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Smart and Stylish: BMW’s Vario Luggage for the R1300 GS

BMW has introduced an updated, electrified version of its Vario luggage system for the new BMW R1300 GS adventure bike. This innovative luggage system includes both side cases and a top box designed to cater to the needs of modern riders.

The top box and side cases are made of hard materials and offer significant storage capacity. However, what sets them apart is their electrification. These cases are equipped with the ability to charge electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, or any other gadget with a USB-A connector. They provide a power supply of 15W (5V/3A) for efficient charging. Both the left-side case and the top box are capable of charging your devices.

Additionally, the Vario luggage system can be integrated into the BMW R1300 GS’s remote central locking system for added convenience. Even if you misplace the remote fob, you can still open the Vario boxes using a regular mechanical key.

This updated system allows for a maximum storage capacity of 97 liters. It incorporates a wheel adjuster that makes it easier to change the volume, eliminating the need for the previous two-step system. You can adjust the combined volume of the side cases between approximately 49 liters and 60 liters (with an adjustment of 5.5 liters per side case), and the top box can be varied from 28 liters to 36 liters. Each side case has a load limit of 10kg, while the top box is limited to 6kg. External loads of up to 2kg can be attached to the top box, and up to 1kg to each side case.

However, it’s important to note that BMW recommends a maximum permissible speed of 112 mph when riding with the Vario system. Additionally, this new system is not compatible with previous BMW GS models, including the previous R1250.

To enhance the functionality of the cases, BMW offers Vario Inner Bags as accessories. These bags come in two sizes: a larger bag for each case and a smaller bag for each side case. The smaller bag can be placed on top of the larger bag inside the case. The larger bag designed for the left case features a padded compartment for electronic devices and a cable outlet, making it perfect for charging your gadgets on the go.

This innovative electrified Vario luggage system demonstrates BMW’s commitment to providing modern riders with practical and advanced solutions to enhance their riding experience. It combines the convenience of ample storage space with the ability to charge your electronic devices while on the road, catering to the needs of today’s tech-savvy motorcyclists.

October 18, 2023
The Ultimate Companion for Videographers: DJI OSMO Pocket 3

DJI, a well-known camera technology leader, is creating a buzz in the videography world with its upcoming release, the DJI OSMO Pocket 3. Set to launch on October 25, this new innovation is all set to change the way we capture the world. Leaks have suggested that it will be available with the “Creator Combo Pack,” a set of accessories that could be a game-changer for videographers.

The DJI OSMO Pocket 3 Creator Combo Pack aims to offer essential tools for videographers, ensuring they have everything necessary to capture fantastic footage. Here’s a sneak peek at the accessories included in this exciting package:

1. DJI OSMO Pocket 3: At the core of the package, this pocket-sized camera is expected to be a powerhouse of video recording and stabilization technology.

2. Cover: This cover protects your OSMO Pocket 3, ensuring it stays in perfect condition.

3. Carrying Bag: Safely transport your equipment with the included carrying bag, making it easy to take your creative endeavors on the go.

4. Mini Tripod: Capture stable shots and experiment with versatile angles using the mini tripod, a must-have for any videographer.

5. Wrist Strap: Keep your OSMO Pocket 3 secure while filming, ensuring you won’t miss any moments.

6. Battery Grip Cover: Extend your shooting sessions with the additional grip cover, providing extra power and stability.

7. Wireless Microphone: Improve your audio quality with the wireless microphone, capturing clear and crisp sound even in dynamic environments.

8. Wireless Microphone Windscreen: Reduce wind noise and unwanted interference with the included windscreen, further enhancing your audio recording.

9. Type-C Cable: Connect and charge your equipment efficiently with the Type-C cable.

Images that have been leaked reveal the DJI OSMO Pocket 3 as a sleek and futuristic marvel, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a living robotic alien. The high-quality promotional materials emphasize its aesthetic design and suggest its technological capabilities.

October 17, 2023
The Natural Wonder of England’s Chalky Seven Sisters Cliffs

The Seven Sisters are a set of tall chalk cliffs along the English Channel coast. They are a part of the South Downs Mountains, which have been shaped by the sea. You can find these cliffs in East Sussex, in the southeast of England, between the Cockmere River near Seaford and Chalk Headland close to Eastbourne.

These cliffs and the land around them make up the Seven Sisters Country Park. The area is next to the A259 road and is also part of the larger South Downs National Park. Seven Sisters starts to the east of Kakamer Haven and goes to the west.

There are seven hills in this region, and the rest is shaped by the sea’s actions. Just east of the last hill is a place called Birling Gap. At the top of the next hill stands the Belle Tout Lighthouse. In the sea, there’s another lighthouse that marks the next headland.

