tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10390618369021022552024-03-05T02:02:02.105-08:00Fairyshaman's explorationsA collection of enticing articles from across cyberspace.Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.comBlogger350125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-20994090341701702002009-09-28T10:40:00.000-07:002009-09-29T10:42:12.736-07:00Babywearing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAMhUvksPZVUFMdg3XIrsn-7pyqp8kACmgFzzsV249jPR-Wt5Zis-cyeRZD7jteD-pa_L5t25BAWy7LR1323bK3uuuLFK3cdz68MMmqCqemXh4Pwb5wF2l0qQs6Kmos0DWAgAe0HbMsTw/s1600-h/t+shirt+sling.jpg"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7_VxLQZU7zDjLeGdge_6YzephIagBOAIyZbs6wMzDkSThiGhQn1SVY1NmKbvnyYvmakjiAHctjzq6BzrajsX0RMOoXtjI7L2MjxZ8uueNi5KJ1OUNTbU_2iB19Qlkhg1lFaiPEVqvJZc/s1600-h/DSC_1478.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7_VxLQZU7zDjLeGdge_6YzephIagBOAIyZbs6wMzDkSThiGhQn1SVY1NmKbvnyYvmakjiAHctjzq6BzrajsX0RMOoXtjI7L2MjxZ8uueNi5KJ1OUNTbU_2iB19Qlkhg1lFaiPEVqvJZc/s320/DSC_1478.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386666376572340578" /></a>It's been a very busy year, and the blog has not been forgotten, but pushed onto the far end of the back shelf for a while.<div> <div> </div><div>Most of our time is currently dedicated to our new baby boy. Today's musings are about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babywearing">babywearing</a>. There are only so many ways to carry a baby, yet there are so many <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_sling">carriers </a>to choose from! Sifting through the options can be a bit daunting.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Some of my favorite articles discussing the various babywearing devices are at <a href="http://www.wearyourbaby.com/">wearyourbaby.com</a>. This is a huge resource for different types of devices used all over the world, and also has links on how to <a href="http://www.wearyourbaby.com/Default.aspx?tabid=63">make your own</a> baby carrier. There is a lot of information here!</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are short on time, and just want a quick summary to guide you on a purchase of commercially available carriers, then this <a href="http://www.alongfortheride.biz/Articles.asp?ID=311">article</a> is very helpful.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My babywearing experiences so far:</div><div> </div><div><b> </b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWVuveI2SfX-XOcfWlCPEx2DGj8YdMME9jcMInlREG_06vI5-SpMXNHy5_6CuZtk5O_9YvAwCTgYqnuej2FCpUUCs_Zqk3fMwZy-1TfkmUmmtUVmeAlQ5ng2zK99JQzxGl-52LFXX8N0j/s320/moby.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386944329959855842" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><b>Moby Wrap</b></div><div>My favorite carrier by far is a wrap carrier, <a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/">The Moby Wrap</a>. It is simply a very long piece of cloth, about 18 yards long and 22 inches wide, with some tapering at the ends for ease in tying. <a href="http://www.wearyourbaby.com/">wearyourbaby.com</a> has directions to make your own, but I have been very happy with my purchase, as I don't own a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serger">serger</a> to hem all the edges perfectly. It comes with an easy to follow <a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/t-instructions.aspx">instruction book</a>. It actually is <a href="http://www.invodo.com/Demo/p/Z1BS1001">very easy to tie</a>, and once you learn it, you can put your baby in the carrier in a variety of different ways. He's been in it since he was a newborn, and during the day he sleeps much longer in the moby than anywhere else. Between the cozy swaddling newborn position, the wearer's heartbeat and walking motions soothing the baby, and truly having your hands free to do chores, blog, etc, this has been indispensable. We ended up buying a second one for times when we suddenly needed to wash it, but still wanted to wear him cosily. Having the spare moby has also been very handy for passing the babywearing back and forth quickly.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Pros:</b> comfortable, distributes baby's weight evenly for much less body strain, fits everyone (both baby and wearer) well, many positions to wear the baby, machine washable, less expensive than many other carriers (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moby-Wrap-Original-Cotton-Carrier/dp/B000OY539A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1254237646&sr=8-1">$39.95</a>)</div><div><b>Cons:</b> too hot in hot weather, people are hesitant to use it because they think it will be too hard to learn, ends drag on the ground when you are putting it on</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><b> </b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAMhUvksPZVUFMdg3XIrsn-7pyqp8kACmgFzzsV249jPR-Wt5Zis-cyeRZD7jteD-pa_L5t25BAWy7LR1323bK3uuuLFK3cdz68MMmqCqemXh4Pwb5wF2l0qQs6Kmos0DWAgAe0HbMsTw/s320/t+shirt+sling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386944583574311362" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">New Native Carrier</span></div><div>The <a href="http://www.newnativeinc.com/">New Native</a> is a very simple, non-adjustable sling that you purchase in <a href="http://www.newnativeinc.com/sizing.asp">your size</a>. It is a tube with a curvy end at the bottom for a little extra pouch space for the baby. As with most carriers, you can wear your baby in front, on your hip, or on your back, but I find that I only use this carrier to have the baby sit in front, and near my hip, as he is not the right age/size for any of the other <a href="http://www.newnativeinc.com/babywearingtips.asp">carries</a>. I found that in my proper size carrier, I cannot easily wear the baby<a href="http://www.wearyourbaby.com/Default.aspx?tabid=86"> heart-to-heart</a>. To wear the baby higher, I made a sling out of an old, stretchy t-shirt pictured on the right (just cut horizontally, so that you have a tube). It doesn't reach down as far, so the baby sits up high in a more natural position.</div><div> </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Pros:</b> very easy to use, you can <a href="http://www.newnativeinc.com/instructionOntheMove.asp#onthemove">pass the baby</a> to another person or into the carseat without disturbing him, comfortable in hot weather, machine washable, compact for travel, less expensive than many other carriers (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Native-Baby-Carrier-Medium/dp/B0009F8RAQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1254237313&sr=1-1">$42</a>)</div><div><b>Cons:</b> not comfortable for long episodes of wearing as the weight is on one shoulder, must buy the right size which may limit who can wear it, fewer carries available</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><b> </b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVisK928Fl3DtNnrbhRf-zz9XWSEriUyS4sRSz5AQs0ftiIrl9z_3UWKk_KrovEF6usz7PD2M0r8wYiYCcMAduYhmsj-coKscyWTUY8-EzYE2bR54jqfKKFyCCuYI4nRelLUqxhARO_1Q/s320/bjorn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386944057657697010" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><b>Baby Bjorn</b></div><div>The <a href="http://www.babybjorn.com/en/American/">baby bjorn</a> carriers are a structured soft carrier, with buckles and straps which adjust the carrier to the wearer. There are currently <a href="http://www.babybjorn.com/en/American/Qs-and-As/general-questions-about-our-babycarriers/Which-Baby-Carrier-should-I-choose-US/">five models to choose from</a>, some which provide more lumbar support, others which are lighter weight. Prices <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dbaby-products&field-keywords=babybjorn+carrier&x=0&y=0">range</a> anywhere from $54 to $160. <div>I find it takes a while to adjust the carrier the first time, but once it is adjusted, it is fairly fast to put on and take off. If you are sharing the carrier with another wearer, then you end up wasting a lot of time adjusting back and forth. Once in a while you will also need to adjust the carrier to the growing baby too. I find the carrier fairly comfortable, as the straps are wide and padded. My husband complains that the center of gravity while wearing the baby is not as comfortable as in the moby wrap.