plates

In my head, I plan elaborate, healthy meals. And then I sit down to dinner, and I get distracted by the potatoes and overlook the string beans. I'm not alone; many people have great intentions that somehow fizzle away when it's time to actually, you know, bring it to the table.

The Design for Health plate, made by designer Jeffrey Harris, puts your meals back in proportion, with a visual cue reminding you that you want your meal to be a quarter protein, a quarter starch, and half vegetables. At 9.5 inches, this plate is smaller than … Read more

As a tax-paying, sun-worshiping, tourist-tolerating resident of California, may I say how delighted I am to hear that my state is leading the way toward digital license plates?

As a commercially caring, capitalism-believing, creatively challenging resident of California, may I say how delighted I am that these digital plates will have ads?

There is nothing more dull than sitting behind another car on the Golden Gate Bridge and having to stare at a number plate that reads "5XYJ204."

How could anyone have imagined that a random set of numbers and letters could make anyone happy? Well, anyone other … Read more

California officially has the worst traffic in the country, and it's about to become the most annoying: the legislature is examining ways to create electronic license plates that support ads.

And you thought your commute couldn't get any worse.

A bill is in the state assembly which, if passed, will commission a study on emerging electronic license plate technology and examine ways that it could introduce new ad revenue streams for the budget-challenged state.

The technology is being developed by Smart Plate, a three-person start-up in San Francisco, and would only be used on the vehicle's rear … Read more

Ever try to balance food on a flimsy paper plate while standing around at a party? You wind up dropping your food, dripping on yourself, or concentrating way too hard on eating your little meatballs.

Designer Alissia Melka-Teichroew wanted to be able to eat and enjoy herself at the same time, so she did something about it. She set out to create a pr-folded plate made from a sturdy material. Ultimately, she determined that the plates could be made flat from ceramic, then placed over molds.

These dishes are not cheap; they'll run you $110 for a set of three plates … Read more

This week's episode is inspired by Natali's incredibly appropriate (if not unintended) comment from last week's episode. Really, if you haven't heard it, check it out. Then listen to today's show where we discuss a wide array of chairs on which to sit. That's right, chairs are the "it". Why, what were you thinking?

Divided Salli saddle chair

Street Sign Chair

MUR-01 speaker chair

Patio furniture for eating in the pool

Spray can caps make for unique chairs

Chair Socks: The 1970s flatter your furniture

Acoustical resonance massage chair

F-4 Phantom Ejection Seat office chair is the perfect way to dramatically exit a meeting

Hot Asian gadgets Barista Bot

It’s about time Cool, infuriating watch

Gender gap Go plate (Thanks Tyson!)

Pretty Terranium – Interactive installation

Tool time Sleeve Tattoos – Slip On Tattoo Sleeves

Kill me A prop for your boobs… Read more

At the root of every beautiful design is an artist who knows a little bit about camouflage. When I look at gadgets like this stunning Kalura hot plate, I'm reminded that, no matter how simple its intended use, every contraption deserves to be pretty.

The electric hot plate was designed by Meda Alberto with help from Gozzi Alberto. Meda, who studied mechanical engineering at Milan Polytechnic in the 1960s, began studying new materials in more recent decades as a way to apply his knowledge of polyurethane resins. He's won two Compasso d'Oro awards, prestigious industrial design honors … Read more

I've been known to try to balance a paper plate on top of my glass at picnics. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes I need another plate. When I saw the Go Plate, which is shaped to rest on a soda can or a beer bottle without any question of tipping over, I was intrigued. The Go Plate is reusable, although the makers priced it to be disposable; reuse it several times before throwing it away. The plate is made from clear recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET). It's sturdy enough to support food, as well as be run through … Read more

An indoor grill is a great option for whipping up a quick and easy meal. Ever since a certain boxer started hawking them, their popularity has exploded, and rightfully so. They are easy to use, easy to clean, and produce excellent results.

The Calphalon Removable Plate Grill has two separate dials on the front panel for temperature and time control, and it has a temperature range from 150-450 degrees. The bronze, nonstick interior keeps food from sticking, while excess fat is drained away into an internal drip tray. The grill height is adjustable, which is important in allowing for consistent … Read more

Hot plates aren't hot any more. At least if you are calling portable induction burners hot plates. Which doesn't really make sense, because, well, they don't get hot. Cooking via induction does not heat up the surface material. Instead, heat is transferred directly into the cooking vessel via magnetic induction. All of this means that food cooks more efficiently and safer, to boot. Both of which are qualities that make sense in any portable cooking surface.

The Fagor Portable Induction Burner is a small, lightweight device that can be easily (and safely) transported. It measures only 14 … Read more