Monday, March 31, 2008
Robert Orben [Quotes]
Friday, March 28, 2008
Stickybot is a Spy in the Sky [Technology]
Stickybot is a Spy in the Sky
by Thomas A. Parmalee, March 27, 2008 
The StickybotThe Stickybot is actually a robotic lizard that can scale the sides of walls, and it is modeled after a gecko, any of numerous small tropical lizards that have toe pads that can cling to small surfaces. While some may view Stickybot as an oddity, the Pentagon is taking it seriously. It thinks the device could someday serve as a "spy in the sky" to watch over America's enemies, according to ABC News.
The StickybotThe Stickybot is actually a robotic lizard that can scale the sides of walls, and it is modeled after a gecko, any of numerous small tropical lizards that have toe pads that can cling to small surfaces. While some may view Stickybot as an oddity, the Pentagon is taking it seriously. It thinks the device could someday serve as a "spy in the sky" to watch over America's enemies, according to ABC News.The robot was invented by Sangbae Kim, who notes that it can climb glass surfaces at about a meter per second using a feature on the bottom of its toe. The feature is covered with nano-scale hairs.
According to Kim's Web site, he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea in 2001 before joining a startup company, Solutionix, in Seoul. He went on to earn a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and is currently completing a doctorate in the Biomimetic Robotics Laboratory at the Stanford Center for Design Research. He has created several robots and has three pending patents.
Sources:ABC News and Sangbae Kim
Thomas A. Parmalee
Innovative Businesses Writer
InventorSpot.com
Simple Ways To Stay Productive [Life][Work][Health]
Simple Ways To Stay Productive
| Simple Ways To Stay Productive |
| Sometimes the simplest things can make us more productive. Here are 50 simple ways to stay on top: 50. Stay focused. 49. Divide your time for each task in hand. 48. Analyze the outcome of your effort and decide accordingly how much time you need to spend. 47. Take a break. 46. Spend time with your loved ones. 45. Share ideas with others. 44. Keep your home office out of sight from your bedroom. 43. Invest in comfortable workspace furniture. 42. Meditate. 41. Are you a day person or a night person? Plan accordingly. 40. Work slowly but steadily. 39. Ask for help. 38. De-clutter your workspace. 37. Back up your data. 36. Keep a wrist massager next to the computer. 35. Check your email not more than twice a day. 34. Exercise. 33. Use the morning air or evening breeze to cool off your mind. 32. Set goals, not a goal. 31. Have everything you need ready. 30. Have pens and paper available. 29. Shut the door to block distraction. 28. Set limits for yourself. 27. Plan a to-do list for each day. 26. Read books on subjects that interests you. 25. Walk, do not run, with your project. 24. Stay informed on current news. 23. Think how you can change your life for the better. 22. Find others that share similar interest to work with you. 21. Do something else every 30 to 40 minutes. 20. Take a nice warm bath. 19. Use a table lamp instead of overhead lighting. 18. Do not take phone calls, unless they are related to that particular project. 17. Divide your time between family and projects. 16. Give more time to family. 15. Keep it cool. 14. Don't panic. 13. Find what others have done in related fields. 12. Ask yourself questions -- lots of them. 11. Let everybody at home know when you will be working. 10. Do not stress. 9. Love what you are doing. 8. Be passionate about what you are doing. 7. Give yourself credit. 6. Look in the mirror and compliment yourself. 5. Build confidence in yourself. 4. Keep a positive attitude. 3. Forget about what others are doing, and do it your way. 2. Productivity lies within you. 1. Read, learn, ask, and apply. Sources: |
New Genetic Test Available at Drug Store|abc27 News [Interesting][Health][Life]
"You IS the baby-daddy...I'll prove it"
~P~
New Genetic Test Available at Drug Store
posted 6:36 pm Thu March 27, 2008 - Harrisburg, PA
reporter: Dennis Owens posted by: Seth Chevalier
For years it has been a fertile topic of talk TV. But now, finding the father does not just happen over the air, it is over the counter. And it's all thanks to a DNA paternity kit being sold at Rite Aid. It's basically a few q-tips. Swab the mouth of the baby and the alleged father. Then mail them to a lab with $119 and in 3-5 days you will receive an answer.
This paternity test could also give birth to a new round of lawsuits. Kim Robison is with Dauphin County Domestic Relations. She says these tests won't hold up in court. Not because they are inaccurate. In fact, they are very accurate. But because the courts cannot verify exactly who was swabbed. Though not legally binding, these tests could prompt legal action.
