Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Top 7 Gadgets for Men in 2010

One of the best gifts that you can give to that special guy in your life is a gadget. Well, since gadgets are all the rave these days, then guys for sure don’t want to be left behind. Be it a new high-end phone, a laptop, an HDTV, or simply a travel gear, any guy would be interested to receive one as gift. So, if you are thinking about giving your special guy a gift soon, then you better start looking at these top 7 gadgets for men in 2010.
1. Blackberry Bluetooth Presenter
If your guy’s job requires a lot of delivering presentations, then he’d truly appreciate it if you give him this Blackberry Presenter. It allows him to deliver presentations with ease by simply plugging this gadget into a projector or monitor. Its key features include: loop mode, support for PowerPoint effects, freeze mode, Bluetooth connection, single button operation, and multiple video formats compatibility.
2. JVC Kaboom System for iPod
Is your special guy an iPod user? Then, enhance his listening experience with the Kaboom! System for iPod. Designed by JVC, this product boasts 40 watts of power and a large cylindrical shape with a woofer at each end. It includes a dock for iPod with Twist Auto Lock Door, so it’s the perfect gadget for iPod users. In addition, it has a CD player and an FM tuner for more listening options.
3. iRobot Roomba 570
Cleaning is something that guys dread to do. But not if they’re equipped with something like the iRobot Roomba 570. Referred to as the vacuum cleaning robot, the Roomba 570 features innovations in vacuum performance, making cleaning a lot easier and more convenient. It can cover up to 4 rooms on a single battery charge and it features on-board scheduling.
The Roomba 570 really makes the perfect cleaning buddy. But if you want to see more options, check out iRobot Roomba at Amazon.com.
4. L5 Remote
Your guy will whine no more when he couldn’t find the remote of the TV, the cable box, the DVD, or the DVR. The L5 Remote allows him to instantly turns his iPhone or iPod touch into a universal remote. It has quick and easy setup, so he can make it work in no time. And hey, no batteries, no WiFi, and no wall plug needed, so it’s really very convenient for him.
5. Casio EX-FH100 10.1MP High Speed Digital Camera with 10x Ultra Wide Angle Zoom with CMOS Shift Image Stabilization and 3.0 inch LCD
If your guy loves taking photos and recording videos, he’ll definitely go wild when he sees what you’ve got for him – the EX-FH100 from Casio. Combining Casio’s amazing slow motion video features, 3.0” Ultra High Density LCD monitor, and 10 megapixels with a powerful ultra-wide 24mm lens capable of up to 10X optical zoom, this gadget will sure be his next favorite traveling buddy, with you of course.
6. IDAPT I3 Charging Station For up to 3 portable devices Silver
Guys love gadgets, there’s no doubt about that. And they hate running out of batteries too. So, if he already has all the gadgets that you can think of, then better give him this IDAPT I3 Charging Station. It’s a three-device charging station that includes 6 interchangeable charging tips. It’s compatible with most mobile and smartphones, portable game consoloes, rechargeable batteries, GPS devices, and more.
7. Philips LCD TV 56
Ask any guy around if what high-end gadget that they want to have in their homes and for sure you’ll get the same answer – an ultra-wide television screen. This one can cost you big bucks but you can sure save up until such time that you’re ready to get this long time dream of that special guy in your life.
Now, if you really want to blow his mind away, get him this Philips LCD TV 56. It’s a spectacular 56″ ultra-wide TV screen that creates an original cinema experience at home. It perfectly matches the original 21:9 (2.39:1) film format, so your guy is assured of a true cinematic widescreen TV viewing experience.

