The Year of the Rat

The Chinese New Year is right around the corner and I'm quite looking forward to ringing it in with style. Not only is Chinatown right around the corner from here, ripe with the promise of delicious food and huge crowds, but I admittedly have a soft spot for rodents as well.

I loved Ratatouille after all and was very much on the verge of buying an animatronic Remy toy at one point ... but more on that some other time.

Either way, there's just a plethora of rat influence in popular culture and design. And while I could showcase a bunch of different superb examples (check out Banksy's work if you haven't yet) I wanted to focus specifically on neat pair of USB speakers I received in a mail a couple of weeks back.

 

Presenting the USB Rats Speakers --

I have to admit, these are pretty fantastic. I've been needing a dedicated pair of laptop speakers for a while now, and since I usually have to transport my laptop between home and college having a pair portable speakers sans bulky adapter was my number one priority. Plus having something other than pair of clunky speaker cubes was something I had in mind.

These speakers pretty much fit the bill with so many regards. They're USB powered, they get that umph over my crummy laptop speakers, they light up (and match my laptop), they even have an attached volume control.

A quick run-down on the tech specs for these guys.

Built in amplifier: high quality sound with a 3W+3W power output.

Volume control switch with blue LED indicator, blue LED lighting effect.

Supports Windows XP/2000/ME/98SE, Mac OS with USB port.

Cable length: 6 feet

Simple, just plug it in!

I bought mine through USBGeek for under $30.

If you're looking to buy a pair there're stores selling these all over the web. Just keep in mind, there are actually quite a number of different variations on these: color wise there's a pair in red (with blue LED though ...) and I've seen them sold in both the USB and adapter-powered forms. Also they're called anything from i-Mice/iMice to the "Rats" variant I picked up.

Some action shots for your enjoyment --

Tags: Year of the Rat, Ratatouille, USB Speakers, USB Rats Speakers, i-mice, mouse speakers, USBGeek

Poland: Day 26

Back to school.

The notion, for some, may bring thoughts of dread or disenchantment over how little they've actually accomplished over the course of 3-or-so months of summer sun. Or it may evoke ideas of autumn leaves, a new curriculum, and a return to nights in front of the textbooks. But for me the very phrase heralds the massive commercial wave that has become a staple in all consumer societies. Acting as a new holiday in itself (alongside the colorful marketing for Halloween and Chrimmas) the "back to school" sale offers an enchanting plethora of notebooks, pens, and those protractors that people buy buy because the list says so, but never actually use.

While I have to admit I was a little saddened by the thought of an August sans Target's or WalMart's famed back to school centers. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Poland's own supermarket chains have embraced the back to school mantra with almost as much zeal as any American counterpart.

Back to school in Krakow.

Take any Carrefour or Real (both French hypermarkets) and you'll find that there isn't really much surface difference between them and an American chain. There's the same push of low-low prices, fervent list checking, and display of parents nudging their kids towards the generic folders rather than those boasting cartoon characters, extreme sports, or favorite bands.

But then the culture shift kicks in - and you realize the notebook you've picked up has Hanson on the cover, it's tiny compared to our spiral-bound monstrosities, and it's pages are all grid paper - no college or wide-rule here!

Check out those fruits on the cover.

Such are the joys of Polish back to school shopping then. A lot of notebooks are already sorted by class with 'themed' covers for subjects like English (the British flag), physics (Issac Newton), or religion (Pope Benedict) - and since they're smaller and cheaper than most American spiral-bounds the variety in terms of covers is a little daunting. But that's not the only big difference. There's also your choice of writing utensil!


Much as a lunch-box is a staple for any elementary school kid in the US, the piórnik (featured above) is everything a Polish kid needs in terms of their note-taking. With colored pencils, markers, rulers, erasers, sharpeners, and sometimes even calligraphy pens or weekly schedules this really is your all-in-one (mini) trapper keeper of sorts. These can get just as varied looking as the notebooks, and cartoon characters seem to be the favorite choice (I personally bought a Dexter's Lab one), though there are definitely odd ones too, like the "Savage Spirit" theme up there.

