Vertical test track

Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has opened what it says is the world's tallest elevator testing tower.

The 173m-high (567ft) structure is called Solae and dominates the skyline of Inazawa City.

The company says it will use the tower to conduct research into high-speed elevators to serve the next generation of super-tall buildings. . .

The Taipei 101 lifts - built by Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems - have a top speed of 17m/s (61km/h; 38mph) and are recognised as the fastest in the world. They incorporate a pressure control system that stops riders' ears from "popping", and streamlined cars that reduce the whistling noise that blights some fast lifts as they are pulled through narrow shafts.

From the BBC. More on the Taipei 101 elevators here and here.

Hashim Khan

Missed this NY Times article over the holidays about one of sports' all time greats:

Hashim Khan hobbled into the Denver Athletic Club and parked himself on a bleacher behind the glass wall of the squash court.

Khan, a diminutive 93-year-old Pakistani, folded his arms across his pot belly and watched two players rallying back and forth, his eyes examining their technique and footwork.

“All my life, that’s what I’ve wanted to do — hit that ball,” said Khan, who is regarded as one of the all-time greats of squash.

Khan recently took a tumble on the court, fracturing his hip and straining his rotator cuff. Doctors have said no more squash. But he refuses to listen.

Khan's own story is no less incredible than the dynasty he founded. More here, here, and here. Hashim Khan's autobiography is a squash classic.

Scotland downgraded

Leading Scottish literary figures have criticised a decision by the US Library of Congress to reclassify their work as a subsection of English literature.

The move means Scottish literature will no longer have its own section in the world's biggest library. . .

A spokesman for the library said it would be reconsidering the controversial decision. . .

Ms Lochhead, Glasgow's Poet Laureate, said the move was caused by "ignorance" and accused the library of "cultural imperialism."

From "wogs begin at Calais" to "English begins at Land's End". Full article here. More "wog" etymology and discussion here.

Milan adopts congestion charge

The Italian city of Milan has imposed a charge of up to 10 euros (£7.50) on vehicles entering the city.

The "eco-pass" is being policed by cameras at 43 electric gates around an 8-sq-km (three-square-mile) inner area. . .

Electric and hybrid cars are allowed to enter the congestion charge zone without payment.

That makes sense, but what about the following?

Mr Croci said that the majority of the private cars entering the zone on Wednesday were exempt from the charge because they had been fitted with anti-smog filters.

"Anti-smog filters"? What on earth could that mean? Perhaps catalytic convertors, which from what I understand are still not so common in Europe as in the USA.

The real test of the scheme will not come until next week when children return to school and businesses fully re-open after the Christmas and New Year break.

Two other northern cities in Italy, Turin and Genoa, are also considering a pollution fee.

From the BBC.

Tiger attack provoked by laser pointer?

Just speculation at this point -- but what about this post from December 20 over at Discovery News' Mythbusters forum?

My pets enjoy playing "chase the laser pointer."

So, I've always wanted to take my powerful laser pointer to the zoo, and wreak absolute havoc in the tiger pit...

...but maybe I better let you guys try it first.

What other animals can we stir up into a frenzy?

Perhaps a coincidence, but I'm sure both the police and the San Francisco Zoo's legal defense team would want to take a closer look just in case . . . .