Meteorologist Jeff Ranieri

I was web surfing the other day and stumbled on something with tons of design appeal, that's mullti-purpose and even weather smart... Hmmmm. Any guesses??? No, I'm not talking about any of our Weather Plus Meteorologists! *-)

A bit of background first - I started a search for portable weather devices and was brought to an image that I thought was misplaced. The first glance revealed something that was contemporary with a bit of an edge. I figured it was a table light. I then clicked the photo and discovered it was much more.

Here take a view:

Who knew weather was fashionable?

Just like people, this light can be hard to read at first glance. While the table light has a strong metro feel it does have something else inside besides just a bulb. The light is also a weather forecast! This table light is part of a new wave of devices that provide weather information through light. The color of light will change depending on the weather outside where you live. The table light receives information through radio waves, just like your stereo picks up any FM Station.

A more detailed search of "ambient weather devices" found a plethora of other products, including umbrellas that glow if rain is coming. The umbrella wouldn't work so much for me as I leave mine in a NYC taxi almost every time it rains. As for the light, I have not purchased one yet - but I'm thinking it could make a great desk accessory at work!

Remember you can make Weather Plus your desk accessory all the time. Go ahead and make us your homepage!

Jeff Ranieri