Sunday, August 23, 2009
Tips for a good night's sleep
Monday, August 10, 2009
How to cure a hangover
You had a big night out with the boys and now you feel like you’ve been run over by a steamroller. Your head’s pounding, your mouth is dry, your legs are wobbly and you’re cursing your tequila-wielding mates. There’s no miracle solution to make you feel great, but these tips will help you feel human again.
Hydrate
Why is it that that water seems like a vile substance when you’re hung over? We know it’s hard to stomach, but force down as much as you can.
It’s no secret that alcohol dehydrates you, so even if you don’t feel thirsty, that woozy feeling is in large part due to the fact that you’re parched as, bro.
Another option is a sports drink, which might be easier to stomach than water and is packed with super-hydrating electrolytes.
Eat
You’re probably tempted to have a massive greasy breakfast, which will help settle your stomach, but it can also make you feel more tired and sluggish.
A better solution is to eat some honey – it contains a lot of fructose, which helps break down the alcohol in your stomach faster. Tomato juice is another great source of fructose.
If you still feel like you might not make it through the day, read on...
Take vitamins
B vitamins help metabolise alcohol and can boost your energy levels. A good choice is Berocca, which contains a vitamin B complex and vitamin C.
Avoid caffeine
Coffee and other caffeinated drinks will only make the problem worse because they’ll dehydrate you more. Avoid them if you can or keep them to a minimum if you really need a pick-me-up.
Take painkillers
Although we don’t recommend mixing alcohol and painkillers on a regular basis as it can cause kidney and liver damage, taking two Panadol or Nurofen to make it through a mad hangover once in a while won’t kill you.
Sleep
Sometimes chucking a sickie is a better idea than dragging your sorry ass into work. If you’re lucky enough to have a hangover on a Saturday, what the hell are you doing reading this? Go back to bed!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Why your health is more than skin deep
A shocking new survey has revealed that most women don’t exercise and eat healthily to stay fit or live longer, they do it because they want to look good.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Beat morning dress stress
Create a 'look book'
When stylists help create "wardrobes" for their clients they'll often spend a day with them putting complete outfits together and taking Polaroids for reference. You don't need a stylist to create a work-look book though. At the beginning of the season, get a friend to help take the photos and spend a day creating top-to-toe outfits — remember to include shoes and accessories, too. Try to create at least 10 looks so you'll have two full weeks of outfits to rotate. That might seem a lot but remember you can mix and match items of clothing (that new shirt, or your favourite tunic dress), as much as you like. Once you have all your outfit photos, stick them to the back of your wardrobe, or compile them in an album for easy morning dressing.Tidy your wardrobe
If you can see and reach all the clothes in your wardrobe easily, dressing in the morning will be a lot less stressful. Investing in good quality hangers (think wood or sturdy plastic and clip-hangers for pants and skirts) saves on ironing time in the morning because clothes aren't as likely to crease in your cupboard. Men, keep ties stored on tie racks so they don't emerge from the wardrobe a crushed mess.Be season-specific
A jumble of warm and cold-weather clothes crammed into your wardrobe makes selecting a work outfit a challenge. Try dividing your work wardrobe into winter and summer (some of your staples will work all year round). Taking out those lightweight dresses when winter hits and storing those heavier jumpers during summer will create closet space and make finding the right thing to wear easier. Store items you don't need in another cupboard if you have one, or fold them into airtight plastic tubs or vacuum-seeled bags and pop them under your bed until you need them again.Be brand loyal
We're not suggesting becoming a slave to one particular brand but it does make good dressing sense to buy a few items from the one store, as brands tend to sell clothes that work together. Ask the store assistants to advise you on what items they recommend pairing, and then consider buying an entire outfit (for example a skirt, jacket and coordinating shirt, or tie and shirt for men). Brands also tend to sell clothes that go with their previous seasons so you'll find matching last year's work clothes with this year's easier if you stick to a few favourite stores.Keep shoes neat
Shoeboxes may protect your shoes from getting damaged, but they make it hard to find what you're looking for each morning. Try visiting a storage shop for some clever shoe-storage ideas, such as shoe racks or clear shoeboxes for easy selecting. Or try taking a photo of each pair of shoes and tape it to the front of the shoebox. Knowing what you've got means you'll wear all your shoes more often rather than just grab the pair you wore yesterday because you're short on time.Tips for a better work/life balance
Work, kids, social and family commitments … are they all getting on top of you? Then it's time to take a step back and put some balance into your life.