R-O-B-O-T-R-O-B-O-T-R-O-B-O-T-R-O-B-O-T

ROBONOVA-1 Humanoid Robot

The Robonova-1 Robot is a humanoid robot that can be used by educators, students, and robot hobbyist. This robot has the capability of running, walking, flipping, doing cartwheels, and much more. It can be programmed to compete in Class “J” competitions or to be used as an educational device. Available in two ways, it can be purchased as a kit so that you can build it yourself, or pre-assembled and ready to dance for instantaneous play.
Robonova-1 stands 12” high, and is controlled with 16 powerful HSR-8498 HB digital servos built specifically for the Robonova-1 by Hitec. Other specifications include, a Karbonite gear train, over-voltage current protection, and “setpin” appendages for easy assembly. The technology of Robonova-1 is considered “feedback” which enables simple programming by most ages.
Completely customizable, the Robonova-1 can be used with optional devices such as, speech synthesis modules, R/C transmitters and receivers, and Bluetooth. It contains a flexible and sophisticated interface that makes the Robonova-1 a robot lovers dream.
The battery is a rechargeable 5 cell environmentally friendly NiMH. It will allow the user up to 1 hour of operational time. There is an option to upgrade to a 7.4 volt 2 cell Lithium Polymer battery used with a 6 volt regulator, this can extend the operation time by two hours or more. It does include D/C to D/C charger features that protect the circuit preventing battery charging problems.
Robonova-1 is a must for all true robot enthusiasts.

The humanoid robot that enjoys bowling and dancing

robosapien v2
The advanced new Robosapien V2 – now standing almost 2 feet tall – has grown to nearly twice the size of his popular but primitive predecessor. His blue LED eyes light up, blink and track movements with infrared sensors, and they even recognize colors. His vision, touch sensors and stereoscopic hearing help Robosapien V2 interact with his environment with remarkable autonomy.
This new member of the robotic family comes with more advanced dynamic motion, interactive sensors, new program functions, speech capability, and a personality all his own. It’s clear from the start that he enjoys bowling, dancing, and having conversations.
Robosapien Version 2 is the next generation of Robosapien technology and personality from Wowwee. It is able to walk forward in four different styles, or gaits. He normally uses his IR vision and touch sensors built into his feet and hands to avoid obstacles, but if put into bulldozer mode, he will walk forward or backward and try to push his way through anything.
RobosapienV2 has been designed with a full range of motion. He can turn his head just like humans. So, too, can he turn at the hips and can move them forward and back and from side to side. RobosapienV2 can move each arm independently, and his hands can grab, pick up, and throw light objects, such as the included bowling balls and pins. He even comes preprogrammed with a selection of dance moves.
RobosapienV2 is equipped with a powerful vision system that lets him track the movement of objects in his field of view by moving his head and body. He will react differently to things based on their distance from his sensors. He uses his onboard color camera to identify primary colors and skin tones. This helps him identify his bowling ball and pins, and bowling is his favorite game. His ability to detect skin tones helps him know when people are waving to him or when it’s time to shake hands.
He also has hearing sensors that help him detect people in his proximity, tilt sensors that interrupt most functions to prevent damage should he fall, and grip sensors that tell him whether he’s been successful in picking up an object.

Do it yourself – Intelligent Humanoid

Do it yourself - Intelligent Humanoid robot
Building my own robot was one of my dreams since I was a kid. Now, LEGO has narrowed the gap between that dream and reality. With the LEGO Mindstorms NXT, you can build your own robot in different forms like scorpion,humanoid or even an alien life form(use your imagination)
The brain of the ‘toy’ is LEGO’s NXT, a 32-bit command center that can be programmed using a computer via USB or Bluetooth. The brain is nothing without its arms and legs. With a total of 519 specially selected LEGO TECHNIC elements and equipped model-specific building instructions, you can choose to build on different models ( Roverbot, Scorpio; Robotic Arm; Humanoid; Clock; )
Sure there are some neat robots that are available to the consumers out there but nothing compares to the fulfillment of a dream.


Honda’s ASIMO “The World’s Most Advanced Humanoid Robot”

The technology behind Honda’s ASIMO Humanoid Robot is cutting edge. In 1986 Honda engineers began creating a walking robot. The focus was on simulating the same walk as a human. Once that was achieved they began working on stabilization to enable stair climbing and independent balance on each leg. A body, head, and arms were attached to improve balance but soon became part of the robots functionality. The original prototype was 6’2” and 386 lbs. but now they have improved the ASIMO with a more user friendly design, standing 5’2” and weighing 287 lbs. Today the ASIMO is a fully functional walking, running, stair climbing, humanoid robot with the capabilities of reaching for an object and grasping it gently. Using its camera eyes, it can recognize faces, map the environment for stationary objects, and avoid moving obstacles. The ASIMO is by far one of the most ingenious robots today.
The ASIMO is designed to operate in real world settings, helping people reach for things, pick up things, and carry items from one room to another even navigating through stairs. The ASIMO’s abilities were an incredible challenge for Honda designers. The use of 34 Degrees of Freedom makes the ASIMO have such human like motions. Combined with lightweight material, like magnesium alloy structure, and 34 servo motors, the ASIMO is almost as functional as a human. After two decades of working with powerful computers, sophisticated software, and latest structural design Honda engineers came up with the ASIMO.
Currently the ASIMO is used for educational purposes they demonstrate the robots capabilities in classrooms to ignite children’s interests in science.