</div><div> </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Pros:</b> somewhat comfortable, fairly easy to use (step by step illustrated directions were on the inside of mine), wide price range to choose from</div><div><b>Cons:</b> adjusting between users is a chore, limited ways to wear the baby (only able to wear in front, facing in or out)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Next carrier to try:</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><b>Mei Tai</b></div><div>The <a href="http://www.alongfortheride.biz/mei-tai-carriers-s/43.htm">mei tai</a>, or Asian based carrier (ABC), is a simple unstructured soft carrier that is easy to use. It ties around the waist, then around the baby and shoulders. It's not as good for newborns because it doesn't swaddle as well, but now that the baby is 3 months old, that is no longer an issue. Since it's been hot lately, I am looking for a less warm carrier, and the mei tai fits the bill. I'm also getting ready to try wearing the baby on my back, but I don't feel comfortable wrestling with 6 yards of moby wrap. I've ordered a beautiful used one from ebay, and am eagerly awaiting it's arrival.</div><div> </div><div>Here are some links on how to wear it:</div><div><a href="http://www.meitaibaby.com/howtowear.html">Mei Tai Baby slide show</a></div><div>Great <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4724232950157367732#">youtube video</a> showing front and back carries</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div> </div>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-64174273481385163612008-09-27T20:48:00.001-07:002008-09-27T21:07:01.696-07:00Mandala mosaic on our magnetic wall<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgVCSWJUA4LG8_yXfAD97W1VZ7jvDrhcDb_aby3fGVGeClwR2esG0iWbNzwc-19t1MjJXzvp33LHh0TGz7l7fop7lCMCF606BWBhIYA9FnzO1k7Kjn9fUnhAg0gTbev5G0vsk6dEXVNnI/s1600-h/IMG_0111.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250915304299782882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgVCSWJUA4LG8_yXfAD97W1VZ7jvDrhcDb_aby3fGVGeClwR2esG0iWbNzwc-19t1MjJXzvp33LHh0TGz7l7fop7lCMCF606BWBhIYA9FnzO1k7Kjn9fUnhAg0gTbev5G0vsk6dEXVNnI/s400/IMG_0111.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />It finally arrived!<br /><p>So happy to get my <a href="http://www.fractiles.com/">fractiles!</a> Got them on our magnetic wall quickly and easily. </p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TNa1CSIWzrXBLGPzMlwniWgS2-t9estTQ4ux2PGK7ZxEQ6SqthhEYChQgVf6A5oWmGbMyw12P-DZIq1wUKrCHawYXDLtklK6F82ngZgGXsRSirrYvU3-IxxeoFSnWlCLTbN2_IMDYXJv/s1600-h/IMG_0110.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250915913869600562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TNa1CSIWzrXBLGPzMlwniWgS2-t9estTQ4ux2PGK7ZxEQ6SqthhEYChQgVf6A5oWmGbMyw12P-DZIq1wUKrCHawYXDLtklK6F82ngZgGXsRSirrYvU3-IxxeoFSnWlCLTbN2_IMDYXJv/s320/IMG_0110.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The geometry is pretty ingenious. There are three different pieces, each with four sides. There are six different possible angles, 1/14, 2/14, 3/14, 4/14, 5/14, and 6/14, thus providing sevenfold rotational symmetry (<a href="http://www.fractiles.com/y7.html">per package description</a>).Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-9195767329539766382008-08-06T09:02:00.000-07:002008-08-06T09:12:26.337-07:00Furoshiki: The art of using square cloth for carrying stuffAn old art being re-popularized by the movement to use fewer plastic grocery bags. Thanks to <a href="http://judyandfranktravels.blogspot.com/">mom in law Judy</a> for the link!<br /><br /><object id="vjplayer06082008" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=" height="345" width="400" align="middle" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" allowfullscreen="true"><param name="_cx" value="10583"><param name="_cy" value="9128"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" value="http://www.videojug.com/film/player?id=4dc7e729-3716-411f-c848-ff0008caa94c"><param name="Src" value="http://www.videojug.com/film/player?id=4dc7e729-3716-411f-c848-ff0008caa94c"><param name="WMode" value="Window"><param name="Play" value="-1"><param name="Loop" value="-1"><param name="Quality" value="High"><param name="SAlign" value=""><param name="Menu" value="-1"><param name="Base" value=""><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="Scale" value="ShowAll"><param name="DeviceFont" value="0"><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"><param name="BGColor" value=""><param name="SWRemote" value=""><param name="MovieData" value=""><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"><param name="Profile" value="0"><param name="ProfileAddress" value=""><param name="ProfilePort" value="0"><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><br /><embed src="http://www.videojug.com/film/player?id=4dc7e729-3716-411f-c848-ff0008caa94c" quality="high" width="400" height="345" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-carry-groceries-with-a-square-of-cloth">How To Carry Groceries With A Square Of Cloth</a><br /><br /><br />For more types of wraps/carries, check this out<br />(Courtesy of the Japanese goverment):<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.pdf"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231436708782266978" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB1Wv6FWoX19B_Ga1Xv1E5HO6v0I2dzKASaRjQt9dKSlZ_bmfCxraA9bgLgJiFLGN8pOp3Rfhr0_V3aJCkXW9GVZgQ69Be0yiwAsIHuZzeo6LvMgoefHcQbbUbDSLVArTIhCZnwehnZ3c/s400/carries.gif" border="0" /></a>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-45178378419581085772008-07-21T16:00:00.000-07:002008-07-21T16:27:43.583-07:00Magnets, and more magnets!A substantial portion of our weekend was spent turning a wall, and 3 bedroom doors into magnet friendly canvases. Check out <a href="http://docbug.com/blog/archives/000779.html">Brad's blogpost</a> for pics and more details.<br /><br />In other magnet news, I just learned about an amazingly versatile and fun magnet toy/puzzle, the <a href="http://theneocube.com/">NeoCube</a>.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yKlUwpHuo0">video </a>is mesmerizing.<br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2yKlUwpHuo0&hl=" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><br /><br><br />Here's more magnet videos that <a href="http://docbug.com/blog/">Brad</a> found, from <a href="http://amasci.com/amateur/beads.html">Supermagnet Bead Tricks</a>.<br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ewx9tEJJlWk" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-15197969439342031452008-06-24T09:28:00.000-07:002008-06-24T09:36:20.555-07:00Did you feel the earthquake?