"Japanese researchers have created a hand-held gun (pictured above) that can jam the words of speakers who are more than 30 meters (100ft) away. The gun has two purposes, according to the researchers: At its most basic, this gun could be used in libraries and other quiet spaces to stop people from speaking — but its second application is a lot more chilling. The researchers were looking for a way to stop 'louder, stronger' voices from saying more than their fair share in conversation." [Via]

"At some point in college, I started doing snail mail, and it felt like an awesome way to keep in touch."

You know why we can't have pictures of dead Osama bin Laden? Because the government knows you'd just Photoshop cats and Xzibit and cartoon come-lines in there.

"The number of wireless devices in the United States now outnumbers the people living here."

"Those of you who are missing the Casey Anthony trial can now take the courtroom drama with you. An iPhone app covering the murder case launched today at the App Store. Casey Anthony Trial features live streaming coverage and is one of the few ways that crime-lovers can watch the trial in real-time. FYI, this isn't the only iPhone app that covers the trial. Hearst Television launched the Casey Anthony Updates in May. Both apps feature transcripts, news feeds and videos. Casey addicts and bored people alike can now keep up with the progress of the trial."

"A Japanese company has built a remote that you can bend and twist to control your TV," but I don't know, that seems like so much more work than pressing buttons and stuff.

One of the things I sometimes do to keep the bad thoughts out of my head when I'm walking down the street alone is try to imagine what someone who was magically transported from the 1970s or so to now would think about everything they saw. Mostly, I guess, he or she would be shocked by the amount of advertising everywhere, the fact that hardly anybody smokes anymore and the rampant obesity. Also, what is this panini and why do all the delis seem to sell them? In that same vein, let's look at this item from BBC News and take a moment to consider how much our world [...]