The Middle Finger in Piazza Affari:
The awesome statue you see in the pics is placed in the middle of Piazza Affari in Milano, in front ..(Read...)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
HAL suits — File under "things youll see on the street in Japan"
HAL suits — File under "things you'll see on the street in Japan":
Above and below, Cyberdyne founder Yoshiyuki Sankai's HAL suits, "robotic suits worn by humans. They let the paralyzed walk and give careworkers extra strength to carry the old and infirm to a wheelchair."
According to a September 16, 2010 Economist article, "For the first time this year, Mr. Sankai's HAL suits have been used in hospitals around the country [Japan]."
In a post here last month on the rise of robotic exoskeletons I wrote, "HAL from Cyberdyne is currently available in Japan for individuals with muscle weakness and those with disabilities due to spinal cord injury or stroke."
Tank Top Safe
That's different.
From the website:
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Looks like a tank top, hides valuables and foils thieves
Cleverly designed to look like a woman's tank top, it contains seven clear zippered pockets and one file-sized compartment to hide cash, jewelry, passport and travel documents.
Hang it in a closet layered under a shirt or stash it in a drawer, and venture out with peace of mind.
Made of cotton, it looks and feels like the real thing.
14½ x 24".
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$25.85 (valuables not included).
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Trees photographed in infrared
Trees photographed in infrared:
The Wood effect
makes tree leaves and grass
as reflective
as snow
when photographed
in infrared.
[via Treehugger and Nuclear Toast]
3outube —
.....................................................
Wrote joehead Graeme in a comment on last week's SaveYouTube.com post, "... just use 3outube.com. Navigate to the video you want and replace the "y" in "youtube" with "3" and away you go!"
Free, the way we like it.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thomas Pynchon mystery video
If you just watch the 1997 video above you'll be left hanging, uncertain about whether you've spotted Thomas Pynchon.
CNN negotiated with the reclusive author about whether to specifically identify him or not.
The two parties finally agreed that CNN would show the video and say only Pynchon appears in it — without specifically identifying him.
bookofjoe reader Jonathan Glassow sent me a link to the video, writing "Someone posted [on YouTube] the CNN report about Pynchon.... Pynchon is the guy in the red baseball cap... around the 3:22 minute mark [below]."
Glassow added, "Download the video before it is gone!" and sent along this link to enable you to do just that.
Read the Facebook comments on the page before downloading the tool, would be my advice.
BoilBuoy — "Floats in the pot, rings when its hot"
BoilBuoy — "Floats in the pot, rings when it's hot":
Don't go there.
"A watched pot never boils, but a ringing one does!"
I like it.
From the website:
••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Always know when your water has come to a boil with BoilBuoy.
Just place it in your pot of water, turn up the heat, and wait for the ringing chime to let you know your water's ready to go.
Features:
• Weighted bottom ensures BoilBuoy stays upright and ready to ring
• Stainless steel chime with enclosed foam core for buoyancy
• Made from 100% food- and heat-safe materials
• 12.5cm H x 8.5cm Ø (5" x 3.3")
••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Last century, before I converted to nearly 100% microwave cookery, I'd destroy an expensive pot or pan about once every three years by forgetting about it until the unmistakable scent of burning metal wafted upstairs.
Peacock detail
"A peacock detail from a six-panel Art Deco-influenced Japanese screen by Usumi Kiho from around 1920."
On view beginning this coming Wednesday at Erik Thomsen Asian Art in New York.
[via Eve M. Kahn and the New York Times]
Feline Evolution CatSeat
The business port kind of resembles an old-fashioned bomb sight.
But I digress.
From the website:
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Feline Evolution CatSeat
Toilet train your cat and eliminate the litter box forever.
The Feline Evolution CatSeat is the next generation litter box that can toilet train your cat. This veterinarian recommended waste disposal system can be used exclusively on the floor in place of the litter box or mounted on the toilet for cats that have graduated to being toilet trained.
The award-winning design allows the gradual reduction of litter away from your cat. This eliminates the tracking of dirty litter and odors throughout your house.
Simply lift and toss the plastic bag for the easiest possible cleanup. If you decide to mount the CatSeat to the toilet, then cleanup is as simple as a flush.
While using the CatSeat on the floor the litter and waste are hidden from view. Your cat is standing on dry sand-textured shelves that simulate the sensation of digging and covering. They never actually come into contact and track the small amount of soiled litter below, helping to keep your home free of odors.
