Yes, You Really Do Need That Coffee

Yahoo! News - Yes, You Really Do Need That Coffee

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - It's official -- you really do need that coffee in the morning and if you don't get it, you really are in withdrawal, researchers said on Wednesday.

Well, here's another "Duh!" article. I really hope he didn't do this "study" with any of my money.

Fogging Skull

Gizmos for Geeks | Fogging Skull
d00d! Sweeeet! If you have to ask why I posted this one, you seriously need to re-examine your outlook. It's a freakin' glowing, fogging skull!

Augustin Solar Water Purifier (Watercone)

Treehugger: Augustin Solar Water Purifier (Watercone)

More than just a pretty face, this sexy polycarbonate (not very treehugger) cone purifies up to 1.5 l/day with nothing but a little sunshine. It's simplicity is impressive. Simply pour some brackish/salty water into the black base(see pics below), set it in the sun and the water evaporates upwards, condenses on the inner wall of the cone and trickles into a separate trough. Later you unscrew the top and pour the sucker into a bottle.

This is kinda cool. Doesn't purify much water, but it doesn't get much simpler. Of course the real reason I had to post it is I just couldn't pass up linking to a site called treehugger.com.

Judge Rules Against Patriot Act Provision

Yahoo! News - Judge Rules Against Patriot Act Provision

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Surveillance powers granted to the FBI under the Patriot Act, a cornerstone of the Bush Administration's war on terror, were ruled unconstitutional by a judge on Wednesday in a new blow to U.S. security policies.
Marrero, stating that "democracy abhors undue secrecy," found that the law violates constitutional prohibitions against unreasonable searches. He said it also violated free speech rights by barring those who received FBI demands from disclosing they had to turn over records.

Another setback for poor Georgie. Pretty good score on this one. I haven't seen a law that violated 2 constitutional rights in one shot. Don't forget to check out the 2 prior posts in this thread.
Gag-Happy Government Wants ACLU to Shut Up and Yahoo! News - Russia Rejects U.S. Criticism; EU Joins Fray

Check it out! It is a remote control stump grinder. Sorry I missed the action shot. I was mowing the lawn and saw this thing trundle across the neighbors yard. Had to get a picture.

Mile High Mini Kit

Josh Rubin: Cool Hunting: Mile High Mini Kit

Speaking of sex toys... remember the fun filled Mile High Kit? Oro Design has created a sequel, this time more portable but just as stylish. How do the two kits compare? The Mile High Mini contains a vibrating massager, lubricant, condoms and a mirror, while the Mile High Kit adds a blindfold, pleasure ring and feather tickler, among other items.

Oh my. I have, of course, heard of the mile high club but I had no idea people were serious enough about it to make a kit.

Flood of New Voters Signing Up

Yahoo! News - Flood of New Voters Signing Up

New voters are flooding local election offices with paperwork, registering in significantly higher numbers than four years ago as attention to the presidential election runs high and an array of activist groups recruit would-be voters who could prove critical come Nov. 2.

Now, if they just vote maybe we won't to put up with God in the Whitehouse next year. As a side note, I heard a rumor that Georgie has a nice high casualty plan to take back those pesky cities in Iraq. Strangly enough, the attack isn't scheduled to take place until mid-November. I wonder why he would wait until then? Well, you heard it here first. If it turns out to be true I am changing my title to Coherent Light Senior Political Forcaster.

Va. Republican Drops House Race Amid Gay Claims

Republican Edward Schrock Drops House Race Amid Gay Claims

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Virginia Republicans scrambled on Tuesday to find a candidate to replace U.S. Rep. Edward Schrock, who ended his bid for a third term amid claims that while he has opposed gay rights he is secretly gay. Schrock, 63, who represents the heavily Republican district that includes Virginia Beach, Va., withdraw from the congressional race late Monday, citing election-year "allegations." His accuser vowed to soon pin such claims against others in Washington.

