Hurricane Milton, Honeycomb Bricks, Scooters, VW sausages
Hurricane Milton is closing in on Florida with powerful winds reaching 150 mph (240 km/h). Storm surges are expected to rise as high as 15 feet (4.5 meters)—higher than the roofs of most buildings. Tampa Bay Mayor Jane Castor has strongly urged evacuation, even stating, "If you're at home, think of it as being in a coffin."
Winds of 150 mph are capable of completely reshaping coastlines, and this hurricane is being described as potentially the worst in a century. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in 11 low-lying counties across Florida, while freeways have become parking lots with the mass exodus. What usually takes six hours to drive from Florida to Georgia is now taking 12 hours, and over 1,500 gas stations have already run out of fuel.
Nearly 5.9 million people are scrambling to evacuate, but many are unable or unwilling to leave. Notably, first-generation influencer Caroline Calloway, who neither drives nor can access airports (which are closed), shared on social media that she’s "ready to die" in her Sarasota home, tired of evacuating and rebuilding after previous hurricanes. Apart from such extreme cases, many individuals, including the elderly and those with mobility issues, are shockingly staying behind due to financial constraints, unable to afford evacuation.
Statistics show that 41% of Americans don’t have even $400 in emergency savings. When Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in 2021, evacuees reported spending roughly $1,200 on gas, food, and hotel stays. Those without such funds often choose to stay home, a heartbreaking reality.
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Last month, Hurricane Harlene hit the same region, and reports indicate that due to global warming and climate change, it brought 10% more rainfall and winds that were 13 mph stronger than usual. The overall intensity increased by 11%. Now, Hurricane Milton feels even more threatening because the area is still recovering from Harlene's damage. Debris and rubble left behind could act as "missiles" in Milton's high winds, posing a serious danger. Even something as small as a plastic straw, when propelled at high speeds, could be devastating—a chilling thought.
The current hurricane season runs until November 30, and I can only hope that no further damage will occur in the coming weeks.
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🌀🌀 Who Names Hurricanes and How? 🌀🌀
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World Meteorological Organization (WMO): Hurricanes are named by the World Meteorological Organization, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, following an established naming system.
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Prepared List: A list of names is created for six years in advance, alternating between male and female names. It includes names from various languages like English, Spanish, and French, reflecting the cultural diversity of the regions affected.
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Retired Names: If a hurricane causes significant destruction, its name is retired from the list. This decision is made through international meetings.
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Why Use Names? The practice of naming hurricanes was established to make tracking and issuing warnings easier for the public. Numbers or complex codes were harder for people to remember.
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Cooling Homes Without Electricity – Honeycomb Bricks
Two students from Malaysia have introduced an innovative way to keep homes cool without the use of air conditioning. They developed Brikoole, a honeycomb-structured brick that naturally cools the air entering a building. These bricks are installed on exterior walls and feature ventilation holes and 3D-printed honeycomb mesh that lowers the air temperature as it flows through. Additionally, a water distribution system is integrated into the design, further enhancing the cooling effect.
The idea for these bricks was inspired by the natural ventilation systems found in termite mounds, as well as traditional Middle Eastern architectural elements like windcatchers and Salsabil fountains.
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Through experiments, it’s estimated that these bricks can lower indoor temperatures by an average of 6 degrees Celsius. This highlights their potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. With 2024 being marked as a year of record-breaking heatwaves across Asia (think of Korea’s scorching July and August), long-term solutions for cooling without relying on air conditioning are urgently needed. In fact, the inventors of Brikoole were inspired to create this after witnessing a friend struggle with rising electricity bills due to air conditioning costs.
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Jenna's Insight
According to Deloitte’s 2024 survey of Gen Z and Millennials, 1 in 6 feels significant anxiety about climate change. As I mentioned earlier, this generation is set to inherit a planet facing increasing temperatures due to climate change, making sustainable solutions a top priority. Many young consumers believe that businesses hold the greatest power to drive change, but at the same time, they’re taking action themselves—creating innovative solutions like Brikoole.
What role can Kia play in supporting sustainable innovation and preparing the world for future generations?
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The passive cooling system behind Brikoole operates without any external energy sources. What if we applied this concept to automobiles? Could it be used as an auxiliary cooling system to dissipate engine heat even when the car is off? Imagine integrating honeycomb-structured cooling devices on the car's surface, using air and water for natural cooling—now that would be truly cool!
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The World of Scooters - 01 Work-from-Anywhere with Worknic
At first glance, the Worknic scooter may not seem too different from Honda's Motocompo, but its purpose is entirely unique. While Honda’s scooter focuses on compactness and mobility, Worknic, as its name suggests (a blend of "Work" and "Picnic"), is an innovative electric scooter designed to let you work from anywhere. |
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The Worknic electric scooter is not just a means of getting from point A to point B. Once parked, it transforms into a mobile workspace, allowing users to easily access essential elements like a stand, power source, and chair. It feels almost like a magical piece of furniture that can turn any location into an office. As hybrid work becomes increasingly common, Worknic provides an environment where users are no longer tethered to an office or home, enabling them to work freely wherever they choose.