Having brought up lunch boxes though, they're one of the things you won't find in a Polish back to school section. Also on this list: crayons (the waxy kind), huge trapper keepers, plastic-sealed TI-89s, locker "gear", eraser tops or pencil grips, and there's definitely not a College-bound section with dorm decorations! Everything else is fair game though, and with plenty of Chinese products the variety is endless and sometimes a bit frightening.

The Polish back to school section seems to be much more art-themed though, which is a nice discovery. With colored pencil and marker sets, paint, easels, and lots of packets of plasticine (plastelina) kids aren't going back with just your garden variety box of 24 Crayola crayons. Also unique is the number of globes and world maps you find, which, when coupled with the varied language instructions and sometimes blatantly Chinese product names - gives a nice feel of multi-culturalism.

Finally, the most important back-to-school item the world around, the backpack.

While in Poland the choice you find is pretty much the same as in the US, with a veritable plethora of styles and colors, I had my eye out for a very special backpack, one I haven't seen in ages - the 'tornister' - or in English, a satchel!

These were almost everywhere in the 80s, but now, like the mythical animals of ages past, they've all but gone extinct in the mind and hearts of school-children. As I searched the backpack aisle I felt my hopes plummet, these were all brands and types identical to their across-the-Atlantic counterparts! But then - with a discovery that shook me to my core. I found quite possibly the most fantastic display of tornister-y known to mankind!

It was akin to finding the last of a species - a species long though crushed by time and circumstance. Except this was not a creature besotted by it's presumed fate. In it's dying days it had grown more splendiferous and exaggerated then ever though possible!

Almost egregiously decorated - with such a furious show of American patriotism and dizzying amount of highlighted material - I just couldn't take my eyes off of it. Surely, such a satchel must have been the very same as worn by Ronald Reagan when he karate chopped down the Berlin wall, or contained within it's depths wonders beyond the wildest dreams of the founding fathers! This truly was the American dream, bringing justice and liberty with the triangular reflector lights of its shining glory!

Alas it'll have to live on in my memory. But I have no doubt in my mind that bringing this specimen back to the US may have caused an influx of patriotism so strong that the very fabric of the universe may have been jepordized! It was chance enough that this product would be carried in Europe, by a French supermarket no less, and so it was with trepidation that I even lay eyes upon this product - fearing that it's presence, much like the standing of the US in the world at large, may be naught but a mirage. But it wasn't - and it was awesome.

I came away from these sales with a bunch of weird notebooks, folders, and a Chinese made pencil sharpener shaped like a pineapple with a face and a bowtie - but the backpack definitely made my day.

Oh. And the back to school ads.
They made my day too ...



Tags: Poland, Back to school, sale, shopping, satchel

Little City Used Book Sale

I love books. It's a fact.

After coming home from college with two huge boxes worth of philosophy texts, course materials, books gleaned from rummage sales, and my old favorites I thought I would be set for the summer. But that was before I heard about the Little City Foundation's Used Book sale!
Here's a quick description from the Skokie Review:

The world's largest book sale will be held at the Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center June 9 - 17. Over 200,000 books will be on display and 50,000 people are expected to attend. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Little City Foundation, based in Palatine.

Needless to say, I was already salivating at the mere mention of "world's largest book sale," but the thought of all those discounted prices and the charitable aspect of it all -- I was simply shocked by the fact that I hadn't heard about the sale in years past!

Thanks to a bit of background information from the article, "Little City steps in to save book sale", it would seem that Brandeis University, who had previously used the platform of the sale to raise money for its library, has passed on its 48 year tradition to a new batch of volunteers. Now on year 49, the Little City Foundation, whose work benefits children and adults with mental retardation and developmental challenges, appears to be making the sale an even greater success. I was really impressed by the efforts of all of the volunteers and the dedication of some of the shoppers (some of who were taking home cart-fulls of books) ... but most impressive of all were the books themselves.

