Although the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” may portend attitudes’ interpretation of the fates deem inevitable, it can also reflect fatalistic expectations of future events within a cosmic play seen from a skewed perspective, just a nebulous notion or delusional state, demarcating individualized affect that attributes its own meaning to what images are suggested by “control”.

If seeking domination of circumstances to impact a specific effect is sought despite infinite unanticipated external possibilities, then personal thought, balanced upon positive and negative experiences, impress the ironic futility to any such endeavor. Now technology has an input into this very notion.

A variety of products developed for the enlightened individual who wants to take charge of his/her environment has been explored by slashgear.com; a reservoir of unimaginable ideas made concrete for anyone to redefine their personal surroundings.

First there is the color coordinated, Control Your Man Or Women Remote Control. Pink for the men and dark gray for the women who have issues with their paramour and require additional prodding instead of spending thousand of dollars in counseling or legal fees sucked up by lawyers to win a divorce settlement. The remote control claims to get them to do what you want on a whim, without the hassle of free will, free speech or love potion #9, conjured in a burning cauldron of witches brew so eloquently memorialized by The Three in MacBeth, Act 1, Scene1: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air,” as an inspiration for the evil queen, stepmother of Snow White, as she transforms, a result of a dark potion,  into the ugly contorted witch in the sweeping 1940 animated epic Disney masterpiece Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, surrounded by thunder, swirling wind and lightning and the poisoned apple, cackling her narrative to the mesmerized gaze of children and adults sitting in the audience. Although not a new concept it does have a soundly presented atmospheric charm all its own.

“Press a button and it yells at your significant other to do the task of your choosing. Both remotes emit obnoxious noises. the pink one sounds boyish  while the dark gray, whiny and ‘girlish.’” One remote is priced at $17.95, while the set, an amazing steal at $29.95. Perhaps behavior modification reminiscent of Psychology 101, the classic Lab Rat experiments devised for the quest to find the biological basis of behavior can apply here, or not.

Atmosphere is also a worthy condition to exist by making all life possible especially in a party environment within an array of merging amino acids. Now there is a way to test, and yes, manipulate your surroundings, and the people who comprise its milieu. Another genius invention shown on slashgear.com. Its the Portable Voice Stress Analyzer, particularly made for the paranoid of heart. Trapped in an affair with numerous people, the voice stress analyzer is small enough to slip into your purse or briefcase and works “by measuring the tremors in the audio signal from the vocal cords. It then assesses how honest the people surrounding you are,” a consideration of note when attempting to cultivate a sense of intuition.  Advertised on nerdapproved.com for $58.40 “with an easy to read LED layout makes determining innocence or guilt quick, easy and unequivocal,  so you can falsely accuse and alienate anyone you want, anytime, anywhere.”

The final piece to this triad effectively designed for any diagnosed or undiagnosed control complex is The Sonic Nausea Gadget to make those around you feel queasy enough to leave. “Sonic Nausea is a small electronic device which can really ‘boom’ one’s stomach. It generates a unique combination of ultra-high frequency sound waves which soon leads most in its vicinity to queasiness. It can also cause headaches, intense irritation, sweating, imbalance, nausea, or even vomiting. The unique sound wave characteristics make directional source determination difficult.  Powered by one 9-volt battery (not included). For extended run time six AA batteries in a battery pack with transistor clips (available from most electronics stores) can be used instead.  Use with extreme (paranoid) discretion.” $29.00. This product is also advertised on shomer-tech.com, which specializes in law enforcement and military equipment.

All of these treasures are a  testament to whoever said, “Things always comes in three’s”

My Percepto Rating: Its a secret. See if you can cajole it outta me.

Shopping for its own sake rather than searching for a specific item can be fun. A way to spend time absorbing creative ideas by provoking curiosity and imagination hopefully evoking a sense of humor depending on what one sees.

Spending an hour at Hammacher Schlemmer, the landmark store on 57th street, just off of Lexington Avenue in New York is always a treat for curiosities made for the “inner geek”, especially those with an aristocratic taste for innovation. Well chosen oddities with new and creative applications often of old ideas that consume the hidden recesses of one’s mind with an unusual variety of things to focus on that are not found anywhere except in obscure novelty catalogs.

