April, 2009

Ever found yourself walking around wondering whether there's a WIFI connection and just how good it may be? Well stop wondering, and start sniffing with the Nike Shoe prototype that identifies WIFI signals as you go about your daily business. This wearable geeky gadget will inspire you to bust out your laptop and get online.

With today's health trends, people of all ages and all lifestyles hit the gym multiple times a week. But, while we're so concerned about exercising our bodies to meet today's aesthetic standards, we forget about our minds and strengthening them in the now and for the future. A new San Francisco based business is trying to bring brain activity into the mainstream, by offering a fitness gym called Vibrant Brains. Created with Baby Boomers in mind, the brain gym can help keep minds sharp today and prevents the onset of mental impairments in the future.

Kind of a scooter, kind of a bike and kind of a stairmaster, the Pumgo is all about exercise.

Everywhere we go, my husband always feels that he should have at least 6 feet of rope on hand "just in case". What that just in case is, I can never be sure, but I roll my eyes and tell him not to be ridiculous because rope just isn't something that's convenient to pack and carry with us. Someone has been listening in, because now a line of jewelry, called Survival Straps make sure that you always have a sufficient amount of paracord to handle any survival situation and they're awfully fashionable!

An innovative marketing company is finally recognizing the power of taste in brand marketing and is helping food producers sell their products using more than just visual appeal. While historically, food and drink brands have marketed their products through sample packages distributed by mail or during taste test sessions at local grocery stores; First Flavor uses an approach that allows potential consumers to taste their clients' products that is less costly, more convenient, and rather innovative.

Scientists have been building swimming micro robots for years, but interestingly they all have different reasons for building them the same way.  Now, researchers at Monach University in Australia have learned the physics of the micro motors, and they learned it by studying the perfect pizza toss!

New technology being developed by a team of researchers would allow those with locked-in syndrome to send out tweets. The technology essentially reads their minds and allows them to communicate their thoughts without the need of manually typing.

Yesterday I wrote about a costly and luxurious dress made entirely of male peacock feathers and precious gemstones for the bride who really wants to stand out on her wedding day. So today, I thought I'd shift the focus to a series of garments that fall on the other side of the spectrum. Michelle Jank's garbage bag fashions which were designed for an Editorial Series with photographer Paul Scala are an example of a high fashion look for less.

For those who have turned on their favorite reality TV show, and thought "man, I'd like to do that", a major Italian vacation tour operator is about to make your dream comes true with Reality Village.

It's never too early to think about Christmas. That lovable Grinch is at it again. The Grinch Christmas Bingo Game is sure to bring a smile to the biggest of scrooges next Christmas.

Every bride wants to feel spectacular on her wedding day, but the most expensive wedding dress spotted this year is typically more about attracting a mate than making a commitment. Of course, the unique Peacock Feather Wedding Dress is a spectacular fashion item that isn't meant to follow the principles of nature from which the materials derived, but it sure makes a bold fashion statement.

I've shown you a wide variety of vending machines in the past, and they're always a big hit as one of the top businesses of convenience; here's a new one for you that might just be the flashiest vending machine of 2009. U'Tique, the most upscale vending machine seen to date is about to launch its first vending location at Fred Segal in Santa Monica, California, and it manages to combine convenience and class through dispensing top of the line beauty products.

A frequent part of the dining out or nightlife experience involves waiting for that server or cocktail waitress to notice that you need a refill. Realizing that people might spend far more money in their dining establishment if they didn't need to wait to be served, Minibar, a European nightlife experience, brings the serve yourself hotel style minibar out to the nightclubs.

Who knew that women who belong to Polygamist sects could become budding entrepreneurs based on community rules, little less find themselves as fashion frontrunners; but a few Texas Polygamist women have set aside the stereotypes and rules of their communities to create a line of modest clothing that meets Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FDLS) standards.

Wasn't it great when you were a kid and you came home from school with a great report card, and were immediately rewarded for your efforts with a treat, a toy, or sometimes even cash? Well, today's lucky kids can receive similar benefits from learning with new children's educational business SmartyCard, and the parents don't even need to chip in!

Other exercise bikes just pedal, but the RealRyder ABF8 allows you to steer, lean and balance just like an actual bicycle. The enhanced simulation provides a better, more-engaging workout.

As society's obsession with their cell phones and Blackberries grow, a unique fashion item makes a statement about technological reliance with a more old-fashioned, refined style than we're used to seeing. Who am I kidding; the only statement the Betseyville Call Me a Purse makes is one about bold fashion. Read on and see how.

Women in the UK are attacked on a monthly basis when traveling by licensed taxi service around urban centers and rural settings. Based on these statistics, a female owned UK company that calls themselves the Pink Ladies identified their niche and launched a business that focuses upon the unique transportation needs of women with a specific emphasis on safety.

