Liquid Treat

Repeat after us: I want my design TV. If you're suffering from the January blahs, Real World marathons might be tempting, but Ovation network's weeklong celebration of design makes couch time practically productive. Next week you can tune into the U.S. premieres of Adventures in Architecture and Designer People. The first takes you on a globe-trotting look at the built environment, while the second profiles successful creatives, including graphic designer Ed Fella. We also set the DVR for Brilliant Green, a special on eco-friendly design efforts from the likes of Subaru and Patagonia.

by Michelle Taute

Yes, it's important to think about the planet before printing, but sometimes you need a hard copy to get the job done. The Ecofont typeface lets you feel better about firing up the trusty inkjet or laser printer. It's a free font modeled after Verdana, and it's designed to use up to 20 percent less ink than other faces. How does Ecofont drink so much less ink than Times or Helvetica? Tiny blank dots inside each letter—think orderly polka-dots—add up to big savings. Perfect for your next intra-office memo.

by Michelle Taute

Typically, you might find the words "create vaccination" on a scientist's to-do list, but The Affluenza Exhibit shifts the burden to art and design realms. You have until Jan. 30 to propose a piece of art that offers up an insight or solution related to the dark underbelly of consumerism. If you're unfamiliar with affluenza, symptoms may include: debt, anxiety, banking bailouts or an obsession with money. (Use the nightly news for inspiration.) The resulting exhibition takes place March 19-28 in London.

by Michelle Taute

Most people we know have a conference story that involves tipsiness. So unless one is particularly drawn to the bottle, it only seems natural to combine professional development with alcohol appreciation. The Flash on Tap conference brings together an impressive line-up of Flash design and development speakers with a craft beer festival. It takes place May 28 to 30 in Boston, and to make networking effortless, you'll be able to walk around some sessions with drink in hand. Just don't expect to find Bud Light on tap.

by Michelle Taute

Cops have almost as many cool gadgets as the Apple store: radar guns, sirens and handcuffs, to name a few. But now you can get in on the gadgetry—and keep yourself out of the slammer—with the iBreath Alcohol Breathalyzer. This little device plugs into the bottom of your iPod, so you can make sure you're OK to drive before any flashing lights appear in the rearview mirror. Just fold out the wand, blow for five seconds and find the sobering truth on the screen. It's $79 and doubles as an FM transmitter!

by Michelle Taute

If you're squirreling away pennies for the financial apocalypse—or just more of a bush-league drinker—you might not want to blow $79 on a breathalyzer. Happily, we've found a free method for estimating your blood alcohol level. Assuming you've already splurged on an iPhone, the Last Call application lets you log those IPAs or hard ciders as they go down. Then it does the math and spits out your approximate level of inebriation. If all else fails, this pessimistic little app includes a list of local DUI lawyers. Bottom's up.

by Michelle Taute