It’s time for the ProfessorTreeFrog First-Ever Holiday Gift Guide!!!

1) This line of plush toys is seriously cute and seriously awesome. They’re called “Evolvems“, and are zip-inside-out plushies demonstrating major evolutionary milestones. They have the Coelacanth-to-Ichthyostega transition, as well as Dimetrodon-Cynognathus, Yinlong-Styracosaurus, and Pakicetus-Squalodon!!!

2) Also a line of plush toys, “Foodchain Friends” is for those with a more ecological than evolutionary bent. Like some sort of cute, twisted take on Matryoska dolls, each plushie fits neatly inside the mouth of the next-largest plushie in its set, forming an adorable semi-creepy food-chain. These are three different sets, set in a prairie, forest, and river on the fictitious planet of Daro:

3) Ever thought of giving your significant other Herpes for Christmas? How about giving your friends the oh-so-timely Swine Flu? Now you can with Petri Dish Plushies! Choose from a wide array of horrific diseases, or maybe invest in a few extra neurons?

4) For those of you not into plushies (you people suck), why not go with the super-preachy Global Warming Mug? Oh, you know you’d love to pour yourself a cup of coffee and annoy the heck out of the climate-change-denier at the next desk…

5) For all your closest teen vampires who have nothing better to do, there’s the Blood Caffeinated Energy Potion! This product is the “same color and consistency of real blood. It has many of the same nutrients of the rubicund liquid we love to consume (iron, protein, electrolytes, and caffeine) and has a delectable fruit punch flavor!!” It even comes in its own transfusion bag! Lame.

6) For those with a more historical bent, how about adopting a scientist from the Unemployed Philosophers’ Guild? They’ve got Darwin, Einstein, Curie, even Schrodinger’s Cat!

7) For your perennially tardy friends, why not get a Relativity Alarm Clock or Watch? The rotating face quickly turns 9:00 into 3:00 in just 30 seconds! Yes, it actually tells time, but in an innovative and quirky way!

[8] For you tech geeks with trust funds, the fabled Optimus Maximus Keyboard has finally come on the market. Every key is a tiny screen. EVERY KEY. That’s 113 screens on your keyboard, each able to dynamically change based on what you’re doing. Amazing. The fact that it costs sixteen hundred dollars? Not so amazing….

Eight seems like a good number, so this officially concludes the ProfessorTreeFrog First-Ever Holiday Gift Guide!!!

 “Hey San, do you have time to got through the rebate file with me this afternoon?” Mia, an intern from the ‘indirect’ procurement department, leaned on our office door. She waited patiently as I checked my outlook agenda. 

“Hmm, yep. I have time after 15:00. I am meeting Ami at 14:00 to work on the S2C contract updates. It shouldn’t take us more than an hour to wrap it up.” “Uh, how about today at 11:00?” “Weekly team meeting!” “Ok, can we make it 15:30 then? I have a meeting before that.” “Sure, I’ll send you an invitation!”

Mia gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up and ‘pilgered’ back to the other side of the corridor, beyond the copy machines, where the Indirect Procurement department was located.   

Where is Friday?!

“Ach ja! Glorious Monday!! Wouldn’t it be so nice if ‘he’ would trade his monotonous M-O-N with a friendly F-R-I?!”

I yawned while Sally peaked from behind her computer, exhaled loudly and nodded. “Yep, or a thrilling T-H-U in our case, right?” “Hmm?……Thu?!” “… As in Thursday?” “Oh ja, klar doch!!!” I smacked my forehead. “See, that is exactly what I mean! I  am a Monday-rainman! As a matter of fact, on Mondays, I feel like Robinson Crusoe on his island. Waiting for Friday!” “So, Thursday in our case, right?” “Arrg… .” 

The clock = The enemy

Yes, indeed, some days seem so much longer than others. Although you have a mountain of work, i.e. follow-up meetings, wrap-up meetings, weekly meetings,  answering e-mails, chase after suppliers, call other divisions of the company to receive the most recent data, you can’t help but check the tiny digital display on the bottom right of your computer screen. In those moments, time is your greatest enemy. Or is it?

 Just then, as I starred hypnotically at the digital 9-:-2-1, a brilliant flashback stroke me at once. Didn’t Rowan Atkinson, aka. Mr. Bean say the following phrase in his Kermit-the-frog-voice once in a New Years’ episode?

Rule 8.1.: Time flies when you are having fun!

Time flies when you are having fun!

