Beginning of a New Week

I love Mondays! Must be a geek thing. When I was a kid I couldn’t wait for the start of the summer holidays but within a week I was wanting to go back to school. I think this is a feeling that only geeks really had (we used to be called nerds…sheesh). I was lucky in that I was a math/science geek and my parents encouraged that. My friends well remember the chemistry and microscopes I had as a kid. They were adult grade (back in the days when chemistry sets had real chemicals in them!) and I had a blast all summer with my various projects (Think Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory….without homeland security butting into matters).
Now I look forward to the start of the work week. Because I work for myself, I spend Mondays looking for new projects to start. I love the thrill of it. Building websites, writing articles. It’s great fun and I get paid for it as well! Yay me!
Sunday wouldn’t be Sunday if I didn’t spend at least a part of it on Facebook and Twitter. If you are looking for new friends for:
Gardens of Time
Blackwood and Bell
Astrogarden
Flowershop
Then find me on Facebook at: facebook.com/accer70
You can find me on Twitter at: ACCER

Technorati Tags: facebook,twitter,work,geeks,education

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Microsoft Kinect Hacked to play World of Warcraft

I. MUST. HAVE. THIS! Now if I just get my Technomancer Hoodie and a Microsoft Kinect....I'll be all set to Rule Azaroth!


Living Rooms all around the world are shaking with fear of users actually taking swords and attacking their big screens thanks to a new hack for the Microsoft Kinect that allows gamers to play World of Warcraft without a keyboard.

It’s no secret that the Kinect is rapidly becoming the most hacked device since the Hackintosh, but students at the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies have takent he next step in developing a software hack which enables gamers to use the motion device to immerse themselves even deeper into the online Mid-evil world.

The hack is called the “Flexible Action and Articulated Skeleton Toolkit, (FAAST) and it uses full-body motion control. Gamer can not only wield a sword or axe to take out a feisty orc, but they can also cast spells, making it nirvana for those who secretly love to dress up to play their favorite game. And it’s only a matter of time before someone figures out a way to use their light saber collection to battle someone online.

But with everyone creating bold new uses for the Kinect and porting it over to the PC, the sky is truly the limit for what can be done with this game changing device. And it makes the world of Minority Report that much closer, but in a bold and exciting way. Imagine editing video’s just with a snip of your fingers and a wave of your hand? Designing in CAD programs Tony Stark style. And getting rid of the keyboard forever?

It’s not just for games anymore and that’s a cool thing.

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Technomancer Wizard Hoodie

Ok, I totally need this. Really. I could finally channel all my vast occult knowledge gleaned from my years of playing Warcraft and rain fine down on people! I really could!

This is an offering from those wacky code monkeys at Think Geek and man is it ever cool!

Wild Mage. Wizard. Sorcerer. Illusionist. Enchanter. Invoker. Necromancer. There are so many words to describe people who wield magical powers. We have one word: badass. Let's look at your average adventuring party: The fighter swings her greatsword, cleaving through two orcs. Sweet. The rogue pops out of the shadows, backstabbing the hobgoblin. Nice! The ranger fires an arrow through the throat of The Bandit King, right in the middle of his monologue. Love it. The cleric is adept with both a mace and a bandage. Phew! But the wizard sets entire battlefields on fire without so much a singe on his velvet robes.


You have the Will to be a spellcaster in real life, and ThinkGeek is here like a wizened oracle to deliver you the way. Introducing the Technomancer Digital Wizard Hoodie. Donning this unique garment will transform you into a powerful mage ready to blast off spells at a moment's notice. The sleeves of the Technomancer contain dual accelerometers which sense the movements of your hands. Move them in one of the pre-programmed spell sequences and the sleeves of the hoodie light from within, the internal speaker booms, and the hood illuminates your face in an eerie glow.


Of course, a seasoned wizard has a variety of spells in their repertoire. The Technomancer Hoodie offers ten different spells including fireball, healing, and lightning bolt (lightning bolt, lightning bolt!). Each spell is accompanied by unique light and sound effects powered by the embedded speaker and over two dozen bright multicolored LEDs. Of course, you'll have to train daily to learn the right sequence of movements to cast each spell. We hear the College of Winterhold is accepting applications.