Many things in the area are named after the cliffs, like the Seven Sisters Ship Center. The Seven Sisters Cliffs have been featured in some movies and TV shows. The White Cliffs scene is especially famous and has been shown a lot.

The White Cliffs of Dover are important because they protect a significant harbor. They are also covered with plants and look green. Scenes of the Seven Sisters can be seen at the start of the movie “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and at the end of “Atonement.”

In the movie “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” from 2005, you can see the Seven Sisters in the background of the Quidditch World Cup. Filmmakers often use the Seven Sisters as a location for shooting. Seaford Head, for example, was where they made the 2019 movie “Hope Gap,” starring Bill Nighy and Annette Bening.

The first full-length film by Jessica Swale, called “Summerland,” came out in 2020. They filmed it around Seaford, and many scenes featured the Seven Sisters. One of the wallpapers that comes with Microsoft Windows 7 shows the eastern side of the Seven Sisters. Travelers from all over the world visit this place for tours.

October 16, 2023
Dolphins: The Brilliant Hunters of the Deep

In the vast animal kingdom, some creatures possess extraordinary features that might amaze you. Let’s delve into the remarkable characteristics of five such animals: elephants, apes, crocodiles, and dolphins.

Elephants

Elephants are nature’s water experts. They can detect water sources from miles away, and when it rains, they sense it through low-frequency sounds. Surprisingly, elephants don’t sweat to stay cool. Instead, they rely on their enormous ears and hair.

The heat from their body escapes through their hair, and they have blood vessels between their massive ears that help regulate their temperature. Think of their ears as natural fans; when they flap them, elephants feel more comfortable.

Apes

Apes, like chimpanzees and gorillas, share an interesting trait—they lack tails. What sets them apart is their remarkable ability to use both hands for various tasks, which is a sign of their complex brains. This dexterity enables them to perform a wide range of actions skillfully.

Crocodiles

Crocodiles possess one of the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom. Their jaws can exert immense force when capturing prey. The speed at which crocodiles can open and close their jaws is astonishing—six times faster than the blink of an eye. Moreover, their jaws are incredibly sensitive.

Underwater, crocodiles can keep their ears and nostrils closed to prevent water from entering. They have a unique digestive system that can break down even ingested stones.

Dolphins

Dolphins, seemingly ordinary aquatic creatures, are incredibly intelligent beings. They engage in successful group hunting, and their brains feature a highly developed cerebral cortex. This advanced brain allows them to perform complex tasks like sensing, planning, and making decisions from a distance.

Dolphins employ novel techniques for hunting, enabling them to capture multiple schools of fish simultaneously. Their intelligence and hunting strategies are truly remarkable.

These unique qualities of elephants, apes, crocodiles, and dolphins showcase the incredible diversity and wonder of the animal kingdom. Each of these animals has evolved in fascinating ways to thrive in their respective environments.

October 16, 2023
Luxembourg: The World’s Richest Nation with Free Public Transport

Luxembourg, a European country nestled between France, Germany, and the Netherlands, boasts a remarkable feature – a completely free public transport system available to all. Notably, Luxembourg is the world’s wealthiest nation when considering GDP per capita.

For those seeking the most budget-friendly lodging option in this country, be prepared to part with around 11,000 rupees for a night’s stay. Luxembourg holds a significant role in the establishment of the European Union and hosts many of its essential buildings and offices.

The nation has three official languages, with German and French among them. French holds a predominant position and is widely used, especially in shopping centers. Luxembourg boasts a robust banking sector, and its capital city is home to 130,000 residents.

The city’s architectural marvels are sure to leave you in awe. It features a network of small tunnels that offer convenient passage from one end of the city to the other. The Grand Ducal Palace of Luxembourg is renowned throughout Europe. Though a king or duke resides there, their authority has diminished over time, and they no longer influence the country’s laws and regulations. The city is adorned with stunning buildings that captivate the eye.

Bock Rock stands tall as the country’s highest cliff, enduring for over a millennium. Once crucial for regional defense and military purposes, it currently has limited military significance. The surrounding area boasts a collection of tunnels, known as the Bock Tunnels, which attract numerous tourists.

However, it’s essential to note that dining in Luxembourg can be quite expensive. Expect to pay at least 1800 to 2000 taka for lunch and dinner. The residents of this affluent country enjoy numerous privileges due to its status as the world’s richest nation.