If you decide to completely toilet train your cat, 98% of the training is completed before you even mount the CatSeat in place of the existing seat. It lifts and functions like a normal seat, and with the push of a button, the shelves retract for human use. The open cavity design allows for easy cleaning. It includes a CD-ROM explaining alternative methods and written instructions.
The economical design of the CatSeat requires no batteries or electricity. The mechanism is self-contained and has a one year limited warranty.
Complete unit includes:
- One fully assembled Cat Seat
- White and black training tray and boxes
- Mounting bracket and plastic bolt sets
- Lid
- 30 disposable plastic bags
- Complete written instructions and CD video.
Function and Design:
- CatSeat Size: The CatSeat design is slightly oversized to allow a cat to easily balance. This provides older and heavier cats with a comfortable stance. It is also a perfect size for nearly all toilet fixtures.
- Folding Legs: The legs allow the CatSeat to be used securely on the floor. While on the floor, 98% of the training can be completed by simply reducing the level of litter. Once the litter is reduced, you have the option to continue using the CatSeat in place of a litter box, or to mount on the toilet and completely eliminate litter. Either way, the cat does not come into contact with the litter.
- Sand-Textured Shelves: The retractable shelves serve several purposes. The most important function is to allow a rough texture for a cat to dig and cover once they have finished using the CatSeat. They also conceal the water below, which is a benefit for both cats and humans. Finally, with the shelves extended you are not using the same area on the seat as your cat.
- Mounting Fixture: If you opt to mount the CatSeat to the toilet, the mounting fixture allows for easy removal of the seat. You may also mount the seat with or without the lid.
- Pull Cord Design: The pull cord was chosen because it allows litter to be dislodged from the mechanism.
- White and Black Trays: This system of training is simple and easy to understand. Only one change is required by exchanging the position of the trays.
- Paw-Shaped Button: Pushing a button transforms the CatSeat into a normal toilet seat. The button has a small amount of resistance so that a heavy cat stepping on it will not trigger the mechanism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CatSeat?
The CatSeat is recommended by veterinarians and leading pet health care professionals. It separates your cat from touching and tracking dirty litter, and is the healthy alternative to a normal litter box. It is the revolutionary next generation litter box designed to allow the option of mounting to your toilet, and to completely wean your cat from litter. This will forever eliminate the mess and expense of litter from your life.
What is the price of the CatSeat?
Considering that nearly half the money you spend on your cat goes to purchase litter (approximately $3,500 over their lifetime), the CatSeat is a wise investment. It comes with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee (less shipping and handling). If you are not pleased with it, simply send it back!
What makes the CatSeat superior to a normal litter box?
The CatSeat is the first and only litter box that actually weans your cat off litter. This is accomplished by gradually reducing the level of litter available to your cat. The retractable shelves are textured to replace the feel of litter. The waste collects into a self-closing disposable bag that you simply throw away, while remaining hidden out of sight beneath the litter-textured shelves. This eliminates the tracking of litter and germs throughout your home.
How can the CatSeat toilet train my cat?
Once your cat is successfully using the CatSeat as a replacement to the litter box, it is designed to mount to your toilet. It is slightly oversized to allow your cat to easily balance on the seat, and the textured shelves replace the feel of litter, which satisfies their need to "cover up". From here it's as simple as the self-closing bag releasing from the bottom, and gradually introducing the water below. The key to successful toilet training (either with kids or cats) is to make the process extremely subtle and easy for them to follow. This is the cornerstone of the design of the CatSeat. Training usually takes from two to three weeks.
Does the CatSeat function like a regular toilet seat?
If you decide to mount the CatSeat to your toilet, it functions exactly like a regular toilet seat. It lifts up and operates just as you would expect. With the simple push of a button, the shelves disappear into the center. This way you are not using the same area as your cat. It is almost as if they have a separate seat all to themselves.
What is the purpose of the shelves?
The shelves are textured to replicate the feel of litter to your cat. It is an instinctive reflex for your cat to want to "cover up". The rough texture of the shelves satisfies that need. They also provide a comfortable footing while concealing the litter, water (if mounted), and waste below.
Can more than one cat use the CatSeat?
Yes they can. It is important that each cat becomes comfortable with the level of litter provided before moving on and further reducing the available amount. The largest number of cats successfully trained to the CatSeat is seven (this was accomplished using two CatSeats). Obviously, the larger the number, the more difficult it becomes.
