It seems like everyone around where I work has an iPad these days.  Although I like how slick an iPad looks I can’t convince myself to purchase one due to the lack of functionality that already exist in other computing device  (e.g. use USB).  However, I do like this video from Japan where Sharp is creating a software that enables users to order their items directly from the restaurants menu as an app rather than go through a waiter.  I can’t tell you how many times I have experienced a waiter taking down the wrong order and came back to tell me that was the exact thing I ordered.  By ordering yourself, you can verify your own order and perhaps add a custom note for the chef.  (e.g. less spicy).  Hopefully this will receive wider adaptation in the coming years as the price of iPad or other touch screen device drops.

Now it would be funny to get the octopus virus while ordering your dinner in a Japanese restaurant!

Zappos is currently offering free VIP membership as part of back to school promotion.  A VIP membership allows you to get a free upgrade to overnight delivery.  All you have to do is register.  This should come in handy during the holiday season for those of you who like overnight delivery.

Groupon has one of those ultra sweet deals today in which you can purchase $50 worth of GAP apparel and accessories including sale items for only $25.. For those of you who shops at Gap, this is an incredible deal that shouldn’t be missed!

This is one of those videos that truly brings jolted my heart when I watched for the very first time.  I have always been sucker for stories of people overcoming adversity to accomplish a piece of their dream from the very beginning of Kelly Clarkson to last season’s Susan Boyle.  Yet this is quite a different dimension.  In China’s Got Talent, a 23 year old young man by the name of Liu Wei, who lost his arms due to an electric accident when he was little, went up on stage to play Marriage D’Amour with his feet.

I never had the chance of learning piano when I was small as it was perceived by my parents as a waste of time and money.  After college, I started taking lessons on my own as a way to fulfill part of this childhood dream.  Marriage D’Amour is among one of my favorite songs.  It is not a hard song to play but it has a soothing effect that does not exist in a lot of other songs.  Years went by and my piano skill is still stuck at an amateur level as I couldn’t even finish Marriage D’Amour.  When I heard Liu Wei play, it truly make me feel ashamed that someone who has faced so much adversity at a young age has such a determination toward pursue his passion.  In comparison, all my daily complaints seem minuscule.  Most likely Liu Wei will not go very far in the competition, but he definitely touched the hearts of those who seen his performance.

Saw this video from Crunchgear and it really is amazing (and scary) the kind of robotics Japan has created.  I remember watching the video on the robot cooking ramen not that long ago and this robot is at a different level.  I would have no problem purchasing ice cream from this robot if there is one near where I work.

1928.com is currently offering a pair of free earring to their customers from now until August 20th.  The earring is free but you will need to pay $5 for shipping.  Not a bad deal if you like their style.  Limit 1 per customer while supply last.

Thanks JJ for the tip.

Just realized that today is Friday the 13th.  While I am a never a person of superstition, I am thankful of the general peaceful environment around me.  Even though a lot of people are struggling economy we are not worrying for our lives like some of our ancestors during the war time of past century.

I saw this video made by Isao Hashimoto pin pointing the locations of the nuclear explosion/testing through a time series from 1945 to 1998.  It really makes me grateful of the things that I have on this Friday evening.  Happy Friday everyone!

Sears is having an electronic review contest where you.  According to their blog:

“From August 5 to August 18, 2010, every person who writes a qualifying review of an electronics item on Sears.com is eligible to win one of five Samsung DualView TL205 cameras!”

I wanted it to post this earlier but I just have been caught up in other stuff.  If you are one of those people that write different product reviews on a regular basis, it is definitely worth it to write reviews where you have a chance to win a free camera!  Good luck!

For those of you that need to make a major purchase at Home Depot, be sure to get a 10% Home Depot coupon up to $200 savings by filling out this form.  They gave this coupon out for people that are moving and that is usually when you need to make a major purchase.  Lowe also has 10% off coupon at my post office.  If not, you can use this coupon as Lowe’s will accept competitor coupons as well.

A friend of mine send me an invitation to a new website this morning called Plum District.  Conceptually it works in the same way as Groupon where they negotiate with the local vendors so they can offer a large discount on one (or two) specific products for the day.   The users/consumers usually have 24 hours to make the purchase before the deal expires.  If a preset number of users purchase the deal, then the deal becomes active.  If that the deal simply goes away.

The deal today is actually a very good one:  $20 Target gift card for $15 for a 25% discount!  I have been a Groupon user for awhile and I enjoyed getting specific deals at discount price.  I browsed through the offering for Plum District and so far I like what I see.  In addition to the Target gift card, they were offering discount movie tickets to Fandango.  This is definitely a site worth signing up for if you are into bargains and savings.  The site offers $10 Plum Dollar referral bonus for every friend/family you refer that purchases a Plum deal. If you like deals, be sure to check out Plum District too!