Here's another instance of a small thing that amounts to a big thing. I am constantly unplugging things by grasping the cord and yanking it out of the socket. This is bad for the cord and unsafe. Designer Kim Seung Woo has rethought the plug so that you can easily find it, even in the dark, and safely unsocket it. I swear, something as simple and overlooked as unplugging electronics from a surge protector has caused me undue stress. Then the dust gets all in my sinuses and it's the end of easy breathing for me. 2009 will be the year of addressing the small things. That's my resolution.

|via I New Idea|

I hope this is a trend that grows as much as the Green trend. ARK stands for Acts of Random Kindness, a clothing label started by an 18-year-old Irish "nutter". Each item of clothing reminds the wearer to do something nice for someone. "The idea—one ARK every time the clothing is worn. That's it. Buy someone a coffee, give up your seat on the bus, help a drunk home. Any expensive ideas—send them my way, our profits could help." And it will pay dividends when you're at a party and an attractive stranger asks about your shirt. Automatic conversation-starter. |via Trendhunter|

I always used to think heated articles of clothing were for the overly-pampered. Come on. Just put on more layers, right? Then I was riding my motorcycle the other day and my fingers and feet became so cold it became truly dangerous for me because my reaction times were slowed to like molasses. The only advantage to growing older is we gain wisdom. Now, I'm thinking these rechargeable heated insoles will make my ride in the brisk mornings as cozy as kicking my feet up in front of the heater.

|via Book of Joe. Who always has the most useful items featured.|

Bread may be the most satisfying food item of all food items. It's a base for all other things good: pizza, doughnuts, sandwiches, bank accounts. I keep mine in a refrigerator to make it last longer. I never understood the advantages of a bread box. So I did some research and it turns out the keeping bread in a fridge method is actually speeding up the process of making bread go stale because the colder temperature speeds of the retrogradation. The best method is an airtight bread box that keeps the loaf at room temperature. This bread drum incorporates a cutting board into its lid so it saves space as well as your dough -- both the kind you eat and the kind you earn from not having to buy new bread.

In junior high most kids are clumsy, being gangly and not used to the growth spurts that our bodies undergo. We tend to break things. There was always a period of glory when you explained how you obtained your cracked fibula by fending off a bear to save your baby brother. All the girls would swoon. And you'd get to personalize your cast with their signatures and heartfelt well-wishes. You're an adult now. The lies need to stop. To forestall questions that only lead to your embarassment, use these slings to indicate exactly the kind of tomfoolery that landed you in the ER. Only a concept for now but the day will come when you'll realize you're not young anymore and you're going to need this. |via BB|

The erotic subtext of the Ziplamp concept from Merry Design Studio provides an added thrill when you need to shed (or undress) some light. I'm not sure exactly how this works but the lamp is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styren sheathed in neoprene. Makes me shiver with thrill. |via Yanko|

Nothing like starting the first Monday of 2009 like being back in the office. Brand new year, same old boss, and same old tasks. Retirement looks like it's never going to happen so make your own exit. This grappling hook fits neatly into your pocket and is the first piece of your escape kit. The barbs screw into the housing of the storage compartment. I wouldn't trust it to carry your body-weight but it can probably snag onto anything you can throw it over. |via Book of Joe|

These lamps from Design Heure provide an ambient touch that you can change to fit your mood. A slide-projector built into the lamp allows you to change the transparencies to prepared images or something you can draw up on your own. I'd leave the designs to the experts though. I looked over some of my old doodles and most wouldn't even make it onto my mom's refrigerator. |via Boing Boing|

This new offering from Motorola makes me almost second-guess my iPhone purchase. The stainless steel Aura is inspired by luxury watches and is gorgeous in a steampunk fashion. The circular display is the first 16-million colors, 300 dpi resolution screen in the cellphone world. It's protected by a highly scratch-resistant lens made of Grade 1 62-carat sapphire crystal. The keypad is revealed with a swivel of the face. I think the price makes my iPhone buyer's remorse somewhat more palatable. |via Fubiz|

I really don't rely on my iPhone camera for taking high-quality photos so it's never really bothered me. But for those of you who want more versatility out of your digital snapshots taken on your iPhone these lenses provide telescopic, fish-eye, and wide-angle capabilities. A magnetic adhesive tape allows you to easily place the attachments over your camera lens. |via Core77|

Hullo, hullo. Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday. Just wanted to squeeze in a quick greeting and wish everyone a great New Year.

And also wanted to say I am catching up on some movies during the break and as much as I want to extol on the virtues of some high-brow, indie film, my favorite film so far this holiday season is Benjamin Button. Cate Blanchett is luminous and impossible not to fall in love with. And Brad Pitt is of course gorgeous. The story is episodic and it's told using a lot of voiceover, both things which I usually find distracting, but maybe I'm learning to appreciate films for their entertainment value more these days. With a story that spans a lifetime (two, counting Cate's character Daisy) these are necessary devices to complete the story.

Most everyone knows the story is of a man who ages backwards, and how this oddity of his birth affects him. But his unique condition doesn't prevent him from seeking life and love. And wisdom.

The cinematography is beautiful and the direction is subtle. There's a gentleness to the entire film that I really enjoyed.

And how they make Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt look like teenagers again is amazing.

Go out and enjoy a movie. Just don't talk!

I am all about celebrity endorsements, provided they are for the appropriate products. That means that I'll trust the Beats by Dre headphones, because who else is more fitting to shill headphones meant for canceling out exterior noise while pumping the bass? The Rachael Ray headphones on the other hand...not so trustworthy...