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Central Illustration
I just bought a new house, and you’d better believe I’m going to decorate the entire thing around this pillow.
http://www.centralillustration.com
2009 Design Milk | Posted by Erin in Home Furnishings | Permalink | No comments
Xambox Helps You Manage Files Digitally and Physically
It can get quite annoying to manage, sort and then access hard copies of documents in a world where everything has been digitalized. In order to solve this issue, Xamance have unveiled the Xambox, which is an integrated solution which manages hard copy documents.
You would no longer need to spend several hours trying to sort out sheets, documents and contracts. You would be able to save all your documents in the Xambox, while it is also available from the computer, if you choose to email, print or fax it to someone. Moreover, the original sheet can always be picked up from the box that would have graphic and written indication to tell you where the original document is located.
For other related devices and ideas, check out the Label Printer Concept or the 3D Printer from Objet.
This is a post from Walyou, who bring you the best New Gadgets gadgets, Cool Gadgets and Hi Tech News.
Xambox Helps You Manage Files Digitally and Physically [CES 2010]
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Frigid Farewells: 10 Vanishing Tropical Glaciers
Going, going, gone. Glaciers have been beating a steady retreat as global warming accelerates, and for some it’s a journey of no return. The most vulnerable mountain & highland glaciers are those in the tropics and their loss could be devastating for the local environment, not to mention the plants, animals and people who have depended on their life-giving water for thousands of years.
Qori Kalis Glacier, Quelccaya Ice Cap, Peru
(images via: WhyFiles and PNAS)
Qori Kalis glacier in the Peruvian Andes is retreating at a faster rate than at any time in the past 50 centuries. It’s estimated that the glacier will vanish entirely within the next 5 years. Qori Kalis, the world’s largest tropical glacier, is one of many ice tongues extending down from the Quelccaya Ice Cap, the largest body of ice in the tropics.
(image via: WhyFiles)
Besides the dramatic retreat of the Qori Kalis glacier itself, the most worrisome aspect of the above photo is the new glacial lake that has formed from meltwater. Such high-altitude lakes are often unstable and sudden events such as earthquakes and/or the calving of large icebergs can send huge tsunamis of frigid water cascading down into the populated valleys below.
Glaciers of the Rwenzori Range, Uganda and DRC, Africa
(images via: U of Toronto, SkiMountaineer and Touring Zanzibar)
The snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Range soar up to 16,761 ft (5,109 m) high and were referred to by the ancient Romans as the Mountains Of The Moon, source of the Nile River’s water. Their great heights have not protected the Rwenzori glaciers from the effects of global warming, however. A survey taken in 1906 showed 43 named glaciers with a total area of 2.9 square miles (7.5 sq km) of ice spread across 6 of the range’s tallest mountains. Approximately half of Africa’s total glacial ice was locked into these frozen rivers. A century later more than half of the ice has vanished, leaving a mere 0.6 square miles (1.5 sq km) of ice on just 3 mountains.
(image via: U of Toronto)
The Elena Glacier on Mount Stanley, tallest of the Rwenzori peaks, shows the dramatic shrinkage documented over the past century but which has accelerated alarmingly in the past several decades.
Glaciers at Iztaccíhuatl, Mexico
(images via: Life In Small Bites, Globalize-Peace and Mapa-Mexico)
There aren’t many glaciers in Mexico… and soon there will be none. “We estimate the glaciers could last another 20 or 30 years,”says Hugo Delgado, a glaciologist from UNAM university in Mexico City. Twenty years ago glaciers existed on three Mexican volcanoes: Popocatepetl,Iztaccihuatl and Pico de Orizaba. By the year 2000 Popocatepetl’s glaciers had vanished though a series of eruptions in the 1990s certainly hastened their demise.
(image via: Treehugger)
More Oddball Organisms: New Year Means New Weird
[ Filed under Nature & Ecosystems or in the Animals & Habitats category ]
(Images via: SCC Science, Sabbah, Adventure Doc, Biology Blog, Frequenseanz)
At WebEcoist, we take great pride in educating you on the abnormal side of nature, biology and other aspects of the environment, with the New Year proving no different in the case of lungless and bone-eating worms, imprisoned and ancient bacteria, and slightly off-kilter octopuses. All of these living organisms have recently raised eyebrows for attributes or behavior that are certainly strange on the surface but really interesting when understanding the reasoning behind the apparent weirdness or madness.
