I’m reminded of the time, during a lecture on IP addressing, a professor of mine was telling the class about how he taught his son to count using the binary system before he taught him to count using the decimal system. He said his son picked it up very easily and has remembered it ever since. These clocks and watches are made for people like that professor. I have to admit that although I wasn’t taught binary at a young age, I do know enough to be able to figure out the time on these clocks. I believe that if you don’t know how to read or write binary you can figure these clocks and watches out with some practice. If you need to brush up on your binary counting or just want some history, check out the Wiki on the binary numeral system.

The clock shown to the left is a simple binary clock that comes in a blue LED with silver front (shown at left), or a red LED with translucent/black front. There is also a dim button that allows you to adjust the brightness of the LED light output. Check out the product page for detailed instructions on how to read this clock. Once you feel comfortable enough with your binary reading skills you can take it outdoors with this handsome binary watch available in blue or red LEDs. Get ready to snicker in amusement at people’s faces when they ask what time it is and you brandish your watch to let them figure it out. If you are looking for a more sleek and stylish version of the binary watch I’d suggest this square shaped watch.

For those of you that want the cool look of the binary clock, but just can’t bring yourself to be a total nerd and learn to read binary there is the Tix LED Clock. It looks more like a piece of home decor rather than a clock because of it’s soft LED glow and no numbers. To tell the time you just have to add up the number of lit squares in each field (it’s easier than it sounds).

Posted by Sean in Gadgets,Nerd on September 30, 2006
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With summer days fast becoming just a memory, I long for ways to keep a bit of the season with me year-round. Just about all of my favorite hallmarks of summer aren’t really as enjoyable when the weather turns: popsicles, bikinis, flip-flops… they’re just not the same without the hot summer sun working its magic. But LUSH has heard my plea and created a new product that is scented like coconut suntan lotion! It won’t get a chance to prove the full extent of its powers during fall, but their Coconut Deodorant Powder will still keep me dry and smelling like a day at the beach even in sweater weather. LUSH has been selling their line of deodorant bars for some time, but this is their first line of deodorant powders. Also available are Mr. T, Powder Puff, and Powdry (all vegan-friendly).

For those of you still using antiperspirant, let’s summarize why LUSH makes alternatives, and why so many people are making the switch. Aluminum (the key ingredient in all antiperspirants) is believed to cause cancer and Alzheimer’s, and it is the ingredient that prohibits your body from sweating. It clogs your pores and causes the skin to become dry since the glands can’t sweat. While this does reduce sweating, it also makes your underarm skin dry and aggravated. Aluminum is also notorious for yellowing clothing. Deodorants (opposed to antiperspirants), like LUSH’s powders, use yummy scented essential oils to fight odor-causing bacteria, microfine powders to absorb wetness and odors, and plant-based oils to moisturize your delicate underarm skin. When I learned these facts several years ago I ditched antiperspirants for good and am very pleased with deodorants from natural brands like LUSH. I’ve discussed this topic a lot online and the consensus (which I agree with) is that deodorants work and smell great, but if you tend to sweat heavily then you may not be pleased with the results. (During California heat waves I sometimes miss my old antiperspirant!) Deodorants do take some getting used to, but after a brief transition period you will see and feel your underarms becoming softer and less irritated and many people even say they seem to sweat less. Not a bad deal, especially when you get to smell like coconut suntan lotion in the process.

2008 Update: I finally tried the Coconut scented deodorant powder! It smells like an absolute dream: just like tropical suntan lotion out of the container, and then like toasted coconut when it comes in contact with skin. The delicious scent is the best part though, as the sweat-absorbing leaves a bit to be desired. Great for cooler months, but definitely won’t cut it in the summer.

Posted by Lauren in Green Living,Just For You on September 28, 2006
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On Halloween night, lawn decorations get the most attention simply because trick-or-treaters have to pass them to get their treats. Low lying fog, eerie colored lights, and spooky sounds are all just accents to your lawn decorations, which are the center of attention to your costumed visitors. My obsession for zombies brings us to an obvious choice for lawn decorations that should bring a scare or smile to anyones masked face.

