The Gown Rack

Artists in 3-piece Suits... YUM

2010-07-27T12:41:00.002+02:00

Take a look at this! These items were all fabricated from junk 1950 and 1960 automobile parts by a gentleman in Argentina! AMAZING!

Top countries where Bloggers are located including their share in percentages. Also, how 20 popular websites looked when they were launched!

2010-07-14T19:05:00.010+02:00

Some of the latest posts from Tech Dreams :

Pic by Ed Yourdon

The recent survey done by the website www.sysomos.com reveals some interesting facts like there are more women bloggers(50.1%) than the men bloggers (49.9%) in this world, but the difference is very marginal.And also the below list shows the top countries where all the bloggers are located with their share in percentages:

U.S(29.2%)
U.K(6.75%)
Japan(4.9%)

Brazil(4.2%)
Canada (3.9%)
Germany (3.3%)
Italy (3.2%)
Spain (3.1%)
France (2.9%)
Russia (2.3%)
Australia (2.22%)
India (2.14%)
Sweden (2.05%)
Malaysia (1.7%)
Netherlands (1.69%)

How 20 popular websites looked when they launched

From Google to youtube, from craigslist to flickr - how some of today's biggest sites looked back in the early days of their existence.

Published: 5:04PM BST 02 Sep 2009

233 Comments

Remember the days when the word Google was not interchangeable with internet? Or when every site seemed to have a Netscape icon on it? Or when Flash was still something you cleaned your floor with? Then you were clearly using the web in the mid to late 1990s when pages were rudimentary affairs containing lists of links and information.

Thanks to the waybackmachine internet archive, we're still able to see some of the Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 pioneers looked in their earliest incarnations.

1. google.com - launched in 1996

2. facebook.com - launched in 2004

3. myspace.com - launched in 2003

4. yahoo.com - launched in 1994

5. youtube.com - launched in 2005

6. wikipedia.org - launched in 2001

7. msn.com - launched in 1995

8. apple.com - launched in 1987 (screenshot from 1996)

9. drudgereport.com - launched in 1997

10. amazon.com - launched in 1995

11. twitter.com - launched in 2006

12. whitehouse.gov - launched in 1994

13. craigslist.org - launched in 1995

14. nytimes.com - launched in 1995

15. news.bbc.co.uk - launched in 1997

16. dell.com - launched in 1996

17. friendsreunited.com - launched in 2000

18. telegraph.co.uk - launched in 1994

19. blogger.com - launched in 1999

20. flickr.com - launched in 2004

Consumer Habits & Marketing Research

2010-06-18T10:09:00.004+02:00

Where Do You Start Your Day: Facebook Or E-Mail?

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 12:13 PM PDT by Tech Dreams

EMails and Facebook are integral part of our digital lives. But where do we start our daily digital life can tell a lot about us, says a research firm.

According to a research,

people who check email first tend to be motivated to interact with brands online for the sake of obtaining deals, promotions, or new product information

People who initially check Facebook tend to become fans of brands for entertainment purposes or to show support-not to obtain deals. They’re more likely to seek promotions through email.

Sweaters according to Wiki

2010-06-03T23:41:00.002+02:00

A sweater, pullover, jumper, or jersey is a relatively heavy shirt intended to cover the torso and arms of the human body (though, in some cases, sweaters are made for dogs and occasionally other animals) and usually worn over a shirt, blouse, T-shirt or other top. Sweaters tend to be, and in earlier times always were, made from wool (typically of sheep, though possibly of alpaca or other type); however, they can be made of cotton, synthetic fibres, or some combination thereof. Sweaters are maintained by washing, and the use of a lint roller.

The term "sweater" is a catch-all for various types of garments. A fundamental division is between a cardigan (which opens in front) and a pullover (which does not). If the sweater has no sleeves, it is generally called a sweater vest or tank top.

A garment of this type was originally named a sweater because it was designed to absorb the sweat released from an individual's body, although this has now become a household name, and other styles of garment, (as named above) have kept the original term.