Outstanding In Their Field: 10 Outrageous Outhouses


Outhouses… before the advent of indoor plumbing, these permanent porta-potties were a necessary evil whose use wasn’t an option. Though most outhouses in developed countries have been torn down, a rare few remain. These iconic one-room restrooms serve to remind us of those dark days when if you had to go, you had to go out first.

A Room with a Half-Moon View

(images via: Ray’s Town Primitives and Space Squirrel)
What makes an outhouse different from any other outbuilding? Most people would say it was the iconic crescent moon window cutout on the door. Oddly enough, the half-moon isn’t a de rigeur requirement for outhouses, nor is it especially common.
(image via: D Scott)
Some say the style was popularized by cartoonists and comic book illustrators of the 1920s and 1930s. Others point to sun and moon symbols used to differentiate his & hers outhouses in times when most of the population was illiterate.

Thunderbox Road


(images via: Imagine Omit)
The art of the outhouse? It had to happen, being as the humble outhouse has imbued itself into pop culture regardless of how many of today’s populace have ever used one. Take the Thunderbox Road art exhibit, which had a respectable run at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, in 2009.

(images via: Imagine Omit)
The exhibit featured a dozen outhouses embellished by a selection of Texas artists. A nice tough to the tribute is that after the show’s conclusion, the outhouses were auctioned off with the proceeds donated to medical research and the Western Art Museum in Kerrville, Texas.

Double-Decker Dumpers

(images via: Roadside America, Burbia and Ghosttowns)
Just as not all houses are bungalows, not all outhouses are single-story. The double-deck format was arguably a luxury in its day. In the case of outhouses built onto existing structures, those residing on the upper story of better homes, hotels or rooming houses would be able to use the facilities without venturing out into inclement weather. And no, despite what might appear to be obvious, lower-level occupants were in no danger should somebody enter the upper level – an inclined chute diverted effluent, negating the need for those below to exclaim “Oh crap!!”

Bryant Pond, Maine’s Three-Story Outhouse

(image via: Roadside America)
Kudos go out to whomever designed and built the three-story outhouse attached to the Masonic Lodge in Bryant Pond, Maine. An engineering wonder of the mid-19th century, the outhouse was so effective it took until the year 2000 for the owner’s to finally install a modern flush toilet – albeit only on the lowest floor.

Outhouses with Running Water

(images via: RRBJ and Survival of the Sickest)

(images via: Hickerphoto and Impactlab)
Common in third world countries with access to rivers or a seacoast, outhouses built over water would seem to be as clean and convenient as an outhouse can get – provided they’re used as little as possible. The sampling above would seem to be idyllic places to answer Mother Nature’s call… except when she’s in a bad mood (floods, hurricanes and the odd lightning strike).

AYYY, I’m In Here!

(image via: Treehugger)
Several attempts have been made to upgrade the outhouse to meet the needs of modern life, as if today’s bathrooms with their newfangled hot & cold running water, heat lamps, fans and water-saving flushes don’t already do that. Regardless, outhouses such as the Fons do their best by providing what the manufacturer calls “responsible sanitation.” The Fons features a composting toilet, sink and shower with a rainwater collecting cistern on top. Forget the crescent moon window, today’s sophisticates get a curved sliding door. As for the name, well, Calfinder says it best: “If you’re going to reference Happy Days, shouldn’t it have been called “The Potsie?”

WPA Outhouses

(images via: Lithic Designs and RetroRenovation)
If you think President Obama has struggled to sell health care to the American people, you’ll find parallels with an earlier Democratic president: FDR. One of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s initiatives under the New Deal was the WPA, or Works Progress Administration.
(image via: RetroRenovation)
Under the WPA’s direction, thousands of unemployed victims of the Great Depression were put to work on a variety of projects including the construction of solid, reliable, two-seat outhouses in rural towns and isolated farms. So solid was their design – not to mention their construction – that many WPA outhouses are still being used today!

