not being there this year. Apparently, it’s only gotten better and better. Witness:
….I was interviewing the CEO of a $100 million company recently when a nearby man got zapped with a Taser. The man, a Wall Street Journal reporter who had volunteered to be “Tased,” cried out in pain when the electrical dart hit him. He was lowered gently to the floor, then helped back to his feet when the effects wore off.
This happened minutes after I attended a press conference for a new Taser stun gun that has an MP3 player in its holster (yes, an MP3 player). At the press conference, Taser, Inc. also announced it’s rolling out a stylish leopard skin Taser. Company executives celebrated the introduction by donning leopard skin clothing. Also, a nice lady in leopard skin pants talked about how she’d once been kidnapped.
Welcome to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), 2008 edition. To those who’ve never attended, it may sound a bit surreal. But to CES regulars, it’s, well … fun, in an odd sort of way…..
…The flip side of this strangeshow is the breathtaking technology it delivers. Sony, for example, showed off an organic light emitting diode TV measuring a scant 3 mm thick. Texas Instruments (TI), meanwhile, demonstrated a “his and hers” TV technology, which allows two people to view completely different 3-D images while watching the same television at the same time. And a team composed of GM, Carnegie Mellon University and Continental Automotive offered rides in an autonomous truck known as “Boss.”….MORE….
… A battery in a Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS> notebook computer melted on Sunday, officials from the company and South Korea’s fire department said.
The notebook battery emitted smoke after being used for about three and a half hours on a pillow, a fire department official in Seoul told Reuters by telephone.
The battery burned a bed and a floor a bit, but did not cause a big fire, he added.
A Samsung’s spokesman said the notebook was the P10 model, which was produced in 2002 but did not give further details such as a producer of the battery….MORE….
What’s the real probability of this happening to you? Chris Null says:
… Lately I’ve been hearing from countless people with Dell laptops who are concerned that their notebooks could blow up at a moment’s notice. People are trying to call the Dell recall phone number, and it’s completely jammed. Panic is rampant. People seem to think they’re sitting on a time bomb, and they want it off their desk immediately.
Well I’m here to tell you one thing: Relax.
Seriously. Calm down.
OK. Now listen: Should you return your recalled Dell battery for a new one? Yes. Do you need to do it right this second? No. Some of you have been using these computers for years and the battery hasn’t exploded yet. What are the odds that it’s going to happen this weekend? Or even in the next few weeks? Virtually nil.
But let’s look at this more thoroughly. What are the odds of a Dell notebook going up in flames? I put pencil to paper to figure it out.
Dell has reported that 4.2 million laptops are at risk (about 7 million total have now been recalled), and, as near as I can tell, about 8 known cases of batteries melting or exploding over the last two years. Let’s play pessimist and assume the problem is much worse than Dell knows about. Let’s assume that over the next three years, a full 60 notebooks will explode if left with at-risk batteries. Doing the math: That’s a 1 in 210,000 chance per year of a recalled battery exploding. Over the next two months, should you decide to wait a bit to replace your battery: The odds are 1 in 1,260,000…..MORE…..
I guess I can stop worrying now.
ThankYouVeryMuch!
Owlbert
ps - and if your laptop DID melt, you can always replace the battery like so:
If you’re fond of souping up
Please click here to continue your search.
your Wii, you might notice something missing in the D2B model. Apparently some of the pins have been cut, preventing the easy install of a mod chip (’course, this is nothing new - such things were reported in 2007). To wit:
…There are two technique for installing a mod chip in these systems, you can simply solder the small stub back onto the pad where it should go. Or you can grind away some of the top of the chip so that you can solder to the wires that are located in the chip.
“Here is how I handle these cut chips without grinding…
* Strip some 30gauge wire and flux it and tin it really well.
* Apply flux to the cut area on the chip.
* Steadily hold the wire vertically so that the wire makes contact with the solder pad on the board and the stub where the leg was cut.
* Apply your iron on the wire pressing it onto the stub/chip.
* Cut extra wire, install mod chip as normal and test.
* Once verified as working apply some hot glue just to make sure nothing moves.”…MORE…
Kinda makes me wish I had paid more attention in shop class (do they even have those nowadays?).
And if you’re looking for some Wii modding resources, check out:
shiny iPhone, and you want to turbo power your experiences with it! What can you really do?
