Tammy Bruce: Gadgets/Toys Archives

Gadgets/Toys Archives

Mexican Official Caught Stealing White House Blackberries

The Blackberry Bandito

Stealing our stuff and taking things that don't belong to them apparently isn't limited to Mexican illegal aliens, it's also the preferred activity of Mexican government officials. Scum.

Secret Service Catch Mexican Official Nabbing White House BlackBerries

Whether he was up to no good or simply desperate to play BrickBreaker, a Mexican press attaché was caught on camera by Secret Service pocketing several White House BlackBerries during a recent meeting in New Orleans, FOX News has learned.

Sources with knowledge of the incident said the official, Rafael Quintero Curiel, served as the lead press advance person for the Mexican Delegation and was responsible for handling logistics and guiding the Mexican media around at the conference. He took six or seven of the handheld devices from a table outside a special room in the hotel where the Mexican delegation was meeting with President Bush earlier this week...

Sources said Quintero Curiel made it all the way to the airport before Secret Service officers caught up with him. He initially denied taking the devices, but after agents showed him the DVD, Quintero Curiel said it was purely accidental, gave them back, claimed diplomatic immunity and left New Orleans with the Mexican delegation.

And the White House reaction to what should be considered an act of spying?

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino refused to discuss the incident, telling FOX News, "We are aware of the situation, but as it's under investigation by law enforcement officials, we will decline to comment."

Of course you will, honey.

Finally--Faster Iphone Data Rates

The only thing that has frustrated me about Snarky my iPhone, is the impossibly slow :AT&T "edge" date stream network. You especially felt the dial-up speed when you were hooked up to a wifi and were reminded of the real world. Well, it look like all that may be changing. let's hope so.

iPhone Users May Benefit From AT&T's Purchase Of 700 MHz Spectrum

Apple iPhone users struggling with the relatively slow speeds of AT&T's EDGE network now have something fast to look forward to: faster data rates to download data and video.

AT&T (NYSE: T) won approval this week from the FCC to purchase 12 MHz of spectrum in the 700-MHz band in markets that cover 196 million potential subscribers across the United States. AT&T, which has an exclusive agreement to market the iPhone, paid $2.5 billion to Aloha Partners for the spectrum.

"I expect AT&T to use UMTS/HSUPA as an interim technology," Joe Nordgaard, managing director of Spectral Advantage, told InformationWeek. "HSUPA is a huge increase in overall throughput over EDGE."

IPhone users would find many advantages if AT&T introduces high-speed technologies for the popular phone, Nordgaard said. He notes that iPhone users are often limited to speeds of 50 to 110 Kbps, while HSUPA can typically provide downlink speeds of 3 Mbps and uplink speeds of 1.5 Mbps...The 700-MHz spectrum, which can easily pass through walls and requires relatively few base stations, also lends itself to efficient delivery of video.

Woo hoo!

Posted by Tammy · April 4, 2008 11:28 PM · Permalink · Comments (2)
Gadgets/Toys | Good News

Wow--Look at What Apple Has Done Now

Must. Have. It.

Meet the world's thinnest notebook--the MacBook Air. I hesitated getting a new MacBook Pro, now I'm glad I did. This is making me hyperventilate almost as much as the Kimber .45 :) But will my iPhone be jealous?

Congrats to SondraK-The Official (Again) Grandest Diva of All

Official Diva SondraK, with me on Some Beach.

I want to thank all the Tammy Peeps for getting me into the Top 4 of Gay Patriot's Grande Conservative Blogress Diva 2008 competition. The official winner is SondraK, who has won before. Once a Grande Diva, always a Grande Diva. I am also honored that SondraK very generously announced that I am her honorary co-Diva. Cool. I'll take it. I am more than pleased to be with her on her Some Beach.

Yes, it's pretty cool to be nominated and be able to hold my head high, considering the boys at Gay Patriot have a Top 4 instead of a Top 3. I think that is very sweet of them and only matters to me, of course, considering I was #4. I did consider surrendering to SondraK when she was a good 1000 votes ahead of everyone, but that would have been way too French, so I decided to stay to the end, no matter what. What did it get me? It got me on a chick's lap on a beach. Not too bad.

If you are unfamiliar with SondraK, now is your chance to visit her site and see what all the fuss is about. While I'm happy for her, I probably won't help her with that damn dress she wears every year she wins...you know, the one where you have to carry the rest of the dress because there's a mile of fabric that trails behind? Yeah, like Princess Diana's wedding dress. I've suggested the simple tuxedo, with tails if that turns her on, but at least with a tux no one has to carry your clothes behind you.

Bottom line, she won. But only for 2008. Remember SondraK, 2009 is another year, and just one year away during which all the rest of us can practice being Diva-ish.

Posted by Tammy · December 20, 2007 12:00 AM · Permalink · Comments (5)
Cultural Commentary | Gadgets/Toys | Good News | Inspiration | Internet/Communication

The Litter Robot

News You Can Use (or Buy) by Maynard

Here's a gadget that may be of interest to cat people. Of the various self-cleaning litter boxes out there, this is the one that people seem to like best. It does the job in a straightforward, robust manner. The design is simple and clever. (As opposed to, for example, this complicated device, which looks good in theory, but user comments are more cautionary.)

