An engineering masterpiece - a boat lift from Scotland

http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/feature-the-world-s-first-and-only-rotating-boat-wheel-video-

Change the color of your car with the flick of a switch

With the flick of a switch, the color of this Nissan will change to match your mood or your outfit. The designers and engineers have worked out a way to rearrange the molecules in the paint so that when an electric current passes through them, the eyes perceive a different color. The colors can be controlled by the drivers. Since it requires electricity, the default color is white.

They have developed a "paramagnetic" paint coating, which is a unique polymer layer that features iron oxide particles that are applied to the vehicle's body. When an electric current is applied to the polymer layer, the human eye then interprets the crystals in the polymer as different colors. Depending on the level of current and the spacing of the crystals, a wide range of colors can be selected by the driver. A steady current is needed to maintain the color effect, thus the paramagnetic paint doesn't work when the vehicle is turned off and hence the vehicle switches back to a default white color. (newlaunches)

For news about sales after Thanksgiving:

Go to Black Friday

http://www.blackfriday.info/ads/

Pet Hippo

Most discounted cars (from Consumerist)

BusinessWeek has thoughtfully rounded up the 20 most discounted cars for your bargain-hunting enjoyment. From total failures to the recently redesigned, here are 20 cars you shouldn't pay too much for—and probably won't have to. What the hell is a Chrysler Aspen, anyway? A Mitsubishi Raider?

Mitsubishi Raider
Percent Discount: 29%
Average MSRP: $24,777
Average Discount from MSRP: $7,233

Jeep Commander
Percent Discount: 29%
Average MSRP: $35,527
Average Discount from MSRP: $10,232

Dodge Ram Pickup 1500
Percent Discount: 28%
Average MSRP: $34,995
Average Discount: $9,713

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic
Percent Discount: 27%
Average MSRP: $24,850
Average Discount: $6,643

GMC Sierra 1500 Classic
Percent Discount: 26%
Average MSRP: $25,548
Average Discount: $6,687

Isuzu Ascender
Percent Discount: 26%
Average MSRP: $25,246
Average Discount: $6,584

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Percent Discount: 25%
Average MSRP: $33,466
Average Discount: $8,470

Lincoln Town Car
Percent Discount: 25%
Average MSRP: $46,711
Average Discount: $11,776

Dodge Durango
Percent Discount: 25%
Average MSRP: $34,769
Average Discount: $8,748

Dodge Dakota
Percent Discount: 24%
Average MSRP: $27,788
Average Discount: $6,674

Chrysler Aspen
Percent Discount: 24%
Average MSRP: $39,009
Average Discount: $9,199

Mercury Grand Marquis
Percent Discount: 23%
Average MSRP: $28,012
Average Discount: $6,468

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Classic
Percent Discount: 22%
Average MSRP: $34,553
Average Discount: $7,678

Chrysler Pacifica
Percent Discount: 22%
Average MSRP: $31,343
Average Discount: $6,918

Saab 9-7X
Percent Discount: 22%
Average MSRP: $40,664
Average Discount: $8,837

Dodge Grand Caravan
Percent Discount: 22%
Average MSRP: $28,986
Average Discount: $6,299

Buick Rendezvous
Percent Discount: 22%
Average MSRP: $28,893
Average Discount: $6,263

Isuzu i-Series
Percent Discount: 22%
Average MSRP: $20,603
Average Discount: $4,442

GMC Sierra 1500HD Classic
Percent Discount: 21%
Average MSRP: $35,845
Average Discount: $7,686

Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Percent Discount: 21%
Average MSRP: $31,128
Average Discount: $6,667

America's Most Discounted Cars [BusinessWeek]

A way to reduce Windows boot time

The Windows boot-time backlash is in full effect. BIOS-builder Phoenix Technologies is introducing a mini operating system called HyperSpace that can boot up in seconds in place of Windows, to run e-mail managers, web browsers and other apps. Such a system could prolong battery life by 50%, and would give laptop makers a chance to show off their own personalities, rather than act as mere vessels to the Microsoft experience. There are some catches:

Though the Wired story didn't specifically say it, the applications probably wouldn't be the exact same ones you'd run in Windows. There might be a word processor, but it probably wouldn't be Word.

Lenovos, Dells and Acers of the world can start tailoring computers with HyperSpace functionality to very specific demographics. A student-aimed laptop, for instance, could come with apps like word processing, e-mail and IM preloaded into HyperSpace.
Also, not only is it probably Linux-based, but as one Wired commenter pointed out, it's likely similar to code that experienced software ninjas have been messing around with for years. Some PC makers such as HP and Gateway have offered Windows-free quick-start media players already, though nothing to this degree.

A widespread implementation of HyperSpace across consumer laptops would still be a coup and a half.

Microsoft regards HyperSpace as "outside their sphere of influence," and is not too happy with Phoenix's offering, which adds yet another voice to the already loud chorus of voices complaining about operating-system bloat.
Look out for HyperSpace in laptops starting in mid to late 2008. [Wired Tech Biz]

Converting vehicles to biodiesel

From Fast Company: Motorhead Messiah