Sweater

Even within these groups, there is a great variety of design. All the various types of necklines are found, although the V-neck, turtleneck and the crew neck are the most popular. The waistline is typically at hip height, but can vary significantly. The sleeve length is likewise variable, ranging from small cap sleeves to short sleeves to three-quarter sleeves to full-length sleeves. The front seam of a cardigan allows for further possibilities, such as a surplice or a bolero jacket. All the hems may have various types of borders, such as picots, ribbing (knitting) and frills.

One advantage of sweaters is that they conform well to the body without requiring the tailoring as woven garments. For example, shaping such as darts, flares and gores — commonly found in woven blouses, a comparable garment — are rarely needed in sweaters, thanks to the Elasticity and drape of knitted fabrics. Even when such shaping is needed, it can be knit into the fabric itself, without requiring seams. However, this very elasticity makes it necessary to use more care when washing.

Nomenclature

If made of thick cotton, it is usually known as a sweatshirt. A hooded sweatshirt is commonly known as a hoodie. These items of clothing have been vilified in the United Kingdom as representative of a yob culture and banned from a number of shops and shopping centres.[1] However hoodies showing affliation to subjects, groups, colleges (in the case of collegiate universities) and universities themselves are common wear from students in further education. A jumper with an open front fastened by buttons or a zipper, is called a cardigan. A hockey sweater was, in the early days of ice hockey, recognisable as what people in the 2000s would call a sweater, but has since evolved into a sort of jersey. Thus, in modern-day North American usage, the shirt of an ice-hockey player's uniform is traditionally called a sweater, regardless of the style.

In British English, a sweater is called a pullover, sweater, jersey, or jumper, this last term being the most common name in British English and Australian English. In South African English, a sweater is always called a jersey. Sleeveless pullovers are known in American English and Australian English as vests or sweater vests. In British English they are known as tank tops.

Customary wear

Thin sweaters may be worn tucked in to the waistband of trousers; but otherwise, men's sweaters are to be worn untucked.

Sweaters are a versatile item of clothing, which can be worn on top of almost any outfit. Sports sweaters, especially hoodies, are often worn on tops of sports kit which travelling to or from a sports ground. Sweaters can be worn with a dress shirt underneath (and optionally a tie), which has the advantage of allowing the wearer to have the option of removing the sweater when it is uncomfortably warm and still look presentable in many situations with only the shirt. In the late 20th century the sweater increasingly came to be worn as an alternative to a shirt when finer materials made them more comfortable next to the skin.

Some women's sweaters are meant to be worn belted; sometimes, a belt or drawstring is knitted into the sweater itself.

In ice hockey, the uniforms that present day players wear are sometimes referred to as "sweaters" although they more resemble the jerseys worn in other sports. This is because original uniforms were simply sweaters with the team's logo stiched on the front. However, as technology changed, so did the uniforms as actual sweaters absorbed too much moisture and became weighed down and bulky throughout the course of a game.

SO, i hope that was entertaining and informative.

Cheers, The Gown Rack

Sleep Boxes come to Dubai Airport

2010-04-03T10:26:00.003+02:00

Designed to be installed at train stations and airports,

and central public places or cities for travelers who don't need an entire hotel room or don't want to search for one.

In tropical climate countries the sleeper box can be installed outdoors in main streets.

The space includes bed, linen, ventilation system, alarm, LCD TV, WiFi, power for your laptop and phone. Under bed storage for luggage.

Payment is made at terminals and gives clients an electronic key. Boxes can be purchased

for 15 minutes or for as many hours as you need.

Nerdy Gadget Review - Nokia N810 Internet Tablet

2010-03-24T21:44:00.006+01:00

I have a friend, who, up until about a year ago, didn't have a cell phone other than a cheap little thing he kept in the car in case of emergency. I don't think he even knew the number to it. Recently, I decided that I would go that direction as far as a cell phone; just a cheap little thing I kept in my bag in case of emergency, and to be reachable by those close to me. I would use no regular phone number for business, rather, I would route all correspondence through email or IM.

So, I began a 6 month long search for a computer that would fit in my pocket and keep me connected to the world. I read review after review and studied all the spec sheets. My final 2 choices were the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet and the Apple iPod Touch. After reading several times that the resolution on the Touch was inferior to the Nokia and a few comparisons of the Touch to a "baby toy", I went with Nokia.