<a href="http://quake.usgs.gov/recenteqs/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215486815775079570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMPgYB6ecBhbOTJHoPU8h4aoUQpM6avQwVV5-TZRGKr6HSNL698Y8zWY66gCmd_oT5BxD_eBKdSxigLQlCh-Aqu4vztKCzyRJn15C6pTdGPfLDwTCxjmaBOtijaspuhRmehSyYQKTjtBR/s400/usgs.gif" border="0" /></a>For those of us who live in earthquake country, this question comes up in conversation with regularity. Often, smaller earthquakes don't make it to the headlines so we're often left debating whether it really happened.<br /><br />Fortunately, the USGS has gathered up local, recent earthquake data for California and Nevada at: <a href="http://quake.usgs.gov/recenteqs/">http://quake.usgs.gov/recenteqs/</a>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-21964787259305041502008-06-04T10:44:00.000-07:002008-06-04T11:00:31.370-07:00Inflatable electric car with great mileage, floats in floods!<a href="http://www.xpcarteam.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208085762685022402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlXDzCJmCsiNvQVuy8BPhqRLqdSt0wt2AtqwblabJJNY2nbmUyhuyO5U5abkrFNtegQSHWvP1MHN96PeLaDQtgRa_IinHPkivkdq7d6IBidfxH72z0aV-MZqi2qLu1CEsSiDeiBmX874S/s320/xpcars.jpg" border="0" /></a>I'd love to see this actually happen. Somehow reminds me of bumper boats...<br /><div></div><br /><div>According to <a href="http://www.physorg.com/news131804347.html">physorg</a>, <a href="http://www.xpcarteam.com/">XP Vehicles Inc</a>. is designing an inflatable electric car that may go into production as early as 2010.</div><br /><div></div><div>Main excerpts from the <a href="http://www.physorg.com/news131804347.html">physorg article</a>:</div><br /><div><em>It's hard to say what the most intriguing thing about XP Vehicles' inflatable car is. Maybe it's that the car can travel for up to 2,500 miles on a single electric charge (the distance across the US is roughly 3,000 miles).<br /><br />Or maybe it's the fact that you buy the car online, it gets shipped to you in two cardboard boxes, and the estimated assembly time is less than two hours. Perhaps it's that the car is made out of "airbags" - the same polymer materials used to cushion NASA's rovers when they landed on Mars. Then again, it could be the company's claim that you can drive the car off a cliff without serious injury, and that it will float in a flood or tsunami.<br /><br />Together, these features characterize the Whisper, XP Vehicles' solution to the oil crisis. The company doesn't expect the car to be in production until 2010 at the earliest, but when it is, it will hopefully be an extremely affordable $10,000 or less. XP Vehicles envisions four body styles, along with a special low-priced model for the Southeast Asian market. As the San Francisco-based start-up explains on its Web site, the miracle behind the 2,500-mile range is a "hot-swap XPack Multi-Core Battery/Fuel Cell power plant" invented by the founders of XP Vehicles. Or, without the hot-swap technology, the car can travel up to 300 miles on a single charge, thanks to its light weight. </em><br /></div><div><em>...</em></div><div></div><div><em>In the future, individuals may also order online, pick out their desired features as if customizing a PC, and receive the car by a common carrier. Options will include iPod mounts, 20 colors, trim, decals, roof/no roof, car covers, solar mounts, stereos, integrated pumps, home connections, GPS, battery clubs, alarms, and more. Two adults with a high school education should be able to unpack and inflate the car in less than two hours, according to the company. And, if you don´t have enough room in the garage, some models even fold up after assembly for storage. Other models "can change bodies" (details on that are sparse). Different models of the car will be made of various polymers, carbon fiber, and/or other strong, ultra-light-weight materials - the same stuff that protected the Mars rovers´ sensitive electronics as they fell and bounced along the planet´s surface. XP Vehicles claims that the car will be one of the safest on the road for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. "Research shows that the metal in your car is the largest cause of death and injury," the company explains on its Web site. "The shrapnel, body compression immobility, lung compression, dismemberment and other serious results of a crash are most often caused by the inflexibility of metal and the permanent deformation of the body of the metal car around or into your body. Hence the need for, and name of, the Jaws of Life." For another thing, the car won´t "blow off the road," due to a special ballast and aerodynamic design features which make the car very stable. An inflatable car might even provide additional safety measures in certain circumstances, such as if someone were to accidentally drive it off a cliff - although the company says that it´s not intended for this use. If you´re concerned that an inflatable car may be too tempting for a tire-slashing juvenile delinquent, XP Vehicles says that their car bodies are actually pretty difficult to pierce. The cars have multiple chambers, so a single slice wouldn´t pop it like a balloon - "somebody would really have to go at it" to cause major damage, the company says. And, in the case of vandalism, you can repair it yourself. </em></div><br /><div></div><div>If you have faith in them, you can even <a href="http://corepop.com/host/xpcar/html/invest.html">invest from their website</a>.</div>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-80716032710502900532008-06-04T09:58:00.001-07:002008-06-04T10:09:54.965-07:00Almost time for a Summer of Free Concerts at Stern Grove!<a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/2008season.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208073427538948274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWjuSea1elTX4pvoVr15gfp1wR7G7tuNUF_NkbN49-_6xFdrD9_anTl1Si7Zs8MX69c_jSNQB8C_ziw6VnVhTOlyksUI8VAlLpTeX8n4_aDVLd6-DJD7pgk-0elq8fY00JOvHOa3weWmm/s400/stern+grove.bmp" border="0" /></a> <div></div><div><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/index.html">Stern Grove</a> has been hosting free concerts every summer since <a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/about.html">1938</a>. This is a lot of fun.</div><div><br />Check out the amazing <a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/2008season.html">lineup </a>this summer!</div><div></div><div></div><div>Sundays, 2:00 p.m.</div><div>June 15 – August 17, 2008 </div><div>Stern Grove 19th Ave. and Sloat Blvd.