Dial i for Phone

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In past centuries there really was a dial on a phone and hence, you dialed a number. We have made so many advances since then to the age of the iPhone (wish I had one). No, really. I WISH I HAD ONE. Can someone talk to T-Mobile for me about that?

But secretly we---that is those of use who can remember ---are yearning for the good old days of LPs (yup they're making them again too), lower gas prices, and now the dial phone. But on your iPhone. It's the iRetroPhone.
It actually is pretty cool. It is realistic looking and sounding. The irony abounds for the placing of the slowest, tedious dialing method onto the most innovative state-of-the-art phone, but Baby Boomers toting iPhones will wax nostalgic for the days of tangled cords and Princess line phones and probably plunk down the $2.99 pricepoint just for the fun of it.
I wish i had an iPhone.
Really.
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Ride the Bus

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USB is taking over tech. Everything charges, connects and controls by USB these days. I just built a new computer and have 10 installed internal USB ports. I am sure I will soon run out though as my current list of devices usually wired in right now totals 7:

• printer
• scanner
• cellphone
• digital camera
• soundblaster 5.1 surround
• palm
• ipod

That leaves me just 3 empty slots for the various rotating menagerie of thumb drives to which I am addicted. I buy them like candy in a 5 and dime store. Intermittently used devices like my USB rechargeable battery, USB fan, USB light, USB mp3 players (including cool Target mp3 player giftcard) are also loitering all around my computer like cars waiting to board the auto train to Florida.

If you haven't looked into the bevy of mindless devices using Universal Serial Bus technology, take a ride over to sites USB Gadgets and USB Geek to find such treasures as the aroma dispenser:

the doomsday hub:

the desktop Xmas tree:

and the rocket launcher:

But to support all this serial swag you will likely need a USB hub (think of Newark but with fewer gates) as most computers come with only 2 or 3 ports. I've always loved Belkin's computer peripheral products and their hub lines are something to marvel and envy.

The one I'm currently jonesing for is the in-desk hub. You know that waste-of-a-space hole in your desk with that little cover that usually pops out never to be found again?

Perfect use and placement. If you prefer however the Airstream of hubs, this iPod wannabe will do:

This will allow you to load up on lots more USB gadgets. What?! ---you want USB devices that actually are useful? I've previously shown you the recordable turntable and cassette tape player but there's plenty more stuff out there.

USB TV	lighter
Cell extender	send voicemail
microscope

So join the USB Revolution and hop a ride on the Bus.

Hear the Tech

There are some very cool gadgets out that should be on any Baby Boomer wish list. It's about time someone thought of this and made it affordable.

USB Turntables by ION

Portable version

Desktop version

Plugs into your computer via USB cable, in the $100-range, and sleek designs. Convert all your old records of Fleetwood Mac and The Partridge Family to mp3, or just listen through the computer speakers.


Not to be left out, crack open the faux leather cassette carriers and convert all your old mix tapes to mp3 as well!

Tape Deck by PlusDeck

Slides into the CD/DVD bay of your desktop computer and even features auto-reverse

Dual USB Cassette Deck by ION

Dual cassette USB standalone model

Awesome additions to the music universe for our aging musical collections!
Now how about one for my 8 Track collection?!

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See the Tech

I love gadgets and technology, and I will highlight some of my finds here on my BLOG de temps en temps. Here's my latest Gotta-Haves....!

SNAPS ON A BOTTLE

OK, Too Cool.

This $8 gizmo snaps on a bottle (hence the name)---any water filled bottle, and acts as a tripod for your pocket-size cameras. Just screw the camera onto the top. Great for travel. Now you can even appear in your own shots! From Compact Impact.

Lomography is a photography method from the '50's and '60's developed by an Austrian company using their LOMO cameras. LOMO cameras are just way cool photography and here are some new-retro models:

FISHEYE

Takes photos creating that "fisheye" look, capturing 170 degree view into a circular frame. Fisheye utilizes 35mm film. $50.

DIANA

The modern remake of the 1960's all-plastic $1 Diana camera which is now a cult legend --- famous for its its dreamy, radiant, and lo-fi images. Updated with modern features. $50.

RINGFLASH

Slide onto the lens of any SLR camera and this will evenly light your subject in various colors for cool photo effects. $65.

LOMOGRAPHY

If you are intrigued by the whole LOMO phenomenon, take a look at the Lomographic Society International which makes & sells these and other photographic equipment. Their site is spectacular with galleries of images and contests too.

If you don't want to buy the cameras, you can still grab this LOMO effect Photoshop Action and make pretend you shoot LOMO!

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For The Birds

Originally submitted at UncommonGoods

Gather all the birds in the backyard for a tree-side chat with this nostalgic wooden birdhouse reminiscent of a 1930s radio. With its painted details, wooden knobs and a carved "speaker," this whimsical birdhouse captures the charm of an era gone by. Made in China.

VINTAGE RADIO BIRDHOUSE

For a vintage radio collector!

By Lawgal from Baltimore, MD on 11/22/2007

4out of 5

Pros: Great GIft Idea, Funky fun, Attractive Design

Best Uses: Outdoors, For the birds

Describe Yourself: Practical

I bought this for friends in CA who collect vintage radios and love gardening. What a great combo gift idea! They absolutely loved it and have already hung it in their garden so I know they enjoyed it as a gift!

(legalese)