10 Totally Stupid Ideas That were Successful

1. Million Dollar Homepage

1000000 pixels, charge a dollar per pixel – that’s perhaps the dumbest idea for online business anyone could have possible come up with. Still, Alex Tew, a 21-year-old who came up with the idea, is now a millionaire.

2. SantaMail

Ok, how’s that for a brilliant idea. Get a postal address at North Pole, Alaska, pretend you are Santa Claus and charge parents 10 bucks for every letter you send to their kids? Well, Byron Reese sent over 200000 letters since the start of the business in 2001, which makes him a couple million dollars richer. Full Story

3. Doggles

Create goggles for dogs and sell them online? Boy, this IS the dumbest idea for a business. How in the world did they manage to become millionaires and have shops all over the world with that one? Beyond me.

4. LaserMonks

LaserMonks.com is a for-profit subsidiary of the Cistercian Abbey of Our Lady of Spring Bank, an eight-monk monastery in the hills of Monroe County, 90 miles northwest of Madison. Yeah, real monks refilling your cartridges. Hallelujah! Their 2005 sales were $2.5 million! Praise the Lord. Full Story

5. AntennaBalls

You can’t sell antenna ball online. There is no way. And surely it wouldn’t make you rich. But this is exactly what Jason Wall did, and now he is now a millionaire. Full Story

6. FitDeck

Create a deck of cards featuring exercise routines, and sell it online for $18.95. Sounds like a disaster idea to me. But former Navy SEAL and fitness instructor Phil Black reported last year sales of $4.7 million. Surely beats what military pays.

7. PositivesDating.Com

How would you like to go on a date with an HIV positive person? Paul Graves and Brandon Koechlin thought that someone would, so they created a dating site for HIV positive folks last year. Projected 2006 sales are $110,000, and the two hope to have 50,000 members by their two-year mark.

8. Designer Diaper Bags

Christie Rein was tired of carrying diapers around in a freezer bag. The 34-year-old mother of three found herself constantly stuffing diapers for her infant son into freezer bags to keep them from getting scrunched up in her purse. Rein wanted something that was compact, sleek and stylish, so in November 2004, she sat down with her husband, Marcus, who helped her design a custom diaper bag that's big enough to hold a travel pack of wipes and two to four diapers. With more than $180,000 in sales for 2005, Christie's company, Diapees & Wipees, has bags in 22 different styles, available online and in 120 boutiques across the globe for $14.99.

9. PickyDomains

Hire another person to think of a cool domain name for you? No way people would pay for this. Actually, naming domain names for others turned out a thriving business, especially, when you make the entire process risk free. PickyDomains currently has a waiting list of people who want to PAY the service to come up with a snappy memorable domain name. PickyDomains is expected to hit six figures this year. Full Story

10. Lucky Wishbone Co.

Fake wishbones. Now, this stupid idea is just destined to flop. Who in the world needs FAKE PLASTIC wishbones? A lot of people, it turns out. Now producing 30,000 wishbones daily (they retail for 3 bucks a pop) Ken Ahroni, the company founder, expects 2006 sales to reach $1 million.

The TeleMarketer Fun Game

Everyone has gotten a call from a telemarketer, the new Scourge of the
Telephone System.  Previously when the phone rang, you always wondered
if it was someone you knew or another nimrod with something to sell. 
Well, the time has come to turn the tables.  We need to take control
of our own phones.  We need to take the "market" out of
"telemarketing."

PREMISE

Telemarketers take the brute force approach to making sales.  If you
talk to a whole bunch of people, someone will buy what you're selling.

COUNTER-TACTIC

Waste as much of their time as you can.  Each minute that you waste
means several potential customers that will not be reached.  Make
telemarketing unprofitable.  Hanging up only increases the chances for
them to make a sale.  Don't let this happen

HINTS

Most of the preliminary stuff is done by someone making minimum wage,
reading from script.  Let him/her finish.  It's easy points (see
SCORING below), and besides, you were watching "Star Trek" and weren't
using your phone anyway.  It's easy to keep a telemarketer interested
using attentive grunting, similar to when your mother calls.