</div><div>San Francisco </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/06152008.html">June 15</a> BOOKER T. JONES BETTYE LAVETTE </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/06222008.html"></a><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/06222008.html">June 22</a> SEUN KUTI AND EGYPT 80 Sila and the Afrofunk Experience </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/06292008.html"></a><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/06292008.html">June 29</a> SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY James Gaffigan, Conductor </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/07062008.html"></a><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/07062008.html">July 6</a> ALLEN TOUSSAINT Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/07132008.html">July 13</a> RACHID TAHA MC Rai </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/07202008.html"></a><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/07202008.html">July 20</a> ALONZO KING’S LINES BALLETFeaturing Pharoah Sanders </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/07272008.html"></a><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/07272008.html">July 27</a> VOICES OF LATIN ROCK SambaDá </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/08032008.html"></a><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/08032008.html">August 3</a> BAJOFONDO SI*SÉ </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/08102008.html"></a><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/08102008.html">August 10</a> ONE HAWAI’I Featuring Na Leo, Ernie Cruz, Kaukahi, One Right Turn, and more </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.sterngrove.org/08172008.html">August 17</a> SAN FRANCISCO OPERA </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div>Enjoy!</div>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-38691532433155349882008-05-31T22:31:00.000-07:002008-05-31T22:36:49.332-07:00MathemagicianA great <a href="http://www.ted.com/">TED</a> video of <a href="http://www.math.hmc.edu/~benjamin/mathemagics.htm">Arthur Benjamin</a>, forwarded from my mom.<br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M4vqr3_ROIk&hl=" width="425" height="355" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-25364038614016781142008-03-19T16:30:00.001-07:002008-03-19T16:56:40.145-07:00A great time to own a Nintendo DS<a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/03/ds_synthsequencer.html?CMP=OTC-0D6B48984890"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179602828742205346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStsX9VW7bKwBbe8jXpEPORHE9SV9-ekAMurjQ-khlH2Mk-PFlnNdJkdKpvr5smPgSPnoW06QDHJYF_QtfRI3vE-qcX_EEwZWrIWKFsJZaz_oZzL0dvz4rcgJCq95M8ddkSnDQnU9VLtC4/s400/ds-synth.jpg" border="0" /></a> ...especially if you are musically inclined.<br /><br />Via <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/03/ds_synthsequencer.html?CMP=OTC-0D6B48984890">Make:blog</a> today, a Nintendo DS synth/sequencer, from Korg:<br /><blockquote><p>You may have read about it in our recent <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/03/made_in_japan_volume_6.html">Made in Japan</a> post - but now <a href="http://www.aqi.co.jp/product/ds10/en/index.html">Korg's DS-10</a> Synthesizer/sequencer/drum machine is headed for an international release! From the <a href="http://www.ds10blog.jp/?p=35">DS10blog</a> [<a href="http://createdigitalmusic.com/2008/03/18/korgs-ds-10-nintendo-ds-instrument-is-getting-international-release/">via</a>] - </p><p>For those of you out there wondering the release of DS-10 other than Japan, well, here's a good news. YES, we will release DS-10 worlwide and currently we're making an adjustment with each territory. So please be patient. Your support means a lot to us and we'll keep you all with the latest update of the international release as soon as possible.</p></blockquote><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8gg298jFvs"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179604396405268402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlGtaLtg2B9O1lbHr1nymv5yeBeVq5QZvRyN1eM2bHrmeccyLOnO7s0VNdUXcrMcfh2ZSNLI1c3BsrIj9cqgbms-lRNJpjx32yEXe-Sz73oGen61BrGYHbN8ay7MkZhjdoBf1J20lJRrJ/s400/guitargrip.jpg" border="0" /></a> Also, coming out this summer, Guitar Grip, for Guitar Hero on Tour! Linked from <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/19/guitar-grip-gives-ds-owners-the-means-to-rock-out/">engadget</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>As you can see [on the left], it is limited to just four buttons, but nevertheless, it allows users to hold the DS upright and tap the buttons of the peripheral -- which is suitably fitted into the GBA slot -- and strum the touchscreen to take care of the pickin'.</blockquote>Check out the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8gg298jFvs">youtube video</a>.Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-59237061217096884232008-03-19T08:58:00.000-07:002008-03-19T09:21:27.730-07:00Oooh, pretty Bloxes!!!<a href="http://bloxes.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179483779524710546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6F78imT9bql7j6BCtzHpu4bGdvmt51Msn04Q4bUAdpYJER2VOImygIOp7j5aMCUiMgapxJrmZQHMf5P5ZJfhqPlYbuuZR2GpT7YVN2O9IN5BPRi3RYNSZxXxogRUKCxlMBejOZgnEd5M/s400/aza_on_bloxes.jpg" border="0" /></a>My kind of building blocks! At $59.95 for a case of 20, it seems quite reasonable for a sturdy, modular structure with so many possibilties.<br /><br />Here's the description from <a href="http://bloxes.com/">bloxes.com</a>:<br /><br /><strong>What are Bloxes?</strong><br />Bloxes are building blocks made of interlocking pieces of corrugated cardboard, folded together. Their unique shape and structure make them exceptionally strong and lightweight — you could build yourself a platform to stand on, and then pick it up and move it wherever you need to.<br /><br /><strong>What can you do with them?<br /></strong>Bloxes can connect with each other on all six sides, so you can use them to build walls, benches, tables, tunnels — whatever you can think of. And because the varied surface and complex internal structure helps dampen sound, they're great for managing acoustics in offices, studios and other places.<br /><br /><strong>How do you build with them?</strong><br />To build a structure with bloxes, simply line up the pegs of two bloxes and push them together. Repeat as necessary. Plus, they're multi-faceted, so you can build in any direction.<br /><a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/03/bloxes.html?CMP=OTC-0D6B48984890"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179485695080124578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiew7J9SnLu7LW3_wZ-6Kzwa19zQBJEE8krbjTKEBXnW9IXKEjwrQlbO27zlb8H7XcRIMc-Muuye8rcgJhkG3_Pg_zXa89ShF2zwu6HRZqToChMZb8qfxOeMx1QJIzkXSHsJwDSi1CKaxCL/s320/bloxes+big.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>How big are they?</strong><br />Bloxes measure 9½ inches square when assembled; a pack of 20 will create a 4-by-5 blox wall of approximately 36 inches by 45 inches. Sold in quantities of 20, the unassembled bloxes fit in a 15-inch square box for easy shipping.<br /><br /><strong>How can I get them?<br /></strong>You can <a href="http://bloxes.com/store">buy them</a> exclusively from our website. We make limited runs, so order early! If you want to see more uses of Bloxes, check out the <a href="http://bloxes.com/pics">pics page</a>.