smidgy

Touch a Stranger

Cheikh, Alioun, Gracy, Terry and Pape by Richard Renaldi

Photographer Richard Renaldi shows us what happens when total strangers touch each other and pose for a picture.

Christmas Gift Ideas

Short on ideas for Christmas presents? Boy does SkyMall have you covered. Yes, that SkyMall, the mag you leaf through for a laugh when you're stuck in an airplane seat for six hours and have run out of things to read.

The Best/Worst of SkyMall 2008

Mysterious Spider Email

From News.com.au:

THE man whose attempt to pay a bill with a drawing of a spider became an internet sensation says he is a serial prankster who believes the web should be a playground. David Thorne, who runs the website 27bslash6.com, said the "spider drawing" emails became so popular that his site crashed under the strain of hundreds of thousands of visitors last week. The emails, in which the prankster tries to pay a bill with a drawing of a seven-legged spider, are just one of the jokes posted to the website – and Mr Thorne says they are all real.

David Thorne and the mysterious spider drawing email

Letterpress Cards

Nothing can boost an employee's morale more than a card that says "Great job on that thing you did. Really super." Sycamore Strees Press offers a range of gently provocative cards, alongside more classical ones, all individually crafted on a vintage letterpress.

The Carpenters: Space Edition

A tasty helping of 1978 space-age camp featuring The Carpenters.

Via Metafilter

Save Parmigiano

You've heard of bailouts for banks and the automotive industry. Next on the menu: Parmigiano Reggiano.

From the Wall Street Journal:

In an effort to help producers of the cheese commonly grated over spaghetti, fettuccine and other pastas, the Italian government is buying 100,000 wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano and donating them to charity.

Though demand for parmigiano is strong in Italy and abroad, producers have been struggling for years to make money, putting the future of Italy's favorite cheese at risk.

Top Google Search Results

How do you climb to the top of all Google search results? The solution is simple: spend insane amounts of money on a political campaign (US elections) or celebrate a major sports event (how about the Euro 2008), you're bound to get to the Top 10 Google results for 2008.

Kogan Agora Android Phone

Kogan Agora mobile phone. Photo: Kogan.com

Aussie electronics outfit Kogan is taking pre-orders for the world's second Android phone, scheduled to be available by the end of January. The price? There are two models, the Agora (299 AUD;  192 USD) and Agora Pro (399 AUD; 256USD). Oh yes, and that's without a contract or nasty ties to any specific carrier.

Piano Hacking

Modded Pianos Delight Indie Audiences, Classical Buffs | Listening Post from Wired.com.