Portland News

March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024

Leading the Way in Cybersecurity: A Closer Look at Quantropi’s Innovative Approach

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As the 21st century scales yet another technological peak, cybersecurity threats are following closely behind and deftly making their own ascension. Fortunately, the trusted experts at Quantropi have a bird’s-eye view of the present and future. Founded in 2019 by current CEO James Nguyen and their Chief Scientist Dr. Randy Kuang, this Canadian cybersecurity startup has quickly forged a reputation for its reliable, robust quantum-secure encryption solutions that proactively protect against present and future threats.

In 2019, an uncomfortably close cyber attack occurred in Portland, Oregon which exposed the personal data of over 200,000 people, exploiting a vulnerability in an unpatched software program. As quantum computing advances, there is a growing risk that existing encryption systems may no longer be sufficient to protect sensitive data. As an avalanche of high-profile data breaches continues to make headlines, the need for more advanced encryption technology has never been more urgent. And the stakes have never been higher.

The future is now

Quantropi was born from Dr. Nguyen’s initial realization of the potential risk posed by the “looming Y2Q Quantum threat,” which refers to the emerging risk of quantum computing technology leaving public and private organizations vulnerable to cyber attacks. This realization led the founders of Quantropi to search for solutions in the marketplace to protect against fast-approaching quantum cyberattacks. Unfortunately, at that time, there were none, so Dr. Kuang invented them. 

Today, our $50 trillion digital economy stands on the edge of a precipice, but Quantropi is holding out a steady hand to businesses vulnerable to these imminently approaching cyberattacks. As contemporary quantum algorithms are becoming more sophisticated, organizations have the chance to grasp this opportunity. 

Quantropi’s precise and effective products offer several advantages to businesses that regularly harbor, exchange, or trade on sensitive information, which already require powerful encryptions and security to block attacks. In the field of the Internet of Things (IoT), the protection offered by Quantropi’s future-capable technology is transformative. As the network of connected devices continues to extend, so does the risk of cyberattacks on systems. 

However, according to experts at Quantropi, the abilities of encryption protections for IoT devices at this time are “regularly resource-constrained,” and their algorithms are insufficient in meeting “the computational requirements of existing encryption algorithms.” In comparison, the quantum-safe encryption Quantropi’s platform addresses these issues and is precise, agile, and adept in its capabilities. 

Innovation for all, big or small

Quantropi’s dynamic and forward-looking perspective on the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape extends from the present to the future, positioning the company at the forefront of innovation and development. 

Commercially, Quantropi is leading the cybersecurity space with its QiSpace™ platform. Their QiSpace™ platform checks all “three of the complete end-to-end quantum security prerequisites,” Trust, Uncertainty, and Entropy (TrUE). TrUE is a set of advanced post-quantum encryption algorithms that provide secure data transmission with confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. Their post-quantum cryptography solution defends companies against traditional cyber and quantum-based attacks, providing them with secure communication capabilities.

Quantropi offers three products for secure communication: MASQ for quantum-secure asymmetric encryption that protects sensitive data, SEQUR for quantum random number generation and distribution, and QEEP for quantum-secure symmetric encryption which provides confidentiality for data transmitted over insecure channels and resists attacks from both classical and quantum computers. In fact, their QEEP offering is “18 times faster than AES-256” — a widely used encryption standard. This capability offers businesses a considerable advantage when data transmission and security require rapid responses.

Quantropi has built its platform on solid scientific research, with nine patents and over 20 scientific publications supporting its technology. They have integrated their technology into IoT devices and are developing a quantum-secure boot loader in partnership with Cypherbridge, a company specializing in secure software development. 

In addition, Quantropi is participating in the NIST PQC standardization process, which aims to develop new encryption methods that are resistant to attacks by quantum computers. The revolutionary quantum-secure boot loader is a software that ensures the device’s operating system starts up securely, further protecting against attacks from quantum computers.

From the beginning, Quantropi has been chiseling an innovative path forward in the private market, just as governmental bodies are attempting to climb ahead and reach for the future. Quantropi demonstrates its proactivity through its technology, which is capable of safeguarding against the recent alarming disruptions to critical infrastructure reported in the news.