<br /><br />Found from <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/03/bloxes.html?CMP=OTC-0D6B48984890">Make:blog</a>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-81145944377240719542008-03-18T15:20:00.000-07:002008-03-18T15:48:13.581-07:00Arthur C. Clarke has died at 90, in Sri Lanka<div align="right"><a href="http://www.clarkefoundation.org/acc/biography.php"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179214412060807282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8srq306hoWrYCTRRWoi1UbNG0CmLavbcXFjC9yE9j-lHchV8VKH59r9CyCDQSR2G91QwQRe6l_3_O2IqwHYqxMlhpg1rUsFzQXqSgEZTEWGUG8tcgMgzcGExYcUEOAeea20hFZbJmH1F/s400/acc.jpg" border="0" /></span></a> <span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Photo from the </span><a href="http://www.clarkefoundation.org/acc/biography.php"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Arthur C. Clarke foundation</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">From </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page"><span style="font-family:georgia;">wikipedia</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">:</span> </div><blockquote><span style="font-family:georgia;">Sir </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Clarke"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Arthur Charles Clarke</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, </span><a title="Order of the British Empire" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_British_Empire"><span style="font-family:georgia;">CBE</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> (</span><a title="December 16" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December_16"><span style="font-family:georgia;">16 December</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><a title="1917" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1917"><span style="font-family:georgia;">1917</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> - </span><a title="March 19" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_19"><span style="font-family:georgia;">19 March</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><a title="2008" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008"><span style="font-family:georgia;">2008</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">) was a </span><a title="United Kingdom" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom"><span style="font-family:georgia;">British</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><a title="Science fiction" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction"><span style="font-family:georgia;">science fiction</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><a title="Author" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Author"><span style="font-family:georgia;">author</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, </span><a title="Inventor" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inventor"><span style="font-family:georgia;">inventor</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, and </span><a class="mw-redirect" title="Futures studies" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futures_studies"><span style="font-family:georgia;">futurist</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, most famous for his novel </span><a title="2001: A Space Odyssey (novel)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey_(novel)"><span style="font-family:georgia;">2001: A Space Odyssey</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, and for collaborating with director </span><a title="Stanley Kubrick" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Kubrick"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Stanley Kubrick</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> on the </span><a title="2001: A Space Odyssey (film)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey_(film)"><span style="font-family:georgia;">film of the same name</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span></blockquote><span style="font-family:georgia;">His </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Clarke#Partial_bibliography"><span style="font-family:georgia;">bibliography</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> is quite renowned, including novels such as </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childhood"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Childhood's End</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> (depressing, but entertaining), the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey_(novel)"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Space Odyssey</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> series (</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey_(novel)"><span style="font-family:georgia;">2001</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010:_Odyssey_Two"><span style="font-family:georgia;">2010</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2061:_Odyssey_Three"><span style="font-family:georgia;">2061</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3001:_The_Final_Odyssey"><span style="font-family:georgia;">3001</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">), numerous short stories, and nonfiction too.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">In remembrance, I'll leave you with his </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarke"><span style="font-family:georgia;">3 laws of prediction</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> to ponder:</span><br /><ol><li><span style="font-family:georgia;">When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:georgia;">The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible. </span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:georgia;">Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. </span></li></ol>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-60954745236696310962008-03-12T13:46:00.001-07:002008-03-12T14:11:54.713-07:00Gas station comparison shopping<a href="http://www.gasbuddy.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176960597907460194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LgSahdHXTWVrUsh1SJFynYpcDMs7LL5ld0xHqkOkek7Ddr6Dzm00NV7PoiTwXRjI1vI_2plZsOMuyNBtFaZPjoEJgpSfpC49f9m8GsxF6Gy7Myh3yec120Vrrvokz_K9e1VPAzbw_KNI/s400/gasbuddy_logo.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Prices at the gas pump are skyrocketing. In the United States, California is only second to Hawaii in the <a href="http://www.gasbuddy.com/gb_gastemperaturemap.aspx">price paid per gallon</a> of gas today.<br /><br />For those who want to find the cheapest local gas, there is <a href="http://www.gasbuddy.com/">http://www.gasbuddy.com/</a><br /><br />They also have lots of other gasoline related information, as well as historical data.<br />Happy Hunting!Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-40794082523961644472008-01-29T16:20:00.000-08:002008-03-12T14:04:14.651-07:00Wiimote hacked to create a multitouch display on almost any surface!Thanks to Marc Avery for the link.<br />Awesome idea, great youtube video.<br />Via <a href="http://www.gearlog.com/2007/12/incredible_wiimote_hack_create.php">gearlog</a>:<br /><blockquote><em>Using a Nintendo Wii remote and some software that he ginned up himself, Johnny Chung Lee of Carnegie Mellon University took a few ballpoint pens, replaced them with IR lights, and presto! Since the Wii tracks IR lights, Lee found that practically any surface -- a projector screen, a tabletop, an LCD screen -- could be turned into a multi-touch screen.</em></blockquote>You can download Johnny's <a href="http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/projects/wii/">software at his website</a>.<br />The video is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s5EvhHy7eQ">here</a>.<br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5s5EvhHy7eQ&rel=" width="425" height="373" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" border="1" wmode="transparent"></embed>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-21862224864741373812008-01-29T16:07:00.000-08:002008-01-29T16:12:05.855-08:00O'Reilly book cover generator<a href="http://www.oreillymaker.