New Pups at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Readymechs - Design Toys

Readymechs are free, flatpack toys for you to print and build.
They aredesigned to fit on an 8.5"x11" page and printed with any printer.
You’ll need double-sided tape, thick matte paper, and 10-15 minutes forbuild time.

Ascii Starwars by telnet

Watch the movie in ASCII, by type this command: telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl
(Windows users: Start -> Run -> telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl )

childrensillustrators.com - picture book artists showcase

The childrensillustrators.com - the fastest method of sourcing children's illustrators online.

this unique online community currently counts 424 illustrators, 13 agents showcasing 9239 illustrations and 706 published books!

childrensillustrators.com is accessed on a daily basis by art buyers from leading publishing houses, advertising agencies and design groups from across the globe.

[childrensillustrators.com]

Pocoyo

The show is animated by Zinkia Entertainment and Drawn reader Karramarro has been kind enough to share the link to the official Pocoyo blog. The show is narrated by Stephen Fry.
[Link: Pocoyo][Source:drawn.ca]

Snake Bites the Toxic Toad That Feeds It--and Spreads Its Poison

It sounds like something straight out of a video game: A snake collects toxin by biting a poisonous toad and uses that venom as a defense against hawks and other predators. But that is exactly what researchers say the Asian snake Rhabdophis tigrinus does, based on studies of glandular fluid from hatchlings and adult snakes on two Japanese islands.

Some R. tigrinus snakes carry toxins called bufadienolides in their nuchal glands, sacks located under a ridge of skin along their upper necks. When threatened, they arch their necks, exposing the poisonous ridge to an antagonist. The clawing and biting of hawks and other predators most likely rips the skin and lets the poison ooze out, potentially blinding the snake's attackers, says herpetologist Deborah Hutchinson of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. "It might not kill the predator but it would be noxious enough to deter predation," she says.

[Source & More: sciam]

Lineage2

A Ukrainian online gamer is facing up to 15 years in prison for stomping a fellow gamer to death in central Moscow after bad blood in a virtual world spilled over into the real one, prosecutors said.

Alexander Ponamorenko, a Ukrainian citizen known for his prowess in the popular online role-playing game Lineage II, has been arrested and charged with the beating death of Alexander Blyoskin, 22, who had tried to break-up a real-life argument between Ponamorenko and his online nemesis, said Olga Tatarinova, a senior investigator with the Basmanny District Prosecutor's Office.

Between 20 and 30 hard-core players of Lineage II, in which players create characters and form clans that inhabit a virtual medieval world, met up on the evening of Jan. 12 at a cafe in central Moscow, Tatarinova said.
"Ponamorenko showed up, as did a member of a rival clan with whom he had developed a virtual enmity," Tatarinova said.
An article posted on the Internet industry web site Habrahabr.ru identifies Ponamorenko, who plays under the nickname "DVP," as one of the strongest Lineage II players in Europe. He is a member of a clan called "RedSquad."
Tatarinova declined to name Ponamorenko's rival, but Habrahabr.ru identified him by his first name -- Kirill -- and said he plays under the nickname "Shtai." The article posted on Habrahabr.ru said the two often quarreled in Internet forums dedicated to Lineage II.
Ponamorenko, an independent businessman, had traveled from Ukraine to meet up with fellow gamers, Tatarinova said.
"Everybody in the room noticed how the expression on DVP's face changed when he saw Shtai," a witness and fellow gamer, identified only as Pavel, told Rossia television on Saturday.
Ponamorenko and Kirill took things outside, and after the two came to blows, Blyoskin, a student at the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute and a friend of Kirill's, tried to calm Ponamorenko down, Tatarinova said.
Accounts differ as to what happened next. Some witnesses say Ponamorenko punched Blyoskin, who played Lineage II under the nickname "Sverkh," and that the student fell and hit his head on the asphalt, Rossia television reported.
Tatarinova, however, said Ponamorenko stomped on Blyoskin's head while he lay on the ground.
Ponamorenko was detained by police at the scene, she said. Blyoskin was subsequently hospitalized and died four days later as a result of his injuries, Tatarinova said. Blyoskin was buried at Moscow's Domodedovskoye cemetery Jan. 19, the student news portal Studencheskaya Pravda reported.

