Monday, January 30, 2012

GreenZero Chargers

GreenZero Chargers:
Green-Charger-1.jpg
'via Blog this'

Another smart device for your smartphone.  It shuts off after the battery is full, how smart is that!  And, it's not insanely expensive, so it might actually save you some money.

Can be purchased at http://www.bracketron.com/

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Speed Metabolism, Burn More Calories - 5 Ways to Get Your Metabolism Soaring - Shape Magazine

Speed Metabolism, Burn More Calories - 5 Ways to Get Your Metabolism Soaring - Shape Magazine:
Speed Metabolism, Burn More Calories
'via Blog this'

Continuing on the theme of health and wellness, here are some good tips to boost your metabolism.

How Sitting All Day Is Damaging Your Body and How You Can Counteract It

How Sitting All Day Is Damaging Your Body and How You Can Counteract It:
How Sitting All Day Is Damaging Your Body and How You Can Counteract It
'via Blog this'

A useful article for all of you who sit a desk all day, and possibly go home to sit some more. This article is a little more hopeful than some, which claim there is no way to counteract the effects. I hope this one is right.

Here are the two keys:


  • Remember to stand once an hour.
  • Get about 30 minutes of activity per day.
  • Friday, January 27, 2012

    Exotic Car Tours

    Exotic Car Tours:

    'via Blog this'

    What a great idea, why haven't I heard of this before?  A little on the pricey side, but would be an amazing gift. It would be pretty sweet to be able to try out all of these beauties.  I wonder how much they let you open them up.  What would be more fun?  If they let you take them to the track and race them, but I'm sure they'd quickly lose their fleet.

    Powertrekk | A fuel cell charger for instant power anywhere

    Powertrekk | A fuel cell charger for instant power anywhere:

    'via Blog this'

    Off the grid power for your phone (and other USB devices), just add water...brilliant!  However, from a quick search on the Internet, it seems it might only cost about $0.12 to charge a cellphone.  And, seeing that this unit will cost $229 or so, it might take some time to make up the cost.  I guess the real intention for this device is for hikers/explorers/no-man's-land-wanderers who will be away from a power source for a long time.  In that case, it would be a very useful device to have handy.

    Thursday, January 26, 2012

    Lo-Lo Ma: New York City's new homegrown borough - Core77

    Lo-Lo Ma: New York City's new homegrown borough - Core77:

    Thumbnail image for GrowManhattan1.png

    An interesting article, it reminds me of the Bay Area. I can't believe they are just dumping old subway cars into the ocean...

    2013 Porsche Cayman / Cayman S Rendered – News – Car and Driver

    2013 Porsche Cayman / Cayman S Rendered – News – Car and Driver:

    2013 Porsche Cayman (artist's rendering)
    'via Blog this'

    I'd go with a different color choice than key lime pie, but other than that, I would love to own this car. The S version would be the more appealing choice for me, or if they come out with another Black edition. I've always loved the Cayman, as it has more visual appeal than most of the previous Boxsters, and it is slightly more affordable than the base 911. If I'm ever lucky enough to win the lottery, I might end up in one of these. Otherwise, I'll be waiting for years for them to depreciate into my price range.

    Wednesday, January 25, 2012

    Dyson AM04 Dyson Hot™ fan heater | Dyson.com

    Dyson AM04 Dyson Hot™ fan heater | Dyson.com:

    'via Blog this'

    This thing just looks awesome.  Too bad it costs so much, or I'd get one for my studio.  Why do I have such expensive taste, and professions that pay 0-little money?  I'd love to see one in action; it sort of baffles me how it would work.

    Tuesday, January 24, 2012

    OLED Solar Sunroofs Coming to a Car Near You : TreeHugger

    OLED Solar Sunroofs Coming to a Car Near You : TreeHugger:

    'via Blog this'

    Here is a pretty cool idea. I'd like to see more solar power integration with automobiles. It would be nice if they could make all of the windows, or at least ones in the roof, into a solar panel to at least power some of the accessories.

    Monday, January 23, 2012

    A Nice Monday Morning Message Passed Along from My Wife


    Five (5) lessons about the way we treat people

    1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.


    During my second month of college, our professor Gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:

    "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
    Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the
    Cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
    Dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?

    I handed in my paper, leaving the last question
    Blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if
    The last question would count toward our quiz grade.

    "Absolutely, " said the professor.. "In your careers,
    You will meet many people.  All are significant.. They
    Deserve your attention and care, even if all you do
    Is smile and say "hello.."

    I've never forgotten that lesson... I also learned her
    Name was Dorothy.

    2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
    One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American
    Woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway
    Trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had
    Broken down and she desperately needed a ride.
    Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
    A young white man stopped to help her, generally
    Unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man
    Took her to safety, helped her get assistance and
    Put her into a taxicab.

