bookofjoe

You talking to me?

Kudos to Jennifer Daniel, who created the arresting image above, which adorned John Lanchester's review of Lee Siegel's new book, "Against The Machine: Being Human in the Age of the Electronic Mob," said review having appeared in the February 3, 2008 New York Times Book Review.

Res ipsa loquitur.

'Attention iPhone Owners' — BudCase Earbud Keychain Case

From the website:
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Attention iPhone Owners:

Remember the last time you wanted to listen to music but didn't have — or couldn't find — your earbuds?

7 Reasons You Need a BudCase:

• Small and compact — simply snaps onto your keychain

• Neatly folded ear buds fit securely in internal pocket

• Great for iPhone, iPod, and even laptop owners

• No more forgetting to bring your ear buds

• Durable neoprene skin prevents damage

• Velcro fastener provides easy access

• Enjoy your music anywhere
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Black, Gray, Blue or Red.

$14.95.

The myth of battery back-up

Since I was knee-high to a grasshopper I've had digital alarm clocks, all touting "battery back-up."

Until a week ago I assumed that meant that, in the event of a power outage, the 9V battery I'd installed in a little compartment in back would take over the timekeeping and alarm functions, so that I'd be protected from a failed wake-up call.

Turns out that's true — but with one big qualification.

If your power goes out but comes back on before the time you've set your alarm for, you'll never know anything happened by what the clock says/does.

Because the moment the electricity comes back on, the clock will assume the correct time, with the alarm setting you left.

But — the big but — if the power's still off when your alarm is supposed to go off, nothing will happen.

What is the sound of silence?

'Cause that's what you'll hear.

My crack research team last week, out back in the skunk works, performed a series of experiments that revealed the facts above.

So — my advice would be to use a strictly battery-powered alarm clock the morning of your bar exam or whatever it is that absolutely, positively cannot be slept through.

Lips Bracelet

Jet with white gold, diamonds and coral.

From Bulgari Enigma.

Reading and Understanding bookofjoe

Whad'ya think?

Got possibilities?

I was inspired by the book pictured up top, just published in England and already ranked 84,587 (with a bullet) on Amazon U.K.

I happened on a full page ad for the book in this past Wednesday's Financial Times and thought hey, maybe that's what I need to offer.

"This text will leave you fully informed and armed with a new vocabulary of key financial terms, ready to conduct your own analysis next time you read the FT for business or pleasure," read the ad copy.

w00t!

That's all you need to read and understand bookofjoe.

So maybe a book would be overkill, huh?

Your Welcome Mat

Created

by

British

designer

Jeni Rodger.

LiveATC.net — 'Live air traffic, from their headsets to you'

Jerry Young wrote,

This is a site where one can listen to live air traffic talk between the ground and the cockpit from 184 airports around the world.

I took a quick listen to my local Austin airport and then to the control tower at JFK.

Fascinating yet pretty boring I think, if one isn't somehow connected to the flight.

They also archive everything so it is possible to check out the talk after an incident on your flight or from something you read about in the paper.

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Just wait till in-flight Internet access comes to town....

Pencil Sharpener Necklace

From the website:

Sharpener Necklace

"All that glitters is not gold" (William Shakespeare.)

Sorry William... sometimes it is!

Situated somewhere between jewel and tool, this 22 carat gold-plated pencil sharpener is a must have for anyone who is forever losing that evasive sharpener.

Never will you lose it again.

Instead you'll keep it closely coveted against your chest.

Alas, if only it would produce gold shavings.

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$75 CAD (click on "Jewelry", then scroll down).