Joel Johnson

Child's Play Charity and Fünde Razor: Buying Videogames for Sick Kids

The Child's Play charity is back!

Since 2003, over 100,000 gamers worldwide have banded together through Child's Play, a community based charity grown and nurtured from the game culture and industry. Over two million dollars in donations of toys, games, books and cash for sick kids in children's hospitals across North America and the world have been collected since our inception.

We'll be holding Fünde Razor again this year, but I'm happy to announce that we'll be adding a sister event in Denver, hosted by Brian Crecente, editor (among other things) of Kotaku. More details will be coming soon, but if you live in either Brooklyn or Denver and have the evening free on Wednesday, December 12th, it'll be a great time. If you can't make it, don't be shy to pick out some games for kids or donate money directly via the Child's Play website. (Heck, even if you can make it, don't let attending Fünde Razor stop you from making a donation from the comfort of your office chair. I always pick out a couple games I think kids would like every year by hand.)

Child's Play Charity (dot org)

* Three years in and I still don't know how to pronounce "Fünde Razor." Fyoon-duh Ray-zor? I guess as long as I use a German accent...

Joel Johnson

The Hugh Thompson Show: AT&T's Gawky Online TV

"The Hugh Thompson Show" is a strange duck. It appears to be an entirely irony-free web show of the late night television mold, completely with a band, pre-guest monologue, and live audience. It plays on the AT&T Tech Channel, a video portal with several shows that appears to be some sort of attempt to recreate TechTV online.

The host, Dr. Herbert Thompson, is "Chief Security Strategist" at People Security, an enterprise security firm. He is also a squawking, obnoxious snot, whose catchphase—yes, he has a catchphrase—is a toothy "Dude!" At first I thought Thompson was attempting a parody of a typical awkward tech-industry businessman, but after watching a couple of episodes, it appears he is actually just that kooky. Watching the show is like attending an uncomfortable party at the home of your boss, trapped in the corner as he crams crab puffs into his mouth and tells you a story about this one time where he did something "really awesome." (That's Thompson's other catchphrase.)

The last guest was Dan "Fake Steve Jobs" Lyons, who gamely chatted with Thompson about his blog and just-released book while the crowd of bored New York tourists pretended to understand a joke about Larry Ellison—specifically, a joke about readers of Fake Steve Jobs not getting jokes about Larry Ellison. Other Hugh Thompson Show guests were an Australian woman who provides a voice for Garmin GPS units and Chad Vader, who I believe has a YouTube show.

The Fake Steve Jobs clip on YouTube [embedded above] has been viewed 29 times since it was posted about a day ago. (In fairness, the AT&T Tech Channel also displays its videos on its own page, not just YouTube, although they don't put the play count numbers on their videos.)

I'm not at all opposed to AT&T doing its own online video programs. (Chase the big money that TechTV made, AT&T! Before it was bought for pocket change and dismantled, I mean!) It's quite strange, however, that they're spending thousands of dollars per episode (at least!) to develop online programs that don't seem like they'd appeal to anyone. Maybe I'm wrong. Any Hugh Thompson Show fans out there?

Joel Johnson

Casio USB Label Mouse Printer

Getting Things Done nerds will be drooling into their file folders over the Casio USB Label Mouse Printer, which tucks a little thermal printer into the bottom of an otherwise conventional two-button mouse. Labels are printed using any TrueType font you have on your "PC," which in this context leads me to believe it's Windows-only.

It's $30 from Brando, plus $14 for a three-pack of thermal roll paper.

Catalog Page [Brando.com via Gizmodo]

Joel Johnson

MII Flashcam: Tactical Flashlight with Built-In Camera

The "MII Flashcam" is a tactical 85,000-candle-power LED flashlight with a built-in audio and video recorder and a 1.5-inch LCD screen. (It's "MII" as in "Mark 2," not "Nintendo," even if it does share the same bobble-headed design.) There is even a night-vision mode with a separate infrared emitter. I wonder if the camera has a night vision mode, too?

This MII Flashcam ain't cheap at $1,500, but it's marketed to police organizations, not the average peeping tom. And the web page has green lines on a black background, so you know it's from the future.

Product Page [MiiFlashcam.com via Crave.CNET.com]

Joel Johnson

Foldz Flat Pens

These "Foldz Flat Pens" may be a little tacky looking (depending on how you feel about the Thunderbirds), but they fold up to be less than 1/8th-inches thick. Tipster Anthony suggested they fit perfectly in the back pocket of a Moleskine notebook.

