musings of a social architect

Working Equalizer T-Shirt

Wow - I don't really have anywhere special to wear this shirt these days (perhaps to the local PTA meeting, or a working session with a client?) -- but I totally want one, nontheless.

The T-Qualizer is a T Shirt with a built in graphic equalizer panel that is sound sensitive. As the music beats, this special T Shirts equalizer lights up to the beat of the music. A bit like having a heart monitor on your chest really, except all you will have to worry about is partying! You will have to party in the T-Qualizer or its full dazzling appeal will not become known. What a great excuse, the T-Qualiser is great for concerts, raves, parties anywhere that music plays.

Link: T-Qualizer T Shirt

UPDATE: the Tshirt arrived - I tried it, and then sent it along to my music-loving brother as a birthday present. It definately works, although the different levels don't seem to respond to sound with much granularity. Overall, it's a great conversation-starter and kid-magnet :-)

My Prius is like a video game

When I first got my Prius 4 years ago, I was completely transfixed by the real-time MPG display. Multi-scale feedback! I could see my mileage per tank, in 5-minute increment, and moment-to-moment. I experimented with my driving style, trying to beat my "high score" each day.

I've mellowed out since those heady first days, but I still pay attention to my mileage - and I'm happy to see that others are noticeing the game-like quality of this kind of display. Games are great at motivating behavior - and if we had more MPG feedback, I'll bet that people would drive in a way that would reduce emissions.

Raise your Prius gaming score

In this era of sharp political and religious divides, we can surely agree on one thing. Constantly watching the mileage measurements on the Prius's little video screen is really a mobilized video game. It's NOT simply driving a car. How long can I coast and keep the mileage at "99.9?" If I use engine-braking down this slope, how much can I re-charge the battery? I did 48.9 MPG the last time I drove to Oregon, can I beat it this time?

Admittedly this is a bit of a cerebral game. No droids or monsters. No explosions or body count. And I have the advantage of living in San Francisco with its extreme topography. Perhaps this game would a little less exciting if I were in a flat place like Ottumwa. But it would be even more subtle and challenging. Prius is surely the most expensive, biggest gaming machine built...so far....

Link