Off-Topic

Google typo may show just how the company felt about Wave

When Google announced in 2010 that it would be "sunsetting" the Google Wave product, there were a lot of theories as to why the search giant was bailing out on the product.

Most people couldn't figure out what Wave was for, and Google did a lousy job of explaining it for them. Add to that the fact that Facebook and Twitter social mechanics became the norm and Wave didn't have much of a chance with its experimental user interface.

However, an e-mail sent to users today with a typo in the From address--"Google Wage&… Read more

What you should do in 2012: Start a company

It's the first day of 2012 and my 1,000th post on CNET and I'd like to encourage my dear readers to go out and raise their entrepreneurial flags.

Let's assume you have an idea and the desire to turn it into a commercial endeavor. Much is made of financings and investors but that all pales in relation to the fact that starting a company is hard. Keeping one going is even harder.

This should come as no surprise and yet a lot people still seem to believe the gushing reports of how easy it is to … Read more

Air Yakiniku brings virtual barbecue to your browser

Feeling lonely eating dinner all by yourself? Are you a vegetarian who loves the idea of barbecue but just can't pull the trigger on meat?

Fortunately you can log-on to Japanese site Air Yakiniku and enjoy a virtual barbecue. You can even download a template to make a real apron that helps prevent spillage of virtual meat juice (or perhaps to capture drool as you crave meat but eat whatever you have in real life.)

Like the New York Times reports, it's a bit hard to tell if this is a clever marketing gimmick or someone genuinely thinks … Read more

Life-sized Gundam in Japan

New pics from the Punynari blog reveal that my biggest fear has come true: giant Gundam robots are being assembled in Japan to take over the free world.

More pics on the Mo? Passion blog.

Gadget watch: Noodle waterslide

Noodles are serious business in Japan, but that doesn't mean that the whole family can't enjoy Bandai's new somen-making toy that is basically a waterslide for "nagashi somen," thin somen noodles that are served in a stream of water. The noodles come out of a little house at the top of the slide and end up in a strainer at the bottom.

Electronic gadgets may be high-tech, but kitchen gadgets make things delicious.

Bandai Press Release Via TokyoMango

Injury time-out

I managed to fracture some bone in my hand and sprain my right thumb while performing a 360 backside-air at the Open Source Goat Rodeo.

Maybe next year, you can watch me tumble down the mountain.

Blog, Interrupted...no typing for a few days.

The weirdest anime series ever

A new animated series called "Cat Sh*t One". On TV in Japan. Crazy.

Who's got the best jet lag story?

I'm in London this week and suffering a truly horrendous case of jet lag. I'm not looking for sympathy, but few topics bring travelers together as much as the trials and travails of being on the road.

So, since I have some free time (I'm awake, and it's 5 a.m. here), I figured that I would torture my friends to see who has the best or worst jet lag story. Not a travel nightmare, but the aftermath of rapidly changing several time zones. Here are a few of my personal examples.

Maui/San Francisco/London … Read more

Off-topic: Japanese Zoo Training Drill With Fake Rhino (video)

You can never be too prepared for a rhino attack. Even if it's fake.

Off-topic: Peter Gunn video

Here's a fantastic 1966 video of the Remo Four playing the Peter Gunn (aka Spy Hunter) theme to take your mind off of all of the depressing news these days.