They're available for $2 apiece. There are Foldz without the Thunderbirds livery, but they're still in the same glitter-infused plastic in bright colors.

Catalog Page [FabGearUSA.com] (Thanks, Anthony!)

Joel Johnson

JooZoo Diamond-Encrusted MP3 Player for Dogs

Designed for pets, the $2,000 "JooZoo" bauble responds to pet behaviors by playing MP3s. So why the big price tag? Because it's covered in diamonds and gold.

According to the company, the play system enhances your pet’s physical health and relieves stress through automatic content responding to various pet behaviors. For example, when you leave your pet at home alone or while your pet travels in a vehicle, the JooZoo encourages physical movement or increases blood flow rate by sound wave stimulation.

A pet-use mp3 player adorned with diamond [Aving.net via Pocket-Lint]

Joel Johnson

Robo-Goat Eats Gamblers' Sorrows

In an effort to prevent disgruntled gamblers from tossing their losing tickets to the floor, the Edogawa Kyotei boat race course in Tokyo has installed this 1.6-meter tall robotic mountain goat which will eat any ticket placed in its mouth.

Robot goat feeds on gambler misfortune [PinkTentacle.com]

Joel Johnson

Bug Labs Shows Off Final Hardware

Bug Labs, makers of the snap-together modules that can assembled to create custom gadgets, have released more details about the "BUGbase," the hub into which all the other Bug modules will snap. The translucent white plastic has a healthy glow.

When I first heard of the Bug Labs project I wasn't sure if I'd be comfortable carrying around a Bug unit in public. I would not be ashamed to whip out this unit. And the LCD screen is touch-sensitive! That answers several of my interface questions right there.

Product Page [BugLabs.net]

Joel Johnson

Advanced Video System: The Nintendo Computer That Never Was

This is the Nintendo "Advanced Video System," a Famicom-era concept for a home computer shown at CES in 1985. (Aw, look at the cassette drive!)

If you don't see any wires at all, it's because the entire prototype was designed to communicate via infrared. With all the hassles we have with modern radio-based wireless peripherals, I can only imagine trying to build a system around infrared would have been much more frustrating for designers and end-users both.

I really like the look of the AVS—and not just because it looks like a NES. The abundance of right angles broken up only by the 45° cursor keys looks modern still. (In perhaps a retro-modern way!)

TechEBlog has a small gallery of images.

Feature: The Game Console Nintendo Never Released [Techeblog]

Joel Johnson

DelFly: Tiny Robotic Ornithopter Spy

Danger Room reports on the "DelFly" series of tiny flying robots built by the Delft University of Technology. The DelFly Micro, shown in the above video, has a ten-centimeter wingspan, but the DUT team are already working on subsequent models that will be half the size—easily mistaken for some sort of insect, like the purported flying mini-drones that some protesters in Washington said may have been spying on them last month.

Video: Dragonfly Drones in Flight [Danger Room]

Joel Johnson

Morning Tech Deals Highlights

• Star Trek The Motion Pictures 20-Disk Special Edition Dvd Collection for $39, shipped. About $20 off. [Slickdeals]

• Razor E200 Electric Scooter for $130, shipped. [Amazon via Dealhack]

• Logitech Trackman Wheel Optical Trackball for $21, shipped. I know you trackman freaks are still out there. I can smell your gorged thumbs. [Dealhack]

• Eye-Fi Wireless 2GB SD Memory Card for $100, shipped. Not a crazy price, but the best so far for an item lots of people are interested in. [Dealnews]

• Torpedo Digital Projector for $151, shipped. A total junker for HDTV, but perhaps good for other projects. [Dealnews]

• iRocker 200 Gaming Chair for $93, shipped. Includes speakers and drink holder! [Dealnews]

• Today's Woot!: Steelsound 3H Professional Gaming Headset for $25, shipped.

Joel Johnson

Blowing Out the Dust: Afternoon Edition

• Drives 'n' Things – Atomic I/O Letters Column #75. My Windows box does the same "no boot drive" thing he talks about, too. Didn't think about it being drives spinning up. Thanks again, Dan! [Dan's Data]

• By the Light of Mercury – IKEA will recycle compact florescent light bulbs for free. Don't just toss 'em—they're full of deadly quicksilver. [IKEA via The Consumerist]

• Swamp Flavored – Man samples charcoal toothpaste, feels ill. [DesignNotes.info]

• Bullshot, Indeed – The ESA sends Kotaku, a website about videogames, a takedown notice for a screenshot of a videogame. Sheesh. [Kotaku]

Joel Johnson

Bizarre Wibrain B1 UMPC

I don't have anything useful to say about this "B1" UMPC from Wibrain, except to point and say, "Look at the funny-looking thinger."

