Alice 105.9
-Rainbow Eucalyptus- The unique multi-hued bark is the most distinctive feature of the tree. Patches of outer bark are shed annually at different times, showing a bright green inner bark. This then darkens and matures to give blue, purple, orange and then maroon tones.
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Sologic's eTree offers free Wi-Fi and phone charging
By Stu Robarts October 28, 2014
Sologic has recently installed its first eTree in the Ramat Hanadiv nature park, Israel
Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees. Wi-Fi and electricity, on the other hand, sometimes do. The eTree, created by Israeli renewables firm Sologic, is a public space intervention aimed at provide a place to rest, connect to the internet and recharge devices.
The eTree uses solar panels to generate electricityThe solar panels spread out on metal 'branches'The solar panels and branches also provide some shadeThe eTrees can be configured with water fountains and water troughs for petsView all
The eTree is reminiscent of the Green Sun Rising Solar Benches that provide shade and device charging and the Wi-Fi cows that were dotted around the UK's Glastonbury Festival last year. Like those examples, a relatively small installation is required to provide a convenient public facility.
As well as being a public space facility, Sologic describes the eTree as being part social-environmental enterprise and part ecological sculpture. Sologic says it is aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability, as well as creating a link between the community and the environment.
The solar panels and branches also provide some shade
The eTree uses solar panels mounted on "branches" to harvest energy and generate electricity from the sun. Using this electricity, the eTree powers USB charging points for mobile devices, free Wi-Fi for the surrounding area and an LCD screen providing information, such as the amount of electricity generated by the tree. The eTree also provides night-time lighting.
In addition to their roles in generating electricity, the branches and solar panels provide shade for the area below. Depending on the configuration of the eTree, this might include a bench for the public to use as a rest point. A drinking fountain can also be incorporated into design, as can a water trough for pets.
The eTrees can also be configured with benches for seating
The eTree is designed for use in residential and urban areas such as courtyards, schools, universities and parks. It can be configured according to the requirements of the specific site. Sologic's first eTree was recently "planted" in the Ramat Hanadiv nature park in Israel.
The video below provides an overview of the eTree.
Sources: Sologic, Ramat Hanadiv
http://sol-logic.com/etree/
http://www.ramat-hanadiv.org.il/en/content/generalpage/giving-tree
http://www.gizmag.com/sologic-etree/34454/
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LittleBig Bike grows with your child, and gains pedals along the way
By Ben Coxworth October 24, 2014
The LittleBig Bike, in its larger-frame-but-still-no-pedals configuration
It's one of those "givens" of raising a child – as they get older, you have to get them bigger and more advanced bicycles. That can get a bit costly, so Irish entrepreneur Simon Evans designed an alternative. His LittleBig Bike can be converted from a small balance bike to a larger one, and then to a pedal bike.
The LittleBig starts out as a balance bike with the equivalent of a 12-inch frame. It has front and rear rim brakes, but no drivetrain.
As the child gets bigger, however, the curved-down back end of the bike's aluminum frame is pulled off, flipped over, and reattached. That back end now curves up, plus the longer end of the double-ended seat tube is now on top. The result is a gain of 100 mm (3.9 inches) in saddle height and 50 mm (1.9 inches) in saddle-to-handlebar reach. Of course, the seat post can also be raised within the seat tube.
A 12-inch LittleBig balance bike, and a reconfigured 16-inch pedal bike version
Once the child is ready to start pedaling, a separate pedal/crank unit is inserted into the bottom end of the seat tube, and joined to a single sprocket on the rear hub by a chain. The LittleBig is now a 16-inch pedal bike.
According to Evans, one of his bikes should be able to suit a child's needs for five years, from ages 2 to 7. His team is now taking preorders, and plans to begin shipping LittleBig Bikes direct to customers as of Nov. 29th. The bike itself comes in three colors and is priced at €195 (US$247), while the pedal/crank attachment goes for an extra €45 ($57).
The sizing-up process is demonstrated in the video below.
For another approach to a bicycle that your kid won't grow out of right away, check out Orbea's Grow bike.
Source: LittleBig Bikes
https://www.littlebigbikes.com/
http://www.gizmag.com/littlebig-bike/34408/
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