06.28.06

Light-Up Chair

Posted in Just Weird And Unusual at 6:29 pm by Kristoff

Eudora by Critz Campbell @ gnr8.biz Oh snap! It’s a chair that lights up! I’m not saying it’s comfortable, but c’mon – it lights up! Generate sells this chair on their site for approximately $3,000. It’s a fiberglass chair, covered with fabric, and then with resin, which doesn’t sound to me like something you’d wanna watch the telle in for very long. Each chair is handmade, and the buyer can optionally specify which fabric to use. As you can see in the picture, you can get pretty wild with fabrics. While these chairs probably aren’t the most comfy, at least it’ll double as a table lamp I suppose. Hey, if light-up chairs are your thing, go for it.

06.22.06

What did you govoreet?

Posted in Personal Expertise, Software at 1:19 pm by Kristoff

Nadsat Translator What raz should we itty to the sinnies? There was me, that is Kristoff, and I’d rather itty watch telly.

WHAT?!

A Clockwork Orange has become a cult classic over the years. After the book, Stanley Kubrick’s interpretation of the novel created even more of a following. As you may know, he also directed Full Metal Jacket, The Shining, 2001: A Space Oddyssey, and Dr. Strangelove. A Clockwork Orange not only comes with a story, but its own language, called Nadsat, made up by the narrator we’ve all learned to love (or hate), Alex. With ties to the Russian language, Alex somewhat skews the words and puts an English twist on them. The book is a good read, and the movie portrays it very well. To sum them both up, I guess I’d call them a bit odd, a bit dark, a bit sadistic, and quite interesting at points. It’s one of those things you’ve gotta experience to know what I’m talking about. For those of you who are interested though, “A Clockwork Orange/Nadsat Translator” can be found here. It’ll translate English to Nadsat, and Nadsat back to English. Also, if you’re thinking of a word but can’t remember how to spell it, it’s got an auto-complete feature full with a description of the word and its origin. All I can say is that I wish I had this program when I was reading the book. All of you who’ve read it know exactly what I mean.

06.20.06

A Piece Of History

Posted in Personal Expertise at 1:45 am by Kristoff

OneShare.com Are you looking for a gift for someone but don't know what to get them? Here's a start; think of a company they're particularly fond of. McDonalds? Coca-Cola? Maybe even Denny's, IBM, Harley-Davidson, Ducati Motor, Ford? Alright, now that you've got something in mind, buy them a part of the company!

Okay, to be honest with you, buying one share of stock by itself isn't going to make you a millionaire, probably not even a hundredaire. Let me explain the concept a bit more. You buy a share from OneShare.com, and it's personalized directly from them (ownership is stated on every stock certificate). The stock holds value in many different unique ways. It's a great piece of artwork, it holds monetary value, personal value, and also a historical value. Nowadays when people buy stock, they buy many shares, and most of the time, it's all electronic. That's all grand if you're looking to make a buck or two, but this is something more. Not only will the value of this piece of art vary from day-to-day, but even if the stock goes down under, the stock still retains a scripophily value. Scripophily is a term referring to the hobby of collecting old and cancelled stocks and bonds. As more and more companies stop issuing paper certificates, these things are becoming rare. Go to Scripophily.com for more info on this interesting hobby.

OneShare offers many different styles in frames, and has an option to further the personalization by adding a plaque with a custom engraving for $10. Not only are you buying a framed stock certificate that'll protect it from the elements, but it's also unfolded, which adds even more value to it. I have to say, this is definitely the best present I've ever gotten for anyone. It's unique, valuable, a piece of art, a piece of history, and it's personal. I didn't really "think it out" per say, because these stocks can get pretty pricey, but it was rather one of those moments where I couldn't think of anything more perfect, and I didn't think twice. Keep it in mind. It can be someone's treasure for now, and their fortune for later.

06.19.06

Tan Through Shirts and Swimsuits!

Posted in Wearable at 12:15 am by Kristoff

Cool ShirtsSummer is definitely here. One thing I like to do when it's warm out is get a nice tan (for the ladies of course). I'm often resorting to sleeveless shirts and t-tops, which are all fine and dandy when I'm working out, but they sure do leave unique tan lines. The geniuses over at Cooltan have developed shirts and swimsuits that'll let ya get your tan while actually wearing something!

Cooltan offers both one and two-piece swimsuits for the gals, and 1, 4, 11, and 19 inch swimsuits for guys. They also make "sarongs" and cover-ups/running shorts for your lady friends. I'd explain what they are, but I'm a guy and I don't think I'm supposed to know anyway.

I have to admit, I'm one who likes solid colors, and you're not going to find them if you're a guy looking for some trunks. They do offer solid black 2-pieces for the women, because c'mon – that's just frickin hot. The way I look at it though is that if you're in shape, you can basically wear just about anything and you'll look good in it. Also, you're not going to find tan through swimmin trunks just anywhere. The prices start around thirty dollars, so just about anyone can afford them. Go to Cooltan.com and take a gander for yourself!

06.15.06

Rhoades Car … Bike?