For the record, I don't actually have one of these things. My cats are set in their ways, and I figure they'll hurt me if I try to change the system this late in the game. But a friend bought one and is very happy with it. That's how it came up on my radar.

Litter Robots can be found at Amazon (see more customer reviews there) and also directly from the manufacturer (which offers a 60-day money-back guarantee; the Amazon page only says 30-day unconditional money-back period; this is in addition to an 18-month warrantee). (The manufacturer also offers reconditioned units at a discount.)

The manufacturer's animation of how it works is here. I see someone has posted a YouTube video of the cleaning cycle.

Your cat will be delighted to wake up on ~~Christmas~~ the holiday morning and find a newfangled electronic litter box under the ~~Christmas~~ holiday tree.

Posted by Maynard · November 25, 2007 04:21 PM · Permalink · Comments (4)
Animal Issues | Gadgets/Toys | Maynard Post

Scientists Need to Get Out More Often

Obviously these scientists have never been to my part of town.

Bizarre Gender-Bender Bugs Baffle Scientists

Scientists have discovered a real gender-bender of a bug, a species in which most females impersonate males. Past research had already revealed the male bugs possessed fake female genitalia.

"We ended up uncovering a hotbed of deception," said evolutionary biologist Klaus Reinhardt at the University of Sheffield in England. "Nothing like this exists anywhere else in the animal kingdom." [...]

"We had to work in containment suits with full-faced respirators in sweltering temperatures for hours at end," Reinhardt said.

Sex among bat bugs (as with bed bugs) is violent. During copulation, males of these species pierce the abdomens of their mates with their genitals and ejaculate directly into their blood. The researchers originally set out to investigate bat bugs in the hopes of shedding light on "one of nature's strangest phenomena — why males had female genitalia," Reinhardt said.

The Tiny Gay Squirrel says: "They already found out why females had fake male genitalia--it makes their girlfriends happy."

Posted by Tammy · September 22, 2007 01:30 PM · Permalink · Comments (6)
Animal Issues | Gadgets/Toys | Relationships | Science & Technology | Squirrels

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!

My sister...My bride!

Maureen McCormick. Hmmm...yep.

Three words as uttered by Jan which will forever have a new meaning.

Brady Bunch Star Reveals All About Lesbian Fling With TV Sister

Wholesome former THE BRADY BUNCH star MAUREEN MCCORMICK is set to reveal the beloved 70s TV series' most shocking secret in a new book - she and her on-screen sister had a lesbian fling. MCCormick's tell-all, Here's The Story, won't hit bookstores until 2008, but publishers are already buzzing about the big reveal. As well as talking candidly about her well-documented eating disorder and drug problems in the book, TV's Marcia Brady will come clean about a romance she had with co-star Eve Plumb, who played her sister Jan on the hit show. A source tells America's National Enquirer, "The most explosive comments will be how the then-blonde, blue-eyed cutie developed a crush on Eve Plumb, which led to some sexual play. "This book will certainly come as a shocker. While Maureen is not a lesbian [of course not!--T], she reveals there were some sexual hijinks going on behind the scenes. "It's bizarre because she played such a virginal character on the show."

Jan, Jan, Jan!

The Tiny Gay Squirrel says: "And Hillary's not gay, either. She just likes Jan. A lot."

Cheap Webcam

A post by Maynard

Wow! For $11 total, (after a $15 rebate, available on purchases through 8/31), Amazon will deliver a Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 (their basic PC webcam) right to your door. (That's based on the pre-rebate price, which is $26 as I write this (sometimes these things change rapidly); and the purchase qualifies for free shipping.) If you wanted an excuse to get a webcam, this is it.

It always catches my eye when hi-tech gadgets somehow become essentially free. I don't know how these things come about, but I appreciate them.

The slightly-more-upscale LifeCam VX-6000 will set you back $43. But I think the $11 camera is fine.

Posted by Maynard · August 29, 2007 03:08 AM · Permalink · Comments (0)
Gadgets/Toys | Maynard Post

Tom and Katie Sleep in Separate Bedrooms...

Breathe Right or separate bedrooms? Apparently a tough call for Tom Cruise.

Because he snores. And Angelina Jolie and I sleep in separate bedrooms because she snores. Or maybe it's because we really don't know each other. Actually, I'd have trouble breathing with Katie in my bed, too, but only at first :)

Katie blames Tom Cruise's snoring for sleeping in separate bedrooms

It's an age old problem, and many a wife has suffered because of it - but not Katie Holmes.

Tom Cruise and wife Katie Holmes are reported to sleep in separate bedrooms, so she doesn't have to suffer his snoring.

A source told US magazine, Star: "It's a situation that works for both of them"...

"In fact, they even joke about having separate bedrooms to their friends – Katie says Tom snores, and this way she can get her beauty sleep!"