Here are some of the best resources online:
…
Two finger tap to zoom out in Google map. Most people know of the 1 finger tap to zoom in on the Google map. Try it with 2 fingers and it’ll reverse that process. Any two fingers would do, but I highly recommend index + middle fingers, it just works better, trust me.
Jump to top of a web page in Safari browser. When you get to the bottom of a long web page in the browser, you can tap the top of the screen, right under the time and it’ll bring you back to top of the page. I’m not aware of a way to jump to bottom of the page yet. If you do, share with moi
Don’t need to type .com in Safari browser. When you’re typing an URL, no need to type http://www or the .com portion. Simply enter the doman (e.g. apple) and click “Go”. Of course, this only applies to .com URLs.
Quick hover for numbers in keyboard. How do you type a number today? Click on “@123″ to change to number keyboard, type a number, then click on “ABC” to change back? Say you just want to enter a number in between your alphabets? Try this trick.
Hover on “@123″ and the keyboard will switch to number keyboard, don’t let go of your finger, hover over to the number or symbol you want, then let go. It’ll insert the number or symbol and switch you back to the alphabet keyboard….MORE…
For the hosts who have every thing
Please click here to continue your search.
you can now add:
… Add some bling to your next party. Just fill the 100% food grade flexible tray with water or any kind of juice and freeze it, and when your guests arrive, they’ll know they’re dining with the stars.
Perhaps this would be a great thing to have when the Oscars roll around!
‘Course, if you really want to get creative with ice, visit:
Customer Reviews —[1]Rating: 4 Date: 2007-02-26 Summary: A good book with lots of information … Purchased this book to learn ice sculpting. Found the book to be full of information on all aspects of ice sculpting. I would have preferred a bit more information on power tools, fusing, and snow filled logos, and less information on ice scuplting contests, transportation, and ice sculpting as a business, but this is only because of my specific needs. This book has provided me with enough information to undertake ice scuplting in my workplace, which is what I wanted. Book contains several projects complete with templates …more [2]Rating: 5 Date: 2004-12-30 Summary: Just the book I needed! … I’m not one to brag, but sculpting things out of wood always came very naturally to me. I recently sculpted a wooden statue of Pat Sajak that would knock your socks off. It’s so life-like that it’s almost scary. However, with wood comes a lot of splinters. I’ve got enough problems in my life already without that kind of extra hardship added. That’s why I chose to give up wood sculpting and take up ice sculpting instead. This here book has shown me that I can do it! In virtually no time at all, I’ve taken what I’ve …more [3]Rating: 5 Date: 2003-09-06 Summary: A Great Book for Teaching Ice Sculpture … WOW! I’ve been waiting for an ice-sculpture book like this for years. As a chef-instructor that who has taught ice-sculpture as part of my Garde Manger class, it’s been hard to find a book for the classroom. This text book has everything I need, including chapters on art, using power tools, safty, lighting, fusing, colouring ice, transportation, competitions, plus a lot more.The photos are great, with hundreds devoted to step by stepdirections on how to carve many interesting sculptures. The bookis well organized for …more Editorial Reviews —… Product Description | Written by a team of leading culinary educators and ice sculpting professionals, this is “must-have” for serious students, ice artisans, professional chefs and culinary educators interested in the sub-zero art. Written for both the novice and the accomplished artist, this book features the most current techniques in the industry including power tools and ice fusion for a unique presentation. The newest book published on ice sculpting in the last decade, Ice Sculpting the Modern Way…more
Editorial Reviews —… Product Description | Entering the dramatic world of ice carving has never been easier with this introductory guide. Designed with flexibility in mind, the guide focuses on the fundamentals of the tools, composition of ice, carving skills and preparation using a systematic, step-by-step approach. Over 300 instructional photographs support each step and clearly illustrate techniques and procedures. Available in two versions, this guide is a simple way to round out the curriculum and teach new culinary students…more
quite a timesaver (if your phone uses the GSM standard):
…To check your Mobile Phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), key in the following digits on your phone: *#06# and the IMEI 15-digit code will appear on the screen or check it in Settings/About/IMEI or it is imprinted on the back of your iPhone. This IMEI number is unique to your iPhone. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
If your iPhone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the the thief changes the SIM Card, your iPhone will be totally useless…MORE….