Wild West Outhouses

(images via: John O Burns)
“John O Burns, Outhouse Photographer”… with a moniker like that, he’s GOT to be good. And so he is – Burns has compiled several photographic compilations of outhouses he has encountered in his travels through the American West and Baja California.

(images via: John O Burns)
Seen through Burns’ camera lens, these lonely, wind-blasted and sand-swept outhouses take on a noble aura, certainly much more than their builders ever would have imagined.

Thomas Jefferson’s Outhouse

(images via: Donald Mark)
They may have a somewhat low-rent reputation but outhouses were used with no qualms by the world’s high and mighty because, well, what was the alternative? The carefully constructed brick outhouses at Thomas Jefferson’s retreat at Poplar Forest, 65 miles south of Monticello, show that even presidents answer to a higher calling: that of nature.

The Outhouse Is In!

(image via: Pixdaus/Connie)
It’s said that a well-made, properly maintained outhouse is a thing of beauty. Functionally perhaps, but even the best built outhouse can still be an eyesore. Olgeir Andresson doesn’t think so and frankly either do we, at least when it comes to his matter-of-factly titled art photo entitled Outhouse In Iceland. An outhouse, in Iceland, at night would not be someplace most would associate with either beauty or warmth but gazing at this exquisite image it’s hard not to feel a sense of both.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

5 Unorthodox Ways to Power your Home

By now you’ve probably read countless articles about, or at least heard about solar power and wind power, so rather than dwell on the relatively more mainstream forms of alternative energy, let’s look at some that you don’t regularly hear about.

1. Chicken Manure


A €150 million project out of the Netherlands is planning on using a biomass powerplant to simultaneously manage the the excess chicken manure and provide cheap, environment friendly energy to power up to 90,000 homes. The plant will process approximately 440,000 tons of manure and generate 270 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, making it more than just carbon neutral.

2. Vegetable Oil


A super-efficient system is being developed at Newcastle University in the UK that will burn vegetable oil to generate electricity to power homes. The system has special provisions that minimize wasted energy, optimize energy storage, and can efficiently deal with the fluctuating demand for energy (i.e. releasing energy during peak times, and storing it in the evening or at night).
3. Prius Power

Imagine a storm knocks out your electricity, what do you do? If you happen to own a Prius, you can use the car’s gas engine to power the electric battery, which you can then use to power a 1,200 square foot house. That would be more than enough to keep your lights on, your refrigerator running, and watch some tv while you wait for help.

4. Solar Innovations


While we’re all familiar with social panels, there are many other solar innovations you can use to harness the sun’s power and turn it into energy. Hot roads and parking lots, nanoantennas, and fuel cells are just the beginning.

5. Micro-Hydro


While not applicable to everyone (for obvious reasons), if you’re one of the lucky few who live near a source of running water (or better yet, live on a boat), small water generators or Micro-Hydro turbines are a great source of renewable energy. By using even just one relatively small turbine, you can create non-stop power regardless of weather conditions that often create problems for solar and wind power generators.

20 Green Gadgets For Your Green Thumb


plantmontageGreen is glorious. It’s even better when you can utilize “green” gadgets and your green thumb. Saving our environment is all-important. Geeks like gadgets, but sometimes we are also gardeners. It can be hard on the pocketbook or the brain when trying to mesh our cool hobbies and our eco-passion. Here are 20 wild and sometimes weird gadgets for the plant enthusiast.

Electrolux Hydrosphere

hydosphere
(image via:ecofriend)
The Electrolux Hydrosphere has a green design that is aesthetically pleasing. This hydrosphere is handy for people who would like to grow green vegetation but would have a hard time finding a place for their potted plants. Although it is not a requirement to live in the city or in an apartment to own one, this planter can allow you to add green to your living environment while also acting as an elegant “green” gadget and conversation starter.

