This man can survive without a heart for over a year

Stan Larkin managed to survive without human heart in his body for more than a year, before he received a donor heart. The 25-year-old men 'wear' artificial heart in a backpack during 24/7 for 555 days.

Stan Larkin with the Freedom® portable driver installed on his body. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1aypuP)

The artificial heart pump blood throughout the body and make Stan alive. The success of this procedure showed that the artificial heart devices can be used to maintain other patients with heart failure in total during their wait for a donor heart.

It started when Stan became the first patient in Michigan that uses artificial heart devices in 2014. Stan and his brother, Dominique diagnosed as teenagers with familial cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart condition that can lead to heart failure without any warning. This condition is one of the main causes of death in athletes.

After years of waiting for a donor heart and never can be, Stan and his brother eventually have to be willing to lose their hearts and replaced by an artificial heart device known as 'SynCardia.'

"Conditions are both very severe and when we first take care of them in intensive care units (ICU)," said Jonathan Haft, a surgeon in University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center who handles transplants for Stan and Dominique.

Team doctors want both received the heart transplants, "But we were not sure we had enough time. Conditions unique anatomy on both  the commonly used technology was useless," he continued.

Devices such as implantable defibrillators can help the patients with partial heart failure, but can not help patients of heart failure in total.

Dominique just need to use the technology for heart failure in total for several weeks before finally getting a heart transplant. But Stan had to wait until more than a year. Instead of remain in the hospital, he was fitted with the Freedom® portable driver so he could go home in the meantime.

At that time, how many things he could do with that device. The portable device is shaped backpack weighs of 6 kg which is connected to the vascular system of the patient, to continue to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body.

As quoted of Science Alert, using a portable device was not easy, Stan complained not being able to hold his daughters or give them piggy back rides. But he managed to continue playing basketball! The real surprise for the doctors who treated him.

"The device was not designed to be used while playing basketball," says Haft. He then continued, "Stan pushed the envelope with this technology. He really thrived on the device."

Finally, Stan received a donor heart on May 9, 2016, and has now fully recovered. He shares his story, which he described as "emotional rollercoaster" with an emphasis on increasing awareness about 5.7 million Americans are living with heart failure and the need for heart donors.

"You're heroes to all of us," David J. Pinsky, director of the Frankel Cardiovascular Centre, said of Stan and Dominique. "The fact that you take your story public and allow us to teach others makes a difference. You'll make a difference for a lot of patients. You'll make a difference to the doctors of the future. We thank you for allowing us to share your story and your bravery in sharing it."  *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCIENCE ALERT]

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Story of Muhammad Ali's Classical Golden Angel Wing

Muhammad Ali, former of the world heavyweight boxing champion has passed away on June 3, 2016 at a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona. The famous boxer with the nickname 'The Greatest' had his first achievement in the 1960 Olympics in Rome as a light heavyweight gold medalist. Throughout his career, he had won three-time world heavyweight boxing champion.

A unique 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220S, known as the 'Golden Angel Wing', was originally owned by a Arabian royal family before being gifted to Muhammad Ali. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1avAwj)

So whether anything to do the legendary boxer with the automotive world? Yes of course there was. Ali had time to have a unique classical car, ie 1959 Mercedes-Benz Golden Angel Wing. The car was a gift from the Arabian royal family. Ali got the car grants because the royal members was his fanatical fans.

Muhammad Ali (1942-2016), the charismatic three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1avAwj)

This luxurious car built from the base of pearl white colored 1959 Mercedes Benz 220S. The original condition of the four-door sedan was overhauled in the early 1980s, complete with Arabic engravings and an interior lined with mink fur as well as encrusted with over 270 pieces of precious stones such as rubies, diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.

The four-door sedan, which was remodeled to resemble an ornate Arabian palace, features Arabic engravings that are meant to 'glorify god'. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1avAwj)

As reported by Dailymail, much of the vehicle parts covered in 23 karat gold, including the bumper and even the cap of the spare tire. Hundreds of precious stones so the accessories in the interior and exterior such as a button or switch, including 'beads' bumper. Meanwhile, the sedan's cabin is lined with fur and there are carvings and Arabian typical ornaments.