Drs. Kuang and Nyguen assert that their work and approach to protecting systems through the implementation of their platform could potentially help in securing “power grids, water treatment plants, and transportation systems.” Their products are future-critical, and organizations — from the smallest headcount to the largest — can be protected from present bad actors and any potential threats posed by the advent of quantum computing. 

In the face of the looming Y2Q Quantum threat, Quantropi recognizes that scaling these heights demands precision, focus, and a strong team, as the margin of error for unprotected systems and businesses is razor-thin.

 

How to Become a Roadr Specialist

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Every driver has had that experience where their car breaks down on the side of the road and they need help urgently. Even if you subscribe to a roadside assistance service, such as AAA or through your insurance provider, it can often be a lengthy, frustrating process before a technician is dispatched to give you the assistance you need. Thankfully, the new app Roadr is here to disrupt the roadside assistance industry — and they need even more specialists to help them sustain their growth.

A revolutionary model for roadside assistance

Roadr is an innovative new roadside assistance service that matches drivers needing assistance with independent service providers. “With Roadr, drivers can get roadside assistance more quickly and see transparent pricing,” explains Roadr co-founder, Celso Ribeiro. “This is in contrast to the general subscription-based roadside assistance model, where drivers pay a hefty upfront fee for services they may or may not use and often end up waiting hours or more when they need help.”

To provide reliable service to drivers in a timely manner, the Roadr app relies on its network of Roadr specialists — highly qualified service providers who register through the free marketplace app to earn money. This is a fantastic business opportunity, especially for small businesses typically left in the dust by the roadside assistance industry. “Many traditional roadside assistance services focus on companies with large fleets of trucks and technicians, but the free marketplace structure of Roadr allows smaller service providers to thrive,” Ribeiro asserts.

Through Roadr, service providers can offer various roadside assistance services, including towing, tire changes, refueling, jumpstarts, unlocking, and electric vehicle emergency charging. Roadr users can input a detailed request into the app, at which point the service request is sent to the nearest qualified specialist. If the specialist accepts the job, they are dispatched to assist the client, and if they reject the job, the request is sent to the next closest specialist.

The simple process of becoming a Roadr specialist

Becoming a Roadr specialist is quite simple. Prospective service providers can download the Roadr app, provide their basic information, and verify their eligibility with the required documentation. To sign up, specialists will need copies of their driver’s license, proof of insurance, certification, and some basic screening information. After this information is received and verified by Roadr, they can get on their way to earning through providing free marketplace services.

Roadr accepts several certifications for specialists to verify their credentials as roadside assistance service providers. Tow truck drivers can provide their TTD and CA numbers from the DMV or any accredited certificate for towing; auto technicians provide an ASE certification; tire change specialists must have an ATS certification from TIS or equivalent, and automotive locksmiths must either have a CAL-or CMAL-level certification. Additionally, any automotive specialist can qualify through CHP and AAA certifications.

Compared to contracting through other roadside assistance services, becoming a Roadr specialist allows great freedom and flexibility. As Roadr specialists, service providers have much greater autonomy and can decide which jobs they accept or reject. They also have the freedom to set their own hours, meaning they can create their own work conditions and be much happier while working.

However, the biggest benefit of the Roadr system for specialists is its transparent, quick billing system. Clients know exactly what they are paying upfront, eliminating the need for negotiation. Seeing the upfront fee for service also allows specialists to better determine whether a particular job is worth their time. As a result, service providers can earn what they want, how they want, and when they want.

Roadr is set to revolutionize the roadside assistance industry, and the people who will allow them to do so are the specialists who will provide the assistance drivers need. It’s an easy process to become a Roadr specialist for qualified service providers, as well as an excellent opportunity for small businesses and independent technicians to earn money providing excellent and timely service to drivers in their time of need. The Roadr app is available for download now in the Apple and Google Play stores.

Report: Google receives lawsuit from Texas for breaching privacy laws

 

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On Thursday, Texas General Ken Paxton sued Google, claiming the tech company violated the state’s biometric privacy law.

According to Paxton, Google collected users’ voiceprints and facial recognition data without their knowledge or consent.

The lawsuit

Paxton filed the lawsuit in the Midland County District Court in Texas.

It alleges that the company’s facial and voice recognition in Google Photos and smart speakers violated the state’s Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act.

Read also: A preview of what Android 13 has to offer Google Pixel users

Complaints

With Google Photos, the tech giant scans uploaded images, identifying and categorizing subjects like people who don’t know their faces have been scanned or saved.

