18 cool things Windows 7 does that Vista doesn't

The stuff that makes the upgrade worthwhile

By Aditya Chandrasekhar

Windows 7 will ease your Vista pain

From Windows 3.1 to Windows Vista, the Windows operating system has taken many giant leaps. And while Vista received a lukewarm reception from some users, Windows 7 is likely to be remembered for addressing those criticisms.

In fact, there aren't many changes to the overall look of Windows 7 when compared to Windows Vista. Instead, Microsoft seems to have paid attention to the feedback it received and created an OS that is not only stable, but also very capable.

So what is new in Windows 7? Here are 18 cool things Windows 7 does that Vista doesn't.

• 50 Windows 7 tips, tricks and secrets

1. Shake 'em away

Ever had 10 Notepad, two Powerpoint and 50 Outlook windows open? Want to minimise all of them except the most important one? In Windows 7, you can grab the top of the window and shake it about to scare away all of the other open windows. Simple.

2. Jumplists

Jumplists are a new feature that give you the option to view a list of recently accessed files by application, even when the application isn't open, by right-clicking on the application's icon in the taskbar. It also allows you to quickly access a favourite playlist without opening your media player. Jumplists can also be found integrated into the Start Menu.

TIME-SAVER: The Jumplist for Windows Explorer – pretty useful

START HERE: A Jumplist integrated into the Start Menu

3. A step forward in previewing

In Vista, hovering over a minimised window on the taskbar would provide a preview of the window. In Windows 7, a similar preview pops up which also gives the option to close a window (within the preview), along with a full-size 'peek'. You can also press Win + T to scroll along previews in the taskbar.

PREVIEW PLUS: A smaller preview, along with a full-size 'peek' with the ability to close the window

4. Snap into place

Simply drag your window to the left or right edge of the desktop to snap and resize the window to one half of the screen. Drag the window to the top to maximise it. A pretty neat idea made neater by the use of the keyboard shortcuts (Win + respective arrow keys). No longer do you have to frustratingly position the mouse at the edge of the window to resize it.

5. XP Mode

This time, you do not have to slap your head that same way when Vista would not run an XP application. For those XP applications that do not work under Windows 7, you can download XP Mode free from the Microsoft website and run XP applications in an emulated XP environment in Windows 7. Imagine Parallels on Mac OS X without the need to fish out money on an extra OS.

6. An easier and quicker way to adjust multiple displays

Do you constantly connect your computer to different external monitors or projectors, especially at work? Try Win + P, and duplicating or extending your display to the other monitor takes just a second. Win + P presents you with an Alt + Tab style menu, which is ideal if you give a lot of presentations at work on your laptop.

7. A personalised Stage for your device

With the new 'Device and Printers' button on the Start Menu, devices which are connected to your computer can have their own Stage. This Device Stage presents supported devices with a photo-realistic render and a link to the vendor's website, along with other updates and useful information (such as firmware updates and manuals).

8. (Almost) eliminate the notification area!

What, I can even get rid of the clock and volume icons? Yes. Click the arrow that gives access to the overflow icons in the notification area and click 'customise'. Select each icon and click 'hide icon and notifications' to remove it. Clean.

QUIETER: Stop all those notifications – but you might want to keep the clock there

9. Problem Steps Recorder

The 'Problem Steps Recorder' lets you record a particular problem you are having with your PC so you can send it to someone who may be able to help. Click 'Record', and a screenshot is taken with every mouse click, allowing comments to be added in between if required. These screenshots (and comments, if any) are placed in a well-formatted HTML document that is placed inside a zipped folder on your desktop - ideal to be attached to an email.

A PROBLEM HALVED: Simple, yet so effective. Send this to tech savvy friends or even manufacturers

10. A brand new Magnifier tool

If you are, or someone you know, is visually impaired, then the Windows 7 Magnifier provides two options for providing a bigger display. One of which is using the traditional dock (which took up a lot of the screen) and the other being a rectangular lens that is stuck to the cursor (meaning there is no loss of workspace).

UP CLOSE: A sleek new magnifier that follows your cursor, without decreasing your workspace

11. A new way to preview your music files

Opening and listening to an MP3 is a lot more snappier with Windows 7 due to its new smaller preview player, presenting you with album art, basic music functionality and a link to the full-blown Windows Media Player. This is an obvious attempt to mimic the preview feature of Mac OS X, but it is very well executed.

