chargers. Newcastle is also set to have a dedicated EV forecourt with up to 12 charging bays in 2024, pending planning permission, through a partnership with charging operator Fastned.

Motorsport

Brabus Offers Mercedes G63 With 789-HP, Along With 900-HP Boat And Watch For $1.51 Million

The Brabus Stealth Green Exclusivity Package is a blend of a tough-looking SUV, boat, and watch. The package’s price tag is an enormous $1.51 million (1.4 million euros). It isn’t a need, but it is a well-thought-out product.

Details About The SUV

The Brabus 800 is a version of the Mercedes-AMG G63 4×4². It upgrades the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 to 789 horsepower (588 kilowatts) and 737 pound-feet (1,000 Newton-meters) from the original 577 hp and 627 lb-ft. It lets the muscular SUV reach 62 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. Due to the all-terrain tires equipped, the top speed is limited to 130 miles per hour.