October 15, 2023
Parker Solar Probe: Journey to the Sun’s Heart Sets New Speed Record

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, the winner of PopSci’s Best of What’s New in 2018, continues to achieve remarkable feats. The spacecraft has been progressively moving closer to the sun than any previous spacecraft, setting new speed records along the way. In a recent update from NASA, it was revealed that the Parker Solar Probe has once again broken its own record by becoming the fastest human-made object, reaching an incredible speed of 394,736 miles per hour.

This milestone was accomplished thanks to a gravity-assist flyby from Venus. The record-breaking event occurred during the probe’s 17th “solar encounter,” which took place from September 27 to October 3. To put this extraordinary speed into perspective, the Parker Solar Probe could hypothetically complete about 15 circumnavigations of Earth in a single hour or traverse the distance between New York City and Los Angeles in just 20 seconds. However, such a journey would be unsurvivable for human passengers, but it remains an impressive achievement.

During this recent encounter, the probe also set a new record for proximity to the sun, coming within a mere 4.51 million miles from the sun’s scorching plasma “surface.” To withstand temperatures reaching nearly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, the Parker Solar Probe is equipped with a 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite shield to safeguard its sensitive instruments.

These instruments play a crucial role in measuring and imaging the sun’s surface, advancing our understanding of the origins and evolution of solar winds. Additionally, they aid in predicting changes in space environments that could impact life on Earth. In a significant event last month, the probe passed through one of the most intense coronal mass ejections (CMEs) ever observed, confirming a two-decade-old theory that CMEs interact with interplanetary dust. This discovery will enhance experts’ capabilities in forecasting space weather.

Despite the grueling conditions it encounters, NASA reports that the Parker Solar Probe remains in excellent health, with all systems operating normally. The mission is far from over, with seven more solar encounters planned through 2024. By that time, within the orbit of Mercury, the Parker Solar Probe will meet its poetic end, vaporizing into the sun’s intense solar winds, as one mission researcher described it back in 2021.

October 13, 2023
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: 6 Hidden Facts and Figures

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is incredibly popular in the world of movies. It’s hard to discuss fantasy films without mentioning this iconic series. However, there are many lesser-known facts about the making of these famous movies that might surprise you. Let’s explore six such aspects:

1. Staggering Box Office Success: Each movie in the series grossed an average of $970 million, earning more than ten times the investment for each film. The total box office collection for all three movies combined is a staggering $2.9 billion USD.

2. Rich Linguistic World: The Lord of the Rings franchise features a total of seven languages. J.R.R. Tolkien, the creator of this fantasy saga, was a linguist and a professor of English at the University of Leeds. Among the notable languages are Sindarin and Quenya, spoken by the Elves, Sauron’s language, Entish, the language of the Valar, and Khuzdul, the secret language of the Dwarves. Each language has its own grammar rules, making it possible to use these languages in real life.

3. Impact on Avatar: Director James Cameron had completed 80% of the movie Avatar in 1994. However, due to the limitations in visual effects at the time, he couldn’t proceed with the film. It was only in 2002, after being impressed by the CGI and motion capture work in “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” that he decided it was time to resume work on Avatar.

4. Simultaneous Production: The three movies of the trilogy were released in 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively. The editing team faced a monumental challenge given the extensive length of the films. Work on all three movies was happening simultaneously, and even after the release of the third movie, editing continued.

5. Innovations in Graphics and VFX: The Lord of the Rings trilogy introduced many groundbreaking elements in graphics and visual effects. To achieve this, the director incorporated practical elements in many scenes. Surprisingly, the production used around 18,000 costumes throughout the trilogy.

6. Sean Bean’s Fear of Helicopters: Sean Bean, who portrayed Boromir, had an intense fear of helicopters. As a result, he had to walk for about two hours to reach the shooting set rather than taking a helicopter. This unique fear led to everyone on the cast and crew waiting on the hill for almost two hours to accommodate his arrival.

These behind-the-scenes insights provide a fascinating look at the intricate work and unique challenges faced during the creation of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

October 12, 2023
Susie Evans and Clayton Eckerd: The End of a Romance

Clayton Eckerd, a well-known American TV personality and actor, became famous for his role in the Bachelor TV series. Some surprising details about his love life have become a hot topic on the internet.

Clayton was in a long-term romantic relationship with Susie Evans, another popular American actress and TV personality. Their romance was on and off over time, and fans were quite excited about them as a couple.

However, it became widely known that Clayton and Susie have parted ways, ending their love story. Currently, Clayton has expressed that he’s not ready to seek love again. This has left fans curious about the twists and turns in Clayton’s romantic life.

The 29-year-old TV personality stated, “Perhaps I’ll find a new partner to date, but I’m not in the right mental space at the moment. I don’t wish to meet anyone. My focus is on self-care and my work. I’m not ready to let anyone new into my life.”

