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1-28-20 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

Lots of mass for the money is how Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis describes the 7-passenger 2020 Toyota 4Runner in this week’s episode. But, there’s plenty of other good reasons to like the $49,905 4×4 Limited version of this popular SUV, not the least of which is its ability to hold value in the marketplace. Have a listen and be prepared to discover the inner workings of government safety ratings while you’re at it.
Want more? Well, the plate is also filled with heaping helpings of technology news including the latest adventures in Musk enterprises, NASA’s research in building fungi structures on Mars, a plan from Rolls Royce to re-utilize old nuclear reactor sites, and a hybrid polar research vessel.

Tech Talk is a weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.

Ride of the Week:

2020 Toyota 4Runner 4×4 Limited

photos: RPM News Weekly
See our Photo Gallery for more pics.

  • 7-Passenger Seating
  • Nautical Blue Metallic Exterior
  • Tan Leather Interior
  • 270-hp 4.0L V6 w/ 278 lb-ft of Torque
  • 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • 16 City / 19 Highway / 17 Combined MPG
  • 20-in. Alloy Wheels
  • Trailer Hitch
  • Hill Start & Downhill Assist Control
  • JBL 15-speaker Audio Sys. w/ Subwoofer
  • Android Auto / Apple CarPlay Integration
  • 4-star Overall Safety Rating

Automotive News:

NHTSA Star Safety Ratings Update
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announces its plan to propose significant updates and upgrades to the New Car Assessment Program


Safety Ratings Explained
CARFAX provides an Understanding of NHTSA and IIHS Ratings


Musk Minute:

Sudden Acceleration in Tesla Models
NHTSA to investigate reported “sudden unintended acceleration.”


Other Tech News:

NASA Fungi-Based Structures

A petri dish containing mycelia (white threads, here) growing in simulated Martian soil – aka Martian regolith.
photo courtesy of NASA/Ames Research Center/Lynn Rothschild

Rolls Royce Plans Mini Nuclear Reactors


UK Govt. & Industry Collaborate On Compact Nuclear Power Station

image courtesy of Rolls Royce

Hybrid Arctic Research Ship Sir David Attenborough

The lifeboats have been installed on the RRS Sir David Attenborough as it nears final stages of construction.
photo courtesy of Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)/British Antarctic Survey (BAS)

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