L.A.'s Top Tech Guru Is Preparing for the Bubble to Burst
For more than two years, Suster has been warning that companies have become overhyped and overvalued. He believes a correction is coming. On his blog, he wrote that "outsiders" — hedge funds, mutual funds, crowdsourcing — have poured too much money into the industry. He declared a period of "mourning for the days of rational behavior."
More recently, his premonitions have become more dire. With the stock market dropping and troubling news out of China, Suster went on Facebook in early January and predicted a "bloodbath" for angels — the amateur investors who put $25,000 or $50,000 into a startup company.
He's not alone. More and more people in the industry are sensing a shift in the landscape. The era may be ending when any Caltech grad who could put together a PowerPoint deck could get a $1 million seed round.
Suster doesn't know how bad things will get. It could be a mild correction or it could be something worse, like the dot-com crash of 2000 or the financial crisis of 2008. He's still optimistic about technology over the long run — that's why he's still investing — but in the near term, he sees a powerful storm brewing.
In an interview, he says he has surveyed venture capitalists, and they are all pulling back.
"I'm telling you what my intuition is from the conversations I've had," he says. "I want to say to entrepreneurs, 'If you knew the meetings I was in, you would be cutting costs right now.'"
(LAWeekly.com)
Monday, February 15, 2016
Top Fuel Dragsters Are No Joke
* One Top Fuel dragster 500 cubic-inch Hemi engine makes more horsepower than the first 4 rows at the Daytona 500.
* Under full throttle, a dragster engine consumes 11.2 gallons of nitro methane per second; a fully loaded 747 consumes jet fuel at the same rate with 25% less energy being produced.
* A stock Dodge Hemi V8 engine cannot produce enough power to merely drive the dragster’s supercharger.
* Dual magnetos supply 44 amps to each spark plug. This is the output of an arc welder in each cylinder.
* Spark plug electrodes are totally consumed during a pass. After 1/2 way, the engine is dieseling from compression plus the glow of exhaust valves at 1400 degrees F. The engine can only be shut down by cutting the fuel flow.
* If spark momentarily fails early in the run, unburned nitro builds up in the affected cylinders and then explodes with sufficient force to blow cylinder heads off the block in pieces or split the block in half.
* Dragsters reach over 300 MPH before you have completed reading this sentence.
* In order to exceed 300 MPH in 4.5 seconds, dragsters must accelerate an average of over 4 G’s. In order to reach 200 MPH well before half-track, the launch acceleration approaches 8 G’s.
* Top Fuel engines turn approximately 540 revolutions from light to light!
* Including the burnout, the engine must only survive 900 revolutions under load.
* The redline is actually quite high at 9500 RPM.
* THE BOTTOM LINE: Assuming all the equipment is paid off, the crew worked for free, & for once, NOTHING BLOWS UP, each run costs an estimated $1,000 per second.
The current Top Fuel dragster elapsed time record is 4.441 seconds for the quarter-mile (10/05/03, Tony Schumacher). The top speed record is 333.00 MPH (533 km/h) as measured over the last 66′ of the run (09/28/03, Doug Kalitta).
(Jalopnik.com)
* Under full throttle, a dragster engine consumes 11.2 gallons of nitro methane per second; a fully loaded 747 consumes jet fuel at the same rate with 25% less energy being produced.
* A stock Dodge Hemi V8 engine cannot produce enough power to merely drive the dragster’s supercharger.
* Dual magnetos supply 44 amps to each spark plug. This is the output of an arc welder in each cylinder.
* Spark plug electrodes are totally consumed during a pass. After 1/2 way, the engine is dieseling from compression plus the glow of exhaust valves at 1400 degrees F. The engine can only be shut down by cutting the fuel flow.
* If spark momentarily fails early in the run, unburned nitro builds up in the affected cylinders and then explodes with sufficient force to blow cylinder heads off the block in pieces or split the block in half.
