bookofjoe

There's something about a girl in a bowler...

Propeller Trivet

Ingenious.

From the website:

Propeller Trivet

Folds so slim, it fits in the utensil drawer.

When our staff saw this "stick" they asked, "What's that?"

Even after we twisted it open, they still wondered!

But when we said "trivet" they all got it — and thought it was a great idea!

Durable and sturdy enough for a heavy pot of stew or a just-from-the-oven casserole.

Ordinary trivets take up precious counter or cupboard space but not this one.

Just 1-inch wide when folded, it stores easily in any drawer.

Pop it open and it turns into a trivet that protects the counter or table from a hot pot, pan or serving dish.

Made of silicone that withstands heat up to 500°F and dishwasher safe.

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Red or White.

$19.95.

Why I wouldn't make it in today's schools

"This is the most technology-savvy generation of children we have ever had, yet when they go to school, they have to leave this technology behind and watch a teacher at a blackboard."

So said Jim Goodnight, co-founder and CEO of SAS, probably the world's biggest privately-owned software maker, in a November 29, 2007 article in the The Economist.

I got to thinking after I read it about how utterly bored and miserable I was in school — long before computers and related high-tech existed.

I cannot imagine going from today's wired world at home to the proverbial little old schoolhouse equivalent faced by most high school, junior high and elementary school students day after deadly, boring day.

Truly Bueller-esque.

Retractable Luggage Tag

Clever.

From the website:

Retractable Luggage Tag

Keeps personal information out of sight.

You’ll feel more secure the next time you travel, knowing this retractable tag keeps your luggage properly ID'd and your name safely hidden from view.

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Two for $12.95.

Call me overly sensitive — but I detest the Geico caveman commercials

Why?

Because I feel a profound link and debt to my caveman ancestors who ran faster than their brethren and thus survived to reproduce, resulting all these millennia later in the wonderful life I have.

These commercials disrepect my (and your, kemo sabe) forefathers.

If I had a spear I'd throw it right at my TV the next time one of these commercials comes on.

Sudden Stop – 'Reduce the risk of rear-end collisions'

Very interesting — I've never seen this technology before.

From the website:

Sudden Stop

Reduce the risk of rear-end collisions

Using a concept that’s been proven on high speed European motorways to reduce rear-end collisions, Sudden Stop’s ultra-bright red LED lights are motion-activated and pulsate when your vehicle’s brakes are suddenly applied.

This alerts tailing vehicles so drivers have more time to react to your stop.

Sudden Stop takes the place of your license plate holder and can be easily installed on any vehicle in minutes using a screwdriver.

Features a sealed internal battery which lasts 2-3 years and requires no wiring.

Also useful on boat and horse trailers.

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$29.95.

Helpful Hints from joeeze: Unblemished Cauliflower

David Pazmiño's "Quick Tips" item in the January, 2008 issue of Cook's Illustrated magazine follows.

Unblemished Cauliflower

Even the freshest head of cauliflower can have minor blemishes. Sharon Cullinane of Farmington, N.Y., gently rubs a rasp-style grater over discolored areas until they disappear.

Basketball Hat

From the website:

Basketball Hat

The basketball on this hat is 13" from the top of the ball to the black rim of the hat and 15.75" wide.

It is made of a foam material and is more of a bright orange color than the picture shows.

$16.96.