Read our top tips for getting your work and home life stress-free and back on the right track.
Look after your health
Your health should always be your number one priority. If you're not in top shape both mentally and physically, it will affect all areas of your life. Stress is one of the biggest causes of poor health. To combat this, get enough sleep, eat regularly and choose healthy options, take time out for relaxation, and exercise at least three times a week.
Take time out for yourself
As much as your work and family takes priority in your life, it's important that you schedule "me time". Taking just one hour, once a week to do something for yourself can do wonders for your wellbeing — and your relationships and career will benefit too.
It doesn't need to be a visit to a day spa (although that's a great idea!) — take a novel to the park and enjoy the outdoors, play a round of golf, visit the gym or go for a long, relaxing walk ... just make sure you get away from it all and give your mind a chance to wander.
Manage your time
Learn how to use your time more effectively — both at work and home. Poor time management can result in a loss of hours and contribute greatly to your stress levels. Enrol in a time management course or implement some simple time management techniques:
- create to-do lists and prioritise tasks,
- avoid time wasters like surfing the Web and e-mail,
- share the load (both at work and home wherever you can),
- set yourself time limits and boundaries.
Learn to say "no"
Taking on too many tasks can be to your detriment. Learn to say no to things when there's too much on your plate. This applies to both work and personal events/tasks. Rather than feeling guilty, you'll learn that saying "no" can be really empowering.
Separate work and family life
Australia may be a laid-back nation but as workers, we are working longer and longer hours. And many of us are "addicted to work" and failing to separate our working life from our family life. Is this you?
Learn to turn off the laptop after hours and resist checking your e-mails at all hours of the day and night. Ideally the minute you leave the office, you should leave your working life behind. For many this isn't possible, but be sure to give yourself plenty of "unplugged" time during your weekends and nights — that means no laptop, no e-mail and no mobile phone.
Find a flexible employer
Searching for a new position? More and more employers these days are catering for a more flexible workplace. Look for options like flexible hours, working from home, job sharing, onsite childcare facilities and family-friendly offices.
Use up your annual leave
Most of us are allowed four weeks or more annual leave a year, but rarely take it. Remember, it's there for a reason — to provide you with some much needed R&R.
Take a career break
If work's getting too much and your health's really suffering, taking time out to think about your career and what really matters in your life could be the perfect solution. Use up any outstanding annual leave or enquire about leave without pay. Take a short sabbatical and use the time wisely to evaluate your goals and life plan.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Potato stacks with smoked salmon
Preparation 10 minutes + 20 minutes salting
Cooking 10 minutes
Serves 4
2 large (500g) potatoes
1 tsp salt
1 Bunch chives, chopped
60g Melted butter
3 tbsp Plain flour
Pepper
Vegetable oil, to shallow fry
4 Eggs
40g Baby spinach leaves
4 Slices smoked salmon
1 Peel and grate the potatoes, then transfer to a colander. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt and leave for 20 minutes.
2 Squeeze out as much water as possible and place the potato into a bowl with the chives, butter, flour and a pinch of pepper.
3 Mix thoroughly, then shape into four 8cm-diameter patties.
4 Heat some vegetable oil in a frypan over medium heat, add the potato cakes and cook for four to five minutes each side or until golden brown.
5 Poach the eggs in gently simmering water for three minutes.
6 To serve, top the potato cakes with evenly distributed spinach leaves, a slice of salmon and a soft-poached egg.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Spicy prawn, tomato and fetta stew
Cuisine type: Modern Australian
Cooking time: Less than 30 minutes
Special options: Low Carb, Low fat
Course: Lunch, Main
Favourite flavours: Seafood, Spicy
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1 birdseye chilli, finely chopped
400g can diced tomatoes
20 green prawns, peeled, deveined, tails intact
100g fetta, cubed
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped coriander
crusty bread, to serve
2. Add prawns and simmer for 5 minutes, covered, until prawns are opaque. Remove from heat and stir through fetta and herbs. Stand covered for 5 minutes.