Two yellow tent-fulls of them to be exact!

I was really impressed by how well organized all of the books were! With sections for just about everything tagged with helpful signs it was all really, really well planned out. The first tent housed a vast collection of fiction and literature, divided up into genres, and even by hardcover/paperback distinctions. The second tent meanwhile got into the non-fiction and specific genres, things like human sexuality (see above), science, business, US History, art, humor writing, romance, comics, signed books, children's ... just to name a few. Of course for all the relative organization, it was the opening night, and the possibilities for craziness were tempered by a $5 donation entry fee ... but I'm sure as the numbers of visitors swell, the small army of volunteers bustling about will be able to meet the challenge.
Here are some more scenes from under the tents:

What? Cliff Notes? Book nerds shall not stand for this!

The children's book section was absolutely swamped.

The shopping carts were a bit difficult to maneuver,
but after a while became necessary!

I was able to come out of the sale after a relatively short time (thanks for keeping me on task Callie!) with some amazing finds. Vonnegut, Murakami, Dostoyevsky, a Faulkner box set ... and some really popular reads: Kite Runner, Catch-22, Atlas Shrugged all for really low prices. I even got a hardcover of A Brief History of Time, which I had been holding off on for quite a while, due to the steep $20+ pricetag at most every book store - it was only $2.50! Well, I got a whopping thirteen amazing books (and that's after weeding out my pickings) for only $35. All of the books are actually in really good shape, no more than the wear of a library book in most cases, and I'm sure if I had bought them all new they would certainly have cost well over $100. I was so pleasantly surprised - I definitely have to recommend this sale to everyone!

If you have the chance to go this year, here's a quick rundown of the schedule. More information can be found via this convenient pdf flyer for the 2007 sales.

Sunday, June 10: 10am - 9pm
Monday, June 11 to Thursday, June 14: 11am - 8pm
Friday, June 15: 11am - 5pm

(Bargain Weekend)
Saturday, June 16: 6pm - 10pm
Sunday, June 17: 11am - 5pm

Even if you're not bookish by nature (and no, that's not code ... for now), just go, there is a section for everyone there - and you'll be sure to come away with a least one amazing find, for yourself or for someone else! Besides, the proceeds go to a good cause, so what more incentive do you need? Also, if you'd like to donate books or volunteer, both are options I'll be looking into for next year. Did I mention I love books?

Read more about the event in the Daily Herald -- Little City, big sale

Update (6/6/2008) -- I got a really nice e-mail from the PR people at Little City with a schedule for their 2008 sale. Since I realize my blog probably gets some of their traffic, I'll include a link to their latest line up as well! I'm definitely going to try and get some more book this year, though with finals right around the corner, I'll probably have to put off reading them for a bit :(

Tags: Little City Foundation, Used Book Sale, World's Largest, Westfield Old Orchard, Tents, Brandeis, history, Skokie Reivew, Daily Herald, bargain, volunteer, donate, dates

Candy Mountain?

At my last visit to Old Orchard Mall, I was taken aback by a certain shop stand that I saw while walking around the open air shopping center ...


Now I've seen Charlie the Unicorn enough times on YouTube to know that it's become a bit of an internet meme and quite possibly even one of those pop culture references that will drive people insane. But when I saw this stand, the first thing that came to my mind was "Candy Mountain, Charlie!" and I sincerely hope I'm not the only one whose mind jumped to that conclusion.

Now if at this point you have no idea what I'm talking about, just watch the video below:

What do you guys think, could the unicorns truly be funneling their kidney-sale monies to shoddy mall ventures? Is this a coincidence enough to make some sort of valid connection? Could letter shaped plush toys ever be popular enough with mall dwelling pre-teens without the push of a catchy online fad? Or are you all just non-believers ... ("Shun the non-believer. Shuuuuunn, shuuuuunuunnnNAH!")

