David Lidsky's Blog, page 4666

Quantum Computing Gets a Step Closer With Seven-Atom Transistor

Quantum computing just got a little bit closer, after an Australian team of researchers unveiled a seven-atom transistor. Measuring just four billionths of a meter and embedded in a single silicon crystal, it acts as a switch on a chip and paves the way for faster processing in an even smaller package. The team, from the Centre of Quantum Technology at the University of New South Wales, did the tricky stuff by hand, which means that commercial versions of their breakthrough will be at least...

Times Square Set for Colorful Makeover Before Summer's Tourist Rush

Artist Molly Dilworth wins a competition to paint over the recently pedestrianized square; the soothing blues that will supposedly cool the streets down.

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Bomb scares notwithstanding, it's hard to believe that only a year has passed since New York's Times Square transformed from a honking, expletive-laden urban jungle to a relatively calm pedestrian oasis--all thanks to the Green Light for Midtown project, which shut off Times Square to cars. And that expanse is set for a colorful makeover...

Your Sunscreen May Give You Cancer: Study

Sunscreen is supposed to protect us from cancer, but a new report from the Environmental Working Group claims that many products don't do what they're supposed to. Some sunscreens contains ingredients that might even trigger skin tumors and lesions, according to the EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide.

The EWG recommends just 39 (8%) of 500 beach and sport sunscreens tested for the guide. Why do so many sunscreens get a mark of disapproval? A number of reasons--SPF claims above 50 can't be...

We're Hiring!

Fast Company's looking for an intelligent, dynamic, and energetic Event Manager to help with all aspects of planning and executing Fast Company franchise events. Innovation Uncensored. Masters of Design. Most Creative People. You've read about (and attended, if you're lucky) this stuff. Help take the reins. The position reports to the Events Marketing Director.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Sourcing event venues, negotiating contracts, logistical planning, tracking...

CEOs Share Their Spending Dreams for National Splurge Day

Chicago writer and "eventologist" Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith may have created this fake holiday on a lark, but that hasn't stopped people -- and companies -- from marking it. We asked a few consumption experts for their personal wish lists.

"My favorites are contemporary-art and gallery showings. I recently splurged on Camille Rose Garcia's Twilight: Deer." -- Livia Tortella, EVP of Atlantic Records

 

"Designer clothing and accessories, such as a Louis Vuitton custom luggage set, so I could...

Infographic: "Home and Away" Tracks Iraq/Afghanistan Casualties

Two maps, side by side, show where fallen soldiers were from, and where they died.

CNN has created a heart-breaking infographic memorializing coalition troops who've fallen during the Iraq/Afghanistan war.

Up top, side-by-side time lapse videos reveal where those troops died--and, just as important, where they're from:

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But perhaps more moving--and unique among the various Iraq and Afghanistan infographics we've seen--is that the site isn't meant to be taken in passively: It's an...

Apple ATM? Patent Suggests Reinvented Cash Machines With iPhone Marriage

Apple's patent applications have got a bit single-minded of late, with lots to do with near-field communications radio--including this one, which has a cool twist: Apple, with its iPhone, wants to reinvent the ATM.

We mentioned a previous NFC-centric Apple patent concerned with paying for stuff before--Apple's intention is that because we take our iPhones pretty much everywhere, then there's no reason why with some tricked-out short-range radio hardware and clever apps they can't reinvent...

The Most Creative Entrepreneurs in Business

Last year's list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business spanned industries of all sizes--this year's list, which launches later this month, promises to be just as expansive and eclectic. Here we present the top entrepreneurs of 2009 and how these innovators finished out of the aughts.

Tyler Perry:
His name is tacked onto many productions, always adding a Midas touch. His films have grossed almost $400 million worldwide, and he's been ranked the sixth highest-paid man in Hollywood...

World Cup Mascots: Borderline Offensive, Oddly Mincing

We've wondered before why Olympic mascots always look so egregious. But they've got nothing on the World Cup Mascots. In the last 42 years, these creatures have alternately reinforced stereotypes about their host countries--or been busy feathering their hair, propping their hands jauntily on their hips, and wriggling into skin-tight shorts (ALWAYS in fashion).

5 Reasons Your Fast-Car Is More Social Than Your Fast-Food

Mercedes-Benz and McDonald's spend millions of dollars marketing their brands to make them visible, relevant, different, cool, or perhaps ... to make them sell. Today the two very different companies are investing more in a similar strategy to make their medallions and their Arches "social." They hope Facebook Likers and Twitter Followers will generate social buzz leading to better brand images and ultimately selling more more cars and burgers (respectively). The marketing mantra now...