bookofjoe

On ending a phone call

Why is it so difficult to say good-bye on the phone?

That's a question I've been asking myself for many, many years.

I've finally figured out the problem and, as is so often the case, the solution presented itself instantly once the problem was clarified.

The problem: the person with whom you're speaking says something to the effect of "Well, I have to do this, that, or the other."

Old joe: Back and forth we go for a few minutes, not willing to just end the conversation for whatever reason.

New joe: "Good-bye." Click.

Try it, you'll love it.

The person you're speaking with might not but hey, remember, they're the one who made the noises about having to go.

nuf sed.

Baby Chick Sticky Notes

Kawaii.

"An incredibly cute and adorable set of sticky notes. You can easily remove and stick these Baby Chick Sticky Notes anywhere you want and write notes on them as well! The sticky area of these sticky notes is located on the bottom section of the sticky notes."

It couldn't be clearer.

2.8"H x 1.6"W.

30 sheets: $2.95.

"The greatest guitar solo ever in high-quality"

Via reader Fred who added, "Check this out for awesomeness. Prince is the act I would most like to see live. I'll be looking out for his next tour and will fly wherever need be just to watch him."

Fred, I agree with everything you wrote and will do the very same thing in order to be in the presence of this God of rock.

Who knows, maybe we can even meet up and worship together!

Flat Life Light

From the same people who brought you yesterday's Flat Life Clock comes this nifty Flatlander light.

"A two-dimensional image performs as if it were a three-dimensional object in a fully functional light."

Printed PET and electronics.

23.5" x 16.5" x 0.25".

$150. 

[via Eric Limer writing in Gizmodo, where the clock went viral shortly after Eric posted it. Fair warning to Nick Denton: Eric is one of the very, very few people on the planet I'd let write for bookofjoe with carte blanche. If I ever manage to raise enough money to top the enormous salary he's getting over at Gizmodo, I'm gonna try to hire him away.]

BehindTheMedspeak: First elephant cataract surgery in the UK

Long story short:

Duchess, a 43-year-old blind Asian elephant, recently underwent what might have been "the world's largest ever cataract operation."

From the Mail Online:

"The elephant, who only has one eye, has been able to do little more than distinguish between light and dark for years. But thanks to surgeons at Paignton Zoo, Devon, she should soon be able to see clearly once again."

"The huge creature was put under by anaesthetists David Burton and Jo Jago for around three hours, while the delicate operation was carried out by consultant opthamologist Jim Carter and assistant John Lewis."

"After she came round Duchess seemed to be fine and was tenderly rubbing the sore eye with her trunk."

[via Kay (Leah)]

Bike Pump Keychain

That's different.

Wrote Katie Hagar on Better Living Through Design,

"This is a bike pump. On a keychain. How can that be? This little keychain attachment is the missing link between you and air compressors found throughout your city. Simply remove it from your key chain, connect it to one end of an air compressor at an auto shop (or fire station), and then connect the other end to your bike tire. Use the compressor's gauge to fill to the correct PSI."

"Of course, this is really limited to cities where auto shops and fire stations are everywhere, but, hey, if you live in one of those cities, you're in luck."

$12 (bike, keys, and keychain not included).

18 Real ID Benchmarks

 

[via scribd.com]

Banana Bowl

Resin and marble bowl cast from a bunch of ripe bananas.

13" x 10" x 6"

$140.