Shared posts

06 Jul 02:02

Bose SoundLink

by mark

I’m a roadie who gets to visit “home” on the weekends. My fairly new Bose SoundLink, though, let’s me turn any hotel room into a thoroughly music-infused space. That helps a lot…

This thing has both Bluetooth and a 3.5mm stereo jack on the back. It’s pretty small, has a good battery and a wall-wart transformer (the package I got from Costco also has a cigarette-lighter cord).

It’s not a lightweight little thing and it really packs a punch. It’s really easy to have it (way) too loud in a hotel room. Try that, Jambox.

I plug in my Sansa Clip. Or I play stuff off my phone. Or it plays audio from my tablet, or “replaces” the crappy speakers on my laptop. The sound is surprisingly good at every volume level, and as I said, it can get really loud if you want it to be.

And it’s no trick to operate, it’s very easy to set up.

(Now if I can just find a player that takes microSDXC cards and had Bluetooth too!)

For me, this SoundLink replaces something major from home that I’ve been missing.

-- Wayne Ruffner

Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Mobile Speaker II
$299

Available from Amazon

11 Jun 11:43

Amazon Has a 3D Printer Section Now

by Eric Limer

Amazon Has a 3D Printer Section Now

3D printers just got a little more mainstream. Amazon has now opened its own 3D Printer page for the sale of printers and filaments so you can get all that jazz shipped right to your door with the greatest of ease.

Read more...

    


11 Jun 11:42

How Fallout from Nuke Tests Just Proved that Brain Cells Regenerate

by Andrew Tarantola

How Fallout from Nuke Tests Just Proved that Brain Cells Regenerate

Before the Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963 barred all aboveground, subsea, and orbital nuclear weapons testing, the world's nations were popping off nukes like champagne bottles on New Years. Surprisingly, that sprinkling of high-energy particles was actually quite beneficial, to science at least, as it's just helped solve a longstanding dispute in human physiology—can the brain regrow neurons? Short answer: sorta.

Read more...

    


11 Jun 11:38

Here's the Official Government Fact Sheet on What PRISM Is and Does

by Eric Limer
Wmy2k7

Well.....I sure feel better now!

Here's the Official Government Fact Sheet on What PRISM Is and Does

When all the PRISM news broke, it didn't take long for the US Government to fess up. President Obama even made a (bummer of a) statement on it. Now, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper has put out an official fact sheet about what PRISM is and isn't, according to the US Government. Think of it like an official FAQ.

Read more...

    


11 Jun 11:32

Why the Metadata the NSA Has on You Matters

by Eric Limer

Why the Metadata the NSA Has on You Matters

In response to the recent news reports about the National Security Agency's surveillance program, President Barack Obama said today, "When it comes to telephone calls, nobody is listening to your telephone calls." Instead, the government was just "sifting through this so-called metadata." The Director of National Intelligence James Clapper made a similarcomment last night: "The program does not allow the Government to listen in on anyone’s phone calls. The information acquired does not include the content of any communications or the identity of any subscriber."

Read more...

    


11 Jun 11:32

Watch a Young Louis CK Talk About His Amazing Toilet Photography

by Eric Limer

Things were different in the 90s. MTV had music, for instance, and Louis CK had just slightly more hair. A clip featuring both of those things surfaced just recently, and provides a rare look into the past as the young Louis CK tears into—among other things—shitty avant garde photography.

Read more...

    


11 Jun 11:30

Facebook's Data Center Humidity "Challenge" Was Indoor Rain

by Lily Hay Newman

Facebook's Data Center Humidity "Challenge" Was Indoor Rain

In 2011 Facebook reported that their first data center in Prineville, OR had a high humidity issue. Probably not the best condition for servers, sure. But it turns out that wonky temperature controls were actually causing condensation in the data center. Like indoor rain. Like it was literally raining in the server room.

Read more...

    


11 Jun 11:29

There Was Drinkable Water On Mars According To Opportunity

by Lily Hay Newman

There Was Drinkable Water On Mars According To Opportunity

Opportunity, aka The Little Rover That Could, is still making important discoveries 10 years into its Martian jaunt. After the devastating loss of twin rover Spirit in 2011, Opportunity rallied and kept trekking, only to recently discover a fascinating rock near Endurance Crater.

Read more...

    


11 Jun 11:24

A Retro-Futuristic Watch Torn From the Pages of Science Fiction

by Andrew Liszewski

A Retro-Futuristic Watch Torn From the Pages of Science Fiction

Supposedly inspired and named after the space station featured in the Star Trek series Deep Space Nine, Vianney Halter's Deep Space Tourbillon watch took several years to design and build. But from the looks of it, that number could be closer to half a decade since the watch looks like it was based on designs from the science fiction of yesteryear.

Read more...

    


11 Jun 11:23

The Ultimate Photo Shoot Location

by Casey Chan

The Ultimate Photo Shoot Location

Photographers often go to exotic locations for unbelievable situations to see never before seen areas of the world to get that one perfect shot. It's a constant search of trying to outdo yourself to capture something new. But sorry, you can go to the ends of the world and not outdo NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy. This shot from space is beautiful.