The "Legway" offers the rider the opportunity to turn heads all over the park with a funky, foot-powered steampunk-inspired Segway.

By nature, people judge each other, and when it comes to our fashion choices and our appearances, the best critics are often those who don't hold back their opinions. Restyle Me uses this concept to create an open forum for people to comment on each other's fashion choices, and recommend ways that they can improve their looks.

Hospital Emergency Rooms are notorious for their long wait times. Anyone who has had to seek medical treatment by visiting an ER knows that you're lucky if you're seen by a doctor in under an hour, since often you can wait handfuls of them just to get through the triage process. InQuickER is a booking service that cuts down on the wait times, by allowing you to book an appointment to have your non-life threatening medical situations seen to by a doctor.

People who live in colder climates are constantly searching for innovative ways to keep themselves protected from the elements. Enter The Beard Cap, a funny modern take on the balaclava which provides warmth to the face, neck and head all at the same time. Unlike with the balaclava, with the beard cap, you're less likely to be mistaken for a bank robber; or if you do have criminal intentions, it's a humorous way to detract from your fear factor.

At a time when jobs are being cut daily throughout North America, lots of people find themselves in a position that's new and more than slightly terrifying; without a job for perhaps the first time in their lives. Laid Off Camp is an outlet for those who have recently lost their jobs to network and share their terrifying campfire stories with one another, but more than that, it inspires the opportunity that comes with finally being without a job.

Fitness and convenience are two services offered by the most successful businesses in North America. Tumblebus is a winning franchise with its gymnastics-on-the-go concept. Ideal for children's parties, or onsite entertainment at daycares and other kid-friendly events, Tumblebus is a fun business with the potential to expand!

We've introduced you to Terracycle before and their line of eco-friendly products. Now, Terracycle is expanding by partnering up with big box stores around the US to promote recycling of non-recyclables. It's a bold business move by a company whose ethics aren't necessarily in line with many of the consumption driven big names we're already familiar with, and smart PR for those corporations looking to improve their environmental image.

For those men in our lives who are self conscious about their hair loss, a new, not so fashionable item is available on the market which is a sad step up from many cheap toupees. The Flair Hair Toupee Visor serves two fundamental purposes; it covers up that bald dome of yours, and shields your eyes from the sun! What doesn't it do? Well, that's obvious; it just doesn't make you look very cool.

In the 60's and 70's, communal living was popular throughout North America, and while it may not have been long-lasting or particularly successful back then, it's a reemerging trend today with businesses like Wanna Start a Commune that focus on networking for communal living standards.

Guitar Hero is all the rage today with people of all ages who follow the video game phenomenon, but who knew it would also emerge on the fashion scene as a potential new trend? Yes, that's right, unique guitar hero fashion is in the works with the Guitar Hero Scarf.

If a laptop just isn't portable and accessible enough, wear your computer on your wrist with this W200 from Glacier Computers. Great for the workaholic or nerd in all of us.

Cyclists, in all of their skin-tight, spandex fashion may have a winning advantage in their competitions with their bicycle gear, but their fashion choices don't make them stand out from the crowd. A new cycling suit, by Tomek Pietek takes the fashion of bicycle gear to a new level through entertainment and education.

Spring is in the air, and as cooler climates begin warming up for the spring and summer, interesting business concepts that cater to spring activities and interests take on a whole new appeal. Over the upcoming months, the popularity of businesses with an outdoor theme will increase, while consumers take in the nice weather and get outside! In honor of spring's arrival, I'm counting down the Top 10 spring businesses of 2009!

New technologies under development in the senior care industry are increasingly focusing on helping seniors remain independent in their homes and receive the treatment they need, via technology, without ever stepping out their front doors. Following this trend is Physiobench, a new health-based company from the UK which for a fee will prescribe a physiotherapy treatment regimen for any injury.

Finding unique pieces of jewelry is no easy task, especially when you're looking for one-of-a-kind pieces that are reflective of your personality or tell a story about your life. A highly personal, custom jewelry company ensures that every piece of fashion jewelry you wear will be unlike anything worn by any other person. Although, the jewelry design may be familiar, since it's customized to look just like a scar on your body that tells the story of your journey.

When a loved one passes away, it's important to have something to remember them by. While many people, after cremation, keep their loved ones ashes on display in an urn a new trend is emerging with businesses like Sentimental Connections creating new ways to memorialize the important people we have lost.

Who said shoes have to be for the fashionable alone? These shoes may defy all the fashion rules you've come to know and love, but your inner geek will lust after them for their unique features!

Spring is finally here and it's time to think about pool parties and family barbecues.  So say bye-bye to boring bottle openers and hello to HOP & POP.