Well, i have no idea how I missed this one. I caught this one on The Daily Show and looked up some of the relevant links. Ahhh the irony. Schrock was one of the more vocal opponents of Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" policy back in the 90's. Which is slightly at odds with the fact he served in the Navy for 24 years. But wait, it gets better. He was also one of the senators to vote for the Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage to protect the sanctity of marriage....did I mention he is married. Wait, it gets better! The "claims" that are mentioned in the above article is a recording of him leaving a message at a gay dating service! Might I add he requested extreme discretion (yet more irony).....and a large "endowment". Hard to type....must stop laughing....irony too much. Anyway if you would like to hear the audio (and you should, cause it is damn funny) you can go to the original accuser and check it out. The senator was apparently outted by a gay activist on his blog called Blogactive. Better yet, the accuser (Michael Rogers) has promised to out even more goverment officials. I, for one, can hardly wait.

Baa! violates poultry for pleasure

Aha! Caught Baa! violating a chicken!

Yahoo! News - Yahoo Survey Reveals 'Web Withdrawal'

Yahoo! News - Yahoo Survey Reveals 'Web Withdrawal'

Jay Wrolstad, www.newsfactor.com
Take away their Web access, and most people have a hard time coping, suffering withdrawal symptoms reflected in feelings of being hopelessly out of touch with the world. That is the conclusion drawn from research conducted by Web portal Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO - news) and media services firm OMD.

Well, my first reaction to this was...Duh. I'm not even sure why someone had to research this one. I've been using the term "datastarve" for about 15 years since I read a book called The Long Run by Daniel Keys Moran (one of the best scifi books I've read and easily the best character in any book I've read). My second reaction was....ummmm....Who did the research? Oh, just Yahoo, glad there isn't a conflict of intrest there. So I read the article and it gets better. They actually plug advertising in the freaking article!

Yahoo! News - Sony Shifts Strategy to Support MP3 Files

Yahoo! News - Sony Shifts Strategy to Support MP3 Files

SAN JOSE, Calif. - In a major strategic reversal, Sony Corp said Wednesday it plans to add support for MP3 music files to some of its portable music players.
The shift to support the widely used MP3 music format would end Sony's long-standing insistence on its proprietary format, called Atrac. It also better positions the electronics giant against rivals such as Apple Computer Inc., whose portable players support both MP3s and other file formats.

Ahhh...now for the lighter side. Sony has been cracking me up since the mini disc. Their insistence on proprietary formats just boggles me (it never really works out for them particularly well.)

I keep imagining the marketing guys going to the Ceo of Sony every year and telling him about the dismal mini disc sales in the U.S. Please insert horrible Japanese accent here...

Marketing flunky: "Ahhh CEO-san, dee mini disc sales in America no do so good."

CEO: " Mini disc GOOD idea! You try again! First mini disc, den memory stick , den we take music. Make stupid Americans use Atrac. Soon Americans use onrey Sony! Den WORLD DOMINATION!!! MUHAHAHA! You marketing flunky have disgrace Sony. You go kill self now!"

Marketing Flunky: Hai!

Well, I think that cements my position in the afterlife. Sigh, just as well I suppose. I never was comfortable with heights anyway.

Yahoo! News - House Votes to 'Protect' Pledge of Allegiance

Yahoo! News - House Votes to 'Protect' Pledge of Allegiance

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal courts would be barred from striking the words "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag under a bill passed on Thursday by a House of Representatives split largely along party lines.
The Republicans in control of the chamber rejected Democratic claims that the measure was an unconstitutional bid to limit the power of the federal judiciary and an election-year ploy to rally social conservatives. It passed on a vote of 247-173.

Ah joy, another attempt by the republicans to make sure we live our lives the Right way (and as a bonus weaken the pesky judiciary branch). Yes, I am one of those who feel the under God crap should be taken out of the pledge. I know, I know, save all the ranting. I've heard it all already. Don't bother with any God arguments, I keep my religion to myself and wish everyone else would extend the same courtesy. And no, the court is not trying to "change the pledge." The under God part was added in 1954 to distinguish us from the "godless" communists. Not suprisingly, the change was spear-headed by a Christian organization (Knights of Columbus). So technically, the courts are trying to restore the pledge. As to the ever popular "this is a waste of time" response. Obviously, you are not a member of a minority religion in the U.S. There are several million people in this country who should be have the same right to express thier love and admiration of this country without feeling ostracized or violating thier religious precepts. Egads....that was horribly serious and depressing. Time to troll for something amusing.