It's the Atari Lynx of UMPCs. That right-corner touchpad might work pretty well, though.

1st UMPC from PMP manufacturer in Korea [Asia.CNET.com via Engadget]

Joel Johnson

Joss Whedon's Next Series: Dollhouse

Firefly and Buffy creator Joss Whedon has a new series coming up...on Fox. (The same network that crapped all over Firefly, moving the time slot and running episodes out of order.) Called "Dollhouse," the new series stars Eliza Dushku as a mind-wiped assassin slave who can be imprinted with various personalities and skills to perform missions whatever.

From Fox's series description:

Echo (Eliza Dushku) [is] a young woman who is literally everybody's fantasy. She is one of a group of men and women who can be imprinted with personality packages, including memories, skills, language—even muscle memory—for different assignments. The assignments can be romantic, adventurous, outlandish, uplifting, sexual and/or very illegal. When not imprinted with a personality package, Echo and the others are basically mind-wiped, living like children in a futuristic dorm/lab dubbed the Dollhouse, with no memory of their assignments—or of much else. The show revolves around the childlike Echo's burgeoning self-awareness, and her desire to know who she was before, a desire that begins to seep into her various imprinted personalities and puts her in danger both in the field and in the closely monitored confines of the Dollhouse.

Best News Ever! Joss Whedon Spills Exclusive Deets on His New Series [EOnline.com]

Joel Johnson

Gundam-Themed Desk Gadgets

Japanese manufacturer Banpresto is releasing a new line of sci-fi-themed gadgets, including a "White Base" Gundam-styled USB air ionizer, a plant pot in the shape of some sort of vine-covered bunker, a USB hub that looks vaguely but appealingly futuristic [pictured], and ballpoint pens in the shape of a robotic space module. The pot makes me want to start a little Maschinen Krieger diorama with real plants.

Banpresto gets Gundam Crazy with 7 new accessories for Mecha Fans [AkihabaraNews.com via Sci-Fi Tech via EverythingUSB.com via Coolest-Gadgets.com]

Joel Johnson

Glove Guards: Breakaway Clips for Work Gloves

The "Glove Guard" is a cheap plastic clip designed to give you a handy place to hang your gloves when you're not wearing them—and an easy way for them to disconnect if they get caught in any machinery. Two plastic pieces are held together with a breakaway cord, one clip for your clothing and one for your gloves.

They're $5 apiece, but will probably be sold in larger quantities. One model has a clip for belt loops, while another called the "Utility Guard" slips over a belt.

Product Page [GloveGuard.com via Toolmonger]

Joel Johnson

Batter Blaster: Pancakes in a Can

The "Organic Batter Blaster" is an aerosol can filled with pancake and/or waffle batter, making cooking breakfast as easy as splorting some starch onto a hot griddle. No clean up! (Except for the griddle, the tip of the E-Z Cheese-like container, the plates, and utensils.)

I use a mix to make pancakes most of the time, unless I'm making buttermilk pancakes. I'm not against mixes, per se, but it seems awfully wasteful to package this all in a steel can. And probably many times more expensive. I'm sure it'll be a big hit.

Product Page [BatterBlaster.com] (Thanks, Pork Musket!)

Joel Johnson

PC Dice Make Troubleshooting Easy

"PC Dice" are the perfect tchotchke for the computer tweaker in your life, 3d6 of failure scrying. Throw the bones to determine what's wrong with any computer, no matter what armor class. They're $27 a set, wildly overpriced, but perhaps worth it for a shared chuckle or two.

According to Oh Gizmo!:

If you’re curious, the blue die includes the words Install, New PC, Upgrade, No Idea, Quit and $$. The green die includes Virus, Spyware, Modem, Video, Network and Reboot. And the red die includes Windows, Unix, Linux, Wireless, Wired and Mixed.

Product Page [PCDice.com via Ubergizmo via Oh Gizmo!]

Joel Johnson

ECO Pneumo: Bamboo Dry Sacks

The ECO Pneumo Dry Sacks, designed to keep your clothing and other personals dry when you're out in the field, are made from a non-dyed, single-coated "bamboo-based fabric" along with a recycled aluminum purge valve. I have no idea how well they work; I just think things made out of bamboo are interesting.

They again, they're priced from $30 to $45, depending on size. Seems like a lot of money for a dry bag. Maybe someone could make one out of cheap, disposable plastic?