This is where I first encountered the Eco-sphere, displaying the wonders of the universe on earth, a science tool for children and an artistic statement: “It is a complete, self-contained and self-sustaining miniature world encased in glass, carefully crafted to achieve an aesthetic, meditative beauty that can soothe any environment, exploring the inter dependence of animal and plant life with Earth’s most precious element - water (see the picture).” It survived over four years and had these tiny creatures that swam around in the water. A reflection of life enclosed and perfectly balanced under my total control. It comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, spherical for the scientist at heart or an egg-shape for those with a philosophic sense. Perfect for the home or in a conference room at a business meeting, possibly on Wall Street, to distract from the erratic behavior of the Stock Market. As one would expect, the larger ones cost more money.

Hammacher Schlemmer also has a vast array of time pieces and innovative alarm clocks, confirming the existence of a cultural obsession with time, a necessary evil to draw our attention from life’s sleep to shift gears and deal with each day’s agenda, a tick-tock perception of movement through space aka The Fourth Dimension.

Here for example is a truly bizarre time measuring device. It is known as The Temper Throwing Alarm Clock reviewed on nerdapproved.com also found at Hammacher Schlemmer. Anyone with young children will understand its effect. This is the alarm clock “that pounds its fists and opens its mouth while ’shouting’ its alarm. As your selected wake-up time approaches to within five minutes, its feet and body will begin to glow, and when the alarm sounds, it begins tapping its arms lightly, but if you are dilatory in touching its snooze sensor by more than one minute, it launches into its full whining tantrum. A sensor on its head also allows you to ‘pet’ the clock, causing it to “smile” and move its fists in appreciation. Its eyes will flash red when its four AA batteries (required) get too low, or it can plug into AC. 9 1/2″ W x 7 1/2″ D x 5″ H. (2 1/4 lbs.), 49.95.” A wonderful reminder that dropping the kids at their grandparents house can provide a few hours of relief.

For the same price of $49.95, there is yet another variation of clock. It is called the Peaceful Progression Wake-Up Clock, designed for those with an ‘OM’ in mind and who revere Transcendental Meditation and a soft gentle awakening from your very own subconscious reality. A stark contrast to the jarring noise of the temper tantrum alarm. “This clock uses a gradual increase in ambient light, stimulating aromas, and peaceful sounds from nature to awaken sleepers. Easy to use, simply set the desired wake up time, place some aromatherapy beads (included) into the supplied aroma bowl, and choose a natural sound setting (Nightfall, Thunder Storm, Zen Melody, Mountain Stream, Songbirds, and Ocean Surf). Thirty minutes before wake-up, the clock’s light begins to glow softly, subtly brightening over the next half hour. As the light increases, the warmth from the lamp releases the faint scent into the air to stimulate the olfactory senses, speeding the waking process. Fifteen minutes before wake up time, the clock’s speaker generates the sleeper’s choice of nature sounds.”

Perhaps it’s possible to create your own sounds, intimately unique, a reflection of inner thought, personal fantasy, or an after life experience communicating with someone on the other side. But wait, there is more. “This clock can also be set to operate in reverse, gradually diminishing light, scent, and sound at night to usher sleepers into a relaxed slumber. The clock has a night light setting as well. ‘What’s more, this keeper of time plugs into a standard household outlet, and uses two AA batteries for backup power, ensuring that time and alarm buzzer functions remain operable in the event of power loss. It measures 7 1/2″ H x 5 1/4″ W x 6 1/4″ D. (3 1/2 lbs.).”

All this and so much more at Hammacher Schlemmer, New York’s premiere department store for the unusual aesthetic sensibilities.

My Percepto Rating is : Insignificant . This store is on 57th street and Lexington avenue, the location speaks for itself…

Imagine the first day you moved into your house or new apartment, maybe that high priced condo which is now plummeting in value. The first morning brew of fresh Peruvian coffee permeates the air, beans grounded just minutes before in your brand new coffee grinder bought from the basement level of Macy’s on thirty-fourth street, sold in the kitchenware’s department. The refrigerator door yields the container of milk and while reaching for the sugar bowl the unhappy realization dawns that it is completely empty. Panic sets in until a thought crystallizes: “perhaps this is a wonderful opportunity to borrow a cup of sugar.”