* Dragsters reach over 300 MPH before you have completed reading this sentence.
* In order to exceed 300 MPH in 4.5 seconds, dragsters must accelerate an average of over 4 G’s. In order to reach 200 MPH well before half-track, the launch acceleration approaches 8 G’s.
* Top Fuel engines turn approximately 540 revolutions from light to light!
* Including the burnout, the engine must only survive 900 revolutions under load.
* The redline is actually quite high at 9500 RPM.
* THE BOTTOM LINE: Assuming all the equipment is paid off, the crew worked for free, & for once, NOTHING BLOWS UP, each run costs an estimated $1,000 per second.
The current Top Fuel dragster elapsed time record is 4.441 seconds for the quarter-mile (10/05/03, Tony Schumacher). The top speed record is 333.00 MPH (533 km/h) as measured over the last 66′ of the run (09/28/03, Doug Kalitta).
(Jalopnik.com)
The Official End Of An Era
The Death Of Group B
On the 5th March 1986 in Portugal, Group B was coming to an end on the first stage after the incident of Joaquim Santos. Santos was seeded 12th and the lead drivers were already through and road was clearer but still there were occasional spectators standing in middle of the road to cheer on the local drivers. Coming from fast right hand corner and into a tighter right hander over a small crest on downhill section, Santos lost control of the car and spun right into the crowd. Two children and a woman were killed on the spot and 30 injured, with one of the injured children later dying in the hospital. This saw the start of the end.
(CarThrottle.com)
On the 5th March 1986 in Portugal, Group B was coming to an end on the first stage after the incident of Joaquim Santos. Santos was seeded 12th and the lead drivers were already through and road was clearer but still there were occasional spectators standing in middle of the road to cheer on the local drivers. Coming from fast right hand corner and into a tighter right hander over a small crest on downhill section, Santos lost control of the car and spun right into the crowd. Two children and a woman were killed on the spot and 30 injured, with one of the injured children later dying in the hospital. This saw the start of the end.
(CarThrottle.com)
I Need To Take Advantage Of This Deal
Apple iPad Mini 3 Price Slashed By $300
Speaking of price, the 128 GB variant of the Apple iPad Mini 3 will now set the buyers back by $299.99. The original price of the tablet is $599.99. This means, buyers can save $300 with this limited period offer.
The discounted iPad Mini 3 unit is available in Silver and Space Gray colors. Here is the link to order the 128 GB Wi-Fi only iPad Mini 3 from Best Buy. It is worth noting that, buyers can avail “Titanium Internet Security” subscription free of cost for 6 Months, upon purchasing the device.
As far as the specifications go, the iPad Mini 3 comes with a 7.9-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD display and 1,536 x 2,048 pixels screen resolution. This display combination translates to a pixel density of 324 ppi. Under the hood, it is powered a dual-core Cyclone (Apple A7) processor clocked at 1.3 GHz and backed by 1 GB of RAM.
(IBTimes.com)
Speaking of price, the 128 GB variant of the Apple iPad Mini 3 will now set the buyers back by $299.99. The original price of the tablet is $599.99. This means, buyers can save $300 with this limited period offer.
The discounted iPad Mini 3 unit is available in Silver and Space Gray colors. Here is the link to order the 128 GB Wi-Fi only iPad Mini 3 from Best Buy. It is worth noting that, buyers can avail “Titanium Internet Security” subscription free of cost for 6 Months, upon purchasing the device.
As far as the specifications go, the iPad Mini 3 comes with a 7.9-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD display and 1,536 x 2,048 pixels screen resolution. This display combination translates to a pixel density of 324 ppi. Under the hood, it is powered a dual-core Cyclone (Apple A7) processor clocked at 1.3 GHz and backed by 1 GB of RAM.
(IBTimes.com)
Where Do I Sign Up?
