pure ambition

Chicken/Egg Dilemma

2007-12-20T13:53:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of The Daily WTF. Thanks Seth!

The Anti-Cold

2007-12-18T05:28:00.001-05:00

Whatever bug I have, it redefines "cold." Granted, with a high fever, I have been cold at times. But this NyQuil-resistant SOB also seems immune to Tylenol, Advil, and Excedrin. I'll be in quarantine if you need me...

Michael Vick Sentenced

2007-12-10T13:19:00.000-05:00

In August, I felt like former NFL'er Michael Vick's sentencing day would never arrive. I don't feel the need to rehash the crimes, but you can certainly hit Google and find the gruesome details.

Today we found out Vick will serve 23 months in a federal prison. With good behavior, he'll be eligible for parole in 20 months. The sentence is delightfully longer than I expected, and preliminary reactions from animal rights groups indicate they approve as well.

The media has barely touched on what is to become of the dogs seized in the raid. I am pleased to say that 22 of the 48 dogs are on their way to the Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. Here, the dogs will receive the medical attention they need and be socialized until they are ready to be adopted through a rigorous screening process. Animals that may be too emotionally or psychologically damaged to ever go to a new family will have 'forever homes' at Best Friends.

Gift of Yarn

2007-12-08T21:21:00.000-05:00

Today I received my Ravelry secret Santa gift. Thanks Santa in MN!

Elfster

2007-12-03T14:05:00.000-05:00

If you are involved in a Secret Santa, Pollyanna, or any other type of random gift exchange this holiday season, check out Elfster. It's free, participation is unlimited, and they manage the name selection for you. In addition, your information is kept confidential, so only your "Santa" sees your address, etc. if you choose to enter that information. Elfster also includes an integrated wishlist, anonymous question-asking feature, and integration with popular search engines and websites. Here's to the fun of gifting!

"Where my stiches at?"

2007-12-03T13:54:00.000-05:00

I recently started knitting and found an indispensable site, Ravelry.com. It provides knitters and crocheters a community, personalized toolbox, inspiration, and so much more. The motto: "where my stitches at?"

I'm back...

2007-12-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

After many months, I'm going to get back into blogging. Don't be surprised if pure ambition has a slightly modified flavor, I'm a slightly modified person!

iWood, WoodU?

2007-02-26T21:37:00.000-05:00

I'm enamored with these beautiful hardwood iPod cases from Miniot. Crafted from a single piece of cherry, maple, walnut, or oak, these cases are works of art for your iPod. You can order your case from Miniot. Prices start at 75€.

errorwear

2007-02-25T22:36:00.000-05:00

This shirt gave me a little giggle when I found it. My organization has recently been struggling with many mysterious Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issues. I'd get one for each member of that project team, but somehow I don't think they would share in my amusement. $14.50 USD from errorwear.

Trans Fat Ban

2007-02-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia has jumped on the "banned-wagon" and decided to keep trans fat out of food served in the city. I think this sort of restriction is absurd. Now, if this is what we were banning, I would feel differently!

2007-02-14T00:29:00.000-05:00

ASCII Star Wars

2007-02-10T15:48:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what was more fun: watching the first few minutes of Star Wars in ASCII or just tapping into it via telnet. Here's how you get there:

Open a Windows Command Prompt (Start>All Programs>Accessories)
Type telnet and press Enter
Type o towel.blinkenlights.nl and press Enter
Enjoy!

Voicemail Greetings

2007-02-10T14:10:00.000-05:00

I think it's time for a new greeting on the home voicemail. Here are some ideas I got here:

You have reached the number you have dialed. Please leave a message after the beep.
Please leave a message. However, you have the right to remain silent. Everything you say will be recorded and will be used by us.
Hi. I'm probably home, I'm just avoiding someone I don't like. Leave me a message, and if I don't call back, it's you.

Interstates - Simplified

2007-02-08T22:39:00.000-05:00

If urban planners had rulers...

This cool diagram is courtesy of artist Chris Yates.

Pet Peek

2007-02-04T23:43:00.000-05:00

This little window for your fence allows your pup to see who they smell on the other side. Only $30 USD for the Pet Peek.

Wishlist: Submersible Phone

2007-02-03T23:02:00.000-05:00

You may be wondering why anyone (or specifically I) need a waterproof cordless phone. Well, dear readers, it is because I have damaged a phone in the past by using it in moisture-rich environments (i.e. the bathtub). It still works but hasn't been 'right' ever since.

