This cheeky li'l runabout is H.M.'s answer to the Talibani insurgency. We are sending a transformers promo with a name bearing the same linguistic antecedent as "Supafly." For those keeping up your netflix list, add such "brownsploitation" hits as 'IED Because You ED.'
6.25.2007
6.24.2007
And, yes, it looks exactly like that.
This, however, is not:
This, however, is not:
These are actually beautiful creatures. A 5'-er hung out under the boat for a few dives and it was magical. Just floating there eyeing us and scanning for lunch. Of course, a 4.5'-er hunting in the shallows of the lagoon while were snorkeling--that was a different story. Out we go -- call me a wus and we'll just have to toss you in the lagoon and see what you do.
6.14.2007
Artificial Pinky. (Follow link for the video).
It appears that little biofeedback is needed. Rather, the mechanical contraption figures out the appropriate curl of the finger based on the angle of the remaining stub -- of course, as in all things, you have to keep your stub.
It appears that little biofeedback is needed. Rather, the mechanical contraption figures out the appropriate curl of the finger based on the angle of the remaining stub -- of course, as in all things, you have to keep your stub.
6.13.2007
TMJ - Temporomandibular Joint
Turns out we all have "TMJ." If you don't, you are missing something resembling the bottom half of your face -- a subject we will not take up here.
If you have what is commonly-known as "TMJ," you (like me as of this moment) suffer from a strain, inflammation, and consequent misalignment of that joint. How can you get this? I got it from a car accident and made it worse through basketball. The general answer, however, is: anything. You can do just about anything that causes trauma to the jaw and get it.
The solution: same as for a strained muscle. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatories. Here we go...
Turns out we all have "TMJ." If you don't, you are missing something resembling the bottom half of your face -- a subject we will not take up here.
If you have what is commonly-known as "TMJ," you (like me as of this moment) suffer from a strain, inflammation, and consequent misalignment of that joint. How can you get this? I got it from a car accident and made it worse through basketball. The general answer, however, is: anything. You can do just about anything that causes trauma to the jaw and get it.
The solution: same as for a strained muscle. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatories. Here we go...
6.11.2007
Finally, something that actually looks like the next big thing.
Wireless gadget charging.
This might not be the sexiest thing in the world, but that inventions with the greatest impact rarely are. I think being able to replace your chargers with a simple contact pad is genius. Imagine contact pad outlets, contact pad power for laptops, and so on. No more tripping on cords, no more plugging things in.
It ain't world hunger, but then again, neither is/was the iPhone.
Wireless gadget charging.
This might not be the sexiest thing in the world, but that inventions with the greatest impact rarely are. I think being able to replace your chargers with a simple contact pad is genius. Imagine contact pad outlets, contact pad power for laptops, and so on. No more tripping on cords, no more plugging things in.
It ain't world hunger, but then again, neither is/was the iPhone.
6.08.2007
6.06.2007
"So you think NPR has a slant?"
As an NPR junkie, I take more than my share of flak regarding that outfit's editorial position on Israel. First, let me say that NPR news is a small portion of public programming and, incidentally, not the best portion. I listen mostly by podcast (If you see me with my Shuffle on, you're watching a man enraptured by the dulcet tones of Peter Segal rather than the din of Anthrax), which means I'm getting feature programs on science, human interest, etc. that NPR is so good at. Some of the best are "This American Life", "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me...", and "Car Talk."
But I digress. More than NPR, the NYT, and the Berkeley Birkenstock-Ledger combined, the UK media (both liberal and conservative -- I am looking at you The Economist) has a decidedly contra-Israeli stance. Apparently, having long been the oppressors themselves, they are quick to see the same quality in others.
Enter this morning's Times of London Editorial Page, crying out against an academic boycott of Israeli institutions. Why? Because those institutions are bastions of liberal thinking, as they are in most countries. Sure, this is a small move. But it is also a reminder that Europe is not intransigent in its criticism of Israel. A little more humanitarian aid; a little more talk of peace; and the tides of public opinion may turn again.