The company also allegedly listened to Texans without considering the speaker’s consent to Google’s indiscriminate voice printing.

The complaint also claimed that Google’s Nest Hub Max, the smart home display with an integrated camera, was a “modern eye of Sauron.”

The Nest Hub Max watches people, waiting to identify a face it knows.

“All across the state, everyday Texans have become unwitting cash cows being milked by Google for profits,” said the complaint.

Read also: Microsoft Launches Cybersecurity Services Dedicated to Ransomware and Other Attacks

Texas and biometric data

The Red State is one of the few states to have a law regulating the use of biometrics.

Ken Paxton’s lawsuit marks the second time Texas has invoked the 2009 law to sue a company.

In February, Texas claimed that a now-closed Facebook photo tagging tool violated the Texas biometric law.

The Facebook tool was also the subject of a $650 million biometric privacy agreement in Illinois last year.

The state has other lawsuits against Google, including two consumer protection cases and an antitrust case against the company’s digital ads.

Reference:

Texas sues Google over alleged ‘indiscriminate’ biometric data collection

Musk Twitter Controversy Reaches To Whole New Level

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Musk Twitter controversy has reached a new level after he challenged Twitter CEO Parag for open debate. It is not the first time Musk has lashed out at Twitter. In the past, he has called it a “twisted feed”. He takes issue with the company’s decision to stop showing what he considers important tweets in people’s feeds.

On Sunday, he tweeted his disappointment with Twitter. He said: ” Just Stopped Using Twitter” before adding: “It is a sad day when decisions we all make to be kind and promote positive intent get twisted into negativity.

What’s the problem between musk twitter?

Musk has long been a Twitter user and has used the service to communicate between himself and his supporters. It is no secret that Musk loves being able to communicate with his fans on a regular basis. However, Musk has been receiving more and more criticism about his use of Twitter. Musk is known for his controversial tweets which have apparently resulted in a ban from the website. The controversy stems from Musk Twitter about the British cave diver who helped in the rescue of a Thai soccer team stuck in a flooded cave.

The diver, named Vernon Unsworth, was previously critical of Musk’s plan to help rescue the boys. Unsworth called Musk’s idea “just a PR stunt” and suggested it would be an expensive operation that wouldn’t work. Musk had responded to the criticism by calling him a “pedo”. The incident has since made headlines across media platforms. One of Musk’s critics stated that his use of Twitter has “become an addiction”. They added that Musk probably has no control over his Twitter statements. And this is because he seems to get “caught up” at the moment.

Musk tried to defend himself by stating that he is a victim of “giant manipulation”. He said that the people who use Twitter ‘weaponize’ him and use him as a “punching bag”. Musk wanted to take his Twitter feed private but it was already deactivated. Musk has been criticized before. Back in 2011, he was forced to apologize after calling a British diver, who was helping rescue boys trapped in a cave in Thailand a “pedo”. In 2014, Musk made headlines after he called then-President Barack Obama the word “evil”.

About Musk

Musk is a billionaire entrepreneur, engineer, and investor. He is currently the CEO of Tesla. He began his career as an intern at Tesla’s original headquarters in Silicon Valley. Musk worked his way up to become the founder and chief executive officer of the company. Musk’s net worth is estimated at $20.6 billion. He has been using Twitter since 2006, starting out with just 37 followers.

He was interested in buying Twitter when it had two rounds of private financing but he left the table in 2015 because he did not have enough money to buy the company outright. His net worth has since expanded significantly and he is a major investor in SpaceX, OpenAI, and Zip2. Musk has also co-founded companies such as SolarCity, Hyperloop, and Neuralink. He is the chairman of the board of Tesla.

Musk Twitter has been in a lot of controversies in 2018, And most recently he is involved in a Twitter war with the CEO of Twitter. He only tweeted twice to his 21 million followers on Sunday. Musk has tweeted more than 85 times this year. So far, he has not made any comments about the latest controversy.

In the end, it is clear that Musk enjoys using Twitter. And this is his right to do so. However, one could argue that his recent comments have gone too far and he should seek help if needed.

$44 billion offer to buy Twitter

Last Saturday, Bloomberg reported that Musk Twitter plans to propose an all-stock offer for Twitter. The offer would be worth about one-third of the value of the stock on Friday’s close, according to Reuters.

