January, 2009

Google caused the Internet world to stand still on Saturday 6:30 AM PST, January 31, 2009 for a whole 40 minutes! The problem affected internet pages across the entire planet, as engineers frantically tried to fix it.

You don't have to know diddly squat about playing the guitar to recognize how awesome these designs are. If you've ever admired the design of a Fender® or a Parker guitar close-up, you would want it displayed somewhere in your home where others could admire it. Wait until you see the electric guitar designs of John Backlund!

In a world of GPS, it's no surprise that online mapping tools are growing in popularity to cater to those of us who have yet to invest in the trendy devices. Step aside MapQuest and Google Maps and make room for interactive, niche mapping directories that cater to your every whim and help you get there.

Celebrate the upcoming holiday with your Valentine, with activities supplied by businesses across the globe that are sure to impress and make the day one to remember. Whether your ideal Valentine's Day is made up of activities that are unique or romantic, there's a great idea here for you.

I was shocked (pleasantly) by the degree of skill evident in the hair cuts of these men. I tried my best to find the creator, and it was then that a few doubts started creeping in.

What teenager didn't dream of being a rock star? Unfortunately, as most leave their twenties behind, they are forced to face the harsh reality that the rich and famous lifestyle just won't be theirs and move onto a stable career. Toronto's League of Rock ensures that growing up doesn't mean having to leave your rock star aspirations behind completely; while you may never find yourself on MTV's top 100, they will give you the illusion of living out your dreams without the inevitable instability.

After the meteoric ascendency of Barack Obama from junior senator to leader of the free world, I think one of the lesser known factors of his campaign was instrumental in his success; namely his innovative logo.

Japan offers a rental market for just about everything; pets, prostitutes, and yes, even relatives. Of course, no amount of money will form a tangible blood connection, but the right price will get you someone willing to pretend and fill that void in your life.

If you're thinking about working at home you have a couple of ways to go about it; you can start your own, or you can buy one that's pre-existing (and hopefully successful) if you want to avoid doing the groundwork yourself. While your motivation to work at home shouldn't ONLY be because of the location, but also because of your love for the job, it does have its many benefits.

President Elect Obama has already made it clear that he will look towards technology to help solve our probelms. Now technology will help solve the problem of how to get to his historic swearing in. 

Society tries to prepare students of high school and college age for their future careers by setting them up with job placements and career counseling, and while it's a great way to help establish career goals from a young age, what about the older generations? Figuring Out understands that no matter what your age or stage of life, sometimes you need a little help to meet your career goals.

It is said that the best hardware modders come from Russia. This slang expression is derived from the word modify, and refers to the act of modifying a piece of hardware or software to perform a function not originally intended. Read all about Strannik, an innovative designer who transformed a set of fire extinguishers into a pair of speakers!

Say this fast three times: "Snow Wovel Wheeled Snow Shovel." "Snow Wovel Wheeled Snow Shovel." "Snow Wovel Wheeled Snow Shovel."

Did Bugs Bunny make up this name? Ah, so many products out there are suffering for the right name. But the Sno Wovel, despite its tougue-twisting name, is no slouch when it comes to a brilliant invention.

San Francisco's always on the cusp of new, modern trends and when it comes to laundry, this is no exception. I know what you're thinking, laundry? Trendy? Well, it may not win you any prizes for coolness, but the idea is definitely an innovative one.

We've seen sports facilities for children and know it's possible to purchase miniature-sized equipment that is better suited for their small statures. Drop Shop Tennis combines these concepts, and offers a unique sporting experience in this niche market for kids aged two to ten.

What does a woman love as much if not more that crystal and precious gems?

I guess it would be safe to say that the answer is chocolates.

Like many others, you may have committed to lose weight for your New Year's Resolution. And again, like many other, you may have traded the treadmill for a pint of ice cream, or your workout gear for your comfiest pair of PJs. Feel like the nagging you already receive from your spouse or family just doesn't motivate you to get back into a healthy routine? Now, a couple of progressive online services can help you by providing gentle or even forceful reminders.

Who ever said all guided tours have to be the same? Sensorial Lisbon, organized by Portugal's renowned creative studio Cabracega, lets visitors experience one of Lisbon's boroughs Alfama, using their senses other than vision.

Finding: Korea has many designers, but not very many resources from the state or major companies.

Finding : The United States supports design, but has very few designers.

A new evaluation tool for design competitiveness, shows that it takes a country to support its native designers, and it ranks the countries now leading in design competitiveness for 2008. Guess which country is number one....

No matter your level of maturity, you might not be able to resist giggling at the word "toilet"; a residual effect of childhood. But to many companies, toilets aren't funny; they're serious business that determines their future revenue and growth success. These businesses prove that it's possible to stifle the giggles, and make toilets into innovative organizations and products.

"Hello Bob. You're really drunk, aren't you? Your room is on the seventh floor. This is the fifth floor. Turn around and make your first left to the elevator."

Perhaps Estonian designers Jan Graps and Ken Ruut imagined scenarios like this when they designed "Bob," an internal navigation system (INS) for hotels. But Bob is more than an INS, Bob is also a security system.

A disclaimer on this product proclaims, "The store and designer take NO responsibility for schmucks and wooden-heads who feel compelled to test the endurance or resistance of the textile in any way."

Who doesn't like to smother their meals with ketchup, barbeque sauce, and other garnishes? Okay, well maybe that's primarily the younger generation that makes those food choices. However, now a new restaurant in Germany takes the meal flavoring concept to the new level in a classy way that appeals to the grown-up crowd by allowing diners to add flavor-infused olive oils to their meals.

No one likes to ride the bus, but we do it because it's convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Now, an improved service has been introduced to the transportation industry that combines the benefits of public transportation with the comforts of a standard taxi service. Taximobil will be launching a flat rate taxi service that will escort people on their intercity travel for one affordable fee.

 Want to walk on water?  Well, with a little practice... maybe more like a LOT of practice... The Inflatable Water Ball may let you do just that!

Every woman loves a diamond whether she'll admit it or not, and for those who don't want the large, glittery bling, rough diamonds are another alternative. But with just one ring, the accessory can get a little boring so one designer has a solution - offering interchangeable bling.

Under the heading of "First they do, and then they don't, and then they do..." They do.

Oral osteoporosis drugs like Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva or similar bisphosphonates, do contribute to the death of cells in the jaw, called jawbone necrosis.

You won't find them on late-night TV informercials; you may never see them advertised on TV at all! But they are seen on TV... on the production sets of your favorite TV shows... and these stunning furnishings are from the world's most renowned interior designers. Like the Akari floor lamps by Isamu Noguchi, as seen on  House, or the George Nelson wall clock, as seen on The Apprentice, or...