Lifehacker

The term, obviously stems from the computer practice of accessing  restricted sites by illicit  means and conducting generally illegal  computer activities. It was then extended to other electronics, such as cell phones, tivo, and most prominently, video game systems. In this context it refers to not so much illegal activities, but modifications (or mods, as is often used interchangeably with hack) allowing said equipment to function in ways other than designed by the manufacturer. The term lifehack is similar. For me, however, it is not so much a word as it is a website. www.lifehacker.com to be specific, in the gawker media family (which includes defamer, an LA gossip website which one of my faves, if only because it decodes ted casblancas "blind vice" column). Anyway the lifehacker site is one i recommend everyone check out, as it is my first stop for all things tech (and non tech, but mostly tech) I have found a lot on the site, including software, computer tricks, backup utilities, scripts, etc. The reason I bring this up is not just to profess my undying love for that website, but to share with you all my own personal lifehack: the pilates ball office chair. I noticed several months ago that one of the girls in the office at my work was using one and was intrigued. I sat in it briefly and it felt awesome on the back, but I didn't think anything more of it. Then I read the portland tribune today and there was an article about a teacher at skyline elementary in SW portland who had supplied his entire 4th grade class with pilates balls instead of traditional chairs. The children have dubbed the chairs "comfortaballs" and indeed they are. The benefits are greater than that, though. It promotes balance, core strength, and also clarity and focus. Well, I am a real DIY kinda girl (being from portland and all) and I was already on my way to Fred Meyer, so I decided then and there that I would be a comfortaball convert. There's probably a fortune in this somewhere, alas I will not be making it. So anyway, I went to fred meyer to their meager sporting goods section (it was the one on Hawthorne) and low and be hold, Pilates balls, $12.99, with pump. My lower back has never felt so good, and after only 1 day. Now run off and get yourself a comfortaball kiddies.