"Of course they spend time together alone at night like most married couples; after all, they conceived Suri!"

Hey, what's this doing here?!

iPhone Browser Security Breached

A bunch of research geeks at a security firm have figured out a way to exploit your iPhone, using email. Fortunately, they did this openly and as a test. They've even developed a patch for the Safari browser to keep hackers from stealing all your iPhone info, like phone numbers, call history, passwords, and personal information.

Apple iPhone crack discovered by security researchers

A group of security researchers have found a couple of simple ways of taking complete control of the Apple iPhone. The results are the first real success that security researchers have had in trying to find ways to exploit the new device, which lacks many of the common user interfaces and inputs that hackers rely on for successful attacks.

The first attack scenario is a straightforward one in which the attacker sends an Apple iPhone user an email containing a link to a malicious Web site. Once the user clicks on the link, the attacker's Web server exploits a flaw in the Safari browser that runs on the phone and takes control of the device. At that point, it's pretty much game over.

The trio of experts at Baltimore-based Independent Security Evaluators, who did the research, were able to perform any function they wanted on the iPhone, including sending text messages, collecting the user's call history and contact information and voice mail data.

Wired has coverage as well, including a video of the attack in action.

My poor little baby. I'll protect her.

Posted by Tammy · July 23, 2007 08:27 AM · Permalink · Comments (0)
Gadgets/Toys

Anti-Jihad Squirrels Nabbed by Iran

After all my reporting of Jihadi Squirrels, we finally have proof that just because all Jihadi Squirrels are squirrels, does not mean all squirrels are Jihadis.

Iran-US Face-Off goes Sci-Fi: Spy Squirrels and Godly UFOs

According to IRNA, the official Islamic Republic news agency, the national Police chief has implicitly verified the news about the confiscation of a number of squirrels, equipped with eavesdropping devices, on the Iranian borders. He has declined to give any more details, but, reportedly, when asked about the confiscation of 14 spy squirrels, he stated, “I have heard about it, but I do not have precise information”. IRNA adds, “These squirrels were equipped by foreign intelligence services, but were captured two weeks ago by the Police”.

Yes, the most thankless job in war--"Spy," the nameless and faceless, obviously even without the benefit of even being human, these brave rodent-ish like creatures have risked all to make it clear that some squirrels won't put up with their entire species being hijacked by a few crazy violent freaks who dream of Squirrel World Conquest.

Now if only squirrels we know, in every day life, would come out and be as vocal against those who give all squirrels a bad name. But for now, we'll have to just imagine who these brave souls are. Er, were. (HT Hot Air).

The Tiny Gay Squirrel says: "Well, it's about time. But, this whole thing strikes me as sort of...gay."

Inheriting Paris Hilton's Cell Number

She now gets calls between 2-4am on the weekends. And has men with foreign accents calling her "baby girl." All because she dropped her phone in the toilet and the wireless company made her change her number from a 415 area code (San Francisco) to 310 (the lovely Westside of Los Angeles). The rest, as they say, is history.

She has Paris Hilton's number

Shira Barlow had her new cellphone number for only two days when the flood of calls began.

Birthday wishes, inquiries about locations for "in" parties, requests to get on guest lists at the hottest Los Angeles nightclubs.

Most of the calls were placed between 2 and 4 a.m. on weekends. Some were annoying. Many involved slurred words.

When the callers were told they had reached a UCLA college student, they refused to believe it.

"Baby girl, how are you?" a man purred in a foreign accent.

"Why are you doing this?" one woman asked. "This is so rude."

Little did Barlow — or her callers — know that she had inherited the phone number of one of the nation's most ubiquitous and sought-after young celebrities: Paris Hilton.

Posted by Tammy · July 6, 2007 07:26 PM · Permalink · Comments (3)
Cultural Commentary | Gadgets/Toys

Blogging from the iPhone Line

(Comic HT to Kim)

I've done it. I have joined my local iPhone line. I chose the AT&T store instead of the Apple store simply because I thought it would be less busy. And I think I may be right. Currently there are probably 50 in line and we have an hour to go--6pm--when the iPhones are released.

While in line here, I spoke via phone with Andy Shibley, Vice President and General Manager of Greater Los Angeles, AT& T. I asked him about iPhone and its relationship with AT&T. One concern I had was based in the concern about the power/strength/viability of the AT&T wireless signal. The VP noted that they're always working on the quality and people will be happy.

That's good enough for me.

What I couldn't get out of him was the number of this first run of iPhones, nor would he give me a timeline of how long it would take if we had to make a reservation for one if we didn't get it today. I suppose I'm not anxious about that because I do feel very confident about getting it today.

Here's some coverage of the iPhone sales on the East Coast.

Send good vibes. I will report back soon.

UPDATE:

I got it! But...I originally wanted the 8gig but they ran out so I got the 4gig, which is actually all I need. I had fun in the line with all the peeps, but once I got inside the At&T store, well, it was a nightmare. It wasn't a nightmare for everyone, mind you, just me and one other couple who got the "slow" computer stations, with, in my case, the equally as "slow" helper-guy.