From every jewel and minute detail, the owners have kept a thorough log to make sure nothing is missing. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1avAwj)

Here are several pictures of 1959 Mercedes-Benz Golden Angel Wing. (All pictures taken from: http://adf.ly/1avAwj)

Ali only had time to feel the luxury Golden Angel Wing for two years. The boxer who was born on January 17, 1942 was usually chauffeured when using this unique classical car. In January 2014, this car has been donated by him through an auction event to fight world hunger. The car was sold for US $1.5 million or approximately Rp.20,14 billion.

RIP @MuhammadAli. We'll miss You champ!!! Hopefully his Islamic faith be accepted by AlMighty Allah. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILY MAIL | FOX NEWS]

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Darizt Design’s 32nd Build: A Bold and Elegant Custom Motorcycle

Crafted Boldness - Indonesia is home to many talented and creative individuals across various fields. One such person is Agus Sudariswanto, a resident of Yogyakarta known for his extraordinary custom motorcycle builds. Operating out of his workshop, Darizt Design, located in Plemburan Gg. Mulia, Sariharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman – Yogyakarta, Agus has made a name for himself through his unique approach to motorcycle modification.

Darizt Design 32th Attempt. (Picture from: Darizt Design)

While browsing the Darizt Design website, we came across one of his standout creations titled, 32th Attempt. Interestingly, Agus typically doesn't assign formal names to his bikes—instead, he labels them according to the number of builds he’s completed. This practice reflects his continuous journey of experimentation and craftsmanship.

On the same site, Agus had previously shared a photo series detailing the build process—starting from fabricating the frame to installing the engine. The welding on the frame looked precise and professional. Remarkably, Agus uses mostly simple tools for his builds. We've even heard stories of him using tree trunks to shape parts of the frame, showcasing his resourcefulness and dedication to using whatever materials are available to him.

Right side view of Darizt Design 32th Attempt.(Picture from: Darizt Design)

The 32th Attempt bike seems to embrace a classic bobber style, with a minimalist design and virtually no body panels. It features a custom-made, smaller fuel tank, and a streamlined seat—nothing more than a thin iron plate padded with foam and wrapped in brown leather. A short shock absorber adds a touch of comfort to the otherwise stark design.

Here are several pictures of the Darizt Design 32th Attempt. (All pictures taken from: Darizt Design)

Details about the engine are scarce, but from the visible side caps labeled "Honda," it closely resembles the 200cc engine used in the Honda Tiger 2000, a common model in Indonesia. With machined and anodized aluminum parts, carefully chosen colors, and an immaculate paint finish, the 32th Attempt exudes a bold presence. Its elegant mocha brown color gives it a refined look that easily captivates onlookers, making you almost forget that this is a small-displacement motorcycle.

What truly makes this bike special is the harmonious blend of minimalism and detail. It’s a perfect example of how passion, creativity, and resourcefulness can lead to outstanding craftsmanship—even with limited tools. If you're curious to see more of Darizt Design’s beautiful machines, you can check them out [here].

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins.... *** [EKA [07062016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DARIZT DESIGN ]

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Searching for the ancient site through the satellite imaging

Some of the most impressive mural of the Maya is found in the depths of the forest San Bartolo, Guatemala, in 2001. The mural is dated 100 BC. Of course, San Bartolo still have some other findings, but there is too dense jungle.

"It is dangerous to walk through the forest to find those sites. Where conditions are very humid and a lot of snakes," said Diane Davis, Honorary Research Associate at the Institute of Archaeology, UCL (London). The woman was already working in the region since the early 2000s.

Imagery from the Ikonos satellite has a resolution down to one metre on the ground. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1aoBl2)

"Look, people can just a 7 or 8 meters from a pyramid in the woods, but could not see it because the vegetation is too thick," said Davies. However, by using the satellite imaging, many archaeological sites that were once hidden is now to be found.

Davies revealed by the help of a NASA scientist named Thomas Sever. The scientists then managed to recognize all of amazing forms (including the lost Mayan pyramids) based on satellite images. Most of the Mayans buildings were established using limestone, so the chemical composition around the ruins of change over time. It is revealed through multiple images.

Sattelite imaging can reveal previously lost civilisations. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1aoBc4)

For the purpose of scanning the areas in around archeological ruins, then used several different wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum spans in order to reveal the patterns that exist on the surface, said Geoffrey Braswell of the University of California, San Diego.

The LiDaR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology can also be used to compile the topography. As the name implies, it uses laser technology. "If we're flying over the forest canopy, mostly radiance will be reflected by the leaves, other objects, and do not reach the ground, but there are some that can pass," said Braswell. "Thus, we can see the unique shapes on the ground."

