Robotics CEO: 12-Year-Old Whiz As Smart As Ph.Ds

 

When Ted Larson, the CEO of a Silicon Valley robotics firm, hired Rohan Agrawal as his summer intern this year he was skeptical that Rowan could keep up with his team’s pace.

Rohan, after all, is 12 years old. And Larson, whose firm, OLogic, usually hires college or graduate students as interns, had never worked with someone so young. But Larson’s worries were quickly dispelled.

“We had a large box of robot parts that some of the guys at Google gave us,” Larson said of Rowan’s first day at Ologic last summer. The box also contained a few laptops. “The goal was to get Linux and ROS (the Robot Operating System) up and running.”

Larson said that he could have given that box of parts to a grad student and they may have come back to him with a functioning robot in a couple of weeks. Rohan came back the next day with an assembled robot.

“And I was like, ‘oh my god,’ what will I do with him for the summer?” Larson said. “This was Day 2.”

By the end of the internship, Larson was comparing Rohan’s robotics aptitude and knowledge to that of a PhD: “And anyone who has a problem with that clearly hasn’t met Rohan.”

After hearing about Rohan’s very successful internship, we travelled to Silicon Valley to find out how Rohan learned so much about robots by such a young age. Watch the video above to meet Rohan and some of his robots.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/this-could-be-big-abc-news/robotics-ceo-12-old-wiz-smart-ph-ds-194012375.html?vp=1

Ghostly image appears to damage police vehicle

When a Hartford, Connecticut police officer’s personal car was damaged while parked in the department’s lot, investigators turned to security video of the area. Hartford Police Department Lieutenant Brian Foley spoke to WVIT NBC News, "At the end of his shift, went off to his car and found a damaged, his rear view mirror had been damaged and it was lying right there next to the vehicle." The footage showed a very unusual “ghostly” image passing around the car then ripping off the driver side view mirror. The mirror is then thrown to the ground far away from the car and makes its way mysteriously back, landing right next to the vehicle.
The original assumption that the damage was caused by vandals was refuted by the video, but what explained the apparent paranormal display? Lt. Foley said, "Some of the officers said they think the parking lot's haunted." But as NBC Connecticut’s own meteorologist Brad Field explained, there’s a more scientific reason for the car’s curious damage. The atmospheric science expert was at first baffled by the video, but then realized that conditions that day in the parking lot were ideal for a dust devil, a tornado-like whirlwind, to form. Brad Field said, "The only way you can see the dust devil is that it picks up dust and debris into it.” The vertical columns of air tend to form over asphalt during dry, sunny, fair weather and can vary in diameter from 3 meters to greater than 30 meters.
No other cars were damaged in the parking lot and the Hartford PD was able to close the case on the mysterious “vandal.”
More info: WVIT

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/oddnews/ghostly-image-appears-to-damage-police-vehicle-195204737.html?vp=1

Home burns then fire department charges residents nearly $20,000

Justin Purcell and his family were out of their home in Surprise, Arizona when flames engulfed it in August. As reported by KSAZ Fox 10, by the time Justin arrived home with his family the firefighters were losing the battle to save the home. The cause of the fire was unknown. Justin told the station, "It's definitely a shocker when you come back and your house is gone." But Justin was in for another shock when two weeks later he received a bill from Rural Metro Fire Department, a private department, charging him $19,825 for their services in his unincorporated area that has no fire coverage. "Definitely was a surprise. It was a shocker when we got that," said Justin.
Justin reviewed the itemized bill and it listed a charge of $1,500/truck per hour and a significant cost for the three firefighters in each of the two trucks on the scene. "They were paying the firefighters $150 an hour and there were several of them," said Justin. Colin Williams, public information officer for Rural Metro defends the charges saying the rates are fair adding, "Those numbers are set based on 65 years on tradition buying equipment, training, operating a fire service." The family’s home insurance does not cover the charges.
Colin explained Rural Metro’s role in this fire saying, “In this case, [Surprise] firefighters responded. They did receive mutual aid from other departments. Once the fire is knocked down and brought under control, Rural Metro units then provide the overhaul and do essentially the mop up, if you will. So that takes a significant amount of time and a significant amount of resources." When KSAZ asked to see documentation about what the mutual aid agreement entailed, they were told by Colin, “We do have what I call a gentleman's agreement" and there was nothing in writing.
Surprise firefighters arrived at the house within 13 minutes and it took Rural Metro 24 minutes to arrive after the call. Their the closest firehouse is 20 miles away, Assessing the situation, neighbor Brian Repp said, "They got here late and his house is totally gone. OK. Then they're going to charge him $20,000 and they let his house go. I don't think that's right at all." Before the incident area residents thought they had fire coverage because they were paying a “fire district assistance tax.” But it turns out that that is a countywide tax that funds volunteer fire districts.
Arizona State Senator Chester Crandell admitted that fire coverage in Arizona’s rural areas is a mess, “Having county islands that have no service in, in uh, fireboards that are just packing up and leaving, going bankrupt… It's certainly something that needs to be addressed.” But until that time, residents of this unincorporated area have few options: Buy a yearly $500 subscription from Rural Metro for fire coverage, take the gamble of getting a bill if they have a house fire, or form their own fire district which could take months.
The Purcells have another place to stay for the time being they’re grateful to be safe especially with a newborn baby, but they have no idea where they will get the money to pay Rural Metro’s bill. Justin said, “If it was reasonable, and I don’t know what reasonable is on the amount of putting out the fire, but $20,000 you know to do a mop up on the fire is just ridiculous. I can’t believe it.”