3. Serve in bowls with crusty bread.
You can serve this stew with mashed potato, rice or pasta.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Chocolate bread and butter pudding
Serving size: Serves 6
Cooking time: Less than 60 minutes
Course: Dessert
Favourite flavours: Cakes/baking, Chocolate
2 cups (500ml) cream
1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar
1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon
vanilla bean paste
4 eggs
2 small (200g) brioche, sliced thickly
100g dark eating chocolate,
chopped coarsely
1/3 cup (40g) coarsely chopped
toasted pecans
Combine milk, cream and sugar in a small saucepan. Split vanilla bean in half lengthways; scrape seeds into pan, then place pod in pan, or if using, add vanilla bean paste. Stir over heat until hot; strain into a large heatproof jug (not necessary to strain if using the paste). Discard pod.
Whisk eggs in large bowl; whisking constantly, pour hot milk mixture into eggs.
Grease a shallow 2-litre (8-cup) ovenproof dish; layer brioche, chocolate and nuts, overlapping brioche slightly, in the dish. Pour hot milk mixture over brioche.
Place the dish in a large baking dish; add enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the ovenproof dish. Bake, uncovered, in a moderate oven for about 45 minutes or until pudding sets.
Remove the pudding from the baking dish; stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Not suitable to freeze or microwave.
Baking bread
Cooking time: Less than 60 minutes
Favourite flavours: Condiment
Makes 1 loaf
Prep time 20 minutes
Resting time 90 minutes
Cooking time 40 minutes
3 cups (450g) plain flour (white, or a mixture of 2 cups white and 1 cup wholemeal)
2 teaspoons bread improver (optional)1½ teaspoons salt
1 sachet instant yeast
1½-1 2/3 cups (375-420ml) warm water
2. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead by folding far edge towards you, then pushing it firmly away with heel of hand. Turn dough a little and repeat. Continue kneading for about 5 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic and springs back when you make a dent with a finger.
3. Place dough in a clean, warm, oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap and a tea towel. Leave to rise in a warm, draught-free place for 1-1½ hours (or in a cool place for longer). Test by pushing a finger into dough. If indentation remains, it is ready. Knock back dough by punching with your fist several times, squeezing out any large bubbles. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead three or four times.
4. Preheat oven to 240ºC or 220ºC fan. Lightly oil a 12 x 23cm loaf pan. Pat dough into a round and fold sides under to form a neat oblong. Place in prepared pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and a cloth and leave in a warm place until risen to top of pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then turn pan around, reduce heat to 220ºC or 200ºC fan and bake another 20-25 minutes, until golden brown all over and bread sounds hollow when underside is tapped with knuckles.
Tips:
• Make a Walnut Bread for serving with cheese at a special dinner or picnic.
• Add 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts to basic bread dough when you start the first kneading. Top bread with another ½ cup roughly chopped walnuts before baking.
• For a crisp crust all over, take bread out of pan and bake directly on oven bars for last 10 minutes. Bread is cooked if it sounds hollow when underside is knocked with the knuckles. If not, return to oven for more baking. Turn bread out of pan as soon as it comes from oven, and cool on a wire rack.
• More water is needed when wholemeal flour is used.
• You can add up to half wholemeal to half plain flour if you like a denser loaf of bread. Bread flour (from good health-food stores) is best because of its high gluten content, but you will still get good results with ordinary plain flour.
• It is best not to double the quantities to make two loaves because it can be too unwieldy to knead. However, it’s a great idea to make two lots while you’re in the mood and pop one loaf in the freezer for another day.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
What to do in a style emergency at work
Beat bad hair days !
Friday, March 20, 2009
Dressing for success
First impressions can make or break your career. Learn how to scrub up for your next job interview.
Do your homework
Before you have a chance to convince a potential employer what an asset you'd be to their company, they'll judge you on your appearance. Be prepared by researching industry standards. Generally, corporate roles require well-cut suits and closed-in shoes, while it may be more appropriate to wear a dress to a creative industry interview. Also, consider the interview location. A panel interview or recruitment agency meet calls for smart, conservative attire, while it's generally okay to lose the tie for a cafe meet.