Rite Aid officials refused to comment, saying this is just another product and they're just the retailer. However, right now it's the only place in Pennsylvania you can find it.
The suggested retail price for the paternity test is $29.99 and remember it will then cost $119 to send it to the lab.
Diet Sunglasses Turn Off Your Appetite [Health]
Diet Sunglasses Turn Off Your Appetite
Diet Sunglasses Turn Off Your Appetite
by Steve Levenstein, March 28, 2008
Got the dieting blues?
You've all heard that joke about a chubby guy or gal being on a "see food" diet. Well, a Japanese company named Yumetai seems to have given some serious thought to the matter, creating dieter's sunglasses with deep blue lenses that make the food you're eating look, well, disgusting.
Now you know why food isn't blue
There's more to it than that - according to Yumetai, there's a scientific explanation behind these sunglasses and the lenses are blue for a very good reason: the color blue acts to calm the brain's appetite center.
At the same time, the lenses block rays of red light which tend to stimulate the appetite. Make sense? Hey, if you're a desperate dieter you'll believe just about anything but if you think about it, there aren't many obese Japanese walking around outside the sumo dojo.
This colorful 3D graph adds cred to Yumetai's site
If you want to put the diet sunglasses to the test, you can order them online from the Yumetai website for just 1,890 yen (about $19) plus shipping. The aviator-style sunglasses weigh just 25 grams (about an ounce) and are made in Japan.
Considering the many millions of dollars Americans lay out on diet remedies every year, it may be time for a new approach.
Plus, the fact that many fattening foods already look disgusting doesn't seem to stop those intent on pigging out in style. What have you got to lose? Well just maybe, your appetite!
Steve Levenstein
J A P A N O R A M A
InventorSpot.com
Specially Designed Fake Teeth Can Deliver Medicine Non-invasively
Specially Designed Fake Teeth Can Deliver Medicine Non-invasively
Specially Designed Fake Teeth Can Deliver Medicine Non-invasively
by Mariella Moon, March 28, 2008
People who always forget to take their medication would have no excuse once they use IntelliDrug . Still in its development phase, IntelliDrug is actually a couple of fake molars which has the capability to deliver medicine through non-invasive means. The device measures two molars in size, made of stainless steel and polymers. Inside the prosthetic teeth is the drug reservoir with a micro-fluidic duct. The device also comes equipped with sensors and an electrically controlled valve, along with batteries as power source.
The drug itself is placed inside the IntelliDrug as a pill. It's water from one's saliva that passes through the membrane which creates a pressurized solution. The device could then be controlled by a remote control to open the valve at timed intervals and release the liquefied drug. There's a sensor in charge of monitoring the drug administration, as well the amount of drug still left inside the device. The liquid drug passes through the cheek instead of through the digestive system, which means the medication is more efficiently absorbed by the body.
The IntelliDrug medicine delivery device could be fitted on dentures if the medication is temporary. If someone would require medication for life, however, the device could be implanted permanently. If you're prepared to lose a couple of molars to ensure medication goes smoothly, watch out for the commercial release of IntelliDrug in two years' time.
Source: Discovery
Mariella Moon
Medical Innovations
InventorSpot.com
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Tactile Keys for the iPhone At Last! [Technology]
I always had my reservations about the touch screen because of this very thing...Tactile Keys for the iPhone At Last!
~P~
Tactile Keys for the iPhone At Last!
by Ben Arnold, March 26, 2008 
My Touch Keys: The company website says that the actual product isn't blue - but clear.
Perhaps the one complaint that both detractors and proponents of the iPhone voice, is how difficult the device can be to type on sans any physical keys. Using the touch screen to type out any serious message takes some time to get used to. For instance, I found that my fingers had a propensity to hit more than one key at a time while trying to type on the iPhone. The problem was even worse than on my Treo.
My Touch Keys: The company website says that the actual product isn't blue - but clear.
The solution for people like me may have arrived. Introducing My Touch Keys! My Touch Keys is a plastic shield that attaches to the front of your iPhone using static cling. The iPhone's touch screen QWERTY keyboard keys are then outlined in plastic "dimples" - allowing you to feel exactly where your fingers should be.
My Touch Keys attaches through static cling, this is good and allows for two things, the first being that the glass surface of your iPhone remains un-scarred by sticky adhesives nor is it scratched by physical plastic gripping the phone; the second is that My Touch Keys are completely transparent. How transparent you ask? Transparent enough for the company to claim that they won't interfere with your movie watching experience should you flip the phone and watch a movie in wide screen with the My Touch Keys guard still attached.
