Cool Websites of the Summer

Here's my pick of more obscure websites I've found that are truly keepers. We all know of YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia, but check these out!

http://www.passwird.com - daily listings of great deals from DVD's, computers, clothes and more.

www.restaurants.com - I discovered this site from passwird (see above). This is where I got $25 coupons for my local Italian restaurant here for only $2.00! The cost is typically more around $10 for a $25 coupon, but they regularly have sales where they are anywhere from 50% to 80% off. Sign up for updates and don't miss the sales. They have a wide variety of local restaurants; simply input your locale and shop away. You can print the certificates right from your computer.

www.graspr.com - how to videos on a variety of activities: crafts, piano & guitar lessons, cooking, and even workouts.

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird - weird news of the week. There's truly some odd news out there. Get ready to be shocked, awed, and generally end up feeling better about yourself after reading about all the stupid things people do.

http://www.fotopedia.com - a wiki for photos. Check some of them out (particularly the Jelly fish). Stunning. Add your own photos.

http://www.komando.com/coolsites - Kim Komando is nationally known for her computer and electronics advice. Her webiste is full of information that has helped me through the years. I've found just the app to help solve whatever issue I'm facing; usually for free. Get those iTunes converted to MP3! Many places on her site do require a subscription, but I've never paid yet. Take a peek.

www.wikihow.com - another user-based how-to site on a wide spectrum of topics: hair styles, cooking, self-help, sewing, and magic tricks, to name a few.

http://www.makeuseof.com - I've linked you to the Kids/Family section of this site which will give you a directory of family oriented appliations or websites that could help you. The main website will give you the directory of all the categories available. I could spend days going through the list. Totally awesome.

Funky Gadgets Update

Here are some interesting items I found that may help some of you with those last-minute birthday or other holiday gifts or for those who are simply hard to buy for.

Frolicat Bolt - Now you can play with your cat without even lifting a finger. Simply setup the Frolicat and walk away and watch your cat go wild.

Pre-chewed pencils - maybe people wouldn't chew on pencils if it already looked like someone else had gotten to them first! On the other hand, does anyone use pencils now days?

Turn air into water - this is a self-cleaning alternative source for fresh water. The ultimate green choice, or maybe not.

Drum Kit T-Shirt - (This one is for you, Daniel)- Are you always drumming on the desk, your knees, or any other surface at the ready? Try this shirt and share your percussive talents more loudly with all of your friends!!

Nothing - For the person who has everything.
Instructions:
step 1 - open the pack
step 2 - experience nothing

Warranty: This product is guaranteed to do absolutely nothing. If something happens, return for a full refund.


Stay in touch with previous gadget posts:
April 2008
May 2008

More Cool & Geeky Stuff

Before I get started on the cool geeky and weird finds, I have to point out the funniest sign I saw the other day. On our way to my Grandma's 100th birthday party, we passed a grocery store that had a huge reader board with the daily/weekly specials. It read "Hot Legs and Thighs" and then a price. Who cares how much it costs?? I almost looked to see if there was a line of men (maybe I should be politically correct and say "people") stringing out the door and around the block. I couldn't resist a giggle and tried to get a snapshot of it with a camera I had with me. Didn't work. Oh well, you'll just have to believe me. James saw it too, so I know it wasn't a figment.

Ok, on to the fun geeky gadgets that have caught my eye this past few weeks.

Cubicaller (see photo above) - require a civil entrance into your cubicle space with this bad boy.

Bad Breath Detector - does this really require an explanation?

Microsoft's WorldWide Telescope - This is like Google Earth only for outer space. Users can pan and zoom across the galaxy in 3D, right from your own computer. This is pretty amazing. Everyone should give this one a try.

Floorplanner - I found this when I was looking for online tools to help plot out possible remodels for a house recently purchased. They have a free version where you can create a couple of different floor plans and save them or share with others. Pretty amazing technology on the web. I love Web 2.0!!!

