Wired Offers Fantastic Fixes for Your Cubicle

As a follow-up to their Saddest Cubicle contest, Wired reviews Kelley Moore's book Cube Chic which offers 22 workspace makeovers, including "zen cube" pictured here. The book provides suggestions and step-by-step instructions for giving your cube a whole new look.

Hey, this is our whole reason for existing as a blog and webstore, so read Fantastic Fixes Help Your Sad, Pathetic Cubicle and then buy the book and your decorating accessories at Cube-Star.com.

From the Playground to the Cube Farm, Easy Networking Strategies That Work

This is the time of year you might find yourself being pulled frequently from the safe environs of your cubicle to attend this, that and the other holiday party, company mixer, or client open house. You know deep inside that this is the perfect time to do a little professional networking -- to put names with faces, meet some uppity-ups and otherwise get your foot in the door to a better job. But if you're like me, that's when the nausea and inertia kick in and you start talking yourself out of going or find yourself mingling safely with people you already know.

Pamela Slim, author of the entrepreneurial advice blog Escape from Cubicle Nation, says it doesn't have to be that way.

The other day, I learned some simple and powerful networking techniques from 9-year old Austin on the playground in my suburban community.... I was floored at the grace and ease with which Austin broke the ice and made a new friend. Here is what I learned from his natural networking ability.

Read more Expert networking techniques from a playground-savvy 9-year old and get yourself out of that cube!

Gift Ideas to Make Your Co-Workers Smile

Gift-giving in the workplace can be a real challenge sometimes. Give something a little too "edgy" and everyone questions your judgment or professionalism. Give something "safe" and your recipient thinks you're bland or didn't put much effort into it. But going the safe route doesn't have to mean boring. Check out these ideas for light-hearted gifts that are sure to bring a smile to you co-worker's face and save you a few grande mocha's in the process.

What's for Lunch? Decision Spinner
The toughest decision of the day just got a lot easier. Just flick the spinner and learn your fate -- one of sixteen different lunch options including 3 Martinis, Teriyaki and Vending Machine. Features a fold out stand and hanger so you can prop it on your desk or hang it in your cube. $4.95

The Cubes IT Set
Let your favorite computer geek act out his or her tech support fantasies OR let your favorite keyboard-challenged colleague work out his or her frustrations. Set includes all the necessary plastic parts to build a cubicle fit for a computer geek: three walls, desk, captain's chair, CPU, flat panel monitor, keyboard, server, laptop and a 2-3/4" tall posable sysadmin, Tim. $12.95

Build a whole miniature cube-farm, also available: Break Room Set, Office Worker Ann, Corporate Zombies

Boss Toss Catapult
Relieve a bit of corporate stress by sending small supervisors skyward with the Boss Toss! Just load one of the plastic executives into the catapult and pull the trigger! Great for launching over cubicle walls at co-workers. $4.95

Boss too uptight for that kind of shenanigans? Go commando: Ninja Attack Catapult

Dr. Frued's Therapy Ball
Stressful work environment? Give your cubicle neighbor some quick and ready relief. Dr. Freud's Therapy Ball is like your very own shrink, trapped inside a magic eight ball. Just shake the ball and turn it over for one of twenty different responses such as "How did that make you feel?" and "Talk about your mother." $7.95

Or if your own Debbie Downer's already got enough therapy, try: Affirmation Ball

Pwned! Pennant
Show some love for your local gamer who'd rather be pwning noobs than preparing TPS reports. $5.95

You know who these are for. Also available: Accounting Pennant, AV Club Pennant