Thus, I am tempted to invest $50 USD in Uniden's Submersible 900 MHz Cordless Specialty Phone. You might be thinking, "but 900 MHz is old technology," and you would be right. I'm all about old technology, though, if I don't have to worry about it interfering with the rest of my 2.4 GHz wireless home. And did I mention it floats?!

The Microsoft Mouse

2007-02-03T22:02:00.000-05:00

The year was 1983: Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" topped the charts and compact discs made their debut. Also born was the Microsoft Mouse. For a mere $195, you got the mouse, Microsoft Word, and a few useless programs. Other 1983 highlights included the first juice box (Ocean Spray), Ray-Ban Wayfarers, and parachute pants.

Luckily we kept the mouse as a standard - and not the parachute pants.

via Gearlog

Vista Upgrade Flowchart

2007-02-01T21:19:00.000-05:00

From one of my favorite satirical sites, BBspot. Download the .jpg or .pdf.

Happy 1st Anniversary, Pure Ambition!

2007-01-30T22:40:00.000-05:00

To celebrate I want to share with you a passage from Dean Koontz's From the Corner of His Eye:

“Not one day in anyone’s life…is an uneventful day, no day without profound meaning, no matter how dull and boring it might seem, no matter whether you are a seamstress or a queen, a shoeshine boy or a movie star, a renowned philosopher or a Down’s-syndrome child. Because in every day of your life, there are opportunities to perform little kindnesses for others, both by conscious acts of will and unconscious example. Each smallest act of kindness–even just words of hope when they are needed, the remembrance of a birthday, a compliment that engenders a smile–reverberates across great distances and spans of time, affecting lives unknown to the one whose generous spirit was the source of this good echo, because kindness is passed on and grows each time it’s passed, until a simple courtesy becomes an act of selfless courage years later and far away. Likewise, each small meanness, each thoughtless expression of hatred, each envious and bitter act, regardless of how petty, can inspire others, and is therefore the seed that ultimately produces evil fruit, poisoning people whom you have never met and never will. All human lives are so profoundly and intricately entwined–those dead, those living, those generations yet to come–that the fate of all is the fate of each, and the hope of humanity rests in every heart and in every pair of hands. Therefore, after every failure, we are obliged to strive again for success, and when faced with the end of one thing, we must build something new and better in the ashes, just as from pain and grief, we must weave hope, for each of us is a thread critical to the strength–to the very survival–of the human tapestry. Every hour in every life contains such often-unrecognized potential to affect the world that the great days for which we, in our dissatisfaction, so often yearn are already with us; all great days and thrilling possibilities are combined always in this momentous day."

T-Scam

2007-01-19T10:47:00.000-05:00

Take one t-shirt design, add a dozen twenty-somethings, and stir in a retail store. What do you get? A great gag! Space Hijackers carried out this "project" in central London. Enjoy their pics and story here.

Buildings of Disaster

2007-01-09T21:52:00.000-05:00

Design firm Moss brings us Buildings of Disaster. Remember some interesting moments in human history (and sometimes, stupidity). Choose from Three Mile Island, the O.J. car chase, the Watergate building, and more. Sure they're pricey, but for the twisted exec that has everything, why not?

First Class Art

2007-01-09T20:33:00.000-05:00

This Brit didn't know his friend's address, though he did have a good idea of where he lived. The sketch above was drawn on the letter's envelope in lieu of an address and postal code. It was delivered to the correct recipient only 9 days after being mailed. As reported in The Sun Online.

Rant: New Dog Breeds

2007-01-06T22:37:00.000-05:00

Too often I hear people say they have a 'new' breed of dog. In the past few years, we've seen the invent of the cockapoo, labradoodle, and puggle. If you ask me, the whole thing is a scheme for people to make a larger dollar on a mixed breed dog. There's certainly nothing wrong with these pups so let's love them for the mixes and mutts they are!

With that said, enjoy some selections from an article I stumbled upon, entitled Dog Cross-Breeds.

Pointer + Setter = Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet
Great Pyrenees + Dachshund = Pyradachs, a puzzling breed
Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso = Peekasso, an abstract dog
Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel = Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle
Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever = Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of research scientists
Malamute + Pointer = Moot Point, owned by....oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway
Collie + Malamute = Commute, a dog that travels to work
Deerhound + Terrier = Derriere, a dog that's true to the end

Ladle Rat Rotten Hut

2007-01-02T20:20:00.000-05:00

Around 1940, Professor H. L. Chace imagined what life would be like if we had to ration our words. If our vocabulary was cut in half, could we managed with other words? Here's an excerpt of his version of Little Red Riding Hood. Read it aloud a couple times and you'll get the hang of it!

