Website of the Day: SU Periodic Table

The most extreme grown up geeks I know were also geeks growing up. You know the kind of kids that have always loved science classes, mathematics and of course, periodic tables. I thought of them when I found SU Periodic Table, a site that has replaced all the elements with photographs of the letters that represent each element.

The creators encourage readers to photograph street signs, graffiti, car registration plates or street art and share the letter photographs. For example: NI — representing Nickel, comes from a sign for the uNIversity parks, or ES — representing Einsteinium — from No CyclES. All I know is, it's a lot prettier than the Periodic Table in my high school chemistry class.

To learn how to post your favorite websites to our Website of the Day group,

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Uruguay Makes First Official OLPC Order

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews
The OLPC Foundation has garnered a lot of interest, but not a lot of orders. In fact, today a country placed the first real order for the XO-1.

The first official order for the so-called “$100 laptop” has been placed by the government of Uruguay.
The South American country has bought 100,000 [...]

USB Desk Vacuum Cleaner: So Hot Right Now?

So this mini vacuum which I spotted on 7 Gadgets may not be something you'd find in Barbie's dreamhouse, but it does encompass pure retro beauty all-around.

From the old-school design, right down to the beige and brown, you can't help but love it! Rather than trying to convince you of its natural beauty, I'll give you three reasons why it's one of the ultimate desk accessories.

1. You can sit it right on your desk for quick crumb and dust clean-ups.


2. It is USB friendly. Just plug it in and vroom vroom—away you go!


3. It can act as your personal conversation starter. Say good-bye to awkward silences!

The USB Desk Vacuum Cleaner costs $34. Now it's time to reveal your hot or not verdict. Don't knock it till you try it!

Boston Acoustics MicroSystem CD/Clock Radio

By Martin Regtien
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

WAKING UP IN STYLE
Boston Acoustics claims that its unit produces, “big, rich sound you never thought possible in a system this size,” and by looking at it, there’s definitely a hint of audiophile to it.
Spec wise, the MicroSystem CD is impressive, with three auxiliary inputs, 24 radio presets, slot loading CD [...]

Geek Tip: The 25 Ultimate Gamer Vacations

I can't say I've ever been on a gamer vacation, even though I'm usually a "geek on vacation" on any trip. Nevertheless, for those of you who are ultimate gamers and need a fun getaway, Travelhacker compiled a list of some of the best cities, expos and conventions that are guaranteed to satisfy any gamer. Here are a few of my faves:

• Akihabara, Tokyo — The city of lights, electronics and gadgets galore, Akihabara is known as the "Gamer's Mecca"—being a hot spot for all things techie.


• World Cyber Games — The World Cyber Games is an international e-sports festival where more than one million visitors come every year. Gamers from all over the world participate in gaming competitions.


• Fan Expo Canada — Held in Toronto each year, the Fan Expo Canada covers everything from sci-fi, comic book, anime, horror, and gaming genres. Previously named "The Canadian National Comic Book Expo," it is now the largest pop culture convention in Canada.

Check out the full list for more geeky vacation ideas.

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High-Def “Last Supper” Goes Online

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews
My wife is deathly — I mean deathly — afraid of flying. So afraid that a 50 minute flight to L.A. sends her into a panic. Thus, I will probably never get to Milan to see “The Last Supper” in real-life at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. If you [...]

Geek Tip: Take Great Halloween Pics

Taking great Halloween pictures may be easier than you think. Sure, you have to worry about lighting, making fake blood look real and hiding the fact that the kids can see through your best friend's "nurse costume," but that doesn't mean you can't get great pictures. Digital Photography School has put together a great list of tips that are sure to turn any silly fool into a terrifying ghoul. My favorite tips include:

• Candid Photos: Halloween parties and gatherings abide by the same photo principles as birthday parties. Make sure to play with light, choose fun angles and catch your subjects in unsuspecting moments.


• Group Photos: Sure it's fun to remember what you or your kids dressed up as for Halloween, but it's even more fun to see what the whole trick or treating bunch dressed up as. Make sure to get kids (and kids at heart) to pose in funny arrangements and really express the character they are dressed up as.


• Defuse Your Flash: According to the Digital Photography School, you should "defuse the flash on your camera with colored cellophane to try to lesson its impact upon your shot and also to give the light it produces a glow that might add to your shots - Red might be a good color to try."

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