So will My Touch Keys improve your typing on the iPhone? Well, for only $7.99 for two, you don't have much to lose by giving them a shot.
Via OhGizmo!
Ben Arnold
Technocentric
InventorSpot.com
7 Ills That Don’t Need Pills [Health]
Interesting to know7 Ills That Don't Need Pills
~P~
| 7 Ills That Don't Need Pills |
| In the April 2008 issue of the Harvard Health Letter, researchers explained how seven common conditions can be managed without medication. In many cases, the nonpharmacological approach can do as much or more than pills. Arthritis: Combine weight loss with exercise, and you may have less pain and more mobility -- especially if the exercise that doesn't put any load on the joints, such as swimming, reduces pain. Cholesterol: Adding soluble fiber to your diet can reduce levels of LDL cholesterol. Cognitive decline: Memory training can help you stay sharp, and physical exercise can do even more. Depression: Regular physical activity has a potent antidepressant effect. Diabetes: Exercise makes muscle more receptive to the insulin, and eating fewer sweets and simple carbohydrates helps control blood sugar levels. High blood pressure: Lose weight, get more exercise, and eat less sodium. Osteoporosis: Weight-bearing exercise causes bone tissue to get stronger and denser. Extra vitamin D and calcium are key for your diet.Sources: |
Brain-damaged woman at center of Wal-Mart suit - CNN.com - Sent Using Google Toolbar
Leave it to Wal-Mart...Brain-damaged woman at center of Wal-Mart suit - CNN.com
~P~
Brain-damaged woman at center of Wal-Mart suit
- Story Highlights
- Debbie Shank, 52, suffered severe brain damage in a traffic accident
- Wal-Mart's health plan sued Shank and her family to recoup what it paid out
- The Shanks got money in suit; Wal-Mart says policy means couple can't get benefits
- Couple's son was killed in Iraq after they lost lawsuit to Wal-Mart
- Next Article in U.S. »
Read
VIDEO
JACKSON, Missouri (CNN) -- Debbie Shank breaks down in tears every time she's told that her 18-year-old son, Jeremy, was killed in Iraq.
Debbie Shank, 52, has severe brain damage after a traffic accident in May 2000.
1 of 3
The 52-year-old mother of three attended her son's funeral, but she continues to ask how he's doing. When her family reminds her that he's dead, she weeps as if hearing the news for the first time.
Shank suffered severe brain damage after a traffic accident nearly eight years ago that robbed her of much of her short-term memory and left her in a wheelchair and living in a nursing home.
It was the beginning of a series of battles -- both personal and legal -- that loomed for Shank and her family. One of their biggest was with Wal-Mart's health plan.
Eight years ago, Shank was stocking shelves for the retail giant and signed up for Wal-Mart's health and benefits plan.
Two years after the accident, Shank and her husband, Jim, were awarded about $1 million in a lawsuit against the trucking company involved in the crash. After legal fees were paid, $417,000 was placed in a trust to pay for Debbie Shank's long-term care.
Wal-Mart had paid out about $470,000 for Shank's medical expenses and later sued for the same amount. However, the court ruled it can only recoup what is left in the family's trust.
The Shanks didn't notice in the fine print of Wal-Mart's health plan policy that the company has the right to recoup medical expenses if an employee collects damages in a lawsuit.
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The family's attorney, Maurice Graham, said he informed Wal-Mart about the settlement and believed the Shanks would be allowed to keep the money. 
Watch this couple's story »
"We assumed after three years, they [Wal-Mart] had made a decision to let Debbie Shank use this money for what it was intended to," Graham said.
The Shanks lost their suit to Wal-Mart. Last summer, the couple appealed the ruling -- but also lost it. One week later, their son was killed in Iraq.
"They are quite within their rights. But I just wonder if they need it that bad," Jim Shank said.
In 2007, the retail giant reported net sales in the third quarter of $90 billion.
Legal or not, CNN asked Wal-Mart why the company pursued the money.
Wal-Mart spokesman John Simley, who called Debbie Shank's case "unbelievably sad," replied in a statement: "Wal-Mart's plan is bound by very specific rules. ... We wish it could be more flexible in Mrs. Shank's case since her circumstances are clearly extraordinary, but this is done out of fairness to all associates who contribute to, and benefit from, the plan."