My guy was the sort who never closes his mouth. It was open, all the time. Now, mine usually is, too, but that's because I'm saying something. This was the open-mouthed-stare look, where drool could be an issue, which is bad. Overall, boy, do I have stories for tomorrow's Tammy Radio. I'm really tired right now, but of course I have activated it and played with it a bit, and it is incredible. I have no regrets.

Tonight, I'm hitting the sack early. No Girl Bar for me. No dancing girls, or loud music or flashing lights. Nope, the Friday night Club Gitmo will have to wait for next week. Chez Syd and Snoop is where I'll be. Me and my new gadget.

Related Link:

We're All iAmericans Now

Today’s the big day when the iPhone becomes a reality and The Los Angeles Times has an editorial about the phenomenal device that goes beyond, as my friend Gary says, “the mere promotional passion for the iPhone” and into the realm of profound societal reverence.

The Times thinks that the iPhone is not only a product of Apple’s genius, but also a “coming-of-age moment for computers and the Internet.”

Posted by Tammy · June 29, 2007 04:58 PM · Permalink · Comments (14)
Gadgets/Toys

Fresh, Hands-On iPhone Video

It's incredible. I think I'm going to hyperventilate.

In the meantime, lines are already starting up with people waiting to get their iPhone. It looks like the Rose Parade campout at the 5th Avenue Apple store. If it's like this out here, I'm afraid I won't get my iPhone on Friday. Send good vibes that I will.

Yes, apparently it is everything it has been hyped to be. It is incredible and has received amazing reviews. I am happy right now but will be sad if I don't get one right away.

AT&T has started up a FAQ page for the iPhone.

And then there is a stupid article from the AP titled, "Should You Buy an iPhone?" Uh, the answer to that would be "Yes." The article does note if you don't get one on Friday you might have to wait a week or two. I am now frowning.

UPDATE:

I've decided to think positively and be happy. I am frowning no more. I am happy about the fact that I am living at a time when the iPhone exists and my only issue is not will I be able to get it, but when. I'm grateful. Perspective is everything. I am smiling again.

Posted by Tammy · June 27, 2007 08:22 PM · Permalink · Comments (2)
Gadgets/Toys

The iPhone As BFF

US News and World Report, in their Money and Business section, have a big article about the pros and cons of the iPhone. After you read it, you just may want to marry one, or at least declare it your BFF (Best Friend Forever). I think the pros do outweigh the cons. The fact that she's so pretty helps to eclipse that silly "cons" part. But isn't that the way it always works?

The iPhone's Top Pros and Cons

Striking looks: And we don't just meet the slim, hot look of the case. This phone has a large, beautiful, and bright screen–...

Friendly demeanor: This looks to be one of the easiest cellphones to get to know and use...

Smarts: The phone comes with all the elements of a smart phone, including an address book, calendar, maps, notes, and, of course, E-mail...

It goes on and on. And yes, they have their "cons" list, but really, who cares about that? As soon as I get my iPhone I may ask it to move to Massachusetts with me.

Related Link:

The iPhone: iWant It, iNeed It

Posted by Tammy · June 22, 2007 05:40 PM · Permalink · Comments (3)
Gadgets/Toys

The iPhone. iWant It. iNeed It.

I have always liked the gadgets but up until now have stayed away from the PDAs. It seems, generally, that the guys like the PDAs while we chicks prefer the paper-based systems. I still have my Filofax, and love it, but I've also always been an Apple devotee and am very excited about the iPhone.

Some friends tell me I should wait because it will go down in price, and the first ones will have glitches, etc, but I don't care. I want my iPhone. Apparently I am obsessed. I want the iPhone and I don't care if it's trouble. It's like when everyone said "Don't get the calico kitten. They're all crazy." And I picked the calico, maybe because they're all crazy. And Snoopy is a little eccentric, but she's amazing, and unique and incredible. She's a handful, and that's how I like it.

I do feel the iPhone could very well be the culmination of what all our information tech advances have been about. Phone. iPod. Web. Maps. Life. Touchscreen (which I really love). Compact-ish. Cute. Like a puppy. That could be the chick angle--the puppy quotient. I'm there.

Yes, I will get an iPhone. I am planning my plot to get one the moment it's released at 6pm on the 29th. Most of my friends are now encouraging me to get it because they want to try it. I will be the willing guinea pig. I am being enabled by everyone else, and that's fine with me.

I will, of course, also report back to you.

All hail Apple. All hail the iPhone! Are you with me, or do you, too, consider the iPhone to be the equivalent of a calico cat--probably a little nuts, best to be avoided, and there are so many other options. But none will be able to compare, of course. I'm sure if you have an opinion you'll chime in right here. :)

UPDATE:

Allah at Hot Air has posted Apple's 20 minutes with the iPhone video. Scrumptious!

Posted by Tammy · June 21, 2007 05:13 PM · Permalink · Comments (15)
Gadgets/Toys

Greens vs. Conservatives vs. Maynard

An inquiry by Maynard

A number of "conservatives" (I hate these labels) show a knee-jerk reaction against anything "green". I understand why: The outspoken "Greens" are often kooky human-hating tree-huggers, and their organizations end up co-opted by Leftists who view the threat of eco-catastrophes as an excuse to exert greater economic control over the individual. So when some of us hear "green", we assume the worst.

