Since I spent the past few columns talking about world-altering technologies, I felt that this week, I'd just kick back and talk about a bunch of cool little things.

First up is something I haven't had a chance to personally check out yet, but will as soon as things slow down a bit. I'm talking about a cool new storefront that's opened in Boise. It's called the Gamers Cave. Located at Overland and 5-mile, next to Hastings, they are a new haven for gamers. The idea is cool, they have Xboxes and PCs hooked up for head-to-head and online game play. The have lots of titles available and host events, such as Burnout: Paradise and Counter-Strike tournaments. You can check them out online at www.gamerscaveboise.com to see a list of games and upcoming events. I'm hoping to be able to check it out personally soon, but until then, let me know what you think.

Do you like to learn about new technologies and watch presentations from people who are experts in their field? I stumbled, using my favorite Firefox plugin from StumbleUpon.com, across Ted.com - ideas worth spreading. Their catchphrase is "Inspired talks by the world's leading thinkers and doers". The presentations are all video based, running from 10 minutes to over an hour and cover a wide range of topics. I watched a really fascinating presentation from a biologist about a shrimp that has the fastest striking speed of any animal and a presentation on a really cool technology called "siftables", little individual computer/display blocks that are interactive. This is a great site to sift through, much more educational that another cute cat or prat fall on YouTube.

There is a new alternative for gamers looming on the horizon. It's a new technology from OnLive.com. This could be really cool. What they are doing is offering a game experience where all the processing is done on their servers. On your end, all you need is a low end PC or Mac, or an inexpensive micro-console that plugs into your TV. You'll also need a 1.5Mbs connection for standard-definition video, or a 5Mbs connection for high-def. All of the graphics processing is done on their high-end servers, then compressed with a proprietary new algorithm that eliminates lag and provides smooth video on your end. The demos of this technology look very impressive. The idea that you'll no longer have to upgrade consoles or your PC, and that the games are a rental/buy option but everything is hosted on their end is very cool. You can record your gaming sessions, or watch others at work, and the server remembers the save point for you in any game you are playing. This tech has been in the works for about 7 years, and they are saying that they will begin offering the service this winter. Check it out at OnLive.com.

New gadget alert for TV buffs: the EchoStar SlingLoaded HD DVR 922. This cool new TV toy offered by Dish Network will take your TV watching experience to a whole new level. Besides a 1 terabyte storage capacity and HD quality recording, it also includes Slingbox technology that will allow you to stream live and recorded programs to your PC, Mac and even a wide variety of 3G smartphones. This was a best in show at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. DISH Network should begin offering this sweet new toy in the next few months.