Merlins Tower

Sumo Bean Bag Omni :I Want One!

Posted on April 3rd, 2008 by Merlin.
Categories: Analog, Anything Else, Communication, Craft, Drawing, Health, Human, Journaling, Movies, TV, Video, XBOX.

Well - everyone here knows I like the simple things in life and I happened to see a photo of one of these Sumo Bean Bags -  Omni the Urban Lounge - To Quote the Sumo Website:

This super-sized pillow by Sumo is the ultimate solution for all your relaxing needs. We’ve come up with 10 ways to use it, but some people say we lack imagination!

It’s a crash mat, lounge chair, loveseat or floor pillow to name a few, but the possibilities really do go on.

Sumo Beanbags are made from space age rip-proof nylon and come filled with top quality Sumo Beads. Omni is 4.5′ x 5.5′ and it only weighs 18 lbs!

This looks like something I want to try out and use. I can see using this sitting in front of the TV and watching my favorite TV Shows (CSI, Big Bang Theory or Monk) or Playing the xbox! But really I can see this as a comfortable place to Lounge listening to some good music (like the New NIN - Ghost Album)  and Pulling out the good old jounral and putting the pen to paper and writing my thoughts away. possibly drawing some Zentangles. Someday If I ever get one of these ingenious bean bags I will have to write a review of it. In the mean time - Check out their site and decide for your self.

Merlin

Technorati Tags: Bean, Bag, Bean+Bags, Chair, Lounge, loveseat, floor+pillow, floor, Xbox, xbox+360, wii, Sumo, Omni, Urban, Urban+lounger, Urban, Lounge, Bead+Bag, Beads, Chair, Kids, Furniture, NIN, Ghost, Journaling

1 comment.

Happy New Year - Welcome 2008

Posted on January 1st, 2008 by Merlin.
Categories: Announcement, Health, Human, Life.

Thanks & Happy New Year!

As 2007 comes to a close and 2008 on its way in. I wanted to sincerely thank you all for reading Merlin’s Tower and making it one of your stops on the information superhighway. With so many viewers and readers here the blog keep growing each and every week. Don’t forget please keep telling your friends and family we are here in this little portion of the internet. I could not do it with out all of you. Plus if there is something you want me to look at or review - Please let me know (Send me an Email or Leave me a comment here) I love hearing all your suggestions and want to make 2008 an even better year then 2007.

Anyway, Thanks Again and have a Safe, Happy New Year.

daMerlin

Technorati Tags: Thanks, new, years, 2007, 2008, holidays, blog, merlin, merlins, tower, internet, comment, comments

0 comments.

DIY Lip balm - Similar to Burt’s Bees - All Natural Hack

Posted on August 21st, 2007 by Merlin.
Categories: Analog, DIY, Free, Hack, Health.

Well, a friend of mine who makes various soaps and what not gave me a small container of some homemade lip balm. All I can say is wow - this stuff is really nice and helped out on the chapped lips. She got her recipe in an email from a soap making group she belongs to. There was no attribution as to who first made this or any sort of copyright on this so I am going to share with you what in my humble opinion is one of the best lip balms I have used. And Hey I have tried quite a few such as chapstick, blistex carmex, and burt’s bees. Burt’s Bee’s has been my favorite up until this.

First Gather the following items up to prepare for this lip delight.

1. 1/2 oz of Almond or Olive Oil
2. 1/2 Tablespoon of fine grated beeswax - Found in Health Store or Some Drug Stores
3. 1 Tablespoon of Honey - The Better the Honey the Better it will be
4. 5 drops of Vanilla Essential Oil or Peppermint or Other Food Grade Essential Oils to make it smell nice
5. Set of Lips to test it on.

To Prepare:

1. Put Oil and Bees Wax in a heat proof glass measuring cup.
2. Set Cup in pan of simmering water.
3. Heat until both items are melted
4. Slowly blend in Honey
5. Blend in the 5 drops of Essential Oil
6. Pour mixture into small container
7. Let mixture set - Can be placed in refrigerator.

The Container my friend used was to recycle a small mint tin with a secure lid.

To Use - use finger to smooth onto lips. Smack Lips Around. To Test give your love one a nice kiss on the lips (Hint: if you are sick don’t try this at home)

Other Idea is to use Peppermint Essential Oil or similar food grade flavoring to add aroma to the DIY Lip Balm.

Technorati Tags: altoids, mints, mint, tin, candy, mint+tin, candy+tin, gum, gum+tin, DIY, hack, Make, LipBalm, Lip+Balm

0 comments.

