Monthly Archives: August 2022

Analytics, AI and robotics help MLB teams get a step closer to a perfect pitching machine

The first pitching machine dates back well over 100 years. Obviously things have come a long way since that injury-inducing, gunpowder-fueled machine made its debut at Princeton University, but most modern systems are more or less the same. A ball is manually or mechanically dropped into a spinning wheel or wheels, which propel it toward…

Revenge travel: Consumers seek vengeance on Covid for cancelling their plans

Revenge travel sounds like the plot of a superhero movie. The protagonist is gravely wronged by a powerful villain, channels their anger and bitterness into an elaborate plan to seek revenge, and an epic battle ensues in which justice ultimately prevails. But instead of a superhero it’s the average consumer, instead of a battle, it’s…

These Raspberry Pi alternatives should soon be easier to find

If you’re a Raspberry Pi aficionado looking for alternatives to the sought-after microcomputer, you might be pleased to know that Rockchip-powered boards will now be available from the UK-based online store OKdo. Rockchip, a manufacturer based in Fuzhou, China produces popular Raspberry Pi alternatives under the “Rock” brand name, such as the Rock Pi 4….

DIY Ukraine: The volunteers racing to rebuild Ukrainian homes damaged and destroyed by Russian bombs

Volunteers from the Bo Mozhemo organization pose for a photo and hold a Ukrainian flag. Andriy Galyuga/Insider Russian forces wrecked the Chernihiv Oblast region during the early stages of the Ukraine war. Andriy Galyuga, an electrician, and his 300 volunteers are now working to rebuild homes there. The volunteers, many of whom have day jobs,…

FedEx Ground ousted its largest contractor hours after suing him. Here’s how a months-long fight for a better deal turned into a legal battle.

Spencer Patton spoke to more than 4,000 of his fellow FedEx contractors at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas on August 19. Route Consultant FedEx and its largest contractor are locked in a contentious battle over how to handle rising costs. The acrimony increased Friday when FedEx filed suit against Spencer Patton’s company. Hours later,…

Pilots from a failed airline are being offered new jobs with no interview amid intense competition

Envoy operates flights under brands including American Eagle. Fabrizio Gandolfo/Getty Images Two American-owned carriers are skipping interviews to offer jobs to pilots of a bankrupt airline.  An Envoy Airlines boss said it is making conditional offers to ExpressJet flight deck crew. Piedmont Airlines offering jobs to pilots of Embraer jets based on seniority. Pilots from…

Costco refuses to raise the price of its $1.50 hot dog combo despite painful inflation. 4 experts explain the strategy, and why Charlie Munger loves it.

An illustration of Costco’s $1.50 hot dog combo. Costco; Vincent Giordano Photo/Shutterstock; Rachel Mendelson/Insider Costco has charged $1.50 for a hot dog and soda for 37 years, and inflation won’t change that. Costco’s pricing of its hot dog combo is a testament to its business model, experts say. Charlie Munger admires the retailer for constantly…