Product Specifications

• Transform yourself into a powerful mage with this hoodie
• Dual accelerometers in the sleeves sense your hand movements
• Move your hands in the right sequence to cast a specific spell
• Internal speakers will create the spellcasting sound effects
• LEDs in the hood and sleeves light up with the appropriate color
• Ten different spells including: fireball, healing, and lightning bolt
• Illustrated directions included to teach you the movements for each spell
• Patent pending technology designed by ThinkGeek
• Machine Washable: Electronic components can be removed for washing

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Welcome 2012

Happy New Year Everyone!

So, has anyone else made resolutions? I prefer to set goals for the year. Here are a few of mine. If you have any you want to share, please do so.

• Get rid of the rest of the books. 

I've gotten my book collection down to a manageable level but I still have far too many. My goal is to have only one bookshelf full by the end of the year. I have a digital copy of every single book I possible could have and have stored copies on a hard drive so my Kindle isn't overloaded. As it is, if I live to be 150 I will never get through all the new books I have yet to read....and that is if I stop today. Oh well, I can think of worse problems to have.

• Improve my health.

I know I'm a geek but running through Azaroth and killing Orcs does NOT equal a fitness program. I need to actually step away from the computer (shudder) every now and then and actually venture outside. I actually live in a really cool place. I'm not out on my porch for 5 minutes before I see other humans actually walking around. Kids play, pets roam. The last place I lived I never ever saw that. In 20 years I never saw kids playing outside. Spooky. Anyway, my goal is to get in a walk at least every other day. Outside. I'll take my phone. LOL. Me without technology is NOT pretty.

• Go to church more often

Bet you didn't see THAT coming, did you? Yes, the resident Techno-Geek, holder of advance science degrees is a Christian. It's okay; I'm Catholic. That means I'm from the branch that believes in Evolution, Medicine and all of the other advantages of the 21 century. I'm also a firm believer that a healthy spiritual life is as important as a healthy body and education. It's all about balance my friends.

• Read more books

Again, it's about balance. A little less time sitting in front of the computer screen and a little more time sitting and...oh, wait. Anyway, reading on my Kindle is a good break from the instant communication world of the Internet. Oh, heck, who am I kidding? I just need to get some of the books read so I can buy more.

Well that's it for now. See you all soon!

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Angry Birds Pork Rinds: It's about time!

This is one of those things that I didn't realize I wanted until I saw them. This is even better than microwave pork rinds (which I still don't grasp).

From the website:
Need to make three stars on every level of Angry Birds? Then you'd better pop open a can of Tiger Blood and a bag of Angry Birds Pork Rinds! Taste the crisp, salty, inspiring, savory flavor that only green pigs can produce.


Get them before the lawyers beat you to them! You can find them, where else, but over at Think Geek.

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Inflatable Backyard Log Flume

You know kids – they seem to have boundless amounts of energy, and you as a parent or guardian will need to find a way to harness such energy into creative and beneficial activities. If you live on landed property and do not quite know how to put your backyard to good use, then here is the $599.95 Inflatable Backyard Log Flume which would be the perfect addition to your home – just make sure you have your fair share of boisterous kids in the first place. This log flume will inflate in just a couple of minutes, and with two chutes which are constantly irrigated by two sprinklers that are attached to a single garden hose, you are guaranteed that you would have enough time to read a book while the kids play their hearts out. I would have LOVED this as a kid!

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Steampunk Industrial Cuff Watch

If you are a Steampunk fan then do I have a watch for you!
With the Steampunk trend still going strong, many are still creating lots of fun things for us to drool over.  This new one has found it’s way onto eBay.  The watch was of course handmade and comes complete with brass hardware as well as little vintage clock parts and gears.  For the watch itself he used a vintage quartz Giani-Giorgio watch. You can find it on Amazon.

