Categories
Car Technology

Gas? Where we are going, we don’t need gas Marty

Back to the Future… gave stardom to the DeLorean DMC-12. And let’s be honest that was the last we heard of it.

Until now….

Because, DeLorean are back, with an electric car!

DeLorean just revealed its new all-electric Alpha5 concept car featuring the iconic gull-wing doors

  • The DeLorean Motor Company revealed an all-new concept EV that harkens back to the iconic DMC-12.
  • Dubbed the Alpha5, the new model seats four and features gull-wing doors.
  • DeLorean says the Alpha5 will make its debut at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week in August.

Like the original, the Alpha5 features a sleek silhouette and gull-wing doors. In place of the 2.8-liter V6 engine, a 100 kilowatt-hour battery is expected to deliver a top speed of 155 mph and a range of 300 miles.

To paraphrase the time-traveling Doc Brown, “Gas? Where we’re going, we don’t need gas.”

The new model also makes room for two rear seats, doubling the capacity.

While the cars share some branding and design elements, the new DeLorean Motor Company is not the same as the one founded by John DeLorean back in the 1970’s. After just a few years of production, the original DeLorean went bankrupt, and the branding was eventually sold to a service and parts company now known as Classic DMC.

Classic DMC has an ownership stake in the new DeLorean, but is otherwise uninvolved in the operation of the company. Also, the Alpha5 was designed by the team at Italdesign, which was co-founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who shaped the DMC-12.

So there you go… want an electric car? want something that’s got a bit of heritage?… then this could be for you. I do believe though.. the flux capacitor is not part of the accessories offered. Currently.

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Uncategorized

Apple Event… June 6th!

In an average year, Apple holds three to four events. There’s usually a spring event in March, the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, a September event that’s focused on iPhone and Apple Watch, and sometimes an October event if there are iPads or Macs expected.

Apple always holds its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, and we’re not expecting any deviation from the standard plan in 2022. WWDC often takes place early in the month, and for the last two years, it has been a digital event rather than an in-person event. This year’s keynote is set to be held on Monday, June 6.

What we know, is that there’ll be the new operating system, 16… that’ll be shared.

Whilst you might not be overtly excited by this… Apple is working on new features for notifications, the Messages app, the Lock screen, and more, with some of the rumored features listed below.

  • Overhauled Lock screen with wallpapers that have “widget-like capabilities.”
  • There will be “significant” improvements to notifications, though we don’t know specific details.
  • Messages app with “social network-like functionality” with a specific focus on audio messages.
  • Health app with expanded sleep tracking functionality and medicine management. Apple is working on a tool that will let users scan their pill bottles into the app, plus there are new women’s health features expected.
  • Fresh Apple apps are in the works, with no more specific information.
  • Apple is also working on “new ways of system interaction,” but it’s not quite clear what that means.
  • New Fitness+ workout types.
  • Apple Music classical app with interface based on Primephonic, an app Apple acquired in 2021.

On top of this, Apple also want users of the iPad have more of a laptop/computer feel.

iPadOS 16 will get many of the new features that are introduced in iOS 16, but Apple is also working on additional functionality that’s iPad specific. 

There is a new multitasking interface that’s in the works, and it will include a notable overhaul to multitasking and windowing on the tablet form factor. Apple could perhaps bring iPadOS more in line with macOS.

There’ll be news on the operating system for the iWatch, Mac and the Apple TV.

And don’t forget… in September, Apple will hold another event and we’re expecting the new iPhone 14…! (Lots of rumours to what it’ll be like… which I’ll share very soon with you all!)

So for the moment, look forward to a new and improved operating system for the Apple products we use in our life.

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

Recently, Sidhu Moosewala – a singer, actor, artist who was from the northern region of India, called Punjab was shot dead.

He was a Global Superstar. Some huge artists around the world put messages on their social media channels and many people were saddened to learn about his untimely death.

One thing that really stuck out for me, was a post on Instagram. Which is my Friday Thought… I don’t think it needs any extra words from me.

Categories
Dream Big

Leadership… Emotional Intelligence

If you follow me on Twitter, you’d have noticed, that I was at Wembley on the weekend. Sunday, Nottingham Forest played Huddersfield.. in the Championship Playoff Final. An opportunity to be promoted to the Premiership and moreso… the financial advantage of £170m.

But let’s take a step back.

In September 2021… this is how the league table looked…

An announcement was made by the club…

Nottingham Forest have sacked Chris Hughton after six defeats in their opening seven league games left the club bottom of the Championship with one point.

Having already overseen Forest’s worst start to a season in 108 years, Hughton’s final game in charge was a 2-0 loss to Middlesbrough at the City Ground on Wednesday.

Hughton out.

Cooper in.

And what a turnaround.

He changed a few things. And the result was, he brought the club to a Top 6 finish and moreso.. saw Forest beat the likes of Leicester and Arsenal in the FA Cup.

But how?

Well… there’s one key thing he’s done. And that’s using emotional intelligence.

What is Emotional Intelligence Bal?

What Steve Cooper has done is build belief into the team. He’s coached the players, had the right coaching staff with him, understand what the aims and objectives are, worked closely with the CEO, got the right players in the team (loans from other teams that strengthen the team)… but most important, built a purpose of belonging.

He had a bbq and invited the players, the staff, kids, everyone… it was a lovely day. Showed that the team is one big family.

Now don’t get me wrong… he’s tried things, and sometimes they haven’t worked out. Maybe not playing a particular player for a match which was lost. There’s learnings to be had. And it’s those learnings that make us stronger.