Knocking on the door of the adjacent apartment, it opens and the fantasy of meeting your idealized soul mate as the words “How do you do?” resound through the air as a soft echo in mind’s eye. Those words have special meaning. They are in fact the basis that led to the creation of one of the baby boomers’ most beloved television icons: Howdy Doody.

A simple marionette controlled with twelve strings became a friend to millions of children. A creation of puppeteers Velma Wayne Dawson and Rufus Rose, Double Doody Howdy - one of the stand in puppets used on the show - is now a coveted part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. A pioneer in children’s programming with a western theme, it was the place we first met Clara-bell, the clown who was mute and communicated with horns and the notorious seltzer bottle. Originally played by Bob Keeshan, the beloved Captain Kangaroo, who as captain of his enterprise fostered warm relationships between grandparents and children.

Buffalo Bob Smith was the first voice of Howdy and remained his human alter ego for its entire thirteen year run (1947-60) - an amazing hallmark of television history. In fact, Photo Doody Howdy, used in photographs and parades, was sold at auction in 1997 to a private collector for $113,000.

All this and more from a fantasy encounter with a cup of sugar.

“It’s Howdy Doody time,
It’s Howdy Doody time.
Bob Smith and Howdy, too,
Say howdy doo’ to you.
Lets give a rousing cheer,
‘Cause Howdy Doody’s here.
It’s time to start the show,
So kids let’s go!”

(Please open the article to see the flash file or player.)

To celebrate our second year anniversary on October 1st, 2008, we are having another FREE giveaway!

Up for grabs for two winners are:
Grand prize: an authentic hand-crafted Aztec inspired vase, cast in Nicaragua
Runner up: an official Eclectic Commons coffee mug with logo to guide you in your daily quest for knowledge perhaps as you drink cafe latte or a plain cup of joe.

Entries will be received from August 1st up until September 30th 2008.

How to Win?

1. In the comments section of this post, leave your answer to the trivia question below, devised by our very own doc Jon Percepto based on his essay, On Genetic Trivia. Feel free to add any enlightening tidbit of information with your answer.
2. You may leave only one answer/comment. Only validated comments on this post will be considered. Make sure your email address is correct. We are not responsible for errors.
3. Winner will be chosen based on the correct answer to the trivia at the end of the eligibility period. In case of a tie, first and second place will be awarded based on date and time of entry or most colorful and original comment.
4. Contest is open to anyone worldwide. Yes, we’ll contact you by email to let you know that you won and we’ll even pay to ship the prize to you.
5. For more information on the giveaway, please contact us using the Contact Form on this blog.
6. Good luck

Trivia Question:
Assuming your parents are considered the first generation, how many direct ancestors would you have in eleven generations, excluding your great great grandparents?

Approaching the unknown with self confidence defines security. Uncertainty, no longer a threat, becomes a challenge.

Revealing something new, a source of encouragement and mastery.

Like a child absorbing, adapting and learning.

Motivated by CURIOSITY, the key to all knowledge & wisdom.

This is the second post from new guest writer Davin Blu presented for Christmas Eve. Please support his blog Eclectideas. If your Spanish is limited, scroll to the bottom of the post to see the translation.

Santa Claus, Papa Noel, el Espíritu de la Navidad y otros muchos nombres hacen alusión a una leyenda. La tradición del espíritu de la Navidad es de origen nórdico, pero muy influyente también en las celebraciones latinas. Niños, jóvenes y adultos realizan diferentes ritos antes del 21 de diciembre, con el objeto de dar gracias por las bendiciones que han recibido a lo largo del año y también para pedir nuevos deseos, tales como las pastorelas.

¿Por qué esta fecha es la que recibe el espíritu de la Navidad? Esta es la noche más larga del año y se convierte en uno de los días más especiales, no sólo por este motivo, sino también porque se celebra el solsticio de invierno, instante en el que la tierra se encuentra más distante del Sol. En estos solsticios se reciben bendiciones especiales y es por ello que debemos estar atentos para invocarlas y recibirlas; una de estas bendiciones va dirigida directamente a los hombres de buena voluntad y ha sido denominado como el Espíritu de la Navidad; el viejo pascual, como lo conocían anteriormente, tiene el encargo de traer a los hombres felicidad, prosperidad, alegría y regocijo.