Disk ladle gull orphan worry putty ladle rat cluck wetter ladle rat hut, an fur disk raisin pimple colder Ladle Rat Rotten Hut.

Check out more of Chace's "Anguish Languish" here.

3 People + 1 Guitar = Corporeal

2006-12-27T20:12:00.000-05:00

2006-12-27T08:24:00.000-05:00

Screw 'Em

2006-12-23T20:50:00.000-05:00

Fun, sexy, silver, and only $24 USD from UncommonGoods.

BlaccuWeather

2006-12-23T20:09:00.000-05:00

If you are a Family Guy fan, you will appreciate getting your three day forecast from Ollie Williams. Go to the BlaccuWeather site and enter your zip code in the upper right corner.

Hear a clip from a Family Guy episode below.

Egg in a Bottle

2006-12-23T12:50:00.000-05:00

What if you don't peel it?

Craigsnumber

2006-12-22T21:57:00.000-05:00

Craigsnumber allows you to list online (or elsewhere) with a free, anonymous phone number. The calls will forward to the legitimate number of your choice for a period of 1 hour, 1 day, or 1 week. Currently in beta.

Float-a-Pet

2006-12-22T16:59:00.000-05:00

This bulky collar is a prototype of a life-saving device for animals. Demonstrated here on an innocent chihuahua, the Float-a-Pet inflates when the humidity sensor reaches its threshold. I'd only be afraid that the sensor would slip into the pup's water bowl and -POOF- they're stuck wearing that thing until someone gets home.

2006-12-21T22:17:00.000-05:00

This pizza shop is located in the same strip as the cafe I frequent in the morning. Judging from the glass on the ground, someone decided to take them up on their "Yes, we're open" sign.

2006-12-17T20:47:00.000-05:00

The Dangers of Bread

2006-12-15T22:03:00.000-05:00

Encouraged by a Cincinnati newspaper article, "Smell of baked bread may be health hazard," syndicated radio talk show host Geoff Metcalf shares with us some unsettling, crusty statistics.
For example, did you know that "more than 98% of convicted felons are bread eaters?" GASP!

American Accent

2006-12-15T21:45:00.000-05:00

Lately I found myself trying to convince a colleague he has an accent. Maybe this tool will help my case! The What American Accent Do You Have? quiz is actually quite interesting. You'll be asked a few questions like "do you think "cot" and "caught" sound the same or different?" I was classified as having the "Midland" accent, which according to the site is just another way of saying 'you don't have an accent.' (so there...) Enjoy!

Holiday Party Excuse Generator

2006-12-15T21:15:00.000-05:00

Introverts Unite! This fun little Flash app will help you out of any social gathering. Specify what type of party, your feelings about the host, how badly you want to avoid it, the tone you want to convey, and a level of believability. Try it, bookmark it, it rocks.

Chainsaw Power!

2006-12-15T20:39:00.000-05:00

Chainsaw manufacturer DOLMAR has launched a new promotional vehicle. The DOLMETTE motorcycle is powered by 24 chainsaw engines. They feed into a 5-speed Harley Davidson transmission via a series of 12 toothed belts. Read more about this powerhouse here.

2006-12-09T19:10:00.000-05:00

It's like watching a car wreck...

Blister Packaging: Follow-up

2006-12-07T23:47:00.000-05:00

In early October I ranted about my hate-hate relationship with blister packs (aka clamshell packaging). Tonight, while trying to break into one of these fortresses, I tried to image how one could use the power of blister packs for good and not evil. Here are some ideas:

Handgun packaging: don't lock up your guns, blister pack them!
Luggage: these things stand up to all sorts of abuse - let's try airport baggage handlers.
Safe deposit (drop) bags: you'll know if anyone tried to tamper with your deposit!

Have more uses for blister packs? Leave your comment below!

mmm, mmm, mica...

2006-12-05T22:15:00.000-05:00

This fall the FDA approved the use of opalescent pigments in food products. German-based pharmaceutical giant Merck KGaA was approved to use the coating on pharmaceutical drugs earlier in the year. The secret behind the Candurin hues is mica covered in titanium dioxide.

In food products, Merck imagines the colors being used in everything from breakfast cereals to throat lozenges. Of course, the pigments will also be used to market (brand) pharmaceuticals and prevent counterfeiting. I'm all for consuming my share of soft minerals, but do we really need to make our drugs look like yummy pieces of candy?
via Slashfood

Ways To Go!