There's a long history of high-sounding crusades that end up pursuing ugly goals. Tammy speaks in detail of the hijacking of NOW by the Left, which ultimately got to the point that the national NOW leadership was tacitly working on the side of the woman-battering woman-murdering O.J. Simpson. A similar situation exists with the civil rights movements, and others.

Of course I oppose these hijacked movements, but I won't let my political enemies define my positions for me. I won't reject recycling and conservation and efficiency just because the greens advocate these practices. I feel an obligation to be a practical green, for the sake of the world and the nation. If I share a portion of Al Gore's agenda as a result, then I'll make the best of it.

One of my particular pet peeves is when "conservatives" shrug off concerns about the global oil supply. I've heard my fellow travelers confidently announce that "there's plenty of oil". This just isn't true. Go look up the proven and estimated global reserves, and you'll find that, to the extent that there's adequate recoverable oil, it's mostly in unfriendly hands. The oil states range from unstable to overtly evil. Aside from green considerations, it's in the national interest that we not send these creeps and kooks our dollars.

Are you still with me? All of the foregoing was preamble. I'm leading up to a confession that will leave you challenging my conservative credentials, and my Americanism, and indeed even my manhood. Are you ready? Here goes:

I like small, efficient cars. I'd rather have a little car that gets me from here to there on a teaspoon of gas than a big turbo-charged Hummer that will do for zero to 130 in 4 seconds.

Of course, some argue that light cars are deathtraps if you get into an accident. They've got a point. But weight is only one factor of many in the choice of a car.

Anyway, the Smart Fortwo (see also Wikipedia), which has been around for several years in other parts of the world, will be coming to America in 2008. Here's a little video from Canada:

Mock me if you will, but I think this is neat! It's small, but it actually has plenty of headroom and foot room. And you can park it anywhere. If people started driving these things, our freeways could hold twice as many cars. I'll have to take a close look when they show up.

Posted by Maynard · June 20, 2007 01:20 AM · Permalink · Comments (10)
Environment | Gadgets/Toys | Leftists | Maynard Post

Gay Gangs?

Hmm. Books and shoes. And a ruler. And a skirt. I have no comment.

When a stiletto is used as a weapon, it seems obvious. The question becomes, who was wearing it--a boy or a girl?? Junkyardblog investigates.

Posted by Tammy · June 17, 2007 01:11 PM · Permalink · Comments (11)
Crime | Gadgets/Toys | Gay Issues | Shoes

My TiVo Broke

There was a weird "I'm on fire inside" smell, and then it went blank. I had all the Planet Earth programs taped, and a few Bravo Workouts. Yes, I admit it. But watching people work out isn't helping make my arms look sexier. What's up with that? Okay, maybe I'm not watching it for the workout techniques. Which they don't really have anyway.

I also had a BBC thing taped, and some Little Britains. I now have to watch TV on the non-DVR set, which means I don't quite know what to do when I leave the room and realize I can't stop the program. It's also frustrating when I want to see something again and can't rewind.

I think I have been spoiled. The cable guy is scheduled to arrive with a new box tomorrow. I may be having a reaction to this because during the Reagan weekend, they didn't have any television. I like TV. After all, it introduced me to Mrs. Peel, Honey West, and Angie Dickinson as Police Woman. And who says television doesn't affect children?

Watching regular, non-Tivo television is frustrating so I've decided I will clean house and prepare for the new kitten, who, if all is well, will come home to Chez Bruce on Tuesday. I will also buy a bottle of French wine tomorrow in honor of the Sarkozy victory. I will announce my kitten choice tomorrow on Tammy Radio and on the blog. Once I do that, I will ask for your help with the name.

That is all for now. Stay tuned...

Posted by Tammy · May 6, 2007 11:15 PM · Permalink · Comments (10)
Gadgets/Toys | Tammy Notes | Television

Shocking Clothing for Women!

A post by Maynard

These 007-type gadgets catch my eye. Here we see an electrified woman's jacket (that is to say, an electrified jacket for women, not a jacket for electrified women). If an unfriendly gentleman gets too friendly, the lady surreptitiously presses a button and zaps the ill-mannered lout with a million volts.

It all sounds a bit questionable to me, but the idea is an interesting one. The jacket doesn't appear to be in production yet, but the designer's website is at www.no-contact.com.

I wonder if they're working on a matching pair of pants.

Posted by Maynard · April 30, 2007 03:15 AM · Permalink · Comments (0)
Gadgets/Toys | Maynard Post

I Want a Hotel On Park Place

Sure, charity is good, but charity takes money. So, I'll put hotels on all my properties, and get as much of everyone else's money as possible. And in the process of getting rich, I'll devote a portion of my income to charity. Bottom line: the more money I have, the better for charity.