Product Page [PacOutdoor.com via Cool Hunting]

Joel Johnson

€50,000 Corkscrew by Sveid

These made-to-order corkscrews from Sveid are €50,000 apiece. The small hook that is used to operate the corkscrew is 18-carat gold, but is also available in platinum, while the body is made from "aviation titanium." The video on their site does make it seem like I lovely bit of engineering, but all I can think about is how much wine €50,000 would buy. Surely a lifetime's worth.

Product Page [Sveid.com via Born Rich via Goldarths.com]

Joel Johnson

Freeplay Foundation Developing "LifeLight" for Africa

The Freeplay Foundation, whose wind-up radios have been distributed to over 150,000 people in Africa over the last few years, is taking a stab at distributing wind-up lights. (Kerosine lamps, used in much of the developing world, are very dangerous in both daily use and for long term health.)

The Freeplay LifeLight project aims to provide crank-powered lights that can replace kerosene and other traditional lamps. There's no information on price, unfortunately, but the plan to build a local repair infrastructure sounds promising:

She said the Foundation was adopting a similar approach to that used for the wind-up Lifeline radio to get the lights to families.
Instead of just giving the lights out and then leaving, the Foundation aims to recruit women who will sell the lights and be trained to repair and maintain them for customers.

Wind-up lights for African homes [BBC]

Joel Johnson

Floral Print Tools

I'm all for jazzing up an old standard, even if it's in an attempt to sell something frilly to a nebulously defined set of feminine women, but these flower-clad hammer, pliers, and screwdriver from the "Floral Tool Kit" are just plain ol' ugly. That's a shame—there's nothing hotter than a women wielding tools.

(Incongruously, I still really like pink tools and gadgets. But those are for me, not anybody else.)

Catalog Page [Giftmonger.com via Red Ferret]

Joel Johnson

Morning Tech Deals Highlights

• Wal-Mart (Not-So-)Secret Sale, including a 1080i Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player for $100 and an Acer Laptop for $350. In-store only and you'll have to fight the crowds, but those are very good deals. [Dealnews]

• Philips Wireless FM Transmitter for $11, shipped. [Dealnews]

• 3D Fuzion GeForce MX 4000 128MB DDR PCI Video Card for $0 after $20 rebate. This is a PCI card, not PCI-E, so think "secondary monitor" not "games." [Dealnews]

• Franklin 18-Gauge Steel Casket for $1,253 shipped. These are easiest to size before you are dead. [Dealnews]

• Today's Woot!: Anycom Solar Bluetooth Car Kit for $95 $55, shipped.

Joel Johnson

Neuros Contest Winners

Congratulations to Andrew Pam, selected at random (by Random.org) to receive the Neuros OSD and NAS. Hats off as well to clay whose massive crunching qualified him for first place and thus the bonus prize, a Nokia N95.

One week ago Team bOING bOING was formed. Last night was the end of the contest. In a beautiful bit of serendipity, it was also the point at which Team bOING bOING took the number one spot on Cosmology@Home, allowing me to say for the first time ever in a distributing computing project: Suck it, Ars Technica!*

I've got some more prizes I'll be announced soon for members of the team, so keep crunching those units if you'd like to remain eligible. Great job everyone!

* Just kidding. Please don't come stomp us.

Joel Johnson

Dough-Nu-Matic Automatic Doughnut Machine

The culmination of American consumer electronics: the $130 starch-and-sugar-dispensing "Dough-Nu-Matic," an all-in-one machine that forms and fries mini-doughnuts in just under a minute. Without too much trouble I should be able to saw off the small plastic catch at the end and position my yawning maw directly underneath, each donut triggering an infrared sensor that activates a motorized belt attached to my jaw. Two jugs will be positioned over my head, one of milk, the other coffee, spraying a constant mist into my mouth to provide lubrication. Every twelfth doughnut will contain a creamy Klonopin filling.

At random intervals, a distant alarm will sound, barely discerned through the waxy lard that sloughs out of my ears, signifying that somewhere a war has been waged, an endangered species has passed irrevocably through the veil, or that one of my countrymen have been rendered to provide oil for my doughnut fryer. Knotted workmen will scamper across my cracking grey husk using psoriatic skin shards as hand holds, as I defecate an ever-spiraling wizard's tower of red, white, and blue.

Catalog Page [Skymall (Where else?) via CrunchGear]

Joel Johnson

Portal Writer Erik Wolpaw Interviewed

Rock, Paper, Shotgun interviews Erik Wolpaw, writer of Portal (and perhaps the one person I can point to who most inspired and influenced my writing "style.")