2006-12-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

This gem comes to us from National Geographic's August 2006 article of the same name. The National Safety Council (NSC) has republished a portion of the study on their site. I found it very interesting and a good measure of what we should really be afraid. They predict, for example, that a person born in 2003 has lifetime odds of dying in the following manner:

Assault by firearm: 1 in 314
Caught Between Objects: 1 in 27,559
Legal execution: 1 in 62,468
Lightning: 1 in 79,746
Contact with venomous spiders: 1 in 468,508

Bottomless

2006-12-02T19:51:00.000-05:00

This painted elevator floor provides an impressive illusion. More pics here.

Lucid Dreaming

2006-11-28T21:34:00.000-05:00

I'm going to venture a little beyond my normal blog parameters and share with you something personal. It is called 'lucid dreaming.' Actually, before I StumbledUpon it earlier this evening, I never knew anyone else experienced this, so I'm a bit excited. Yes, I thought it was just something that made me more bizarre than previously thought.

Lucid dreaming is being aware that you are dreaming while you are dreaming. It is something I started doing 4 - 6 years ago. (That's my best estimate, at least.) For me it began during my nightmares; I began to be aware that they were just dreams and eventually I learned to waken myself from them.

Over the years I've gained control over the settings, characters, and context of my dreams. Sure, I still experience a nightmare I can't control and don't realize is a dream. Luckily, though, they are few and far between. When they do happen, however, the reality of them will often shake me through the morning or even the day.

If you'd like to read more about lucid dreaming, I recommend you begin with LucidBlog and Answers.com. Many sources referenced believe this is something you can teach yourself to do. Honestly, I encourage you to try. We spend 1/4 to 1/3 of our lives asleep - why not make it your own playground?

The Handler

2006-11-27T22:28:00.000-05:00

The holidays are a time when we gather with family and try to tolerate their eccentricities - and by tolerate, I mean exploit for entertainment. Well, my brother is aspiring to be Howard Hughes: not because he wants to be a billionaire aviator, but because he's rather, uh, germ-adverse. With that said, the gadget I StumbledUpon yesterday must have been created with my brother in mind.

The Handler is a "revolutionary anti-germ product" designed to keep germs off you and itself. Okay, it's a hook on a keychain with a nano-silver coating. The website suggests some things for which you may use your Handler. Now some seem logical: door handles, bathroom faucets, and toilet seats. But others seem to be more unusual: the office microwave, elevator buttons, the photocopier start button, and remote control buttons.

The Handler can be yours for $10.95 USD and will undoubtedly find a home in many Christmas stockings this year. However, I would like to issue this warning: If I ever see you run back to your desk and retrieve your hook before pushing the buttons for your free powdered double espresso, I will be there - armed with a camera and a megaphone. Just a warning...

RC Mail

2006-11-27T21:58:00.000-05:00

Is nothing sacred? Remote Control Mail will receive, open, scan, and e-mail the contents of your US Postal Service mail. Quite frankly, I can't believe we didn't see this on the market during the period after the rise of e-mail but before the advent of online billing.

The service seems a little pricey: a $25 activation fee and $25/month if you pay month-to-month. The catch is that if you exceed a certain number of pieces received, scanned, or shredded, you're looking at additional charges. I suppose this would be advantageous for most world travelers, but I still like the potential of a papercut now and again.

Model Me This

2006-11-26T20:56:00.000-05:00

Though never too successful, I have had some fun over the years trying to assemble model cars and trucks. I always enjoyed separating the pieces from the plastic molds, applying glue with little ventilation, painting with baby cans of spray paint, and assembling the little pieces with tweezers and foul language. So when I saw the newest art from Jellio, my heart skipped a beat with nostalgia. The Revell-style art, entitled "Drive In," is 20 pounds of poly-resin in a sleek metallic silver finish. It can be your conversation piece for $2,500 USD.

Giving Thanks

2006-11-23T22:55:00.000-05:00

Thursday, November 23, 2006. For my readers in Brazil, Australia, and the United Kingdom, this day has probably passed as any other. In the United States, however, today is Thanksgiving. Historically, it is the day Americans give thanks to god for the year's harvest. Today, Thanksgiving is a day families and friends gather to celebrate each other and mark the beginning of the holiday season to come. So, in good tradition, I will share for what I am thankful...