    She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his
    Address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a
    Knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a
    Giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A
    Special note was attached.

    It read:
    "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway
    The other night. The rain drenched not only my
    Clothes, but also my spirits.  Then you came along.
    Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying
    Husband's' bedside just before he passed away.... God
    Bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving
    Others.."

    Sincerely,
    Mrs. Nat King Cole.

    3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
    In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less,
    A 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
    Sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in
    Front of him.
    "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.
    "Fifty cents," replied the waitress.
    The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and
    Studied the coins in it.
    "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.
    By now more people were waiting for a table and the
    Waitress was growing impatient..
    "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.
    The little boy again counted his coins.
    "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said.
    The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on
    The table and walked away The boy finished the ice
    Cream, paid the cashier and left..  When the waitress
    Came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the
    Table.  There, placed neatly beside the empty dish,
    Were two nickels and five pennies..

    You see,  he couldn't  have the sundae, because he had
    To have enough left to leave her a tip.
    4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.
    In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a
    Roadway.  Then he hid himself and watched to see if
    Anyone would remove the huge rock.  Some of the
    King's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by
    And simply walked around it..  Many loudly blamed the
    King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did
    Anything about getting the stone out of the way.

    Then a peasant came along carrying a load of
    Vegetables.  Upon approaching the boulder, the
    peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the
    stone to the side of the road.  After much pushing
    and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
    peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed
    a purse lying in the road where the boulder had
    been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
    from the King indicating that the gold was for the
    person who removed the boulder from the roadway.  The
    peasant learned what many of us never understand!
    Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve
    our condition.

    5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...
    Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a
    hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who
    was suffering from a rare & serious disease.  Her only
    chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
    transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had
    miraculously survived the same disease and had
    developed the antibodies needed to combat the
    illness.  The doctor explained the situation to her
    little brother, and asked the little boy if he would
    be willing to give his blood to his sister.
    I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a
    deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save
    her."  As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed
    next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing
    the color returning to her cheek. Then his face
    grew pale and his smile faded.
    He looked up at the doctor and asked with a
    trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".
    Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the
    doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his
    sister all of his blood in order to save her. 

    Sunday, January 22, 2012

    Saturday, January 21, 2012

    Why...


    I really love the playground in Oakland, pictured above.  It's big, creative, and has a nice variety of play elements.

    However, on my last visit, I found this inside:

    There was also and empty forty, and cigarillo wrappers and tobacco strewn about.  Someone obviously had a good time here the night before.  It's pretty disgusting that they have to do this on a playground...at least clean up after yourself.  Jeez!

    BBC News - South Carolina primary: Gingrich leads opinion polls

    BBC News - South Carolina primary: Gingrich leads opinion polls:


    'via Blog this'

    I have thought this all along, as others can testify, but I'll just say it now for the record: It will be Romney, it has always been Romney, and he will lose.  It's too bad so much money has been wasted on this race.  I have a somewhat less strong feeling that he will take Santorum as his VP, but I'm not really sure about that. I hope he doesn't, because Santorum is one scary dude.  If he does, he will lose even harder.  There you have it, we'll see what happens.

    Friday, January 20, 2012

    Bodum Bistro Pour Over Coffee Machine | Uncrate

    Bodum Bistro Pour Over Coffee Machine | Uncrate:

    'via Blog this'

    I'm not sure I'll ever give up my French press, but I'd give this coffee maker a try. However, at $250, it's not something I'll be running out to get soon (or probably ever). Looks sleek, though.

    Thursday, January 19, 2012

    The Glitch Mob Station on Pandora is Awesome!

    Just sayin'...

    Check it out

    Cars, Cars, Cars!

    2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Photos and Info – News – Car and Driver:

    'via Blog this'




    Looks like fun driving.

    I really like what they've done to the Boxster from the front. However, I'm not a big fan of the rear spoiler crossing through the break lights.

    Car and Driver Blog » TRD Shows Performance Parts for Toyota GT 86, Similar Items Will Be Available for Scion FR-S

    Car and Driver Blog » TRD Shows Performance Parts for Toyota GT 86, Similar Items Will Be Available for Scion FR-S:

    'via Blog this'

    This car has given me more ups and downs than a bipolar girlfriend. I love it, I hate it...maybe I'm interested, maybe I'm not.

    For now, my excitement has been renewed, but only due to these TRD performance upgrades.  I'm also changing my leaning towards the Scion, rather than the Subaru, seeing that it is probably built more for drifting (agility rather than stability is how I read it somewhere, I believe).  The body kits adds a lot to this car, which I'm not very interested in as stock.

    I mean, look at that butt:


    And those seats!

    My main fear is how much these upgrades will add to the price.  My prediction is that it'll price it right out of that comfortable "below $30,000" range.  