What is the minimum age to start my cat on the CatSeat?
While most any age kitten can use the CatSeat while on the floor, the manufacturer recommends that they be at least seven months old before mounting it to the toilet. It can train most any age cat (the oldest that was confirmed to us was fifteen years old), and is slightly oversized to accommodate much larger and older cats.
Is the CatSeat suited for use by pregnant women?
Once your cat is successfully using the CatSeat, you will never handle dirty litter ever again. As always, the manufacturer recommends consulting with your veterinarian and physician on how best to live with a cat during pregnancy. The CatSeat might be the ideal solution.
Does the CatSeat come with a guarantee?
The CatSeat comes with an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee.
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[via CAS who immediately regretted sending me the link, writing "I shouldn't encourage you. This is so creepy."
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Foods
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Foods:
Above, watermelon.
Below, cabbage.
Below, snap peas.
Below, lettuce.
Below, celery.
Below, apple.
Many more here.
[via Nuclear Toast]
Friday, September 10, 2010
Cooking Couple Competes For $10,000 For Cooking Show
Cooking Couple Competes For $10,000 For Cooking Show
A local couple is using their skills in the kitchen for a chance to win their own online cooking show and $10,000.
Dave and Kat Fotheringham are top ten finalists in Pyrex's search for America's Hottest Culinary Couple.
If they get enough votes, the Fotheringham's will go to New York to compete to win their own online cooking show.
The couple writes a blog about relationships and said cooking together has greatly helped their relationship.
"We can spend time in the kitchen together which is fantastic," Dave said. "We have the blog that we work together on so this is the perfect opportunity to build off what we've already been doing in the kitchen."
Kat Agreed.
"How much time does everyone spend in the kitchen?" she asked. "A lot. So if we can work together it's not like he's just watching football, while I'm cooking. He gets involved."
Click here to see the Fotheringham's audition video.
Sent from my iPhone
Every asteroid discovered since 1980 — animated timeline
Every asteroid discovered since 1980 — animated timeline:
From I Heart Chaos:
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
View of the solar system showing the locations of all asteroids starting in 1980. As asteroids are discovered they are added to the map and highlighted white so you can pick out the new ones. The final color of an asteroid indicates how close it comes to the inner solar system.
• Earth orbit crossers are red
• Earth orbit approachers (perihelion less than 1.3AU) are yellow
• All others are green
Notice now the pattern of discovery follows the Earth around its orbit, such that most discoveries are made in the region directly opposite the Sun. You’ll also notice some clusters of discoveries on the line between Earth and Jupiter, these are the result of surveys looking for Jovian moons.
As the video moves into the mid 1990s we see much higher discovery rates as automated sky scanning systems come online. Most of the surveys are imaging the sky directly opposite the sun and you’ll see a region of high discovery rates aligned in this manner.
At the beginning of 2010 a new discovery pattern becomes evident, with discovery zones in a line perpendicular to the Sun-Earth vector. These new observations are the result of the WISE (Widefield Infrared Survey Explorer), which is a space mission tasked with imaging the entire sky in infrared wavelengths.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Mister Steamy Dryer Balls — "Turn your dryer into a wrinkle releasing machine"
Mister Steamy Dryer Balls — "Turn your dryer into a wrinkle releasing machine":
Flautist, don't go there.
Now, where was I?
Oh, yeah, Flyer goals.
No?
Restart.
From the website:
••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Mister Steamy™ Dryer Balls eliminate ironing and turn your dryer into a wrinkle releasing machine
Add water to dryer balls and toss into dryer —
as dryer heats up, the balls will steam the wrinkles away.
Shirts, pants and slacks will look freshly pressed and wrinkle-free.
It even works on sheets and pillowcases for a fresh, smooth look.
Works on all fabrics, cotton, poly, blends.
No need to iron.
Plastic.
4"Ø.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Matching set of two in classic bookofjoe green: $14.98.
Human Pac-Man
Video caption: "Pac-Man was played by real human beings sitting in a cinema: it's the 5th video performance of the GAME OVER Project from the French-Swiss artist Guillaume Reymond. This stop-motion video was shot and played for the new ProHelvetia's programme GameCulture http://www.gameculture.ch at the Trafo cinema (Baden, Switzerland) on August 28, 2010. This giant game was played by 111 human pixels who moved from seat to seat for more than 4 hours...."
[via LikeCool]
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