Author: Gugu Lourie
It was a matter of time before someone mistook or misused the narcissistic selfie-stick for a traditional weapon. Disney World has banned the selfie-stick from its theme parks citing security concerns. By Ujuh Reporter Reports from the US say Disney World has passed a new policy, effective from the 1st of July 2015, preventing entry of selfie-sticks in its theme parks in Paris, Hong Kong and California (Disneyland Resort). Disney World spokeswoman, Kim Prunty, is quoted saying “We strive to provide a great experience for the entire family, and unfortunately selfie-sticks have become a growing safety concern for both our…
People have always dreamed about going beyond the limitations of their bodies: the pain, illness and, above all, death. Now a new movement is dressing up this ancient drive in new technological clothes. Referred to as transhumanism, it is the belief that science will provide a futuristic way for humans to evolve beyond their current physical forms and realise these dreams of transcendence. By Richard Jones Perhaps the most dramatic way transhumanists believe that technology will transform the human condition is the idea that someone’s mind could be converted into digital data and “uploaded” into an immensely powerful computer. This would…
Something as simple as picking up a cup of tea requires an awful lot of action from your body. Your arm muscles fire to move your arm towards the cup. Your finger muscles fire to open your hand then bend your fingers around the handle. Your shoulder muscles keep your arm from popping out of your shoulder and your core muscles make sure you don’t tip over because of the extra weight of the cup. All these muscles have to fire in a precise and coordinated manner, and yet your only conscious effort is the thought: “I know: tea!” By Dimitra…
MTN today announced it has appointed Stephen van Coller as vice president of strategy and mergers & acquisitions effective 1 October 2016. Van Coller is currently the CEO: Corporate and Investment Banking at Barclays Africa. MTN also announce the departure of Brett Goschen as chief financial officer and will be replaced by MTN Rwanda CEO Gunter Engling as an acting CFO. The mobile phone operator said Goschen will be leaving MTN effective 30 September 2016 to pursue other interests. “We thank Brett for his considerable contribution to the Group over a period of 14 years and wish him well in his new endeavours,” the company…
We live in an increasingly competitive world where we are always looking to gain an advantage over our rivals, sometimes even our own colleagues. In some cases, it can push people to extreme, unethical and illegitimate methods – something we’ve seen recently in the doping scandal that has hit the athletics world. By Barbara Sahakian In a recent review paper, we found that people are increasingly using performance-enhancing drugs for common tasks ranging from sitting examinations to giving presentations and conducting important negotiations. These “cognitive enhancers” – such as antidepressants, beta blockers (used to treat heart conditions or anxiety) or “smart…
MTN SA is streamlining and modernising its Midrand warehouse operations to improve efficiencies and customer service. This is part of a drive to focus on the core business while exploring adjacent growth opportunities. This business model change has resulted in discontinuation of some operational processes. As such, MTN SA has decided not to renew labour broker contracts when they expire on 31 July 2016. MTN SA has informed relevant labour brokers providing temporary resources. The number of affected temporary staff is sixty three. MTN SA CEO Mteto Nyati said this was not an easy decision to take. “The decision was…
The TriFan 600 vertical takeoff personal jet, made by XTI Aircraft Company (XTI), could revolutionise the way people travel, Business Insider reported. The TriFan 600, a six-seat airplane which combines the speed, range and comfort of a business jet has the ability to take off and land like a helicopter. It would become the first commercial high-speed, long-range vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) airplane. No traditional jet, helicopter or other aircraft can offer the same world of possibilities, because not one of them can provide true door-to-door travel with the speed, range or operational flexibility needed for true efficiency. That…
With billions of wireless devices shipped across the globe every year, it is safe to assume that most of us carry at least one wireless gadget with us much of the time. By Maxim Chernyshev The number of wearables to be shipped this year alone is expected to exceed 100 million. Interestingly, one-third of wearables next year will be rather inconspicuous, with smart contact lenses and connected jewellery also hitting the market. The growing demand for more traditional gadgets such as smartphones and tablets is also set to continue. The increasing popularity of wireless home automation products and smart appliances means…
When news breaks – whether the story of a disease outbreak, a terrorist attack or a natural disaster – people increasingly turn to the internet and social media. Individuals use Twitter and Facebook as primary sources for news and information. Social media platforms – including Reddit, Wikipedia and other emerging outlets such as Snapchat – are distinct from traditional broadcast and print media. But they’ve become powerful tools for communicating rapidly and without intermediary gatekeepers, like editors. By Jacob Groshek and Serena Bronda The problem is that social media is also a great way to spread misinformation, too. Millions of Americans shape…
The City of Tshwane has received international recognition last night winning the World Wi-Fi Day Award for Most Innovative City or Government Program to bridge the Digital Divide, in Liverpool, England. By Staff Writer An award in this category recognizes cities, governments and organizations that develop local and national plans to bridge the digital divide. Shortlisted projects must evidence the successful implementation of comprehensive Wi-Fi solutions which innovatively overcome the challenges and complexities associated with these large-scale deployments. The Tshwane Free Wi-Fi has brought 1.8 million citizens in the Capital City online in the biggest deployment of municipal Free Wi-Fi…