    Wednesday, January 18, 2012

    BBC News - Sopa: US backers end support for anti-piracy bill

    BBC News - Sopa: US backers end support for anti-piracy bill:

    'via Blog this'

    That's awesome.

    With New See-Through Display, Samsung Puts the Window in Windows - Core77

    With New See-Through Display, Samsung Puts the Window in Windows - Core77:




    Here's something for my fellow gadget geeks out there. This touch screen "window" could certainly lead to some interesting ideas and applications. I wonder about the energy consumption of the blind feature, but I do like the transparency. Someday, every inch of our homes will probably be wired and connected to a computer and/or the internet.
    'via Blog this'

    RydeSafe Reflective Bike Decals — Bicycles -- Better Living Through Design

    RydeSafe Reflective Bike Decals — Bicycles -- Better Living Through Design:




    'via Blog this'

    This is pretty awesome if you're a person who finds yourself riding your bike a lot at night, especially in high traffic areas. I know, as a driver, it can be hard seeing bicyclists (and pedestrians!) on the road at night. It's even harder to see people when they are wearing dark clothing. The decals can make riding at night a lot safer, and add some bling to your bike!

    Tuesday, January 17, 2012

    The Environmental Impact of Meat, ProQuest Discovery Guides

    The Environmental Impact of Meat, ProQuest Discovery Guides:

    'via Blog this'

    An interesting article about the environmental impact of eating meat (and cheese).  I tried various states of being vegetarian for 8 years, and if it's done right, it can be a great lifestyle.  The environmental impact is an interesting angle, as opposed to animal cruelty or religious reasons.  One quote I found most interesting was, "If everyone in the U.S. ate no meat or cheese just one day a week, it would be like not driving 91 billion miles – or taking 7.6 million cars off the road."

    Thanks to my wife for sending this my way!

    Disney Princesses As Pin-Up Dolls For 2012 Calendar - DesignTAXI.com

    Disney Princesses As Pin-Up Dolls For 2012 Calendar - DesignTAXI.com:


    'via Blog this'

    I'll let you decide for yourself what to think about the theme of Disney characters as pin-up dolls, but the illustrations certainly are amazing. If I'm not wrong, J. Scott Campell illustrated some of the comic books I read when I was young. Enjoy!

    Monday, January 16, 2012

    Digital Life - Programming prodigy passes away at 16: Hear her philosophy of life

    Digital Life - Programming prodigy passes away at 16: Hear her philosophy of life:

    'via Blog this'

    A sad story, but what an amazing girl.

    "If you want to do something big in your life, you must remember that shyness is only the mind," she said. "If you think shy, you act shy. If you think confident you act confident. Therefore never let shyness conquer your mind."

    Wooden Apartment in Hong Kong

    Wooden Apartment in Hong Kong:

    'via Blog this'

    OK, OK, I'll stop posting about cars for a while. Here is a beautiful apartment in Hong Kong decorated with wood paneling. I love how warm the wood makes the apartment feel, but I'm not a big fan of the kitchen. The dark bathroom floor and walls are a nice touch as well, but I might have chosen a different toilet and sink. It's fun to see what people have done with their apartments and envision what we might do with ours someday.

    Sunday, January 15, 2012

    Facebook And Divorce - AskMen

    Facebook And Divorce - AskMen:

    'via Blog this'

    I can't say Facebook flirting leading to divorce is surprising.  As Facebook becomes more and more a part of people's lives, it seems logical that real-world drama would work its way in to the social network.  I'd think people would be more likely to flirt on Facebook than in person considering the empowered feeling many get sitting behind the keyboard.

    I, for one, am happy to be done with Facebook, and am waiting for its eventual fade from existence.

    Saturday, January 14, 2012

    Helix Bridge / Cox Architecture with Architects 61 | ArchDaily

    Car and Driver Blog » 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Priced From $22,700, Goes on Sale this Spring

    Car and Driver Blog » 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Priced From $22,700, Goes on Sale this Spring:

    'via Blog this'

    When I first saw the Gucci version of the Fiat 500, I thought it was ridiculous.  Especially, since Jennifer Lopez was driving it in the commercial.  The Abarth version makes me take a second glance at this tiny vehicle.  I don't think I could really ever drive something this small, but for the price, it's worth a test drive.  As they say in the C&D article linked above, it might just be better to spend a little more and get the GTI.

    Friday, January 13, 2012

    2012 Audi RS5 | Uncrate

    2012 Audi RS5 | Uncrate:

    'via Blog this'

    Let me begin by explaining my growing love for Audi.  I've always been aware of Audi, at least slightly aware for as long as I've been interested in cars.  I suppose, since I heard of the TT, which came out in 1998, is more accurate.  However, only recently have I really started to appreciate their beauty.  It all started when I drove by an Audi lot in Oakland and saw an A5 sitting there just waiting to be appreciated.  It was probably 2010 when this car first struck me, and awakened my desire to possess one of these beauties.  It'll be a grand stroke of luck if I can ever afford one of these cars, but I will always appreciate them from afar.  The S5, and the RS5 only add to my liking, loving, and desire for this model.