Yahoo! News - U.S. Researchers Invent Antenna for Light

Yahoo! News - U.S. Researchers Invent Antenna for Light

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Researchers said on Friday they have invented an antenna that captures visible light in much the same way that radio antennas capture radio waves.

This is just freaky, I didn't even know it was possible. Still way cool though. Yet another use for them handy dandy carbon nanotubes.

ACLU challenges Hawaii law allowing ban on visiting public places

ACLU challenges Hawaii law allowing ban on visiting public places

HONOLULU - A new law allowing police and other authorities to ban people from public property for up to a year without a specific reason is unconstitutional, the American Civil Liberties Union said in a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday. The law could potentially be used to keep voters out of polling places or bar groups such as Native Hawaiians from the grounds of the state Capitol, thereby chilling their constitutional rights to free speech, the ACLU said.

I'm tellin' ya, Canada is looking better and better. Of course it begs the question of what happens if you are supposed to show upto court, jury duty, pay a parking ticket, driving school....wait a minute. Is jail a public place? "Sorry officer, I would love to go to jail but I have been banned...I really should sleep more.

ThinkGeek :: Star Wars Force FX Lightsabers

ThinkGeek :: Star Wars Force FX Lightsabers

The Jedi Negotiation Tool Available In A Galaxy Near You
This isn't a toy for your six year old cousin (he probably doesn't even know what planet Wookies live on). This is an official reproduction of real Lightsabers from Star Wars.

Since Necronomicon is coming up I felt compeled to post this one. Not that I have the slightest interest in owning one, I mean how geeky do you think I am? Fine! I want the Mace Windu one! You got a problem with that?!? Bring it on! Time to duel Zell Miller style!

ThinkGeek :: Keychain Wi Fi Signal Locator

ThinkGeek :: Wi Fi Signal Locator

The Mobile Edge WiFi Signal Locator is the smallest and most convenient way to check for hot spots without going through the tedious process of having to first boot-up your notebook and then search for a signal. By attaching the WiFi SL to your key chain or carrying case you will always be immediately aware of the presence of local hot spots!

Sweeeeeet!

EcobotII : A robot that will generate its own power by eating flies

EcobotII : A robot that will generate its own power by eating flies

British scientists are developing a robot that will generate its own power by eating flies, reports IOL.com. "The idea is to produce electricity by catching flies and digesting them in special fuel cells that will break down sugar in the insects' skeletons and release electrons that will drive an electric current.

Yeah, I know. Baa's robot he posted back in the August archives looked way cooler. I have only one thing to say in response. His may look cooler, but mine might eat you. Seriously folks, quick show of hands, building robots that aquire power from eating living creatures.....hands up if that sounds like a good idea to you. Put your hand down Baa!

Cooking up a digital future

BBC NEWS | Technology | Cooking up a digital future

Counter intelligence usually conjures up images of MI5, the CIA or James Bond. But at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US, it is the name given to an entire department which invents new gadgets and gizmos for the kitchen.

Now we're cookin'! Sorry couldn't resist....anyway here is a smack load of gadgets that would make Alton Brown drool. My favorite, the lazy bastard that I am, is the dish extractor...check it out!

Website to offer Caller I.D. falsification service

Website to offer Caller I.D. falsification service

Overdue debtors may not be able to rely on Caller I.D. to screen out bill collectors much longer. Jason Jepson, a California entrepreneur, plans to bring the hacker technique of Caller I.D. spoofing to the business world.

Well I suppose it was inevitable. The best tool for filtering out all the annoying bullshit calls and someone has to fuck it up….I bet Jason Jepson is a plushie too.

Gag-Happy Government Wants ACLU to Shut Up

Gag-Happy Government Wants ACLU to Shut Up - EFF: Mini Links

The USA PATRIOT Act allows the government to issue "National Security Letters," which carry a gag-order for the recipient that prevents the disclosure that one has been received. But the DoJ has interpreted this to mean that the ACLU, in its work to examine how the letters are being (ab)used, can't publicly quote from published Supreme Court opinions or refer even vaguely to the circumstances of its case.