Also, there is cake. Why’s that?
Well, there are lots of message games coming out now. Like they’ve got something really important to get off their chest about the war in Iraq or the player is forced to make some dicey underwater moral choices. Really, just a whole heck of a lot of stuff to think about. With that in mind, at the beginning of the Portal development process, we sat down as a group to decide what philosopher or school of philosophy our game would be based on. That was followed by about fifteen minutes of silence and then someone mentioned that a lot of people like cake.

RPS Interview: Valve’s Erik Wolpaw [Rock, Paper, Shotgun]

Joel Johnson

Roadwired Skooba Superbungee Strap Reviewed (Verdict: Eases Bag Strain)

The ballistic nylon look is extremely dated, but that aside, the Skooba Superbungee Strap looks like it could save those who carry overweighted laptop bags a compressed disc or two. Gearlog tried one of the $26 bungee-filled straps on their laptop bag and couldn't have been happier:

In my informal tests, in which I stuffed various bags with way too much stuff, I found the Superbungee Strap to be very comfortable, putting minimal strain on my shoulder. It also stayed in place, so I didn't have to worry about the bag moving around during my commute, which consists of two subways and lots of stair-climbing. I tried the Strap out with a few of my own bags, including a duffel bag that has caused me lots of back and shoulder discomfort in the past, and could literally feel the improvement.

Hands (Shoulders?) On: Roadwired Skooba Superbungee Strap [Gearlog.com]

Joel Johnson

Limotrack: "We Need an APC Pick-Up!"

The tank limo trend in the U.K. continues apace with the "Limotrack," a converted BV206 Full-Tracked Articulated Personnel Carrier that will carry your drunken friends in style at speeds up to 35MPH. Inside its been retrofitted with a drinks cooler, a sound system, and a freak-out-your-date smoke machine. It is also supposedly amphibious, so if the party gets boring in London you can attempt a drunken invasion of France.

If you must... [LimoTrack.co.uk via Red Ferret]

Joel Johnson

Asus Eee Sub-Notebook On Sale at Newegg

The Asus Eee solid-state sub-notebook is now on sale to the plebes for $400 at Newegg. Having recently been loaned a small UMPC for review, I think I've finally come to terms with the fact that no laptop should have less than a full-sized keyboard, even if it skimps in other areas, like the Eee's tiny screen.

I want one, of course, but I'll take my time. The $400 starting price for the 4GB model is just a skotch more than I want to pay for a toy. I'll wait until these first models are on clearance.

Catalog Page [Newegg.com]

Joel Johnson

Free Video: The Secret Life of Machines

I've never seen The Secret Life of Machines, a purportedly light-hearted documentary series by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod, but it comes highly recommend by one Hon. D. Rutter, so I gather it's worth a download. Lucky for me, then, that its creators have put new versions online for free download, including episodes in an "iPhone" format, quite very nearly DVD quality. I'm slurping them down now. (Firefox users with FlashGot: This is a very great time to use the filter feature of the "FlashGot All" selection. Just filter for "m4v" and it'll queue up all the episodes.)

The Secret Life of Machines [Exploratorium.edu via Dan's Data]

Joel Johnson

Frog Tape: Better Masking Tape for Painters

Unlike the common blue masking tape used to edge spaces you intend to paint, the edges of the light-green "Frog Tape" bond with latex paint to prevent bleeding. I'm not entirely sure what it is that they're doing differently—probably some new adhesive—but it's only six bucks a roll, so pick some up and let us know how well it works. If nothing else, it looks convincing in the demo videos on their site.

Product Page [FrogTape.com via PopSci]

Joel Johnson

Xenide High-Intensity Flashlight

This "Xenide" flashlight from AELight has a metal halide and xenon emitter, similar to those used in HID headlights on high-end cars and tuned late '90s Honda Civics. It's powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery and can throw 900 or so lumens up to 2,200 feet—nearly half a mile. It's $350 for a 15-watt version; $500 for the 25-watt.

Product Page [AELight.com via PopSci via Oh Gizmo!]

Joel Johnson

Calculator Belt Buckle

Despite a love of calculators* and big, shiny belt buckles, this convergence does not appeal to my outer geek.

Well, okay, it does. But I'm resisting. It's $10, plus shipping. Worth every penny if you can use the lines "I've just calculated that you, my lady, are a perfect ten" or "Would you like to help me calculate the volume of a cylinder?"

Catalog Page [BeWild.com via Nerd Approved via Geek Alerts via Technabob]

* Yet a hatred of math.

Joel Johnson

Portal Papercraft

This lovely bit of papercraft celebrates Valve's hit first-person puzzle shooter Portal. Its creator, Tubbypaws, has been kind enough to provide a file you can print out to make your own.

