Maya Reports

Our way of keeping you in the loop. You can thank us later.

May 18, 2010 • 7:34 PM 0

If this doesn’t make you want to quit smoking…you’re a lost case

Scientists in China have identified 9 different chemicals in cigarette butts that apparently protect steel pipes (specifically oil pipes) from rusting.

Next time you take a smoking break at work, try to imagine an offshore oil rig. Before reading this, you probably would have thought, who cares about an oil rig? But after reading this article, you will see the significance.

Who would’ve thunk that YOU (the smoker) and an oil rig, had so much in common?

Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, doesn’t it?

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64C10W20100513

Filed under: Random, World, American Chemical Society, China, cigarette butts, smoking

May 18, 2010 • 7:32 PM 0

Computers…coming soon to a TV near you

Google, Intel and Sony are joining forces to bring us (drum roll, please) – “Smart TV”. This new deal is going to be unveiled at Google’s annual developer conference in San Francisco this week. Intel CEO promises, that [whatever this Smart TV is] will be as big a revolutionary change to TV as was color.

Smart TV… it’s safe to assume that Sony TVs will operate like a computer (hint: Intel) that will have a search engine device (ala Google)? So how will a device like a Smart TV fill a need? Are they trying to make us lazier? We can’t flip through the channels on our own? Or..(gasp) do something that doesn’t involve sitting on a couch staring at a box?

http://sanjose.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2010/05/17/daily1.html

Filed under: Business, Marketing, Tech, Google, Google TV, Intel, Smart TV, Sony, Web TV

May 18, 2010 • 7:30 PM 0

The American Heart Associations approves this videogame

Talk about a state of panic…Looks like the most random of organizations and companies are joining forces to fight obesity. The American Heart Association and Nintendo are going to be working together to promote Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort.

Question: Are the people who buy Nintendo Wii active games, the same people who will care that there will be a AHA certified stamp on the box? It’ll definitely be a niche market. But will it be enough to encourage people that exercise is fun?

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2363854,00.asp

Filed under: Business, Marketing, Random, AHA certified stamp, American Heart Association, Nintendo, obesity, videogame, Wii active game, Wii Fit Plus, Wii Sports Resort

May 18, 2010 • 6:53 PM 0

Aww shucks…ketchup without high fructose corn syrup?

Yes, you heard it here folks. Hunt’s Ketchup is doing away with its high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) ingredient, and opting for real sugar.

Did the sugar lobbyists yell louder than the corn lobbyists? Or maybe top-level execs at ConAgra looked around at the American people and realized the consequence of HFCS. What is this consequence you ask? Fat people.

Well done ConAgra! We hope you continue this ban of HFCS within your remaining 50 or so brands.

http://www.flex-news-food.com/console/PageViewer.aspx?page=30135&source=alerts&contactid=37915

Filed under: Business, Business, Food, High Fructose Corn Syrup

May 18, 2010 • 6:39 PM 0

Non-profit restaurant…a sign of the times?

Panera Bread’s former CEO is attempting to operate his experiment cafes like a museum, with its “pay what you can” service. If you can’t pay, then in exchange for food, you may choose to volunteer to work at the cafe. Of course, you may also just choose to eat for free. Not sure if the people who will donate will make up for those who don’t…the business model seems fuzzy to me.

It’s an ambitious, cup half full concept. Don’t think it will last…but..we wish them luck.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2010-05-18-panerabread18_ST_N.htm

Filed under: Business, Business, Food

May 17, 2010 • 11:12 PM 4

Google street view…more than meets the eye

I have definitely seen one of those Google street view finder cars before. I always wondered, are they really only getting images of the street…and even more so..has anyone ever asked ME if I wanted a picture of my house available online? Talk about violation of privacy…! Well, turns out that the nice citizens of Germany, decided to inquire further…

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/16/technology/16google.html?pagewanted=2&ref=technology&src=mv