As an NPR junkie, I take more than my share of flak regarding that outfit's editorial position on Israel. First, let me say that NPR news is a small portion of public programming and, incidentally, not the best portion. I listen mostly by podcast (If you see me with my Shuffle on, you're watching a man enraptured by the dulcet tones of Peter Segal rather than the din of Anthrax), which means I'm getting feature programs on science, human interest, etc. that NPR is so good at. Some of the best are "This American Life", "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me...", and "Car Talk."
But I digress. More than NPR, the NYT, and the Berkeley Birkenstock-Ledger combined, the UK media (both liberal and conservative -- I am looking at you The Economist) has a decidedly contra-Israeli stance. Apparently, having long been the oppressors themselves, they are quick to see the same quality in others.
Enter this morning's Times of London Editorial Page, crying out against an academic boycott of Israeli institutions. Why? Because those institutions are bastions of liberal thinking, as they are in most countries. Sure, this is a small move. But it is also a reminder that Europe is not intransigent in its criticism of Israel. A little more humanitarian aid; a little more talk of peace; and the tides of public opinion may turn again.
6.05.2007
This is too stupid to pass up. Up next, jew-fessional. You sit in a booth and your mother makes derisive comments, but you are immediately absolved of guilt.
6.04.2007
"Genius Proofing"
The art of creating a product or process that cannot be ruined by overthinking. I have many times proceeded without the directions figuring I knew what I was doing -- only to waste time for having missed a nuance.
Put anecdotally, this is the thinking that stops NASA from spending several hundred thousand developing a zero gravity pen and forces it to use a pencil.
And...a stupid pun: This would be "Occam Soc'em Robots"
The art of creating a product or process that cannot be ruined by overthinking. I have many times proceeded without the directions figuring I knew what I was doing -- only to waste time for having missed a nuance.
Put anecdotally, this is the thinking that stops NASA from spending several hundred thousand developing a zero gravity pen and forces it to use a pencil.
And...a stupid pun: This would be "Occam Soc'em Robots"
5.30.2007
The National Council of Teachers of English
RSC and I originally saw a sticker for this group on the drive down to NYC.
"Har! Can you imagine? An English Teachers' group with TWO prepositions in their name! Can't they be the English Te...oh. That sounds like they might be teachers from England. "
"Yeah. Maybe teaching english? Hm. That doesn't identify the members as teachers. They could be the institutions."
"What about ESL Teachers Association?"
"Might go beyond that to regular English -- like grade school. Hm"
Turns out the darn teachers were snookered into an awkward group name by the inexactitude of the very language they teach.
RSC and I originally saw a sticker for this group on the drive down to NYC.
"Har! Can you imagine? An English Teachers' group with TWO prepositions in their name! Can't they be the English Te...oh. That sounds like they might be teachers from England. "
"Yeah. Maybe teaching english? Hm. That doesn't identify the members as teachers. They could be the institutions."
"What about ESL Teachers Association?"
"Might go beyond that to regular English -- like grade school. Hm"
Turns out the darn teachers were snookered into an awkward group name by the inexactitude of the very language they teach.
5.29.2007
I believe this is the appropriate level of cynicism.
[though small, the label reads "Made in China"]
see more here, including these wonderful treats:
5.25.2007
"See our complete Psycho Bunny collection."
Where could this quote originate? Snorg T's? ThinkGeek? . . . nope.
Neiman Marcus.
Yes. And it isn't some rogue product either. It's got friends, a posse, a line, if you will. What happened to this haven of white-washed couture wonder? Where are the jeans, already warn and stained by the less fortunate so that those blessed by HIS credit limit can feel "authentic"? Where are the high necked sleeveless LBDs? Alas, perhaps we should have known when J. Crew began emblazoning their cargo pants with cross-bones that N. Marcus could not stand idly by. We knew then that the war had started.
And now it has captured our furry friends. Frolic now, little ones, for soon the neckware cometh.
Where could this quote originate? Snorg T's? ThinkGeek? . . . nope.
Neiman Marcus.
Yes. And it isn't some rogue product either. It's got friends, a posse, a line, if you will. What happened to this haven of white-washed couture wonder? Where are the jeans, already warn and stained by the less fortunate so that those blessed by HIS credit limit can feel "authentic"? Where are the high necked sleeveless LBDs? Alas, perhaps we should have known when J. Crew began emblazoning their cargo pants with cross-bones that N. Marcus could not stand idly by. We knew then that the war had started.
