Day: February 7, 2017

Ivanka Trump fashions dropped by Nordstrom following boycott

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“Can I blow in your ear?”

❝ Fashion retailer Nordstrom has dropped a clothing line by Ivanka Trump.

It’s after campaigners called for a boycott on stores doing business with the president’s family. But the company blames the move on poor sales.

❝ The US firm says it makes “buying decisions based on performance” and that cutting brands “is part of the regular rhythm of our business”…

❝ The #GrabYourWallet campaign urged customers to boycott firms which have supported the Trumps.

It was started by two women angry about the president’s comments about women which came out in October.

❝ Co-founder Shannon Coulter reacted on Twitter, saying: “Big news everyone. You did this. I am in awe #GrabYourWallet.

“Those who voted against Donald control $7 trillion in spending.

“Never forget it. Never forget our power. Together, we can change a lot.”

A bit more detail in the article including Nordstrom softpedaling on the boycott. Folks just “stopped buying the Ivanka brand”. Same as a boycott as far as I read.

Siemens cuts development time, produces 3D-printed turbine blades

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Siemens AG

❝ Siemens has successfully completed a test of 3D-printed blades to be used in gas turbines, the latest development in a technology that has become increasingly popular with automakers, rival General Electric, Nike and aerospace giants like Boeing.

According to Reuters, Siemens said the test, which it called a “breakthrough,” was the first of its kind. The test took place under full-load engine conditions at temperatures above 2,282 degrees Fahrenheit…

❝ The blades, composed of a polycrystalline nickel superalloy, were made by U.K. manufacturer Materials Solutions, Reuters said. Siemens bought Materials Solutions last year.

The 3D-printing technology allowed Siemens to bring the gas turbine blades from the design phase to the testing phase within two months, a process that typically takes two years…It was unclear when the blades might go into production…

❝ General Electric last year also purchased two European 3D printing companies, and has developed a jet engine via 3-D printing. Boeing has also used the technology, also known as additive manufacturing, to make tools and parts. Nike has also used the technology to design shoes.

Still no summation of cost vs time in a production process. I remain willing to be convinced that 3D printing is useful especially for prototyping – as in this case. Long-term production needs? Not so certain.

New Yorkers join together to remove Nazi Graffiti from subway car

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Gregory Locke

❝ Lately, it seems like there have been more incidents of swastikas being drawn on subway train cars than there used to be. However, the latest swastika sighting came with a hopeful and inspiring story from one commuter who worked with fellow straphangers to get rid of the hate symbols.

Gregory Locke was on a 1 train in Manhattan when he saw numerous swastikas. He shared this story, and the photographs of this disgusting display as well as his fellow decent human beings, on his Facebook page:

❝ I got on the subway in Manhattan tonight and found a Swastika on every advertisement and every window. The train was silent as everyone stared at each other, uncomfortable and unsure what to do.

One guy got up and said, “Hand sanitizer gets rid of Sharpie. We need alcohol.” He found some tissues and got to work.

I’ve never seen so many people simultaneously reach into their bags and pockets looking for tissues and Purel. Within about two minutes, all the Nazi symbolism was gone.

❝ Nazi symbolism. On a public train. In New York City. In 2017.

❝ “I guess this is Trump’s America,” said one passenger. No sir, it’s not. Not tonight and not ever. Not as long as stubborn New Yorkers have anything to say about it.

I’m consistent in my contempt for the dweebs whose egos are so lame they think they’re “making a statement” with graffiti. Immature, incapable of standing upright and actually working at communication and art. Include contemptible support for bigotry and you make it right to the top of my personal list for illegal direct action.