[Source: Virtual Conflict Ends in Real Death]

Samsung VLUU i7 Digital Camera

The VLUU i7’s claim to fame is a twistable 3-inch display that can be swivelled around to either show portrait or landscape images or video clips in the orientation they were taken in, while audio is boosted by an SRS sound enhancer giving the impression, they’d have us believe, of 3D surround.

The camera features 3x optical zoom, sensitivity up to ISO 1600 and anti-shake.
[Source: dlgear]

Cat in a Jar

Cat In A Jar - video powered by Metacafe

Butter statue

Snowy Roof

Flying alarmclock

Most people don't like to get up in the morning. That is why they made the snooze-button on the alarmclock. When the clock starts the anoying sound you just hit it and it shuts up.

But you need to get up for work on time, so here is the perfect alarm clock for those of us who rather would stay in bead.

On the top of the clock there is a propella that will fly of when it's time to get up. The only way to stop the noise from the clock is to get out of bead, catch the propella and put it back on top of the clock.

[More: gadgets]

Minority Report Like Touch Screen

If you’ve seen Spielberg’s Minority Report then you probably already know what we’re talking about. At TED 2006 (Technology Entertainment Design Conference) in Monterey, CA Jeff Han showed off what looks like the most amazing, to date of course, touch screen technology. Using one hand or two, the presenter seamlessly navigated his way through photographs, maps and more. At times he used two hands and it seemed to create an axis for the other hand to work off of. You gotta watch the video here. Eat your heart out Apple (iPhone).

[Source: gadgetreview]

Chat

Geographically based Economic data (G-Econ)

The G-Econ research project is devoted to developing a geophysically based data set on economic activity for the world. The current data set (GEcon 1.3) is now publicly available and covers "gross cell product" for all regions for 1990, which includes 27,500 terrestrial observations. The basic metric is the regional equivalent of gross domestic product. Gross cell product (GCP) is measured at a 1-degree longitude by 1-degree latitude resolution at a global scale. Updates will be posted as they become available. The project director is Professor William Nordhaus, Yale University.

Kitchen decor

Who says all kitchen appliances need to be square and boring? The stylish and modern curves for Teka Kitchen Decor make for a playful and whimsical kitchen decor without compromising on features and amenities. The DX 90 Range Hood (pictured above) is a wall mounted hood that doesn't conform to the rectangular style of most hoods. This 90 cm, stainless steel hood features a striking and fluid rounded glass wing to make it a centerpiece in your kitchen design. The sleek touch control panel, powerful turbine motor and exhaust capacity of 800 m3/h make this range hood as powerful as it is stylish. Other features include 3 speed plus one intensive mode, integrated halogen lamps and a stop delay timer.

The VP TC 90 Vitroceramic Hob also enhances your kitchen decor with its unusual curved design and beveled glass surface. This hob measure 90W x 51D x 55H cm and offers digital programming for cook times, boost cooking functions, residual heat indicators and a maximum nominal power of 7,200 W. Cook with style on the 4 cooking zones, 1 high light couble zone, 2 high light heating elements and one warming zone. Teka kitchen decor. Previously Vitroceramic cooktop.

[Source: appliancist]

W Maldives

As a brand, the W chain of boutique hotels has practically claimed the concept of luxury to be its own; turning their properties into ‘must-do’ destinations for the hip, famous and wealthy. Just the mention of a new W property going under construction creates an immediate buzz that few other international brands could generate.

The latest W – and quite possibly the jewel in W’s empire - is the newly opened W Retreat & Spa in Fesdu Island, Maldives. Already critics and patrons seem to agree – it’s as close to paradise as you’ll find on earth; a luxury playground whose physical beauty is almost overwhelming, where guests are totally indulged on every level.

The W experience begins even before you even arrive. Male airport boasts a chic W operated transfer lounge, where guests are greeted with all the modern conveniences of a big city airport - drinks, food, magazines, plasma TV and internet. It’s here that new arrivals are supplied a W kit before boarding the seaplane to W’s private island.

From the moment of arrival its obvious that W is a master of branding. Stepping off the seaplane, I was greeted by a fleet of W golf buggies – with “W style” number plates - lining the pier waiting to take guests to their villa. Even the luggage trolleys were shaped into a W.

[Source & More: thecoolhunter]

Interactive sky chart

Enter your city and country.