La leyenda cuenta así:

“Hace miles de años, llego al planeta Tierra un bello ser que provenía de una galaxia muy lejana. Vivió en la zona que hoy se conoce como Escandinavia. Con su contagiosa alegría y su poder de precipitación, iba impartiendo, de zona en zona sus conocimientos sobre la vida en otros universos. Era alto, delgado y de aspecto muy juvenil. Su cuerpo emanaba brillante luz de tonalidad rojo-dorada.”

Como todas las leyendas, esta, del Maestro de la Natividad, tiene su fondo de verdad. Debido a su gran generosidad, él se convirtió en la figura de un hombre dispuesto siempre a ofrecer millones de regalos cada año. La imagen de su gran sabiduría hizo de el, un anciano. Su cuerpo que irradiaba luz rojiza, dio lugar a la vestimenta de ese color que siempre lleva Santa Claus y las características tradicionales de la región fría son un reflejo de los países donde el residía.

El aspecto del Maestro de la Natividad no es el que conocemos hoy en día, algo grueso y con barba blanca, ya que la leyenda le describía como un ser bello, hermoso. Era rubio, con ojos azules grandes, cara ovalada, figura delgada y alta. Durante la Navidad, pero también en todo el año, bendice los hogares y regala prosperidad a toda la humanidad. Es, el encargado de traer, cada fin de año la abundancia, juntamente con la radiación de Paz, Amor, Unión y Fraternidad.

Santa Claus or Father Noel, the Spirit of Christmas, also known by many other names, refers to a legend. The tradition of the spirit of Christmas , of Nordic origin, but also influential in Latin celebrations. Children, young people and adults participate in different rites before the 21st of December, with the intent of being thankful for the blessings that they have received throughout the year by placing requests for gifts and benedictions.

Like all other legends, this one has meaning and resonance, of sharing his great generosity. According to the legend, Santa Claus became the figure of a man always ready to offer millions of gifts every year. The image of his great wisdom over time reflected as an old man. His body radiated reddish light, giving rise to the clothes of that color that always symbolizes Santa Claus and the traditional characteristics of the cold region which reflect the countries where he resided. The aspect of the Teacher of the Natividad is not the one that we know nowadays, someone heavy with a white beard, since the legend describes him as a beautiful being, blond with great blue eyes, expansive made oval, thin and of high stature. During Christmas, but also during the year, he blesses homes and gives prosperity to all humanity. He is, the one in charge of bringing each years end , abundance together with the radiation of Peace, Love, Union and Brotherhood.

As I stumble upon different pages, I look for symbols that remind me of things I have encountered in the past or capture an essence of something that strikes free floating images. I came across this object in a quaint new online store, Nicoya Gift (www.nicoyagift.com), that features interesting forms that go well with the idea/vision of Eclectic Commons.

This object conveys a simple design that speaks of Lothlorien, enchanted forest of Middle Earth in JRR Tolkiens, The Lord Of The Rings. Reminiscent of something worn by the fair Lady Galadriel (the morning star), Lady of the Wood, her granddaughter Arwen (the evening star), Queen of Minas Tirith, or a simple elf maiden. An elegant design which features “a vine motif” in silver, representative of the earth, branches of a tree, and mystery of that which arises from the Acorn, the seed of life that grows and becomes the wood in the rectangular shape also reminiscent of Manhattan’s gem, Central Park.

The simplest design, the more interesting the image it conveys, uncomplicated by gaudy or unnecessary detail that often accompany many symbols by confusing the message. Silver, a more respectable history, less tarnished by the greed implicit of gold, the metal of royalty and aristocracy. A messenger of the link that binds the passage of knowledge from the veil of the unknown to the assimilated wisdom, the meaning of “the silver cord”, a sacred concept of the East.

Perfectly designed for a Queen, an art lover, or the simple woman meant to articulate a creative and philosophic nature in form rather than words.

Nicoya Gift has a taste for some of the same ideas that I identify as ideal objects emblematic of philosophic form with purity simplicity and grace. In the future, as I find additional items from that store or elsewhere that I like, I will be talking about them and posting them on this blog.

* for a clearer view of this pendant, click on the image above or visit the actual page by: clicking here.