The Yellow Treehouse near Auckland, New Zealand is among the most recent of pop-up businesses to find themselves in an unusual location. The Yellow Treehouse, which started in part as a sustainability project Pacific Environments Architects Ltd, is located up a redwood tree in a forest, and now that the restaurant project has drawn to an end, the business will hopefully be opened to the public!

There is nothing modest about EcoSmart's new Zeta portable fireplace. It's bold and eloquent, perfectly formed, and finely crafted in timber, leather, and stainless steel. Yes, the exterior is leather!

Clothing color is a personal choice which can be a direct reflection of your personality. A new, customizable dress by designer Berber Soepboer and graphic designer Michiel Schuurman ensures that your fashion is always "you" when thinking outside the box, while coloring between the lines with their Color-in Clothing.

Satish Behera is a design student in India who has been exploring the ancient craft of paper maché as an ecological design material. His style is so unique, his designs so impressionable that they are hard to forget. His has created a style that is very professional and objects that are very desirable.

Ever been so exhausted walking down the streets of New York City, you just wished there was a good place to relax and take a nap, like a park bench that didn't need to be shared with someone who called it their home? Fortunately, for NYC residents, there's no need to go there, since now they have Yelo; a wellness center that specializes in power napping and reflexology to help busy city dwellers relax and take a load off.

What woman doesn't like the message delivered when a sparkly rock of an engagement ring is placed on her finger? Even if she doesn't want to marry the man, it's the ultimate form of flattery and pretty snazzy fashion. But now, there's the Inner Message engagement ring that not only implies that he wants to spend the rest of his life with you, it says it!

The 4P Sports Cam is an interesting design that allows users to get no-hassle sports footage. No videographer is needed as the system uses GPS to track movements and provide fluid filming.

When it comes to the ticket selling industry, there are many outlets to purchase tickets for the hottest sports events, concerts and other entertainment. However, when buying from ticket vendors like Ticketmaster, there's no choice but to pay the set attendance price if you want to attend and scalpers might literally clear out your child's college fund. Zigabid, a new online startup lets ticket buyers and ticket sellers negotiate based on supply and demand, to get the best ticket prices and make their own entrepreneurial profit.

For many, when driving at night, or even long hours during the day; they run the risk of nodding off behind the wheel and coming to terms with their own mortality. Without a fellow passenger on hand to keep tabs on the driver's alertness, falling asleep behind the wheel is a very real danger. The Drive Alert Master is a smart technology that keeps drivers awake through annoyance, just like having your spouse in the passenger seat!

Ever fallen in love with a product you found while traveling, and returned home to find that it's not available in your home country? If you're lucky, you might know someone who lives there that can send you the items you crave; but usually you're just SOL. Deliver That arranges P2P and B2P delivery of items that you can't find everywhere so nothing you desire is out of reach.

Twice awarded Designer of the Year, UK native Hussein-Chalayan doesn't have the typical background you'd come to expect of a fashion designer - in fact, he's a tech geek who's translated his knowledge into fashion and that certainly comes across in his unique designs. On exhibit now at the Design Museum in the UK until May 17^th, one of Chalayan's exhibits have visitors to the museum asking, is it fashion or is it furniture?

Many self-proclaimed world travelers may feel like they’ve seen it all. They’ve popped the cork off a bottle of champagne under the Eiffel Tower, taken a gondola ride in Rome and ridden a Tuktuk in Thailand. An innovative travel agency, Urbane Nomads calls themselves the “travel mixologists” and prides themselves on providing vacations off the beaten paths, away from the over-hyped tourist destinations around the world.

The Body Laptop Wooly Jumper is a homemade, knitted fashion for the profoundly paranoid. A fashion prototype in concept only, this funny and freaky fashion might just be an emerging trend in fashion; but I doubt it. Read on and see why...and just wait until you see the hysterically useless keyboard jumper/glove.

After opening a new location in London, Little Bay restaurant allowed diners to pay what the wanted for each menu item in February in part as a publicity stunt and to have a little extra assistance in setting their menu prices.

We've seen clothing companies like Rosa Loves which spreads awareness about charity causes with their t-shirts. And now there's ARK, which stands for Acts of Random Kindness; a fashion line which does exactly what the name says. Its t-shirts for men and women aren't inspirational themselves, but through their purchase the funding is made available to support random acts of kindness.

Sheila's Wheels is a UK-based insurance company just for women. Once you visit their website you'll be left no doubt in your mind who their target audience is, with its Stepford Wives style women and pink décor. While Sheila's Wheels Car Insurance may seemingly be based on stereotypes, it does offer women comprehensive coverage on insurance that they won't find anywhere else; if you can just get over the typecasting that comes with being their client.

