bookofjoe

If it can happen, it will happen

The headline is my formulation of Murphy's Law, invoked just prior to putting a glass down next to something I want to read and then knocking it over.

"There are a lot of things that can go wrong when you're a presenter (or when you are supporting someone else's presentation). This site is going to try to help you break Murphy's Law so Murphy's Law can't break you."

So wrote Lee Potts, majordomo and grand panjandrum of www.breakingmurphyslaw.com.

Spence Tape Dispenser

Designed by Adin Mumma for Umbra.

"A roll of tape dangles acrobatically in the middle of a tape dispenser. Experimenting with reduced shapes, the designer left out elements like supporting sides and a turn wheel, yet achieved a fully functional tape dispenser."

3" x 3" x 3" (8 cm x 8 cm x 8 cm).

$28.

PrimeTimeRewind.tv

Still in alpha.

Aren't you glad you're on the bleeding edge?

What is it?

Answer here this time tomorrow.

Texting's 7 Deadly Sins

1. Just say no — to texting while driving, operating machinery, crossing the street without looking or anything that jeopardizes public safety.

2. Listen to Miss Manners — never text during dinner, church, a date or a job interview. It’s just rude. (And sometimes really stupid.)

3. Don’t forget your grandparents: text to their landline.

4. They may not "get" your LOL. While we’re talking about grandma and grandpa, remember that "text language" is for texting only. Sure, when you’re limited to a few characters it makes sense to abbreviate and use acronyms; it's part of texting culture. But don't forget that grandma won’t understand when you respond to her joke with LOL.

5. Can the spam. There is no such thing as an acceptable unsolicited text. If we don’t know you or didn’t ask to receive your message, chances are we’ll interpret your text as spam — especially if we don’t have unlimited data plans. That’s just the way it goes.

6. If you must ... do it in person. Don’t underestimate the power of "face-to-face." SMS and MMS can be great ways to get in touch, find out if someone is available or send a picture in real time — but I say no to breakup proposals, firings or the like via text. Some messages are best delivered in person.

7. Enough already (don't "re-text"). If you’ve texted someone and are in need of a response, don't text the same request again and again. One of the luxuries of text messaging is it affords us time to reply when it suits us, and sometimes that won’t be for a while (insert any number of scenarios where texting might be inappropriate). Text once and stand by.

[via mobilemessaging2.com and J.D. Biersdorfer]

Portable Fishbowl

Designed by

Michal Shabtiali who writes,

"If your fish is your best friend, take him with you."

Makes perfect sense to me.

And: "Fishbowl with a handle ... allows you to walk your fish outdoors."

Ditto.

[via Milena]

Japanese Monkey Waiters

Via an October 6, 2008 story in the Telegraph (U.K.), which follows.

Japanese monkey waiters

Hard pressed to find good helping hands these days? Not bothered that these helping hands may not be human?

Then you may want to try hiring the same workers as used by the owners of the Japanese tavern Kayabukiya.

The local hangout just north of Tokyo employs a pair of Japanese monkeys called Yat-chan and Fuku-chan to serve their customers.

The younger of the two, Fuku-chan, usually begins the first shift and is quick to hand out customers a hot towel to help them clean their hands before they order their first drinks.

Fuku-chan, who is four, has only two years experience under his furry belt and his work load is limited to hot towels.

Both monkeys are well appreciated by customers who tip them with boiled soya-beans to enjoy during their down time.

....................

[via Saul Castellanos]

Microwave S'Mores Maker

From the website:

Microwave S'Mores Maker

Microwave S'mores Maker brings the fun of a campfire to your kitchen.

Microwaveable dish allows you to heat graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate evenly at the same time to make two s'mores treats in just 30 seconds.

Just add water, lift arms and assemble s'mores, lower arms, microwave and enjoy.

7-1/2"W x 6-1/4"D x 4"H.

Dishwasher-safe plastic.

Instructions included.

$7.98.