More info: KSAZ

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/oddnews/home-burns-then-fire-department-charges-residents-nearly--20-000-204449952.html?vp=1

The 10 Best and Worst Foods to Eat for Sleep

Karen Pearson/FITNESS MagazineBy Melissa Romero

Ah, sleep. It's something we relentlessly crave, but we never seem to get enough of it. Aside from the daily stressors in life, there's one big thing that can keep you from snoozing -- your diet. Here, the best and worst foods to eat for sleep.

Related: 10 Foods That Boost Your Libido (and 3 That Kill It)

Best: Cereal and Milk
Your go-to breakfast staple can also moonlight as the perfect pre-bedtime snack. Eating a combination of carbohydrates and protein enables our bodies to produce the "happy hormone" serotonin, which in turn produces melatonin, a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect, explains Danielle Omar, a DC-based registered dietitian. Just stay away from sugary cereals to avoid getting a sugar high right before bed. Other safe nighttime snack bets include cheese and crackers, cottage cheese and fruit, or oatmeal with milk for a similar soothing effect. 

Worst: Protein
While protein is a vital part of our daily diets, too much of it means less sleep at the end of the day. "High-protein diets have a tendency to give you more energy and not calm you down," says Dr. Michael J. Breus, author of The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan. Instead, remember to munch on a high-carb, low-protein snack that's no more than 200 calories before bed.

Best: Passionfruit
Though not always available in the nearest supermarket, it's worth finding if you're in need of some serious shuteye. Passionfruit contains somniferum, which has sleep-inducing properties. Omar recommends eating the fruit as is, or try it as a juice or tea.

Related: How to Bounce Back After a Bad Night's Sleep

Worst: Alcohol
Sure, your eyelids may start drooping after that second glass of wine, but chances are you'll have a restless night of sleep once you turn in. "After drinking alcohol, usually you get drowsy and fall asleep," says Omar. "But you don't get into the REM stage of sleep." When that happens, you're kept from achieving a deep, uninterrupted sleep -- as the bags under your eyes will tell you the next day.

Best: Bananas
Often called "a pill in a peel" by experts, bananas contain high levels of magnesium, a mineral that acts as a muscle relaxant, which can help us start snoozing faster. Also extremely helpful is the whopping 422 milligrams of potassium one banana contains, since studies have shown potassium can help regulate sleep patterns and nerves.

Worst: Fatty Foods
The fattier your dinner is, the less sleep you'll get, warns Dr. Breus. Eating foods high in fat (especially ones that are greasy or fried) will likely cause uncomfortable heartburn or stomach issues when you lie down. Stick to low-fat snacks and make sure to eat at least two hours before hitting the hay. 

Best: Cherry Juice
A 2011 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that tart cherry juice is a great sleep aid. Adults who drank two glasses of cherry juice daily slept an average of 39 minutes longer than usual. Turns out cherries boast some of the highest levels of melatonin among natural foods, explains Dr. Breus. Try a small nighttime smoothie to start dreaming with 1 cup concentrated tart cherry juice, half a banana, 1/2 cup soymilk, and 5 crushed ice cubes.

