Tag Archives: stuff

Artificial Intelligence, News

OpenAI’s Sam Altman Sounds Off On Lawsuit From Elon Musk

“I think we should open source some stuff, and not other stuff,” the OpenAI chief mentioned. To recall, quickly after information of the lawsuit grew to become public, Musk posted on X that he would drop the case if OpenAI modified its title to “Closed AI.” Altman remarked that if there was an opportunity to return into the previous, he would decide a special title for the corporate. Ultimately, Altman argues that open-sourcing its tech stack is not the true concern right here. “I don’t think open-source versus not is what this is really about for him,” he mentioned.

Altman additional doubled down on Musk’s lawsuit and his proposal, which appears to hinge on a reputation change for the corporate on the finish of the day. “I think that speaks to the seriousness with which Elon means the lawsuit,” says the corporate’s CEO, who was not too long ago fired however shortly reinstated, although Altman’s dramatic rise and fall is already outdated information. “This whole thing is unbecoming of a builder,” he added. Notably, Altman mentioned the potential for an amicable future with Musk, including that he respects him as an awesome builder.

Musk, alternatively, has requested a judicial order that will power OpenAI to place its analysis and know-how within the public area, whereas additionally prohibiting the corporate from utilizing its tech for the monetary good thing about outstanding backer Microsoft or another occasion. The Altman-led firm seeks to “dismiss all of Elon’s claims” because the case enters courtroom halls.

Motorsport

This 1,250-HP Lamborghini Makes 225 MPH Look Easy On The Autobahn

The prime pace of a automobile is often restricted by stuff like energy and drag, fairly than gearing. Thanks to a pair of turbochargers, this Lamborghini Huracán Performante is ready to overcome its manufacturing unit limitations and attain the utmost potential allowed by its gearing. And it has a number of potential.

Thanks to AutoTopNL, we are able to see precisely how a lot pace the Lamborghini’s gears will enable when given sufficient energy. They not too long ago jumped right into a twin-turbo Huracán and headed for the German Autobahn to search out out. It seems, the reply is 225.5 mph, or 363 kph for individuals who desire kilometers. However you want your pace readouts, it is quick. Like, insanely quick.

For the report, sure this was executed on a public street and sure, it was an unrestricted part of autobahn which means there is not a pace restrict. The video would not supply particulars concerning the situations, however judging by the sky it seems like an early morning dash. There’s virtually zero site visitors on the street, so we’ll go away any dialogue of knowledge or ethics as much as you. Frankly, if we had a 1,250-horsepower Lambo with clear roads and no pace limits, we would stretch its legs too.

The pace is definitely bonkers, however the acceleration is arguably extra spectacular. The first exhausting pull of the video comes on the 3-minute mark, sending the Huracán from 90 to 240 kph (56 to 149 mph) in just below six seconds. The prime pace run is even higher – ranging from the identical 90 kph, it takes 15.6 seconds to see 363 kph (225 mph) briefly flash on the digital readout. That’s simply shy of 9,000 rpm per the rev counter, and it sounds superb the entire time.

With an additional gear, it is not exhausting to see this Lamborghini reaching 230 or probably 240 mph, seeing because it was nonetheless accelerating when it reached its prime pace. But because it stands, 225 mph is absolutely the restrict for a Huracán Performance.

Opinion

Our favorite vehicles of 2023: Porsche 911 Sport Classic

Porsche is at present hooked on the exhausting stuff: the rare-groove particular editions each producer of word appears to be purveying as if their existence trusted it. (Maybe it does?) It’s apparent why.

These creations delight the engineering groups, however so too have they got the bean-counters positively frothing on the mouth, such is the willingness to swallow outrageous costs. It’s straightforward to see these initiatives as cynical.

And you then meet the vehicles first hand.

The Porsche 911 Dakar? Silly automobile, foolish worth, however actually, fantastically tremendous firm in the true world and an instantaneous basic.

The new 911 S/T? Hugely contrived, despicably costly, however most likely essentially the most intoxicating but usable supercar Porsche has ever made. Sublime.

Which brings us to the 911 Sport Classic, which arguably began all this nonsense within the ‘997’ period, when it embraced a style-over-substance method with a wholly pointless duck-tail, houndstooth innards and nearly no mechanical tickles.

Porsche 911 Sport Classic braking – rear

Asking worth: £140k. Or, in 2009, £10k greater than a 911 GT2!

This yr, Porsche reprised the Sport Classic thought, cueing prejudiced ambivalence within the Autocar workplace, significantly when the worth was revealed to be £214k.

Except the brand new SC is a genuinely attention-grabbing 911, with its personal character and quirks.

Yes, you get all of the aesthetic trinkets, which I can take or go away, however beneath that’s an entity each particular and distinctive: a non-S 911 Turbo shorn of its entrance driveshafts and fitted with a guide ’field. In 2023, it feels a bit rebellious.