By using the LiDaR technology in the satellites, archaeologists may be able to find archaeological sites which have escaped. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1aoBc4)

But the use of LiDaR was expensive and for many years, only used by the military. Braswell intend to use it to scan the entire Central American region to see if something is missing from the archaeologists. Until now, it has not been possible.

There are still a number of problems. Most of the Maya scholars agree that these sites are detected by remote sensing was still to be ascertained by an expedition on land. The reason, many of the alleged findings turned out to be worthless, for example, only a field and not a building. Alternatively, a man-made objects that are new instead of ancient ruins.

"In the northern region of the Mayan, in Yucatan, remote sensing provides the results of 70 percent false positives," said Braswell. However, most experts agree that the benefits of the technology is amazing for archeology. There are several astonishing sites was revealed and almost escaped before. In some cases, these findings could potentially save the efforts many years to explore in the lush forests. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BBC]

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A 458 MM Speciale supercar for British wealthy person

Ferrari has released a new Ferrari 458 MM Speciale supercar on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. This special edition car made by the Italian manufacturers with the famous prancing horse logo is only one unit to fulfill an order of the British rich man.

Ferrari 458 MM Speciale supercar debuted in Fiorano. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1apgo7)

As quoted from Autoblog, Ferrari introduced the car at Fiorano. There are also the head of testing a Ferrari, Dario Benuzzi, and the owner who was not identified his name have been tested the car a few rounds.

The car is built from the base of Ferrari 458 Speciale used a naturally aspirated V8 engine as its drivetrain in combination with the dual-clutchs seven-speed gearbox. The car body is painted in creamy white color and termed as Bianco Italia, also decorated with the Italian flag color line in the middle, splitting the car from the hood up to rear.

Right side view of Ferrari 458 MM Speciale supercar. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1apgo7)

The designers of the Ferrari Styling Center makes this car with the dark colored A-pillar, causing the effect as if there is no buffer. In addition, the use of aluminum on the body and carbon fiber in the bumper adds a light weight of this car.

Rear view of Ferrari 458 MM Speciale supercar. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1apgo7)

The other part that distinguishes the 458 MM Speciale with a car like this is the air scoop design, air intake and radiator as the engine cooling support. Rear spoiler also uses a new design. Not to forget the spoke rims design that makes this car becomes more fierce.

Inside, passengers will be pampered with an upgraded audio system as well as the use of leather from Cioccolato. The steering wheel is accented white satin ring in some parts. But unfortunately, no mention of how the price of this car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG]

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Ducati Dustbin Spesial

A motorcycle built by world-renowned metal fabricator Evan Wilcox called Ducati Dustbin Special. It looks more often called a work of art's attention because it is coated by aluminum, almost the entire body of motorcycle.

Ducati Dustbin Spesial by Evan Wilcox. (Picture from: Silodrome)

As reported by Silodrome on Monday, January 4, 2016, Wilcox makes this bike as a project for for his own use in amateur racing events like the Moto Giro d’California, he didn’t mess around. By using A single-cylinder Ducati was chosen, a bevelhead with a 175 cc capacity, iit was rebuilt with a custom crankshaft from a four-stroke MX bike machined Ducati flywheels, a camshaft was sourced from Megacycle and a Mikuni carburettor was fitted for the sake of reliability and easy starting.

Right side view of Ducati Dustbin Spesial by Evan Wilcox. (Picture from: Silodrome)

For the process, he admitted that he spent 40-50 hours just to change the shape of the gas tank. Wilcox also said he did not remember how much time is needed to complete the overall modification of this motorcycle. To be sure, hundreds of hours had been spent to build this eccentric motorcycle. Overall material to coat a motorcycle made by Wilcox. Modifications made are considered capable of making motorcycle is unstable because the front wheel does not have enough space. 

Rear view of Ducati Dustbin Spesial by Evan Wilcox. (Picture from: Silodrome)

The original dustbin motorcycles were banned since 1958 by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) due to the dangers associated with them, many of the originals had limited front wheel steering because of fairing constraints and the bikes could become unstable at some lean angles – it was also not advisable to ride them in stiff cross winds for same obvious reasons.

The motorcycle has been sold in the Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction held by Bonhams, on Thursday, January 7, 2015. The price offered was considered quite cheap, which ranged between US $10 thousand to $14 thousand or equivalent to Rp.138.9 million to Rp.194,5 million.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins.... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME ]

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