bookofjoe

Helpful Hints from joeeze: A wooden spoon to prevent boil-over

Can't wait to try this.

[via Kay (Leah) and theCHIVE]

Facebook IPO Mug

At £8.99, cheaper (at least for the moment) than a share of the newly public company, besides which it'll keep your coffee or tea warm while you ponder its message.

Henri 2 — Paw de Deux

Wrote reader Dave Tufte, "First one is good, second one is better."

I won't argue.

Digital Battery Checker

I've seen these for years but this iteration is the first I've come across that works with coin cells too.

If I were a kid I'd be so making the rounds of my 'hood with mine, offering to test people's batteries for a nickel a pop — cheap at twice the price in misery when the power goes out and your flashlight doesn't work.

From the website:

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

Quickly and easily test your batteries... works with AAA, AA, C, D, and 1.5V coin cells, too.

Our compact battery checker uses a color-coded liquid crystal display to accurately display your battery's status as "good," "weak," or "poor."

Stop guessing if your batteries are good... check them. 

Compatible with NiCad and NiMH rechargeable batteries.

Requires 1 AAA battery (included). 

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

$11.49.

Experts' Expert: How to avoid roaming charges — offline travel apps

Wrote Rachel Lee Harris in an April 21 New York Times Travel section story, "For travelers who want to use digital applications abroad but would like to avoid the outrageous post-vacation data charges, Lonely Planet has a solution. The company recently introduced a series of travel-guide apps for several countries that can be used offline."

"'We found out early on that for leisure travelers, roaming is a really scary thing,' said Jeremy Kreitler, Lonely Planet's vice president for Wireless Services. 'Everybody has a friend with a bad phone bill from traveling abroad.'  Apps for Italy, Ireland, Australia, France, Spain and Costa Rica can be downloaded to an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, from either the App Store or through the Lonely Planet Travel Guides app. Each guide is $9.99 and provides suggested itineraries, as well as practical and historical information about the country. Detailed maps allow you to find points anywhere in the country, using your device's GPS."

"'The content is the same as what’s in our books; we're just adapting it to a mobile format,' Mr. Kreitler said. 'And you don’t have to rack up a huge phone bill in order to use it.'"

Twisted Tongs

From the website:

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

Cool-lift tongs are designed for maximum versatility, comfort, and safety!

They're perfect for boiling corn, seafood, hot dogs, flipping burgers, and more — the generous 12" reach and offset design help keep your hands away from steam and heat.

Sturdy stainless steel construction with comfort-grip handles.

Use them in the kitchen, on the grill... just about anywhere.

Dishwasher safe.

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

$9.95 (corn not included).

Usage of a Home Gym

[via GraphJam and Joe Peach]

Popup Transforming Chair

Designed by Brussels-based Charlotte Lancelot.

"Popup is a light and versatile seat designed in collaboration with Alain Berteau."

"A pouf when closed, it becomes a small seat when you open it."

Apply within.