Foreplay
Finding someone who loves the game (and you)? There's an app for that
(GolfDigest.com)
Finding someone who loves the game (and you)? There's an app for that
On top of all the popular
dating sites, such as eHarmony, Plenty Of Fish and Zoosk, exist
enterprises whose specific charge is to help golfers find other golfers.
There's the American Singles Golf Association, with 62 chapters across
the country that regularly host golf outings, clinics and dinner parties
so people can meet in person. The association estimates that
three-quarters of its membership is between 45 and 60. For the online
crowd there's GolfMates.com, which charges $70 for three months of full membership, and the free DateAGolfer.com.
Though
both ensure that the matches you encounter have an interest in golf,
the scale of these sites is far smaller than the scale of the more
popular dating sites, which attract millions of users. When I created a
profile on DateAGolfer, I found just three guys based in New York City
who were within my age range (25 to 35 years old).
(GolfDigest.com)
Edmonton Oilers in sell-off mode in the Pacific Division - ESPN.com
Los Angeles Kings
- Like a punch to the gut early in a boxing match, the Kings were stung by Dustin Byfuglien's re-signing with the Jets. They would have loved to have made the Winnipeg Jets a trade offer. Now they need to recover and look at other options on defense in the rental trade market. None compare to what Byfuglien could have provided, but it's time to move on. Pending unrestricted free agents Dan Hamhuis (if he's willing to waive his no-trade clause), Kris Russell (if he doesn't re-sign with the Flames) and, to a lesser degree, Roman Polak could all be options. The waiving of Christian Ehrhoff this week underlines L.A.'s need to add depth on the blue line.
- The Sharks aren't desperate, but adding another body for depth to their blue-line corps remains the priority. Insurance is needed because any injury to their top four would leave a youthful group needing to step up. A veteran rental add-on makes sense.
- My sense is that Ducks general manager Bob Murray wanted to see how the first two to three weeks after the All-Star break went before he decided how he was going to proceed ahead of the trade deadline. The Ducks have continued their winning ways. They've already made a few moves this season, so nothing is forcing Murray to do anything. But he'd get depth on defense and could use one of those trade chips to beef up the forward ranks if he sees something he likes.
A Bucket List For Guys With A Lead Foot
No Limits: Derestricted Highways of the World
- Germany's Autobahn
- The Isle Of Man
- Australia's Stuart Highway
- Southern India
- Montana Circa 1995 - 1999
Power Rankings: Watch out for the Ducks - ESPN.com
3. Anaheim Ducks
- Last Week: 4
- Ryan Getzlaf is playing his best hockey of the season and the Ducks are taking on all comers.
- Last Week: 6
- The waiving of Christian Ehrhoff underlines the Kings' need to bolster the bottom half of that blue line before Feb. 29.
- Last Week: 14
- Can the Sharks hold off the Ducks for second place in the Pacific? Home ice in the first round between the two clubs is on the line.
I Hope It Was Worth It
Buffalo's Kane benched for missing practice
Sabres forward broke team rule; to miss Ottawa game
Buffalo Sabres left wing Evander Kane won't play against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday because he missed practice Monday, coach Dan Bylsma said.
"He slept in, called [general manager] Tim {Murray] and myself, broke a team rule," said Bylsma. "We'll be dealing with it internally, but he will not be playing in Ottawa. I'm disappointed."
(NHL.com)
Sabres forward broke team rule; to miss Ottawa game
Buffalo Sabres left wing Evander Kane won't play against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday because he missed practice Monday, coach Dan Bylsma said.
"He slept in, called [general manager] Tim {Murray] and myself, broke a team rule," said Bylsma. "We'll be dealing with it internally, but he will not be playing in Ottawa. I'm disappointed."
(NHL.com)
Most Die Hards Will Agree With This
This Is Why Coke Tastes Better Out Of A Glass Bottle Rather Than A Can
(BroBible.com)
According to biochemist and founder of Science by Design Sara Risch, it’s because of the liquid reacting with polymers in the packaging.
Polymers are the molecules inside packaging – themselves built from smaller units strung together – and add properties to the material they are used in.