News

Here’s What The 2023 LA Barstow To Vegas Desert Ride Was Like

There are riders who sometimes dabble in automobile stuff, and there are automobile guys who sometimes dabble in bike stuff. And then there’s Superfast Matt, who summarizes what it is wish to bounce between falling out and in of affection with motorcycling on the identical exhausting and exhilarating journey.

2023 marked the fortieth annual run of the LA Barstow to Vegas Dual Sport And Adventure Bike Ride. It’s an occasion hosted by the AMA District 37 Dual Sport Committee, and it attracts an enormous crowd of largely road-legal dust bikes annually. A GPS route is offered, with selections of each straightforward and laborious choices to get to the checkpoints. The concept is to have enjoyable, however there are additionally bail outs alongside the best way for those who want them.

Matt and his buddy Chris, who prompt working this 12 months’s journey, determined to do issues the laborious manner. Riding 400-plus miles throughout various qualities of sandy desert might be by no means going to be a stroll within the park, however Chris made it additional laborious on himself by selecting to journey his Triumph Scrambler 1200 on this occasion. 

Matt, in the meantime, had a Honda CRF250L Rally with an upgraded suspension and extra dirt-appropriate tires as his chosen steed. While the Scrambler 1200 had an inclination to wallow and bury itself within the sand repeatedly, the CRF250L largely did OK so long as Matt stored his pace up. 

In each instances, it was a number of sorts of enjoyable (together with the depressing sort, which Matt will get into on this video), nevertheless it was additionally extremely exhausting. He famous that he hadn’t performed a lot in the best way of rider preparation for the occasion (reminiscent of doing a lot off-roading within the months main as much as this journey), and that positively made it harder. His buddy famous that he may attempt it once more on the Scrambler with extra acceptable tires, to attempt to enhance his abilities from the expertise.

As for the CRF250L, it did fairly effectively as soon as Matt acquired used to the way it needed to be ridden. In a number of instances, it felt a little bit underpowered going up hills, nevertheless it was largely a more sensible choice for the journey than he let on in his opening narration. Happily, it was additionally possible so much inexpensive than lots of the different bikes on the journey, which works out effectively should you’re a perennial mission planner like Matt appears to be.

Have you ever performed the LA Barstow to Vegas journey? Tell us your finest tales about it within the feedback beneath.

News

Polini Introduces New Upgrades for the Yamaha Minarelli Engine

Polini has recently added upgrades for the Yamaha Minarelli engine to its collection of parts. These upgrades aim to increase power and enhance the durability of the engine’s internals. Designed specifically for Yamaha motors, Polini’s parts allow the small engine to achieve higher power output. The upgrades include a selection of crankshafts and cylinder kits.

Starting with the crankshafts, the Minarelli engines found on CY, MY, and CW models from Yamaha can benefit from improved durability and resistance with this kit. The connecting rod is machined and compatible with a 12mm piston, providing an alternative to the original 10mm piston pin. This upgrade complements the cylinder kit, which offers 40 or 70cc cast-iron cylinder options. The Minarelli engine, whether in a horizontal or vertical configuration, has two available part numbers for these upgrades.

Polini 12mm Crankshaft - Yamaha Minarelli

Polini For Race Ø 12 Crankshafts for Yamaha Minarelli:

  • 210.0048/12 – Yamaha Horizontal
  • 210.0049/12 – Yamaha Vertical

The next set of upgrades includes various cylinder kits that consist of the head, piston, piston rings, pin, and gaskets. These kits work in conjunction with the crankshaft to maximize compatibility and power gains over the stock setup. Polini’s cylinder kits offer improved reliability during extended periods of stress, thanks to the special alloys used in their construction. These alloys also provide resistance to high temperatures.

The cylinder head is made of durable cast iron, while the skirt features a special alloy with a high siliceous content for enhanced temperature resistance and performance. The piston rings included in the kit are made of spheroidal cast iron, a wear-resistant material that has been rebored and lapped according to Polini’s product page.

The piston itself is crafted from a special aluminum alloy that offers a high coefficient of heat exchange. The combustion chamber has been redesigned to accommodate high compression ratios and is designed with high turbulence in mind.

It is important to note that the cylinder kit requires the crankshaft kit, as they are intended to be used together. Make sure to order both at the same time to ensure compatibility.

Polini 12mm Cylinder Kit - Yamaha Minarelli

Polini cylinder kits for Yamaha Minarelli engines Ø 12:

  • 166.0074/12
  • 166.0076/12
  • 166.0083/12

Both kits are made in Italy and are reasonably priced. The crankshaft kit costs 139 EUR plus VAT, while the cylinder kit is priced at 150 EUR plus VAT. In US Dollars, this translates to around $150 for the crankshaft and approximately $160 for the cylinder kit, excluding VAT.

