Toys

RC helicopter airlifts engagement ring in for proposal

I feel kind of sorry for any geek looking to propose to a partner these days. The bar keeps getting set higher and higher. We've had a 4-hour video game proposal, an elaborate "Harry Potter" Quidditch proposal, and a physics paper proposal. Now a romantic guy figured out how to have the engagement ring flown in for his proposal, adding a bit of "Air Wolf" excitement to the proceedings.

As do many successful proposals, Jason's proposal to Christina began with a ruse. He lured her to Alamo Square park in San Francisco under the pretense of doing a photo shoot. He got her to talk to the camera and share her wishes for the baby they'll be having together. All was perfectly normal until a strange whirring noise came from the sky.… Read more

Confessions of a technology pack rat

I'm taking spring cleaning seriously this year. I've already Craigslisted a good chunk of my furniture and hosted a massive yard sale. Now, I'm breaching the depths of uncharted waters in my closets and desk drawer. I'm going after all those old gadgets I've been hanging onto for years. What wonders will I discover?

I have old cell phones. I have old computers. I have sickening piles of cords tangled about each other in knots that may never be unraveled. Why do I do this to myself? Do I really think I'm going to need to make a call on that 2002 LG VX-10 with the extended battery pack? It's time for it to go, along with all the other dusty old tech that hasn't felt a surge of electricity in years.… Read more

The 404 1,254: Where can you spare a Bitcoin? (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Check out the new Web site for Jill Schlesinger, CBS News senior business analyst!

- Bitcoin bubble burst? Currency suffers dramatic correction.

- Bitcoin drops another 35 percent as exchange reopens.

- Apple earnings could bring profit setback, despite record sales.… Read more

The 404 1,253: Where there ain't nothing wrong with a little Bjork and grind (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- New app helps prevent Icelanders from sleeping with their relatives.

- Dudes: stop making the same face in every photo, or, a gentleman's guide to the selfie.

- Support 404 listener Jacob's run for Boston this weekend!… Read more

The 404 1,252: Where we rock the couch with Ben Hoffman (podcast)

- Check out The Ben Show tonight at 10PM on Comedy Central for the season finale! Then watch his clips on ComedyCentral.com!

- Follow Ben on Twitter.

Episode 1,252

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Doctor Whir: Remote-control flying Tardis takes to the air

"Doctor Who" excitement levels are hitting overload as the long-running series gears up for a big 50th anniversary extravaganza episode that will bring together many of the doctors in one show. I would recommend celebrating the occasion with a remote-control flying Tardis. It's not going to get tangled like a super-long scarf, and it's a lot cheaper than building your own working K-9.

Forget aerodynamics, this is a pretty faithful replica of the Doctor's Tardis in miniature. The handset controller runs on four AA batteries while the Tardis itself is chargeable through USB from the handset. Half an hour of charging time will net you up to seven minutes of flight time.… Read more

The 404 1,251: Where we find the cipher in the sound (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Did 4chan just find the Boston Marathon bomber?.

- 4chan's Boston bombing Google Doc culls photos, speculation, and accusations.

- Internet tough guys and girls already pointing fingers at the Middle East. Response: "Please don't let it be a Muslim."

- Beating conspiracy theorists at their own game.

- Using Microsoft Photosynth to recreate a panoramic photo of the bombsite.

- Encode hidden messages in your Facebook pics with "Secretbook" extension.

- Demonic portraits and other evils lurking beneath waves of musical spectrograms.… Read more

The 404 1,250: Where we bet our bottom dollar (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Former 404 guest and Internet Archivist releases Web's largest collection of historical software.

- Judge holds himself in contempt for cell phone going off in court.

- NY Philharmonic phone disruption: A cell-phone etiquette reminder.

- Here's a 90-year-old granny freaking out over Oculus Rift.… Read more

The 404 1,249: Where we get the senior discount (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Ever wondered how Apple employees travel around the Cupertino campus?

- Taking New York's upcoming Citi Bike Share plan for a test ride.

- Why don't cell phones have a dial tone?

- Forget following teens, your new favorite Tweeter is 94 years old.

- Speaking of old people, here's Jeff's dear, old granny with a 404 sticker on her walker.

- Speaking of speaking of old people, here's a soul-cuddling video of an older landlady lip-syncing her favorite song from the 1930s.… Read more

New Legoland Hotel aims for brick bliss

It doesn't take long to see that the new 250-room Legoland Hotel in Carlsbad, Calif., is a special place for fans of the iconic building toy. As visitors drive up to the colorful entrance, a Lego tower greets them with an impressive facade of giant minifigures and a 400,000-piece smoke-breathing dragon.

Once inside, the Lego experience multiplies as nearly every foot of the hotel contains brick-themed decor. Guests can choose from three types of themed rooms, including pirate, adventure, and kingdom styles. It's a bricktravaganza. … Read more