Looking to purchase a PC/Laptop? Remember to ask if there is an option to upgrade to Windows 8. Microsoft Announces Availability of Windows Upgrade Offer.

From Microsoft Website:

REDMOND, Wash. — June 1, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Windows Upgrade Offer for consumers purchasing a qualifying new Windows 7 PC. The Windows Upgrade Offer provides consumers who buy an eligible Windows 7 PC the option to purchase a downloadable upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of just $14.99 (U.S.) during the time of the promotion, which will be redeemable when Windows 8 is generally available. The Windows Upgrade Offer is just the first of many consumer offers that will roll out in conjunction with the general availability of Windows 8.

“We’ve seen a great interest in Windows 8, especially given the availability of the Windows 8 Release Preview this week, and yet we know many consumers want a new PC now,” said Tami Reller, chief marketing officer and chief financial officer of Windows at Microsoft. “The Windows Upgrade Offer gives people the flexibility to purchase the new Windows 7 PC they need today, with the knowledge they can easily get Windows 8 when it’s available.” 

This program begins tomorrow in 131 markets including the U.S. and Canada and is available for consumers buying new Windows 7 PCs that are preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate and include a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity. The Windows 7 PC must be purchased new during the eligibility period June 2, 2012–Jan. 31, 2013, and redeemed before the program expiration at the end of February 2013. Consumers who register for the Windows Upgrade Offer will be able to download Windows 8 starting the day it is made available generally. The upgrade can be installed on any eligible and compatible Windows PC and comes with 90 days of support from Microsoft. 

More information on taking advantage of the Windows Upgrade Offer can be found by visitinghttp://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com. More information about Windows 8 is available athttp://windowsteamblog.com.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Some information relates to a prerelease product, which may be substantially modified before it is commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx. 

Click here for direct link.

Machine that turns used Office Paper to Toilet Paper on-site

This is an interesting idea. Not sure how much water it uses though.
The machine looks huge. Maybe it can be part of a building/commercial complex. Tenants could send in their shredded paper and redeem the toilet rolls based on the amount of shredded paper they contribute.




Or a shop could come up with a commercial idea to collect shredded paper and allow customers to earn some points to pay off the toilet rolls they need.

Temporary architecture may be the way for mega events

Temporary architecture may be the way for mega events

Illustration by Wen Hwee, 2012

Imagine constructing mammoth buildings for an once-off mega event such as Olympics and World Cup. The cement, concrete, wood, metals, adhesives, transportation (air, land and sea), resources need. This could be a huge amount of resources expended and possibly wasted if the building is not fully utilise after the event is over.


Most mega events will attract millions of people to flock to the area/country. This creates stress in accomodation and transportation for the weeks/ month that the event is held. One way to meet such challenges is to build the infrastructures needed. But again, this brings up the question of whether such a move is sustainable in the long run. Oh well, one could argue that this would create jobs for that period and improve the economy.
Are there other ways that could be adopted to meet the demands of the events and also be more environmentally friendly?


Saw reports about "temporary architectures". Temporary architectures are buildings and units that are not permanent in nature. They could include temporary arenas, hotels etc.


What I could think of as benefits of such structures include:
1.) Meet Temporary Needs of the Events
The architecture could meet the demands of the event that would usually peak during the events but decline after the event. Jobs and projects are still created to construct such temporary buildings.
2.) Environmentally Friendliness
It might be more environmentally friendly if such architectures could be designed to use minimal resources. Once the event is over and demand declines, there is no need for such architectures. If the architecture is temporary, then there is no need to waste resources maintaining a building that is no needed.
Better still, if all the resources of the temporary architectures could be transported to another event for use to construct other temporary architectures.
3.) Returning space to the city.
Space in the city is occupied by the temporary architecture only for the duration when it is needed. Citites are getting increasingly crowded (especially Asian cities) and space is usually considered a 'luxury' in cities. By returning the land to the city council after the event is over, it could be go back to the city planning and meet future needs.


I'm not an architect by training. Do share your thoughts and comments on the topic.


A link to a report on London Olympics Temporary Basketball Arena. 

Germany's Day in the Sun: Solar Hits 22 GW Mark | Renewable Energy News Article

Germany seems to be moving faster towards its renewable energy aim.

Germany's Day in the Sun: Solar Hits 22 GW Mark | Renewable Energy News Article

BBC mistake video game logo for United Nations Security Council symbol

A gentle reminder to verify information gathered from the web before using. Read the news report here.

Unboxing Samsung Galaxy Note

Unboxing video of Samsung Galaxy Note which I recorded.

Power paradox: Clean might not be green forever - environment - 30 January 2012 - New Scientist

Could alternative energy affect the climate while providing alternative sources of energy at the same time?

Would it bring about unforeseen effects?

Do we know enough of the technology we invented to use it responsibly? Do we know enough of the world to know how to manage our lives in a sustainable and responsible manner?

Power paradox: Clean might not be green forever - environment - 30 January 2012 - New Scientist