Musk has also floated the idea of taking Tesla private at $420 per share. This plan is working to raise $24 billion, which would be paid for by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

Twitter has not commented on Musk’s offer, and the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

However, it is worth reiterating that Musk has a history of making surprising statements and doing things on impulse. On Sunday, a CNBC reporter asked Musk about the Twitter controversy. Musk replied that he wouldn’t want to say anything in case he ended up doing it.

Musk said: “If you have anyone who can do a better job, please let me know. They can have the job. Is there someone who can do a better job? They can have the reins right now.”

Musk added that if he were to remain as the CEO of Twitter, he would be obliged to focus on issues other than product and technology.

He added: “You’re supposed to go into a company, not sit there and do the Twitter CEO thing. The product is fine, and the technology is fine, but you need to be focusing on products actually being used by people. That is the critical path.” Musk added that he has no interest in “doing the CEO thing” and added that it would be “the wrong thing to do from a priority perspective”.

Dispute over fake accounts on Twitter data

In February, Twitter revealed that over 118 million accounts were fake. While many users were surprised by this revelation, Musk was not. In fact, he predicted the fake account problem before it was made public.

Sources familiar with the matter told Cheddar TV that Musk has long claimed that Twitter’s user statistics are inaccurate. The publication also stated that Musk was disappointed when it was revealed in February that there were no fake accounts on his Twitter feed.

Before the revelation, Musk’s Twitter account had over 12 million followers. His verified account has over 20 million.

Musk tweeted in October that there were more than 5 million fake accounts on Twitter. He also claimed that the number was rising. Twitter said that it would remove over 70 million fake accounts in May and June. And in February, it admitted that its clean-up had removed over 10 million additional accounts.

Conclusion

Musk’s plans to buy Twitter seem to be working. The social media site has not commented on the proposal, but it seems that Musk is interested in acquiring the company. Twitter is currently dealing with an exodus of senior executives. They have also struggled to keep pace with rivals such as Instagram and Facebook. There’s no denying that Musk is a genius when it comes to engineering, and he’s obviously a great entrepreneur.

Saving Lives with Drones: Hazardous Conditions Can Be Accessed with Ease

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ZenaDrone 1000, an industrial smart drone, is now helping save lives. Search-and-rescue missions in disaster areas, as well as mountainous or other hazardous terrain, often require crews to put themselves at risk. However, this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can go places that would be difficult to reach — or even too dangerous for human personnel — thereby presenting a valuable and potentially life-saving tool.

ZenaDrone 1000 is a product of ZenaTech, a technology solution provider based in Canada specializing in drone development, augmented reality, and tracking solutions. While the company initially developed the ZenaDrone 1000 for agricultural purposes, it is customizable to customer specifications.

“The ZenaDrone team is always innovating, improving, testing, and enhancing our technology to incorporate new functionality,” said Dr. Shaun Passley, who founded ZenaTech in 2018. “Now, we are excited to provide our cutting-edge tech, machine-learning software, and excellent customer service to search-and-rescue teams.”

ZenaDrone 1000’s Life-Saving Sensors and Cameras

Detecting body heat can help locate missing or trapped persons with a minimal delay. Equipped with thermal scanners and multispectral sensors, the ZenaDrone 1000 can penetrate darkness, rubble, and debris to find life signs even in the most challenging disaster areas.

“The ZenaDrone 1000’s sensors are so powerful, it can pick up small children and animals,” Passley said.

In addition, the UAV has a camera equipped with a wide-angle lens that can broadcast high-definition 4k video and photos to rescue teams in real time. This key data enables teams to survey the area of concern quickly, identify threats and opportunities, map out evacuation routes, and make appropriate decisions about how to proceed.

According to the company’s website, “ZenaDrone 1000 also offers multispectral sensors to register wind velocity, humidity, weather, and climate prediction. It can also detect possible aftershocks after an earthquake and tsunamis. This way, the rescuers can inform people to vacate critical areas and be alert within and near areas.”

ZenaDrone 1000’s Other Life-Saving Features

Time is the most pressing issue in any search-and-rescue effort, sometimes making the difference between life and death. The ZenaDrone 1000’s light carbon-fiber body makes it quick and easy to mobilize, thus reducing the amount of time it takes search-and-rescue teams to initiate their operations. According to Passley, it can be assembled in as little as twenty minutes and launched in less than ten.

