Smartlife

The modern office contains enough computer equipment to power the first Moon mission, but enough seething resentment to power World War Three. A downtown skyscraper is a gleaming testament to mankind’s achievements, but all karmic monks see is a screaming black hole holding a knife. The combination of “having to deal with other people” and “that’s enough to cause problems, actually” means the average worker has to restrain more negative emotions than Arkham Asylum.

We all know the cliche office annoyances, like the idiot talking about how hard they’re working…

The summer sun makes it hard to think, but that’s the point. You don’t stretch out in those glorious feelgood rays to work out solutions to all of life’s problems, because stretching out is the solution. At least for a while. We get all too few hours of doing nothing in this life, which is why you might as well use some thinking time to make the most of them.

We’ve searched the net to bring the best in brilliant beach gear, and a few toys which…

When the summer sun is shining, sometimes even the beach is too much effort. You want to relax right now, and if you’ve taken the precaution of installing a pool (or the cheaper precaution of knowing someone who did) you can do exactly that. The swimming pool is the icon of conspicuous luxury, and a triumph of human technology over Mother Nature. If she can’t be bothered to install the beach in your backyard, you’ll build it yourself! The ability to float away from it all without leaving the front…

Smart people might look at the summer sun shining down and think “photosynthesis,” but smarter people are thinking “this is great!” as they enjoy a cool drink with good friends. It’s party season with patios, decks (both house and yacht), barbecues, and picnics providing more fun and relaxation than the contents of a pharmacy (and without the legal problems involved in trying to share them with your friends).

One of the greatest pleasures in existence is a cool drink on a hot day, and all of human history has been…

Everyone struggles with finding the right gifts for the right recipients, so we’ve got some great ideas for you.

A perfect gift displays thought and is something the recipient would never have bought for themselves. This is normally taken to mean an indulgence they’d normally never treat themselves to, but it’s even better when the present is something they’d never had thought of but afterwards can’t live without.

We’ve collected five fantastic items you can buy for just about anyone…or put on your wish list when anyone embarrassingly asks, “So,…

Whether you’re planning to go to the prom, attend a black-tie benefit, or walk down the red carpet, you’ll want to look your best. Traditionally, this has involved a series of frantic phone calls to formal wear rental places or dizzying tours of expensive designer boutiques, dressmakers, and shopping malls. Not anymore!

Now, you can relax in the comfort of your own home while you peruse through the hundreds of available formal wear fashions and accessories available for rent via the Internet. Not only will most online clothing rental sites…