Worst: Spicy Food
Not only will that Thai takeout leave your mouth on fire, it may cause nightmares, says Dr. Breus. "I've had patients who've said when they eat a spicy meal it affects their dreams at night." Backing up these claims is a study published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology, which found that subjects who ingested Tabasco sauce and mustard with their dinner had elevated body temperatures during their first sleep cycle, causing sleep disruption and more awake time at night.

Related: 5 Great Gadgets to Improve Your Sleep

Best: Warm Milk
Most of us were fed warm milk as babies and toddlers to help us fall asleep, but the science behind why the drink makes us sleepy is lacking, says Dr. Breus. "There's not enough tryptophan in a glass of warm milk -- you'd have to drink a gallon and a half of it to feel any effect." It's likely that warm milk works as a placebo for inducing sleep because it's comforting. Hey, whatever works, right?

Worst: Caffeine
The effects of caffeine may be obvious, but what's not so obvious is that the stimulant stays active in our bodies for eight to ten hours. "The effects vary from person to person, but by the afternoon you should cut off the caffeine," says Omar. And that doesn't just mean that third cup of coffee after lunch. "That means chocolate too!" she says.

 

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/10-best-worst-foods-eat-sleep-200800541.html#!nrE8K

Flight turns unforgettable when passengers learn of fallen soldier

Delta Flight 2255 from Atlanta to Los Angeles. (Photo: Courtesy of Johnny Jet)

Delta Flight 2255 from Atlanta to Los Angeles seemed to be an ordinary flight with the exception of Candy, who was the most loving flight attendant I’ve ever encountered. Besides using her Southern charm to quickly defuse every situation, she began her welcome announcement by thanking the handful of uniformed soldiers on-board for serving our country. Her poignant message was followed by applause, and it put into perspective that none of us would be able to do what we do without these brave men and women.

MORE FROM JOHNNY JET

• » Travel Tip of the Day: Traveling with Medications 
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But this transcontinental flight turned out to be everything but ordinary. We later learned, when the captain got on the PA system about 45 minutes prior to landing, that we were transporting a fallen soldier. The plane went quiet as he explained that there was a military escort on-board and asked that everyone remain seated for a couple of minutes so the soldiers could get off first. He also warned us not to be alarmed if we see fire trucks since Los Angeles greets their fallen military with a water canon salute. See my video below.

A few minutes after touchdown, we did indeed have a water canon salute, which I’d previously only experienced on happy occasions like inaugural flights. This time, the water glistening on the windowpanes looked like tears.

Passengers in the airport must have been worried when they saw our plane pull into gate 69A, as we had a full police and fire escort, front and back.

I was on the left side of the plane and later realized that the family could be seen off to the right, standing with the United States Army Honor Guard. According to Wikipedia, each military branch has its own honor guard, usually military in nature, and is composed of volunteers who are carefully screened. One of the primary roles for honor guards is to provide funeral honors for fallen comrades.

(Photo: Courtesy of Johnny Jet)

When the jet door opened, another military officer addressed the escort who was standing at attention. He then stepped on the plane and told us passengers “I just addressed the escort. It is a sworn oath to bring home, to the family, the fallen.” He paused and then said, “Today you all did that, you are all escorts, escorts of the heart.” And then thanked us for our time and walked off the plane.

As you can imagine, everyone was silent and no one got up, not even that person from the back row who pretends he doesn’t [understand] English so he can be first off the plane. I’m sure most had meteor-sized lumps in their throats and tears in their eyes like I did.

(Photo: Courtesy of Johnny Jet)

It only got more emotional when I deplaned. There was a large number of passengers, who are normally in a hurry to get home or make a connection, standing by the window to witness something truly moving. To see the Honor Guard and family waiting patiently, while LAX baggage handlers and a military loadmaster removed the flag covered casket first from the cargo hold, was humbling to say the least. I’m not sure if it was the fallen soldier’s mother or wife who I watched slowly walk up to the coffin while a few other family members, wrapped in blankets, stood near with a dozen or so of the Honor Guards standing in salute.

As soon as I saw her reach out to put her hand on her baby’s casket, I walked away.

