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Hungry Scientist Handbook blends crafts, science, and the kitchen

You may not need help determining if the beverage you are drinking is hot or cold, but some people might. Luckily, these coasters will tell you just what you need to know: red for hot, blue for cold. A light encapsulated inside the coaster changes to the appropriate color depending on the temperature of your drink.

Empirical evidence shows that there is a great need for temperature awareness in today's modern world. For example, we have specially designed beer packaging that tells us when the beer is cold (hint: it's when the mountains turn blue). And of course, … Read more

Skybar eliminates need to choose between red, white wine

Making decisions can be difficult. Even when the choices presented offer a win/win result. I happen to like cheese. So, if I am faced with a simple choice, say cheddar or Swiss, it can be hard to decide between the two--or the myriad of other possibilities that exist. As you can imagine, grocery shopping for me can sometimes be quite an ordeal. Luckily, I am comfortable and aware of my indecision while in the supermarket. My solution? Purchase one of each.

But what of those times that making a choice leads to a commitment? No, I'm not talking … Read more

Keeping variety on top of the table with Log Bowls

I've always been a fan of thrift stores. I suppose it's a direct correlation to the fact that I absolutely hate shopping. That is, I hate shopping for specific things I need. It doesn't matter if it's clothes, electronics, furniture--or even kitchenware; shopping is a chore. I find that thrifting is a treasure hunt without that impending feeling of need hovering over my head. I could do just as well with or without that macram? owl, but when something I already own breaks, I know I have to go shop for a new one. Thrifting is … Read more

No more waiting for the check while dining out

You know that future we're all waiting for? The one where magic happens on a day-to-day basis? It just got here a little bit early. Well, maybe. At least the design concepts keep pushing the envelope, making sure that the future will eventually get here.

The EPOS-lite by Allport is a design that the maker describes as "the world's lightest cash register". Of course, no "cash" is actually involved, as the EPOS-lite is a charge machine. By combining that function with a restaurant menu, future diners will have the ability to order and pay … Read more

Work in the mold--the Jello-O mold

Some people never outgrow the wonderful taste of Jell-O, and why should they? Every potluck seems to have a Jell-O mold. Whether it be speckled with marshmallows or odd bits of fruit, a Jell-O mold seems to always show up. Love it or hate it, it is one thing you can count on. Now, you can take that mold with you to work, without adding any calories to your diet.

The Jelly Box by David Hingamp takes cubicle lifestyle to a whole new level. The workspace was designed as part of the recent Urbantine Project in London. The theme of … Read more

A teapot with a twist

The Sorapot is a minimalist, modern teapot. In its beautiful stainless steel and Pyrex form, the Sorapot only holds two cups. But this delicate teapot has plenty going for it. To use the Sorapot, you need to turn it vertically: the handle hinges backwards so you can add loose tea to the glass tube. From there, you put everything back together and fill the pot with water. It may seem a bit more complex than your average teapot, but with most teapots you need extra gizmos and gadgets to be able to brew with loose leaves. The Sorapot uses a … Read more

Because nothing beats a nice hot meal

One of my favorite things when I was a kid was going to family brunch on the weekends. Having good cooks as parents was a definite bonus for the kids, and when we had Sunday brunch, we knew we could count on an elaborate spread. One of the best things about brunch is that we got to serve ourselves out of the seldom-used warming pans. There was something extra special about spooning food out of a buffet-style pan warmed by heating candles.

Broil King knows that warming pans like the ones my parents used give instant "host with the … Read more

Sushezi shoots out tubes of sushi

I can't tell if I like this idea or not. I suppose since it involves the making of sushi, I'll just have to give it a thumbs up. However, I don't think it's quite sushi-sushi, if you don't have to roll it up.

Usually sushi is formed in a bamboo mat covered with plastic wrap. You place the vinegared rice--with or without sugar--and fish in a sheet of nori, add some vegetables if you like, then roll it up. And there you have sushi. I'm not sure why you need a device for handling … Read more

The key to being a bottleless bartender

Who says you have to go to a bar to experience mixed drinks that come from a spout? Meet the Super SideBar, a countertop gadget that allows you to make drinks from up to five kinds of liquor without ever having to handle a bottle.

The visible part of the SideBar consists of a row of five buttons attached to a spout. This user interface sits on top of your counter, ready for you to dispense drinks. The bottles can be stored up to 10 feet away, under the counter, under your picnic table, or around the corner. The buttons … Read more