He did, right? In other words, the key to survive long days in the office is the right motivation. Fun. By right motivation, I do not necessarily mean monetary compensation, but more an emotional high. In short, you should try to have fun and amuse yourself as good as you can!

It sounds so easy, but as a matter of fact, it is not without difficulty. Or is it? Actually the brilliance of motivating yourself lies in its simplicity! There are so many countless ways to motivate/amuse yourself:

Rule 8.2.: Motivate yourself by creating funny passwords!

When you work in a big company, you are most likely to work with many programs that are under strict security supervision. So, whenever you need to enter programs or create accounts the system asks you for a password, which you will be using a lot. If you chose a funny password you can cheer yourself up EVERY time you log in!

Big fan!

Hm. I admit, it is a bit geeky. However, fact is, it worked. More or less. As for me, I am a huge fan of south park, in particular of that little guy, who has a coffee addiction and fears the under-pants-gnomes… . Get the idea?! Brilliant!

Another important thing is to keep active physically.

Rule 8.3.: Move around as much as you can.

C'mon, lazy bones, keep hoppin'!

If you are stuck behind the computer all day, then you are bound to get tired and bored in no time. So, why don’t you make it a habit to hop to the printer on one leg and return on the other if you give print jobs? Out of personal experience I can say that it works. Just make sure that noone like big boss Rick sees you. Another popular exercise we do is called ‘coffee rounds’. Not only is it a social act of camaraderie, but also somewhat of an exercise for your biceps and triceps, depending on the volume of the order, naturally.

However, if you worked off your entire what-to-do-today checklist and it is still not time to scamper off, there is always the office game! (Curious about that? You should be and will read about it later this week).

In conclusion, let me get you in on a little secret:

Rule 8.4.: You control how long your days are!

One of my senior colleagues, Michael, put it once in a nice way:

You can not put more days in your life, but you can put more life in your days!

I think this is something we should truly consider when we check our watches the next time!

Not far from the old bridge is this clock tower – I’m afraid I don’t know anything about it so can’t say anything learned about it! It reminds me of the Tollbooth Steeple on nearby Trongate – the colour of both the stone and the clock are the same.

Above the Clocks is Minerva who represents the Roman Goddess of  Wisdom and Protector of Cities.

Located Town Hall High Street, Liverpool.

Former footballer John Hartson wants to prevent other men from failing to act on early warning signs of cancer…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: indoor soccer shoes. The blog is also related to: soccer football.

[限時免費] PerfectClock ：超完美時鐘！背景音樂、可下載樣式、鬧鐘。原價＄0.99，限時免費！

itunes link

**提供的幾個背景音效都很讚哪，雨聲、溪流聲、海濤聲。
**很多時鐘的樣式可以下載更換。

產品名稱: 三角時鐘電筒

Human Clock est un art de présenter le temps de façon intéressante en utilisant n’importe quel objet. (J’ai déjà parlé d’un widget du temps bijin-tokei avec les filles japonaises.)

Le site Human Clock vous offre une multitude de photos téléchargées par des internautes dans le monde entier et indiquant le temps exact. Par exemple, le numéro de train.

N’hésitez pas à faire votre propre version.

Voici le calendrier humain. Voilà, suivez leurs regards. C’est aujourd’hui.

Humanclock est aussi sur Twitter.

La vie est belle si vous voulez la découvrir, non?

film processing – Working in the darkroom to process the film I shot this weekend. Word project and portfolio!

Time and money are two of your most valuable resources.

For most people they are directly linked – people trade time for money as an employee. The more hours you work the more money you earn, and as your skills and value increases so the hourly rate increases, in theory at least. 

But in many cases you have to work the hours your company sets, even if they are anti-social or if they mean you miss out on family time. And if you add commute time as well your hourly rate reduces and your costs increase.

Your ability to increase your hourly rate may also be limited. If someone else is prepared to do the same job for less than you then your chances of a raise are very low.

Job security has also reduced, as global competition and the recession have a massive impact, and as technology replaces labour in the 24/7 economy.

If you want to increase your productive time and your hourly rate, then click here and enter your contact details and we’ll show you a way that you can regain control.

Mark

Un reloj hecho con scroll (las cosas esas para navegar por las paginas o ventanas), en este reloj te va demostrando la hora… (eso Buffete!) pero lo “chida” es que en los numeros le puedes mover los scrolls, la verdad no tiene mucho de divertido, lo malo es que tampoco lo puedes bajar para ponerlo de salvapantallas o algo por el estilo. Este reloj fue creado por TOKI WOKI, que al parecer nomas parece ser un proyecto de ellos o algo para demostrar lo que pueden hacer.

