TEDenvy

The TED Conference started today. TED stands for Technology Entertainment Design, and it's one of the most inspiring events I know of. I was at the last two TEDs, and it's killing me having to miss this one. Hopefully next year...

The Paws That Refreshes?

Why carry a whole yoga mat (which would never fit in, say, your carry-on bag), when all you really need are the parts where your hands and feet touch? Et voila! Yoga-Paws. A bit pricey at $30 for regular size or $35 for large if you ask me, but...what's that? You didn't ask me? Fine. Be that way.

[via Everything and Nothing]

STNCL*RVLTN!

Stencil Revolution! I'll keep this short: I dig stencils, I love witty urban art. I give you Stencil Revolution!

[via ReadyMade: blog

Fancy Pants Corkscrew

As a waiter, I was always fussy particular about my "wine key" -- what we in the food service biz called the corkscrews almost all waiters use. I used to carry a spare at all times just for loaning to other waiters because I didn't trust them not to lose, or worse ruin my good one. Anyway, I like the looks of this Chalais Corkscrew from Restoration Hardware. Looks aren't everything, of course -- it could still suck. But I'd be willing to give it a try.

Chalais Corkscrew $24
Rosewood levers span a full 10"
Levers conceal a pullout foil cutter and bottle opener
Stainless steel with nonstick corkscrew

Weeds, yo. Weeeeeeeds.

Recently I downloaded the entire 1st season of Showtime's Weeds from iTunes. Since my girlfriend was busy studying, I went ahead and watched all 10 1/2-hour episodes (i.e., 5 hours worth) at a stretch last Friday night. Then, because they were so good, I watched the first four episodes all over again with my girlfriend last night. I give it my highest recommendation. Ha! I crack me up.

Multi-Task My @$$, I'm Gonna Multi-Lounge...

At $2440 + shipping, the Flipt (get it? it flips from Lounge to Chaise Lounge) is too rich for my blood. But it's a cool and inspirational design, don't you think? Being a fan of details, I especially like the flat metal base -- I simply loathe the chrome tubing look that I see popping up everywhere these days. If you're all flush with the Benjamins, you can buy one here.

Dimensions : when folded 31.4” h x 38.5”w x 22”d; when extended 31.4”h x 75”w x 22”d

[Now, everybody wave to the nice folks over at bltd. and thank them for the swell tip.]

Must. Have. Pet. Dinosaur!

This is all over the Internets the last couple of days, and for good reason. Think Aibo (R.I.P.), but softer, cuter, more lifelike, and just-back-from-millions-of-years-of-extinction, and you've got Pleo.

He's not available for adoption yet, so I don't know how much it'll set me back (yeah, this seems like one of those must-have kinda things), but he sure sounds like a worthy companion. From the website:

Pleo is a 'designer species'. He incorporates all the basic traits of autonomous life. He is specifically engineered and enhanced to mimic life and relate to his owner on a personal level.

Pleo is equipped with senses for sight, sound, and touch. He learns as he explores his environment. He will exhibit genuine reactions to sensory stimuli. Every Pleo begins life with certain tendencies but, interaction with his environment has subtle effects on his behavior. Every Pleo eventually exhibits a unique personality.

Pleo is capable of expression. He can feel joy and sorrow, anger and annoyance. When Pleo is tired, he will become drowsy and go to sleepóeven dream. Two or more Pleos will recognize one another. Be careful though. They can transmit colds to each other. Achoo! Pleo even sneezes!

The Adventures of Dr. McNinja

Why, oh why aren't you reading The Adventures of Dr. McNinja?

You really should, you know.