Or, if you know your latitude and longitude, scroll to the bottom and enter them there. After you click "Submit", you'll be asked to choose your time zone.

[More: sky ]

Logic flash game

Doggy Treadmill

If you’re an urban apartment dweller who owns a dog, then you’ll know the hassle of having to take your dog out for a walk, especially during these cold winter months. But not to worry, because now you can get your precious pooch a Doggy Treadmill so that he can workout indoors as you stay warm and cozy. Priced around $123 from this Japanese—of course—site.

[Source: SlashGear]

The Olympus SP-550 UZ: Picture the possibilities

Hamburg, 25 January 2007 – Get up close and personal in a whole new way. With the world’s first wide 18x optical zoom, the Olympus SP-550 UZ accepts no limits, bringing photographers closer to far-away subjects. Capture candid street scenes from a discreet distance, or snap the details of a football game from way up in the stands – then even use the wide angle lens to see and shoot more within closer range: This model’s focal length spans an amazing 28-504mm (35mm camera equivalent)! Enjoy double protection against blur with Dual Image Stabilization. Even at high magnifications or when capturing fast-moving objects, this technology ensures that results are significantly sharper. Packing 7.1 Megapixels of detail-capturing power, the SP-550 UZ opens up a new realm of creative possibility – because if it’s in your life, it’s in your Olympus SP-550 UZ.

Come in close from afar

Explore the possibilities of this kind of magnification power. With an 18x wide zoom lens (equivalent to 28-504mm on a 35mm camera) there’s no need to disturb a subject, whether it be an animal wandering through the wilderness or people lounging in a city park. Since telephoto shots can be more prone to blur caused by camera shake, the SP-550 UZ features Dual Image Stabilization to help deliver the clearest results possible. Get a front-row view from a safe distance in high-action situations – and even make use of the phenomenally-high burst rate to take great sequential shots at speeds never before seen in this category: Up to 15 frames per second*!

[Olympus]
[Source: Olympus][READ REVIEW]

Toto washlets sing while you squat

It’s not enough to put aside time to quietly use the bathroom any more, it has to be a multi-tasking entertainment experience. And you can rely on Toto, manufacturer of undercarriage-cleansing washlets, to facilitate that restroom-break fun, only this time they’ve ganged up with Kenwood too.
That’s right, in their latest line of washlets Toto have popped a Kenwood mp3 player in too, so that not only can you be hosed down with oscillating jets of gently warmed water but serenaded with the Top 40 too. It comes pre-programmed with 18 waterfall and fountain sounds, should you need some urinary inspiration, and an SD slot for rocking your own playlists.

[Source: slashgear]

Huvafen Fushi - Maldives

If celebrity patrons are an indicator of a hotel’s popularity, the Maldives super-lux Huvafen Fushi is about as hot as it gets. George Clooney popped in for lunch last month, Kate Moss partied in her Ocean Villa, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes booked in a massage during their honeymoon, Alexander McQueen had left when I arrived and when I left the island, Stefano Gabbana of Dolce & Gabbana and John Galliano were set to arrive (separately).

Trendsetting Huvafen Fushi has been raising the benchmark since its first inception two years ago. Opening its doors to feature the world’s first underwater spa, Huvafen Fushi has since earned its spot on the coveted Condé Nast Traveller Magazines’ UK and US Hot List.

[Source & More: thecoolhunter]

Graco iMonitor

Moms wanting the clearest signal possible to help them hear the happenings in the nursery should consider a device like the Graco iMonitor Baby Monitor ($60). This digital baby monitor is designed to deliver static free clarity up to 2000 feet from the base station. It has rechargeable batteries and an included docking station for when not in use.

[Source: outblush]

Paris - 19 photo

Water-Flames

Illusions

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Do you remember this?

Studying the structure of snowflakes

Every picture represents different galleries.

