May, 2009

Since there is an overwhelming stigma that doctors are so devoted to their work to a degree that they forfeit all other aspects of life (whether true or not in every case), one medical recruitment company in New Zealand hopes to break the mould by placing doctors in high-paying jobs that still allow them to have active social and family lives. Sound too good to be true? Perhaps, but read on, because they claim that even when working in the healthcare industry, it's possible to have it all!

Just in time for the onslaught of nibbling, flying organisms, Heated Itch Relief is a device that uses heat to eliminate the itching and swelling of those unavoidable bug bites.

It's often you hear about waitresses who are really aspiring actresses; or bartenders who are really singers in disguise. Usually, these job descriptions are met with sarcasm since everyone in these professions in Los Angeles or New York only work to pay the bills until they come into their true calling. However, a new business based in New York actually recognizes their employees for their artistic talents, which become the main driving force behind their business concept.

Want accommodations that make you feel like a rock star? Visit the Pavilion Fashion Rock ‘N Roll Hotel in London. A little hotel with a very big, glamorous and entertaining theme that will make you feel like a rock star in your own, even if you've never set foot on stage. Read on, but don't be disappointed, groupies are not included.

While I for one have not really embraced the phenomenon of putting bling in your mouth by way of over the top grills, this geeky gadget is worth mentioning; at least for the way it helps wearers light up the room.

Putting a twist on car insurance is Dutch insurance company for women, Onna-Onna. Not only can they help people recover financially from car accidents or other related incidents, they also alert people when it's unsafe to be on the road; decreasing their chances of having an accident.

More often than not, major fashion trends begin with celebrities and other public figures that are spotted wearing new and trendy fashions. While it's certainly no secret what Michelle Obama has been wearing since she has become of the front-running female fashion trend setters in the US; it's not always easy to determine what your other favorite celebrities are wearing.

Okay, so telemarketers are people too, but you know as well as I do that there's nothing more annoying than the phone ringing at the most inconvenient time when there's a telemarketer trying to sell you something you neither need nor want. Good telemarketers are the ones that close the deal, and often times, the most effective and successful ones are also the most annoying. So where do telemarketers learn their persuasive skills? Enter Cold Call Bootcamp.

If you haven't heard of You Tube, you've probably been living under a rock; but if the vast array of videos available there aren't really your thing, there's a similar site for fashion lovers that is sure to get you excited.

Once you die people honor your memory, and they grieve the loss. But who says once you die you have to give up the things that you believed in during your life - like your favorite sports teams, organizations, TV shows, or other cult phenomena? Well, until recently, traditional caskets and urns did by offering designs that don't allow the deceased to show off their personalities, even after death, to those that will forever carry the memory.

Toms Shoes may sound like your neighborhood shoe store, but it's one fashionable company that's anything but run of the mill. Not only does carry a wide variety of fashion-forward shoes that would meet the style needs of even the most discerning fashionista, but it offers a 2-for-1 deal like no other that helps support a charitable cause.

Living Wills are recommended for all individuals over the age of 65, or those who are younger who are living with a serious medical condition. The principle behind these Living Wills is that the person's wishes with regards to medical care are outlined and documented so that others know what they want from their medical care at a time when they may be unable to speak for themselves and make their own decisions. Since our beloved pets can never speak for themselves, a company called Pet Living Wills has decided to capture this niche with a unique business.

Last summer, Diesel eans and the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, partnered to create a unique pair of denim jeans that would help concert-goers survive the elements of the summer festival, allowing them to leave still looking fashionable, with clothing in tact. As another season of outdoor concerts, festivals and events approaches, it might be time to break out your Roskilde jeans once again, or if you're not a proud owner of these limited edition fashion items, you might just have to wait to see what innovative fashion will carry you through the festival season this year.