MUSIC PREVIEW: The new preview is simple – and loads up very quickly

12. Homegroup Networking

In Vista (or, frankly, any Windows OS), creating a shared folder over a network at home could be a bit of a pain. In Windows 7, using the 'Homegroup' wizard, check the default folders you would like to share. This will give you a passcode that will have to be entered in another computer on the same network to share the files. Sounds too good to be true? There is a catch: only a Windows 7 computer can join a Homegroup.

13. Stream Music directly to another computer

If you do create a Homegroup, Windows Media Player allows you to stream music directly to another computer. So, instead of listening to music through your measly laptop speakers, you can wirelessly stream to the 7.1 Surround Sound Speakers of your PC in your living room, without stepping away from your laptop. Sweet.

14. Action Center

The Action Center is the new Security Center for Windows 7, along with other notifications such as updates and access to the improved troubleshooting and recovery using restore point facilities. Basically, it is everything windows usually annoys you with, rolled into one place with one icon in the notification bar. If you find the alerts irritating, you can check out this tip to make the Windows 7 Action Center less annoying.

15. Pin just about anything to the new Windows Taskbar

Imagine a blank Mac OS X Dock with the start menu, the notifications bar and the improved 'Show Desktop' button added to it. Drag just about anything on to it and the associated application will place itself on the translucent taskbar, with an option to open the file in the Jumplist.

16. Improved Touch Navigation

Windows 7 has much improved touch navigation. The larger taskbar with squarer icons makes it a lot easier to navigate with your fingers, and Macbook-like multi-touch gestures on various applications could change the way you interact with windows. Subtle enhancements such as a larger Start Menu appearing when Touchscreen hardware is detected also help.

17. Native ISO Burner

There are those times when you inevitably have to burn an ISO file (such as when you have to copy a downloaded Windows 7 beta or RC) to a DVD. With Windows 7 you do not need to download third-party software (some of which are pretty confusing to use). Double-clicking on an ISO file will take you to a window that allows you to change the disc burner drive. Click 'Burn'. After a while, your disc is ready. Simple.

FINALLY: Burning an ISO file has never been so easy

18. Native calibration tools

If you tend to hook up your computer to an HDTV or care about getting the highest quality from your monitor, then the in-built basic and easy-to-use calibration tools built into Windows 7 will please you.

World’s Fastest Man, Usain Bolt, Looking For Equally Fast Car

August 26, 2009

Total Pro Sports - Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt likes to live life in the fast lane, both on and off the track. He has completed his sweep of the 100-meter and 200-meter events at the World Track and Field Championships in Berlin, setting world records in both events, and now he is ready to take his fast paced life on the road.

What better way to do so than in your brand new 2009 Ferrari California.

Bolt decided to treat himself to one of the Italian car manufacturer's newest creations, a reasonable gift for his recent accomplishments. I guess when you have a need for speed like he does, such cravings can not go unsatisfied.

Let's just hope his Ferrari doesn't end up like Cristiano Ronaldo's, or the one driven by Felipe Massa.

Bolt's New Ferrari

Bolt's New Ferrari

Bolt's New Ferrari

Hat Tip Pics - [Jalopnik]

Van Damme Friday - Hills are Alive with the Sound Jean-Claude

Placed my order at Wendy's -- and got a new iPhone

Anthony Massucci

With a broken iPhone 3G in my pocket, I was standing in line at Wendy's and spotted someone using his iPhone, just ahead of me in line. I showed him my iPhone's cracked screen and cautioned him to get a case for his.

The guy, it turned out, works at an Apple (AAPL) Store Genius Bar. He sees broken screens often, he said, and he told me that wet or cracked iPhones fall outside of Apple's coverage protection. It costs $200 to replace such phones, he said. Nevertheless, before we parted ways -- and, significantly, before he learned that I was a reporter -- he invited me to stop by the Genius Bar, where he'd see if he could replace the iPhone, at no charge.

"It's not about charging, it's about the service," the staffer told me later. (His manager requested that he remain anonymous.) "It's about letting people know they can get this kind of help. It's up to us to use common sense and make smart decisions. That's the cool thing about the job."

"You want to free your people up to make beneficial decisions for the parties involved," says Patricia Edwards, analyst and founder of Storehouse Partners in Bellevue, Washington. "That is the type of environment you want to inspire, if you want to have the reputation for fabulous customer service."

Is it realistic to expect tech companies to offer a level of service similar to Nordstrom (JWN), or Ritz-Carlton? Well, why not? Apple comes the closest to delivering such service, although that service is inconsistent. (Writing on Salon.com, Amanda Forini said she'd "rather not deal" with smug, aloof Genius Bar staffers.) "It can be like going to your doctor's office and waiting," Edwards says. Yet for tech consumers, the Genius Bar is one of the few places that offers reliable customer service.