Wardrobe
Her:
- Choose a dress or skirt that falls below the knee and which you can sit down comfortably in. Tailored pants have the potential to be assertive (which may or may not work in your favour). Never wear jeans.
- Choose block colours over loud patterns (which may distract the interviewer). Hint: colour experts say warm colours (red, orange, yellow) say "hire me now!" while cool colours (blue, green, purple) convey dedication and commitment. Black always looks clean and sharp but may come across as boring to a creative role interviewer.
Chose the statement you want to make and colour code your outfit. - Conceal cleavage, bra straps and panty lines.
- Wear heels you can walk in.
Him:
- Wear a suit to a corporate interview and a crisp shirt, pants and a jacket — not a jumper — to an interview for a trade-like role.
- Opt for basic black shoes. Never wear sneakers (especially white ones) or thongs.
- Avoid jeans in favour of tailored pants that sit above your underwear line.
Accessories
Her:
- Avoid cheap jewellery, and pieces that jangle nosily.
- Match subtle accessories (like a chain bracelet and diamante earrings) or wear a single statement-necklace or cuff. Dangly earrings scream nightclub rather than nine-to-five.
Him:
- Lose novelty ties and cufflinks. If you need a tie, opt for a subtle block colour that complements your suit and shirt, and wear simple chic cufflinks.
- Don't bring a briefcase unless you need it. Interviewers will see straight through props.
Grooming
Her:
- Wear minimal, natural-looking make-up (no bold shadows or lippy).
- Style hair so it doesn't fall over your eyes. A slick ponytail says "I'm confident and efficient" while edgy haircuts and colouring scream "I'm unpredictable".
- Clean fingernails and pedicured feet assert your attention to detail. Chipped polish conveys the opposite.
- Wear anti-perspirant deodorant and spritz perfume at least 15 minutes to half an hour before the interview, so it's not overpowering.
Him:
- Shave, moisturise and use hair product, if necessary.
- Wear anti-perspirant deodorant and go easy on the cologne.
You got the job …
Even if your office has the same dress code as a Balinese beach bar, don't take advantage of it. Keep shoes on, hair brushed and clothes pressed at all times. You never know when the "big boss" will show up unannounced. Same goes for office functions — you may be out of the office but you (and your outfit) are still in a work environment. Tip: pass on the second margarita!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Worst Parenting Advice Ever Heard
Moms and moms-to-be on TheBump.com share some of the wackiest parenting advice they've ever had the displeasure of hearing.
If you feel like you got hit with tons of parenting advice the second you started sporting a bump, you're not alone. Moms-to-be often discover that everyone from future grandparents to the guy at the corner deli have plenty of unsolicited words of wisdom to share. Sure, some of the advice you get from well-meaning friends (or strangers) may turn out to
be helpful, but sometimes it can also be downright crazy. Moms and moms-to-be on TheBump.com share some of the wackiest parenting advice they've ever had the displeasure of hearing:
Smack baby's gums?
"I was told to smack my daughter's gums with a spoon so I could tell if she's teething. I guess you'd hear a click if there are teeth under the gums?" --soon2beMrs.H
Our take:Ouch! We're pretty sure all this will get you is a screaming baby. Trust us, a spoon won't be necessary to tell you whether or not baby's teething -- you'll know. Some telltale signs include raw gums, constant crankiness, and over-the-top drooling. Most babies hit the teething stage between 4 and 7 months, so if this sounds like your tot, drop what you're doing now and stock up on teething toys, frozen washcloths, and baby pain reliever. You can run your finger along baby's gums to see if there are any teeth breaking through.
No car seat?
"My father told me to not worry about a car seat. He said, 'Your mother kept you and your sister on her lap on the ride home!'" --april 145
Our take: Do baby a favor and don't pull a Britney. Sure, Dad may mean well, but times have definitely changed since you were in diapers -- for the better. Car seats aren't an option; they're a must (legally speaking), and babies should never go for a ride anywhere unless they're properly strapped in. Make sure you have yours already inspected and set up in your backseat well before your due date. This way, you'll be prepared in case baby decides to come early. Wondering where you can get your car seat inspected? Go to SeatCheck.org to find a safety inspection station near you.