Combining modular furniture with smart mobility design, this scooter boasts impressive adaptability and portability, evoking the image of a compact bag. It strongly conveys the message that "wherever I go can be my office," offering insights into how future modes of transportation might evolve.
Each time we redefine what our vehicles can be, it brings a sense of freshness. I hope this model, which gives new meaning beyond a simple mode of transportation, serves as the perfect solution for modern individuals tired of working from home and seeking flexible, free working spaces. |
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The World of Scooters - The LEGO Cafe Racer You Can Ride
The Cafe Racer is a type of motorcycle that emerged in the underground culture of 1950s and 1960s Britain, designed for quick trips around town with a focus on speed and handling rather than comfort. It became a favorite among British bikers. At that time, motorcycles were becoming an affordable mode of transportation and were gaining popularity as racing bikes after World War II, leading to a surge in models that could be enjoyed in everyday life. However, it soon became a toy for wealthy friends in the UK.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., Harley-Davidson was trending. The term "Cafe Racer" originated from bikers frequenting cafes around London, where they would often enjoy cups of tea instead of the traditional "aaah" of coffee. They would put coins into jukeboxes and listen to a lot of rock music, earning them the nickname "Cafe Racers" or "Rockers."
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While the introduction was lengthy, it's worth noting that LEGO released an iconic Cafe Racer, the 8810 Monkey Bike, back in 1991. Inspired by this, designer and engineer Matt Denton imagined what it would be like if this toy could actually ride on the road. He then took the LEGO 8810 Cafe Racer set and scaled it up to create a full-sized Monkey Bike. |
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This electric bike is not just a model; it’s fully functional and ready to ride. Built on LEGO's intricate design, it features an electric motor that allows it to operate in the real world, exuding a unique charm. By preserving the iconic aesthetics of LEGO and incorporating electric mobility technology, it achieves a fun, eco-friendly vehicle. All LEGO pieces were created through 3D printing.
This project goes beyond simply creating a bike; it evokes nostalgia for LEGO fans while inspiring those looking for creative works that blend modern technology. The moment when childhood LEGO dreams become reality brings a new level of joy, making this electric Monkey Bike an innovation in its own right (though the ride may not be the smoothest—perhaps due to the absence of shocks?).
LEGO + Electric Mobility = An Experience That Connects the Past and the Future.
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Work and Dine in Your Car – The Pi Folding Lap Desk
Surprisingly, many people find themselves living out of their cars. While it may not be an ideal situation for most, it has become a reality for some. To provide a more flexible workspace and dining area for those in this predicament, FansDreams has created the Pi Folding Lap Desk. (It's definitely something to covet!) |
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The design fits snugly on either side of your legs, ensuring stability during use. Made from fiberglass wrapped in waterproof synthetic leather, the desk folds to about half its thickness without any issues. Weighing approximately 900 grams, it can support up to 44 pounds (19 kg). |
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While waiting for children after school, users can easily perform simple computer tasks, read, or enjoy a meal without any hassle (priced at around $100).
The lightweight yet sturdy fiberglass, combined with waterproof synthetic leather, offers a practical yet luxurious feel, satisfying both functional and aesthetic needs. Additionally, the folding structure maximizes space, making it versatile for use in both RVs and standard vehicles. This design focuses on functionality, enhancing the overall user experience.
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Volkswagen and Sausages
Volkswagen's best-selling item isn't a car—it's actually a sausage, identified by the part number 199 398 500A. Known as Currywurst, this delicious sausage has been provided to Volkswagen employees for many years. Originally sourced externally after World War II, Volkswagen eventually acquired a sausage factory to reduce costs and began producing its own sausages. Since 1973, the Currywurst has become a bestseller, often served with ketchup. (Interestingly, it even has its own logo and part number: 199 398 500A.)
Those who have tasted it rave about its perfect crunch, aroma, and cooking level—satisfying even the most discerning chefs! Additionally, there's a special ketchup produced alongside the sausages, which is set to be introduced in the U.S. with the part number 199 398 500B.
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In celebration of Volkswagen's 75th anniversary, a famous German Gewürz ketchup will be launched in the U.S. for a limited time. Unlike traditional ketchup, this version features a sweet and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with VW’s Currywurst. Each bottle is engraved with a Volkswagen part number, adding a unique touch to the product. It will be interesting to see how American consumers react to Volkswagen's ketchup (I’m eager to try it myself… in Germany!). |
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🎃🎃🎃
Halloween is approaching! Elementary school students often dress up in costumes and parade around, while teachers and parents decorate their car tailgates to invite others for a fun and safe celebration. At sports venues, tailgating is a great way to grill food and socialize, and high schoolers often sit by their tailgates or trunks to enjoy their lunches.
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It’s interesting to see how creatively and diversely Americans utilize their tailgate spaces. This seems to make the configuration of features like Clamshell Doors and truck bed access very important.
I wonder how Koreans typically use this space. It might be time to reflect on some old memories!
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Kia Design America / By Jenna Chwee / Jchwee@hatci.com
101 Peters Canyon Rd. Irvine, CA 92802
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