Alert
”Ford Blind Spot System Uses Radar to Save your Ass
Ford is going to introduce two new traffic alert systems in their 2009 cars: the Cross Traffic Alert and the Blind Spot Monitoring System, which will alert drivers of potential collision targets using radar technology. Which these new gadgets, instead of having to check the mirror and ignore any cars coming from behind before changing lane, drivers would be able to check a red light that will warn about any incoming vehicles, even if they are hiding in the blind spot. And then, ignore them and change lanes. Example: my radar is saying that there's a press release after the jump. More »Hot Dog Temperature Alert System for Car Owners too Stupid to Have Pets
If ever I want to give my late, unlamented sister-in-law—she's not dead, she's just not my sister-in-law any more—a present (other than a punch in the chops) then I need look no further than the Hot Dog Temperature Alert system for cars. Install it, turn it on, and if the temperature rises above a preset one, then the windows roll down automatically, the horn sounds and a man in uniform appears as if by magic with a red hot poker that he rams up your ass. Okay, so I made that last bit up, but here's a story about my late (I wish) unlamented sister-in-law that you might enjoy. More »
alarm
ONELink Wireless, Networked, Talking Smoke Alarms Tell You When to Get the Hell Out
If you are ever confronted with a fire or carbon monoxide situation in your home, it goes without saying that you would want an alarm that will give you the best chance to escape. That having been said, the ONELink system from First Alert does just about everything outside of physically carrying you out of the building. Because they can be wirelessly networked (up to 16 units), when one of the devices goes off, they will all go off, giving you more time to take action no matter where you are in a building. More »
magic carpet ride
Smart Carpet Can Help Seniors Who Fall and Can't Get Up
Yes, the Life Alert slogan is cliche, but how can you avoid it when talking about a "smart carpet" that can assist the elderly when they fall? The carpet is the brainchild of researchers at the University of Missouri, and it has the capability to electronically monitor a senior's location and sound an alert in the event of a fall. This is made possible using a new sensor that can be printed on thin, flexible sheets using equally flexible and inexpensive "organic ink." More »Awesome Red Alert Tesla Coil Makes Quick Work of Allied Soldiers
Command and Conquer: Red Alert was the first PC strategy game that I really got into, and it's still one of my all-time favorites. That's why I can't help but fall in love with this homemade Tesla coil setup made as an homage to the classic game. The picture above isn't Photoshopped at all; it's a single, 17-second exposure taken with a Nikon D70. That's not to say no special effects were used, however.
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baby on board
Baby Alert Child Minder Remembers Your Kids When You Forget
It's better to be safe than sorry: Baby Alert's Child Minder system (baby not included) replaces the generic strap on your kid's car seat, causing a keychain alarm to sound every time you move more than ten feet from the buckled fastener that ties your tot down. $64.95 for peace of mind. [The Child Minder System via Sci Fi Tech]XCM 360 Hot Rock Case Warns Of Impending Doom
If you or someone you love has been affected by the Xbox 360's red rings of death, consider the new 360 Hot Rock case from the modders at XCM. This clear case mod comes with a temperature gauge and multicolor LED that goes from cool blue to flaming red as your console approaches the melting point. No price point yet, but the Wii version runs about $60, which is most likely what this creature will cost once it's available.[360 Hot Rock case via Technabob]
gadgets
Breath Alert Stank Mouth Detector
Admit it, that whole cupping your hand over your mouth trick works about as well as an ice cream parlor in the middle of hell. The Breath Alert is here to help. This gadget is actually pretty scientific. It will detect the levels of volatile sulfide compounds and hydrocarbon gas that cause stank breath and will rate your breath on four levels. More »
gadgets
USB Amber Alert Child ID Kit
By providing you with an easy way to keep your child's information all in one place, this USB Amber Alert Child ID kit can be a lifesaver in the hopefully unlikely event that your child goes missing. The device gives you a nice software app where you can enter in photos, emails, personal blog URLs, medical information, and other relevant data on your kid. More »
gadgets
EMI 911 Card Gives Life Alert a Run For Its Money
The idea behind EMI's 911 rCard is so brilliant I'm surprised no one's done it before. You basically load all of your medical information on to the card and in the case of an emergency, hand it over to the paramedics who can then view your medical history using the card's 2-inch LCD. The card itself is only $79, although there's a $20 yearly subscription. Now if only they could get it to play MP3s. More »
cellphones
Hey! Hey! Unplug Me, You Moron!
Well, your cellphone may not be that abusive, but if the mobile industry task force led by Nokia has its way, your cellphone might give you a gentle audible reminder that its charging cycle is done and that you can unplug it. More »
laptops