Since search-and-rescue missions often take place in constricted places, ZenaDrone 1000 can be inserted in tight quarters, both taking off and landing vertically. Its eight propellers — called its “OctoCopra” feature — can hover steadily, delivering stable and reliable images even under high wind or other adverse weather conditions.

When lives are on the line, the last thing a responder wants is to run out of power. Thankfully, the ZenaDrone 1000’s built-in battery provides operators with an hour of uninterrupted flight time. When the UAV does need to charge, its monitoring technology enables it to identify and land on a wireless charging pad automatically.

How to Obtain a ZenaDrone 1000

“Communities will be safer for having a ZenaDrone 1000 ready to assist with search-and-rescue efforts,” Passley said.

As Passley explains, ZenaDrone currently offers free demos on its website, and customers are able to not only buy these UAVs, but also rent them. To ensure their clients’ success, ZenaDrone engineers can help customers record their desired images and successfully store the resulting files.

Whether the threat be hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, or wars, the ZenaDrone 1000 is a trusted ally that can save precious time and, as a result, lives. These UAVs can make the difference between success and failure, even when the stakes are highest.

Know Details About Uberduck AI

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Uberduck AI is a cloud-based artificial intelligence platform that offers predictive analytics, sentiment analysis, and data extraction from unstructured texts. With the power of machine learning, they allows users to extract valuable information in an accurate and timely manner.

Uberduck AI is compatible with all major browsers, platforms, desktops, or mobile devices and offers a 5-day free trial. For those interested in a paid version, Uberduck AI offers monthly and annual subscriptions. This is currently available in the Asia Pacific and will soon be available on the Uberduck Companion App.

With the rise in machine learning and artificial intelligence, it is important to be able to use these technologies to extract useful information from available data. In order to do this, one must first have a way of identifying patterns within unstructured text.

What is Uberduck AI?

Uberduck AI is a cloud-based artificial intelligence platform that offers predictive analytics, sentiment analysis, and data extraction from unstructured texts. With the power of machine learning, this allows users to extract valuable information in an accurate and timely manner. This is compatible with all major browsers, platforms, desktops, or mobile devices and offers a 5-day free trial. For those interested in a paid version, they offers monthly and annual subscriptions. This is currently available in the Asia Pacific and will soon be available on the Uberduck Companion App.

What does they offer?

Uberduck AI offers two different products: Sentiment Analysis and Predictive Analytics. Sentiment analysis is used to understand a specific message’s positive or negative intent. This can be used for employees to assess their feelings about a company or an organization.

They also have a predictive analytics program that is used to analyze different predictions on numerous variables. Predictive analytics is used to predict overall outcomes that are vital for a business but difficult to measure. Predictive analytics can help businesses determine what their customers or clients will do in the future.

Their Sentiment Analysis

Sentiment analysis is a form of machine learning. It is used to analyze people’s thoughts, emotions, or attitudes using both textual and non-textual information. Sentiment analysis evaluates a person’s sentiment by assessing the tone of their comments and assigning a numerical value based on emotion.

Uberduck uses a default sentiment analysis algorithm called the LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) for all customers. The LDA algorithm is based on two branches of machine learning: Bayesian inference and latent Dirichlet allocation. The Bayesian inference is used to pull out all the information and the LDA is used for people to understand the sentiment of a topic.

Uberduck’s sentiment analysis also allows users to compare any two thoughts in order to find a relationship. This allows users the ability to compare two different documents and find the relationship between them. They can easily identify any similarities or differences between the two documents in order to reach an overall conclusion.

Their Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics is a form of machine learning that analyzes past data to predict future outcomes. The goal of predictive analytics is to measure a person’s likelihood of performing an action within the next few months or years. This is useful for companies to determine their customer’s behavior and understand how they can interact with them. Uberduck’s predictive analytics allows users to track a specific group or individual and measures the rate at which they take certain actions. This data can then be used to predict future actions and outcomes.

Their API

Uberduck offers an API in order to allow developers to integrate their software with Uberduck AI. An API is a set of protocols for accessing software services. An API allows users to integrate Uberduck AI with their own software and customize it to their needs. An added bonus for users is that the integration with Uberduck AI is seamless and hidden from customers. Users will not have to worry about their customers seeing their software and thinking that it is outdated.

