The Smarmy Carny

The Novenary: Nine blades!!!

Since the announcement of the Gillette Fusion during the Super Bowl and its subsequent popularity, Schickette has decided to release its plans for a nine-bladed razor.

Though the leading razor companies have all been working on a six-bladed razor, scientists discovered that the maximum number of blades for a razor was capped at nine, due to limitations in current technology. A Schickette spokesperson stated that, while six blades was the obvious next step in this progression, it seemed silly not to go for the gusto — nine blades.

Thus, Schickette today announced the Schickette Novenary disposable razor. The Novenary contains the maximum nine blades on the primary face of the razor, and an additional five blades on the back for shaving sideburns, nose hair, ear hair, chest hair, and back hair. This, of course, totals fourteen blades on the entire razor.

Schickette is also developing a Novenary with replaceable blades. A single set of replacement blades is estimated at about $35, with a three-set replacement pack running at $99.

The New Bling

Apparently, Hitachi wants to reach the urban hip-hop crowd, because their latest technology-pimping video leans that way.

Hitachi's latest video is titled "The Hard Drive is the New Bling."

The video is fun enough, but not as much fun as the Schoolhouse Rock!-themed "Get Perpendicular video" video I wrote about last April.

Still looking for that perfect gift for that special someone? If you are (or know) a girl who has (or plans to get) breast implants, here's a gift you just can't resist!

The Register reports that BT Laboratories is considering developing an MP3 player that would sit inside a breast implant. The player would theoretically go in one side, and the storage disk in the other. The wireless (of course) signal would be relayed to headphones and a wristband of some sort would control the device.

Don't even ask about upgrades . . .

Of course, there's always the package gift of the MP3 player along with breast implants . . .

The question is: When will they be able to leave an MP3 player behind when they remove tonsils or an appendix? I'm just hoping this doesn't mean you're going to see plenty of male twenty-something techies walking around with breast implants, just so they can stay on the bleeding edge of technology!

I Got Mine!

Just before I left for work today, the glorious DHL woman pounded on my door and delivered my free iPod!

I have had a little while to test it out, and I am quite pleased. The iPod I received is in perfect working condition and included the AC charger, headphones, and a USB cable.

I will post a photo here on this post in a bit, once I get a pic and make it pretty.

Merry Christmas!

Well, a bit over a week ago, I finally received credit for my fifth referral! I immediately submitted my application for approval.

Within the allotted timeframe, my referrals were approved, and I placed my order on the evening of September 6. I ordered the 20GB Color iPod, which includes a 2 inch color LCD screen, earbud headphones, AC adapter, and a USB 2.0 cable. Of course, it is podcast ready, can hold about 5,000 songs, and can last up to 15 hours for music playback or 5 hours of slideshows with music.

Once I placed my order, it currently went to a "Processing" status and will likely stay there for a couple weeks. Hey, for a free iPod, I'm willing to wait!

If you are interested in getting your free iPod, check out my article titled "Are Free iPods a Scam or Not?" Cheers!

This goes far beyond picture-in-picture and split-screen!

Sharp has developed a new LCD television that can "simultaneously display different information and image content in right and left views in a single unit." In other words, if you want to watch hockey and your buddy wants to watch figure skating, you sit to the left of the television, and s/he sits on the right side of the television. You're both watching the same television, but you see completely different programs.

Controlling the viewing angle . . . allows the information or visual content to be tailored to multiple users viewing the same screen. For example, one user can view the display as a PC screen for browsing the Internet or for editing video shot using a digital camera (IT) while at the same time another user watches video content such as a movie or a TV broadcast (A/V). This ability to enjoy two functions in a single unit in full-screen size will contribute to achieving a full-fledged convergence of digital home electronics A/V and IT.

According to Sharp's press release, mass production begins this month! Have you pre-ordered yours yet?

Now, instead of fighting over what you watch, you get to fight over who hears their show!

Google

Just when I thought I loved Google Maps too much already . . .

SiliconValleyWatcher reports that Google is planning on using "lasers" (insert Dr. Evil finger quotations here) and digital photography to create realistic 3D versions of cities in the USA and abroad.

Of course, they are having trouble with exactly the problem that immediately popped into my head when I read about this project. The laser and photos are being blocked by vehicles and people. I'd imagine several blocks could be ruined if a bus gets between the truck and the target scenery. Ominously, the article notes that "Google wants to achieve results with a single run," which means they're looking for ways to avoid this problem. Perhaps two lasers . . . one that records the distances and such, and a first one that will slice through anything in the way, such as vehicles or pedestrians. Yeah, that's the answer. Or maybe they'll drive a double-decker bus around San Fran with the equipment on the top. How long before the equipment gets snagged off the roof by some low-hanging wires or bridges?

They say that they will create "a realistic 3D online version of San Francisco." I have no idea what "realistic" is, though. It's rather subjective to determine if something is realistic or not. How do you see "realistic" 3D pictures on a standard computer monitor? My guess is that you will be able to virtually navigate your way around the streets of San Fran. Perhaps there will be an option to watch your driving directions from point A to point B. We'll see eventually, I imagine.