obesity

The 404 233: Where all dogs go to jail

On today's show, dogs, dogs and more dogs! Why? We have no idea. We talk about Bentley the driving dog, an animal abuser who gets served with poetic justice and, of course, the release of cutesy dog movie BOLT. A cell phone saves one man's life, Second Lifers get physical and Canada's biggest losers win in court. Also, angsty teen vampire flick Twilight drops this weekend, get out your Clearisil...

Dan the Mantern here. My favorite story of today is about how Second Life users are getting it on. This article from the BBC describes in vivid detail how to set yourself up for some 3-D lovin. Kudos to the creative programmers who busted out the code that allows for some pretty graphic depictions of virtual anatomy, but, come on people, is this really the way we want future generations to remember how we harnessed technology? Well, at least you don't have to worry about birth control...

EPISODE 223 Download today's podcast … Read more

Mr. Whippy, the ice cream machine for sad miserable overeaters

Do you eat ice cream when you're sad? I sure do. When I saw that my nasty co-worker Tim Moynihan had pitted the Beer-Launching Fridge against Keepon the Dancing Robot in his artificial intelligence showdown, I got totally emo because I had no idea who to vote for. Then I bought myself a pint of Phish Food and ate it for breakfast with a side of Kleenex, sunny side down.

But technology is always making our lives easier, and here's a gadget that can help me figure out just how much self-pity eating I'll need to do … Read more

How to let the kids jet-ski indoors

Our faith in human nature has been restored (for now). Every time we get depressed thinking about technology gone bad, along comes an item that actually does some good.

The "Jet Ski Video Game" is a classic example of a good idea made better. It takes the same general approach as the "Smart Cycle" bike simulator--encouraging kids to get some exercise while playing games--but does it one better, at least where the fun factor is concerned, by creating a virtual water sport.

We're not sure how the aerobic activity compares (bouncing through simulated waves), but … Read more

Technology Partners to invest $300 million in clean, lifestyle

Technology Partners, one of the first VC firms to get into clean technology, announced it has raised $300 million for its eighth fund.

The firm will use the funds to invest in clean tech companies as well as life sciences and health/lifestyle companies (i.e. obesity and hair removal. It's big business.). The proceeds in the fun will be split evenly between clean companies and health companies. And who knows, it could also overlap as a handful of companies are promoting technology for purifying food and increasing crop yields for organic farming.

Among other companies, Technology Partners has … Read more