SCORING

BASIC POINT SYSTEM
Each minute spent on the phone..............................10 pts/min
Getting transfered to someone who makes more
    than minimum wage..........................................15 pts
Each minute spent on the phone with person making
    more than minimum wage.................................25 pts/min
BONUS POINTS
Getting telemarketer to repeat part of the script............5 pts ea.
Getting answers to stupid questions.........................15 pts ea.
Changing the subject............................................50 pts
Making the telemarketer angry..................................175 pts
Making the telemarketer hang up................................750 pts
Call back, get his/her boss on the phone, and tell
    him/her the telemarketer hung up on you.................1,500 pts
Getting their 1-800 number......................................10 pts
Checking the number a week later and it's busy or
    disconnected............................................5,000 pts

EXAMPLE

[phone rings]
You: Yes?
Them: Hi, I'm with Fly-By-Night Carpet Cleaning and we're in your
    area (...)
[start clock->]
Them: (...) would like to know if you're interested.
You: Sure.
Them: Well, we are currently offering (...) depending on the size of
     the rooms.
You: Well, how much for the whole house? [15 bonus pts]
Them: Let me transfer you to __XXX___
[transfer]
Them: Sir/Ma'am?
You: Yes? [25 pts/min]
Them: How large is your house?
You: Oh, about 2,000 square feet.
Them: [calculates amount] Well, that would be about $xxx.
You: [duh?] It won't hurt the floor, will it?
Them: Oh, no! We use a [...explanation--this usually takes some
     time...] and is completely safe.
You: [duh?] Even with my pets?
Them: Oh, yes. The chemicals we use [...]
You: Do you have to pre-treat, since I have pets?
Them: Yes, and we do that with [...]
You: [getting a repeat] But the original offer was for $39.95, does
     that include treating for pets?
Them: [...]
You: [subject change] Well, it *is* kind of dirty.  The guys were
     over for the game.  Did you see the Cowboys vs. the Rams?
Them: Yes.
You: What a game!  That last touchdown pass!  Wasn't that a great
     play?
Them: Well, back to your house...
You: Oh, yes.  Well, what about moving the furniture?
Them: [...]
You: [subject change] Do you clean furniture, too?  Those guys
     spilled some beer.  Have you smelled old beer on furniture
     before?  But what a game, eh?!  I couldn't believe they couldn't
     move the ball in the second quarter... [...]
Them: [getting angry] Ahem...would you like us to come out?
You: Well, when could you come out?
Them: How about next week?
You: Hmmm... morning or afternoon?
Them: Either would be fine.
You: Do you have anything the week after?
Them: Sure.  Can I put you down for Tuesday?
[Okay, let's try for those last big bonus points:]
You: Well, I don't think it matters, since I have all hardwood floors
     here.
Them: [click!] [Yes!  750 points!]

11 Alarm Clocks to Wake the Living Dead

Do you hate your alarm clock?

The snooze button is one of my favorite things. Whoever invented the snooze button must surely be the most popular guy in the Land of The Living Lazies! I mean imagine the alarm clock ringing at an unearthly hour in the morning and all you have to do is press the snooze button. Uninterrupted sleep for another 5-10 minutes! Ahh... a few minutes more of precious sleep.

And believe me, hitting the snooze button can definitely go on for a very long time. I speak from experience. However, after one particular snoozy occasion and a missed job interview, I decided I needed an alarm clock that would definitely wake me up.

In my search for the ultimate alarm clock, I found many alarm clocks that claim to do the job of waking someone up. But, if you are someone that won't wake up for the average alarm clock, you need something extra special

For those sleepy heads, I found alarm clocks designed to wake up all different types of sleepers.

Here are my finds for the 11 alarm clocks I thought good enough to practically wake the dead:

1. Alarm Clock for Those Who Like to Get Their Motors Going

Drag Race Alarm Clock

You can start your day with the engines roaring with this 8,000 horse powered wake up call.

With its realistic lights and drag racing sound effect, this Drag Racing Alarm Clock will surely get your speeding around in the morning.

2. Alarm Clock For Those Who Like A Good Shock:

The Shocking Alarm Clock

This Alarm Clock is one of my favorites.

I would love to place it in my guest room for all those who come to visit but don't leave fast enough.

The Shocking Alarm Clock is just plain nasty, as it not only wakes you up in the morning but to turn it off you've got to be shocked.