The Truth is out there!

Tags: Old Orchard Mall, Candy Mountain, Charlie the Unicorn, Letters, Shop, Letter Y, conspiracy

The Target Dollar Spot

I haven't been at my local Target in a while, yet whenever I get a chance to go to one it really is a festive occasion - especially if it's a Super Target. The reason I bring this up is simply because I feel the need to voice how utterly amazing I find the 'Dollar Spot' section of Target to be. While for the most part the store remains one of the best around for really cheap food stuff and shoes, without getting the Walmart stigma attached to it, the one dollar section really puts it over the top as one of the best supermakets/department stores around. And ... well, I have to admit, I guess I'm a bit enamored by it.

As you walk in the door and are greeted by the red - everywhere - the dollar section is right there, beckoning you to it with the promise of really cheap and completely random objects. I think the fact that you never know what to expect is really one of the biggest draws for me. Well, alright ... you know you can find seasonal objects there - like Easter rabbit ears or little stocking stuffers. But the completely random knicknacks, gadgets, or whatsits are truly what its all about!

Case in point: wind-up, head-bobbing, tail-waggling triceratops. Both absurdly painted, both completely random, both exotic Chinese creations ... yet only ONE dollar!

I call this one Pinky.

But yes, while I may be easily amused by these toys and drawn into purchasing things I may not necessarily need - there can be practical finds in the dollar section as well! For that I turn you attention to the 50 cent "toy" toaster, with pop-uppable plastic toast. While its hard to image this having any sort of use beyond simply popping toast over and over ... and over again for my sole amusement, it does make remarkable holder for my iPod video! Seriously, this may very well be one of the most perfect and completely original iPod solutions, but hey - if you've found something weirder or more inventive than this - let me know.

Aaah yea - getting some toaster-Video iPod-the Office action

But indeed, I'm beginning to think that Target is seeing the potential for expanding its line of completely useless objects even outside the dollar section of the store. Sure plastic toasters and wind-up triceratops-es are one thing, but while walking through the 'seasonal' section of the store just this past week I began to notice a preponderance of completely random looking objects - which, while seemingly having a practical purpose, were overwhelmingly of the same mettle as the design-heavy knick-knacks I had come to love in the dollar spot.

I really was caught quite offguard when I happened upon these "Owlford Owl" watering cans. Yet apparently they're just one part of Target's plans to further a unique and fun aesthetic, which individuals like myself can't get enough of.

"Summer is a fun and exciting time and Target believes the theme of ‘Happy Summer’ truly captures the spirit of the season,” said Gina Sprenger, senior vice president, merchandising, Target. “The collection offers guests easy and affordable ways to decorate and celebrate in style this summer season.” [Target press release, 2007]

Designed by David Kirk, the illustrator and creator of such children's classics as Miss Spider I'm glad to see these fun products appearing in more mainstream areas and appealing to greater numbers of consumers. Although ultimately, I guess it made sense then that these items were primarily being marketed under the SunnyPatch kids collection ... but really, Target - I would have seriously considered purchasing a pair of owl garden boots if the price was right ... and they actually came in sizes larger than children's. Think about it! I know I haven't!

All in all then, I guess I've given voice to this persistent affliction of mine. It's no wonder I'm so drawn in by garage sales and Chinatown - but now Target too is helping to further this fond habit of mine. And while I should probably be condemning them for this, with some last remnant of my reasonable mind ... I can't ... Target, thank you for the Dollar Spot and your random design aesthetic!

Tags: Super Target, Target, Dollar Section, Dollar Spot, Toaster, Video iPod, original, iPod holder, Wind-up Toy, Triceratops, Owl, Owlford Owl, SunnyPatch kids, David Kirk, Happy Summer, Toys, Products