I am thankful to live in a country where brave men and women have and continue to sacrifice their lives so I may realize my dreams.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

TiVo Easter Egg

2006-11-14T21:41:00.000-05:00

There is an several second back button on every TiVo remote. Here's how you can make your self a commercial skip (30 seconds forward) button.

Begin watching a recorded program
Key in the following sequence: SELECT PLAY SELECT 30 SELECT
If successful, TiVo will reward you with 3 "dings"
Now the button below >> will be your 30 second forward button.

To disable the feature, follow steps 1 & 2. Courtesy of I-Hacked.com. Visit their site for all the appropriate disclaimers.

Cracking a Master Lock

2006-11-06T20:52:00.000-05:00

Electroatomics gives you step-by-step instructions to find the Master Lock combination you (or someone) once knew by heart.

In truth, you won't be led to the exact solution. The site will, however, show you how to narrow the possible combinations from 64,000 to 100. Begin your hacking fun here!

The Candy Hierarchy

2006-11-03T20:43:00.000-05:00

On the heels of Halloween '06, I've stumbled upon this great classification of confections. The list appears in its original form. Since I disagree with the placement of a few items, I've highlighted the offenders. If it's in blue, I think it should be promoted; red should be demoted.

TOP TIER
(not surprisingly, exclusively chocolate-based) Milky Way, Snickers, Peanut M&M's, Regular M&Ms, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Junior Mints, Hershey Bars, & Twix
SECOND TIER
(also exclusively chocolate, after fending off a few intruders) Kit-Kat, Nestle Crunch, Almond Joy, Mounds, Tootsie Rolls, Dark Chocolate Hershey Bars, Fair Trade Chocolate, & Butterfinger
THIRD TIER
(also referred to as the chewy range or, in some circles, the Upper Chewy or Upper Devonian) Milk Duds, Starburst, Jolly Ranchers (if a good flavor), & 100 Grand Bar
BOTTOM TIER
(the Lower Chewy and Gummy-Based, also the Middle Crunchy Tart Layer) Dots, Lollipops, Nerds, Whoppers, Swedish Fish, Gummy Bears, Licorice, anything from Brach's, Hard Candy, bubble gum, LemonHeads, LaffyTaffy, Chicklets, Jolly Ranchers (if a bad flavor), Black Jacks, Bottle Caps, & Smarties
Tier so low it does not register on our equipment Healthy Fruit, Pencils, Lapel Pins, & Extra Strength Tylenol
via The World's Fair

GotchaBoxes

2006-11-03T20:27:00.000-05:00

Looking for a more entertaining way to give gifts this holiday season? Check out the GotchaBoxes: realistic (and absurd) fake product packaging. They're a little pricy (3 boxes / $20 USD), but just think of the fun you'll have! Free shipping from The Onion.

2006-10-29T21:13:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Carving

2006-10-29T20:40:00.000-05:00

Have fun Flash-carving your pumpkin!

LEGO's Culinary Line

2006-10-26T21:39:00.000-04:00

Here are some kitchen accoutrements for homeowners who like to play (and accessorize) with LEGOs. The ice cube trays ($8 USD) make adorable but not stackable cubes. At the LEGO Store, you can also pick up the salt & pepper shakers ($5 USD), coasters, apron, and more.
via Slashfood

Chaos

2006-10-21T23:36:00.000-04:00

Is this supposed to trigger a seizure?

2006-10-21T23:35:00.000-04:00

Shoelacing

2006-10-18T20:17:00.000-04:00

Ian Fieggen, webmaster of Ian's Shoelace Site, has a bizarre passion for shoelaces. But he will show you 31 ways to lace your shoes.

3D Pumpkin Designs

2006-10-15T14:40:00.000-04:00

These are some of the coolest (and scariest) pumpkin creations I've ever seen. Follow the link for instructions on how you can do (attempt) them yourself. Check out Villafane Studios for instructions and more incredible examples.

Telemarketer's Nightmare

2006-10-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

From the Bob & Tom radio show
Press play to start

Web DNA

2006-10-14T16:55:00.000-04:00

WEB2DNA is an online art project which uses mystery formulas to convert any URL into a human-like DNA pattern. Here's what it spit out for this site.

A Major Award!

2006-10-12T20:51:00.000-04:00

This nightlight may have to go in my office this holiday season. If you haven't seen A Christmas Story, please rent it so I can talk to you again. $8.95 USD from Spilsbury. You can order other Xmas Story merchandise including a Red Ryder BB Gun and the full-size 3 1/2 foot leg lamp.
via Gizmodo

FREE Phone Calls

2006-10-09T22:04:00.000-04:00

The catch? Your entire conversation is property of the website and published for the world to hear. For60Secs.com is currently in Beta, and calls can be made from and to US phone numbers only. And yes, it does support conversations longer than 60 seconds. Dial 866-460-SECS.

