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Entries from November 1, 2009 - November 30, 2009
Have you voted? Today 11/30 is your last Chance. (If you feel like voting, that is!)
November 29, 2009 1 Comment 
2009 Quick Facts about the Podcast Awards.
Leo gets more phones! But this time they’re headphones – a new kind!
November 29, 2009 Post a Comment Tuesday, December 1st, 2009, Netcast 972
Leo got the SleepPhones System. They solve a real problem for people who like to listen to music, or audible books as they lay in bed. With regular headphones if you decide to turn on your side – ouch! You really can’t do that because the headphone digs into your ear. It’s different with SleepPhones. They’re like a sweatband with built-in speakers. They’re made of eco-friendly: Polartec fleece. And the fleece is made from 88% recycled plastic bottles, yet Leo says they feel soft and very comfortable. If you want to wash them the speakers are removable and the headband is machine washable. One size fits all. Leo said the sound was really good, but that the price was a bit on the high side: $54.95. The company does offer a “Satisfaction Guaranteed: Money back if it doesn't work for you” option. The company also sells a special iPod designed to play continuous loops of specially recorded music. The music is available as a free download on the company’s website. Extra fleece bands are available in various colors. 48" (120cm) cord, 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo plug, 32 Ohms, 20 - 20 kHz, 300/500 mW, RoHS compliant.
Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw972
What if the whole family uses one keyboard & mouse and one member has a bad cold?
November 29, 2009 Post a Comment Daily Giz Wiz, Week of November 30th, 2009 Netcast 971
Monday, November 30th, 2009
The Glow Keyboard from Seal Shield.Computer keyboards and the mouse open the possibility of spreading germs through their surfaces. Seal Shield Keyboards are not only antimicrobial; you can put them into a dishwasher and let them get a real cleaning. I tried two of the Seal Shield keyboards – one wireless with a wireless laser mouse & one portable enough to roll up and pack in a suitcase or backpack. The soft Glow Keyboard is backlit for easy viewing. (I found typing on the rubberized keys takes a bit of getting used to, but the back- lighting is great in dimly lit areas.) The UV reinforced keys resist fading. Like any regular keyboard, it’s just Plug n’ Play. It has a regular USB connection, and comes with a PS/2 adapter. Actually this keyboard comes with a gold USB connector. When you put it in the dishwasher, the only thing you have to do is use the attached rubber Seal Cap to protect the USB connector. The wireless keyboard and mouse can just go into the dishwasher the way they are. (The wireless keyboard & mouse have battery compartments that have rubber gaskets to protect them during a run in the dishwasher.) I used both keyboards, and then ran them both through a complete cycle in my dishwasher. They came out soaking wet and I thought, “I wonder if these are really going to still work?” I dried them off a bit and yes --- they both worked fine! Prices on the company’s website are full retail. If you do a web search you can find them for less, from about $40 to $70.
Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw971
It’s Not A Spork, But A Spoon. A Singing Spoon!
November 25, 2009 1 Comment Friday, November 27th, 2009 Netcast 970
It’s was back in July 2003 when Wee Talk, Inc. introduced talking and singing utensils. The idea was to help motivate and educate kids. I used two of their devices, Brushy Brushy, The Musical Talking Toothbrush which was aimed at kids ages 18 months and up (it sang a tune to remind kids to brush every day.) But my favorite is Yucky Yucky The Singing Get-Well-Spoon! Although it sat alone & unplayed in Dick’s Gadget Warehouse for more than 6 years, when I took out the batteries, cleaned them up and put them back in, it still worked! It sings a tune for sick kids ages 6 months and up, encouraging them to take their medicine and feel better soon. It had two interchangeable spoon bowls that plugged into the talking handle. One was a regular spoon and the other was a measuring spoon to help the parent get the right amount of medicine into the child. I never did get to see or play with Groomy Groomy Singing Brush and Comb. That was a hairbrush and comb designed to help children ages 3 months and up to develop good grooming habits. (What good would a hairbrush do me now, anyway?) The retail was $7.99 each, a pretty good price for some fun gadgets. I still see a company called Wee Talk on Google, and they make educational books & games, so it could be the same company. Not a sign of any talking or singing utensils, though. Too bad!
Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw970