Zoom H4 Digital Recorder

Introducing the H4 Handy Digital Recorder. The next big thing from Zoom. The H4 features 2 studio-quality electret condenser microphones configured in an X/Y pattern for true stereo recording. It also includes 2 combination XLR-1/4 in. input jacks with phantom power for use with any external microphones of your choice. And the H4 is loaded with onboard studio effects such as compression, limiting and mic modeling. An 1/8 in. headphone jack is also provided for monitoring. The H4 records on to Secure Digital (SD) media, a 128MB SD card is included with the unit. With a 2GB SD memory card, the H4 provides up to 380 minutes of recording in 16-bit mode (CD Quality), and 34 hours in MP3 stereo mode. And to move your recordings to a PC or Mac, the H4 includes a USB mass storage interface. The H4 provides 4 hours of continuous recording operation from 2 AA batteries. A back-lit, 128x64 pixel LCD provides the visual interface. An AC adapter, USB cable, windshield cover and tripod adapter (the H4 comes with a handy mounting sled with Velcro straps to mount it to a camera/video type tripod stand) are also included.

[More: zzounds]

Plantronics and Quiksilver get Together

Plantronics of quality communications fame teams up with Quiksilver. Quiksilver is a well know surfing apparel maker and has a great reputation behind them. Put them together and you have hip clothing that suits a mobile lifestyle!

Plantronics just announced its new partnership with sports apparel giant Quiksilver/Roxy. The first products due to be unveiled are:

• Quiksilver Double Daffy Snow Jacket featuring Plantronics stereo sound and voice technology with Bluetooth®: The jacket is part of Quiksilver's Limited Edition Outerwear Collection and is both iPod and cell phone ready. The Double Daffy will be available in the 2007/2008 Outerwear season and will retail for $370.00 at Quiksilver Stores and better retailers nationwide.

• Quiksilver Pulse Helmet featuring Plantronics stereo sound and voice technology with Bluetooth®: The lightweight helmet, constructed from injected ABS, has adjustable side vents and comes in a black camo print. The Pulse will be available in the 2007/2008 Outerwear season and will retail for $249.95 at Quiksilver Stores and better retailers nationwide.

• Roxy Teen Angel Snow Jacket featuring Plantronics stereo sound and voice technology with Bluetooth®: iPod and cell phone ready, this jacket will be available in the 2007/2008 Outerwear season and will retail for $340.00 at Quiksilver Stores and Roxy retailers nationwide.

• Roxy Shiver Helmet featuring Plantronics stereo sound and voice technology with Bluetooth®: The Shiver Roxy Women's Ski/Snow Safety Helmet will be available in the 2007/2008 Outerwear season and will retail for $249.95 at Quiksilver Stores and Roxy retailers nationwide.

[Source: mobilitysite]

Top 10 Kooky Clocks

From analog to digital to atomic, clocks aren't just for telling the time. Over the years, we've seen MP3-playing clock radios, clocks with flashing lights, and even clocks that tell you the weather. However, those types of clocks are practical and ordinary. So we scoured the Web to bring you some of the wackiest clocks around, like a clock that farts (but doesn't smell, thank goodness), a digital t-shirt clock, and a toaster-shaped clock. No matter which time zone you're in, sit back and waste time with this week's top 10 kooky clocks.

Blogito ergo sum

Bloggers everywhere are opening their hearts to the world. Their souls are laid bare for all to see, feverishly tapped out in hypertext. Whether you're a actor-turned-writer-in-exile trying to find an audience you had once forsaken, or you're a political wonk showing people who really wields the power, blogs are the great leveler. They bring information directly to the people, bypassing the controls and filters of traditional media.

Then again, sometimes they're just the useless prattling of me-too writer wannabes with grandiose ideas of readership.

Either way, many people identify themselves with their online personas. Their entire identities are completely wrapped up in their blogs. Some of them believe that if they didn't have an open and public dialogue with the world, they would simply cease to be.

Blogito Ergo Sum. I Blog, therefore I am.

This t-shirt is charcoal with a blogger-brown button dead-center on the chest with "Blogito, ergo sum" in white. Beneath, a small reminder that you might not be as popular as you think: "Comments (0)."

[Source: Thinkgeek]

Funny Animals

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Earthquakes

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Miniature world

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Nice Drift

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Incredible VR Bomberman

Bomberman Evolved” basically involves “setting up a ceiling camera to track movements from above — gamers play wearing colored beanie hats so the camera can track their movements for the characters on the projector screen at the from of the room.” Video after the jump.

With all the tables pushed aside, the two gamers run around the room and the characters follow their paths in the game. It looks like they have controllers for dropping bombs too, can you imagine the level of exertion this would take to play for some games?

[Source: techeblog]