This API is available to any company or developer who wants to use predictive analytics. In order to access the API, all users will have to do is fill out their information in their own form. The software or system that they use will then come with an example of what it can do. They can then begin to modify the examples in order to fit their specific needs.

Using the API

Users can use Uberduck’s Sentiment Analysis and Predictive Analytics to quickly find the information that they need. Whether it be looking for specific data or reaching an overall conclusion, Uberduck’s AI allows users to do this in the fastest and most efficient manner possible.

Benefits of this

1. Users get access to the best technology

Uberduck AI is currently in its early stages of development. As a result, it has not reached the highest levels of AI yet. It is still very useful at this point and is use by many companies.

2. Less complicated than other services

Other services may cost more money but they require extensive training before they can be used. Uberduck AI is easy to use and can be utilize by anyone who has basic computer skills.

3. It works on most devices

It is compatible with any device or operating system. Anyone can use it as long as they have a device that has the capabilities to run it.

4. Increase the rate of success

Uberduck AI will allow users to reach conclusions faster than if they were to analyze the data themselves. This is useful for companies and organizations that do not have a lot of time on their hands.

5. It is beneficial for anyone who uses it

This is useful for any organization or business that uses AI to help them in their daily operations. This includes websites, email marketing, or social media.

6. Very professional, clean design

It is a very simple and organize design that will not confuse anyone. It has a professional appeal but will not overwhelm anyone.

Conclusions

This blog provides an introduction to Uberduck AI and all that it can do for users. Therefore, this is helpful for anyone who is looking to use AI on their websites and software. The company has an informative blog that provides information on how this product can use as well as a few testimonials from people who have used it.

They have a variety of useful features for any company. Therefore, these features will allow anyone to use the software efficiently and effectively. However, it recommend that these features use by anyone who wants to see their technology grow and succeed.

Reports About Weather Portland Heat Wave

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Weather portland heat wave is expected in many parts of the country, including Portland. Forecasters predict the hottest day in years, with temperatures climbing to 100 degrees or higher this week.

The National Weather Service has put Portland on the highest of 4 heat warning levels. Temperatures in the metro area should reach into the mid to upper 90s this weekend, and are expected to climb well into the 100-degree range Wednesday through Friday. Forecasters warn that the heat will be dangerous for anyone not taking precautions. Officials urge people to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity outdoors. Too much exposure to the sun can cause heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

Predicting weather Portland heat wave

Portlanders are bracing for an unusually warm and sunny summer, but it’s unclear if the heat wave will come in the form of warm, cool, or hot weather. This weekend’s forecast calls for temperatures near 80 degrees. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be a hot one. The National Weather Service forecasters say it will be “a very hot, very muggy and humid weekend.” They expect the temperature to reach at least 99 degrees at some point over the next few days. Over the long term, a ridge of high pressure will develop and remain over the area for several days. That means high pressure and lots of sunshine. However, forecasters say it will be “a fairly unpredictable pattern.”

Portland heat wave forecast Portland heat wave is projected to reach a maximum of 105 degrees on Wednesday, July 11. Forecasters predict the hottest day in years, with temperatures climbing to 100 degrees or higher this week.

The reason behind the heat wave

Weather portland heat wave are not uncommon in summer in the United States, but what makes the one currently entering its fourth day particularly frustrating is the city’s lack of air conditioning.

The state has almost half a million more households without A/C than it did 15 years ago. In 2000, about 7 percent of housing units in the state lacked central air. By 2015, that number had grown to 8.3 percent—more than double the national rate of 3.6 percent.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly a third of Oregon’s rental properties don’t have central air conditioning. And that’s especially true in Portland, where more than half of renters live in buildings without it.

Last weekend, the sweltering heat forced Portland’s River District, a dense neighborhood known for its funky boutiques and art galleries, to close its doors. “It’s crazy,” said Chelsea Russell, a researcher at the National Weather Service in Portland.

1. Due to global warming

Oregon is one of the hottest places in the country. According to the National Climate Assessment, Oregon is expected to be significantly warmer throughout this century. The report states: “the effects of climate change are already occurring in every region, ecosystem, and at all levels of society.