A month ago, I received my Nokia N810 and I've used it almost daily. What I was looking for, was a computer in my pocket, but not necessarily a phone. The N810 was within my budget and appeared to have everything I needed:

GPS enabled
touchscreen technology
Skype/Internet calling compatible with built in webcam (make calls just like a phone)
bluetooth enabled
multi-tasking capabilities (browsing while chatting while Skyping = cool)
plenty of memory including up to 8G expandable
Linux Maemo OS 5.2
QWERTY keyboard onscreen and off
built in Wi Fi and WiMax

I purchased it secondhand through eBay for $160, and the best deal at the time for a new one was running about $250. Amazon now offers the Internet Tablet as low $197.99.

Round 2 Vintage Clearance Sale - Tucson

2010-02-16T18:01:00.005+01:00

TGR Amsterdam & Cologne Valentines Day was fantastic, thank you so much to all visitors! I got some sweet vintage into the hands of new owners, MUCH better than having it sit in boxes in the desert.

This Sunday will be round 2 of Vintage mode, clothing & accessories, at dealer & resale prices. ALL NEW STUFF .

The first 12 visitors get a gift box with goodies inside! (no purchase necessary, just be one of the first 12 to show up at 8am!!!)

If you didn't claim your $5 Gown Rack credit on V-day (given to fans of our FB page), make sure and use it this Sunday.

See you Sunday, Tucson!

Round 2 - Vintage Clearance

Time:8:00AM Sunday, February 21st

Location:107 W. 5th Street - Habitation Realty

Valentines Day Vintage Sale in Tucson!

2010-02-06T18:52:00.005+01:00

Tucson Studio Vintage Sale - dealer & resale prices

Host:	Habitation Realty & The Gown Rack
Type:	Rummage Sale - Vintage

Date:	Sunday, February 14, 2010
Time:	8:05am - 12:05pm

Location:	107 W. 5th St.
	Tucson, Arizona
	View Map

Description

The Gown Rack is doing some spring cleaning early in the Tucson storage studio.

TGR is selling off most of its vintage inventory and we are doing it at cost and dealer prices. If you are a re-seller, or a frugalista, bargain-hunter or vintage lover, this event might be worth your time.

THIS SALE IS MOSTLY VINTAGE DRESSES!!!!!!! There will be some jewelry as well as handbags, shoes and a few pieces of furniture, but The Gown Rack specializes in vintage female attire; cocktail dresses, gowns, jumpsuits, we have a hawaiian summer top, sexy 60's halters, and the winter merchandise (coats) are going to cost as little as a buck.

This network only goes so far, so please spread the word to your Tucson friends who may be interested.

This sale is hosted by the good folks at Habitation Realty and organized by E L Hadfield. This is on Valentines Day 2010 during the hours of 8 - noon. Please don't come early, you'll just be in the way.

Anyone who is or becomes a fan of our Facebook page by V-day, get's $5 credit to spend at the sale! (and prices range from 5 bucks to 25 bucks, on AVERAGE) Also, the first 10 people to RSVP get 25% off any one item!

Paper(cash) or plastic (credit/debit) payments accepted. We gladly accept Euro and wouldn't dream of charging an exchange fee.

*** Free coffee until 10 AM***

Create More Time & Help the Environment

2010-01-05T19:49:00.006+01:00

Posted by: Dr. Mercola
January 05 2010

One of the simplest ways for you to cut down on your environmental footprint may be to do more of your shopping online. Compared with buying online, purchasing an item in a store may have an environmental impact that’s 50 times higher, and carbon emissions may be 15 times greater.

