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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Snippets: news on technology

Snippet # 1
Source: Technology Review, October 13, 2010

Topic:
Clean Energy


Link:
http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/26494/

Description:
This report describes the paradoxes that the makers of the plastic-based thin solar panels are facing.  The plastic-based solar panels are cheap, light, easy to transport, and durable.  They are also water-resistant.  These features give the plastic-based solar panels great market leverage on the conventional glass-based solar panels.  However, plastic-based solar panels have a major disadvantage -- the capacity of converting sunlight to electricity is usually lower, about seven percent.  Companies must continue their R&D to develop higher yielding energy from the plastic-based solar panels.


Why do I like it:
I like this story because it explains the advantages and disadvantages of the plastic-based thin solar panels.  I only knew about the conventional solar panels until I read this report.


Snippet # 2
Source: C-Net News, October 15, 2010

Topic:
Internet and web


Link:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20019705-264.html?tag=topStories3

Description:
This report describes the evolution of cascading style sheet (CSS) to produce visually attractive web documents.  CSS is a powerful tool, used in conjunction with HTML, to format web documents.  The creator of CSS, Hakon Wium Lie, is currently developing new CSS features using next-generation HTML (version 5) codes to create interactive web documents.  Publishing web documents would be a new addition where CSS would allow users to create document layouts.


Why do I like it:
I like this article because I worked as a web designer for a number of years and I know how important and valuable cascading style sheet (CSS) can be to produce visually attractive web documents.


Snippet # 3
Source: HS (Homeland Security) Today, August 3, 2010


Topic:
Cybersecurity


Link:
http://www.hstoday.us/content/view/14195/149/

Description:
The report illustrates Congressional findings of the challenges of the U.S. cybersecurity programs.  GAO conducted this study, which outlined various challenges.  Some of these challenges include: bureaucratic inefficiency, national and international priorities, leadership, and U.S. trade.  One key concern is the inability of the federal agencies to work together to combat cyberthreats.  They must act together, the report sites.


Why do I like it:
I like this article because I am particularly interested in this topic.  Knowing the challenges of cybersecurity programs illustrates the uncertainty of cyber attacks. 

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