The Home Crowd

I think they’re called weebles right, the self-uprighting toddler toys, right?

Most likely european, possibly strange,… definitely awesome.

I’m assuming these should be introduced to your labor day barbeque after all of your guests have had their third helping of homemade sangria, and then recorded for youtube posterity.

They kind of look like giant shuttlecocks (‘ya know, badminton), or the equivalent to a european pilates inflatable exercise ball

Here’s the page at QED’s site – Link

Also noteworthy, from QED, furniture-wise is their “Cosy” chair, a super comfy looking rocking chair which resembles the packing balloons which comfort all my Amazon purchases.  Why the model is sporting the “Hey, do the least lady-like pose you can think of” pose…. I don’t know.  Once again… European.  – Link

Bedroom just too boring and stagnant?

Maybe it just needs a computer-based, ball dropping screensaver being shot up against the wall from a projector…

Really cool art installation “Disturb me” by Thepopcornmakers.  – Link

I think I’d rather have the projector facing opposite the bed… you know, for watching movies and HGTV and all.

For the gun afficianado, the overbearing father, or general Tony Montana types, I give you the Bedbunker.  A gun safe for those who wish ‘Guns and ammo’ was carried at the register of your local Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

Seem crazy?  Maybe… Maybe not.  Households with guns have few options for their safekeeping.  There’s trigger locking mechanisms, and there are gun safes, which vary from small fireproof safes like you’d find at a office supply store, to full size, monolithic steel cabinets which are more than able to house an assortment of hunting rifles, shotguns, handguns..

Of course under your bed mattress is a strange place to think of as gun storage.  What’s the alternative?  A giant cabinet taking up valuable closet space, or possibly just an eyesore in your den.

If you’re an overprotective father of a teenage girl however, the going standard is still the glass case within a ten foot radius of your front door.

Besides, the only use that box spring was providing was support the mattress so that it didn’t sag into an 80 pound hammock.  Plus it’s not powder coated with gas springs that support it’s 140 pound doors.  (but moving… call movers, ’cause your friends will never forgive you for that one.)

But if you’re in a quick bind, it’s best to have a traditional mattress disguising your bedsafe, because the memory foam mattresses are a big spongy pain in the ass to slide aside.

However, if you’re really planning on being in a quick bind…

1. Might wanna quit the drug game
2. May wanna call an exterminator about the ‘rat problem’ instead of waking the neighbors
3. Might wanna follow up on the following informercial..

Bedbunker website – Link

Apparently, this video was made to win some sort of radio contest, but according to the clip’s host, he’s been waking up to this mistreatment every morning for four years.  (and no doubt, scaring away all the dorm roommates his student housing authority could toss at him)

Also, not for those who sleep with their tongues hanging anywhere past their teeth.  I do, however think this guy should run with the idea a little bit.  Maybe not for the masochistic section of bed, bath & beyond, but maybe there’s a future in marital aid/massaging beds and furniture?

From Dailymail UK -

A group of little old ladies from Britain, have been knitting scale reproductions of their neighboring structures for the last 23 years.

This is really quite impressive.  I can only imagine how these ladies would fare in a gingerbread house competition.  Apparently, they gained much publicity for announcing the sale of their 60 property collection.

Head over to the Dailymail UK page to see these and many, many more pictures of the ‘properties’ and their real life counterparts. – Link

While reading through Gizmodo earlier today, I came across this article regarding the installation of wall mounted flat screens and the improper installation of wiring (Not to code) may just void your home insurance.

The problem is caused by those mounting their televisions, yet tired of the eyesore of hanging cords down the wall, that might carelessly and impatiently feed the supplied power cable, and A/V cables within the inside cavities of the wall.  Not to mention the extension cords involved, and possibly power strip/surge protectors.

Well, turns out that the National Electrical Code is not okay with that at all.

From the Gizmodo article -

The National Electric Code (NEC) states:

NEC ARTICLE 400 Flexible Cords and Cables General 400.1 Scope.
This article covers general requirements, applications, and construction specifications for flexible cords and flexible cables.
400.8 Uses Not Permitted.
Flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:
(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
(3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
(4) Where attached to building surfaces
Exception: Flexible cord and cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with the provisions of 368.8.
(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings

In other words, running power cords through the walls is not a substitute for permanent wiring. You’re supposed to have a new electric socket installed directly behind the TV, where you can plug in the power cord and coil up the slack to tuck underneath. If you drilled some holes and ran cable yourself all willy nilly, in and back out to a power socket, chances are you are in violation of these codes. Should a fire result, your insurance may find reason to get out of covering your losses.

Personally I know quite a few people with wall mounted flat panel TV’s, but quite a few more who are quite content standing them atop a narrow piece of furniture.  Hopefully, for all their sakes, I hope everything is wired properly.

But for those who’ve been waiting patiently for the price of that nice flat screen HDTV to drop into the affordable range before the upcoming football season, please remember not to skimp on the mounting.

Plan it out, or find an appropriate television stand.

• Make certain you plan out your space, and the size the the television you’d like to place in it.  (No one wants an unsightly electrical outlet just above the fireplace)
• Contact a fully licensed and trustworthy electrician, and also possibly a contractor and low voltage consultant, depending on what type of overhaul you’re planning for your home and how A/V and data cables may be routed alongside the permanent electrical wiring.

Here’s a good example, from the entire process article at Digital Home Thoughts. (Really interesting read, and great custom shelves)

And here is also another guide from Crutchfield detailing the “How-to’s” of wall mounting. – Link

This is all great to the homeowners, but suppose you’re renting and don’t feel like losing your security deposit, but appreciate the picture frame-esque clean wall faced televion mount.  There are also various options of furniture that can re-create that look for your high tech, high class pad, such as Crate and Barrel’s “Loop” media center (below)

This, however, may be overkill…  – Link