Breathe In, Breathe Out You Giant, Lungless Worm
(Images via: Free Republic, World of Jah)
Recently in Guyana, researchers discovered a strange-looking worm to say the least (as seen in the above pictures) that is believed to be only the second known lungless caecilian (an order of amphibians resembling worms or snakes). Sans nostrils, lungs or legs, the giant, lungless worm is known as Caecilita iwokramae and absorbs oxygen through its skin. Reaching up to 27.5 inches in length, this giant, lungless worm is aquatic and thus unlike other caecilita that live on land and are also much smaller (roughly 4.4 inches long). The unearthing of Caecilita iwokramae follows the 1995 discovery of the first lungless caecilian and a similar 2008 finding of a lungless frog. According to researchers, lunglessness is more likely to appear in smaller animals where the area of porous skin is increased in relation to body mass, thus making it easier to absorb oxygen.
Born to Squirm and Return: The Whale Bone-Eating Worms
(Images via: Driftline, National Geographic, Info Cult, Nautre, Science Blogs)
Speaking of worms, scientists have been pleasantly surprised to find all sorts of new worms that make a living on feasting on whale bones. As one example, the Osedax yellow-collared worm was first discovered in 2004, with new species quickly springing up anywhere from slightly less than 100 feet to nearly 10,000 feet below the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Amazingly, these and other whale bone-eating worms subsist only on the bones of perished whales, which can provide enough food for 20 years and feed generations of these hungry, hungry, new worms.
Solitary Confinement: Only the Lonely and Angry Bacterium
(Images via: Estimate of the Situation, My MRSA Blog, The Foot Blog, Antrhoflex)
Recent advances in nanotechnology have allowed researchers to imprison bacterium (the singular version of bacteria) and learn some amazing things about these tiny organisms. While trapped in glass cages that were only 20 micrometers wide, single Staphylococcus aureus (a bacteria that is seen in the top right/bottom images and known for causing serious, life-threatening infections) was able to alter its gene expression, something that scientists thought could only occur when dozens or hundreds of bacteria were packed together, according to new research. For some more context, bacteria communicate with each other through a chemical process called quorum sensing, which allows them to change their behavior, turn some genes on and off, and take on different roles within the pack. In the case of the bacterium that was trapped in the glass cage, it could tell that its chemical communication was going nowhere but still made genetic adaptations, specifically by producing chemical bombs called lysosomes. Typically, lysosomes eat away at whatever they touch; of course, they proved ineffective at breaking through the glass in the case of the imprisoned bacterium. Still, by producing the lysosomes, the trapped Staphylococcus aureus showed that only a quorum of one is needed for bacterial genetic alteration, a finding that researchers suggest could eventually help them understand how to prevent individual Staph cells from becoming full-out infections.
Suspended in Animation: Long-Living, Salad-Eating Bacteria
(Images via: Wever, History for Kids, Moolf, IUPUI)
Not to keep grossing you out, but bacteria is proving itself fascinating. Recently, researchers discovered ancient microscopic bacteria (more specifically, Archaea microbes) buried in the salt flats of California’s Death Valley (top right image). According to the researchers, the Archaea (top left and bottom images) had been subsisting on just a few cells of algae for the past 34,000 years. Only 1/25,000 of an inch long (a micron), the Archaea microbes apparently went into suspended animation, ceasing all operations with the exception of sipping the nutrients of algae that had been encased in the salt, a process that likely allowed the bacteria to repair gradual damage to their DNA. According to the researchers, a single bacterium may be sustained by a single algae cell for 12 million years!
Veined Octopuses Are Nuts about Coconuts
(Images via: Bukisa, Dark Roasted Blend, Flickr, Dive Rosa)
On a lighter note, a recent study noted how veined octopuses have a bizarre affinity for coconut shells. More specifically, these 3-inch-wide octopi were found digging up both halves of coconut shells and then carrying these items with their 6-inch-tentacles. Especially interesting, the octopuses walked with the coconut shells, strangely appearing as if they were moving across the muddy ocean bottom on stilts. According to the researchers, the octopuses may be slowed down by the coconut shells but value them for hiding and protection, as this video wonderfully depicts.