And I know I'll do much better if I do it with the little dog as opposed to the iron. But really, nothing will hold me back. Except maybe jail. Whatever happens, just make sure you have the cash if you land on my square.

Posted by Tammy · March 28, 2007 04:53 PM · Permalink · Comments (5)
Gadgets/Toys | Money/Capitalism

Guilty Tramp or Regular Chick?

With the Scooter Libby news today I was forced to think again about Valerie Plame. This disturbs me because I then feel guilty because I find her very attractive, and as a result am unable to dislike her as much as I normally would considering the situation.

This makes me feel, among other things, like the shallow end of the pool. Should I feel guilty, or am I just a Regular Chick? Well, okay, an Irregular Chick. With all this confessing, maybe I should become a Catholic. I do feel better now. But I think Jesus may be appalled. Hmmm...

And I know I can't be the only one in this predicament. But I may be the only one who admits it :)

Oh, criminy.

A Treat for SoCal Residents: The Railway Museum!

...in case you didn't know it existed.

A post by Maynard

Just a quick note to make sure you Southern California people know about the Orange Empire Railway Museum. Sitting on a sizeable chunk of land in the inland town of Perris, the museum has spent the last fifty years preserving and renovating antiquated trolleys and railroad engines. With limited resources and lots of TLC, the volunteers restore old traction vehicles to their former glory.

There's an informal atmosphere to the place, as if you're visiting a workshop rather than viewing exhibits at a museum. It appeals to the kid in me, the part that wants to play with big toys, taking them apart and putting them back together.

If any of this sounds like fun, drop by sometime. On weekends, they offer trolley and train rides. (By the way, the small airport nearby has lots of ultralight enthusiasts, as well as skydiving facilities.

Posted by Maynard · January 1, 2007 07:34 PM · Permalink · Comments (0)
Gadgets/Toys | History | Maynard Post

The White House Situation Room Gets a Makeover

Now if they could just tell me how to make my living room dog and blogger/work friendly, we would have further proof we are the greatest nation on Earth.

White House remodeling 'situation room'

The Situation Room at the White House isn't one room at all but a sprawling 5,000-square-foot complex. And it's nothing like the state-of-the-art Counter-Terrorist Unit on TV's "24."

When a remodeling project is completed — after eight months and a classified number of taxpayer dollars — White House officials expect their 'Sit Room' to function at a higher level and look a lot better than the place Henry Kissinger once described as "uncomfortable, unaesthetic and essentially oppressive." [Yes, but doesn't Kissinger need a blond in every room too? Okay, well, so do I ;) ]...

Despite Hollywood's glamorous depictions, the Sit Room will still feature understated surroundings. Walls covered with cream-colored fabric and cherry cabinetry telegraph law firm more than war room.

But there are plenty of bells and whistles. A reception area comes complete with a lead-lined cabinet for visitors to deposit cell phones and Blackberries. Nearby are two retro-looking, glass-encased booths for making calls both secure and private.

The president's primary conference room is outfitted with six screens — each with split-screen technology — and has cameras, microphones and speakers in the ceiling. A new so-called "surge room" is positioned next to the theater-style, tiered area where the watch officers will sit.

Speakers in the ceiling. A 'surge room.' Hmm, sounds like something the Tammy Power Shack needs.

Posted by Tammy · December 19, 2006 10:47 PM · Permalink · Comments (0)
Gadgets/Toys | Tammy Notes

And I Thought the $225,000 Watch was Extravagant

A note and a query by Maynard

Last month I pointed out an extremely expensive watch listed on Amazon.com. I figured it must be the epitome of decadence.

Silly me. Here's a million-dollar watch, generously marked down to a mere $499,000. And that price includes FREE Super Saver Shipping!

I have mixed feelings about this stuff. On one hand, it seems to me that there is something deeply deranged about any person, even a billionaire, who would sink so much wealth into a silly bauble. But I respect private property, so my comment is purely personal. I'm in no way suggesting that people should be forcibly prevented from spending their money on nonsense. And perhaps the world is a little richer because of the creation of a few superlative knickknacks here and there. Maybe the urge to acquire this sort of junk is inextricably conjoined with whatever drives us to build the Sistine Chapel, and you can't rein in the former without neutralizing the latter.

I dunno. Do you?

Posted by Maynard · December 18, 2006 06:34 PM · Permalink · Comments (7)
Gadgets/Toys | Maynard Post | Satire/Absurdity

Carpet Cleaning for Dummies

A post by Maynard

This is another of those public service announcements, for you people who aren't sure what to do about your dirty carpets.

Once or twice a year, I rent a RugDoctor. These marvelous little machines spray hot, clean, soapy water into your carpet, and suck out inky black filth, which you then pour down the drain (thus earning a personal reprimand from Al Gore). You'll find RugDoctors ubiquitously available at supermarkets, pharmacies, tattoo parlors, and countless other fine stores.

It's actually rather disturbing to see what lurks inside the carpet that you thought was reasonably clean because you vacuum it. (I'm assuming I'm not the only one to find his carpets are permeated by toxic waste.)