2. The ocean and air are not warming

The ocean and air temperatures in Portland are barely changing. The measured increase in Portland’s surface temperature is almost entirely due to an artificial rise caused by UHI warming.

The increase in temperature is not due to increases in air and sea temperatures, but to heat island effects.

3. UHI warming

Urban heat islands (UHIs) are cities and suburbs with more pavement, buildings, and other artificial surfaces. This leads to warmer air indoors, which can be felt as a sensation of heat.

Disadvantages of the heat wave

1. The increase in electricity bills

Electricity bills have soared as residents struggle to keep cool. One Portland home lost power for two days when the power grid overheated. Portland is one of the most expensive cities in the country for electricity, but that could be about to change.

2. The inability to go outdoors

Walking and biking will be more difficult in hot weather. This has been particularly difficult for construction workers. This has led to delays in new infrastructure projects. Therefore, the city has seen a rush on signs and banners to direct workers.

3. The health risks

A study by Oregon State University found that living close to the ground increases the risk of heat-related illness. Individuals who live closer to the sidewalk have an 80 percent chance of having a heat-related illness. Those who live in the middle of the street have a 50 percent chance, and those who live on the upper floors have a 25 percent chance.

4. The increase in deaths

The Weather portland heat wave has already killed three people in Portland and the state of Oregon, including one man on Sunday who collapsed while playing soccer. A heat wave in 1995 killed more than 4,000 people.

5. Dehydration and heat exhaustion

Drinking water is more important than ever this summer. During periods of persistent high heat and humidity, even small changes in daily routine can lead to dehydration or heat exhaustion.

People with chronic medical conditions are especially at risk. Heat waves can increase the risk of death from a heart attack, stroke, and other causes. A heat wave is a period of days or weeks when the temperature is abnormally high.

6. The danger of wildfires

Fires have raged in Western states over the past few decades due to changing climate. Wildfires are expected to become more frequent and more intense due to climate change.

7. The effects on commerce

Tourists are not coming to Portland during the heat wave, while businesses are being forced to close. Some businesses have decided to cut their losses and shut down during the three-day period.

8. The high cost of air conditioning

Poor and lower-income Portlanders are particularly at risk. However, the high price of electricity is forcing many residents to go without air conditioning. 9. The problems with the cooling centers

Some Portland residents have been forced to go to a cooling center. But the cooling centers have been overwhelmed and have limited hours of operation.

Conclusion

Weather portland heat wave has one of the worst markets for air conditioning in the country. Heat waves are natural and not caused by climate change as most people think. The real issue is the lack of an effective market for central air. If a central air system would only cost $20,000 instead of $35,000, very few people would be without air conditioning. We must protect the city’s urban core with aggressive building ordinances that mandate cool roofs and detached single-family homes within 3 blocks of transit.

Lower Tesla Insurance Rates: The Drivyn Guarantee

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Safety is a top priority in the vehicle industry, hence the development of new safety technologies with every new vehicle that hits the market. However, even the best safety measures won’t be entirely effective if the driver doesn’t know how to utilize them. Bridging the gap between user knowledge and safety features is precisely what driving instruction programs, such as Drivyn, hope to do with new vehicle technologies.

“Drivyn partners Tesla owners with experienced Tesla drivers who serve as advisors, offering instruction on best practices while operating a Tesla vehicle safely,” says Sam Rabinowitz, CEO of Drivyn. “While Tesla does provide basic training on the features of an autopilot-equipped vehicle, time has shown that this rudimentary instruction isn’t sufficient to utilize the technology effectively. Tesla owners are looking to learn more about their vehicles, and our goal is to provide them with that crucial information.”

As Rabinowitz explains, if it takes additional training to learn how to drive a car using a stick shift, why wouldn’t there be additional training on how to use Tesla autopilot technology? Although employing autopilot generally makes driving safer, this is only the case if the driver uses the technology properly and efficiently. In the rare circumstances in which autopilot may require the driver’s full attention, a driver should be required to know how to react in order to best control their vehicle and avoid an accident.

The Tesla Safety Score assessment is a new metric currently in Beta mode for Tesla owners who opt-in. It’s an aggregated measurement of daily safety scores over 30 days, influenced by five factors: forward collision warnings, hard braking, aggressive turning, unsafe following, and forced autopilot disengagement. The Drivyn curriculum will prepare drivers to minimize their risk in all five of Tesla’s safety factors.