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Game Show Clock

“Wheel….of….Fortune!!!” Remember that zany game show from the early 1980s, where Pat Sajak and the ever lovely Vanna White (also the world’s most frequent TV clapper) kept us glued to our seats as we attempted to solve puzzle after puzzle in the classic gameshow. Well, time has certainly passed in the two decades, and while such game shows are no longer drawing in the audience quite unlike reality TV, you can still bring home a slice of nostalgia with the $27.99 Game Show Clock. There are no puzzles to solve except the one that your boss throws onto your desk, and if you are a clock watcher, surely you would love for the needles to land on the time where you are supposed to get off work – as stated in the employment letter, anyways. Definitely worth a purchase if you want to take a walk down memory lane, or know a Wheel of Fortune enthusiast.

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Klipsch LightSpeaker brings sound and light together

I saw this product at CES Unveiled, and I couldn’t help but wonder why someone hadn’t thought of mixing a light and a speaker together before.

Klipsch’s LightSpeaker, developed by Kadence Designs LLC, comes with a dimmable LED bulb and full-range speaker, which enables it to fit into five and six inch recessed light fixtures with a standard Edison socket. Accessories will allow the LightSpeaker to accommodate floor lamps, table lamps, as well as hanging light fixtures.

The LightSpeaker uses a 20 watt high-performance, low distortion digital amplifier for energy-efficient sound. The audio is delivered wirelessly with a standalone 2.4 GHz transmitter. So your sound can be taken from a laptop, CD Player, or iPod. The LightSpeaker can accommodate up to eight LightSpeakers, and it can equalize stereo sound in many rooms. Yes, with the simple application of light, all sound will be transferred across the house.

The LED bulb is rated for 40,000 hours, which enables it to last for 15 years. It can supposedly reduce daily lighting expenses by 80 percent, because it uses 10 watts to produce light that are bright enough to replace up to a 65 watt blub.

The LightSpeaker is slated to be released in March as a bundled package. A set consists of two LightSpeakers, transmitter, radio frequency remote, mini-jack to RCA plug cable, lenses and trim, and will sell for $599. A single one will sell for about $249.

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Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus

When Palm’s Pre was announced at the last CES alongside their webOS platform, the world was abuzz at what could possibly be an iPhone killer. Unfortunately as time has proven, while the idea was great, the execution wasn’t done properly, which was why the Palm Pre (and its follow up, the Pixi) failed to make that much of an impact around the world despite it being a really great handset to use. Well, CES 2010 sees Palm coming back with a vengeance with the announcement of two more Palm handsets that are based on the webOS platform – the Palm Pre Plus and the Palm Pixi Plus, where they will be made exclusives over Verizon Wireless’ network this coming January 25th for a yet undisclosed price. To know just what new stuff Palm has thrown in, kindly head on to the extended post.

At first glance, the Palm Pre Plus looks the same like the original Palm Pre, where you are greeted with a large, vivid touchscreen display, a high-performance processor and a slide-out keyboard. While the keyboard is still easy to use and makes for quick typing, the navigation button has been removed, making that the most glaring difference. You will get double the memory with 16GB of storage space, while it already comes with the Palm Touchstone Back Cover that makes it Touchstone Charging Doc-ready right from the get go.

As for the Palm Pixi Plus, Palm addresses the Pixi’s greatest weakness by throwing in Wi-Fi support. Yes, at long last you are able to go online from various hotspots without suffering from such indignation amidst a slew of other smartphones that have long supported such a feature. Apart from that improvement, we also have word on the all-new Palm mobile hotspot. This webOS app allows you to create a personal Wi-Fi cloud that can support up to 5 other Wi-Fi devices, which means there no longer is any need to purchase software like Joiku and the ilk. Would all the improvements stated above make you want to open up your wallet and go all out to bring home either Palm device, or are you much more of an iPhone or Android fan?

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There were a lot of robots on parade at CES this year, and this one was the I-FAIRY from Kokoro Co. 

According to my source, this robot can be “programmed with the user’s voice and accompanying body gestures that give the I-FAIRY a more natural feel when used for museum guide work”. I have an attached video after the jump that shows it doing nothing of the sort, but rather sitting in one place and occasionally moving to the beat of rock music.

I guess someone’s finally invented a robot that slacks off, eh? No, just kidding. The I-FAIRY was developed in conjunction with Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and I have no doubt that it can do everything that it says as far as being a museum guide.

