Let There Be LED Light

Bright Star earth led lightbulb
We are encouraged to switch from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) in the name of the energy conservation and the environment. I have long had a problem though with the mercury, albeit a small amount, that is in CFLs. It just seems an odd thing to bring more of into our homes, rather than less, when we now know how bad mercury exposure is. Continue reading

Eco-Friendly Power Gadgets

So we have our stuff, and some of it requires power. How about some environmentally friendly power stuff to go with it? Thanks to supply and demand, and all that talking we can do to manufacturers with our wallets, more and more enviro options continue to emerge. I do believe… Continue reading

Earth Lifetime Not Earth Hour

Happy Earth Hour! Lights out for an hour. But not me. Surprising to hear? Let me explain my thinking. On the surface it may seem an admirable energy saving idea, and a way to bring home the importance of energy conservation, of valuing the earth. But does it not also… Continue reading

Interactive Shirts from Guitar to Wi-Fi

c498_electronic_rock_guitar_shirt_animYears of toting a pedal harp around, I always wished it were easier to move. Smaller, more portable somehow. Why did I have to choose the largest instrument in the orchestra? Why not a flute or violin? Even a string bass would have been easier to cart around. So I couldn’t help but smile, and be a little envious there’s not a harp version…yet…when I came across the most portable ‘instrument’ around, short of the human voice that is. I’m sure the technology will only improve, but for about $30 there’s a t-shirt, an actual cloth t-shirt that is also a functioning electronic guitar. Continue reading

Turn Any Surface into a Speaker

While we still don’t have consumer versions of that Light Touch projector/computer that turns any surface a touchscreen, I have come across something that is available that turns any surface into a speaker. OrigAudio has come out with, “The Rock-It portable vibration speaker system takes music from your device and… Continue reading

Start Your Own Website Today

I’ve had a few people ask me recently about starting their own websites. Become their own dots on the internet map. When I created my first website about 12 years ago, Elizabeth Ely’s Harp Page, I was a complete novice, but enjoyed the new challenges. I even enjoyed learning a… Continue reading

Replica Star Trek Gadgets Redux

In light of the futuristic nature of yesterday’s post, I thought it might be fun to look at a few crazy gadgets that while inspired by the future, are actually available today. More specifically, Star Trek coming to us now in a new way. Memorabilia attached to movies and television… Continue reading

Mini Touchscreen Monitor

I keep hoping to see consumer applications available of that amazing gizmo that turns any surface into a touchscreen. But it seems we are still waiting for companies to manufacture products incorporating the Light Touch technology that has been developed by Light Blue Optics. Patience may be a virtue, but… Continue reading

Lego Meets USB and MP3

Ever on the lookout for new gadgets, and curious to see what they will think of next, I came across an interesting combination of toy and tech. Who would have thought those ubiquitous little plastic building bricks of the 20th century would end up housing 21st century technology. And look… Continue reading