Can you charge your PS3 controller with the PS3 turned off?

The charging cable that comes with the PS3 is way too short, that's why I can't "charge and play" like I do with my 360 controller.

I've been charging it in my 360 like ShenYu. The irony is delicious.
 
I don't want to keep my PS3 on while it charges.

No. No you can not. I have to charge the thing with my 360 or pc or the onlive box. The cable is, agreed, way too short. I have no idea why the usb ports on every other device in the universe are powered at all times but not on the ps3. Is it some kind of safety feature? Would I be any safer sticking my tongue into a ps3 usb port than any other? I'm not inclined to find out.
 
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