Bel-Air Domestic Spacecraft

greenair
(image via:3rings)
This air purifier makes your plants ‘more intelligent.’ The Bel-Air Domestic Spacecraft inhales polluted air and filters it through three natural filters (the plant leaves, its roots, and a humid bath) before releasing purified air back into your living space. This project was first researched by NASA for the efficiency of plants at absorbing and eliminating pollutants in aircraft. The domestic spacecraft runs off of AC power for the white LED lights, so you can have clean air anywhere you decide to put it.

Solar Powered Plant Pot

glowingplantpot
(image via:Firebox)
Nothing tells your plant “I love you” better than a solar-powered glowing plant pot. You set the solar panel to collect the best sunlight available to you. This will charge up the pot during the day so it will glow at night. Depending on how much sunlight you get, the plant pot will glow for 2 to 8 hours before the battery runs out. The Solar Powered Plant Pot comes in glowing white or color-changing pots.

Pet Plant

petplant
(image via:Cool Aggregator)
This Pet Plant gadget will show your plant’s emotions, such as whether it is too hot or needs water. The digital pot has sensors that process data about the soil and its surrounding environment, and then displays the information in digital pictograms. Your plant may be happy or may even scowl at you if it needs water. If you over-water your pet plant, this pot drains off the excess.

Ponic-Home Hydroponic Planter

hydopontic
(image via:Endrit Hajno)
No need to dirty your hands with soil if you use the Ponic-Home hydroponic planter. The technology behind this planter allows you to grow your plant in a nutrient-enriched water solution. You might need to do your research to better understand the correct balance of nutrients needed in the water, but your house won’t get dirty from messy soil. This could come in especially handy for plant lovers with dogs or cats that dig in the soil of your indoor potted plants.

Teach Your Babies to Live Green

baby
(images via:Firebox,ecofriend)
If you are an environmentally-aware parent who would like to teach your kids to be like-minded, here are two fun solutions. Pictured on the left and below, the Flip Flop Q Minis may be artificial and high-tech but they are cute solar-powered gadgets for your young ones. No need for batteries, the more real or artificial light these toy-plants are exposed to, the more they will move and jiggle. They are 100% solar-powered and extremely portable play toys. Pictured on the right are Nyokki Pets egg-shaped planters. These adorable little planters come with rye grass that will grow to its full height in less than two weeks. You and your child can cut the grass and watch it grow again. Your child will learn to love plants as much as you do.

Pekoppa Communication Plant

planttalk
(images via:Japan Trend Shop)
Pekoppa Communication Plant is made by Sega Toys to appeal to you as well as your children. The Pekoppa responds to your speech with physical reactions. By using the internal chip that detects patterns in human speech, the plant’s leaves and even stem will move. You can talk to your plant and your plant can talk back to you by deeply bowing to you as if in agreement. Perhaps not a yes-man, but a yes-plant! Not a people person? No problem with the Pekoppa.

No Green Thumb? No Worries

selfwater_cutiegadget
(images via:Coolest Gadgets,Cutie Gadget)
If you love plants, but they don’t always love you back, then these two gadgets may be for you. The Grobal Self-Watering Planters (left) are perfect for people who may not have the greenest of thumbs. You fill up the water chamber and it automatically adds water to the plant’s soil so you will never over-water or under-water your plant again. These pretty planters are available in lots of colors and have a clear plastic water level indicator so you will know when to refill the water. All you need is a plant because it comes with soil and nutrients.
The USB Powered Mini Green House (right) is an eco-gadget for geeks who might like to have a plant nearby on their desk. You plug the USB into your computer and the USB power source controls the artificial light above the plant to help grow the plant in a scientific manner. It comes with soil and marigold seeds. It also comes with software to monitor the growth rate, a calendar, wallpaper and bookmark settings. Even with all the technology included with this gadget, you still need to remember to physically water your plant or it will die. Your software will remind you though when the plant is thirsty while your plant filters the CO2 around you. If you are tech savvy and love the environment too, then this little greenhouse may be for you.

Flowerbox Art

flowerbox
(images via:flowerbox)
These flowerboxes are not so much a gadget as environmentally friendly. They are made from cardboard boxes and come in a variety of colors. They come with holes in the back so you can hang your flowers on the wall with ease. Your flower or plant fits inside a white metal cup that is designed specifically for these boxes. You can add a splash of color, flowering plants or green foliage, to decorate your wall as well as start a conversation when your guests spy your eco-friendly flowerbox.

