The Top 100 Gadgets

For those of us who think Gadgets are really cool, Mobile PC - Features - The Top 100 Gadgets of All Time.

I'm not into making lists, but I do occasionally enjoy reading them. This is one is fun and interesting, giving just enough history to whet your appetite. For example:

Number 79. TASER X26, 2003
Though Jules Verne wrote about a gun that shot electric bullets in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the Taser's name comes from another book, written by Victor Appleton in 1911, called Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle. Our senior acronym cryptologist broke down the name as follows: Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle, or Taser. The original Taser-like device was patented in 1972, but the gadget didn't really take off until the 1990s. Today, the Taser X26 is the nonlethal weapon of choice. Because it doesn't kill the target (usually), cops are pretty much free to use it on any type of perp, from the drug-addled Hell's Angel to the frightened but disruptive 6-year-old. Just remember: Tasers don't tase people, people tase people.

(Via Dvorak Uncensored)

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.