Posted in Just Weird And Unusual at 1:20 am by Kristoff

Rhoades Car 4W2PCPWhat do you get when you cross a bike and a car? Well, you get a Rhoades Car of course! Another analogy that comes to mind is a paddle boat on wheels. These things can be ordered with a bunch of options. You can buy a one seater, two, or four. 6 speed, 36 speed, canopy, headlights, taillights, positive traction (4WD), electric assist, and even seatbelts are a few other things that can be added. All two and four seaters come with independent freewheels, which means that unlike most paddle boats (which are oh-so-fun), both people aren't forced to pedal at the same speed. While I couldn't imagine myself riding one of these to work or school, I can also think of many situations where they'd be ideal. These would be ideal for golf courses, large factories, places where cars are prohibited (Macinac Island), large parks, or even just taking a ride down town. Living in an area where cars rule the road and you will get tailgated for only going the speed limit, riding a bike on the sidewalk around here is the safest bet. That doesn't elude from the fact that dang, it would be cool to try one of these things out.

I have to be truthful; their website downright sucks (it reminds me so much of the 90's, I wanna puke), and the way they run their business online makes it kind of hard to buy one. There's a video on thier site, kind of like a commercial, and it almost makes you wanna go out and buy one for your grandma. I'm wondering how fast you can get one of these things to go personally, and it really looks like they've got some potential. Their website lacks very important details, such as prices, but I will tell you the prices start around a grand and a half. Considering these aren't quite massively produced, I think that's quite a good price for something so unique and versatile. If you want prices now, you have to give them your home and e-mail address. This is yet another thing that Kristoff would like for Christmas. He will like to lower the frame, hook it up with hydraulics, a bumpin system, and spinner rims. So I have to say, these things are pretty freakin cool, because I'm a 21st century hippy who doesn't smoke weed.

06.11.06

Fizzies Are BACK!

Posted in Edible Stuff at 10:47 pm by Kristoff

Root Beer Fizzies You don’t know how happy I am. Ever since I’ve heard about these things, I was bofoggled as to why these things ever got kicked off the market. All you do is drop one in water, and it instantly turns it into a carbonated drink! It’s like a freakin drink in your pocket! Originally introduced in the 1960’s, Fizzies kinda just “fizzled” away. I’ve got this odd fascination of trying things out once, and Fizzies have definitely been on my list for a while.

Now recreated, Fizzies don’t require you to add sugar anymore. I’m gonna stop going on about this awesome candy/drink/effervescent wonder and direct you to Fizzies’ website. If you want to buy some OldTimeCandy.com sells them, and you can google for more at your own discretion.

Also check out some Abba Zabba from Half Baked and Squirrel Nut Zippers for some nostalgia goodness. Squirrel Nut Zippers are probably one of the best tasting candies I’ve ever had BTW. While we’re on the subject, has anyone seen Red Devil energy drinks anywhere? It’s a Russian company, and last I’ve had these things was probably a good 5 or 6 years ago. If you can ever get your hands on one, it’s probably the best drink I’ve ever tasted. I can tell you this, it certainly kicks Red Bull’s ass any day.

06.07.06

Miniature Living

Posted in Just Weird And Unusual at 12:40 am by Kristoff

XS-HOUSETired of mowing the lawn, vacuuming the carpet, and fixing every darn thing that goes wrong with your house? Do you like to save money? The picture says it all. Yes, it's a house on wheels. Smaller than a conventional RV, these things are made to live in – all the time. While I don't personally think we're going to conquer the world of pollution by living in really freakin small houses, it'd be cool to walk into someone's bedroom, exclaim "your room is bigger than my whole house", and actually mean it.

You too can buy a new house for as little as $22,990. I wouldn't let him deliver it himself though, because it's gonna cost you $3 a mile. That would cost me approximately $7,428 from his place in California to mine in Michigan. Heck, you might as well drive there yourself, while hitting some motels on the way. On the way back, pull on over to a truck stop and sleep in your new house.

The houses come complete with a shower, toilet, sink, water heater, stove, a double burner, and bunking for 2. Needless to say, it's not a question of whether or not someone's gonna be on top, but rather a matter of who. Go to the site and tell me that ain't freakin cool.

06.06.06

The Monkey Chow Diaries

Posted in Just Weird And Unusual at 11:52 pm by Kristoff

Monkey Chow ManFood costs money, and as Americans, or Canadians for that matter (Canada rocks!), we spend a lot of money on food. This guy, this freaking guy is going to eat monkey food for one week. At the time of this writing, he's at day 4, and still alive and kickin'.

"My theory is that monkeys are almost people, so monkey food is almost people food."

I'd give kudos to this man, but it'd be against the rules:

"Officially all of my nutrition is going to come from monkey chow. I'm allowing myself to drink water, obviously to stay alive, black coffee to stay awake, and vodka to help me fall asleep."

Vodka rocks, and I wouldn't want to cut that out of my daily regimen either. I'm glad he has his priorities straight. I have googled for this monkey chow, and it runs for about $30 for 20 lbs. He said at this rate he could probably save about $600 a month by not wasting it all on food, appliances, and electricity. As I'm currently thinking about moving out and getting an apartment of my own, the subject of saving money interests me greatly.

This here proves that yes, Canadians are superbeings. So, if this guy doesn't die on us, do you think I too should give it a shot?