Talking Lips - This is hands-free taken to a whole 'nother level. Simply synch up your phone to this ridiculous gadget. It's a glorified speaker phone where the lips talk in time with the sounds from your phone!

RSStroom Reader - need that news fast? Anywhere? Now you don't have to take that hours-old newspaper or magazine with you to the John. You can get your RSS feeds directly to an RSS reader right in the bathroom, printing out on your toilet paper no less. If you don't like what you're reading...

Earwax Camera & Cleaner - ever wonder if you're getting all the waxy build up out of your ears. While Momma always said never to put anything smaller than a football in your ear, we repeatedly shove cotton swabs in and swirl regularly in order to divest ourselves of the stuff that God put in there to catch bugs. Well now you can look inside your own ear! I've heard that the Asian culture is fastidious about ear wax removal; I even saw a special (probably Discovery Channel) where there are specialists devoted to the craft. Folks go in for regular ear cleanings. Maybe that's why our kids and spouses don't hear us! Clearly, this is the solution.

Honorable Mention:
Cake PC
Racing Grannies
Fartacus T-Shirt
iPood Baby Romper

Some of My Favorites

I'm a geek and a gadget queen. I love cool software, fast computers, programs where you can change the skins, phones, cameras, xBox consoles, iPod's, camcorders, personal video players, special roasted coffee, neat containers, foods, and more. I love finding the newest, latest and greatest of everything, gadgets, food, toys, designers, all of it. Now, I can't usually afford to get everything, but it sure is fun researching. Hey, I could find a new toy! Here are a few really cool things I've found of late:

1. Software to create itineraries and travel guides that you can access from anywhere (I had this idea a few years ago and did nothing with it - I could've been rich!): www.tripit.com.

2. R2D2 Trash Can (Ricky, you'll like this)


3. Tea - picked by Monkeys! The website says that monks trained the monkeys to pick the tea off of trees that were too high for mere mortals to reach.

4. Shooting cubicle alarm system. This cool gadget will protect your space from unwanted intruders. It spots the intruder, sounds an alarm and then fires off two foam missiles at the offender. Cool. Now you can either keep your stuff safe from cubicle candy/food roamers. Or, maybe it is as simple as setting these puppies up as an early warning device that notifies you and others of an approaching boss; which leads us to another solution for wandering bosses or co-workers...

5. The Executive Marshmellow Shooter. The description states that the shooter dazzles with a "high-tech, chrome-like finish" and that it "can lay down a withering barrage of mini marshmallows in seconds." Shoots up to 30 feet. Need I say more?


6. Hilariously disgusting way to store your valuables in plain sight, called the Brief Safe. The website states: "The “Brief Safe” is an innovative diversion safe that can secure your cash, documents, and other small valuables from inquisitive eyes and thieving hands, both at home and when you’re traveling. Items can be hidden right under their noses with these specially-designed briefs which contain a fly-accessed 4″ x 10″ secret compartment with Velcro® closure and “special markings” on the lower rear portion.

"Leave the “Brief Safe” in plain view in your laundry basket or washing machine at home, or in your suitcase in a hotel room — even the most hardened burglar or most curious snoop will “skid” to a screeching halt as soon as they see them — wouldn’t you?"

7. THE Swiss Army Knife to end all army knives. You can see a picture of this above. This 8-inch bad boy weighs in at a very practical 2 pounds, 11 ounces. Oh, and there are 85 tools to choose from! Did I mention that it costs $1200? I think the only thing missing is the kitchen sink?

8. I know by Blackberry keyboard is too small to be able to shoot out emails quickly, so I found just the thing: Keyboard pants. Yes, that's right, your pants can double as a keyboard. Built into these duds is a keyboard, knee speakers, mouse slot and a joystick built into the crotch. Though I would suspect that if you wore these, the whole world would know you're a geek.

In the words of a very famous song, "these are a few of my favorite things." But stay tuned, I'll find more!!!