Long waits on hold to get computer help from companies such as Dell (DELL) or Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) -- or even Apple -- is the norm. Folks expect to wait, and wait some more. That's why the Apple Store is like an oasis in an endless desert. Wait -- a human being? A team of them? Waiting to help?!? Best Buy (BBY)'s Geek Squad offers similar services, but usually adds longer waits and fees.

The Genius Bar has been a boon to Apple and its customers. Even a 45-minute or hour-long wait is tolerable; there's a strong chance the customer will depart with a solved problem or a new or fixed product. No boxing your computer, shipping it, and crossing your fingers.

That's why Microsoft (MSFT) plans to open its own stores, said Edwards (based one town away from Microsoft's Redmond headquarters). Microsoft has a reputation for "worse than bad" helpline customer service, she says, which is one reason it plans to open stores and emulate the Genius Bar experience.

Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer said on a July conference call that Apple had seen a 22 percent increase in traffic at its stores for the quarter that ended in June. Such increased exposure to Microsoft's products can only help sales of its Zune, the digital-music player that competes with Apple's iPod.

"Face-to-face interaction represents an improved experience for customers in most cases," says Gary Burtless, senior fellow of economic studies at the Brookings Institution in Washington. Avoiding human contact sometimes improves an experience -- such as picking up a boarding pass at the airport from an automated machine, Burtless says. "It's nice to interact with a pleasant human being," he says -- unless lines are long. Then you want a computer.

Ideally, contact with a company should be like an experience at a restaurant: you should walk away in a better mood than you were in when you arrived. Kindness from the waiter, or any service-provider -- as well as the customer -- is contagious.

In this case, it wound up getting me a new iPhone at the Apple Store. I even got extra coupons from the nice woman behind the counter at Wendy's too.

Anthony Massucci is a senior writer for DailyFinance. You may follow him on Twitter at hianthony.

Fine for pot in Denver could go down to $1

DENVER - A city panel in charge of overseeing marijuana possession crimes in Denver recommended on Wednesday that the fine for possession be set at $1.

If Denver's presiding judge accepts the recommendation from the Denver Marijuana Policy Review Panel, the fine would be the lowest in the entire nation for marijuana possession.

The panel was created by Mayor John Hickenlooper in December 2007 after voters passed an ordinance that made it so adult marijuana possession is the city's "lowest lawn enforcement priority."

In May 2008, the city attorney's office made it so those cited for the crime can mail in their fines instead of having to appear in court. At that time, the city attorney's office assigned the value of the fine at $50.

"By setting the fine at just $1, we are sending a message to Denver officials that the era of citing adults for using a less harmful drug than alcohol is over. It's simply not worth the city's time or resources," said panel member and SAFER Executive Director Mason Tvert, who coordinated the successful Denver marijuana initiatives.

Lt. Ernest Martinez with the Denver Police Department is also part of the panel and voted against lowering the fine.

"There's no indication that there's a problem with the fine schedule," Martinez said. "The panel is going outside the bounds of the language of the ordinance."

Martinez thinks there should be more dialogue about the changes.

Watermelon Juice: The New Fuel?

Fill 'er Up | Discovery News Video

Aug. 26, 2009 -- A staple of backyard barbecues and summer time snacks, watermelon is also a promising new source of renewable energy.

According to a new study, leftover watermelons from farms' harvests could be converted into up to 9.4 million liters (2.5 million gallons) of clean, renewable ethanol fuel every year destined for your car, truck, or airplane's gas tank.

Agriculturally, watermelon is a peculiar fruit -- each year farmers across the country leave between 20 and 40 percent of their crop to rot on the ground. These are the ugly ducklings of the lot; though perfectly fine on the inside, the misshapen or blemished melons simply won't sell at the grocery store.

"If a crow lands on a melon, takes two pecks at the rind, and then flies away, it's no good," Wayne Fish of the United States Department of Agriculture in Lane, Oklahoma said. "I had farmers telling me, 'I'm leaving one-fifth of my melons on the land. Is there anything I can do with them?'"

Across the United States, he estimated that 360,000 tons of watermelons spoil in fields every year.

Some local growers wondered whether the waste melons could be turned into ethanol, the clean-burning fuel derived from plant sugars. In a series of new experiments published yesterday in the journal Biotechnology for Biofuels, Fish and a team of researchers showed that they can.