Motorsport

Cargo Trailer Transformed Into a Cozy Camper With Beautiful Wood Interior

At first glance, this cargo trailer appears to be nothing more than a utility vehicle used for hauling lawn equipment and other bulky items. However, stepping inside reveals a stunning interior reminiscent of a cozy cabin nestled deep in the woods. This unique creation is the home of artist and sign maker Caley Cason, who shares it with his cat.

While the exterior features a window and propane tanks, the overall design is inconspicuous, making it difficult to distinguish this trailer from a typical travel trailer. A solar panel on the roof goes unnoticed to most observers. Caley purchased the trailer for $8,500 and proceeded to convert it into a tiny home right in his own driveway. The total cost of the project amounts to approximately $25,000 and involved about 500 hours of labor. Caley actually lived inside the trailer during the construction process.

With 88 square feet of space, the interior of the trailer draws inspiration from classic apothecaries. Wood is prominently featured throughout, with intricately carved cabinets adorned with tree motifs reminiscent of an alpine chalet. An artificial tree trunk cleverly conceals wiring for fairy lights on the ceiling, creating a magical ambiance when illuminated. Neon accent lighting further enhances the fantastical atmosphere of the trailer.

The kitchen is equipped with a sink topped with a wooden cutting board, along with shelves that provide ample storage space for various items. Caley has a two-burner gas stove for cooking, as well as a 30-gallon fresh water capacity. Thoughtful details, such as a carved deer head and a custom holder for a cleaver, add to the charm of the space.

A full bathroom is also included in the design, featuring a shower tray that doubles as a livestock water tank, providing ample bathing space for Caley.

The work area consists of a standing desk and a shelf for Caley’s computer, positioned directly in front of a window for a pleasant view of the surroundings. A lower shelf is designated for his cat’s comfort.

In the rear of the trailer is Caley’s sleeping area, elevated off the ground to allow for storage of clothing and other belongings underneath.

Caley resides in Boulder, Colorado, and while he does not mention taking his stealthy tiny home trailer elsewhere, he does have an SUV for towing purposes. The unassuming exterior of the trailer allows Caley to blend in seamlessly while traveling, with most people not giving it a second glance as he drives down the road or parks it for overnight stays.

Recent times have seen an influx of impressive custom camping solutions, such as a black Ram ProMaster with a luxurious cabin interior resembling an upscale apartment. Additionally, an Isuzu box truck with a beautifully designed rear section has also caught attention in the stealth camper community.

News

Ubco Opens New Bike Rental Hub In Portland, Oregon

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Ubco has opened its first bike rental shop in Portland, Oregon, allowing people to experience the fun and excitement of its off-road capable 2×2 electric bikes. The Bike Rental Hub, located outside the Moda Center on the Rose Quarter Campus, offers three models of Ubco’s 2×2 bikes for rent. This includes the Special Edition, Adventure Bike, and Work Bike. The Special Edition is adventure-ready with a rear luggage rack, central storage compartment, and dual-purpose tires. The Adventure Bike offers off-road capability with front and rear luggage racks and dual-purpose tires. The Work Bike is the most rugged model, designed exclusively for off-road use with knobby tires and front and rear luggage racks. Rental prices range from $20 for a one-hour ride to $100 for an overnight package.

UBCO Opens New Bike Rental Hub In Portland, Oregon

For those who want to experience the Ubco 2×2 without committing to buying one, the new bike rental shop in Portland, Oregon provides an affordable option. With a range of models available for rent, customers can choose the bike that suits their needs and embark on both quick rides around the city and longer off-road adventures.

Ubco’s 2×2 bikes are known for their off-road capability and ease of use, with an electric motor on each wheel. The bikes are popular among both urban and rural dwellers who are looking for a versatile and fun mode of transportation.

Rental prices at the Bike Rental Hub start at $20 for a one-hour ride and go up to $100 for an overnight package. This makes it an accessible and affordable way for people to experience the thrill of riding an Ubco 2×2 bike.

Technology

Essential Apps for Amazon Fire Stick Users

While a TV is primarily used for watching content, an Amazon Fire Stick can enhance its functionality. Apart from streaming movies and shows, you can transform your Fire Stick-equipped TV into a cost-effective home sound system using various apps. One such app is Spotify.

With the Spotify app on your Fire Stick, you can enjoy the same features available on mobile and desktop devices. It provides access to a vast music library, live radio stations, podcasts, and more. While Spotify Premium offers the option to save music offline and enjoy the highest audio quality, you can still use the app’s basic features for free, with occasional advertisements. Additionally, since the Fire Stick is an Amazon product, you can easily sync the Spotify app with Alexa. This allows you to control your music playback through verbal commands, making it convenient to stream music from your TV.