Computer control with a laser pointer, a webcam, and a wall…
Raphael writes “I wanted to be able to control my music player, xmms, using a laser pointer and a wall. I drew the symbols for rewind, stop, play, forward on paper sheets using fluorescent ink so it looks cool with a blacklight and sticked them on the wall. I coded a simple tool that monitors the wall for the presence of a small spot using a webcam. When the spot appears somewhere, if it is inside a defined hotspot, the appropriate command is executed”. Link.
If Peter Wallace’s recent experience with hotel access cards is an indicator, leaving your electronic hotel room key behind when you check out could leave you open to identity theft... [
Very cute and clever project over on Instructables – Otis writes “Tired of buying high-priced toys for your furry friend to chew on? make your own with an empty paper towel roll and some peanut butter”. 
John writes “Today I was given two drive blanks for an AS/400. Normally these would go right in the trash but I spotted an opportunity to build a handy orginizer for my far too cluttered desk. IKEA watch out!” 
Brian sent this along, 5lbs, wow! Silly Putty has been around for 50 years, and in that time it’s become an international toy classic. Now you can purchase a 5-lb. block of original Silly Putty. The block comes in a box. No plastic eggs are included. Share pieces of this 5-lb. blob with classmates, co-workers, family and friends. 
I could access the page, then it went away…Google Secure Access is a downloadable client application that allows users to establish a more secure WiFi connection. By using Google Secure Access, your internet traffic will be encrypted, preventing others from viewing the information you transmit.