Relatedly, I have been discovering all sorts of disturbing "Rule 34" Portal porn images, so perverted I have yet to discover a way to put them on the site in good taste. Let's just say that self-pleasure can get very interesting when you have a magical looking glass through which you can grab your own splayed ass cheeks.

Portal Papercraft [Tubbypaws.blogspot.com via Kotaku]

Joel Johnson

Neuros Contest: Last Chance to Enter and Help Team bOING bOING Take the #1 Spot

What started as a fun way to extend our Neuros x Boing Boing Gadgets contest is turning into a full-fledged rout, as Team bOING bOING is on track to take first place across the entire project. We've reached second place in less than a week. First place in within our grasp.

Tonight at midnight (EST) I'll be selecting a winner at random to be awarded the Neuros OSD plus NAS. (The bonus prize, a Nokia N95 awarded to the top producer, looks like it's probably Clay's to lose, since he's currently in the top spot by a country mile, unless someone has been saving up units for a last second surprise.)

I've been having so much fun with this that I'd like to keep the project going for now. I've been talking to some companies about getting in more products to give away, although they probably won't be quite as nice as the Neuros in the immediate future.

If you'd like to take a crack at winning the Neuros, you can still sign up for team today. You just need to have to have reported one work unit by midnight to be eligible.

Joel Johnson

Morning Tech Deals Highlights

• Canon PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH 8MP 3.8x Zoom Digital Camera for $313, shipped. [Dealnews]

• Nikon CoolPix S200 7.1MP 3x Zoom Digital Camera + 1GB SD Card for $150, shipped. [Dealnews]

• Today's Woot!: US Robotics USB Internet Phone (for Skype, etc.) for $13, shipped.

Not a great deals day today. It happens. Should be solid through November, though, as more stock is cleared out for the holiday insanity.

Joel Johnson

Talking CD Album Available Only 10 Years Too Late

Although it seems like a clumsy implementation, the "Voice Recording CD Album" is a valiant attempt to provide a solution for those who wander from lane to lane while looking through their CD folders in the car. While it can't automatically detect and speak aloud the name of each CD, it does allow you to record a custom three-second message for each of the 10 pages in the binder.

It costs $50 and only holds 20 CDs—it'd be cheaper to just buy an old iPod, if not safer.

Catalog Page [OtherlandToys.co.uk via Nerd Approved via Oh Gizmo]

Joel Johnson

Todd Oldham Quart Travel Bags Saucily Violate TSA Regulations

It's depressingly hilarious that there is a market for designer quart bags to be used when the TSA is shaking you down at an airport. They're even sort of nice looking. But as the TSA has said many times, the quart zip-top bags must be clear. Since I don't think these "Quart Travel Bags" from Todd Oldham are trying to make any sort of subversive statement, you should probably pass them by. I wouldn't want you to get detained in the clink because your toothpaste was occluded by a festive houndstooth.

Catalog Page [Mobi-USA.com via Uncrate]

Joel Johnson

no!no! Shaver Removes Hair By Burning It

The "no!no!" is a shaver for one's nethers, which appears to use heat to burn away unwanted pubes, rather than actually cutting them. A "thermodynamic wire" is used to "transmit heat" to the short and/or curly, after which the "thermal heat signal destroys the hair, which is characterized by odor." Delicious!

The no!no! is being sold at Sephora for $250, so let's hope it works as well as my personal groomer of choice, a smooth slathering of Sterno and a $5 butane crotchtorch, available at your local restaurant supply. (Pro tip: Leave store before attempting procedure.)

Catalog Page [Sephora via Shaving Stuff]

Joel Johnson

Eye-Fi: Add Wi-Fi to Any Camera (with SD)

The "Eye-Fi" is a brilliantly simple device: a flash memory card with a Wi-Fi chip inside. As long as you remain in range of your computer's network, the Eye-Fi will automatically transfer any image you snap to your computer, where it can then be uploaded to the web manually or with the Eye-Fi software. (And it would be simple to set up some automatic uploading for instant uploads as soon as you take a snapshot if you wanted a custom solution.)

Gizmodo's Mark Wilson has a quick hands-on and says the Eye-Fi works "flawlessly" and doesn't have a noticeable drain on battery life. It's $100 for a 2GB version, which may not be a huge amount of flash memory, but considering it only really works as a buffer for later uploading that should suffice. If only they had a CF version, which would greatly simplify my Byzantine DSLR uploading rig for mobile reporting.