A good thing to know!
And if you’re looking for more phone security ideas, consider:
This is sooooo corporate-humor it had me falling off my chair. Kudos to Tassimo for a brilliant idea!
And here’s some background of the concept:
…Hoping to generate awareness and interest in its Tassimo hot beverage system, Kraft has partnered with Ogilvy Entertainment to create a series of humorous, interactive “Webisodes” featuring actors from NewYork’s “The Upright Citizens Brigade” comedy troupe.
The videos focus on the goofy antics of an oddball named “Bob,” who is supposed to be a coffee addict and the type of guy who finds a thousand things to do at work besides doing work. The first two Webisodes in the “Who Hired Bob?” series are already on the site. Interactivity comes in the form of giving viewers the opportunity to pick different endings to the zany episodes. They’re also being asked to think about any “Bob-like” people at their own places of work and submit stories. The best stories will become new “Bobisodes.” …MORE…
Want some more information about Tassimo? Check out:
Feature:… Hot-beverage system brews drinks at the touch of a button in about a minute; Patented T-Disc system with barcode technology; customizable strength settings; Beverages pour directly from T-Disc into cup; no measuring, no fuss, and virtually no cleanup; 50-ounce water reservoir; dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup; Measures approximately 10 by 15 by 16 inches; 2-year limited warranty …more Customer Reviews —[1]Rating: 4 Date: 2008-11-22 Summary: Loud but works good … The downsides to this are it is incredibly loud when running (I have to shut my office doors to make a cup of coffee) and the directions for set up and making the coffee were vague and confusing. Luckily the machine is pretty foolproof and you can figure it all out. The upsides are no messy filters, the coffee is good, and it is quick. I would recommend it despite the noise. …more [2]Rating: 5 Date: 2008-11-14 Summary: Happy Coffee / great for entertaining … We love this machine! It is quick, clean, quiet…. fabulous. We have done all the combinations of the coffee flavors available. The cappaccino is unbelievable, it is a two step process unlike other machines so it is so authentic in flavor and look. It came with a great recipe book for more creative coffee beverages that has us really inspired. We do look forward to more flavored coffees to be introduced though as it is limited. …more [3]Rating: 5 Date: 2008-09-05 Summary: dont loose the puncture thingy … I bought this because it is the only system with a quality coffe to go with it (starbucks). This is actually better than I thought. It really makes a great cup of coffee; equivalent to the brew from starbucks. HOWEVER the “capuccio” system from Gevalia is only OK. I prefer to just add milk rather than that disk. BE CAREFUL because there is a piece of plastic which punctured the disk to allow it to work and which can come off when you remove the disk at the end and get it thrown out. The company answered the phone promptly; …more [4]Rating: 5 Date: 2008-08-21 Summary: Love it … It’s easy to use. It’s fun to use. The coffee is fresh and superb. Your experience will vary based on the type of coffee but, for example, I find the Starbucks Verona to be on par with a fresh cup from the store! Would definitely buy again. …more Editorial Reviews —… Product Description | Tassimo is not just another coffee maker. It’s a whole new way to prepare a variety of delicious hot drinks perfectly, in the comfort of your own home, and it’s so simple. With the Tassimo machine and the Tassimo Discs (T-Discs) you can make the hot drink you want, when you want it - no fuss, no bother. The same machine that makes a real espresso and freshly brewed filter coffee from some of your favorite U.S. and European brands, also makes real milk-based latte and cappuccino, cafe crema,…more
ThankYouVeryMuch!
Owlbert
ps - and of course, you can always get them at eBay:
you don’t want your iPhone to experience is anything bad.
Well now, duh. But let’s take that concept a bit further - what if it was disabled? If you couldn’t use it? If your $400 critical communication device was SOL????
Believe it or not, it could happen. To wit:
… McAfee Avert Labs Blogger Jimmy Shah identified a Denial of Service vulnerability in the iPhone’s Safari browser in a blog post on Wednesday.
“The researchers who found the vulnerability were looking for a method to unlock the filesystem on iPhones with the latest firmware (1.1.3). Unlocking the file system allows the installing of custom ringtones and third party applications. With the last firmware version you could automatically unlock your iPhone by visiting a particular website with the Mobile Safari browser,” Shah wrote.