Rant: Blister Packaging

2006-10-09T20:11:00.000-04:00

I hate blister packaging. If you're not familiar with the term, it is when two heavy pieces of plastic are sealed together to prevent something (usually small in size) from being pocketed. You may also know this theft-prevention technique as clamshell packaging.

Simply stated, these items are dangerous to open. If you manage not to chip a tooth or harm yourself with the scissors/nail clippers/steak knife/blowtorch, you certainly will slice your hand on the shards of 10 gauge plastic as you reach to grab your new gadget/toy/tool.

The iSlice appears to lessen the risk involved. It contains a ceramic blade that will "clip, open, and cut" without slicing your skin. You can purchase from their website for $5 USD, but I must admit the red "As Seen on TV" logo makes me nervous. That being said, there are times I would have paid someone $5 to open a blister pack for me (after making them sign a liability wavier, of course).

#200

2006-10-08T22:33:00.000-04:00

In celebration of this, my 200th post, I've highlighted one post from each month I've been blogging. Please enjoy!

January: Why Blog?
February: Pleo
March: Rant: Rainbows
April: Blacklight Tattoo Ink
May: Don't Be That Guy
June: Molecular Jewelry
July: Karaoke for the Deaf
August: Aluminum Foam
September: USB Rechargeable Batteries

2006-10-07T11:37:00.000-04:00

Elevator Hack

2006-10-07T10:54:00.000-04:00

From I-Hacked.com:
To go straight to your floor on a crowded elevator, press your floor button and the door close button simultaneously.

"Then it should skip all the floors that people want to get on and go straight to your floor that you would like to get off on. This trick has also worked on all the office elevators I have tried so far.

"I find it works the easiest on Otis Elevators, Dover Elevators, and most Desert Elevators.

Let me know if this works in your building!

egrips

2006-10-01T23:07:00.000-04:00

I think I can use my new BlackBerry to take over the world - as long as I don't destroy it first (the BlackBerry, of course). Let's face it: beltclips aren't exactly feminine, so I end up carrying the sleek, slippery gadget in hand everywhere I go. But I think I've found my solution: egrips.

Egrips are grippy, non-slip protective skins for personal electronics. If their hundreds of pre-cut appliques don't fit your mp3 player, cell phone, PDA, camera, satellite radio, gaming device, notebook, cordless phone, or remote control, you can always get the universal or cut-your-own kit.

The pieces are self-adhesive and guarantee a clean removal (no goo). Kits are available in different colors (including clear and black, of course), and you can outfit your gadget for $10 - 13 USD.

DOT-it

2006-10-01T22:29:00.000-04:00

Sylvania has come out with the next generation of touch-lights. The DOT-it contains 3 LEDs which run 100 hours on 3 AAA batteries. Push-on, push-off: pretty simple.

The puck is a little more than 2 1/2" in diameter and less than 1" deep. You affix them to smooth surfaces via a 3M adhesive. Don't worry about making a commitment: it's repositionable and removable like a post-it note.

They are available in 6 colors and include the batteries (which are replaceable). MSRP is $10 USD, but you can get them right now on amazon.com for only $5.75.
via Treehugger

Attractiveness Scale

2006-09-30T12:44:00.000-04:00

via haha.nu

Honesty Stamps

2006-09-29T22:50:00.000-04:00

See the others from artist Dominic Wilcox...

Saturday is Museum Day

2006-09-29T20:39:00.000-04:00

Visit a museum for free on Saturday, September 30th. Find a museum near you, print your pass, and go get some culture! Sponsored by the Smithsonian and TIAA CREF.

Indoeuro Languages

2006-09-28T23:10:00.000-04:00

This chart shows the roots of all major indoeuro languages. I found it interesting to see where languages branched off from one another. Click the image to see the larger version as hosted on Bartleby.com.

Extend Yourself

2006-09-26T23:03:00.000-04:00

Recently I had the pleasure of introducing someone to Firefox. When I began to explain extensions, how they worked, where to find them, etc, they really were just curious to know what I do with them. So, anonymous-new-Firefox-user (and web community at large), here's what I'm running at this moment:

AI Roboform Toolbar for Firefox (password manager)

StumbleUpon (serendipity!)