[Scroll clock]

Milky Way Alarm Clock by Henrik Amberla is a work of art. A shape inspired by the Milky Way galaxy, Amberla’s alarm clock snoozes when rotated to the next display, and set when flipped on its opposite side.

Clocks are such an integral part of life that it’s impossible to picture life without them since they’re essential to maintain a tally of the time thru our twenty-four hour day. From the time the first ever clocks were made, they have evolved over time and are now available in such a selection that it would make your head spin. The first ever alarm clock was granted a patent in 1877 and they have come a very long way since that time. What used to be a means to wake up on time now incorporates dazzling features like radios, twin alarms, CD players, programmable snooze buttons and hold your breath aromatherapy. It does not stop there the search is on to make the standard alarm clock even more complex and feature packed than it is.

Clocks also find their use in the home as timers in outdoor cooking while grilling or grilling to make sure that your favourite recipes turn out to be just right.

There are the conventional analog clocks. Analog desktop clocks and analog display clocks are also available. Desktop analog clocks are downloadable on to your PC screen. With analog alarm clocks and analog projection clocks many folks still prefer the analog clock display to the digital wall clock.

a recent trend is atomic clocks or radio frequency clocks. The naval atomic clock on-time atomic clock sync is free software that you can download to your computer. There are atomic wall clocks as well as atomic dual alarm clock radios. You also get atomic travel clocks.

Clock radios take you a stage further by playing radio stations. Water resistant shower clock radios, digital clock radios, CD alarm clocks, atomic clock radios and cassette recorder clock radios are now popular. CD clock radio shower let you sing along with them in the shower listening to music from multiple bands.

Digital clock radios let you studied the time more easily with their digital readout though some folks prefer the standard wind up travel alarm clock. The variety you may find is from digital alarm clocks and digital photograph alarm clock travel with these with an image of your dear one to awake to. A travel clock with nap timer is really convenient.

Mechanical goes automatic with battery operated clock parts and battery-powered clock mechanisms, saving you the fear of having to set the clock by hand. You also have a selection of battery-operated projection clocks ; battery-operated wall clocks and battery operated 6 digit clocks.

It is hard to find anyone who does not own an alarm clock. Most people can’t do without this ingenious invention that keeps them in time and helps them be on time, right from waking up in the morning to varied events throughout the day. To keep with the custom, there are a range of alarm clocks available. Those who travel often carry a travel alarm clock. For those that tend to be heavy sleepers or a little hard of hearing, they like loud alarm clocks. Recently the Zen alarm clock has gained popularity with its close to nature soothing sounds. Then there are the vibrating alarm clocks for the hearing impaired, and a massive choice of children alarm clocks.

The stately pendulum wall clock holds its place of distinction in numerous houses. The earliest pendulum regulator clocks date back to the 17th century. Some folk treasure their antique pendulum wall clocks while others prefer more modern designs like the Southwest pendulum clocks which are among the trendiest with their unique metal design and shapes.

There are interesting flying alarm clocks that can jump off your nightstand. These truly loud alarm clocks make you out of bed to stop the noise. The Timex alarm clock is quite popular and it comes with an am/fm clock radio and built in nature sounds. The Zen Alarm clocks come with pleasing resonant chimes like Tibetan bells. The chimes progress continuously, getting more and more frequent, waking you very gently instead of with the normal strident screech related to alarm clocks.

for people that are hearing-impaired or deaf or are visually challenged, the vibrating alarm clock is a convenient choice. Not only are they used for waking up, but also as reminders for timely medication.

For youngsters, there are unique youngsters alarm clocks in order that they can wake up happy in the morning. There are talking alarm clock that produce sounds like a cow mooing or a rooster crowing.

vibrating alarm clock

Have you ever felt the emptiness without a clock when the phone is dead and you really don’t want to miss your bus? It would have been easy just to raise your tiny arm and look at the watch on your wrist.