Playing with ice cubes?
"My sister's ex-husband felt it was okay to let the baby 'play' with ice cubes. When I pointed out that he could choke on them, he said, 'They'll melt, won't they?'" --faithe2009
Our take: In terms of potential babysitters, this guy deserves to be blacklisted. As a general rule, baby should never be able to grab anything that's small enough to fit through the tube of a toilet paper roll. Ever. When your little guy starts to crawl and later walk, he'll turn into an instant detective, wanting to inspect everything -- and babies often explore new items by putting them in their mouths. Make sure you keep anything that's small enough to be a choking hazard far away from his grasp and don't forget to baby-proof all of your cabinets and drawers. Ice cubes are fine in a mesh feeder, but otherwise? No.
Don't swaddle?
"I was told by my grandmother that I shouldn't swaddle my newborn because it'd cause her arms to be deformed and that she needed to be able to stretch her muscles." --silvurturtle
Our take: Sorry, Grams, but this one's just plain wrong. Swaddling has been practiced for hundreds of years as a way to keep baby warm and toasty, and the fact that it reminds her of being in the womb will also calm her down and help her sleep better. If you're not sure how to swaddle, ask for a quick lesson before you leave the hospital.
No cuddling?
"I was told that if you hold a newborn or infant too much, you'll spoil them." --Beaniesmommy
Our take: Surprisingly, we hear this one a lot, even though it couldn't be further from the truth. You don't have to be Dr. Sears to know that bonding with baby is hugely important -- especially in those first few months of development. Feel free to cuddle and hold baby as much as you want! Just make sure you still allow him some independence as he grows. If baby cries when you put him down, try rubbing a sock or small cotton cloth on your body and placing it near him. Your familiar scent can help calm him even if he's not in your arms.
Best way to Brand You
Kleenex, Band-Aid, Starbucks -- the name tells you everything you need to know. Somewhere along the way, name and product became one and the same and they both scream quality and value. In brand we trust. But brand-building isn't just the miracle tool of multinationals and their in-house marketing machines. If you've got some career ambition, it's more than worth it to develop your own personal brand and be the definition of your career for other people. And guess what? It's easier than you think with these tips:
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Vegie spring rolls
Cuisine type: Asian
Cooking time: Less than 30 minutes
Course: Finger food
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 whole fresh corn cob, kernels removed
1 carrot, grated
4 spring onions, thinly sliced
½ cup frozen peas, thawed
227g can water chestnuts, coarsely chopped
1½ cups shredded cabbage
2 tablespoons kecap manis
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons corn flour
1 tablespoon water
1x 300g packet frozen or fresh spring roll wrappers
sweet and sour sauce, to serve
Place noodles in a large heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water. Stand for 5 minutes or until soft. Drain. Using scissors, cut noodles into 3cm lengths.
Heat oil in a large wok and add the water chestnuts and all the vegetables except for the cabbage and cook for 2 minutes or until softened slightly. Stir in cabbage, sauces and cornflour dissolved in water and continue to cook for 30 seconds or until mixture thickens; cool slightly.
Place a heaped spoon of filling in one corner of each wrapper. Brush edges lightly with water. Fold corner over filling, then roll up firmly and press to seal. Place on tray and spray or brush with olive oil.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden (or cook in plenty of hot peanut or vegetable oil until golden brown). Serve with sweet and sour sauce.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Chicken Arrabbiata
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheese cake
Serving size: Serves 10 or more
Cuisine type: Modern Australian
Cooking time: More than 2 hours
Special options: Vegetarian
Course: Dessert
Favourite flavours: Cakes/baking, Cheese
60g butter, melted
½ cup (125ml) milk, plus 1 tablespoon extra
¾ cup (210g) crunchy peanut butter
250g cream cheese
½ cup (110g) caster sugar
30g dark chocolate, melted
2. Place peanut butter and remaining milk in a small saucepan and heat on low for 10 minutes, stirring, until smooth. Remove from heat and cool.
3. Using an electric mixer with paddle or V-groove beaters, beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Stir in peanut butter mixture. Spoon into chocolate crust, cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill for three hours, until firm.