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Around the World: 27 Fabulous New Year’s Eve Fireworks
[ Filed under Geography & Travel or in the Art & Design category ]
Auld Lang Syne and good riddance recession of 2009! Making noise and fireworks on New Year’s Eve is believed to have originated in ancient times, when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck. Whether you make a New Year’s resolution or not, be sure to celebrate 2010. Yes, the fireworks can be harmful and dangerous, but they are spectacular without a doubt. In the United States, most of us have seen the ball drop in New York City and have also seen the fireworks, if not in person then on TV. But worldwide, we unite as one to welcome the new year with fireworks, so here are 27 fabulous New Year’s Eve firework celebrations from around the world.
Sweden
(image credits:fyrverkerifabriken,realaworld,City of Stockholm)
In Sweden, New Year’s Eve is a highly social time when friends get together, often setting off fireworks. Major firework displays can beed along the waterways of Stockholm and over the magnificent harbor in Gothenburg. At the strike of midnight and the start of the New Year, you would hear, “Gott Nytt År!”
From Russia With Love
(image credits:Dan Heller,lamoen,all best wallpapers)
In Russia, New Year traditions include a New Year’s Tree known as Novogodnaya Yolka which has a bright star on top and the tree is decorated with sweets. Another tradition is the arrival of Father Frost or Ded Moroz along with his granddaughter Snegurochka, the snow girl. Children wait for them as they bring New Year presents and keep them under the New Year’s Tree. To make Father Frost happy, children sing songs. Of course, no New Year is complete without a family get together, delicious meals, and fireworks. Look how lovely they are! С Новым годом!
Sydney, Australia
(image credits:treehugger,TopNews,wikipedia)
Technologically advanced Sydney, Australia, kicked the door closed to recession heavy 2008 with a 3.4 million dollar fireworks extravaganza. Over 1.5 million joined in the New Year’s Eve celebration and watched never-before-seen pyrotechnics that displayed simulated lightning, thunder and even rain. Sydney launched digitally from seven barges, seven city buildings, and the bridge itself, creating 100,000 individual pyrotechnic effects.
Fireworks Around The World
(image credits:matthia,funshun,len_skapp,expressmonorail,expressmonorail)
Does it not seem that we should be a more united world? At least at New Year’s Eve, we celebrate very much the same in most places on this planet. At top left, we see New Year’s Eve fireworks at Kopavogur, Iceland. At top right is a common image for a grand finale of fireworks. At Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, Cinderella’s Castle is surrounded by fireworks. At middle right, the crowd oooh’s and aaaah’s at the fireworks over Victoria Harbor. Lastly on the bottom left, Disney celebrates the with over-the-top fireworks at Illuminations, Reflections of Earth.
More Fireworks From Around The Globe
(image credits:randysmusic1965,locomotivebreadth,funshun,,tom_bennett, ntisocl)
At top left, Hong Kong welcomes the New Year with a spectacular display of lights and sound. To the right, the boomsizzle and pops to accompany these fireworks were over Lake Union in Washington State. At bottom left, London does it up big on New Years Eve with their fireworks display, like this pink wheel. In Seattle, the Space Needle is for once not the highlight in the night sky, still lovely but paling next to the vibrant colors of exploding fireworks.
Recall the past fondly, but grab happiness in the New Year!
(image credits:japantravelinfo,charness,ci123, u m a m i,shaolintiger,Stuck in Customs)
In Japan at top left and in Pittsburgh at right, major fireworks light up the midnight sky with excitement and hope for the future. No matter where on the globe, most people reflect on the past year and times gone by. The song Auld Lang Syne asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten, promising to remember people of the past with fondness. People toast the New Year with high hopes like in Singapore at middle right. On the bottom left, The Eye of Malaysia is not what holds the eye this time but the brilliant pyrotechnic show. In Texas, at bottom right, Lake Austin is filled with boats that hold people of all ages in wonder and appreciation of the fireworks.
Island Romance and Fireworks
What’s New Pussycat? 10 Alluring Animal News Stories
[ See more under Nature & Ecosystems or in the Animals & Habitats category ]
The animal world is inextricably linked to the human world. Often, we get answers to our tough questions from observing or studying animals. And if nothing else, they provide great stress relief and often a bit of entertainment. Here’s what’s been happening in animal/environmental news lately.