3. Alarm Clock For Those Who Love Their Money:

SnuzNLuz Alarm Clock

If ' just 5 more minutes is what you promise yourself each time the Alarm Clock goes off and you hit the snooze button this is just the Alarm Clock for you.

SnuzNLuz-WiFi Donation Alarm donates a specified amount ( a minimum of $10 no less!) of your real money to your most hated charity/ non-profit everytime you hit the snooze button.

4. Alarm Clock For Those Who Like to Shake Things Up:

Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock

Guns are not for you but you don't mind a little noise and excitement? Go and get yourself the Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with a bed shaker. The Sonic Bomb Clock has an adjustable volume alarm with a maximum loudness of 113 decibels ( which is the equivalent of a power saw right next to your ear). If that's not enough to wake you up, you can also slip the bed shaker that comes with the alarm clock under your mattress to get you rocking early in the morning! If you have a penchant for more punishment, you can always hit the snooze button to repeat this torturous cycle of noise and discomfort. (See this at ThinkGeek.)

5. Alarm Clock For Those Who Like to Send Things Flying:

Flying Alarm Clock

The Flying Alarm Clock will have you flying off the bed.

The dratted propeller driven module of the flying Alarm Clock actually spins of the base unit each time the alarm goes off. The catch is, the noisy alarm won't turn off until you retrieve the propeller and place it back on the base. This means you have to get out of bed and search for the pesky propeller which may have landed anywhere.

Playing "find the propeller" will surely get you up and out in the morning. (Via Gizmodo )

6. Alarm Clock For Those Who Like to Rise With the Sun:

Rooster Alarm Clock

You realize you've been too long away from home when you feel the need for a Rooster Alarm Clock .

It will crow away all your sleep every morning!

It is definitely not for the chicken hearted though.

7. Alarm Clock For Those Need Some Discipline:

Drill Sargeant Alarm Clock

Your every waking moment is spent putting order and discipline in your life.

The Drill Sargeant Alarm Clock is just right for you.

After a bugle plays "Reveille" your personal Drill Sargeant shall clear all the cobwebs from your brain with an inspiring round of orders you can't fail to obey.

8. Alarm Clock For Those Who Like To Live Dangerously:

Fire Bell Alarm Clock

When nothing works its time for the fire alarm.

Fire Bell Alarm Clock lets out a shrill alarm that is bound to not only wake you up but your neighbors too.

So here's your chance to be a Good Samaritan every morning.

9. Alarm Clock For Those Who Like to Fix Things:

The Puzzle Alarm Clock

Crosswords and Sudokus are not enough for you.

The Puzzle Alarm Clock is the answer to your needs.

It wakes you up by firing four puzzles pieces up in the air and then you can happily get to the task of putting them back in the Alarm Clock as it wont turn off until you do it.

10. Alarm Clock For Those Who Like to Shoot Things:

Gun Alarm Clock

Whether we like to acknowledge it or not, we all have a dark murky side to us, just wishing to lay our hands on a gun and shoot away all the ills that bother us. Go ahead, pick up a gun and bang... shoot the Alarm Clock! Roger Ibars Gun Operated Alarm Clock turns off only when it is shot at. What a great way to begin your morning indeed.

11. Alarm Clock For Those Who Like Excitement:

DangerBomb Alarm Clock

If everything else fails to awaken you then the Danger Bomb Alarm Clock is the only answer to your needs.

It looks like a bomb made by terrorists but follows a simple enough rule-to stop the ringing disconnect the right cable (which is randomly decided everyday )

So, have you figured out which Alarm Clock is best suited for your temperament? Though the list is quite exhaustive, I'm sure I have not covered the entire range of humanity or the the clocks.

So write to me and tell me about any more.

Pearls of Wisdom

1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.


2. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."


3. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."


4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.


5. You should not confuse your career with your life.


6. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.


7. Never lick a steak knife.


8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.


9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.


10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.


11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.


12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers.


13. A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)


14. Your friends love you anyway.

Thought for the day: Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

21 Reasons Why Best Friends are Better Than Boyfriends/Girlfriends

1. You don't have to call them every day, just to let them know you're not fighting

2. You don't have an anniversary--you just sort of "became" best friends.

3. When someone calls your girlfriend/boyfriend your "partner" it makes you think of marriage. When they call your best friend your partner, it's more like cops.