I'm posting this now because it's a thing that comes to mind around the holidays, or during other periods of stress. Under circumstances where you would otherwise tear your hair out, you might as well put that nervous energy to practical use and clean your carpets. Not only is it cheaper than therapy, but you've got tangible results when you're done, and you've had a bit of a workout.

Of course, you can just ignore your carpets, or you can hire a professional service. Having discovered how much crud is under my feet, I can't ignore the situation; neither can I hire outsiders, for fear they will ransack my residence and discover my secret stashes of weapons, overdue library books, contraband herbs and spices, questionable photographs, relics from the home planet, and body parts. Also, service providers charge more than doing it myself.

There are various specialty cleaning fluids, but I pretty much stick to the recommended liquid soap. The carpets are left somewhat damp after the operation, so it helps to set up fans to facilitate drying.

If you've never done anything other than vacuum, this is an option to be aware of. Take action before your home gets tagged as a biohazard.

Posted by Maynard · December 4, 2006 03:10 AM · Permalink · Comments (3)
Gadgets/Toys | Health & Fitness | Maynard Post

Your James Bond Chest on the Wrong Side? Here's Your Gadget

A Christmas Gadget Post by Maynard

My apologies to those who might consider this note to be of questionable taste, but I think it's justified as a public service message. Somebody out there is going to be glad to know about this, even if they won't admit to it.

Depending upon your age and genetic background, some of you older boys may wake up one fine day to find that during the night you grew a pelt. If this has already happened and you were unhappy with nature's little joke, your most effective options involved soliciting the assistance of an intimate friend or a professional back-hair barber. Many will find either choice awkward.

I have good news for you. Some genius, who most certainly should be awarded a Nobel Prize for medical advances, finally got around to mounting a battery-powered trimmer at the end of a long arm. So for under $40 (postpaid!), you can purchase this Mangroomer and shave your back in the privacy of your home.

A similar alternative is the Razorba, which is a long-armed holder for the blade razor you already have.

Ladies, this might make a handy gift for the gentleman who doesn't know he needs it and you hesitated to tell him in so many words.

Posted by Maynard · November 29, 2006 03:13 AM · Permalink · Comments (4)
Gadgets/Toys | Good News | Maynard Post

Amazon Absurdity

A diversion by Maynard

Gentlemen, are you looking for a very special ~~Christmas~~ holiday gift for a very special ~~lady~~ person? Well, for a mere $225,000.00, here's a lovely wristwatch.

I'm wondering if this is the most expensive item on Amazon.

Take a moment to check out the Customer Reviews. Products such as this seem to beacon in the clowns. Funny stuff!

Posted by Maynard · November 26, 2006 02:18 AM · Permalink · Comments (7)
Gadgets/Toys | Maynard Post | Satire/Absurdity

The Mystery Ferrari Clone

Apparently, cloning started quite a bit before Dolly.

Court to rule on mystery of 'cloned' Ferrari

When Egon Hofer, an Austrian racing driver and classic-car collector, bought a sleek, shiny red 1960s Ferrari once driven by Graham Hill, he thought that he had a unique racing car, worth almost £700,000 today.

He was dismayed to discover that there was another 330 P with the same chassis number in the Maranello Rosso museum at Ferrari’s headquarters near Modena, northern Italy. This week a five-year legal battle came to a head when a court in Modena appointed an independent expert to answer a question that has gripped the world of racing enthusiasts: which Ferrari is the clone?

Posted by Tammy · November 25, 2006 07:47 PM · Permalink · Comments (1)
Cultural Commentary | Gadgets/Toys

The Toad Less Traveled

Lady contemplates her addiction

The private life of a cocker spaniel is, well, more sordid than we could ever have imagined. This is indeed a cautionary tale for all who will listen.

The Dog Who Loved to Suck on Toads

"We noticed Lady spending an awful lot of time down by the pond in our backyard," Laura Mirsch recalls. Lady would wander the area, disoriented and withdrawn, soporific and glassy-eyed..."Then, late one night after I'd put the dogs out, Lady wouldn't come in," Laura Mirsch says. "She finally staggered over to me from the cattails. She looked up at me, leaned her head over and opened her mouth like she was going to throw up, and out plopped this disgusting toad."

It turned out the toads were toxic -- and, if licked, the fluids on their skin provided a hallucinogenic effect.

"We couldn't keep our dog's addiction a secret any longer," Laura Mirsch says. "The neighbors all knew that Lady was a drug addict, and soon the other dogs weren't allowed to play with her."

In the end, Lady seems to have found a way to manage her problem.

"She seems to have outgrown the wild toad-obsessed years of her youth," Mirsch says, "and now only sucks on weekends."

Wow. Do you think it was her horrible childhood? Low self-esteem? Being teased all the time for being a "dog"? Or perhaps, do I dare suggest it? She just liked the feeling and there was no good reason whatsoever to be a drug addict except for the fact that she was bored, had nothing else to do, it was fun, and knew someone else would take care of her? Lady could have just said no, but she didn't. Say no that is. She did--say no to no. She said no to the wrong thing is what I'm trying to say. She said "yes" to toads, "no" to, uh, no.