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161055442407208754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgbZQsdVa9aJ5x_4azIBnw64mkoQeFetPsJAdC5GrnWQBvucyNvv_QbqqUIH3duK5CWbjSlDNvUxCNKeIaSmlBzyxo28ZY5eyOfDBaH2Uwholcx36MJISYrmi8ElM7ALf4AtjoLweDuXt/s400/oreillymaker.gif" border="0" /></a>Create your own O'Reilly style book cover at: <a href="http://www.oreillymaker.com/">http://www.oreillymaker.com/</a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Too cute.</div>Enjoy!<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-74431791396500175222008-01-17T14:39:00.000-08:002008-01-17T14:44:41.777-08:00Modular Domino USB Drives, with changing dots<a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/01/domino_usb_drives_show_st.html?CMP=OTC-0D6B48984890"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156579340524371906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NHk_Byiti2S-cVvtBsnJlhdknpYYoPzsniAzHmVHCB8iyXOHzB2Yv-PG3ZStvaJ2UAM-jgvqAkaUkPJLr7bmIkerS-GqEtQuoheqyhTwFf4chhEJmDQhB6bMiapR0HzcfAiZna6mYTfw/s400/domino_drive.jpg" border="0" /></a>Only conceptware for now, this strikes a special cord for domino aficionados everywhere.<br /><br />Apparently, the more full the drive is, the more white dots will appear on the face of the drive.<br /><br />Two drives connect together to form a whole domino.<br /><br />Via <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/01/domino_usb_drives_show_st.html?CMP=OTC-0D6B48984890">MakeBlog</a>, <a href="http://www.yankodesign.com/index.php/2008/01/11/geeky-gambling/">Yanko Design</a>, and conceptualized by <a href="http://www.estudiobreder.com/">Marcos Breder</a>.Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-9657347789023278622008-01-16T11:14:00.000-08:002008-01-16T11:32:58.401-08:00Calcium in the newsIt's common knowledge that:<br /><br /><blockquote>Calcium is an important component of a <a title="Healthy diet" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healthy_diet">healthy diet</a>. Calcium is essential for the normal growth and maintenance of bones and teeth, and calcium requirements must be met throughout life. Long-term calcium deficiency can lead to <a title="Osteoporosis" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteoporosis">osteoporosis</a>, in which the bone deteriorates and there is an increased risk of fractures. While a lifelong deficit can affect bone and tooth formation, over-retention can cause hypercalcemia (elevated levels of calcium in the blood), impaired kidney function and decreased absorption of other minerals.<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium#_note-committee">[5]</a> -<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium#Nutrition">Wikipedia</a></blockquote>Scientists at Texas A&M AgriLife's Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center have genetically modified a carrot which helps people absorb more calcium. From <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080114173903.htm">Science Daily</a>:<br /><blockquote>"If you eat a serving of the modified carrot, you'd absorb 41 percent more calcium than from a regular carrot," said Dr. Jay Morris, lead author on the paper, a post doctorate researcher at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.</blockquote>However, on the flip side, too much calcium can cause these problems:<br /><blockquote>Hypercalcemia per se can result in <a title="Fatigue (physical)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatigue_(physical)">fatigue</a>, <a title="Clinical depression" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_depression">depression</a>, <a title="Confusion" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confusion">confusion</a>, <a title="Anorexia (symptom)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anorexia_(symptom)">anorexia</a>, <a title="Nausea" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausea">nausea</a>, <a title="Vomiting" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vomiting">vomiting</a>, <a title="Constipation" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constipation">constipation</a>, <a title="Pancreatitis" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancreatitis">pancreatitis</a> or <a title="Polyuria" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyuria">increased urination</a> "Bones, stones, groans, and psychic moans" is a saying which will help you remember the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia; if it is chronic it can result in urinary calculi (<a title="Kidney stones" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidney_stones">renal stones</a> or bladder stones). Abnormal <a title="Cardiac arrhythmia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiac_arrhythmia">heart rhythms</a> can result, and <a title="EKG" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EKG">EKG</a> findings of a short <a title="QT interval" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QT_interval">QT interval</a> and a widened T wave suggest hypercalcemia. - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypercalcemia">Wikipedia</a></blockquote>Researchers in New Zealand have now determined that calcium supplements are also associated with other health risks. From <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUST149309">Reuters</a>:<br /><blockquote><p>Calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in healthy postmenopausal women, a study in New Zealand has found.</p><p>The women recruited had a mean age of 74 and had been postmenopausal for more than five years. Those who were receiving treatment for osteoporosis, already taking calcium supplements, or suffering any major ongoing disease were excluded.</p><p>Of the 1,471 participants, 732 were given calcium supplements and 739 given placebos. They were followed up every six months for five years. Researchers also checked hospital admissions and reviewed all death certificates for study participants to identify any unreported events.</p><p><strong>Heart attacks were more common in the calcium group, with 31 women in that group suffering a total of 36 such events, while 21 women on placebo suffered 22 such events. More strokes were also seen in the calcium group, with 34 women suffering 37 such events, while 25 women on placebo suffered 26 such events.</strong></p></blockquote>Back to moderation...Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-1388337205618220482008-01-03T17:26:00.000-08:002008-01-03T17:34:14.097-08:00Guitar Wizard: a video game with a real guitar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLSOWpIzziEVHt4LIgPo9P5SNLzATHeRBGWq7Dil-fwp-yx24AwmtMn5MMbremaAf9NTF-RyeL89fBLajUI5_g9ITiMF5BX8UaIEmCHdXV1sAuUndTgf06V26QzrkAL6efyXlP5hEvRmu/s1600-h/guitar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151427478844465122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLSOWpIzziEVHt4LIgPo9P5SNLzATHeRBGWq7Dil-fwp-yx24AwmtMn5MMbremaAf9NTF-RyeL89fBLajUI5_g9ITiMF5BX8UaIEmCHdXV1sAuUndTgf06V26QzrkAL6efyXlP5hEvRmu/s400/guitar.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Move over Guitar Hero, here comes Guitar Wizard!<br /><br />From <a href="https://www.swiftpage3.com/brianm.tedm/C080103110400/speasapage.aspx?addr=2008">Allegro Rainbow</a>:<br /><blockquote>Guitar Wizard is an education-focused video game that teaches kids of all ages to read and play music. Guitar Wizard will be available for both PC and Mac and will come with a real Washburn guitar and a MIDI pickup. The game’s unique, patented, 4-step learning method allows anyone to learn to play a real guitar and read music in minutes! The software is also compatible with any MIDI guitar. </blockquote></div><p>This is one of the many booths being publicized for the upcoming <a href="http://www.cesweb.org/">CES convention</a> in Las Vegas, NV from January 7-10, 2008.