And now it has captured our furry friends. Frolic now, little ones, for soon the neckware cometh.
5.22.2007
You gotta love when the only reason to believe that the photos you are looking at are real is that they are just too wigged out to have been made up by anyone.
(check out the photo gallery that goes with this article)
5.20.2007
Go Straight! / Ask me how.
Seen printed on a "baby on board" style sticker in a Dupont franchise salon.
Cut: $16
Style, Blowdry: $24
Staring for at least 20 minutes at your own reflection under a motto that, if not for the fact that it is clearly unintentional, could be spit at you by narrow-minded protesters and sandwich board wearing jc freaks: $0.
Seen printed on a "baby on board" style sticker in a Dupont franchise salon.
Cut: $16
Style, Blowdry: $24
Staring for at least 20 minutes at your own reflection under a motto that, if not for the fact that it is clearly unintentional, could be spit at you by narrow-minded protesters and sandwich board wearing jc freaks: $0.
5.17.2007
Robots and Monsters
http://www.robotsandmonsters.org/faq.html
Joe Altiero, a SF-area artist, and his gf have started a website to raise money for their attempt at the SF AIDS Marathon. Here's the deal: You tell Joe whether you want a robot or monster, then give him some key words and $25 ($40 if you want a robot AND a monster -- seriously, there's something wrong with you), and Joe will send you a signed, original 6"x6" monster inspired by your suggestions. The money goes to the marathon.
What's not to like?
http://www.robotsandmonsters.org/faq.html
Joe Altiero, a SF-area artist, and his gf have started a website to raise money for their attempt at the SF AIDS Marathon. Here's the deal: You tell Joe whether you want a robot or monster, then give him some key words and $25 ($40 if you want a robot AND a monster -- seriously, there's something wrong with you), and Joe will send you a signed, original 6"x6" monster inspired by your suggestions. The money goes to the marathon.
What's not to like?
5.16.2007
5.15.2007
Jesus Christ: I will Survive.
This is a very funny video by Javier Prato. More importantly, it also launched a legal battle regarding fair use and sites such as YouTube.com. The battle was fought in part by Stanford Law School's CIS, where you can read more about the story. Feeling less literate? You can listen to NPR's story on this charming vignette.
This is a very funny video by Javier Prato. More importantly, it also launched a legal battle regarding fair use and sites such as YouTube.com. The battle was fought in part by Stanford Law School's CIS, where you can read more about the story. Feeling less literate? You can listen to NPR's story on this charming vignette.
5.14.2007
Gizmodo officially labeled the posting for this wonderful product, "ass hat."
Not sure how many postings they tagged with that particular label, but I am sure it is bound to grow and broaden like its namesake. Now, if only content could droop...
5.11.2007
T-shirt Hell brings us these lovely additions to popular culture:
- An homage to avian slitherers. Perhaps the most wearable of the bunch.
- Do you think I can pull this off in my neighborhood?
- And, try as I might, I don't really get this shirt. Consider it an "honorable menschen."
5.10.2007
From the "Lois, you're a feminist and that's adorable, but it's grown-up time and I'm the man," department (Family Guy, for the uninitiated):
See also:
Despite an increased workload and growing societal pressure to form lasting partnerships with other activist groups, the 39-years-young NOW has never been seriously affiliated with any other organization, perhaps due to its decision to focus on ambitious campaigning and legal advocacy work during its twenties instead of public relations. However, NOW vehemently denies rumors that it is only interested in other women's groups, declaring it "just hasn't found the right partner organization to start a coalition with yet.- National Organization For Women Turns 39 Again, Today's Onion
See also:
Healthier living through purses. Turns out the things are coated in germs and you ladies set them right down on eating surfaces. Honestly, I don't blame you -- I didn't give this a second thought until now.
Simple. Of course, that is what makes it genius. Now, if only we could figure out similarly simple and ingenious ways of effectively reducing our impact on the environment instead of vice versa.
Simple. Of course, that is what makes it genius. Now, if only we could figure out similarly simple and ingenious ways of effectively reducing our impact on the environment instead of vice versa.