Product Page [Eye.fi]

Joel Johnson

Dishmaster Imperial Ad (1965)

From the ad:

You don't have to put your hands in hot, soapy water three times a day. Or spend all that time, either. Not if you've got a new Dishmaster Imperial, you don't. Dishmaster is ideal for husbands who hate to do dishes. And for wives you haven't been able to get their husbands to do dishes. It's quick. Simple. And very clean.

Don't be a dish slave. Be a dish master. Buy a Dishmaster at any leading hardware, plumbing, appliance or department store. It'll fit any sink. And for best results, be sure to pick up a bottle of Dishmaster concentrated detergent.

Dish Slaves (KBlood Photostream) [Flickr via Retro Thing via Gadget Lab]

Joel Johnson

The Coming Iridescence

Let's set this straight: The brown Zune was rather attractive. In pictures it only looked so-so, but in person, in your hand, its luminous green shell made the whole thing glow. That it became some sort of punchline only evidences the internet's bent towards the copraphillic, latent snideness towards Microsoft, and a general unwillingness to step outside of any pre-defined social boundaries about what a gadget should or should not look like.

While you malinger with your silver and black knoblins, other companies are dipping new products into a wide spectrum of colors. JDSU, a paint and pigments company, is showing off its newest "ChromaFlair" and "SpectraFlair" pigments at the SEMA auto show, but the color-shifting paints won't just be on cars in the near future. There's a whole line of products that will be covered in shimmering iridescence, the clear materials choice of today's future, as measured by the "What do sci-fi force fields look like when absorbing blaster fire?" metric. If you don't like the coming wave of soap-bubble paint jobs, don't blame JDSU—blame Halo.

You can see a products gallery at JDSU.com.

Perhaps more interesting than the palette du jour is this paragraph from JDSU's press release, which certainly sounds like science, but of course may be wildly inaccurate.

“Colors project our feelings,” adds Parker. “Silver dominates in hard times, as they have the last few years, while green, which was common during the ‘90s, reflects optimism. White, black, and beige are conservative colors. And red, orange, and yellow are ‘look at me’ colors.”

[via Core 77]

Joel Johnson

Morning Tech Deals Highlights

• Olympus Digital Voice Recorder + USB for $34, shipped [Dealhack]

• Apple iMac 24" Core 2 Duo 2.16GHz Desktop Mac fpr $1,300, shipped. [Dealnews]

• Bush Somerset Wood Entertainment Center for $30. Pick up in-store at Best Buy. TVs up to 42-inch. Not awful looking, although nothing special. [Dealnews]

• Today's Woot!: Jumbo Junkie Universal Jumbo Remote Control – 2 Pack for $15, shipped.

Joel Johnson

Video: Automan Titles

Despite being a child of the '80s in love with TRON, this Glen A. Larson-produced series called "Automan" went completely under my radar. Too bad, since it had a high dosage of my favorite things in life: synth-heavy theme tunes, glowing faux wireframe special effects around Lamborghini Countach, Desi "Little Ricky" Arnaz, Jr., and a sentient perverted sidekick flipping up the skirts of blonde starlets with hair teased high. (I'm talking about the flying "Cursor" character, not Little Ricky.)

From the Wikipedia entry:

Automan was inspired by the film Tron, which had come out a year earlier. Although similar in appearance, the special effects used to create the Automan look were completely different from the hand-painted effects used by Tron. Automan cinematographer Charles "Chuck" Barbee reports that what they actually did was use reflective material and portable projectors, though the end result looks simply like some kind of blue/green screen chromakey overlay.

(Thanks, Shadowkeeper!)

Joel Johnson

Star Trek Enterprise Putter

This putter for Golfsmith is shaped more or less like the U.S.S. Enterprise. Just pretend the saucer section has been smooshed into the neck through some soon-to-be-mended snag in the interdimensional weft. It's $130, available in November. Ahead warp factor fore!

Catalog Page [Store.StarTrek.com via Uncrate via Neatorama via Scribal Terror via Signaleer]

Joel Johnson

Video: "(Gonna) Buy Mii a Wii" Rap Opus

The cringe-inducing hit of the morning, "(Gonna) Buy Mii a Wii," in which the self-identified Black Nerd serenades himself about the purchase he intends to make in the future—presumably a second Wii, since the video is filled with shots of his first. [via Kottke]

Joel Johnson

Hose-Powered Magnetic CD Turbine with Sawblade

I don't entirely understand the mechanics behind "Mr. Fix It" Rick's "Magnetic Tesla CD Turbine," but it's clear that it's a cheap way to reuse CDs to make a crazy whirring spinning thing. (So much so that he can spin it fast enough to shred the discs, although you certainly wouldn't want to do that without all due safety precautions.)