Read more...

    


11 Jun 11:22

PS4 Has No Used Game Restrictions, Is Totally Offline Capable

by Eric Limer
Wmy2k7

I have a feeling XBOX will "back pedal" on this issue!

PS4 Has No Used Game Restrictions, Is Totally Offline Capable

If there's one thing that can kick Xbox One hard in the nads, this is it: The PS4 has NO new restrictions on used games! At all! And doesn't need to go online to authenticate. Sony just won tons of hearts and minds.

Read more...

    


11 Jun 11:20

The Majority of the US Population Support Government Phone Tracking

by Jamie Condliffe
Wmy2k7

WTF?

The Majority of the US Population Support Government Phone Tracking

For all the media coverage telling the US public it should be up in arms about the NSA's phone tracking, a new study from Pew suggests that the majority of the population couldn't care less—and in fact support the practice.

Read more...

    


11 Jun 01:47

Samsung Galaxy S III Mini Unlocked Smartphone $200 at OfficeMax

OfficeMax has the Samsung i8190 / GT-i8190L Galaxy S3 III Mini Unlocked Android Smartphone (White) for $300 with free shipping. Sports a 4.0" super AMOLED display vs. the regular S III model's 4.8" screen.

  • Dual-core 1GHz, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5MP camera
  • Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean," quad-band GSM, 802.11n, BT 4.0
  • 10 Jun 01:48

    The 9 Fastest Cars Under $35k

    by Kevin McCauley

    You like to go fast, right? Unfortunately, speed usually comes at a price. If you can’t afford the price tag of, say the latest 911 GT-3, don’t fret, we have you covered. Presenting our selection of 9 autos that will get your adrenaline pumping without breaking the bank. The criteria? Simple. Must go 0-60 in less than 7 seconds, quarter mile in less than 15 seconds and, most importantly, be price under $35,000. Dodge Charger R/T Yeah we know, usually ...
    10 Jun 01:47

    Mammuth Rewarron: The World’s First 1:3 Scale R/C Car

    by Mike Newman

    If we were sitting in the driver’s seat of the Mammuth Rewarron, we’d need a few puke bags by our side. Luckily, we aren’t sitting in the driver’s seat, in fact, no one is. The Mammuth Rewarron is the world’s first 1:3 scale remote controlled car. Powered by a four-stroke engine, this isn’t the same as the R/C car you bought from Radio Shack when you were a kid.
    10 Jun 01:46

    Manoteca Indoor Table

    by Mike Newman

    We’re not sure why, but we’re fairly confident Indiana Jones used this as his dining room table. You know, grab a cup of coffee and a quick snack, and then open it up into a rustic looking desk to get down to business. The interior features 3 recycled rawhide pockets and a wooden drawer that offers a bit of storage. Crafted from an old street door, the Indoor Table is simply one of the most stylish and functional pieces of ...
    10 Jun 01:45

    8 Bar Bets That Will Score You a Free Drink

    by Mike Newman

    A long night of drinking can take a toll on your wallet. We say “can” and not “will” because there’s something you can do about it. If you’re looking to save a couple of bucks the next time you hit up the local watering hole, here are a few tricky ways to do so. Make a few bets and you’ll walk out with your wallet full and your body all liquored up. Brought to you by Jameson Black Barrel. Smoking ...
    10 Jun 01:44

    Mama Walker’s Breakfast Liqueurs

    by Ben Dahl

    We love the Bloody Mary, and the Mimosa and Irish Whiskey, but breakfast drinking can get a little bit stale if you do it more than twice a week. You can get fifteen hundred different types of flavored creamer to internationally delight your taste buds, so how come there aren’t more options for breakfast booze? Say hello to Mama Walker and her new line of breakfast liqueurs. The 70 proof flavor concoctions currently available are: Maple Bacon (faintly burnt smokiness ...
    10 Jun 01:42

    The Cole-Bar Hammer

    by Ben Dahl

    The Cole-Bar Hammer is one of the most exciting Kickstarter projects we’ve backed in a while. If you think about it, the selection of hammers at your local DIY Emporium hasn’t changed in forever. Sure, you can get hammers for fifteen different jobs, but you probably don’t need a roofing hammer, ball peen hammer and firefighter might-as-well-be-an-axe hammer. Every man (and woman as far as we’re concerned) needs at least one phenomenal hammer. It will be the Cole-Bar. The erector ...
    10 Jun 01:41

    Industrial Theme Pipe Lamps

    by Ben Dahl

    Industrial gas pipe is the LEGO of our adult years. Unlike LEGO, you don’t need thousands of pieces to make anything functional, gas pipe is a lot harder to step on and it looks a whole lot cooler. And while you could certainly spend a bunch of time and money at the hardware store picking up parts and building a desk lamp, sconce or floor lamp, it might be easier just to pick up one of these expertly crafted pieces ...
    10 Jun 01:32