First up is the Corpse Solar Light that cleverly combines a solar powered lantern held by an undead rising corpse. It rises 17 inches above the ground and requires no extension cord or batteries because it’s solar powered. Leave it out during the day and it will charge itself up to work at night. With that same idea in mind check out the Skeleton Arm Solar Light, which is basically the same, but just a skeleton arm holding a solar powered lamp and no head. Add a creepy tombstone next to either of these to complete the look… more
[via 365 Halloween]

Posted by Sean in Halloween on
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Mable’s is always on the lookout for sustainable options that look good while still serving a purpose. MIO states that they are a “design company dedicated to creating the most sustainable and innovative design experiences in the market“, and their available products are the proof. From their modular 3D wallpaper made from recycled materials to their flat-packed Bendant Lamp, the eco-centric materials used and manufacturing efficiencies are apparent.

I’m drawn to their modular 3D wallpaper because it can be arranged in many different ways, can be temporary or permanent, is easily stored for later use, and is made of recycled materials. They even recommend paints and adhesives to use if you want to change the color and adhere them to different surfaces. Currently they have 3 styles of modular 3D wallpaper available at reasonable prices. Two of them can be rotated and assembled in many ways to create a different feel and flow each time, and the third is designed to diffuse sound, reduce acoustic glare and standing waves. Perfect for the city apartment dweller!

MIO also has a good collection of lighting fixtures and lamps to choose from. My favorite is the steel Bendant Lamp because of its explosive look and how it’s ready for you to tweak how you see fit. The lamp is sent to you in a flat box and when you put it together you get to decide how you want it shaped. You choose what shadows get created and what light gets to escape making you the co-designer of this eco-friendly lamp.
[via HappyMundane]

Posted by Sean in Green Living,Unique on September 27, 2006
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I just love these simple, nature inspired runners from Plum Party. Made of stone or moss, they lend a natural flare that is at once both elegant and rustic, and they can be used for many purposes. Several years ago, feeling inspired by a project in ReadyMade, I set about adding some outdoors to my indoor living space. I started by adding a homemade astroturf runner across the very large mantel in my craftsman era apartment, which, despite sounding a quite tacky, looked perfect. In retrospect I probably would have opted for something readymade, as teeny bits of astroturf were always escaping from the unfinished edges of the runner. Ah, the blight of the lazy crafter.

Thankfully there’s also a Moss Runner (made from real moss) that won’t create those little green messes. Even if your style isn’t so earthy, these runners can be used for tropical or beach themed parties. Otherwise these are going to make a perfect foundation for your creative natural home decor. At 40″-60″ in length, they’re long enough to span a large table or mantelpiece or can be pieced together to create a walkway through rooms or outdoors.

RELATED: Nature Inspired Home Decor

Posted by Lauren in Household on September 26, 2006
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Stringing lights up around the edges of your home is so 1900′s. We haven’t seen much advancement in styles other than more colors and “icicle lights”. Now, thanks to technology, we can project fun shapes on the sides of our homes.

Well that’s why there is this Light Display Projector. It’s a device that shines bright light onto your house, or where ever you have it aimed, with a filter to make amusing shapes that float by. These are typically used most during the Halloween and Christmas seasons, but it can be used all year long. It’s great for letting visitors know which house is having the birthday party, wedding, graduation, etc. Tell them to look for the house with the flying deer, stars, balloons, skaters, witches, bats, ghosts or snow flurries all over it. These are all the shapes it comes with, but I’m curious to know if you can easily make your own.

There is a mirror ball inside that you can adjust to determine the direction at which things are flying by as well as a switch to adjust the speed of their flight. Each design is on an interchangeable slide that easily slips in and out of the light projector. The projector comes with a sturdy stand to help keep it upright even in the lawn and plugs into a regular AC outlet.

Anyone know of any modifications or homemade slides for this? I’d definitely be interested in hearing from you.

Posted by Sean in Halloween,Outdoors on September 25, 2006
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Every time I visit a baking website or store I come up with new ideas for Halloween recipes and creepy food presentation. If you’ve been to the site before you may have realized this already. So far I’ve covered this year’s new Halloween-themed cupcake and cake options, and I’ve finally found some cookie cutters that befit our creepy kitchens. Cuz we know the traditional pumpkin and cat shapes are old hat.