Yes, you see, this is the end of the toad, er, road for those who have absolutely no reason to develop any personal responsibility or independence. Lady's childhood was fine, even idyllic. She was confident and happy. Until she put a frog on her mouth. All it takes is that one time. And then you'll be reduced to being thrilled about doing it "only" on the weekends.

Isn't that the way it always happens?

And one last thing--dogs weren't getting high until George W. Bush became president. Think about that.

A Relatively Unrelated Post:

Legends of the Green Faerie

Protect Your Sensitive Data From Prying Eyes

Maynard suggests a tool that will help keep your private files private

A friend of mine recently cooked his laptop computer in the oven. This had not been his intent. He had, upon exiting his apartment, placed the laptop in the oven out of concern for confidential data. When he returned, he turned on the oven to cook dinner. Shortly thereafter he returned to his empty desk and realized his folly.

If you don't want this to happen to you, there are better ways to secure your data. There's a free (non-commercial) program called TrueCrypt that you can install on your Windows XP system to create a password-protected section of your existing disk. It works by creating a big file on (for example) your C: drive, and the contents of that file then become (for example) your new E: drive. You need your secret password to make the protected drive available. Without that password, the big file is just so much gibberish. You only mount the drive when you want to access it, and otherwise it simply isn't there. It requires a little bit of general PC sophistication to set this up, as is required for a typical program installation and configuration. To use it properly, you've got to understand where your data files are stored, and know the difference between files on C: and files on E:.

This seems a good idea in general, if you have any files that would cause you trouble if they fell into the wrong hands. Your PC may be stolen, or maybe just perused by someone walking by. It's reassuring to know that your private data has an extra layer of protection.

The Windows XP system does include some native security measures to protect your "My Files" stuff against other users, but that feature is not highly secure. TrueCrypt provides encrypted security, which is the real deal. So you'd better not lose your password, or you'll NEVER get your data back. You have been warned!

Check out Wikipedia's essay on TrueCrypt.

(Note that this is a privacy tool, as opposed to a spy (or counterspy) tool. PC security is a huge topic, and this is only a small piece of a big picture. If ruthless people are out to get you, or if you're feeling paranoid, you'll be concerned about software and hardware key-loggers and other spyware, and you'll want more than TrueCrypt. But to protect against casual access, TrueCrypt should be effective.)

Posted by Maynard · October 24, 2006 02:22 AM · Permalink · Comments (0) · TrackBack (0)
Gadgets/Toys | Maynard Post | Science & Technology

You Bet Your (Second) Life

Maynard tries on a new body and ventures into an alternate reality

I had to give it a try. What is this notorious Second Life (listed also in Wikipedia) that I'd heard of? Is it a game or a world? Would I find it mundane or addictive?

I've now gone there and lived to tell the tale, and I'll discuss it briefly. Among other things, this story connects to the proposed new laws to ban Internet gambling that Tammy has spoken of (and she doesn't think we need new laws to regulate our private behavior).

Second Life is something like a role-playing game. There is "you" (your body, or "avatar"), and there is the 3-D world which you move through. But it's not really a game. A game is a controlled environment created by a development team. Second Life is a somewhat (but not completely) anarchic world "built" by the "residents". The "world" consists of "land", and plenty of it. People buy it, sell it, rent it. When they own it, they build on it. They build houses, shops, theaters, casinos, whatever. They build every facility known to (or imagined by) man. These are not just shells.

There is a functional economy, based upon the Linden Dollar (which is worth a fraction of a cent, and can be converted back and forth from real dollars). It's a non-stop flea market. Services and (virtual) goods continuously change hands. A few people are starting to make a career out of the SL economy as landlords and artisans and venders, just as some eBay traders make a living from their trades.

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Mexican Official Caught Stealing White House Blackberries

Finally--Faster Iphone Data Rates

Wow--Look at What Apple Has Done Now

Congrats to SondraK-The Official (Again) Grandest Diva of All

The Litter Robot

Scientists Need to Get Out More Often

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!

Cheap Webcam

Tom and Katie Sleep in Separate Bedrooms...

iPhone Browser Security Breached

Anti-Jihad Squirrels Nabbed by Iran

Inheriting Paris Hilton's Cell Number

Blogging from the iPhone Line

Fresh, Hands-On iPhone Video

The iPhone As BFF

The iPhone. iWant It. iNeed It.

Greens vs. Conservatives vs. Maynard

Gay Gangs?

My TiVo Broke

Shocking Clothing for Women!

I Want a Hotel On Park Place

Guilty Tramp or Regular Chick?

A Treat for SoCal Residents: The Railway Museum!

The White House Situation Room Gets a Makeover

And I Thought the $225,000 Watch was Extravagant

Carpet Cleaning for Dummies

Your James Bond Chest on the Wrong Side? Here's Your Gadget

Amazon Absurdity

The Mystery Ferrari Clone

The Toad Less Traveled

Protect Your Sensitive Data From Prying Eyes

You Bet Your (Second) Life