What's more, watermelon juice may turn out to be the perfect way to optimize industrial-scale production of ethanol from corn, molasses and sugar cane.

WATCH VIDEO: Are hydrogen cars in our future?

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Watermelon juice is about 10 percent sugar by volume, about half the concentration that manufacturers consider right for producing ethanol. But it's chock full of amino acids that provide a crucial source of nitrogen for yeast to feed on during fermentation.

On its own, the team calculated they could make about 2.5 million gallons of ethanol each year from waste melons, a drop in the bucket of an industry that last year produced 9 billion gallons from corn and other feedstock in the United States alone.

But both corn and molasses require lots of water, and sometimes nitrogen supplements to prepare for fermentation. The team suggests that watermelon juice from reject melons could drastically cut down on water usage, supply needed nitrogen, and even add some sugar to the mix, cutting the amount of corn or molasses by up to 15 percent.

"This is not going to replace corn. In that sense it will remain a niche source of biofuel," said Jim Rausch, president of the College Station, Texas-based company Common Sense Agriculture, LLC, which is developing a prototype watermelon juice-to-ethanol processing plant.

"But unlike algae biodiesel or cellulosic ethanol, it's a right now thing. There's no new technology that needs to be developed to make it economical."

Where Are They Now? The Iconic Woodstock Couple

Jo

By: Allison Ford (View Profile)

In 1969, Joan Bryant was a twenty-two-year-old college student with a husband and two children, but a photo of her at Woodstock would be remembered as one of the festival’s—and the decade’s—most enduring images.

Joan traveled with a friend from her home in Bloomington, Indiana to New York’s Catskill Mountains, and although her friend had a ticket, Joan decided to risk going without one. Because it was the first major rock festival, “I knew it was going to be historic,” she says. When they arrived, having a ticket ended up being irrelevant, as the drowsy farm was flooded with half a million people—no ticket-takers in sight.

Even between the scheduled acts, music abounded. “There were people jamming and playing instruments in the crowd,” Joan says. During one of these impromptu sessions, she bumped into a very distinctive friend, a musician named Fantuzzi. “He stood out on the street,” she says, “because he only wore a loincloth.” When they saw each other, they both began dancing, and the moment was captured by rock photographer Jim Marshall. His photo of the pair was featured in a 1969 issue of Life Magazine.

Afterward, Joan returned to her family and her self-described “hippie” lifestyle, until 1994, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the legendary festival. “A friend said to me, ‘Have you seen Newsweek? Your picture is on it!’” Sure enough, the iconic picture was on the cover, and Joan ended up fielding interview requests from people all over the world who wanted to know the story of the exuberant girl in the picture. Woodstock’s fortieth anniversary has brought the photo back into the spotlight yet again.

Joan no longer considers herself a true hippie, but she still tries to live out some of the ideals of the time. “I try to serve people, be compassionate and loving,” she says, “because those are characteristics true to that spirit.” Now a resident of Southern California, she’s run her own business for twenty-six years, first in Malibu and now in Newbury Park. Her boutique, Indiana Joan’s, sells women’s clothing, accessories, and gifts, some of which she makes herself by hand. Her favorite performance at Woodstock was Jefferson Airplane, and Joan says, “Years later, [lead singer] Grace Slick became my customer. How cool is that?”

As for Fantuzzi, she says, “He’s still the same, although he probably wears more clothes now.” The most recent photo of them was taken in 1994 at his birthday party in Los Angeles. The times, though, have definitely changed, and since then, Joan says they’ve relied on a decidedly more modern way to rekindle their friendship. “Recently, I’ve reconnected with him on Facebook.”

Argentina rules on marijuana use

The court said adults were free to make lifestyle decisions

The supreme court in Argentina has ruled that it is unconstitutional to punish people for using marijuana for personal consumption.

The decision follows a case of five young men who were arrested with a few marijuana cigarettes in their pockets.

But the court said use must not harm others and made it clear it did not advocate a complete decriminalisation.

Correspondents say there is a growing momentum in Latin America towards decriminalising drugs for personal use.

The Argentine court ruled that: "Each adult is free to make lifestyle decisions without the intervention of the state."

Supreme Court President Ricardo Lorenzetti said private behaviour was legal, "as long as it doesn't constitute clear danger".

"The state cannot establish morality," he said.

The initiative has been supported by the government - Congress is expected to introduce amendments to the current drug laws.