5.09.2007
This public service announcement brought to you by generic Daypro:
If someone knows the number for Gregory House, please pass it along. For the rest of you, let's see if emulating the renowned TV diagnostician has armed you to deduce the cause of the following: jaw pain on the right side; not in the teeth, and just below the ear, occasionally pulling at the canal; bad enough to wake up the patient in the middle of the night and make for a generally irritable disposition during the day.
Possible causes:
1. Minor car accident in which the patient's head was tossed forward while the patient was looking 90 degrees to the left. Sound like whiplash? I thought so too.
2. Insufficient hygiene following fairly extensive dental work in the area not four months ago. Cavity? Good bet, even though the pain was not localized in the teeth. This theory went out the door when the pain started shifting from lower to upper jaw and back.
3. Stress: a history of teeth clenching and grinding. This is third on the list because it is a relatively recent recurrence of a childhood habit. The dentist originally caught it after the patient experienced pain on a business trip following a procedure. Altitude? Eh. Not enough to cause this type of pain.
Current most likely cause: Number 3, clenching. Turns out that having an abnormally strong bite can be downright excruciating when coupled with stress and a nasty unconscious habit.
Enter daypro: an anti-inflammatory that will at least make it all go away during the daylight hours. As for the stress that induces the clenching...well, there are always refills.
If someone knows the number for Gregory House, please pass it along. For the rest of you, let's see if emulating the renowned TV diagnostician has armed you to deduce the cause of the following: jaw pain on the right side; not in the teeth, and just below the ear, occasionally pulling at the canal; bad enough to wake up the patient in the middle of the night and make for a generally irritable disposition during the day.
Possible causes:
1. Minor car accident in which the patient's head was tossed forward while the patient was looking 90 degrees to the left. Sound like whiplash? I thought so too.
2. Insufficient hygiene following fairly extensive dental work in the area not four months ago. Cavity? Good bet, even though the pain was not localized in the teeth. This theory went out the door when the pain started shifting from lower to upper jaw and back.
3. Stress: a history of teeth clenching and grinding. This is third on the list because it is a relatively recent recurrence of a childhood habit. The dentist originally caught it after the patient experienced pain on a business trip following a procedure. Altitude? Eh. Not enough to cause this type of pain.
Current most likely cause: Number 3, clenching. Turns out that having an abnormally strong bite can be downright excruciating when coupled with stress and a nasty unconscious habit.
Enter daypro: an anti-inflammatory that will at least make it all go away during the daylight hours. As for the stress that induces the clenching...well, there are always refills.
5.07.2007
Two introductions:
1. To TED: Technology, Entertainment, and Design. These folks host some of the most amazing speakers at a conference that is truly "old web" -- you remember don't you? Back when it was all possibility and no profitability. Check it: TED
2. To Ze Frank: a truly "old web" artist/designer/funnyman.
1. To TED: Technology, Entertainment, and Design. These folks host some of the most amazing speakers at a conference that is truly "old web" -- you remember don't you? Back when it was all possibility and no profitability. Check it: TED
2. To Ze Frank: a truly "old web" artist/designer/funnyman.
5.05.2007
"...the post-scholastic set..."
This is how Natalie Angier, NYT columnist and author of The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science, describes folks like me: out of school and no longer able to dedicate the time to go back and learn things like the hard sciences.
Strikes me that this is one of those phrases that misses from both ends:
(a) anyone hep to the phrase "post-scholastic set" is likely a grad in a good job with either an express or implied continuing education requirement. True, they aren't in a science lab, but they certainly aren't beyond picking up a slightly more technical overview of the field. Whether they choose to or not is a different question. A question which "pop science" likely does not answer.
(b) anyone who has no idea what "post-scholastic set" might mean is also the kind of person for whom "pop science" holds little to no appeal.
This is how Natalie Angier, NYT columnist and author of The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science, describes folks like me: out of school and no longer able to dedicate the time to go back and learn things like the hard sciences.
Strikes me that this is one of those phrases that misses from both ends:
(a) anyone hep to the phrase "post-scholastic set" is likely a grad in a good job with either an express or implied continuing education requirement. True, they aren't in a science lab, but they certainly aren't beyond picking up a slightly more technical overview of the field. Whether they choose to or not is a different question. A question which "pop science" likely does not answer.
(b) anyone who has no idea what "post-scholastic set" might mean is also the kind of person for whom "pop science" holds little to no appeal.
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