The study, which was conducted by MindClick GSM, a sustainability consulting firm, may give some added incentives for those of you who prefer to shop from behind your computer instead of going to the mall.
It also builds on prior research, including a study by Carnegie Mellon University’s Green Design Institute, which found that shopping online reduces environmental impact with 35 percent less energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions than shopping in a store.
Why do brick-and-mortar stores take such an environmental toll? Typically retailers have products shipped from a distributor to a regional warehouse, and then distributed to individual stores. This requires not only extra energy but also extra packaging. Customers then drive to and from the store, and take their purchases home in another package, typically a plastic bag.
There are, of course, many variables that these studies did not take into account. For instance, those people who walk to a store or take public transportation. Or those who frequent local merchants selling local goods, which therefore have not been transported great distances. Factors such as these may make local shopping friendlier than online.
In general, however, the emerging evidence is showing that shopping online is far better for the environment than driving to the mall.

What May be Even Better for the Environment than Shopping Online?

Shopping less overall.
Buying “stuff” you don’t really need can take a massive toll on the environment, in many more ways than you may realize. If you have not seen it yet, I highly recommend you watch The Story of Stuff, as it does a phenomenal job of illustrating the real effects of over-consumption and over-production.

All of this “stuff” -- the electronics, the toys, the clothes and all the other material goods that we in the United States use to express our very own personal value -- carry a hefty price tag, not just for your wallet but also for the planet and the people who live on it.

The Story of Stuff shows just how all these products end up in your home, detailing the processes of extraction (trashing the planet), production (adding in toxic chemicals), distribution, consumption and ultimately disposal. The impact all of this has on communities at home and abroad are hidden from your view, yet it is immense.
This is a complex, interactive web that many of us fail to fully appreciate.

How to Protect Your Identity When Shopping Online

While convenience is often cited as the biggest benefit to shopping online, safety is typically the greatest concern. Many online stores may not encrypt the credit cards that you give them and store them in a database that makes them vulnerable to hackers. This puts you at risk for abuse of your credit card or even worse, identity theft.
Our store does encrypt cards and does not put you at risk.
When shopping elsewhere online, many credit card companies have responded to this risk by allowing you to obtain a temporary credit card that is only good for one time. Check your credit card's website for information.
Further, sites that display "https" before their address when you're entering sensitive information and those displaying certification symbols from TRUSTe and other organizations are among the safest sites on the Web, so look for these symbols before you buy.
Our store is a participant in the TRUSTe Privacy Seal Program.

More Tips for Greener Shopping

In general, purchasing locally sourced and locally crafted goods, from a local merchant, will be best for the environment and your local economy. For items you cannot get made locally, seek out responsible companies that do not exploit people or the environment to make your purchases from.
Finally, make the switch from paper or plastic bags to cloth shopping bags. Each reusable shopping bag you use has the potential to eliminate hundreds, if not thousands, of disposable bags over its lifetime.

YouTube Debut - Be there for the first upload

2009-11-30T13:19:00.000+01:00

The Gown Rack has a YouTube channel now, just created today. There aren't any uploads yet, but I think it'll be a great way to share some of the lovely things seen over here on this side of the globe. Sometimes, photos just aren't enough and our blog caps videos at 100mb (thumbs down sign).

Uploads will come soon, but why not subscribe now?

Stay in the know, and be there for TGR's YouTube debut!

Subscribe to the CHANNEL from THIS LINK.

Thank you friends & subscribers!

Power Plaid for the winter months, $10 Hoop Earrings from TGR, and a man's answer so full of BS, it actually makes sense.

2009-10-03T13:12:00.008+02:00

If you'd like a splash of plaid for you and/or your home, check out the plaid gear I have listed on pages 2-4 of my catalog, including a plaid cookie jar in the shape of a handbag. Didn't think something like that existed, did you?

This clever question/answer is so full of BS, it makes perfect sense.  

Q: How can men sit on their asses all day without moving?

A: Men have very powerful sets of sitting muscles developed by
evolution that enable us to sit for extended periods of time without getting tired. In prehistoric times, it was often necessary to sit in one spot for extended periods of time while hunting for prey. The more successful hunters were able to sit very still for very extended periods of time thereby passing on this ability to their progeny. The fidgety types were all gobbled up by saber- toothed tigers, etc. The end result is that almost all modern men are born with this innate ability.

Diamond Cut Platinum Hoop Earrings for €6 !