After all, do we really need to pay some human being to walk around a museum andshow us things when a robot could do it far more interestingly? By the way, the I-FAIRY is also designed to do corporate presentations. Seriously? Now I have heard just about everything about robots today.

Actually, I just heard some interesting fact about robots today that is more related to the Adult Entertainment Expo that is held next door to CES every year. Apparently, someone has invented Roxxxy, a very pleasurable fembot. However, I’m not going to bother to report on that. Do your own research if you want to hear more about that.

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Think Geek does it again!

Once the moodInq canvas is implanted, you can change your tattoo in less than five minutes. Choose from professional artwork or upload your own files, run the moodInq Wand over your canvas, and voila! New tattoo!

Another hit from those Code Monkeys over at ThinkGeek!

You know, I think I just might need one of these. 

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Belkin has new 802.11n wireless router range

Belkin is an old hand when it comes to wireless devices as well as other computing peripherals, and this time round they have a new range of 802.11n wireless routers for you to choose from, basically with a handful of models to suit just about any needs there are out there. These new wireless routers feature fun and powerful applications, and comprise of the Surf, Share, Play, and Play Max Wireless Routers which will allow you to play music, games, and HD videos while sharing photos and enable wireless printing from just about anywhere in your home.

Belkin has specially designed such applications to enhance your wireless experience, where they are a snap to set up while keeping you online with the most optimal connection always. For instance, the Self-Healing app will automatically detect and resolve network problems while running routine maintenance scans in order to provide you with the clearest wireless channel. All Share, Play, and Play Max Routers will come with the Print Genie application which enables one to wirelessly print from any computer on the network in your home, while Memory Safe will perform an automatic backup your photos and files to an external hard drive (needless to say, you will need to pick up the external hard drive by yourself) so that you can be sure all your digital memories are archived in a prim and proper manner.

The use of advanced Dual-Band N technology in Belkin’s Play and Play Max Routers are more than capable of providing the best speed and performance. Simultaneous networks will eliminate interference while enabling you to optimize performance for media-intensive activities, including streaming HD movies, gaming online, and downloading large media files for those who love Torrents. As for apps that are available on the Play and Play Max routers, you will be more empowered by your music more than ever before. Music Mover will play your whole music library on a range of smart devices including the Xbox 360 or PS3, where creating your own tunes is but a touch away. The Daily DJ app will unveil daily personalized playlists to stay in step with your current mood. Prices range from $79.99 to $129.99, depending on the model of your choice.

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The Big Bang Theory

Ok, my last post was on Leverage, an action-drama. So I want to give equal time to a comedy. My comedy of choice is The Big Bang Theory….which should make sense to anyone who has ever even glanced at this blog. Hell, half of their set comes from the Think Geek Catalog!

I think I most identify with Sheldon, via personality. The big difference though is that Sheldon doesn’t realize that he’s being the way he is and I do; I just don’t care.

For someone who doesn’t watch much television (I mean there is no Star Trek or X-Files so what’s the point?) I’ve managed to post about two shows in as many posts. I hope you are all happy because this is about the best I can do. Other than some special on Discovery or History, these are the only two shows I watch!

Technorati Tags: Television,tv,entertainment,big bang theory

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Leverage

Is anyone else watching this??? This is a great show and prominently features a techno geek! I love it when that happens. He and I have a lot in common, apart from computers and hacking. We both love to move around a lot but want to put down roots, we both want to live in the bat cave and we both need orange soda to work.

For those who haven’t seen the show. It’s about a team of criminals who work to help people that the legal system has failed because the bad guy has more money or connections and the system is corrupt.

The leader of the team is a former insurance adjuster (I TOLD you they were all criminals) who sets up the con with the rest of the team which includes a woman who is a grifter (confidence woman), a military retrieval specialist (hit man), a young woman who is a rather gifted thief and the hacker dude.

If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out. It’s well worth your time.

Technorati Tags: television,tv,entertainment,leverage

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Where do you live?

A question out there for fellow Techno-Geeks: Where do you live?