</p><p></p><p></p>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-68671381309744196332008-01-03T11:01:00.000-08:002008-01-03T11:15:04.429-08:00Simple, elegant solutions for overcrowded plugs<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJp-9cjGHaG1r4iWhuayhQDogt_aTON7yB6dI_kPIBfVEnIQmX4NZDCAe88nzedKuJPflDAPs75Lh0V4L4wHvp8IfpLMJqZzT3dUyJKYijDVH6PnmqvyNqjQSm3wn-qrhZpNqlShrZ0Gyo/s1600-h/plugs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151328157725745090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJp-9cjGHaG1r4iWhuayhQDogt_aTON7yB6dI_kPIBfVEnIQmX4NZDCAe88nzedKuJPflDAPs75Lh0V4L4wHvp8IfpLMJqZzT3dUyJKYijDVH6PnmqvyNqjQSm3wn-qrhZpNqlShrZ0Gyo/s400/plugs.jpg" border="0" /></a>The first comes from <a href="http://blastmagazine.com/2008/01/pyramid-power/">Blast Magazine</a>, and is one of those 'why didn't I think of that!' solutions to all those big fat plugs we try to squeeze onto the typical power strip. The <a href="http://www.kreativepower.com/product_spec.htm">Powramid</a>'s specs can be found <a href="http://www.kreativepower.com/product_spec.htm">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfYdWMSVCiKLjLqpw3UOu74P-kjQCp4bGJRlxQ4YiG3THSLBGU5GwZa59n942VqHHMNojzGwfh23PMkyLJdpbc3bkaZ1OnHIYZKPq-O6bmgLo9TWGMDIPbMzdxcbl0ESsLsF2XRbuoVeU/s1600-h/rockstar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151330477008084946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfYdWMSVCiKLjLqpw3UOu74P-kjQCp4bGJRlxQ4YiG3THSLBGU5GwZa59n942VqHHMNojzGwfh23PMkyLJdpbc3bkaZ1OnHIYZKPq-O6bmgLo9TWGMDIPbMzdxcbl0ESsLsF2XRbuoVeU/s400/rockstar.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The second, by <a href="http://www.belkin.com/">Belkin</a>, is a headphone splitter on steroids. The <a href="http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/belkin-rockstar/">Rockstar</a> comes complete with 1 output jack and 5 variable input/output jacks, so you and your 4 closest friends can listen to your ipod, or other devices. More info at <a href="http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/belkin-rockstar/">ilounge</a>.<br /><br /></div><div></div>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-10377584768928873652007-11-28T10:45:00.000-08:002007-11-29T16:40:25.021-08:00Pieceless Jigsaw Puzzle: no pieces to lose!I don't know how hard the puzzles actually are, but I love the idea.<br /><br />Check out the ad/video:<br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c4YrChGyQtQ&rel=" width="425" height="355" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" border="0" wmode="transparent"></embed><br /><br /><br />Or, just go to their <a href="http://www.ceaco.com/ceaco/index.php?category=Pieceless%20Puzzles">website</a>.Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-78824406554604484902007-11-10T22:17:00.000-08:002007-11-10T22:24:20.557-08:00Great site for finding the cheapest photo prints<a href="http://www.printrates.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGRC5lxaC6ZjLNjdSzsQdhk_7HsWRRrD2zFOypfGHNz1tR8uOROc09_0NHaOca3zcevJoBRm16l2zz2NZ_cqZwLVAQUU8WD8mQtp6D_6H2NV23WVmmWck9Ti4OpH2_jnX7X_GPWaCipsJ/s400/printrates.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131464354215899522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They are pretty extensive and have a simple, useful interface.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.printrates.com/">http://www.printrates.com/</a><br /><br />Simply enter the # of prints you want, the size of the print, the shipping method, and it does the rest. If you want multiple sizes of prints, you'll have to shop for those separately.Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-26984986490377728282007-11-08T07:42:00.000-08:002007-11-08T07:54:19.760-08:00Aquadots, now with GHB, and being recalled<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindeez"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130496509105549682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6W4OSrN1ODuY_uPTuoX8Qq0gUxKSsy5knCxenjibxO3ZqBprRuMZJwl56RMHv3r98wV5HQcwr1v9Tk2RP_qG-adMdSMlvgemb77UoATH8dedOUtfsBYHNh-XoVHCB8Bvx3MgNz6-mNJS/s320/aquadots.jpg" border="0" />Aquadots</a> are a cool toy that uses individual beads of different colors that fuse together with the application of water. Easier to use the <a href="http://www.perlerbeads.com/">perler beads</a>, which you fuse together with an iron, these toys have gotten very popular recently.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Unfortunately for kids, they contain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghb">GHB</a> (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid), 'a powerful date rape drug', when eaten. From <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghb">wikipedia</a>: <em>GHB is used as a general anesthetic, to treat conditions such as insomnia, clinical depression, narcolepsy, and alcoholism, and to improve athletic performance</em>...<em>GHB may induce </em><a title="Nausea" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausea"><em>nausea</em></a><em>, </em><a title="Dizziness" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dizziness"><em>dizziness</em></a><em>, </em><a title="Drowsiness" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drowsiness"><em>drowsiness</em></a><em>, </em><a title="Agitation" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agitation"><em>agitation</em></a><em>, visual disturbances, depressed </em><a title="Breath" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breath"><em>breathing</em></a><em>, </em><a title="Amnesia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amnesia"><em>amnesia</em></a><em>, </em><a title="Unconsciousness" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unconsciousness"><em>unconsciousness</em></a><em>, and death.</em></div><div></div><br /><div>From <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,309318,00.html">FOX News</a>:</div><div><blockquote>Millions of Chinese-made toys for children have been pulled from shelves in North America and Australia after scientists found they contain a chemical that converts into a powerful date rape drug when ingested. Two children in the U.S. and three in Australia were hospitalized after swallowing the beads.</blockquote></div>I hope teenagers don't start raiding their younger siblings' toyboxes trying to figure out the right dose of aquadots to take!Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-89257509958956118332007-11-01T10:34:00.001-07:002007-11-01T10:55:29.528-07:00A few games, winding down for the holidays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJd8DlKxmawzSSWoPorpgcHEvr7aAoc2lo_D1RHNRT1PqhBtRZ5FUf5UDa83JNJy7WSU7qykSJ-1bIxkuJhp2td5sN-qQkXtmF8pta8MNnwnS3VZ66nIsPdDAlXOoFqlWi7lOrjJBe86C/s1600-h/Coloretto-wild.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127931633251917890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJd8DlKxmawzSSWoPorpgcHEvr7aAoc2lo_D1RHNRT1PqhBtRZ5FUf5UDa83JNJy7WSU7qykSJ-1bIxkuJhp2td5sN-qQkXtmF8pta8MNnwnS3VZ66nIsPdDAlXOoFqlWi7lOrjJBe86C/s320/Coloretto-wild.jpg" border="0" /></a>Now that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween">Halloween</a> has come and gone, the holiday season has officially started. My blogging will be slowing down drastically, so I'd like to recommend a few favorite games that are free online to entertain you.