Facebook gifts are great, but truly do fall into the "it's the thought that counts" mentality, since naturally, the bouquet of gorgeous roses gifted to you by a crush, or the nice cold beer presented to you by a friend appears as no more than a sub-par graphic accompanied by a personal message. BuyYourFriendaDrink.com has captured the market that bridges the gap between virtual gifts, and those that can be redeemed in the real world. However, unlike another new startup, Get Them In, it doesn't allow you to show off your gift-giving generosity on your favorite social networking sites.

Not everything you have in your home is visually attractive. If you live in an older home, necessary objects like radiators may prove to be a bit of an eyesore that does anything but blend with your home décor. Making ugly home necessities pretty is Sandcastles design company, which started by making window displays for retail organizations, and expanded out realizing that even the eyesores in your home or business present a design opportunity. Read on to learn more about Sandcastles custom furniture and retail displays.

Isn't it annoying when you're out for a jog and need to fiddle around to change the track on your MP3 player to keep you in your exercise groove? Or when you have the desperate urge to channel surf while watching TV, but can't seem to find the remote control that has fallen between the cushions on your couch? Well, it seems that an innovative set of wearable gadgets are in the works by NTT DoCoMo, using a special technology that allows your body movements to control specific functions of the wearable gadgets.

I've already discussed the proven effects of Brain Fitness programs like Vibrant Brains, which helps prevent the development of future memory impairments by strengthening and stimulating the brain. But, a program like Brain Fitness doesn't offer a complete exercise program with a focus upon the body as well as the mind. Enter Connect 18, a unique exercise program for the body and mind that uses a historical tour perspective to educate and entertain those who are looking to stay in shape.

Summer is almost here, which means, picnic time! Plan Toys is offering yet another fantastically fun eco-friendly product just perfect for kids. So, get your party on with the Picnic Play mat!

When I say "Anything for my dog," I mean for my dog, not for me.  So when I read about these automatic dog washing machines, I have to ask is this gizmo really for a dog?  Would my dog be happy to be put in an airtight chamber and then showered from all sides with soap and water?  Or would he be like the dog in the picture, trying like heck to tear his way out of the dang thing?

While email might have modernized and sped up written communication, businesses are turning to vintage methods in order to create a unique way that people can send messages to their loved ones and announce important milestones in their lives. Telegram Stop, once again makes vintage communication trendy with telegram messages and bulk telegrams to announce weddings, parties and more.

Food inspires many things, most prominently the meals that we serve to our families on the dinner table night after night; but since you've been reading, you're well aware that food also inspires fashion, whether it's a good idea or not. Padma Lakshmi, author and contestant on Top Chef, proves that sometimes food can inspire accessories, with an attractive effect.

Last week, I introduced you to Do Good for Debt, an organization that partners individuals with student loans leftover from their educational pursuits with charities that are willing to pay off students' debts in exchange for good deeds. While that may be a helpful way for former students to get back on their feet and start their lives without the burden of financial restraint, there's no denying that it takes away from the philanthropist attitude; so today I will outline another business that helps students overcome the financial repercussions of pursuing a post-secondary education. Gradefund offers a sponsorship-style system, that rewards students for their good grades, that way the better they do, the more corporate sponsors they'll have behind them to pay off their debts before they even have a chance to accumulate.

As the temperature soars to 30 degrees Celsius here today, I am praising my air conditioner; but it also got me thinking about more fashionable and eco-friendly ways to cool off. As I searched for cooling clothing, I stumbled across designer Katharina Ludwig's unique ice jewelry, which boasts some beautiful designs that will help keep even the hottest chicks cool on a hot summer day.

Popular Science has announced the 2009 Invention Awards for the top 10 groundbreaking inventions that originated from the minds and perseverance of individual inventors.  These inventions did not have big companies behind them with a big research lab and lots of money.  You won't see the likes of Apple® or Motorola® or Honda® among this list.  Just folks like you and me whose inventions will make a major impact on the way we live, work, learn, play, and even manage intelligence in battle.

For the Superhero in us all, I introduce you to comic strip bandages, so you can show off your injuries just like Batman with quirky, visual sound effects. No longer hide behind the same of cut and scrapes, hurry up and get your hands on these funny, fashionable bandaids and pamper your injuries vintage-style!