In the case of aluminium cans, the polymers lining the packaging may absorb some of the soluble flavour from the drink.
“While packaging and food companies work to prevent any interactions, they can occur,” explained Risch.
Meanwhile the polymer acetaldehyde, which is used in plastic bottles, could transfer into the coke inside the bottle, subtly altering its flavour.
And even though food standards agencies regulate the contact between food and its packaging, there are tiny amounts that could get through according to Popular Science. (via)
(BroBible.com)
CAFE Rules In Dire Need Of An Overhaul
CAFE is too slow, let's go for faster gains
To meet today's CAFE rules, automakers have to sell hybrids, plug-ins, battery electrics, and even fuel cell cars. And yet, car buyers the world over are largely shunning these powertrains. They account for less than 3 percent of sales. There's a real disconnect between what the regulators want and what the public is buying.
That disconnect is likely to grow. The CAFE standards really ramp up after 2017 and that's going to send car prices up sharply. Most car buyers will be motivated to hold onto their existing cars longer, meaning it will take even longer to turn the fleet over.
Next year automakers and regulators will sit down to review CAFE to determine if those rules need to be modified. I think a change is needed. The current strategy is not working to plan. Doubling down on that strategy is not going to change buyer behavior. Why not come up with an approach that will cost a lot less money and produce results a whole lot sooner?
(AutoBlog.com)
To meet today's CAFE rules, automakers have to sell hybrids, plug-ins, battery electrics, and even fuel cell cars. And yet, car buyers the world over are largely shunning these powertrains. They account for less than 3 percent of sales. There's a real disconnect between what the regulators want and what the public is buying.
That disconnect is likely to grow. The CAFE standards really ramp up after 2017 and that's going to send car prices up sharply. Most car buyers will be motivated to hold onto their existing cars longer, meaning it will take even longer to turn the fleet over.
Next year automakers and regulators will sit down to review CAFE to determine if those rules need to be modified. I think a change is needed. The current strategy is not working to plan. Doubling down on that strategy is not going to change buyer behavior. Why not come up with an approach that will cost a lot less money and produce results a whole lot sooner?
(AutoBlog.com)
Some Great Reasons To Daily A Suby Impreza
Engineering Explained: 7 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Subaru Impreza
From the base Impreza to the WRX and STI, Subaru offers significant advantages throughout its lineup!
1. Full Time All-Wheel Drive
From the base Impreza to the WRX and STI, Subaru offers significant advantages throughout its lineup!
1. Full Time All-Wheel Drive
- None of that part time FWD nonsense. Though I think the tech is cool for highway driving (disconnecting the rear axle can lead to better fuel economy), often these systems can be hit or miss when it comes to off-road capability. Delays in sending power to the rear axle and non-ideal torque splits can lead to discouraging situations off the beaten path. Subaru has a clever AWD system, with short and wide boxer engines running the AWD system longitudinally, with the weight evenly balanced left to right. The system is always active, so even if the front and rear differentials are open (as is often the case with entry-level AWD systems), you’ll know that both axles will be receiving power.
- I drive a different press car every week, and I’ve been in every major Subaru model. One thing that stands out is how consistently practical the vehicles are. Every model has above average visibility; it’s hard to think of a company which does this better. Large glass and pillars that don’t block your view - I’m always perplexed at how willing some companies are to sacrifice visibility. Cargo space is always exceptional, and rear legroom is sufficient for adults (though don’t try it in a BRZ). Its vehicles generally have higher than average ground clearance, and with standard AWD this makes getting to any trailhead (or ski slope) a breeze.
- Subaru is keeping the manual alive across nearly its entire lineup. You can choose to row your own gears in the Impreza, WRX, STI, BRZ, Crosstrek, and even the Forester. In a world where driving joy is often put on the back burner for everyday cars, Subaru at least lets the customer choose between an efficient CVT or a less mind-numbing stick shift.
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