In the shapes of hands and feet, these small cookie cutters will make a delicious spread fit for zombies and cannibals alike. This could actually be one of the most simple, yet impressively presented, homemade treats in your spooky arsenal. I picture just small amounts of red icing on the fingertips & toenails (or almond slivers, as many “witch’s fingers” recipes suggest) and some of the digits being snipped off or malformed before baking. Unlike other roll-out/cookie cutter recipes, you won’t have to spend copious amounts of time frosting each one to make it look fantastic, and you won’t have to resort to those nasty pre-made dough packages from the store. One more upswing is less frosting = less sugar during a time when everything is loaded with sugar. Here’s an idea of what a stack of hand cookies looks like, and how deforming the hands and feet can give it an even creepier appearance… more
[via 365 Halloween]

Posted by Lauren in Halloween,Household on
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There aren’t many gifts you can give someone to help comfort them in their time of loss, but planting a memorial tree is a great option. While flowers will fade, the thought of a young tree being planted for their lost someone or pet will last a lifetime. The memorial tree is a remembrance of the past and at the same time a renewing of life. It’s a living, growing legacy benefiting the environment for years to come.

TreeGivers has been planting trees since 1981 and will help arrange for your memorial tree to be planted in the state or listed country of your choice. Along with the gift of planting a tree in memorial of their loss they will also receive a sympathy letter, sympathy card, and an official certificate of the planting. The official certificate can also be framed before it’s sent to its recipient.

Planting a tree can also be for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, Mother’s day, or just a thank you to someone special. Whatever the occasion planting a tree will always be a special gift that lasts forever. Other options include planting multiple trees in multiple countries or states. You can even have them send you some seedlings so that you can make it an activity to plant trees in your very own yard and watch them grow for years to come. Seedlings also come with instructions and free shipping. Getting seedlings is one of my favorite ideas because you can periodically visit the tree that you personally planted to see how big it’s grown!

Posted by Sean in Green Living,Unique on September 24, 2006
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We generally aren’t much for promoting celebrity-branded anything, but we had to let you know about these cute sandals. Heidi Klum got together with Germany based Birkenstock to create some limited edition sandals. They worked together to create quite a few styles but we’re only focusing in the cruelty-free vinyl sandals. They’re called Birkenstock Star and come in green, blue, and our personal favorite pink. Although these are “designed” by Heidi Klum, they keep true to the Birkenstock standards of comfort, support, and function. The footbed liner curves to ensure even weight distribution and proper arch support. You’ll see how contoured the footbed is by checking out the detailed product pictures over at Zappos and selecting the back view. Also notice that the raised toe bar is designed to encourage the natural gripping motion of your feet, exercise your legs and improve circulation.

These Birkenstock Star sandals are currently on a 10% off sale over at Zappos. If you’ve never ordered shoes online, take comfort in Zappos 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you aren’t happy with your purchase for any reason they will even pay for return shipping back to them in addition to refunding the entire purchase price.

Doing a little research on this Klum-Birkenstock project I read an article over at Kitmeout, which ponders what celebrity designed shoes could mean for Birkenstock’s branding and intended audience. Like Kitmeout, I also look forward to a brand that is “free from celebrity and stardom… reminiscent of the ‘hippie’ era” like Birkenstock used to be.

Posted by Sean in Clothing and Accessories,Unique on September 23, 2006
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We just got word of a 10% off coupon from PajamaGram. When you send a PajamaGram you are sending a new pair of comfy pajamas in a kit that includes FREE: Keepsake organza hatbox, lavender sachet, Do Not Disturb sign, personalized gift card, and decorative shipping box. You can even add in candles, books, or some relaxing music.

The idea of sending a PajamaGram is to give that person an excuse to relax and pamper themselves. Everyone needs some alone time just to unwind and take a break from their everyday schedule. They don’t always want or have the time to go to a spa or on an elaborate vacation, and that’s where PajamaGram comes in. Send them a gift set with some relaxing music, a good book, a sweet smelling candle, and some soft pajamas to enjoy their alone time in the comfort of their own home. Of course gift certificates are also available in case you just can’t decide and would rather they picked out their gifts of choice.

COUPON: PajamaGram’s 10% off sale expires October 15th 2006. Just use coupon code pptr10d at checkout.

Posted by Sean in Fun,Unique on September 20, 2006
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