IE Tab (embeds an IE engine in a single tab - gorgeous!)

gTranslate (to help me with my German)

DOM Inspector (web development tool)

Talkback (directly interfaces with Firefox incident management)

Tab Mix Plus (use to alter tab behavior, appearance, and function)

Colorful Tabs (purely aesthetic and damn good at it)

Daily Dilbert (why not?)

I, too, am curious to know what you're running - please drop a comment below.

2006-09-26T21:20:00.000-04:00

2006-09-24T21:27:00.000-04:00

Unfolding

2006-09-24T21:17:00.000-04:00

A quick, fun game to play during lunch. Move the dots so no lines cross each other. Click here to play.

Crash Test

2006-09-24T20:49:00.000-04:00

Many people don't understand what happened to the remnants of the 4 hijacked planes on September 11, 2001. This video (date unknown) shows the clear atomization of steel.
Thanks Mark...

Cocaine

2006-09-24T20:03:00.000-04:00

Put away your blades, mirrors, and straws... Cocaine will be coming to your local dealer (convenience store) soon! The new energy drink claims to be 350% (3.5 times) stronger than Red Bull. And for those who think Red Bull tastes likes cough syrup, Cocaine promises not to be sickly sweet. Instead, it is supposed to taste like a "carbonated atomic fireball." Other addictive, uh, attractive, benefits include:

a throat-numbing ingredient to imitate the real thing
a 5-hour high with NO crash afterwards
a retailer is only referred to as a "dealer"
one-third of a case is called an "8 Ball"

Cocaine just hit the shelves in select New York and California establishments. The website promises the rest of us will be able to purchase via amazon.com very soon.

Sizeasy

2006-09-24T19:23:00.000-04:00

Sizeasy Beta may simplify your online purchasing by allowing you to compare your item of interest to common household objects or other familiar items. In this photo, I've compared my current cell phone (blue), my new BlackBerry (yellow), my ipod Nano (red), and a pack of playing cards (light blue, in the back). Obviously I'll need to find more room in my purse. Very handy site with the perfect slogan: "because size matters."

2006-09-24T00:18:00.000-04:00

Penalty Kick

2006-09-23T23:08:00.000-04:00

USB Rechargeable Batteries

2006-09-22T18:44:00.000-04:00

The USBCELL is an NiMH battery you re-charge via a USB port. The batteries are currently available in AA size. Future models will include AAA, C, D, 9V, and even cell phone batteries. You can purchase a pack of 2 AA batteries for £13. Unfortunately, they are currently shipping to the UK only.

2006-09-16T01:14:00.000-04:00

Honda Energy Station

2006-09-13T20:43:00.000-04:00

Imagine being able to power your car with the same device that generates all energy needed to heat and light your home. Honda's Energy Station is being tested in Torrance, California. The first Honda hydrogen car is expected to hit the market in three years. It is approximately the size of an air conditioner and could live outside or in your garage.

For more on the benefits of hydrogen, the real story on corn ethanol, and the energy scandals that have plagued America for the last century, read Internal Combustion by Edwin Black. It comes out this Friday, and I expect it will quickly shoot to the top of the New York Time's best seller list for non-fiction books.

Dangerously Fun

2006-09-10T20:39:00.000-04:00

I StumbledUpon this fun, educational site. Dangerously Fun provides illustrated how-tos. Learn to make Burning Bubbles, a zip line, dry ice bomb, vinegar grenade, and more. Check out the Products page for info on where to buy a hoverboard, land rollers, and flybar.

2006-09-06T19:46:00.000-04:00

Some day I hope to perfect this maneuver...

Farecast

2006-09-04T22:13:00.000-04:00

Farecast, launched earlier this year, is an airfare search engine which uses data-mining algorithms to predict the future behavior of fares. When you enter your travel dates and airports, Farecast will tell you, with what percent confidence, the behavior of those fares over the next 7 days. Then they will issue their Tip: Buy or Wait. Other features on the site include a spectacular graphing output on When to Travel, Where to Travel, and Length of Travel - all based on fares. The current release (Beta) supports roundtrips between 55+ US cities. The next release promises an increase in the available cities and new functionality (such as multi-city trips). Farecast offers, to the general public, technology that has been a closely held secret of airline companies, college grad students, and Las Vegas casinos. I can't say enough for the site - spectacular.

