Electronic Eyeglasses Lets You Change Perscription in a Blink – Cool Thing

Hidden in the frames of the otherwise normal-looking glasses, are a microchip, micro-accelerometer and miniature batteries. Each lens has a transparent LCD layer that can electronically change its molecular structure, changing the focus only as needed. If you tilt your head down say to read a book or peek at an object up close, the accelerometer automatically detects the motion, sending a signal to the LCD that alters how light is refracted, change the prescription quietly and in, well, a blink of the eye. You can also put the glasses in manual mode.

So why would you choose these glasses compared to conventional progressive lenses? One answer: With ordinary progressives, you might be lying on a couch or bed and tilting your head up to watch TV, which would otherwise be a challenge if you’re peering out of that portion of the lens that isn’t meant for distance viewing. With emPower, you’d only summon a lens optimized for reading or closeups when you needed to.

Read More at: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2011/01/empower-electronic-eyeglass-lenses/1

Adult Center Debuts Organic Greenhouse – Cool Thing

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center in El Cajon, CA (outside San Diego) which helps adults who have developmental disabilities recently debuted the greenhouse in its organic garden.  The greenhouse uses passive solar heating, which reduces electricity costs. 

In the new greenhouse adult students with developmental disabilities will learn to propagate California native drough-tolerant plants for sale to the general public, divide root systems, plant seeds, prune old growth and grow flowers, plants and herbs. 

The students earn a paycheck, develop social skills and increase their physical health and feeling of well-being.

The garden is source of fresh produce for the lunches that are prepared for its students and staff.

The organic garden was established in 1998 in a former horse pasture.  It is open to the public weekdays from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 9 to 3pm. 

The 2 acre site is a certified organic garden and member of the California Association of Nurseries.  It includes a citrus orchard, flower gardens, ornamental trees, shrubs, herbs and worm farm. 

Drought-resistant succulents and perennials are sold there starting at $4 along with gardening tools.  This is a nonprofit organization.

The garden is located at 2119 E Madison Ave, El Cajon.  (619) 442-5129.

Read More At: http://stmsc.org/programs/organic-garden

Thanks to Karen Pearlman at the UT for the info.

Disclaimer: For information and entertainment purposes only.

Small Renovations – Affordable Upgrades May Suffice

It’s a reality of our fragile economy: Many homeowners who dream of the perfect kitchen or master bath are putting full-scale renovation on hold in favor of more limited changes.

But which small projects are worth it if you’re going to remodel within just a few years?

Choose projects that offer big change at little cost, or that serve as first steps toward eventual full-scale renovation, says Sabrina Soto, host of HGTV’s new series The High Low Project.

Large surfaces

Experts suggests making changes to the biggest surfaces in a room, such as countertops or floors. Old laminate countertops can now be painted for less than $50, he says, and the results look surprisingly good. Using a type of paint sold in a kit (one found at Gianigranite.com), homeowners can paint over the old countertop and then seal it with a coating that mimics the look and solid feel of laminate.

Read more at: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/text/2015984625.html

Disclaimer: For Information and Entertainment purposes only.