Everyday Nerd

Source: [HowToGeek]

One of the more popular changes in Windows Vista is the Explorer Breadcrumbs feature that lets you easily navigate to folders below the current folder by using the drop-down arrows. We’ve already featured one alternative for Windows XP users, but we’ve come across a much better solution to share with you.

This explorer add-on is written to be as minimal as possible, and is much easier to install. Overall quite a nice solution for those stuck on Windows XP.

Installation

All you really have to do is download and install the utility. Close out all Windows Explorer windows, and then open up a new window, and you’ll see the new toolbar over to the right.

Uncheck "Lock the Toolbars" if checked…

And then drag the toolbar down underneath the other toolbars. You can also hide the regular Address Bar toolbar if you’d like.

Usage

Since we are all running now, you can use the arrows to quickly navigate through the folders.

Or if you click in the address bar it will convert into a textbox address bar (which is why you don’t need the original address bar)

You’ll also notice that memory usage is extremely light, since it’s a plugin for Explorer but written to be as minimal as possible.

Download: [Explorer Breadcrumbs]

MPK, a company that has made a name producing glow-in-the-dark paint, has developed self-luminous micro particles called Litrospheres. The new material is said to be inexpensive (35 cents to light up a 8 ½ x 11 piece of plastic that is 1/8″ thick), non-toxic, and capable of staying constantly lit for over 12 years thanks to a betavoltaic technology that uses a radioactive gas.

Fortunately, the gas is involves a “soft” emission of electrons that cannot penetrate the glass or polymer wall of the microspheres. So theoretically, you don’t have to worry about brain tumors or taking on super powers when using it.

The Litrospheres, which can be injected molded or added to paint, are not affected by the heat or cold and they can withstand up to 5000 pounds of pressure. They can also give off light that is equivalent of a 20-watt incandescent bulb in almost any color imaginable. As you might expect, the first applications of the technology will most likely involve safety equipment—or the clothing and accessories of frequent clubgoers.

Source: [Gismodo via Wiki via Treehugger]

This is on my top 10 cool gadget list for this year!  Spotlight is a rechargeable LED flashlight, that replaces your cigarette lighter!  It is a bright LED light that is always ready and available when you need some extra light. Whether it’s changing a tire, searching for a lost item, walking through a dark parking lot or locating your keys, the spotlight will always be at it’s peak power. Spotlight plugs in and charges from your vehicle’s 12 volt power outlet (cigarette lighter). The spotlight will always be charged, ready to help and within reach.

See site fore more info.  Priced at $14.95, this would make a great gift… *hint hint*

[JTSpotlight]

I really like the sidebar in Vista, but it has been lacking some good Outlook gadgets.  No more!  Now, with the Outlook 2007 Appointment and Task Gadgets, it shows a clean and interactive way to get to your calendar and tasks.

Yes, there have been other sidebar gadgets for Outlook, but were lacking in some way.  Thanks to the guys at Microsoft for creating these two gadgets!

Download: Outlook 2007 Appointments Gadget
Download: Outlook 2007 Tasks Gadget

I like widgets… One that I use every day, many times a day is the Remote Desktop widget.

I love that it has a history, and favorites, as well as an easy console and full screen selection.

Go get it here!