4. You never have to touch your best friend when it's hot outside, but you can stull huddle close when it's freezing.

5. Your parents usually like your best friend.

6. Your best friend doesn't care if you get fat, you're ugly, or if you get a bard haircut.

7. You don't have to get jealous of "girls only" night or "guys only" night -- You're part of it!

8. You can laugh at your best friend with no consequences.

9. You can burp/fart in front of your best friend on any occasion.

10. You can plan on still having a relationship with your best friend in 20 years.

11. Never in your life will you need "space" from your best friend.

12. Your best friend won't be mad if you want some time alone, and will only ask you "what's wrong?" once.

13. Your best friend is someone you get in trouble with; your boyfriend/girlfriend is someone you get in trouble with if you get in trouble.

14. You don't have to get dressed up to go anywhere with your best friend.

15. You're allowed to have multiple best friends.

16. No one ever spreads rumors or talks about you and your best friend's relationship.

17. Borrowing any amount of money from your best friend is okay, no questions asked.

18. Your best friend will never refer to you as "the ball and chain," "the old lady/man," or "the whip."

19. No one is ever trying to fix you up on blind dates for a new best friend.

20. It doesn't matter what your "other" friends think about your best friend.

21. Your best frined is the first person you call when you get a new boyfriend/girlfriend, and when you break up with them.

AirPlane Humour

After every flight, Quantas Airlines pilots fill out a form called a gripe sheet,which conveys to the mechanics problems encountered with the aircraft during the flight that need repair or correction. The mechanics read and correct the problem, and then respond in writing on the lower half of the form what remedial action was taken, and the pilot reviews the gripe sheets before the next flight. Never let it be said that ground crews and engineers lack a sense of humor.

Here are some supposedly actual logged maintenance complaints and problems as submitted by Qantas pilots and the solution as recorded by Quantas maintenance engineers.

By the way, Qantas is the only major airline that has never had an accident.

(P = The problem logged by the pilot.)
(S = The solution and action taken by the engineers.)

P: Left inside main tyre almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tyre.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what they're there for.

P: IFF inoperative.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.

10 Ways to Transfer HUGE Files by Email

YouSendIt

YouSendIt allows you to send files up to 100MB without creating an account. Upon uploading a file to YouSendIt, an email is sent to the recipient, where they are given a link to download the file. The download is available for 7 days and includes advertising on the page.

MailBigFile

MailBigFile allows you without registration, you can send files up to100MB. MailBigFile also claims unlimited bandwidth, but since they cap it at 25 downloads per month, there are indeed limits.

DropSend

DropSend free account provides you with 250MB of storage and up to 5 sends per month. Unlike some of the other services, you have to create an account in order to send a file. The company also offers a desktop client for both Windows and Mac.

MegaUpload

With a 500MB limit, MegaUpload offers the most storage space we found for non-paying users to send files. There is no necessary to have an account.

MediaMax

MediaMax is focused on storage, but also offers the option to share your files with others. With a free account, you can store files up to 25GB, but there’s a catch: you can only send files up to 10MB with a total transfer limit of 1GB/mo.

LeapFile

LeapFILE targets business and enterprise users focused on customized branding and security. The company’s main products allows organizations to setup their own private labeled file exchange services.

zUpload

zUpload offers up to 500MB to share a single file. A unique URL is generated for each file and is available for 30 days.

MyOtherDrive

MyOtherDrive provides Internet users the ability to store online and share videos, music, photos - any file. The site provides each user with 5GB of storage space that can be selectively shared. Unlike other online storage sites, MyOtherDrive allows you to upload files in bulk (not one by one like so many sites do). The uploaded files can be any size (up to 2GB). The site allows users to create groups and share their folders selectively to these groups (friends, family, coworkers, etc.) . You can define as many groups as necessary and your friends can be placed in more than one group.

DivShare

DivShare - Free Upload unlimited files, offers unlimited downloads, Files stay online forever.

MediaFire

MediaFire - Free unlimited uploads, unlimited downloads, unlimited bandwidth, multiple simultaneous downloads and no sign up required.
You can also easily access your files from anywhere with a free account and your own "My Files" page.