bookofjoe

'Aircondition' — by Oliver Laric

Cool.

Yamagiwa Moonbird

Designed by Yukio Hashimoto.

Hand-carved from beech plywood, then fitted with 28 quarter-watt LEDs.

Apply within.

Helpful Hints from joeeze: How to tell if coffee beans are fresh

In the latest issue (September & October 2009) of Cook's Illustrated appears the following nugget.

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Freshness Test

To check if your beans are fresh, scoop 1/2 cup into a zipper-lock bag and press out all the air, then seal the bag and leave it overnight. If the beans are within seven to 10 days of roasting, they will make the bag puff up from the carbon dioxide that they release. If the bag remains flat, then the beans are not producing gas — a sign they've passed the point of peak freshness.

Corn Wars — Episode 6: Cob Shaver

At first I wondered why they didn't just call it a "Corn Shaver" but a visit to a pedicure site made the answer crystal clear.

Unlike the series of corn kernel removers I've featured previously, this one's design results in the user moving the corn cob while keeping the device stationary.

That's different.

From the website:

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Corn Cob Shaver

Simply slide the ear back and forth on this handy tool to shave off every last kernel.

Adjustable for whole kernel, shredded for creamed corn and succotash, or scraper to remove juice from cob.

Great when canning, freezing, and cooking.

No mess, no splatter, quick and easy.

17.5" long.

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$9.99 (corn not included).

São Paulo 1943 — 'The fastest growing city in the world'

66 years ago.

'Tree of Life' — by Ornella Iannuzzi

The ascendant London-based designer's new creation, the sculptural neckpiece pictured above, is part of her new "Into the Wood" collection, to be launched at the Goldsmiths' Fair in London on October 6, 2009.

Made of bronze, it's gold-plated with Swarovski Crystallized Elements and features a piece of petrified wood from Madagascar at the base.

Ms. Iannuzzi will be at Stand 55 at the Fair; if you happen to be there, say "hi" for me, OK?

Tattoodle

That's different.

你是愚蠢的 T-Shirt

What does it say?

If you have to ask, you shouldn't be wearing it.

$19.95.