In the ideal world, every fashion lover would have the opportunity to consult with style consultants and personal shoppers to select the styles and fashions best suited for their body types. Unfortunately, here in the real world, not everyone has those luxuries available to them; at least they didn't until recently. My Shape, a new fashion consulting and online shopping website makes sure fashion lovers always get the perfect fit and a cost that is more reasonable than the more traditional options.

Want a soundtrack to your life, or at least a soundtrack for that big cross-country roadtrip you've been planning for the summer? Amplified Journeys by Harmon Kandon will create a playlist fit for any roadtrip theme and direct you towards sources to obtain the music from.

Ever have really intense day or an intense few days of doing what you do non-stop?  You can't sleep or, if you do, you have obsessively weird nightmares. The worst example of this for me was when I used to play in week-long bridge tournaments... I was so crazed that people in my dreams were all Jacks and Queens and spades and hearts! 

That's why when I saw the KOZO lamps, I immediately thought, "Plumber's worst nightmare."

Ninjapin gives the humble push pin a much-needed makeover. Your walls (and your landlords) will thank you!

One of the biggest challenges of dieting or exercising to build body mass is maintaining a professional wardrobe to keep up with your changing body size throughout the process. Transitional Sizes is a fashion rental program that allows individuals to maintain a vast wardrobe that fits their lifestyle, without the price tag of overhauling their existing wardrobe to keep up with their changing body.

We all like to have green lawns to add to the curb appeal of our homes. A green lawn gives a great first impression that a home is well cared for. But seeding a lawn to healthy, green perfection can be challenging for even the lawn care professionals. Now, a new trend in landscaping is emerging; grass painting, which is being embraced by lawn care businesses and homeowners throughout North America.

The GlideCycle offers a unique new way to bike for those with disabilities or simply anyone looking for a new twist on the bicycle. Sit in a suspended, weightless seat and push off with your feet.

There's no denying that parenting is hard work, but Baby Toupee of Santa Barbara, California also believes in parenting as a source for endless amusement. That's where their line of Baby Toupees come in; with many unique designs that are fun fashion for your baby as well as a source of comic relief for parents.

Old-fashioned fashion rules have taught us to always ensure that all of our accessories match. It once was fashionable to have your belt match your shoes, and your purse; until recently, when it became about coordination rather than matching. However, a new fashion company has rewritten all the fashion rules about coordinating your outfit by selling pairs of clothing that don't match, they don't even coordinate; what do they do? They clash!

Are you still paying to rent freebies from Netflix rather than having to watch them on your computer screen?  Take your head out of the sand ... you don't have to do that.  There's an inexpensive and easy way to get your money's worth from your Netflix subscription and Amazon's Video On Demand service.  It's called Roku.

Always wanted to stay in an air-raid shelter or military bunker? A new Swiss hotel, the Zero Star Hotel will let you do just that. If you're used to 5-star luxury accommodations at a hotel, be prepared to lower your expectations when booking your place at the innovative Zero Star Hotel.

Out of propane? No time to light a campfire? VitalStove operates on any natural fuel available, providing a heat and cooking source in a pinch.

A few months ago, I introduced you to Biz Equity; a business tool for entrepreneurs that allows them to predict just how profitable the small business they aspire to build will be. Biz Equity provides insight into the prospective financial standings of small business start-ups, but subsidiaries of the same company focus on the other important aspects; coming up with a good business idea, getting feedback, and gaining the exposure that is a necessary part of any entrepreneurial startup. Enter Ideablob and Bloblive.

Looks like a flashlight, functions like a night vision video camera, the Infared Flashlight Video Recorder is a simple, inexpensive way to capture videos day or night.

Ka-ching! That's the sound of the cash register when you record another sale. Too bad clicking the refresh button on your Google Adsense, Paypal account, or affiliate account does not make the same satisfying sound. Oh well. At least you can take comfort in the fact that the returns can equal or possibly even beat the ka-ching of the trusty cash register of a small business anytime.

And besides, who wants to hear the sound of cash register while you sleep? Online business is 24/7! Read on to find out some business ideas that you can implement today..

In China it's not unusual to see private residents to make the move to solar power. Like in any country the initial expense is high, but putting a few solar panels on your roof will pay off in the long run. It's good for you and it's good for the environment. Everybody wins, right?

Not so fast, skippy. This is China, remember?

Space-sharing businesses aren't new; we've seen businesses that advertise available parking spaces and Single Spot Camping where homeowners lease space in their own backyard for travelers to pop a tent. Bushfire Housing is a business that offers the most intimate form of space leasing; beds. And while it may seem intrusive, read on, because it's for a good cause.

We've seen t-shirts that deliver the lesser-known news, and now there's Rosa Loves; a business concept that uses the sale of fashion t-shirts to spread awareness about charitable causes, provide support with proceeds of the sales, and naturally, help wearers look fashionable.