Below is a picture of Djed Spence. But focus on what is on the poster behind him…

On the poster behind him… are personal messages from his family.

It’s these small touches that build the connection.

It’s these small touches that build the togetherness.

Yes, they are all individuals – but together a team. That needs to function but bring their individual skills and contribution to make the whole team a success.

Everyone operates differently. But having empathy, helps tremendously.

Not only with the players. But with the supporters. The way Steve Cooper has interacted. Each week has been a sell-out at the City Ground.

This leadership can be taken from the football pitch to the large businesses and organisations, where leaders are trained and built to have emotional intelligence.

There’s a number of things that Steve did… both on and off the pitch, this is the one that really struck out for me, as one that others can take away and learn from.

Oh, and this is what the table was like at the end of the season…

(For those unaware… top two are automatically promoted… 3 played 6 and 4 played 5…. then, the winners of both played in the playoff final).

Categories
Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

Today’s thought is all about creating those memories.

I’ve got the book, which I’m reading, called Dance First, Think Later. Fantastic book. And one of the quotes is about what are you going to do… from which you can tell stories about for many years to come. Go and enjoy yourself, do things that you are passionate about and do things that will create those memories.


Taken from Dance First, Think Later.
Categories
Uncategorized

Bal’s Friday Thought…

I’m reading Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King. Fantastic book! the section I’m on now, is about you – that you are one of the kind and individual. So why follow others?

We now, today frown upon slavery. But you know it was legal once upon a time. Be you, do the right things.

Categories
Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

Always been a fan of the Special One. Yes, Jose Mourinho. The brilliant football manager. Often says a few harsh things, seems a little arrogant but there’s no going away from what he has achieved at so many football clubs.

And today’s thought… somewhat funny, but somewhat interesting.

Categories
Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

We use our energy in different ways.

Many times, it’s fighting the old, the existing… what’s happening/happened.

However… what we should be doing is using our energy to build the new. What is needed in this world, in our communities to improve and make better. That is where our energy should be focused. Look to the future… look to the new.

Categories
Social Media

Elon’s Twitter

Ok, I know it’s been a while – a lot has been going on, however – I knew for a fact, that you’d be thinking, hope Bal writes something about Elon buying Twitter! And yes, here it is… a quick blog post about Elon and Twitter.

For those who don’t know what Twitter is – Twitter is an American microblogging and social networking service on which users post and interact with messages known as “tweets”. Registered users can post, like, and retweet tweets, but unregistered users can only read those that are publicly available.

Twitter Is Making Its Platform Safer With This New Feature

There’s millions, if not billions of people who use Twitter. And if you’re on there and not following me… I am @balbansal

Now, to the story in hand. Elon, who we all know from SpaceX, Tesla, etc… has gone and bought it for a cool $44bn.

Elon Musk's Twitter profile displayed on a computer screen and Twitter logo displayed on a phone screen are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on April 9, 2022.

Elon (who is worth $273bn) said…

“Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated,”.

“I also want to make Twitter better than ever by enhancing the product with new features, making the algorithms open source to increase trust, defeating the spam bots, and authenticating all humans,” he added.

“Twitter has tremendous potential – I look forward to working with the company and the community of users to unlock it.”

The move comes as Twitter faces growing pressure from politicians and regulators over the content that appears on its platform. It has drawn critics from left and right over its efforts to mediate misinformation on the platform.

In one of its most high-profile moves, last year it banned former US President Donald Trump, perhaps its most powerful user, citing the risk of “incitement of violence” – remember that?

At the time Mr Musk observed: “A lot of people are going to be super unhappy with West Coast high tech as the de facto arbiter of free speech.”

So there you go… Elon has bought Twitter, will enable a number of changes and as he loves ‘free speech’, it will be very interesting to see how the platform develops. Obviously he’ll be looking for a return on his investment but moreso… what is interesting is, he’d promised the World Health Organization, that if that could show a detailed plan on how to solve world hunger, he’d donate $6bn to the cause… they showed him the plan, but I’ve not heard about the $6bn being donated. Maybe he’ll tweet it soon….

So, what features do you think he should introduce first?

Categories
Social Media

Sunday Self Care

We know, in today’s world, there’s a lot of information.

We only have to open any social media platform, and there’s so much content available for us to consume… it’s crazy!

For example, you could stumble on various YouTube videos if you were looking to buy a new tumble dryer and were not sure which one to go for! Clearly explaining the benefits of a heat pump version as opposed a normal condenser one (real life example!).

With so much information, data and content – we need to ensure, that we take time for ourselves and disconnect.

Daily activities, such as work, home, family, friends, social media, other items will take their toll. Make sure, you are able to give what you can. And every day, it won’t be 100%.

We think, showing up daily is 100%. But is it really? What it actually means is that there’ll be various levels… not everyday, each day is the same.

Like anything in life, there’ll be ups and downs (smiles and frowns). What is important is you realise this. Not everyday, when you show up – means you do 100%. There’s so many external factors that can effect how you operate, how you do things.

Therefore, on Sunday… before the week ahead – make a list of things you want to accomplish. Things you want to achieve and things you’d like to do.

This way, you have goals, and know what you need to do. Yes, external factors might prevent you or slow you down, but if you’re focused, if you know what you want… chances of you getting it are higher.

Self-care, we speak alot about it, and it is important.

Technology can help.

I’ve said this before.

Technology is not to blame. It’s the users who are to blame.

Users should know when to stop. (I’m included in this as a user)

Or at least slow down. Or use it when required.

So take every Sunday to look after yourself.

Sunday Self Care – to prepare you for the week ahead.