If you find the above video intriguing, Rick's got several videos up on YouTube explaining how the system works. The turbine doesn't always have a Skilsaw blade attached, but that is clearly when it is operating at maximum awesome. (Putting the "rad" in "radial?")

Rick tells us:

 I have more plans in the making for the CD Turbine such as a stacking feature, where two or more CD Turbines can be stacked together, linked magnetically.  Also, a CD Turbine Generator that runs on garden hose pressure (It's already got rotating magnets...).  I'm also going to hook up an auto alternator to the air version...it should work to charge a battery. I will also be making a similar CD design as a pump (Tesla CD Pump: hand, drill, water or air powered!).

Tesla CD Turbine with Skilsaw Attachment [YouTube]

Joel Johnson

Costco Electronics Recycling and Trade-In Program

Costco has partnered with GreenSight to offer an easy trade-in program for gadgets and other electronics. Use the web-based calculator to determine the value of your product, send in the item (with free shipping for the moment), and once received you'll be sent a Costco gift card for the trade-in value. They'll even take CRT monitors, printers, and fax machines, although only to be recycled. (Presumably you have to take those into Costco or a GreenSight center; I can't see them paying for you to ship a monitor.)

Trade-In and Recycle Program [Greensight.com via Consumerist]

Joel Johnson

Trampe: Norwegian Bicycle Escalator

Trondheim, the third-largest city in Norway, has a very high percentage of bike riders compared to the rest of the country, something to which they ascribe partially to the "Trampe," a 130-meter bicycle "lift" that takes cyclers up the steepest incline in town. Riders activate the Trampe with a keycard. A small metal plate comes up from the ground, on which a rider rests their right foot, putting their weight on the plate as it pushes them up the hill.

Since launching in 1993, the Trampe has given 220,000 rides up the hill with no injuries.

Project Page [Trampe.no] (Thanks, Marilyn!

Joel Johnson

Stephen Fry's New Tech Column in the Guardian

Stephen Fry, the charming British author and actor who recently outed himself as a gadget dork on his blog, is penning a new weekly column about technology for the Guardian. This first one is mostly throat-clearing, as Fry underlines his love for things Apple, while reminding that picking one thing to the exclusion of another is churlish and muddling.

What do I think is the point of a digital device? Is it all about function? Or am I a "style over substance" kind of a guy? Well, that last question will get my hackles up every time. As if style and substance are at war! As if a device can function if it has no style. As if a device can be called stylish that does not function superbly. Don't get me started ...

Welcome to dork talk [Guardian.co.uk] (Thanks to everyone who sent this in!)

Joel Johnson

Rideable Electric Chest Cooler

Somewhere today a dedicated football game tailgater will see this rideable electric cooler/scoot hybrid. A light will go off in his head. Visions of fame and adventure in the stadium parking lot will usher forth like a home team tearing through a paper hoop. The dream will be crushed under a crumpling beer can pressed into his softened skull after chugging a cold one in celebration.

The cooler can hold up to 24 "beverage cans." The scooter can hold up to 300 pounds and has a 15 mile range, which is actually rather impressive all told. It's $500, plus $30 if you want the seat and backrest, which seem like a necessary addition. "Type-R" stickers must be installed by the operator.

Catalog Page [Hammacher.com via Technabob]

Joel Johnson

Aromatherapy Pen

While I think "aromatherapy" is pretty much bunk, I certainly like aromas, especially ones that aren't rotting meat or unwashed cabbie. These "Swiss Aromatherapy Pens" have a second nub at the rear with a roller ball that emits "pure Swiss essential oils" in a variety of flavors—one per pen—including rose, mint, grapefruit, and eucalyptus. They're $50 a pop—maybe get a pack of Bic and some candles, instead.

Catalog Page [WishingFish.com via Crave.CNET.com]

Joel Johnson

Morning Tech Deals Highlights

• Fujitsu LifeBook U810 Mini-Notebook PC/UMPC for $890. [Dealhack]

• Today's Woot!: Philips Bluetooth MP3/Cell Phone Headset for $18, shipped.

Highest-Rated Coupons from Retail Me Not

• 10 percent discount at 80sTees.com (including halloween costumes) using code: sub874432

• 15% off at blogging host Typepad.com using code: ROJO

• 10% off PC games in November at Gamestop.com using code: NOV10PC

• 30% off Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Keyboard at Dell.com using code: WXC75$W3QRM?3M