Jim Shank said he believes Wal-Mart should make an exception.
"My idea of a win-win is -- you keep the paperwork that says you won and let us keep the money so I can take care of my wife," he said.
The family's situation is so dire that last year Jim Shank divorced Debbie, so she could receive more money from Medicaid.
Jim Shank, 54, is recovering from prostate cancer, works two jobs and struggles to pay the bills. He's afraid he won't be able to send their youngest son to college and pay for his and Debbie's care.
"Who needs the money more? A disabled lady in a wheelchair with no future, whatsoever, or does Wal-Mart need $90 billion, plus $200,000?" he asked.
The family's attorney agrees.
"The recovery that Debbie Shank made was recovery for future lost earnings, for her pain and suffering," Graham said.
"She'll never be able to work again. Never have a relationship with her husband or children again. The damage she recovered was for much more than just medical expenses."
Graham said he believes Wal-Mart should be entitled to only about $100,000. Right now, about $277,000 remains in the trust -- far short of the $470,000 Wal-Mart wants back.
Refusing to give up the fight, the Shanks appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. But just last week, the high court said it would not hear the case.
Graham said the Shanks have exhausted all their resources and there's nothing more they can do but go on with their lives.
Jim Shank said he's disappointed with the Supreme Court's decision not to hear the case -- not for the sake of his family -- but for those who might face similar circumstances.
For now, he said the family will figure out a way to get by and "do the best we can for Debbie."
"Luckily, she's oblivious to everything," he said. "We don't tell her
what's going on because it will just upset her." E-mail to a friend 
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Monsoon Vermont - Revolutionary Gear - Products Made Of Recycled Trash [Environment]
I want so many of these products!!!
~P~
Monsoon Vermont - Revolutionary Gear - Products Made Of Recycled Trash
REVOLUTIONARY GEAR
We're MORE than just Green
Monsoon Vermont goods are made from recycled trash (detergent packets, toothpaste tubes) collected by the scavengers of Indonesia. The garbage used in our products is scavenged from landfills, streets and waterways. Made with quality workmanship, heavy-duty double zippers, buckles, and hardware, these products are beautiful and made to last.
Monsoon Vermont is dedicated to creating sustainable livelihoods for slum-dwelling scavengers and sewers of Jakarta, Indonesia. In the manufacturing of Monsoon Vermont's products, we do not seek to mimic an industrial workplace where efficiency means profit at the expense of its workers. We seek to honor the story of each person who scavenges, collages, and sews garbage into functional works of art.
Our mission is to elevate non-recyclable plastic garbage into a valuable commodity. Like rice, the trash is sold by the kilo. Once the packets are purchased from the scavengers it is carefully cut and collaged together by very talented tailors in Jakarta.
When you purchase one of our products you become an environmental activist. A force that fights global poverty and pollution. Your purchase uplifts trash pickers both socially and economically.
Thank you for buying our products. We believe it is a direct action on behalf of the planet and your extended family in Jakarta.
Monsoon Vermont welcomes wholesale orders as well as private labeling. Please email us or call toll free for more information about this Revolutionary Gear.
(802) 874-4149
Join MonsoonVT in supporting YE Water Program.
Visit their website and make a donation.
It doesn't take much to make a difference.
SPLASH – Shower Curtain
Edgy, playful, hypercool, this shower curtain stands head and shoulders above the crowd. It took an industrial engineer to figure this one out, but he did it. Splash, our eco-luxe shower curtain is designed to glide across the rod. Again, as in the case with most of our gear, the atrocious nature of plastic packaging makes for a perfect textile for shower curtains.
Dimensions 70" x 70".
Comes in multi color pattern.
FEED BAG – Thermal Lunch Bag
This Thermal bag is generously proportioned. Perfect single meal lunch cooler with room for snacks too.
Approximate size is 8" high x 7" wide.
Available in several different colors.
TRASHED – Round Wastebasket
This work of art is Monsoon Vermont's Round Wastebasket. It is made of recycled, scavenged soap packets from Jakarta, Indonesia. Tough, durable, completely washable, and waterproof. And naturally, this wastebasket has a fresh, clean detergent scent. Brighten up every room of your house with these very special wastebaskets.
Approximate size is 12" high x 9" circumfrence.
Available in multi colors.
SLEEPERS – Slippers
Get 'em while they're hot! These Monsoon Vermont "Sleepers" are one-size-fits-all. Wear them at home, at the pool, or in the locker room at the gym. Share the Monsoon Vermont Scavenger Project story with your friends and let them know where they can get a pair too!
