How many times has this happened? You go to take a video of someone and when you watch it later you discover the person was not smiling. If you have been saying "If only there was something – some technology – that would guarantee a smiling subject," Sony was listening. ...more

November 14, 2009

New law a life saver A recent article in this paper indicates the state of Florida has finally caught up with my 2007 Buick Lucerne. Since the day I drove it out of the Rick Mathews Buick parking lot, it lets me know if I have failed to fasten my seat belt. If I have a passenger in the other front seat, the car also beeps again to indicate that the other seat belt should also be fastened. ...more

July 5, 2009

In the words of that great 20th century poet Sir Mix-A-Lot: "Shake it, shake it, shake it, shake that healthy butt. Baby got back." ...more

March 12, 2009

POWER OF THE PRESS If you're a coffee freak (welcome to the club, by the way), you probably know all about the flavor you get from a French press coffeemaker. Using one, however, requires a little patience while waiting for the coffee grounds to diffuse into the water. AeroPress solves that time crunch by using a plunger to push the water through the grounds in only 20 seconds. A microfilter sifts out the usual grit you would get at the bottom of the cup. Cost: $25.95. Available at www.aerobie.com and the Sarasota-based www.cappojim.com. ...more

May 6, 2008

TUNNG: GOOD ARROWS (THRILL JOCKEY) *** Tunng is a group of wired minstrels, chronicling modern life with lilting folk melodies, drum loops and electronic blips and beeps. The blend is far more harmonious than it might seem on paper - so much so that "Good Arrows" can drift by in a pleasant but barely noticeable haze on a casual listen. ...more

December 13, 2007