Survival Kit in Sardine Can - at Gaiam - with Coupon Code

Posted on August 11th, 2007 by Merlin.
Categories: Analog, Anything Else, Communication, Food, Gadgets, Hack, Health, Life.

Survival Kit in a Sardine Can

This lightweight waterproof tin puts an entire survival kit in your pocket.We still can’t believe all it holds: a compass, whistle, matches, first aid instructions, razor blade, pencil, non-aspirin pain reliever, fire starter cube, adhesive bandage, energy nugget, reflective signal surface, fish hook & line, duct tape, wire clip, note paper, tea, sugar, salt, gum, watertight bag, safety pin, antibiotic ointment and alcohol prep pad. With all this gear stashed in the smallest possible space to keep bikers, hikers, campers, boaters and adventurers of all kinds prepared, it even floats. 3″ x 41/4″ x 7/8″. USA.

Now this normally would cost $14

But Put this code in that I found from Dealspl.us site and take $10 off any order over $10

That Code is ——> CSAS

Merlin –+–_=

Technorati Tags:edc, everyday carry, survival kit, survival, sardine can, altoids, first aid, kit, pocket

0 comments.

My Interest in NLP and Video to watch

Posted on June 20th, 2007 by Merlin.
Categories: Adult, Communication, Health, Human, Video, Weird Stuff.

I have always been interested in NLP and it use. NLP is Neural Linglistics Programming - But instead of me trying to explain what this is here is an excerpt from Wikipedia on the concept of NLP:

NLP is based on the idea that with our senses we are able to perceive only a small part of the world. Our view of the world is filtered by our biology, experience, beliefs, values and assumptions. We act and feel based on our perception of the world rather than the real world. NLP calls each individual’s perception of the world their ‘map’. NLP teaches that our mind-body (neuro) and what we say (linguistic), interact together to form our perceptions of the world, or maps (programming). Each person’s map of the world determines feelings and behavior. Therefore, impoverished - and unrealistic - maps can restrict choices and result in problems.

Now I am going to say I am not sure if this is true or not but many people believe this and use it to its fullest. I first hear about NLP from the CD/Tapes offered by Tony Robbins. A friend of mine bought the tapes and he said they helped him. Well I was interested and did some reading and research on NLP and its uses. I will not go into my personal believe right now. But I do find it fascinating and I just love learning new things. Another person using NLP is Derren Brown. Derren using NLP for performing Mind Tricks on stage and using his way of wording and touching to force people to think of objects and things. Below you will see a sample of Derren using NLP on his TV show to get Simon Peg to change his mind on what gift he wanted. See the YouTube Clip below to see this in action and how it was performed. Pretty interesting and entertaining. Let me know if you wanted the same gift as Simon? while watching listen and see if you want the same item. Some people I have shown this to also wanted the same item. Hmm interesting. So does NLP work or not. You have to decide that on your own. Just something to think about. And let me know your comments here - Thanks

Technorati Tags: NLP, Derren+Brown, Simon+Peg, Neuro+Linguistic+Programming, Mind+Control, Hypnosis, Mind+Tricks

1 comment.

Update: Shaving with the Merkur HD Razor

Posted on March 28th, 2007 by Merlin.
Categories: Adult, Analog, Gadgets, Health, Human, Shaving.

Just writing a quick update on the progress using the Merkur Heavy Duty Razor. I have been shaving with it for about 2 weeks and I have to say I am really getting to like shaving with this razor. It really is one of the best shaves I have ever had. But as I may have mentioned this does take longer to shave with then the mach 3 razor but the shave is much much better.

As I previously mentioned Shaving is no longer a chore of something that I need to do everyday but actually a time to relax and enjoy the experience of shaving. I never believed what other wrote stating those very words but it really is true.

All Though you definitely have to be more careful with your strokes as you shave your face or you might nik yourself. I have only nicked myself twice and both have been small little nicks the septic pencil easily took care of.

The whole ritual of from lathering up the face with rich warm lather to the small strokes shaving away the lather and stubble is zen like. Now if I could only shave better using my left hand.