Birdfeeders Cause Evolution of New Species
The British love their birdfeeders, and it turns out they’ve caused the evolution of a new species of European blackcap. The new species has rounder wings (because it no longer winters in Spain), longer beaks (for digging seed out of birdfeeders) and different plumage than its migrating cousins. But don’t worry that the change has created a disadvantage for the new birds; scientists say they’re better off for being able to winter close to home.
Kangaroos May Help Beat Cancer
Could kangaroos hold the secret to beating skin cancer? Scientists at the Melbourne University seem to think so. They’re looking at an enzyme produced in kangaroos that helps them avoid cancer by repairing DNA that’s been damaged – the kind of damage caused from UV radiation due to sun exposure. If the team’s hunches play out, we could eventually see some kind of cancer-prevention cream that you just smear on after a day in the sun to repair your damaged DNA. Sounds like it’ll be a hot commodity in tanning salons.
Ocean Acidification Causing Thicker Shells
Ocean acidification has often been cited as the culprit for mollusk and crustacean shells getting thinner, but new research indicates that some species may react to acidification by developing thicker shells. While it may sound like a good thing for those species, the long-term effects on the entire ecosystem are yet to be seen.
Blue Whale Songs Changing
Anytime an endangered or threatened animal population changes its behaviors, scientists rush to figure out what’s going on. But in at least one case, it’s indicated something positive. The songs of blue whales have been decreasing in frequency all around the world, the cause of which was a mystery at first. But after some investigation, it seems that the whales just don’t need to sing like they used to; increasing whale populations have made it easier for them to find mates, so the long-traveling high-frequency songs are no longer necessary.
Man Smuggles Lizards in Underwear
In a story that sounds rather like a set-up to a bad joke, a German man was recently arrested trying to smuggle 44 rare lizards from New Zealand to Europe – in his underwear. The man pled guilty and will hopefully receive a stiff penalty for contributing to the far-reaching, multi-billion-dollar animal smuggling industry.
Damselfish Have Volatile Personalities in Changing Water Temperatures
Get Outta Town! 10 Super Helpful Eco-Travel Links
[ Filed under Nature & Ecosystems or in the Geography & Travel category ]
Is the winter getting to you? The cold, dark, short days have a way of making us yearn for a change of scenery. For many destinations winter is the off-season, meaning you can get a better deal if you go now. Even if you’re not ready to go today, these links from our friends at Treehugger and Planet Green will help you get away in solid eco style on your next vacation.
Eco-Travel Tips
Confused about how to make traveling more green? Here are a few tips to make your travel plans a bit more eco-friendly, and here are a few more to help you find green accommodations no matter where you’re headed. If you still don’t know where, exactly, you’d like to spend your getaway, Planet Green’s Green City Guides can help you out with info on green accommodations and activities in cities around the world.
Meaningful Travels
Many of us wish that we could make our travels not only more sustainable, but more meaningful as well. It’s fun to walk around in a fresh new city and take in the sights, but does it really change the world for the better? This short article about Reality Tours could very well help start you down the path to more meaningful, beneficial traveling.
Top Ten Green Getaways of 2009
Every year since 2003, National Geographic has ranked and published their top picks for naturally beautiful tourist destinations. Treehugger has a slideshow of the top 10 for 2009, along with descriptions of each destination.
Stunning Waterfront Camping
Most of us don’t exactly have camping on our minds this time of year, but planning ahead is always a good thing. Treehugger compiled 10 of the best waterfront camping destinations in the US, from Alaska to North Carolina and lots of places in between. If you’re looking for a non-US camping experience, check out these 10 most beautiful waterfront campgrounds around the world.
Hiking in US National Parks
The great outdoors is what green traveling is all about. Fresh air, new places to explore, and a chance toyour favorite activities in a new way. Visit one or more of these 10 national parks tosome of the country’s best hiking in some of the country’s most beautiful locations.
Weird Eco-Resorts
If your tastes run toward the quirky and unexpected, you’ll love this guide to seven of the world’s oddest environmentally-friendly resorts and hotels. From mushroom-shaped huts to a literal hole in the ground, these accommodations are definitely off the beaten eco-path.