    Animal Blueprints

    by Mike Newman

    We’re not scientists, but we do believe most animals are born and not assembled by hand. (Except for the Gila monster, that dude’s constructed in an awesomeness factory somewhere.) Still, we have to admit, these Animal Blueprints are mighty sharp. Styled like 1950′s architectural blueprints, each piece of art depicts a different dog, cat, or horse. Each comes with a bit of a distressed feel to lend each print a used and stored look, and they also display a bit of info ...
    10 Jun 01:32

    Man Candles II

    by Mike Newman

    Not too long ago, Yankee Candle Company – the store known for emanating a scent of lavender throughout the mall – released Man Candles. The series included guy-friendly scented candles in aromas like Riding Mower, 2×4, and First Down. Now they return with some new additions. Man Candles II feature some “Wow, we really want to eat that candle” offerings like MMM, Bacon! and Movie Night. (Movie Night, by the way, smells like buttered popcorn and not your musty basement.) Both are available ...
    10 Jun 01:31

    Stanley Adventure Flask

    by Mike Newman

    For a no-frills flask that’s perfect to toss in your bag when you’re out camping or exploring, turn to Stanley. The classic brand has been crafting solid, well-made food and drink gear since 1913. Their latest flask is the first in the Adventure Series which is aimed at being both essential and rugged. With more grip than its predecessors, the Adventure Series Flask is made of 18/8 stainless steel which won’t rust and is naturally BPA-free. The integrated lanyard assures ...
    10 Jun 01:31

    Fuck It, Let’s Drink Tee

    by Mike Newman

    Never has a shirt so accurately described our default mindset. When deadlines are popping up, shit’s going down, and we feel generally overwhelmed, we find our answers at the bottom of a bottle. The Fuck It, Let’s Drink Tee captures these sentiments precisely. The crewneck t-shirt is perfect for informing the world that you have a solution to any problem imaginable. Made in San Francisco, the ultrasoft tee is the ideal attire for anywhere that is not near your boss.
    10 Jun 01:30

    The Scientific 7-Minute Workout

    by Mike Newman

    The hour we usually spend at the gym is not that efficient. Sure we lift some weights and get in some cardio, but we also watch whatever is on TV, scroll around on our iPhones, and generally don’t push ourselves all that hard. Not only is this Scientific 7-Minute Workout quicker, you don’t need anything besides a chair and a wall to do it. Originally published in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal, the workout is tough, ...
    10 Jun 01:28

    Oddka

    by Mike Newman

    Strange vodka flavors have been a thing for a little while now. While we normally gravitate towards bourbon or some darker colored spirit, vodka certainly has its place when we’re mixing up a drink, and interesting flavored ones can make for some seriously delicious cocktails. Oddka takes the whole idea to another level. With flavors like Wasabi and Salty Caramel Popcorn, the line of vodkas from Wyborowa will add some craziness to your next drink. Besides, getting drunk off Apple Pie sounds ...
    10 Jun 01:27

    The Hot Sauce Cookbook

    by Mike Newman

    If you feel Sriracha goes best on, well, ANYTHING EDIBLE, you’ve got to pick up The Hot Sauce Cookbook. The heat lovers guide showcases dozens of recipes for homemade pepper sauces and salsas even allowing you to replicate classic brands like Frank’s RedHot, Sriracha, and more. The book also features over 50 recipes for spicy dishes that will leave your guests bathed in a pool of their own sweat. You’ll learn a bit about the history of chile-focused recipes and ...
    10 Jun 01:23

    Middle Finger Paperclips

    by Mike Newman

    Don’t you want to show your paperwork how you really feel about it? Give those docs a piece of your mind with The Middle Finger Paperclip. Each box of 20 paperclips lets you get a little bit of emotion off your chest as you organize the random busywork spread across your desk. The Middle Finger Paperclip is ideal for stacking up those papers at the end of the workday right before you head out for happy hour. Just be careful ...
    10 Jun 01:22

    Dci BBQ Branding Iron

    by Mike Newman

    Well, your Father’s Day shopping is done. No gift has ever screamed “Dad!” as much as this BBQ Branding Iron. To be fair, it is fairly awesome. Now you can personalize a message in the next Texas ribeye or porterhouse you serve up off the grill. Simply slide the letters into the track (each letter of the alphabet is included along with extras and spacers) and brand that meat as your own. You come up with the message you want ...
    10 Jun 01:22

    Homemade Lightsaber

    by Mike Newman

    How many years do we have to wait for our own lightsaber? Not those toys that glow and have built in sound effects, but a legit, I’m gonna cut my steak with it, working lightsaber. YouTube user, Styropyro, decided to stop waiting around and make it happen on his own. The laser uses a 9mm 450nm laser diode and runs two 18650 Li Ion batteries, and, while it’s not exactly a real-deal lightsaber, it will torch a lot of stuff ...