I mean, get the look of diamond cut platinum hoop earrings and pay just €6.  ($8.75)  Fashion Jewelry. Free shipping in Germany and surrounding EU countries, except Italy because they don't care for junk from other countries. For shipping to the U.S., add $1.25 to the unit price. (That's 10 bucks in case you have trouble with numbers). Limited quantities available from my lovely Cologne distributor, better email me first if you plan on ordering 20 million pairs. Purchase using the Pay Now button on the left side of our home page. Item Description:  Fashion Hoop Earrrings

These earrings were made for candlelight/dim light because they are cut with that in mind. Inside, outside, front & back. Ladies, if your man gives you a cheap & cool gift from the heart, don't hate, appreciate! See video.

Tunes from/for Tuners

2009-10-02T14:31:00.003+02:00

I frequently get emailed new music thanks to the wonderful musical network that is MySpace. I check out everything that is sent to me, even if it takes me days to get around to it. I mean weeks. Out of, say, 80 songs, there are sometimes one or two that don't irritate me within the first 4 seconds. Sometimes I wait 15 seconds or so before the shutting the noise down. I think that's fair enough. I've decided to share those with you that, this month, I was able to listen to in their entirety.

'Look at Me'- Mirrors
Listen on MySpace

'Deadbeat Summer' - Neon Indian
Listen on MySpace

~~'Felix Da Houscat/ Radio S' - Shinichi Osawa~~

Sorry, changed my mind about that last one.

For a moment, I was digging La Roux, with one album out now in the States. Although 'Quicksand' is quite catchy, I left my player on repeat and it played 'In for the Kill' and 'Quicksand' three times each, and now I cannot stand the singer's voice. Therefore, no link.

FYI - Neon Indian plays:

Nov 21 2009

8:00P

Club congress

Tuscon, Arizona

If one of my peeps can get to this show, please let me know how the live performance is! I have also added 'Deadbeat Summer' to my MySpace page music player if you want to check it out there.

Saddle bags are cool, we knew that.

2009-09-30T07:56:00.000+02:00

Korean saddle and bag maker aiming for Brooks and Carradice

By Gary Boulanger, US editor

The US $159 Zimbale leather saddle. (Zimbale)

British saddle maker Brooks has owned the leather saddle category for decades, and now a Korean company called Zimbale is branching out into the lucrative US market via Hyde Park Cyclesports in Boise, Idaho.

"My own interest in Zimbale came about partly out of frustration with the unpredictable availability of similar products from existing suppliers and manufacturers," Hyde Park Cyclesports owner Jim Powers told BikeRadar. "I received an email from Zimbale and asked for some samples. I was impressed enough with the samples to begin a conversation about becoming the US distributor.
"We were able to come to an agreement, and now I'm working towards meeting their projections for sales in this country. Interbike is the first step."
According to Powers, the Zimbale brand was created by a small group of individuals with backgrounds in textiles, manufacturing and cycling who also saw the need for a more reliable source of fine leather saddles and leather and textile saddlebags. The group is in Korea, and the bags are made in Korea.

The US $79 Zimbale leather saddle bag

The US $159 Zimbale leather saddle is shaped like the Brooks Swallow model, made of Australian cowhide with saddlebag tabs. The US $79 Zimbale leather saddle bag comes in honey, brown or black Australian cowhide.
Powers is also distributing Zimbale's Carradice-inspired cotton saddlebags, starting at US $54 for the 2.3-litre seat pouch.

For more information, visit www.hydeparkcyclesports.com.

Introducing PHOTOBOOTH a fully portable, 11MP (that's eleven million pixels) digital photo booth that does more than just take pretty pictures

2009-09-26T21:31:00.000+02:00

Indulge a bit of old-skool photography with this clever, partly inflatable, architect-designed photo booth. Actually, the old-skool bit isn't entirely true - this photo booth is fully digital and portable, so it's probably more accurate to describe it as high-tech. Created by two Melbourne based photographers, who believe it to be the world's first portable design, the photo booth is perfect for events where party goers are prone to a spot of exhibitionism after a drink or two. The booth can also be branded to transform it into useful marketing tool. Smile! - Lisa Evans

Lisa (at The Cool Hunter) forgot to mention the high resolution part. Also, password protected galleries of your event can be published online, ALLOWING EVERYONE A CHANCE TO SEE WHAT WENT ON BEHIND THE CURTAIN (assuming you were at the event, and have the password). Perfect for the 'look at me crowd' and for bringing that shy executive out of his shell. The Gown Rack wants this at her next party! Read more here.

