Parking. Lots.

I always wanted to propose a special property tax for parking lots.

JUST STOP, DAMMIT!It would be based on the number of levels. For instance a 4-story parking garage would pay less than a 2-story parking garage. The highest rate would be applied to a “single level” or surface parking space. And maybe a parking structure over a certain number of levels might pay no property tax at all.

Radical I’m sure. But until there is some economic incentive to stop bulldozing history we’ll continue to see an ever-expanding sea of asphalt.

Image courtesy Plan59.com

Recycled Rockets

The first real step towards a world of Jonny Quest rocket planes traversing the globe.

SpaceX has succeeded in re-launching one of its Falcon 9 rockets for the first time ever, an undertaking that saw the first ever reflight of an entire orbital class rocket ever, by anyone. The achievement is a key ingredient in SpaceX’s long-term business plan for making rocket launches more affordable and accessible to corporate and…

via SpaceX successfully re-launches an orbital Falcon 9 rocket for the first time — TechCrunch

For the Love of Shift+Z

Did you ever wonder if the term “Love-Hate Relationship” existed before computers?

I think it probably did. But I’m guessing it’s used a great deal more today.

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Continue reading For the Love of Shift+Z

Candy Store of Cars

Recently ran across this post about the liquidation of an old-school Alfa Romeo dealership located in New Jersey. Actually, the post is about a visit to the time capsule before the liquidation took place. The auction was held earlier this year.

It intrigued me because in a former life I managed to collect quite a few Italian cars.

It was the summer of 2015 when my good friend EC informed me that he had been given “permission” to visit a stash of Alfas. At that time, EC was on the hunt for an Alfa Romeo of his own, and he believed that he might find the car of his dreams at this location. He invited me along to help with the evaluation, on the strict condition that I tell NO ONE […]

via My Secret Visit to a Shuttered Alfa Romeo Dealership — richardscarblog

 

Upscale Chromebooks

I’ve been a fan of Chromebooks for years. They’re a great computer choice for so many people. Did you know Chrome OS is now the second most prolific operating system on the planet?

Now a couple of new models from Samsung have upped the game. Read my take on these new game-changers on Design Gadget…

The latest from Samsung hopes to boost the Chromebook beyond entry-level status.

via Chromebooks Go Pro — Design Gadget

A Seaplane in the Desert

A few years ago I attended a conference in Albuquerque. I arrived at ABQ late in the evening and headed toward baggage claim. Walking through the terminal I made my usual scan of the airport’s amenities. I like to know what the airport offers just in case my return trip becomes a campout. Food court, check; sports bar, check; news stand, several; wooden propeller…  what?!?

sm55-prop-albuquerqueA small exhibit with a wooden propeller hanging on the wall above it caught my eye. As I got closer I was surprised to see an unmistakable silhouette. Inside the display case was a scale miniature of the wacky flying catamaran from Italy known as the Savoia-Marchetti SM.55. An unusual flying boat–or more accurately two boats–joined by a massive wing.

The story of this propeller and how it ended up in Albuquerque, New Mexico is a tale of international intrigue– and an overlooked bit of aviation history. Continue reading A Seaplane in the Desert