4. Place melted chocolate in a small plastic bag and snip off corner. Drizzle melted chocolate finely back and forth over cheesecake. Return to fridge and leave to set for 15 minutes. Cut into wedges to serve.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Electricity in the Air !!!
Wireless power technologies are moving closer to becoming viable options.
This year probably won't be the tipping point for wireless electricity. But judging from all the new techniques and applications of this awe-inspiring technology, getting power through the airwaves could soon be viable.
Fulton Innovations showcased blenders that whir wirelessly and laptops that power up without a battery at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month. The devices are all powered by electromagnetic coils built into the charging surface, and there's not a plug in sight.
Fulton's wireless electricity technology is called eCoupled, and the company hopes it can be used across a wide rage of consumer devices. Fulton was one of half a dozen companies that wowed consumers at CES.
ECoupled uses a wireless powering technique called "close proximity coupling," which uses circuit boards and coils to communicate and transmit energy using magnetic fields. The technology is efficient but works only at close ranges. Typically, the coils must be bigger than the distance the energy needs to travel. What it lacks in distance, it makes up in intelligence.
In conjunction with the Wireless Power Consortium, Fulton, a subsidiary of Amway, has developed a standard that can send digital messages back and forth using the same magnetic field used to power devices. These messages are used to distinguish devices that can and can't be charged wirelessly, and to relay information like power requirements or how much battery power is left in a device.
Using this technique, an industrial van parked outside the Fulton booth at CES charged a set of power tools from within its carrying case. The van was tricked out by Leggett & Platt -- a diversified manufacturing company based in Carthage, Mo., and an eCoupled licensee -- and is designed to solve its customers' biggest headache: arriving at the job site with a dead set of tools. Fulton, which teamed up with Bosch to design the setup, already has test vehicles rolling around in the field and plans to sell them to utility and other industrial companies by the end of the year.
Texas Instruments announced last November that it will manufacture a chip set that will reduce the manufacturing cost of integrating eCoupled wireless power into consumer electronic devices.
In another area of the vast electronics show, cell phones, video-game controllers and a laptop charged wirelessly on a silver and black mat created by Boulder, Colo.-based WildCharge.
The mat uses a conductive powering technique, which is more efficient than inductive powering but requires direct contact between the devices and the charging pad. Though most of the mats or pads on display are intended to power only a handful of devices at a time, WildCharge says the product design is certified for up to 150 watts -- enough to power 30 laptops.
Across the room from WildCharge, PowerCast displayed Christmas ornaments and floor tiles glowing with LEDs powered by ambient radio waves. The devices harvest electromagnetic energy in ambient radio waves from a nearby low-power antenna. Because of the dangerous nature of electromagnetic waves in high doses, Pittsburgh-based PowerCast is targeting its application for small devices like ZigBee wireless chips, which require little power.
Perhaps the most promising wireless power technology was the latest iteration of WiTricity, the Watertown, Mass.-based brainchild of MIT physicist Marin Soljacic, on display in a private suite high in the Venetian hotel tower.
The technology uses a technique developed by Soljacic called "highly coupled magnetic resonance." As proof that it works, an LCD TV is powered by a coil hidden behind an oil painting located a few feet away. Across the hotel room, WiTricity Chief Executive Eric Giler walks in the direction of another coil holding an iPod Touch in the palm of his hand. Power hungry, it starts to charge when it gets within two meters.
Soljacic has already earned a $500,000 "genius grant" from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for his work, but Giler said the technology is at least a year away. In the meantime, WiTricity has obtained an exclusive license from MIT to bring Soljacic's idea to market and hopes to have an estimated 200 patents.
But because Soljacic published his academic paper in Nature magazine, companies like Intel have been able to replicate the effect in their labs based on his principles.
Elsewhere at CES, PowerBeam showcased wireless lamps and picture frames. Located in Sunnyvale, Calif., the company uses yet another wireless-powering approach. Its technology beams optical energy into photovoltaic cells using laser diodes. Although the company says it can maintain a constant energy flow across long distances, the difficulty of targeting a laser means that it's not ideal for charging moving devices.
So, while 2009 may not be the year wireless electricity takes off, the nascent sector is certainly on its way.
Best way to buy a Cell Phone
Here's what you need to know to get the cell phone and service plan that are right for you.