Well, I’ve felt that feeling too and I’m gonna do something about. I’ve been looking at Swedish Ebay (tradera) to find something really cheap, but still good, but I can’t even find an expensive one that I like, so that didn’t work out well. So I’ll ask you about it! Do you know a clock that could fit me very well? Something cute, nice and a little bit special. Maybe with a touch of Sandra! I’m not really girly and not manly either, so maybe something unisex?

if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget(‘4f717409-063c-43d0-8ed2-571b617b3d74′);Get the Aquarium Clock widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)

Okay, let me say this right up front – my living room furniture is OLD.  It is so old that I can’t even remember what year I bought it.  But, it is also sturdy and extremely well-made.  I remember that when I got it, way back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth, I went to a store that was exclusively for interior decorators, thanks to an inside contact, and paid a pretty penny.  The thing I like about having old furniture is that you don’t have to worry about it anymore.  It’s sort of like when you get the first scratch on a brand-new car. Once that has happened, it has lost its virginity.   In my home, I can invite my friends to put their feet up on the coffee tables.  And, if a soda spills on the sofa, oh well, it’s had worse.  It’s a comfortable feeling.

So, that’s why I hadn’t really spent much time studying new trends in furniture or home accessories.  But then I stumbled upon this neat site called Web Urbanist and saw some stuff that really appealed to me.  What I love about these things is that they are not only functional, but also creative, whimsical and art.  Take this light, for example…how cool would it be to have this little fellow waiting in your bedroom as mood lighting?

Then there’s this minimalist clock.  It may take a moment for you to master, but, once you do, you realize how unique it is.

Okay, I can hear some of you complaining that maybe this is too far out for your conservative tastes.  Then how about a nice illuminated bathtub?  For another thousand dollars or so, you can even have it with LED lights that change colors!

And if you think that’s still a bit much, how about an all-wood bathtub?  You’ve got to admit this one is really beautiful. 

And finally, some real furniture.  When I saw these tables, I got the immediate impression that they were running.  They also feel to me like they’ve emerged from the bottom of the sea.  See what I mean about furniture as art?

Now that I’ve got a taste for all the cool and beautiful things to be had, I’m thinking I should replace everything…and I will…

just as soon as I win the lottery!

That’s it for now.

]]> http://soraw9.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/experimenting-with-colour-and-contrast/ Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:37:26 +0000 soraw9 http://soraw9.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/experimenting-with-colour-and-contrast/

do you remember those times when you seriously need a reminder but you simply can’t allow the luxurious of letting the alarm clock ring off loudly? Perhaps there is a sleeping baby in the house. Perhaps you simply find the loud buzzing sound of the alarm clock to be really irritating. Under these circumstances, a vibrating alarm clock would be just perfect. Vibrating alarm clock incorporates a special mechanism that creates a loud vibration that may be felt when it’s stored in your short pocket, your belt or wherever you opt to keep it.

it is a rather noisy world we live in today and vibrating alarm clocks are simply the correct answer to help relieve that noise. Some of the places where a loud ringing from an alarm cock is simply not acceptable would be the library, a lecture hall, a meeting room or just at the theater. If you’re a student, what do you think about a unexpected loud ringing from your clock in the middle of an examination room when the place is quiet and peaceful?

Now there is an even more interesting version of the vibrating clock. These are designed to be kept under the pillow and it would create a vibration string enough to wake you up in the morning! The idea is just brilliant and many have jumped into this and bought one of their own. Other alarm clocks come with an attachment that you can slip under the pillow. The vibrating alarm clock that is known as the Mega Shaker would vibrate so strongly that it would wake up you up in the morning instead of having to be dependent on the old humming sound of the alarm clock.

A vibrating alarm clock would be great for the hearing impaired or if you’re audibly challenged in a way, You can choose between the vibrating clock and the strobe clock. The strobe clock has a feature that comes with pulsating lights together with the vibrations so you can know that it’s time to get on each the intended activity. Just in case you are sleeping, you can rely on the vibrations form the vibrating clock to wake you up.

sonic boom alarm clock

There’s nothing better than when you’re talking to someone, casually mention the time, and watch as the other person yanks at their pocket, stares just to the right or left of their crotch, and then continues their part of the conversation.

Congratulations, you’ve completed the third grade. It was touch and go there for a minute, but you pulled through.

If this has been too much for you, though, I’ll summarize: Cell phones have made us lazy. Do we REALLY need a digital readout of the time in small, somewhat grainy numbers in order to know where the Earth is in relative rotation to the Sun for that day? Goodness knows what would happen if we needed to go back to sundials. Most of our technology-wired personalities would panic, and we’d impale ourselves on these ancient monoliths of time.

Come on, people. Learn to do stuff for yourselves, and not have everything handed to you on a small, smudged, easily breakable screen.

Let Using Your Cell Phone As Your Primary Time Source Die

Photo Credits: Here