Don't forget to live while you're at it

2009-09-21T12:15:00.003+02:00

At The Gown Rack, we do believe in living life to the fullest. The good, the bad & the ugly. Our recommendation for this month: Don't be afraid to join a hip-hop class full of teenagers, even if you happen to be in your mid-40's. You are never too old to dance and lose yourself in the music.

Live well, and make friends. You never know when you'll need one.

Just for fun, see how many of these questions you can answer YES to:

Been arrested? --- YES

Been in the back of a cop car?--- YES

Kissed someone you didn't like? --- YES

Slept in until 5 PM? --- YES

Ran a red light? --- YES

Been suspended from school? --- YES

Experienced love at first sight? --- YES

Totaled your car in an accident? --- YES

Been fired from a job? --- YES

Fired somebody? --- YES

Sang karaoke? --- YES

Pointed a gun at someone? --- YES

Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? --- YES

Caught a snowflake on your tongue? --- YES

Kissed in the rain? --- YES

Had a close brush with death (your own)? --- YES

Seen someone dead? --- YES

Played spin-the-bottle? --- YES

Had a one night stand?--- YES

Smoked a cigar? --- YES

Sat on a rooftop? --- YES

Smuggled something into another country? --- YES

Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? --- YES

Broken a bone? --- YES

Skipped school? --- YES

Eaten a bug? --- YES

Sleepwalked? --- YES

Walked a moonlit beach? --- YES

Ridden a motorcycle? --- YES

Dumped someone? --- YES

Lied to avoid a ticket? --- YES

Ridden in a helicopter? --- YES

Shaved your head? --- YES

Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? --- YES

Eaten snake? --- YES

Marched/Protested? --- YES

Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? --- YES

Seriously & intentionally boycotted something? --- YES

Been in a band? --- YES

Been on TV? --- YES

Shot a gun? --- YES

Skinny-dipped? --- YES

Gave someone stitches? --- YES

Ridden a surfboard? --- YES

Drank straight from a liquor bottle? --- YES

Had surgery? --- YES

Streaked? --- YES

Taken by ambulance to hospital? --- YES

Passed out when not drinking? --- YES

Peed on a bush? ---YES

Donated Blood? --- YES

Grabbed electric fence? --- YES

Eaten alligator meat? --- YES

Killed an animal when not hunting? --- YES

Peed your pants in public? --- YES

Written graffiti? --- YES

Still love someone you shouldn't? --- YES

Been in handcuffs? --- YES

Believe in love? --- YES

Sleep on a certain side of the bed?-- YES

Classic Lines

2009-09-09T14:29:00.001+02:00

A popular Tiffany design, earrings in solid sterling silver. Available upon request, $56 plus shipping.

Aqua Earrings

2009-09-02T15:06:00.005+02:00

Summer is almost at an end, but while there are still a few gorgeous sunny swimsuit days left, aqua is my accent color of choice.

Aqua looks beautiful with silver and amethyst jewelry, and black and white clothing. Here are a pair of earrings, handmade by a friend of mine, a designer in Amsterdam, who also runs his own small jewelry shop on the Leilegracht. These earrings are fashioned from solid silver and adorned with a bevel cut teardrop aqua blue gem. Available also in silver and pink quartz!

€69 ($98) - Global Shipping/Gift Wrapping included. Shopping with us is a breeze. Not only is our motto: "Return it if you don't LOVE it.", we also have a variety of payment options to choose from, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers and PayPal. Cash with local pick-up or delivery is also encouraged if you'd like to receive a substantial discount. The Gown Rack delivers free of charge to the Köln metro area.

To order, click on the "Pay now" button found on the left-hand side of our home page, and enter the item description (Aqua earrings) and the price in U.S. dollar format. (98.00)

Lunch

2009-08-29T14:24:00.000+02:00

Behold, the homemade bacon and cream cheese sandwich on sliced ciabatta bread. When there is no motivation to do anything else, whip up something deliciously fattening and enjoy every bite.