Speacking of draconian search laws...here is the government (henceforth refered to as "Da Man") trying to supress the ACLU's ability to publish findings on possible abuses of the patriot act.

Mouseketeer, Fact of Life, Hot Sauce-wielding Mom

Mouseketeer, Fact of Life, Hot Sauce-wielding Mom

The former Facts of Life star and Mouseketeer is now a prolific author-mom, and to know her by her latest fruit, Creative Correction: Extraordinary Ideas for Everyday Discipline is to fear her maternal wrath. Whelchel's biblically inspired ideas include dragging a reluctant kid across the street by the hair and a little hot sauce on the tongue to burn the sass or swear out of him. And to teach'em...well, to teach'em that people will twist the Bible to justify any damn thing their warped minds can come up with.

Thought I would throw this update on the Hot Saucing your child posted by Baa back in the August archives. Now with an official celebrity endorsement by Blair from the Facts of Life.

froozepop - Or the more appropriately named splooge-pop

froozepop

On the airport of Singapore, where she had to wait for a connecting flight, she wanted to buy something sweet. She bought Fr-ooze Pop because it was advertised all over the place as the ultimate candy experience. Licking it she suddenly realized that she had a dildo in her mouth. The feeling it gave her was a mix of embarrassment and excitement. She took some pictures and sent them to this magazine. And assured us that it was for real and not a joke.
Fr-ooze Pop is currently being marketed directly to children in Singapore via television ads placed on cartoon shows.The advertisements show young children sucking hungrily on the candy, with the message "squeeze and lick" repeated again and again. The candy is wildly popular with kids. But not so popular with their horrified parents.

I tried to come up with a clever witicism for this and failed miserably. It's pretty damn funny until you realize adults don't eat lollipops. Make sure you check out the last 2 pics....

Yahoo! News - Russia Rejects U.S. Criticism; EU Joins Fray

Yahoo! News - Russia Rejects U.S. Criticism; EU Joins Fray

"First of all, the processes that are under way in Russia are our internal affair," Sergei Lavrov said.
"And it is at least strange that, while talking about a certain 'pulling back', as he (Powell) put it, on some of the democratic reforms in the Russian Federation, he tried to assert yet one more time the thought that democracy can only be copied from someone's model," Lavrov said.
"We, for our part, do not comment on the U.S. system of presidential elections, for instance."

Ow! Dare I say it? Yes....BURN! Looks like the commies are centralizing power in the executive branch using terrorism as an excuse. Hey, wait a minute....this sounds familiar. You know the only reason Georgie is pissed is because all he got out of the terror card was draconian wire tap and search powers. Well and the ability to hold American citizens without bail ,or a hearing ,or lawyers and subject them to cruel and unusual punishment. The ruskies trumped him but good on this one. They get all that and limit the powers of thier pesky parliament. I can almost hear Georgie when he heard the news....
"Stupid commies. They should have put a muzzle on thier Congress. You mean that parliament thingie IS thier Congress? What!?! Sum bitch! They can do that? Why cain't we do that? That would teach then traitor democrats for opposing me. Bad enough I cain't do whatever I want, but I also gots to put up with them traitors trying to depose me! (obviously a reference to the uppity democrats daring to field a canidate for the Presidental elections) Dammit Dick! You said if I gave your boys free oil contracts I could have the power to make sure everyone lives the RIGHT way!"

Wilderness, Water, and (Rubber) Women Add up to a Weird Russian Adventure - FEATURE - MOSNEWS.COM

Wilderness, Water, and (Rubber) Women Add up to a Weird Russian Adventure - FEATURE - MOSNEWS.COM

If you’ve ever seen a rubber woman, you know it must take a lot of imagination to, er, handle her the way you’re supposed to. Some Russian men and women apparently have even more imagination to spare — 126 of them used inflatable sex dolls as flotation devices to raft down rapids in the vicinity of St. Petersburg.