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-t3N3KHg8HgaDlKe84rcmpvFh1c0ZGkWHQi9VLgrwebr5zSdhMSdeE8wUZJQpPwoTuHZ4464UKNFvK8J6utiyeieR4P7JhlNV2ddjzlkHDHSS64GlTmqjdITpZ8LGVybbwUhbYgySWYw/s1600-h/Coloretto-wild.jpg"></a>1. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloretto">Coloretto</a><br /><br />A great family card game for 3-5 players, this is a family favorite both at home and <a href="http://www.marquand.net/index.php?topic=coloretto">online</a>. Even the five year old is getting proficient at it. Great for teaching strategy, since everyone's cards are face up, and there is no reading involved.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheSgyvkB24xH_96CLNWlnuyzqIr29v6w0k295ir0klio8kQWq3ywFs3nx4hh-QfIe-b6ieHAU-2VGuhnSERQcS5JTTW84lzlLt170Ln60CCmAzF69QnJXWP5hQorD-dMXApFo_nf3dHOS/s1600-h/Set-game-cards.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127930619639636002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheSgyvkB24xH_96CLNWlnuyzqIr29v6w0k295ir0klio8kQWq3ywFs3nx4hh-QfIe-b6ieHAU-2VGuhnSERQcS5JTTW84lzlLt170Ln60CCmAzF69QnJXWP5hQorD-dMXApFo_nf3dHOS/s320/Set-game-cards.png" border="0" /></a> 2. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_game">Set</a><br /><br />A game for any number of players, this is a card matching game where you find a 'set' of 3 cards among the 12 on the table that fit certain <a href="http://www.setgame.com/set/index.html">characteristics</a>. Try the <a href="http://www.setgame.com/set/puzzle_frame.htm">Set Daily Puzzle</a>.<br /><br /><br />3. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudoku">Sudoku</a><br /><br />It's a fad that's likely come and gone, but it is still a wonderful logical deduction puzzle. My favorite online version is at <a href="http://www.websudoku.com/">websudoku</a>.<br /><br />For more information about board and card games in general, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/newuser.php">BoardGameGeek</a>. Not only do they rank thousands of games by user votes, they also have descriptions, photos, and shopping links to help you fill out your shopping/wish list.<br /><br />Happy Holidays, whatever you may celebrate. Enjoy the time off work if you can!Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-33243754771826398992007-10-31T07:50:00.000-07:002007-10-31T08:00:37.163-07:00Lithium and longevity?Seems like a long shot since we still don't know how lithium works in the body, but according to <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071030153931.htm">Science Daily</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>Nematode worms treated with lithium show a 46 percent increase in lifespan, raising the tantalizing question of whether humans taking the mood affecting drug are also taking an anti-aging medication.</blockquote><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_pharmacology">Lithium</a> is a medication that has been used to treat <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder">bipolar disorder</a> for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_pharmacology#History">over 50 years</a>. We still don't really know how it works, despite numerous studies and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_pharmacology#Mechanism_of_Action">hypotheses</a>.<br /><br />The study above, by Buck Institute's Gordon J. Lithgow, PhD hypothesize that <em>the process of normal aging in humans is intrinsically linked to the onset of neurodegenerative disease.</em> They are studying hundreds of compounds for their anti-aging properties, and in the case of lithium, exploring the <a href="http://fairyshaman.blogspot.com/2007/04/lithium-increases-gray-matter-in.html">neuroprotective effects</a> of lithium.<br /><br />I hope they find their Fountain of Youth, but more importantly, there better be ethicists around who can wisely implement the use of it.Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-38906046038129657182007-10-30T08:39:00.000-07:002007-10-30T09:22:14.439-07:00Girl Genius Online<a href="http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127155687280353298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllYBxq0gZeaa4qQI5BT-c_40DoxCA86YXlepQpmwQxvr41SRRje4zKNfgD9AIetU1Gn7512LfTO5Dp-9LCehajOONmA_h4r2snGRY7nhyphenhyphenSabZIHL2oFIGF6w998-lzo-m1kWLSajgzJUK/s400/gg.bmp" border="0" /></a>After a week of dense brain-related articles, it's time for something fun and light.<br /><div></div><br /><div>I highly recommend <a href="http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/">Girl Genius Online</a>. It's a science fiction <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk">steampunk</a> style series, available for free online, or you can buy it in <a href="http://studiofoglio.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SF&Category_Code=Girl_Genius">comic book</a> or <a href="http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?cPath=674">.pdf format</a>. </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>It's a comic book featuring the art of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Foglio">Phil Foglio</a>, best known for his <a title="MythAdventures" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythAdventures">MythAdventures</a> artwork, <a title="Magic: The Gathering" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic:_The_Gathering">Magic: The Gathering</a> cards, and other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Foglio#Bibliography">comics</a>.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>This series has been around for about five years, and he continues to release three pages a week (on M, W, F).</div><div>Thanks to <a href="http://docbug.com/blog">Brad</a> for the link.</div>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039061836902102255.post-60490749365341087232007-10-26T07:59:00.000-07:002007-10-26T08:13:20.266-07:00A brain region for addiction?From <a href="http://www.physorg.com/news112550063.html">physorg</a>:<br /><blockquote>An animal study released Thursday bolsters the notion that drug cravings can be "switched off" by shutting down a key part of the brain, a finding that could have implications for treating addicts. Researchers have previously shown that damage to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insular_cortex">insula</a> can dramatically extinguish a smoker's need for nicotine. </blockquote>The obvious next step is to see if this holds true for other addictions, such as as alcohol, overeating, and other drugs. Surprisingly, what researchers found in rat studies is that anesthetizing the insula also decreased unwanted medication side effects.<br /><blockquote>Chilean researchers have shown that temporarily "silencing" the insula suppresses cravings in drug-addicted rats and insulates them from the unpleasant side effects of <a class="iAs" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 100%; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1px; COLOR: darkgreen; BORDER-BOTTOM: darkgreen 0.07em solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://www.physorg.com/news112550063.html#" target="_blank" itxtdid="4177092">medication</a>, according to the study published in Science. </blockquote>They hypothesize that this may be the brain region responsible for drug cravings, and that future treatments for addiction should target the insula.Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617629040894371049noreply@blogger.com0