Archives for July 2012
The history of rock ‘n roll in 100 riffs [video]
July 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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What better way to look back on the history of rock than to hear the story from the genre’s signature voice, the guitar?
Alex Chadwick of the Chicago Music Exchange goes from Chet Atkins’ “Mr. Sandman” to St. Vincent’s “Cruel” on his 1958 Fender Strat, so sit back and enjoy.
5 Ultra Geek Chic Items for Your Home
July 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Let’s face it. Geek is the new chic. Or at least that’s what tech-focused, Star Wars loving, graphic novel reading, Syfy watching folks would want all of you to believe. Ok, it’s what I want to. You have to admit that geekdom has taken over pop culture lately with super hero movies becoming critically acclaimed entertainment and ComicCon somehow entering the mainstream.
What about at home? Xbox is no longer for gamers as it is used more for entertainment than gaming. Phones, tablets and apps can control our heat, A/C and even security systems. But today we wanted to take a look at some ultra geek chic items for your home that you won’t find in just any home.
Tweet-a-Pot
Hmmm, what’s the one thing your morning is missing? How about a coffee pot that starts brewing when you send a tweet. Yes, that’s what my home has needed for quite some time. Come to think of it, it’s probably easier to hack your coffee pot to work through Twitter than it is to figure out how to set the auto-brew timer. For those who have yet to discover the wonder of Keurig, check out the video above on Tweet-a-pot.
Tetris Cushions
Tetris Cushions
I discovered these on Etsy.com from the Star Gallery shop while perusing the site for a mother’s day gift. At $279 for the set, you will truly have to be a committed game boy (pun intended) to have these on your couch at home. Is it just me or did you always hate that square piece? Never fits anywhere…(Image courtesy of Star Gallery on Etsy)
The Burritob0t
The Burritob0t
I’m pre-ordering this today. This magical device has been built to construct the perfect burrito. Using proven scientific and chemistry tactics, the burrito bot will layer on just the right amount of flavor to create the ultimate burrito. Burritobot is also expected to come with an iPhone app that allows you to adjust they layers of goodness on your burrito to meet your specifications including levels of guacamole, salsa, sour cream, etc. No price has been determined for this yet, but can you really put a price on burrito goodness? (Image courtesy of y marko.manriquez)
Samsung Smart Window
What this product does is basically project an interactive, touch-based interface onto any window and allow you to make Minority Report-esque movements on the screen to serve up tweets, videos, weather and more.
The smart window is a one way display so while you see this virtual interface, others looking in won’t see it. No word yet on pricing or when it would officially roll out to the public, but I’ll be chomping at the bit to find out more details. Check out this video demo above.
R2D2 Entertainment Center
Move over Luke Skywalker. R2D2 can live in your home and become the sickest TV projector in the galaxy. With plugins for gaming consoles, Blu Ray players, iPod, satellite and cable, this R2D2 entertainment center can project a 260″ size screen onto any wall or ceiling. I’m not sure if it can be used to hack into the Death Star, but any home with this in it is quite possibly the king of the geek chic. Sadly, this projector made by Nikko is no longer in production so you’ll have to resort to finding one on eBay.
True Cost of Lighting
July 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Looking for a simple way to save money? And we aren’t going to tell you to cut back on activities you love to do. Just change the way you light your life! Changing the light bulbs in your home or office will save you money. Lower your expenses and reduce waste all at the same time! Check out the facts on how to save on your lighting costs over the long haul.
Small Attic Space = Huge Design Opportunities
July 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
An attic apartment can easily become a dim, cramped place if not designed well. This flat in Stockholm uses some incredibly intelligent elements to open up the space and make it look airy and sophisticated.
The 1500 square foot, 3.5-room apartment features a double-height ceiling that allows for a partial second level at one end of the living room. Built-in storage units throughout the apartment maximize wall space without intruding into the living area.
Clever storage shelves double as stairs leading from the living room up to the mini-loft. On the tiny second level, a small desk and storage area add visual interest as well as a mini retreat for the residents. This work/storage area occupies the same wall as the main level built-in bookcase, making the two appear connected.
Inclined walls, normally stifling in a top-floor apartment, become charmingly quirky features in this space. The walls, timbers and floors are all a bright white to maximize the apartment’s visual space.
Huge windows and plenty of natural lighting also serve to visually enlarge the apartment and provide residents with a connection to nature.
The furnishings and decorations all feature muted colors and simple but elegant shapes, a design choice that tricks the mind into seeing a larger living space because there are no visually competing elements.
A surprisingly large south-facing terrace provides a perfect gathering space and nicely finishes off this impeccably-designed attic living space.
Didn’t think the death of classical would look quite like this
July 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Tired of people sounding the death knell of your favorite musical instrument? Time to get the last laugh with an electric violin the Grim Reaper would be proud to put a bow to, and remind your friendly critics they’ll be lucky if they’re music is featured on a one-hit-wonder show twenty years from now while you’re still rockin’ the classics.
Full story at Electric Violin Shop via Incredible Things.