Living Kitchen

livingkitchen
(images via:ecofriend)
The Studio Gorm living kitchen will help you nourish your plants with kitchen waste. This living kitchen is an example of nature and technology meeting in harmony. It provides a space to prepare your food as well as planter boxes to grow plants. The counter top has a waste bowl where you store your food scraps. Once that bowl is full, you pour the waste into the worm bin composter located underneath the counter top. The composter is full of worms that will convert the waste into nutrient rich fertilizer that can then be put back into the plants. It’s a good eco-friendly idea, if you can get past the thought of food, plants, and worms all located in your kitchen workspace.

Sound Garden

bonsaispeaker
(images via:trend)
Do you have an affinity for jamming and growing plants? JVC presents Sound Garden ‘Kirikabu’ Speakers. The speakers look like bonsai planters from the future. You can grow a plant but enjoy the thumping woofers too. When you water your plants, the speakers will generate their own electricity. Let’s hope you generate plenty of green otherwise because these cost a pretty penny. If you have plenty of cash, then you can combine your choice of potted plants with multi-directional speakers that include a woofer, left- and right-channel stereo speakers and are powered by an internal amplifier.

Tiny Hypdroponic Reactor

herb
(images via:7gadgets)
Thanks to NASA technology, no soil is needed to grow your plants or herbs in any or all seasons. This hydrophonic grow system allows you to have a minimal mess on your desk or wherever you feel like you want to add a little greenery. People have grown herbs, flowers, and some vegetables in this “tiny hypdroponic reactor.” Within this gadget comes a special soil-free spongy grow-medium and nutrient mixture, so all you need to add are the seeds.

Seedbomb Plant Capsule

seedbomb
(images via:envirogadget)
Are you concerned over deforestation in our environment? As long you don’t mind using a biodegradable plastic pod, you can easily help to replant an area and to rebuild an ecosystem. The plastic pod acts like a mini-greenhouse to protect seeds and seedlings before exposing them to cold or harsh weather. This gadget contains some soil and nutrients to encourage seeds to germinate and to grow rapidly. Bombs away!

A Growing Book

growingbook
(images via:iDasia)
If you enjoy reading and growing plants, then this Growing Book might be for you. The idea behind this unique planter is to make the process of reading a book more interactive. The book comes with a special place to grow plants in it. You can be a “green” reader or entertain your kids by raising their environmental awareness as they watch the process of life taking place in front of their eyes.

EasyBloom

easy
(images via:Mom’s Buzz)
By using the EasyBloom Plant Sensor gadget, you can grow plants without the guesswork. The in-ground sensor takes advantage of the same technology that NASA uses on the Mars Phoenix mission to measure the Martian soil. The sensors read and analyze growing conditions in the spots where you “plant” it. Readings include sunlight, temperature, humidity, soil moisture and drainage to help take the guesswork out of where would be the best place to plant in your yard and what would be the best choices of plants. You leave it “planted” for a minimum of 24 hours before plugging it into your computer USB port and watching the recommendations such as what plants would flourish in what location in your environment.

Loop Greenhouse Watersaving Gadget

greenhouse
(images via:ecofriend)
This is for the person with a serious green thumb who also loves gadgets. You also need a greenhouse. Growing plants in a greenhouse is truly manipulating the environment. The Loop cuts down on humidity and acts as a water-saving device. The water vapor is condensed back into liquid and can then be reapplied to the soil for the plants to reuse.

LED Grow Light

led
(images via:chinavasion)
Indoor gardeners may prefer this LED Grow Light gadget. The LED lights produce red and blue colors which are the most important visible light frequencies for indoor plants. This LED light maximizes plant growth while minimizing energy consumption by producing only the light that enhances the natural process of photosynthesis. Indoor gardeners will enjoy fast growth and strong crops.

Soil Lamp

soillamp
(images via:Marieke Staps)
So you don’t have a green thumb at all but still like gadgets as well as saving the environment? Here is a lamp that runs on mud. This light is powered by soil that is enclosed in various cells. The more cells there are, the more electricity they make. Like growing a plant, however, you need to add water to the soil, to make mud, to keep this soil lamp burning bright.