Luxury Eco-Resorts
The Architecture Inspired Desk by Paul Gribincea
“Aero” is a desk created by designer, Paul Gribincea.When examining the shape of Areo, it follows more closely an architectural shape than that of traditional desk design.The angles do not conform to the 90 degree angles of most desk construction.Further, its simple shape doesn’t conform to the principle of providing lots of storage for files and supplies.Morehere.
Post from The Architecture Inspired Desk by Paul Gribincea
Down & Dirty DIY: Humorous Low-Tech Hacks & Mods
Human ingenuity knows no bounds. We’ve been inventing and improvising since the dawn of time, and we’ll continue to do so as long as we have the will to survive and be comfortable. These projects show just how creative people can be – from mashing up unrelated items to make a supergadget to reinventing an item’s purpose, these hacks, tricks and mods are an amusing testament to the creativity of mankind.
Thailand Improvisations
(images via: KK.org)
German photographer Thomas Kalak delights in photographing the unusual, the offbeat, the oft-overlooked quirky parts of everyday life. Traveling through Thailand, he noticed the unshakable cheer and endless ingenuity of people there. When they have a need for an item that doesn’t exist, they simply make it out of available materials. The above images show two ingenious hacks: brake lights made from plastic bottles, red wrapping and light bulbs; and bike reflectors made from old CDs.
(images via: KK.org)
The improvisations documented by Kalak often involve simple solutions to everyday problems. The Coke can above is filled with water and suspended from a picnic table’s covering to keep the tablecloth from blowing away. The device next to it gives old, unmatched socks a new purpose: cleaning floors as a creative mop. And the idea of using plastic bags as makeshift drink bottles isn’t new in many parts of the world, but these photographs show that it’s an almost mainstream practice in Thailand. Simply stick a long straw in and you’ve got a portable drink container. These photographs and others can be found in Thomas Kalak’s fantastic book Thailand – Same Same, But Different.
Bike-Powered Lawnmowers
(images via: art.net and Treehugger)
If you saw one reel lawnmower attached to a bike, you might think the person who invented it was extremely creative – which would, of course, be true. But there are so many of these contraptions out there that it’s nearly reached phenomenon status.
(images via: Treehugger)
Whether the mower is mounted in front of or behind the bike, the bike mower is an ingenious way to use the environmentally-friendly gas-free reel mower with the superior strength of the lower body. Of course, some of these homemade mashups probably work better than others. But there’s no denying the creativity that goes into combining a bike with a lawnmower to create a Flintstones-type riding mower.
Soviet Household Inventions
(image via: FolkArsenal)
In the former Soviet Union, household items were often difficult to find and/or afford. So when there was a need for an item, creative people found a way to make it possible. The door mat above is made of beer bottle caps nailed to a piece of wood. The bottle caps helped to scrape the mud off of the shoes of people entering the home. These inventions and many others were compiled by a young Russian man named Vladimir Archipov. He collects them to preserve the folk culture of his country.
(images via: FolkArsenal)
Cool Animal Research: 5 Weird Medical Breakthroughs
[ See more under Food & Health or in the Animals & Habitats category ]
(Images via: Medical News, Kids Blogs, Healing with Nutrition, Amazon, King Pup Dog Walkers)
Animals and even tiny insects have traditionally been a source for learning more about preventing and treating human illnesses, with this role continuing to be of crucial importance today. From using maggots to heal open wounds to milking mice for protein-rich lactose to understanding how gut worms may prevent asthma and dogs may predict diabetic attacks, the value of safe animal research is confirmed in recent medical breakthroughs.
A Punch or Boost to the Gut?
(Images via:Softpedia, Science Blogs, Best Colon Cleanse)
During vaccinations every couple of years, dogs are typically tested for parasitic gut worms, which can cause severe disease in not only beloved animals but the human population. However, according to a recent study, gut worms may actually benefit humans by preventing asthma and other allergies. Even though parasitic worms have been eradicated from most human populations due to better hygiene and food practices, they exist in 2 out of 3 school children in Vietnam, where the study was conducted. Using tablet treatments to rid the body of gut worms, the researchers found that the treated school children developed an increased risk of becoming allergic to house dust mites and cockroaches. Especially interesting with this study is the fact that such allergies are extremely rare in Vietnam, possibly suggesting that the presence of gut worms may have certain positive effects on the human immune system.
Disgusting but Healing Maggot Juice
(Images via: The National Evil, P Base, Alibaba)
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