Their relationship had been quite wonderful for several months, and fans followed their love story with great interest. However, Susie raised concerns about Clayton getting close to another woman, which led to issues between them.

At one point, Susie decided to leave ABC television’s popular series ‘The Bachelor.’ She later returned for the final part of the series. Nevertheless, she made the decision not to resume her relationship with Clayton.

Susie Evans mentioned, “I admired his personality before we started dating, but we faced various challenges in recent days. We tried to keep the relationship going, but it ultimately didn’t work out. Breaking up became the only option.”

Clayton and Susie’s relationship, which garnered significant attention from fans, sadly came to an end. Clayton is taking time for self-care and work, while fans wait to see how his romantic journey unfolds in the future.

October 12, 2023
Classic Meets Modern: The BMW R75 Gets an Electric Makeover

Electric motorcycle conversions of classic bikes are gaining momentum. Paris-based custom shop Mototherapy has introduced ‘Ride Mercury,’ an electric motorcycle conversion project that targets classic BMW boxers, and they’ve rolled out their prototype, the ‘R01.’

The R01 is based on the timeless BMW R75 motorcycle, which has been carefully restored, preserving most of its original charm.

Mototherapy’s objective with the ‘Ride Mercury’ project is to revive classic motorcycles by adding electric drivetrains. Company founder Jean-Marie Raymon emphasizes that functionality is at the heart of their efforts, aiming for a practical enhancement rather than creating a mere showroom novelty.

To achieve this, Mototherapy’s team has ingeniously designed a full electric drivetrain that seamlessly fits into the BMW R75’s chassis, without the need for any frame modifications. This plug-and-play system keeps the essence of the original motorcycle intact.

The electric motor delivers up to 20 kW of power, producing a maximum of 340 Nm of torque and 30 hp, driving the rear wheel. The current range on a single charge is approximately 150 km (93 miles), and the onboard 1.8 kW charger takes about six hours for a full recharge.

All the essential components are neatly packaged within custom-made aluminum enclosures, with structural elements crafted from steel. Two of the four batteries are housed in cases designed to resemble the boxer’s iconic cylinder heads, while the other two are positioned closer to the front of the bike. The electric motor is located where the original transmission used to be and is directly connected to the BMW’s original driveshaft.

Because Mototherapy handles all design aspects in-house, the layout is continually evolving. A second-generation design is already in the works, featuring ‘cylinder heads’ positioned a bit lower for improved ventilation.

It’s essential to note that the R01 serves as a proof of concept. This explains the use of Ride Mercury’s prototype ‘engine block’ design and the fact that many other aspects of the bike remain original. The objective is to demonstrate that an electric drivetrain can be retrofitted onto a vintage motorcycle without requiring a complete overhaul of the machine.

Only a few components have been upgraded, such as the headlight internals and the digital dashboard that connects to the motor’s controller. Currently, the original fuel tank is an empty shell, but the team is exploring options to convert it into storage space or integrate an enhanced charging port.

For those looking to get their hands on one, the entire package isn’t available as a ‘crate’ system yet. However, Ride Mercury will assemble a complete electric BMW R75 for a starting price of €29,500 (around $31,233). Pre-orders for the R01 will open next week, with the first deliveries expected in the second quarter of the coming year.

October 12, 2023
From Moscow to Vladivostok: The Epic Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest railway network, connecting Moscow with places like China, Mongolia, and North Korea. It’s an incredibly long journey that takes about seven to eight days without any interruptions. This vast railway system was built to meet the growing need for transportation and trade.

The railway became vital for maintaining Moscow’s connection with Siberia and for facilitating the movement of goods. It was also a way to ensure that Moscow could communicate with the Russian port of Vladivostok. But constructing the railway near Lake Baikal presented many challenges.

The construction of this railway network involved the efforts of refugees, retired soldiers, farmers, and day laborers. It expanded to connect hundreds of cities, even reaching Beijing. In 2011, a train traveled to North Korea for the first time.

Passenger travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway began as an experiment in 1904 and was officially launched in 1916. The entire railway system has been electrified, allowing trains to run at speeds of over 100 kilometers per hour. While the primary purpose of the railway is to transport cargo, it has become increasingly popular with tourists. Passenger trains have been introduced to cater to the desires of travel enthusiasts.

You can embark on this incredible journey for a minimum cost of £114. The train offers amenities like a library, gym, and fine dining, making your travel experience enjoyable. You can explore this vast network at any time of the year, and the train’s climate control ensures comfort during the winter months. Traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway is a remarkable adventure that allows you to experience various landscapes and cultures along the way.

October 11, 2023