2007 March

The brand-spanking new OQO 02 Windows-based handheld computer is shipping (so say the good folks at news.com) and I’m dying to get my hands on one of the nifty little beasts. Just take a look at the tiny model 02 and tell me you wouldn’t want to take it for a spin around the block […]

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the 7-Eleven Corporation is planning to turn almost a dozen existing stores across the states into Kwik-E-Marts for the release of “The Simpsons Movie.” Now we can finally forgive them for unleashing the Big Gulp upon us.
If all goes as planned, the convenience store chain plans to refit 11 […]

Is this the beginning of a trend? NPR reports that loan companies in Finland are accepting loan applications via text message. It seems these Finn lenders have taken the payday loan scheme a big step further into impulse land. “The loans are approved quickly but come with exorbitant interest rates.” The lure of cash in […]

Looking for the ultimate case for your home theater PC? Your search just might be over. The Zalman HD160XT delivers the holy grail for the home theater PC aficionado: a stereo component form factor and a spiffy 7-inch touch-screen LCD on the face. Forget that boring beige … these aluminum-cased babies come in either anodized […]

My jaw dropped when I opened the electric bill today. Okay, so I was warned. I just didn’t expect it to be this bad … now it was cold last month, but sheesh … it looks like the spiffy new home office electric fireplace conspired to double our electric bill. Sure, it was on sale […]

Anyone that’s been in the web site building game for any amount of time has accumulated a list of web hosting companies that rock … and a list of web hosting companies that are 180 degrees in the other direction. Whether you use cheap virtual web hosts or heavy-duty dedicated servers, you’re bound to have […]

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at Forex trading, but have been afraid to ask? Forex.com is offering a deal for folks to “Experience the exciting world of currency trading with a FREE practice account.” Forget about your online poker addiction, my friends. With the US Government’s crackdown on Internet gambling, this just […]

Know someone that’s into home brewing? The Sam Adams Brewery is running its 2007 Long Shot American Homebrew Contest. Winning home brews will take home a one-time royalty of $5,000 and bragging rights for life. Here’s the chance to turn that homebrew hobby into national fame (if not fortune).
The […]

How long do compact fluorescent light bulbs last? It all depends who you ask. After having been on the compact fluorescent bandwagon for years, it’s clear that some compact fluorescent light bulbs last far longer than others. The fantastic energy cost savings (roughly 75%) are offset by the bulbs’ higher cost. This in turn, is […]

ESPN2 is broadcasting a pair of UEFA Champions League Round of 16, 2nd leg soccer matches in high-definition this week. Why is this worthy of a mention? Because most Americans have never seen soccer with this beauty and intensity, certainly not in HD. There’s no comparison. This is why you bought that big screen TV, […]

What’s that? You missed the news that CompUSA is closing down stores left and right? Love ‘em or hate ‘em, CompUSA is closing more than half their stores. Blame it on Best Buy. Blame it on economic realities. Or you could just lay the blame on lame. Here’s a list of stores that CompUSA is […]

“Not wild about what you hear when you’re in that tele-communicated purgatory we call ‘on hold’? Neither are we and we want you to change it.” says Magic Hat. My fave Vermont-based brewery is holding a “Solid Gold on Hold” contest with a $1,000 grand prize shopping spree at Small Dog Electronics. Death to mundane […]

I tried to learn how to play the guitar back when I was a kid. It was a miserable experience. My hands were far too small, I had no patience, and there was no Internet to help me find my way. Flash forward a few decades and I’m learning how to play the guitar, once […]