But the court said it was not advocating a complete decriminalisation of the drug - a move possibly aimed at deflecting criticism from the Church and conservatives, says the BBC's Candace Piette in Buenos Aires.

The eight-page statement also called for a comprehensive policy against illegal drug trafficking.

Health fears

The move has been criticised by some campaign groups who say it will encourage damaging behaviour and lead to health problems.

"There will be an increase in the drug trade and the people that fall into addiction will not, unfortunately, access treatment," Claudio Izaguirre, director of the Argentine Anti-drugs Association told Reuters.

"My country doesn't have the necessary health coverage for what will happen," he said.

Argentina's move follows rulings by several other countries across the region, including Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia.

Last week, Mexico enacted a law decriminalising possession of small amounts of drugs, including cocaine and heroin - the country is in the midst of a drugs turf war which has claimed more than 11,000 lives in the last three years.

The aim of such moves is to enable police to focus their efforts on the big criminals in the drugs trade rather than dealing with petty cases, says our correspondent.

But it also marks a shift a dramatic regional shift to the decades-old US-backed policy of running repressive military-style wars on the drug trade, she adds.

Chick Takes Guy For A Ride

Chick Takes Guy For A Ride - Watch more Funny Videos

This girl not only hits this guys car after she cuts him off in a parking garage but as he writes down her license plate she runs him over.

Beautiful Glass Shard Spire Set to Dominate London Skyline

By Danny Allen

Feast your eyes on these latest visualizations of The Shard (aka London Bridge Tower), a 1017ft skyscraper actually under construction. When finished in 2012, it will be the tallest building in the U.K, and one of the tallest in Europe.

Designed by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop, the 72-story tower has several twisting glass facets on its exterior, and inside, will have offices, apartments, restaurants and a 15-story observation gallery.

It looks amazingly sci-fi, but every time I hear the word "shard", I can't help but think of Dark Crystal. [Shard London Bridge via Core 77]

London Bridge Tower

George Lucas Named as 2009 California Hall of Fame Inductee

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver Select the California Museum's California Hall of Fame 2009 Inductees

The California Hall of Fame Committee Chair Pat Splinter Announces Names of Inductees on The California Museum's Website at CaliforniaMuseum.org

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver today released the names of the 2009 inductees to The California Museum's California Hall of Fame. Pat Splinter, Chair of The California Museum's California Hall of Fame committee and Museum trustee, announced the names in a video posted on the Museum's website, CaliforniaMuseum.org. In its fourth year, the California Hall of Fame has continued the tradition of honoring legendary people who embody California's innovative spirit and have made their mark on history.

The 2009 California Hall of Fame inductees are: comedian Carol Burnett, former Intel CEO Andrew Grove, governor and U.S. senator Hiram Johnson, decathlete and philanthropist Rafer Johnson, industrialist Henry J. Kaiser, philanthropist and peace activist Joan Kroc, film-maker George Lucas, football commentator John Madden, gay rights advocate Harvey Milk, artist Fritz Scholder, author Danielle Steel, fitness and bodybuilding champion Joe Weider, and Air Force test pilot General Chuck Yeager.

The 2009 inductees join 38 California Hall of Fame inductees who have made great achievements in science, philanthropy, sports, business, entertainment, literature, fitness, technology, activism and politics. The California Hall of Fame highlights the broad range of California interests by honoring trailblazers who have not broken barriers in just one field or talent, but have impacted the world with their overall courage, determination and creativity.

"The California Hall of Fame celebrates our most influential women and men, and honors them for their drive, willingness to take risks, dedication and success in touching the lives of millions of people -- not just in this state, but around the world," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I am excited about this year's fantastic inductees and thank my wonderful wife Maria for creating a program that honors all their diverse achievements."

"Now more than ever, I see how the perseverance and passion of one person can have a lasting impact in the lives of people, not only in their community but across the world," said First Lady Maria Shriver. "When talent and a relentless drive are matched, the efforts of a single individual can create a legacy of change, hope and empowerment. Every individual inducted into the California Hall of Fame symbolize the biggest hearts, the greatest drive and the deepest inspiration. It's an honor to induct these extraordinary individuals who have each made their own unique mark in history."

"The magnitude of this prestigious award is never lost on me," said The California Museum's Executive Director, Claudia French. "Being selected for this award is a distinction of great honor, one that is reserved for the best and the brightest."

The California Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at The California Museum in Sacramento. The ceremony will be followed by a reception and unveiling of the new exhibit installation, featuring artifacts and mementos personally loaned by the inductees, their families and organizations, including many items that have never been exhibited before.