2006-09-02T09:37:00.000-04:00

Labor Day

2006-09-01T19:44:00.000-04:00

Someone asked me what Labor Day in the US celebrates. My best answer was "laboring?" Britannica's definition gives you a little more:

Peter J. McGuire, a union leader who had founded the United Brotherhood of Carpenters in 1881, is generally given credit for the idea of Labor Day. In 1882 he suggested to the Central Labor Union of New York that there be a celebration honoring American workers. On September 5 some 10,000 workers, under the sponsorship of the Knights of Labor, held a parade in New York City. There was no particular significance to the date, and McGuire said that it was chosen because it fell roughly halfway between the Fourth of July holiday and Thanksgiving. In 1884 the Knights of Labor adopted a resolution that the first Monday in September be considered Labor Day. The idea quickly spread, and by the following year Labor Day celebrations were being held in a number of states.In 1894, in the aftermath of the Pullman strike in Illinois, the U.S. Congress passed a bill making Labor Day a national public holiday. Over the years, particularly as the influence of unions waned, the significance of Labor Day in the United States changed. For many people it became an end-of-summer celebration and a long weekend for family get-togethers. At the same time, it has continued to be celebrated with parades and speeches, as well as political rallies, and the day is sometimes the official kickoff date for national political campaigns.

Virgin Limobikes

2006-09-01T19:12:00.000-04:00

Okay, I've got to hop on this idea.

Virgin Limobike service will take you around London in style. Read more on their website. Charges start at £25.

It's not cheap, but who cares?! This is awesome!

Missile Balloons

2006-09-01T18:47:00.000-04:00

1. Fill balloons with helium/air mix

2. Drive like crazy
3. Enjoy others' reactions!

VW Record Player

2006-09-01T18:34:00.000-04:00

This is the coolest record player I've seen in a while. Yes, the van drives around your record at 33RPM. It runs on a 9v battery, and the stylus is replaceable. You'll see the speakers are on the top of the van! £59.00 ($103 USD) from Hard to Find Records.

Tire Rings

2006-08-30T19:43:00.000-04:00

These unique rings from designer Brian Bergeron are available in silver, gold (14k & 18k), and Platinum. So who's the target market? Well, I'm guessing it's the people who own Harley Davidsons that cost more than their trailer (home, not camping). The styles are car (2 types), mountain bike, and motorcycle (2 types)

Train from Berlin to Frankfurt

2006-08-28T15:54:00.000-04:00

I reserved a seat in a 'silent car.' Little did I know that I was in the nose-picking car too!

2006-08-28T15:45:00.000-04:00

I took this photo in Prague last week. Hey, at least they're honest.

Miss Me?

2006-08-28T09:51:00.000-04:00

I'm back from vacation (lest you think I had ceased blogging forever). Look for plenty of intriguing things throughout the week. First up - some fun things I found in Germany and the Czech Republic. (oh, and I missed you too...)

Rough Day?

2006-08-19T05:17:00.000-04:00

2006-08-17T23:01:00.000-04:00

2006-08-16T20:47:00.000-04:00

Pluto Under Fire

2006-08-14T20:45:00.000-04:00

This week Prague hosts the International Astronomy Union's 26th General Assembly. The organization was founded in 1919 and its mission is "to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation."

The hot topic revolves (no pun intended) around Pluto. Sure it's smaller than the moon, but what's really drawn attention to the issue is Xena. Xena was discovered as a large chunk of rock near Pluto. In fact, it is 70 miles wider than Pluto. So is Xena a planet too?

Believe it or not, this esteemed group of professionals has never defined exactly what a planet is! So a committee was appointed and this week, they will present their proposal to the Assembly. Some anticipate they will recommend Pluto be downgraded and lose its status as a planet. Others believe they might "grandfather" its planet status for historical reasons.

Some objections to dropping Pluto as a planet include: "it would disappoint children" and "throw our understanding of the universe into chaos." Really? Because I thought we were civilized enough to understand that what we know today is only 100% accurate until we learn more. Or does the Sun still revolve around Earth?

Okay, here are our options:
1) Define a 'planet' to include Pluto. This may add 14+ new planets which are quite similar to Pluto in size and composition. (Some estimate it would add 30!)
2) Define a 'planet' to exclude Pluto. Then we're down to 8.
3) Create a new class of planets to include Pluto and the potential new entrants mentioned above.

Whichever decision is made, I hope it is only in the best interest of science and not because it might upset children, cause someone anxiety, or instantly outdate textbooks! We should have the vote decision by week's end. Will we have 8 planets? 39? Or somewhere in between? Stay tuned!

Sources: Reuters, IAU, Sky News