From time to time, we see a re-edition of an electronic toy from the eighties, and this always makes me nostalgic: the Merlin (see also Yahoo! Merlin widget) , Simon , the Atari VCS ... and now it's the comeback time for BigTrak!

A recommended reading for all  rechargeable batteries users:
Coding Horror: Adventures in Rechargeable Batteries

I would have tried this earlier but simply didn't know about triops existence until recently and, to me, they look like the best invention since the mogway!

So first, a short description for the late discoverers like me: the triops are small prehistoric crustaceans whose eggs can dry and stays viable for many years. They hatch in temporary water pools formed by rain, generally under warm climates. Their short life (around 3 months) is spent at eating almost anything small enough for them (including their siblings), and laying eggs. When they die of old age or because the pool dried, the eggs are waiting there, ready for the next shower.

Coffee is very compatible with the geek lifestyle. It's actually the animal's primary food !

I discovered a year ago the last mug I may ever need. It comes with one typical travel mug lid, and a second one with a plunger. It also holds a concealed storage box for tea, instant coffee or sugar.

My only regret with my Double Shot model is that it is too large for the cup holder in my car.


The Senseo coffee maker is hard to find in Ireland, so I purchased one on the web. It's the most economic on use, just after the traditional filter coffee machine, and makes excellent coffee, despite it's 1.5 bar pump (compared to 15 bar for typical espresso makers).
As I often travel to France and Belgium, I get the coffee refill there, but sometimes I run short on pods, and there comes a clever gadget to sort me out: the refillable pods.

There are several brands available and some can easely reach €10 piece. The ones I found, called ecopads, came in pack of 5 units for just €11! Having several pads allows to pre-fill them and store them in a box for future use.



And finally just for the eyes, a true geek trap, and - to me - the most beautiful coffee machine on the market:
the Francis Francis X1 (if only it didn't cost over €500!)

Set your inner geek free!

Some people claim that technology does not always make their life easier and that they could walk away from it... any time.

These very same people are often among the first ones aware of the latest gizmo when they don't already own it!

For them, a gadget that can't be either tweaked or hacked is of limited interest.

These people often feel like they are not understood by the rest of the mankind in general, ...and by their wife in particular.

If you recognize yourself in this description, and your Geek Quotient is worryingly high ...





So welcome, and make yourself comfortable!

Affiliate links disclosure and other stuffs:

Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, mainly from:
Amazon, Ebay, Gearbest.com, Banggood.com.
This means, that, at no cost for you, clicking on some links may  generate revenue and/or motivate some shops to send me goodies to play with.

I bought most products myself and received some (in which case I mention that with thank you notice at the end of the article).
I aim however at giving an unbiased opinion on the products I review and sometimes warn you to stay away from some.

All references on this site are based on European standards (metric, 220v,...). I try to mention the prices in both € and $ when possible.

Topics and language on this blog are suitable for all family (no PG required).

Articles are gluten free, for most part, but written on a desk which may contain traces (...sometimes big chunks) of nuts!

See also: Finding your way on this blog