Microsoft's Courier 'digital journal': exclusive pictures and details (update: video!)

We've been dying to know more about Microsoft's Courier tablet / e-book device ever since we first caught wind of it last September, and while our entreaties to Mr. Ballmer went unanswered, we just learned some very interesting information from an extremely trusted source. We're told Courier will function as a "digital journal," and it's designed to be seriously portable: it's under an inch thick, weighs a little over a pound, and isn't much bigger than a 5x7 photo when closed. As we've heard, the interface appears to be pen-based and centered around drawing and writing, with built-in handwriting recognition and a corresponding web site that allows access to everything entered into the device in a blog-like format complete with comments. Update: We've added a gallery of user interface shots -- some of which we've seen and some of which are new. Update 2: We've just gotten two full-length HD videos of the interface in action. Courier user interface See all photos 8 Photos Comments

8-Bit vs. Reality:: Kidrobot's Blog, The KRonikle UK designer, Aled Lewis crosses the streams of reality and 8-bit with a fun new photographic series. Aled is best known for his clever t-shirt illustrations on Threadless, but his latest project superimposes your favorite pixelated video game characters of yesteryear with photographs of real life scenarios. via fubiz

Dural #1 Metal Inspection Stamp The Dural #1 Metal Inspection Stamp uses fast drying ink so it can be used on most surfaces. Impression measures 3/4" in diameter Made from lightweight aluminum Base is made of acid resistant ebony plastic Uses Mark II fast dry ink and comes with a FREE bottle of ink. This lightweight aluminum inspector stamp has a re-inkable pad that is contained in the bottom half of the case. The Dural Metal Inspection stamps have many popular uses which include business cards, inspection markings on airplane parts or other metal fabrication, and photography watermarks. Click here to find other round stamps in multiple sizes or call us for help in finding the right stamp for your needs. This modern style pocket stamp is made of die cast aluminum. The base is made of acid resistant ebony plastic. A whole is provided in the aluminum body to allow insertion of a string, chain, or lanyard so that the stamp can be worn around the neck and always be ready for use!

You Shall Have Bike Lanes Wherever You Go Some cities are slow getting around to approving bike lanes; others don't bother. Here is a way to carry your bike lane with you wherever you go: project it onto the road with fricking lasers. Alex Tee and Evan Gant of Altitude write: Our system projects a crisply defined virtual bike lane onto pavement, using a laser, providing the driver with a familiar boundary to avoid. Light Lane via GOOD A commenter pointed us to another idea to promote bike safety: The SPEED-VEST is a bicycle safety device and advocacy tool which displays the wearer’s current speed on their back in easy-to-read lighted numerals. Mykle Systems LabMore Bike Safety in TreeHugger: Turn Signal Jacket For Cyclists How To Be Seen On Your Bike at Night

UNCHARTED TERRITORY TERRARIUM | moss terrarium, glass This Must Be The Place Tag along as these intrepid explorers discover a wild new frontier with this adventurous terrarium by miniature world virtuosos Michelle Inciarrano and Katy Maslow. This clever, moss-filled microcosm is populated by two Lilliputian pioneers who hike though the verdant sculpture's hilly mosses and fossilized wood mountains that rest atop a foundation of rich soil and multi-colored stones. The whimsical "Uncharted Territory" terrarium comes fully assembled in a glass apothecary jar and brings the thrill of adventure and the tranquility of the great outdoors to your home or office. Handmade in Brooklyn, New York. Jar made in China. Take a studio tour to see where Michelle and Katy bring their miniature nature scenes to life!

Continuance – Rechargeable Battery with USB Interface by Haimo Bao, Hailong Piao, Yuancheng Liu & Xiameng Hu The Power Play Continues This is so simple. Continuance is a set of batteries with a USB interface on the side. The batteries are rechargeable plus dole out some juice to stranded gadgets that are starved of power. Handy, compact and a totally do-able concept! Kudos! Designers: Haimo Bao, Hailong Piao, Yuancheng Liu & Xiameng Hu

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Top 30 best free games you should play today 26. Wing Commander Saga A stunning fan-sequel to one of the PC's most beloved space simulators. Wing Commander Saga offers a huge new campaign you don't need to have played the original games to enjoy, with 55 missions, cut-scenes, full voiceovers, and more, all based on the Freespace 2 engine. 27. Populous returns in Reprisal - a gorgeous pixel-art reinvention. 28. Lead the ancient civilisation of your choice to glory in this free-to-play version of the classic series. 29. Online RPGs have never been so streamlined, or so insane. When you die, you die for good... but Realm of the Mad God is so fast that rolling a new character and jumping back in from the start is no real hardship. 30. DOTA style strategy meets first-person shooters in this free-to-play sequel. Easily the best part, though, is that each game is narrated. 31. Create a hero and leap into action in the streets of Gotham and Metropolis, either backing up the Batman or signing up with your favourite super-villains. 32. 33.

How to Draw Celtic Knotwork The old method These instructions can be followed with pencil and paper or using any computer based drawing or drafting program. I have used Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, and AutoDesk AutoCad for various projects, but my favorite is Corel Draw. In the tutorial below I show the method that I use in Corel Draw; however, I have deliberately left out program-specific instructions. I did this to make the instructions more broadly applicable to work with as many drawing and CAD programs as possible. This method, like most, begins with drawing the grid. The second step is to draw in the diagonals. Next draw in the connecting curves that will become the edges of the knotwork. This is the step that most people have the most trouble with: deciding where to "Break the Grid". So, where do we put these spaces to make an aesthetically pleasing design? Here is how I do it:: I CHEAT! 1). Or 2). But back to the tutorial. Follow the diagonals until you come to a red line. We're almost there!

another good idea down the tube...oh well whats next on our digital plates? by bhagan May 13