And here I was supporting the typical Russian stereotype of the stoic, grumpy, vodka saturated, commie bastard. From now on I promise to include perverted and bent. Not a terribly flattering description I know. But it could be worse. At least they aren’t French… or hippies or god damn plushies! Death to the plushies! Hate the plushies we do my precioussssss. Evil, nasty, tricksy plushies….Aha! I propose to sponsor an American version of this race! Only plushies may enter and they must traverse class 5 rapids with lead butt plugs and hand cuffs! Who’s with me !?!

The View Askewniverse - News - "The Passion of the Clerks"

The View Askewniverse - News - "The Passion of the Clerks"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Filmmaker Kevin Smith is set to direct his own screenplay of "The Passion of the Clerks," a sequel to his first film, 1994's "Clerks."
The sequel was written for the stars of the original film, Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson. Smith also will make an appearance with longtime sidekick Jason Mewes. The story follows the Quik Stop convenience store employees of the original "Clerks" 10 years later. Principal photography is set to begin in January. Miramax Films will distribute.

Hallelujah! Our prayers have been answered! More Clerks goodness, now I feel all warm and tinglie.....

Dark Blue Chip: IMWatching

Dark Blue Chip: IMWatching

You want to spy on someones internet presence? Now you can with IMWatching. IMWatching lets you record and analyze anybody's Instant Messenger presence.

Most Instant Messenger users broadcast when they sign on, sign off, go idle, and flag themselves as away. This presence information is typically innocuous, useful for knowing if your buddies are available to chat. But when monitored continuously, over long time periods, those few signals tell a lot. This website lets you record and analyze anybody's IM activity. As of now it only supports AOL Instant Messenger, but it seems like they plan to support other platforms in the future.

Wow....have to file this one under my "Useful Stalker Tools" favorites.

Ananova - 'Prison without bars' launched

Ananova - 'Prison without bars' launched

The first project in Europe to use satellites to track paedophiles and other offenders has been launched by Home Secretary David Blunkett. New technology, described by Mr Blunkett as a "prison without bars", can pinpoint criminals' position to within six and a half feet.

I think it is safe to assume Michael Jackson won't be moving to England. Yeah, I said it. You know you were thinking it!

Yahoo! News - Could Space Signal Be Alien Contact?

Yahoo! News - Could Space Signal Be Alien Contact?

LONDON (Reuters) - An unexplained radio signal from deep space could -- just might be -- contact from an alien civilization, New Scientist magazine reported on Thursday.

Certainly would be nice to find some intelligent life in the universe....finally give me someone to talk to. :)

Yahoo! News - Insurance Cos. Try Out Auto Black Boxes

Yahoo! News - Insurance Cos. Try Out Auto Black Boxes

For two months, Jacob Sevlie's insurance company tagged along whenever he slid behind the wheel of his Honda Accord. An electronic monitor the size of a matchbook closely tracked Sevlie's driving time and behavior. If he had a heavy foot or was a sudden braker, the auto data recorder would betray him.

Geee....anybody but me think this is a bad idea?

Studio 5050: Love Jackets

Studio 5050: Love Jackets

A pair of jackets emits, and polls for a particular signal. Once the pair finds each other, in at least 10 feet distance, facing each other, the two beep – emitting a sound akin to crickets mating, and a pattern of LEDs blinks.

Baby talk and matching outfits with your significant other not enough to irritate friends and family? Tada, here is the solution! I can see the warning labels already....WARNING! Wearing these jackets may incite rabid violence from complete strangers! Dry clean only.

Alternative Power Vibrators

Alternative Power Vibrators

Put the power of sunlight to work for your sexual pleasure!

ALERT!ALERT! Hurricane Frances is on the way! Ladies what are you gonna do when your idiot partner scavenges the batteries out of your best friend to run a flashlight? Well here is the answer!

Yahoo! News - Windows XP Service Pack 2: The 10% Problem

Yahoo! News - Windows XP Service Pack 2: The 10% Problem

Upgrading to Windows XP (news - web sites) Service Pack 2 will cause problems with about one in every 10 PCs running the operating system, according to research published Tuesday by a Canadian asset-monitoring service provider.

Nothing like a little Russian roulette...hey, at least the odds are better.