Vapor

Noteslate is still vapor, but I do like the dragon drawing.

Dell Netbooks go into the ether.

And what's up with Fusion Garage of former CrunchPad infamy, the JooJoo, and the GridOS? Lawsuits, tigers, and bears. Oh my.

Phosphor World Time Sport Watch with E ink

While not a fancy GPS running watch, I like the looks of the Phosphor World Time Sport Watch in orange. (For some strange reason, I like orange stuff.) Since I need to replace my $25 Timex Ironman and I don't think I would wear the 610 all the time, I might drop a "Benjamin" on the Phosphor. From the product page:

"The new World Time Sport with E INK display debuts a state-of-the-art buttonless touch lens operation, allowing for a sleek, ultra-modern look, and the ability to change modes with simple finger swipe across the case. The new World Time Sport offers the ability to select from 24 time zones for one display mode, while optionally displaying a second time zone simultaneously . The dual time zone display can also be configured to simply display the time of day or both the date and time in either over-sized or conventional-sized segments. 

These unique capabilities are packaged in a sleek, ultra-thin, curved case only 9.3mm thick. Incredibly versatile, the new World Time Sport gives you an assortment of different functions and display modes."

Via Geek Dad

Power

Power... sometimes it lies outside the chain of command:

Via xkcd

Amazon White Label

I didn't even realize that Amazon had a "store brand" for a lot of staples. Another step towards global domination?

andrewchen Amazon Has a Ton of White Label Products and Is Hiding Them! (and Why Bezos Is the New Jobs) - LAUNCH - bit.ly/vZRz9tTue, Dec 13 11:01:04 from Timely by Demandforce

Optimists

I think Jimmy thinks we are in for a rough ride...

JimmyHyams Since 1925, only oncde has UT had a losing season in football, followed by losing season in men's basketball: 1977-78.Thu, Dec 15 14:55:31 from web

Game of Thrones: Peter the Stud

Peter Dinklage is GQ's Stud of the Year. Click the link for more pics. I've liked Mr. Dinklage's work for a long time.

Surveys

I get e-mails about surveys all the time. Some of which are through LinkedIn or TechSay. These surveys promise a reward for completing the survey. If I have time, I complete these surveys with care. I figure it is a business transaction and I should earn by reward by being thoughtful in my answers. I, of course, answer truthfully and on many occasions am told I don't fit the target pool they are researching. Overall, this is a win for both parties. They get data. I get a gift card or other reward.

However, some of the e-mails tell me I may win a thumb drive (or some cash or a widget) if I complete the survey and I am one of the first 250 people to respond. Unless I am unemployed and desperate for any sort of "income," I will never complete one of the surveys. A million people could have gotten that e-mail before I did. I think it is even more ludicrous when I get one of these "first 250" through the postal service.

No More Mobile Hams in the US?

NTSB new recommendations:

"To the 50 states and the District of Columbia:

1. (1) Ban the nonemergency use of portable electronic devices (other than those designed to support the driving task) for all drivers; (2) use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration model of high visibility enforcement to support these bans; and (3) implement targeted communication campaigns to inform motorists of the new law and enforcement, and to warn them of the dangers associated with the nonemergency use of portable electronic devices while driving. (H-11-XX)"

Seems to be a lot of folks with strong opinions on both sides of the proposal based on the chatter on the repeater and the general comments on various articles (here, here, here) posted about the recommendation. While I am in the don't tread on me camp, this cuts both ways as I want to talk on my radio/mobile phone, but I want my family to be safer, too. Liberty? Security? Pick one?

Game of Thrones - Cold Winds Are Rising

Only three plus months until Game of Thrones Season 2 starts. I heard rumors that it had already been picked up for Seasons 3 and 4, but I haven't seen anything official.

Cold Winds Are Rising

$20 for a $40 gift card to Smoky Mountain Knife Works

Apparently today is a good day for deals...

GEARHOG's deal for today is a $40 gift card to Smoky Mountain Knife Works (SMKW.com) for only $20.

"Smoky Mountain Knife Works offers all major knife brands for every function imaginable. Knives used on the job; hunting knives, fishing knives, camping knives and more!"

SMKW is in my backyard, but that doesn't help me as the deal is for the on-line store only. Other fine print below:

• Expires 12/12/2012.
• Not valid with other offers
  
• Valid at SMKW.com only
  
• Cannot be combined (stacked) with other gift cards
  
• $40 minimum purchase requirement
  
• One time use only
  
• Limit 1 gift card per person
  
• Limit 1 gift card per household
  
• Deal valid through GEARHOG.com only
  
• Online orders only