Now a few notes of interest: I did receive my shipment of various blades in from LetterK and I again highly recommend this as there really are differences in the feel of a cheap blade and a better quality blade with out much price difference. The First few shaves I was using the only blades I had on hand from family dollar which were really good and no nicks from them. However I did switch to a derby feather blade and it glided much easier across the skin and this one I did get a nik from. I should have listened to the forums and practiced more with the duller blades. I then switched to a merkur blade and have not had any problems at all. I will try each one and see which ones I like and don’t like using and that is what I will continue shaving with. I can see trying different shaving creams starting to come into play. I really want to try different ones. Currently I am still only using the Prorasso Shave Tub and it really is working like a charm. I really get a nice rich lather from it and I love the smell and the cool sensation. But I really want to get my hand on a few others and compare and contrast the differences. I need to find some samples of these as well.

Again I fully recommend switching to a double edge safety razor because of the cost and the quality of the shave.

Merlin -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Technorati Tags: Merkur, Razor, Wet+shave, Wet, Shave, Shaving, Prorasso, brush, badger, hair, derby, feather, blades, derby+feather, Razor+blades, Mach+3, Mach3, Gillette

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My Merkur HD Arrived: My First Shave

Posted on March 15th, 2007 by Merlin.
Categories: Adult, Analog, Health, Human, Shaving.

Well I checked the mail early yesterday and I thought I  didn't get my Merkur HD Razor - But I had to run out and get a few things in the evening and there was a package at my door stoop (I guess the Mail Man delivered them at different times). My first Double Edge Razor arrived. Once I got back home I unpackaged it and inspected the razor that may or may not change how I perform my daily shaving ritual.

It really is quite heavy. I really like the feel of the heft in my hand. It really is quite balanced and made really well. At first I was a little apprehensive to this razor. I could not believe I bought this and was going to try and shave with this device.

First I had to try and and load this with a new blade. I unwrapped one of the blades I had to use - Once these blades are out of the packaging I was really amazed how extremely thin a Double Edge Razor Blade really is. I gently placed a new blade into the Merkur Razor and put on the top piece. I then turned the knob on the bottom of the razor and screwed it all together. Once inside I noticed the razor slightly curves the Double Edge Razor Blade to allow it better contact with the stubble.

Well, I did want to try this out - But was again apprehensive to try this on my face first. So out comes the shave cream and I made a small amount of lather and lathered up the back of my hand. Several people on the Shave Forums (see Additional resources below) mention to try it out on the back of your hand first to get the proper angle of the blade and to see in front of you the best way to hold it and attempt a shave. I then proceeded to shave the small hairs on the back of my hand and wrist. First Attempt of shaving with it and no nicks or cuts. SO far so good. I then cleaned it up and put it away until this morning.

Feeling a bit better about shaving with this as I did not cut my hand. I proceeded to prepare my morning shave. I put the shave brush in my lather cup and let it sit there for a few moments to warm up the brush. During this tiime I wet down my face and cleaned it up and prepared it to be lathered up. I usually splash the hot water on and rub it around for a few mins to soften the stubble. Now I prepare to make my hot lather and brush it on my face. Making sure to swirl it around to get the stubble to stand up and be readied to be shaved.

After applying the later I was ready to take my first whack at shaving with the DE razor. With out any pressure at all - I slowly pulled the blade across my face chopping down the stubble that have been growing there. I used very small short strokes. Again this is something I learned on the forums.  The two biggest mistakes they seem to always mention on them is that to use small strokes and to make sure you do not apply pressure. I completed my first shave. Time to re-lather and this time I tried going against the grain with the razor.

I then cleaned my face from the lather and shocked my face by throwing on some cold water to close the pores up.  I felt my shave - It was much better then the Mach 3 Ever shaved. I did have a few places like under my chin that was not perfect . But this has to be the best shave I ever have had.

Yes I survived the ordeal of my first shave with out any nicks or cuts. I didn't have to use a septic pencil at all. After my face dried from my aftershave. I felt my face for any left over stubble. I have to say for my first shave I did a pretty decent job - I am sure I will get better the more I used this. But still my face never felt this close of a shave.

If you are teetering on wither to purchase a Double Edge Razor - well from my first experience I would recommend getting one. Make sure to get a set of blades for it and practice with it. You will not regret it. After only one shave I can say I would recommend it.

So A11en - Start ordering your's soon. You will not regret it one bit. And you will love the cost savings on the blades.

=-=-=-=-Merlin-=-=-=-=

 Additional Resources:

Where to get a sampler pak of various razor blades.

Badger and Blade Forum

ShaveMyFace Forum 

Technorati Tags: Merkur, First+Shave, DIY+Shave, How+to+Shave, Review, Merkur+HD+Razor, BBS, Shaving

1 comment.

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