View Color Samples
FYI – Messenger Bag
This is, without a doubt, the most popular bag we sell. Each and every one is unique. With adjustable straps and and interior pocket for folders, books, or whatever you can fit in, this bag will turn heads everywhere you wear it!
View Color Samples
UNTAMED – Laptop Bag
Monsoon Vermont's brand new sleek design makes this Laptop Bag less bulky and lighter with more padding and pockets for your "stuff". This bulletproof bag features adjustable straps, thick padding and velcro enclosures for your laptop, plenty of room for files or papers, and a full length zippered pocket for other goodies. Feel good about purchasing this brilliantly designed, high quality bag. Its creation contributes to a cleaner environment and better quality of life for many.
View Color Samples
PERKY – Small Tote
Monsoon Vermont's small tote is a great size for everyday use. Enjoy it as a handbag or a small shopping bag. Lightweight and easy to clean because it is naturally waterproof.
View Color Samples
MAMACITA – Large Tote
Get a load of the NEW Large tote! This is the bag that everyone has asked for. It's the perfect medium sized tote bag. The sleek handles are a bit longer and lined which makes this bag a dream to carry on your shoulder. The inside is lined in nylon and the dimensions of this bag are 15" x 11 1/2" x 3". Comes in many different colors and each one is uniquely hand-made!
View Color Samples
TOUGH AS NAILS – Extra Large Tote
This is our extra large tote with reinforced straps that wrap all the way around the bag. Has the strength to hold absolutely anything you need to carry. Equipped with a corner compartment to hold an umbrella or a bottle of wine, and a removable 6" x 8" pocket. Big, tough, durable. Fill it with groceries, books, or rocks. Nothing is too heavy for these totes. Measures 15" x 15" x 6 1/2".
View Color Samples
SILVER LINING – Travel Bag
Super useful for your gear, make up, shaving supplies, school supplies. This is one of the most utilitarian bags we have . Each bag features a handle strap and zip closure. The interior of this bag has a smooth nylon lining. 9" x 5 1/2" x 4".
View Color Samples
Pak Haris – LIMITED EDITION Artist Signed & Dated Travel Bag
These ~Limited Edition~ artist signed and dated Travel Bags are available now. They are crafted by Pak Haris, an artist/master tailor/slum-dweller living in Tanjung Priok.
Each bag features red piping around the edges, handle on the side, zipper closure, and a patch that tells the world "This product was made from rubbish collected, cleaned and crafted by scavengers living in Jakarta, Indonesia".
The interior of the bag is not lined. 9" x 6 1/2" x 4".
View Color Samples
TSUNAMI – Travel Bag
This travel bag is slightly bigger than the Silver Lining Travel Bag. It is super useful for more of your gear, make up, shaving supplies, school supplies and is one of the most utilitarian bags we have . Each bag features a handle strap and zip closure. The interior of the bag is not lined. 10" x 6 1/2" x 4".
View Color Samples
STOKED – Stow Your Gear Here
This cute little round bag comes in many colors of recycled trash. Great for iPod, school supplies, make up, and more. It is a Monsoon Vermont favorite and sells out quickly, so get yours now!
View Color Samples
FLOUNDER – Flat Wallet
The new Monsoon Vermont Flat Wallet is made from Indonesian toothpaste tubes. These nifty metallic jewels have just arrived from Jakarta, and are sure to put a smile on your face. Both sides of the interior of this wallet feature slots for cards as well as 2 pocket compartments for cash.
Available only in toothpaste tubes.
KANGA – Travel Wallet
A true treasure. Monsoon Vermont's new Travel Wallet made of trash is a powerful tool. Upon inspection, you will notice durable double zippers, 4 pockets for credit cards, 2 inner pockets, and a full length internal zippered compartment for your legal tender. Measures approximately 4" x 7".
View Color Samples
VALUE – Mini Messenger Bag
Versitile, beautiful, and fun! Monsoon Vermont presents the world's cutest recycled mini-messenger bag. This bag will wow you. It has 2 heavy duty buckles and a zippered compartment. The shoulder strap is adjustable for higher or lower fit. Measures approximately 8" x 10".
View Color Samples
GENE – Umbrella
The MOST uniquely beautiful recycled trash sculpture ever seen! Made with pride, the handle and tip are wooden and edges are lined with silky fabric. Monsoon Vermont is very excited about this product. Available in several colors.
View Color Samples
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