    Read more about it here, on wikipedia.

    Thursday, January 12, 2012

    2012 Toyota Prius C – News – Car and Driver

    2012 Toyota Prius C – News – Car and Driver:

    'via Blog this'

    I really wanted to be excited about this car, I really did.  Don't get me wrong, it's a reasonable car, but for my personal taste I need a little more in at least two areas.  At 53mpg in the city and 46mpg on the highway, it gets fairly good mileage.  However, my wife and I own a 2008 Prius and average about 46-47mpg with combined highway/city driving.  If the C was up closer to 100mpg, I'd be more impressed.  (It is smaller, and lighter, than the other vehicles in the Prius family...) The other area that really stands out to me is the styling.  It's not an awful looking car, but it's not all that appealing either.  My hopes for the Prius line is that they will someday come out with a sportier version, but in style and performance.

    Wednesday, January 11, 2012

    Innergie PocketCell Rechargeable Battery Bank at werd.com

    Innergie PocketCell Rechargeable Battery Bank at werd.com:

    'via Blog this'

    Another gadget for gadget geeks who need to keep the gadgets powered up.

    SpareOne

    SpareOne:

    'via Blog this'

    This phone is pretty awesome in terms of energy conservation, especially if you just want to keep it around for emergencies.  15 years on a AA battery, not bad at all.

    Monday, January 9, 2012

    Roller Rock Glass | Uncrate

    Roller Rock Glass | Uncrate:

    'via Blog this'

    It's Monday morning, need a drink?  Yeah, me too...

    If you want to drink in style, and keep your drink from being watered down by ice, the Roller Rock Glass is the way to go.  My wife recently bought me some whiskey rocks, which are similar in purpose, but don't quite have the pizzazz you see here.

    (ahem...drink responsibly!)

    Saturday, January 7, 2012

    Insane, in a dorky kind of way




    Here is a cool little device, and this guy is pretty good at using it.  He's obviously spent a lot of time with it and can certainly move his fingers pretty fast around the buttons.  I'm still debating on trying out the version for iphone.  Looks like fun!

    Wednesday, January 4, 2012

    Bachmann Says She Will Not Continue in the Race - NYTimes.com

    Bachmann Says She Will Not Continue in the Race - NYTimes.com:

    'via Blog this'

    Finally! Jeez...why did it take this long? She could have asked me a long time ago and I could have told her she didn't have a chance. Maybe she's stayed in this long in hopes for a cabinet position, or possibly a dream of being VP. Personally, I hope to never have to hear her voice again. She is one scary woman to me, at least as a president.

    Five predictions for security in 2012 | InSecurity Complex - CNET News

    Five predictions for security in 2012 | InSecurity Complex - CNET News:

    'via Blog this'

    It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the tech threats out there. Be smart, be safe.

    Monday, January 2, 2012

    If You Haven't Had Your Daily Dose of Extreme Sadness, Watch This:

    Dying teen's final video goes viral | Health Tech - CNET News:

    'via Blog this'

    I almost didn't even want to post this, it's so sad. I can't imagine what it must be like knowing you are going to die at a young age. Knowing their time is limited, these people often appreciate and enjoy life more than the average person.  Seeing this video made me think about how much of my life I take for granted, and how much of it is just plain wasted.  That is why I wanted to post it; I hope it inspires others in the same way.  Grab your tissues...




    SureFire Pen | Uncrate

    SureFire Pen | Uncrate:

    'via Blog this'

    A little late for Christmas, but if you have another gift-giving day coming, here is a gift for the man (or woman, I suppose, if she likes these sort of things) who has everything.  It's a nice looking pen that will come in handy if you ever get trapped in a car - it can break glass! - or if you lock yourself out of your home, I suppose.

    Sunday, January 1, 2012

    2013 Subaru BRZ Prototype First Drive - Motor Trend

    2013 Subaru BRZ Prototype First Drive - Motor Trend:

    'via Blog this'

    I'm still keeping my eye on this little car, and I'm starting to like the looks of the Subaru better than the Toyota/Scion.  However, the more I read and learn about it, the less I feel like I'd actually want to own one.  They say, if you love driving, you'll love this car, and I would consider myself a lover of driving, but the low horse power has me a little worried.  Motor Trend guesses it has around 200hp.  I'll be interested to see if they do end up making one with a Turbo.  The idea of a 4-door sedan also has me interested, but maybe I'm really just waiting for the new WRX.