The DoS vulnerability can be exploited by visiting the proof of concept page and clicking a button that will launch a warning and the exploit code will run. The iPhone is then unresponsive before rebooting a less than a minute later, Shah wrote.
“The DoS bug exploit is partially based on JavaScript code from the Month of Browser Bugs(MOBB). During the MOBB a group of security researchers released an exploit for a web browser vulnerability every single day. While the original exploit was targeted at desktop browsers, the modified version simply attempts to fill memory and crash the phone,”….MORE…..
Scary! Here are some forums that discuss it further:
Luckily, the brilliant peoples from BMW have heard your cries! As reported by Auto Blog:
…BMW is touting itself as the world’s first car maker to offer completely unrestricted in-car access to the World Wide Web. It’s all part of “ConnectedDrive,” BMW’s own so-called intelligent network that connects the driver, the vehicle and their surroundings. Although innovative, this isn’t entirely uncharted territory for BMW as you may recall they introduced limited access to online Google features last May, and Google navigation and RSS features in December…..
… As of right now, like most pioneering things in the automotive industry, BMW’s in-car Internet access is only available in Europe. It appears, for now, that us Yanks will have to continue to focus on driving (and sipping Big-Gulps) while in our cars….MORE….
And don’t forget:
… BMW has announced that it will launch its new ConnectedDrive technology at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. ConnectedDrive will allow BMW owners to access the entire internet via the car’s iDrive and center mounted LCD screen. Initially, ConnectedDrive will only be available in Europe.
The ConnectedDrive service will be provided by EDGE technology (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which is the same service that Apple uses to connect its iPhone to the internet. Transfer speeds are said to be just slower than 3G — which is the speed of most wireless cards.
For safety reasons, ConnectedDrive will only be accessible at speeds slower than 5km/hr. However, vehicles equipped with BMW rear-seat DVD player will allow rear-seat passengers to use the internet at any speed….MORE….
Yes, that will certainly help driving safety. What do you think?
And if you’re interested in cool Bimmers, network at:
back before the earth’s crust cooled, back before The Iron Giant, back before The Transformers, back before….well, a long long time ago, there was Johnny Sokko and his Flying Robot.
I grew up on this show, and was just reminded of it by this interesting eBay goodie:
*RARE Giant Robot Remote Controlled Johnny Sokko*
This is a supremely rare edition of Remote Controlled Giant Robot. The set comes with a wrist-watch type controller (not very realistic though) and a 14-inch multi-function GR figure. The figure features 1) light in the eyes and sound effect when pressing the chest of robot; 2) Walking motion or sliding motion; 3) Finger missile launching (light and sound) with lifted arms. The figure takes four AA batteries whilst the controller takes two AAA batteries. Batteries for the controller are not included. All instructions are in Japanese but absolutely no problem for any adults. Great item for GR fans to celebrate the 40th Anniversary.
Stand aside, Optimus Prime! How on earth can you compete with:
….Though I admittedly have little knowledge in the genre of Japanese sci-fi, I do know one thing: when a UFO crashes into the ocean near Tokyo, chances are pretty good that an attack on the city by a giant monster is inherent. Call it intuition.Meanwhile, on a boat not too far away, we meet Johnny Sokko, a young boy on his way to…well, we’re not told where he’s off to. But that really doesn’t matter, now does it? Johnny, while on deck peering out over the sea, meets Jerry Mano. It takes approximately three minutes of small talk between the two for Jerry to blow his cover and disclose that he is really a secret agent for an outfit called UNICORN. How does Johnny cleverly uncover this valuable piece of information about Jerry? In a brilliant battle of wits, Johnny asks, “So, what do you do?” To which Jerry replies, “I’m a secret agent for UNICORN…oops, I mean I’m a writer, ”
Thank you, Captain Obvious.
Then, to add credibility to his writer story, Jerry immediately gets on his futuristic cell phone (at least in the film it’s supposed to be futuristic, in reality it looked like a car antennae) and reports in to his boss back at UNICORN headquarters. I guess subtlety isn’t a prerequisite for being a secret agent…..MORE….
Okay true, perhaps I’m thinking about Giant Robo, but hey…the memories are still as sweet.
*RARE Giant Robot Remote Controlled Johnny Sokko*