Getting things done

2009-07-02T19:43:00.001+02:00

Quick and (Almost) Painless Ways to Kill Distractions

Are you spending more time dealing with emails, IMs, phone calls, and random stray files than actually working? Here are ten actions you can do right now to kill distractions and get back to work:

Put headphones on

Wearing headphones is the universal sign for “do not disturb.” To make it obvious, choose big clunky ones instead of those tiny invisible earbuds. Even if you’re not listening to music, blocking out ambient noise will help you focus and stay on task.

Check email twice a day

If your email program checks for new email automatically and periodically, make it stop. Instead, manually check your email twice a day.

Tell everyone

To cut down the deluge of office emails, tell everyone in the office via email that you’re only checking email twice a day. This will train your coworkers to reconsider before sending you trivial messages.

Turn spam filtering on

Even with legislation, spam is never going away. You can eliminate this major distraction by turning on spam filtering.

Banish Growl

System-wide notification systems such as Growl are tiny distractions forcing you to log and consider each alert in your mind. You don’t need random reminders to plague your mind while you’re trying to concentrate.

Create IM office hours

Instant messenger programs are a distraction, but it has useful benefits for collaboration and keeping in touch with faraway loved ones. Create IM office hours -- short blocks of time where you’re available for chats.

Silence your phone

Your phone is an electronic dog leash. Release yourself from phone slavery and turn off the sound AND vibrate when you’re working. Your phone is only convenient if you’re in control of it.

Eat lunch out of the office

Eating lunch in the office makes you wide open to interruptions. Let yourself enjoy lunch away from work.

Become an early bird

No one likes to come in to work extra early in the morning. Use this trend to your advantage, and arrive at work before everyone else. Since no one is around, you’ll have fewer disruptions like phone calls and morning chatter.

Clear your desktop

Having tons of icons and files littering your desktop is like having a million squawking baby birds begging for your attention all the time. Clear your desktop now. While you’re at it, tidy up your real desk too.

A big thanks to Joe Mercola's website for this motivating article.

Green Gummy Boots

2009-03-25T21:09:00.004+01:00

I know, this is the 4th blog I've done on rain boots, but I obviously love them. They provide a certain freedom. I can work in the garden, stomp through mud, walk through thorny rosebush patches, run out to the car in the sleet and snow, or go out in public for some shopping. The great thing is, the more scratched up and dirty they are, the more authentic and cool I find it. I just got a new pair, green.

Rolling Up My Pants

2009-03-22T12:41:00.008+01:00

Today, a Sunday, I was doing some spring cleaning, and while doing windows (using recycled newspapers) I was thinking a lot about 2 old friends, Mary Beth and Sue. Before I knew it, I was tight-rolling my pants with jumbo paperclips. I spent the rest of the afternoon that way, and added some Bronze patent leather pumps. Thanks for the memories, girls!

Click here to watch a funny video.

Image credits go to: J. Crew, Stella McCartney & Google Images

How to fold a shirt, awesome.

2009-03-09T11:02:00.004+01:00

Ok, this takes a few attempts to get the hang of it, but it is totally awesome and fun to do. It also takes up less space in the closet than any other folding style I've used before. TGR loves saving space! Let me know if you've tried this, and what you think.

ORIGINAL BLOG POST

Absolutely Amazing Glacier Footage

2009-02-22T12:03:00.002+01:00

Perito Moreno Glacier in southern Argentina .

This is an every-four-year event that has gone on for centuries.
This clip is of the spectacular South American glacier, The
Perito Moreno Glacier, which breaks up every four years like clockwork, give or
take a week.

There are photographers from all corners of the earth that come to
southern Argentina and literally camp out at the glacier site in order to
get the actual breakup on film.

Never underestimate an old gal

2009-02-04T23:35:00.004+01:00

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Coolest Hotel Rooms

2009-01-22T15:07:00.004+01:00

This book, now available in our catalog for as low as $15 secondhand, $23 new.