All living inductees and family of posthumous inductees are scheduled to participate in the presentation of the Spirit of California medals by the Governor and First Lady.

"It is an honor to be inducted into the California Hall of Fame by the Governor and First Lady," said General Chuck Yeager. "California is the home of the greatest achievements in flight, and I am proud to represent the collective efforts of the many who sought to make those dreams a reality."

"I love California. My fondest memory as a kid was climbing the Hollywood sign," said Carol Burnett. "I'm thrilled to be honored by the State I love."

The California Hall of Fame-inspired Dreamers Challenge, an extension of the institution's mission to dare young people to dream, was designed to recognize innovative and creative thinking by awarding two $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors who can best illustrate how they would change the world. Unlike other scholarships, participants can respond in whatever medium suits their style and talent -- painting, poetry, videos, musical creations, essays or Power Point presentations, for example.

Visit The California Museum website, CaliforniaMuseum.org for more information, to watch the video and to access images and biographies of each of the candidates.

The 2009 California Hall of Fame is sponsored by Chevron Corporation and Accenture. About The California Museum The California Museum -- home of the California Hall of Fame and California Legacy Trails -- engages, educates and enlightens people about California's rich history and its unique contribution to the world through ideas, innovation, art and culture. Through captivating, interactive and innovative experiences, the Museum seeks to inspire men, women and children to dream the California dream and dare to make their mark on history. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. Noon-5 p.m.; Adults $8.50, Students/Seniors (with valid I.D.) $7, Children 6-13 $6.00; Free for Children 5 and Younger. Parking is free on the weekends.

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Big wave surfing at Dungeons, Cape Town

Big wave surfer Mikey Duffus rides a wave at an offshore reef known as Dungeons in Cape Town, South Africa

Surfers took full advantage of some big swell generated after a strong storm from a double cold front swept across the Cape bringing heavy rain and big seas.

Picture: EPA

Mike Schlebach wipes out as he tries to ride a wave with Chris Bertish

Picture: EPA

One...

Picture: EPA

...two...

Picture: EPA

...three...

Picture: EPA

...four surfers ride the huge swell at Dungeons

Picture: EPA

Deon Wilson wipes out

Picture: EPA

Mike Schlebach from South Africa wipes out as he tries to ride a wave

Picture: EPA

The board of big wave surfer Paul Daniel from South Africa is engulfed by a wave as he swims under it

Picture: EPA

Jason Ribbink rides the waves whipped up by a strong storm from a double cold front

Picture: EPA

Ryan Butcher leaps out of the way of a wave

Picture: EPA

3 New Farm Bots Programmed to Pick, Plant and Drive

Intelligent, manned machines aren’t just for warplanes and border guards—they can be found on the farm too. Increasingly, agro-bots are taking laborious tasks out of the farmer’s helper’s hands, and saving time and money in the process. Here are three robotic farm servants who may right now be working in a field near you.

By Erik Sofge

Published in the September 2009 issue.

Agricultural robots are already among us: mowing grass, spraying pesticides and monitoring crops. For example, instead of regularly dousing an entire apple orchard with chemicals, towed sensors find diseases or parasites with infrared sensors and cameras, and spray only the affected trees. But could a robot wholly replace a migrant worker? The idea appeals to farmers, because temporary labor can arrive one season but go elsewhere the next, leaving tons of fruits and vegetables to wither. Relying on illegal immigrants can also be a legal liability. Harvesting is the most labor-intensive activity for many crops, but even advocates say that no one has built a machine that comes close to matching the sensory motor control of humans. That is poised to change as sensors and software become cheaper and more advanced. “In the next five years or so, we’ll see robots out in the field,” says Tony Stentz, associate director of Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center. “And they’ll lose their novelty. To the farmers, it’ll just be another tractor, with no one in the cab.”

Smart Gardeners

MIT

Developed for a robotics class at MIT, autonomous gardeners use equipment mounted on the base of a Roomba. Sensors in the soil alert the robot, which waters plants and can use an articulated arm to pick any fruit it sees.

Prospects: MIT staff have no immediate plans for commercialization, but they are continuing to create more autonomy in the bots. Future systems could compare earlier images of the same plants over time to detect diseases or parasites.

Self-Guided Farm Equipment

Carnegie Mellon University Field Robotics Center

Carnegie Mellon University’s Field Robotics Center is testing an automated utility cart equipped with laser range- finders to find its way through a Pennsylvania apple orchard, towing sensors that track the progress of the crop.