No, I don’t mean your address (I’m not some whacked out cyber-stalker) I mean your general geographic location. Now if you want to include you city, that’s great. I’m interested in the type of place you live, the geology, climate urban v/s rural…..that kind of thing.  Here is what I’m looking for, I’ll use myself as an example:

I live in a small rural town in extreme southern Illinois. The population of my town is roughly 8,000 (during the autumn festival and on Sundays during church). I’m about 1 1/2 hours from St. Louis, Missouri.

Here are a couple of photos of my local area:

I’ve actually been known to write from the hump of the camel above using my laptop and 3G.

Technorati Tags: southern illinois,laptops,travel,work,lifestyles

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Free Magazine

I love free stuff. This is particularly nice because it’s designed for people like us! This is a magazine for techno geeks called Computer Power User. You can get it at CPUmag.com What could be easier? So hop on over there and get your free subscription.

Technorati Tags: Magazines,books,computers,free stuff

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CES 2010: Hands-On With Transparent Display of the Future

Science fiction becomes reality with this transparent OLED display prototype from Samsung.

Just go see it on wired.com It's absolutely worth it.

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Acer Aspire One - Purple

Best. Netbook. EVER!

And it's purple! Do I really have to go into detail about how incredibly wonderful it is to have a purple netbook? Nah, I didn't think so.

Here are the Specs on the computer part....but did you notice that it's PURPLE???

That's right, it's PURPLE!

Specifications:

• 10.1-inch LED-backlit CrystalBrite screen (1024 x 600 resolution)
• Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do--less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. And Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows.
• Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. A small notebook PC running Windows 7 Home Premium is even easier to use. The new taskbar and advanced navigation features make launching programs, opening files, managing windows, and getting around your PC faster and easier. Personalize your PC to be just the way you want it with helpful gadgets and desktop themes--even turn your desktop into a slideshow of your favorite photos. And you get the best entertainment experience on a PC. With Windows Media Center, you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.
• 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor combines performance and efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while mobile
• Up to 3.15 hours of battery life with included 3-cell battery
• Multi-gesture Touchpad for circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, and page flip
• 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM)
• 1 GB DDR2 RAM (667 MHz; 2 GB maximum capacity)
• Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 video processor
• Crystal Eye webcam supports Acer PrimaLite technology, which consists of a premium sensor, firmware and lenses to provide superior video performance under low-light conditions. A built-in digital microphone helps keep background noise levels low and minimizes echoes.
• 84-key keyboard, 89 percent of standard-size with 12 function keys, WLAN switch
• 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
• Fast Ethernet (10/100)
• VGA video output
• Stereo speakers and optimized Dolby Headphone technology for 5.1-channel audio
• Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
• Dimensions: 10.17 x 7.24 x 1 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 2.44 pounds
• Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This Acer Aspire One notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Acer InviLink) that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks and offers Acer's SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency. It also providesFast (10/100) Ethernet networking.

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• Multi-in-1 memory card reader compatible with MultiMediaCard, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO or xD-Picture Card
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack

What's in the Box
This package contains the Acer Aspire One AOD250-1025 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

It also comes with the following software: McAfee Internet Security Suite 2009 (trial version with 60 days of live update); Microsoft Works with Office Home and Student 2007 Trial; Google Desktop; Norton Online Backup; WildTangent

10.1-Inch CrystalBrite Screen

The 10.1-inch screen has a WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600) and support for up a 262K color depth. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses shared video memory with the main memory. Acer's CrystalBrite display technology guarantees the best possible visual experience by preventing the diffusion of surrounding light and internal ray. Compared to normal TFT LCDs, Acer CrystalBrite technology is able to read color coordinates more accurately, thus minimizing distortion and creating high-fidelity colors in all environments.

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A New Direction

Relax, I will still be doing oodles and gobs of reviews of tech gadgets. I’m also going to be including some other types of posts as well. Some about the lifestyles of the technologically inclined (Techno-Geeks). I hope that my readers will find this information interesting if not useful.

At any rate, that’s the post for today. Welcome to 2010.

 

Happy New Year!

Technorati Tags: Geeks,computers,lifestyles

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