This ordinary flight became extraordinary and is one that I will never forget.

http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/fallen-soldier-213011521.html

Stranger Makes a Single Mom's Day with a Free Meal

The note left by a stranger.
Sometimes you find kindness in the most unexpected places - even a Pizza Hut!

A single mother from Raleigh, North Carolina wrote to ABC11 to share the incredible experience she had at the pizza chain while dining with her children.

Despite going through a difficult time - she's in the middle of a messy divorce and was forced to move several times - the woman always makes the effort to go out to dinner with her kids every Friday. She recently brought her kids straight from school and daycare to Pizza Hut, when her son's ADHD medication was wearing off.

The woman apologized in advance to a young man seated alone in a nearby booth, worried her children would begin to get rowdy and loud. He replied that he didn't mind, as he had three children of his own.

The woman and her children continued with their meal, with the mother trying the best she could to engage with her kids to keep them on their best behavior. Meanwhile, the young man finished his dinner and left.

At the end of their meal, instead of bringing over the check, the family's waitress came over and said the young man had already paid their bill. He also left them a Pizza Hut gift card and a three-page handwritten letter:

"I do not know your back story, but I have had the privilege of watching you parent your children for the past 30 minutes. I have to say thank you for parenting your children in such a loving manner."

"I have watched you teach your children about the importance of respect, education, proper manners, communication, self control, and kindness all while being very patient," he continued. "I will never cross your path again but am positive that you and your children have amazing futures."

He concludes, "Keep up the good work, and when it starts to get tough, do not forget that others may be watching and will need the encouragement of seeing a good family being raised. God bless! -Jake"

With all the hardship life can bring you, this story shows that good things can happen to you just as easily!

http://shine.yahoo.com/ellen-good-news/stranger-makes-single-moms-day-free-meal-234500227.html

How Cruise Lines Fill All Those Unsold Cabins?

Take a Luxury Cruise at a deep discount — up to 80% Off

Savvy travelers know that a cruise is a vacation without equal. With modern cruise lines pumping millions of dollars into their fleets, today’s cruise ships are floating resorts, with well-appointed cabins, multiple restaurants, daytime and nighttime entertainment and kids’ clubs for younger guests. Plus, you get to visit several exciting destinations on one vacation!
A cruise is an amazing experience. But you know what’s even better? Getting that cruise at an incredible discount — up to 80% off!
Is this really possible? It is with a company called Vacations To Go, the world’s largest seller of cruises.
In business since 1984, Vacations To Go offers smart travelers deeply discounted cruises from all the major cruise lines. You can save on every ship and sailing to the world’s most popular destinations. Browse and compare different cruise lines, ships, cabin categories and itineraries. The only difference between what Vacations To Go offers and what other companies offer is the price you pay.
Cruise ships have a certain number of cabins, and the goal is to always sail full. But that just doesn’t always happen on these large, modern cruise ships.
The ship is still going to sail whether all the cabins are filled or not. At a certain point, the cruise line would much rather sell any remaining cabins at a discount than let them stay empty — getting a small amount for a cabin is better than getting nothing at all. However, if the line just lowers the price, customers who already paid a higher fare will not be happy.
This is where Vacations To Go comes in. The company is authorized to offer these unsold cabins to its registered customers, who then get a top-shelf vacation for a fraction of the regular price. Cruise lines like this arrangement because they don’t have to worry about unsold cabins, and sharp-thinking travelers who have registered with Vacations To Go love the exclusive rates (signing up is completely free of charge, by the way).
And don’t think these deals are just for tiny inside cabins. In fact, every level of cabin hits the unsold list; we see balcony cabins and suites go for huge discounts, too. The Vacations To Go website is constantly updated with new markdowns and cut-rate deals. There are also special rates for travelers ages 55 and up, past cruisers, airline employees, military personnel, residents of select states, police officers and other groups. The company promises that you’ll get the lowest rate with its “Best Price & Service” guarantee.
To be informed of the latest news and special offers, you can register for Vacations To Go’s
free cruise newsletter. And by signing up, you’ll be part of the privileged group that gets access to special unpublished discounts. Before you know it, you’ll be cruising the open sea — with lots of money left over!

http://lifestylejournal.com/ever-wonder-how-cruise-lines-fill-unsold-cabins/?sub=1205-v40f