Prospects: The project is at least three years from completion. Researchers say the key to the future of industrial farm robots is keeping costs down by adapting existing commercial vehicles instead of building new ones.

Snippy the Grapevine Pruner

Vision Robotics Vineyard Products

Vision Robotics Vineyard Products designed Snippy to prune as many as 400 acres of grapevines per season, at around half the cost of manual labor. Mounted cameras create a 3D model to tell the bot’s arms where to cut.

Prospects: The first prototype pruner has been in field tests since March, and a second one should be operational by this fall. A majority of the project’s funding comes from interested grape growers and vineyard owners, making Snippy an agbot pioneer.

Man outraged by 'sexy' candy wrapper

PONTEFRACT, England, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A British man has complained to candy maker Haribo about a candy wrapper he described as sexually charged.

Simon Simpkins of Pontefract, England, said the Haribo Maoam wrapper depicts a "male" lime character engaged in a "sexy clinch" with a cartoon lemon, The Sun reported Tuesday.

Simpkins said in his complaint to the company that the lime bears a "lurid and distasteful" facial expression, the British tabloid reports.

The candy maker said the image was not intended to be interpreted as sexual.

"At no point was it intended to create sexual images," a representative said.

Chris Brown sentenced in Rihanna assault case

AP – Chris Brown, left, stands alongside attorney Mark Geragos at his sentencing for assaulting girlfriend …

By ANTHONY McCARTNEY, AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney, Ap Entertainment Writer – Tue Aug 25, 7:58 pm ET

LOS ANGELES – A judge on Tuesday sentenced Chris Brown to five years' probation and six months' community labor for the beating of Rihanna and ordered the R&B singer to stay away from his former girlfriend for the next five years.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg told Brown that he could be sent to state prison if he violated any terms of his sentence, including an order to stay 100 yards away from Rihanna unless they're attending music industry events.

A probation report prepared for Tuesday's sentencing describes two previous violent incidents. It said the first happened about three months before the February beating while the couple was traveling in Europe; Rihanna slapped Brown during an argument, and he shoved her into a wall. In the second instance, Brown allegedly broke the front and passenger side windows on a Range Rover they were driving while visiting Barbados, Rihanna's home country. Neither attack was reported, the probation report states.

Brown will serve his sentence in his home state — Virginia — and his community labor will be overseen by the police chief in Richmond.

The judge said she wanted to ensure that Brown, 20, performs physical labor instead of community service, such as mentoring young people. He will also undergo a year of domestic violence counseling.

Rihanna did not attend Tuesday's sentencing.

At one point, Brown, who was accompanied by his mother, agreed to the terms of the sentence before Schnegg had finished going through them all.

The hearing had been planned for Thursday afternoon, but Brown's lawyer, Mark Geragos, asked to move up the singer's sentencing to Tuesday. A previous attempt to sentence Brown was postponed when Schnegg said she hadn't received adequate assurances that Brown would perform physical labor if allowed to serve probation in Virginia.

The judge said she was satisfied with a letter presented by Geragos that Richmond Police Chief Bryan T. Norwood will directly oversee Brown's labor program.

After Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault in June, Schnegg ordered the pair to stay away from each other and to not contact one another. Her order Tuesday essentially extended that until Brown completes his sentence.

Donald Etra, Rihanna's attorney, has said he didn't think the strict rules were necessary, but that he and Rihanna favored a less-stringent ruling that simply ordered Brown not to annoy, harass or molest the 21-year-old pop singer. He said after Tuesday's hearing that Rihanna did not object to the stay-away order, which allows the former couple to be within 10 yards of each other if they are attending music industry events.

Schnegg said she was aware of reports that Brown had been spotted on several occasions in the same places as Rihanna.

"I am not amused with the chatter that has been on the airwaves and any violation of your probation in this case comes with the potential for state prison," Schnegg told Brown.

A felony charge of making criminal threats was dropped during Tuesday's sentencing.

"We feel that the sentence for Mr. Brown is an equitable one," said Sandi Gibbons, a district attorney's spokeswoman. "He has his future in his hands. He has control of his fate."

Gibbons said Brown's charge could eventually be reduced to a misdemeanor if he completes his sentence.

Brown was arrested Feb. 8, hours after he was accused of beating Rihanna.

The attack occurred in Los Angeles' Hancock Park neighborhood as Brown drove a rented sports car. A Los Angeles police detective described a brutal attack in a search warrant affidavit filed in the case, stating Brown hit, choked and bit Rihanna and tried at one point to push her from the car.