Ways to improve your Safety Score

Many have asked why a Tesla driver would want to improve their Safety Score. After all, it is a Beta program that owners must opt into. However, having a high Safety Score is a qualifier for beneficial features, such as the in-demand Full Self-Driving technology. In Beta testing itself, this feature is only available to drivers whose Safety Score is nearly perfect, and future Beta features may follow suit.

Additionally,Tesla rolled out a new insurance package, which is now available in nine states. In eight of those states, the insurance premium is based on real-time driving data. (In California, the insurance is available, but is not yet based on the driver’s Safety Score.) For drivers with a high Safety Score, their insurance premiums will be significantly lower.

“Drivyn’s curriculum aims to help owners become more comfortable behind the wheel of their Tesla vehicles,” Rabinowitz says. “Being more comfortable behind the wheel of your vehicle  elevates one’s confidence, resulting in becoming a much safer driver because discomfort leads to several unsafe driving habits, including many of the factors that contribute to Tesla’s Safety Score.”

The Drivyn guarantee

Drivyn offers a guarantee, if the participant’s Safety Score does not improve, they can receive a full refund of the course. This guarantee applies to the beginning course, but can be implemented in advanced courses upon request. As a result, drivers can rest assured that taking Drivyn’s courses will have legitimate results that will not only make them safer on the road, but also offer them financial incentives in the long run. 

Drivyn will be participating in the Tesla Owners California Takeover on Saturday, August 6, in San Luis Obispo. There, they will discuss the Drivyn guarantee and how their services can help improve drivers’ Safety Scores. 

“Teslas are already known to be among the safest vehicles on the market, but equipping drivers with the skills and training required to maximize their vehicle’s performance will only make the road safer,” Rabinowitz claims.

25 Years of Field Experience by the Green Living Guy Pushes for Electric Cars

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

The push toward lowering greenhouse gases has taken center stage to save the planet from global warming. Projects to help cut fossil fuel use seem to be the answer. That’s why The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman, is so adamant in his mission.

The Green Living Guy has been in the field for over twenty-five years. He has experience working for NYS on many green projects with NYSERDA and NYPA. Overall, his company adds to his passion and competence in group advocacy. 

As The Green Living Guy makes necessary steps to expand the reach of his advocacy, he looks forward to inviting more people to listen to his podcast on electric vehicles, green living, and climate change. As President of the Greater Hudson Valley Electric Vehicle Association, he encourages people with EVs to join their team. 

On top of running the Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an electric car enthusiast known as a green living guru. He has authored and edited nine books with TAB McGraw-Hill called the Green Guru Guides.

“I always loved the environment, but it became evident that brands and my name had to be one over time, doing what I love. A friend of mine too started his TV show and made a name for himself,” said Seth Leitman, the Green Living Guy, who shared his vulnerability and deep love for the environment. 

He creates and releases his content through different platforms like his blog, consulting firm, and podcast. Seth Leitman always makes sure that the green cars are in their top condition by test driving them. Seith Leitman is a passionate advocate and a member of the International Motor Press Association and the local Electric Vehicle Association president.

One day Seth said that this was the critical change in his branding.  So eventually, he became known as  Seth Leitman, The Green Living Guy.

“I want people to know that I am a natural resource on climate change, the environment, global warming, green living, and electric cars in New York. So I will be bringing electric cars, buses, and another great green tech to NY,” said the Green Living Guy. 

So Seth Leitman is looking and calling all working in their area to give him a message so that he and his team can help more people go green.

“Our social media services are bare none; our clients always explode off the charts after our work,” said the versatile advocate of the environment. 

Moreover, here is another recent example of their outstanding performance. So the Green Living Guy enterprise is already preparing to launch several services. Those that will revolutionize and scale the company’s success even further. One of his notable clients. 

Seth Leitman recently helped Green Power Motor Company to hold an event with their electric school bus and four (4) NYS Senators. Led by NYS Senator Peter Harckham, Seth proved how he adds aim to champion the venture’s goal. That’s to promote those necessary environmentally friendly alternatives for the common good today.

In the next five years, they want to eventually provide several services like what they did with Green Power Motor. This is to canvas over the next few years. All that will bring the company together and reach higher levels of success and expand their business. With this, they are looking for people to make their services more available to more and more people online.