Brown's career suffered after his arrest, with sponsors dropping him and radio stations refusing to play his music. Both he and Rihanna had to cancel several high-profile appearances, including planned performances at the Grammy Awards the day of the attack.

In a probation report released after the sentencing, Brown is quoted as saying he was "depressed" since the attack and that he "'does not want to carry on that cycle.'"

The report included letters of support for Brown from RCA/Jive Label Group Chairman Barry Weiss as well as an entertainment lawyer and a pastor.

___

Associated Press Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch contributed to this report.

I'd Like a Black Eye, Please: Secret Fast Food Menus

By Dawna Nolan

Samantha Spanos

Suicide on a bun.

In a town that elevates VIP treatment to a level that, at the very least, approaches absurdity, it makes sense that the rest of us would want a taste of it too. The easiest, and cheapest, way to be special and in-the-know? Ordering secret (and not-so-secret) off-menu stuff at fast-food joints. Full disclosure: the off-menu items contained herein cannot all be personally attested to by this author, so when you sidle up to the counter, casually ask for a "Suicide" at Burger King, and are met with a blank stare, you're on your own. (4 meat patties, 4 slices of cheese, bacon and sauce on a sesame seed bun.)

Serious Eats-Corey Jones

You animal!

In-N-Out

• Animal-style burgers & fries:
But they don't say, for instance, that fries too, can be ordered "Animal-style," which is to say, with pickles, sauce and grilled onions.

• Grilled Cheese:
You can order a "grilled cheese" (cheeseburger, hold the meat) and cheese fries too.

• Flying Dutchman:
Two beef patties and two slices of cheese on a bun.

• Neopolitan Shake:
They'll also make a Neapolitan shake (as will Wendy's, Fatburger, and McDonald's).

• Lemon-Up:
You can wash everything down with a "Lemon-up," a mixture of Lemonade and 7-Up. So evidently, there are still ins and outs to uncover.

Frank P., Picasa Creative Commons

The Fat Fatburger

Fatburger
Fatburger has a few secrets in its bag of burgers too.

• Spanish-style burgers & fries:
"Spanish-style" means a fried egg on top, and though who knows why you'd want to, you can order a burger or fries this way.

• Hypocrite:
If you like your hypocrisy straight up, go ahead and order a "Hypocrite," or a Veggie burger, topped with Bacon. For bonus points, hold the mayo, order a diet coke and dump some sugar in.

• Chili-Cheese Onion Rings:
For the real non-conformists among you, chili-cheese onion rings... Because chili cheese fries are so 2005. They'll also add more artery-clogging goodness to any burger in the form of a layer of fries, fat or skinny, sandwiched between the buns.

Jamba Juice
Jamba Juice has a whole rainbow of secrets with candy like flavors mimicking your childhood favorites. PB & J, Strawberry Shortcake, Fruity Pebbles, Skittles, Starbursts and Sour Patch Kids.

• Strawberry Shortcake
• Fruity Pebbles
• Gummi Bear
• PB & J
• Skittles, etc.

They're also rumored to offer a pizza smoothie, but this couldn't be confirmed.

Anne Fishbein

Kogi BBQ
L.A.'s own Kogi BBQ, has a plethora of specialty off-the-menu items. An item called a "Black-Jack Quesadilla was such a phenomenon, it's now on the regular menu.

• Short Rib Quesadilla
• Half and Half:
Half chicken, half pork burrito.
• Two-Faced:
Half salsa verde, half roja.
• The Craig dog:
A spicy pork hot dog. Guess you really know you've made it in this town when a Kogi item is named after you. Alas, we have no advice as to how you make it happen.

Dawna Nolan

A double no fat, no foam latte' with a pump of sugar-free vanilla.

Starbucks:
Starbucks will pretty much make anything you want, even if it is ridiculous, and smile while they're doing it.

• Red Eye:
A cup of drip coffee with a shot of espresso.

• Black Eye:
Drip coffee with two shots.

• French-Pressed:
If however, you're feeling slightly more elegant, you can order any whole bean coffee French-pressed.

• Short Cups:
For frugal days, ask for a short drink, instead of the tall, grande, and venti posted sizes. The short is a smaller cup, hence cheaper, and in a happy confluence of circumstance, a cappuccino in a short cup tastes more like a real cappuccino.

• Just about anything else:
This pretty much holds true, even though no barista I found knew how to make a "Ghetto Iced Latte" (iced Americano with no water, half and half added from the accouterments counter).