Pop-up businesses have been sprouting up all over the world, many of which cater to the events and music festivals that take place during the summer months. Since often outdoor event goers are stuck lugging around all of their clothing and gear, Cloak Vroom is offering on-location cloak room services that has an online component for those who have one too many drinks in the event's beer tent, or find that the heat of the day has impacted their ability to remember their things.

Most women carry a brush or comb in their purse for on the go touchups, but now brushes can do more than just fight hairstyle aggressors. With Comb-at combs by Lorenzo Damiani and Combando by Studiobo, women cal feel like they're armed and dangerous each and every time they're battling a hair care emergency, or even when engaging in hand-to-comb combat.

Prepaid credit cards for teenagers are not a new concept, but this type of payment method doesn't allow parents to control where, when or how their children are spending their money. Bill my Parents is a new company, which provides children with a card, but in order for a payment to be processed when kids are shopping online, parents will be notified and have to approve their children's purchases.

As businesses work to bring more environmentally friendly alternatives to their operations, there's a necessity to reconsider traditional options to cater to a more elite crowd. While the average commuter might have no problem with taking public transportation by way of a city bus, commuter train or subway; it takes a little bit more persuasion to convince some executives to give up the comfort of their Mercedes for the more eco-friendly alternative. Following of a new San Francisco law that requires companies with 20 employees or more to offer incentives to encourage employees to choose ride-sharing programs or other forms of shared transportation; Wi-Drive, an eco-chic transportation option for business executives has been created.

Women have been swearing by Spanx to keep their bodies under control and looking desirable in their sexiest fashions, but can men wear Spanx, too? Equmen has created the Core Precision Undershirt to give men equal opportunities in control undergarments, and while the men in the ads may not need help concealing any undesirable jiggle (and no, unfortunately, the undergarments don't promise the same ripping 6-packs), the average guy may benefit from a little bit of additional fashion support.

Most students who complete a post-secondary education find themselves overburdened by the abundance of student loans they were forced to take out to finance their educations. As a result, they find themselves struggling to pay their bills as they try to start building their careers, which leaves little time or money to do anything else; finding the time to contribute to charity just is not a reasonable possibility. To make both things possible, Do Good for Debt was created to allow those with looming student loans to trade their debts for charity work.

As if the fashion industry isn't already obsessed with being thin, a new fashion line by Katie Gallagher provides the starving model look; binging and purging not required. For that real exo-skeletal look, this unique fashion line relies on nude body-suits and re-created ribcages. I can't decide if this is one fashion line that will transform the fashion industry, by removing the need for crash dieting when the look is available through clothing, or if it's just another way to promote the model thin image to make pre-teen American girls feel inadequate. Read on and you tell me.

Sometimes tourists complain that sight seeing tours are too slow paced; often due to the size of the group, people on group tours find they just can't take in all the historical sights and attractions they'd like to see during that vacation. A new company, Sight Jogging, took the slow-paced tourism complaints literally, and offered their own unique form of historical sight seeing action with jogging tours.

Most inventors have pets.  I can be safe with that statement, because most people have pets, whether they're dogs or cats, rabbits, fish, birds, snakes, geckos, etc.  PetSmart knows this and instead of turning to its usual providers of products for new ideas, it's turning to us: inventors who know how to create innovative solutions to improve life! 

The fortune cookie says "YES!" But will you really succeed?

So you're not just an inventor.. you're also a budding Internet entrepreneur. If, like thousands of other people all over the world, you have decided to cash in on the world of opportunities the Internet has to offer, this is an article you need to read. There are tons of part-time online business myths circulating and it's about time that you separate fact from fiction.

To give them full credit, I shouldn't say that China's National Space Administration ripped off a Star Trek logo. They actually ripped off two Star Trek logos. Check it out:

Purses can be functional, they can be fashionable, but they very rarely come pre-packed with fun. At least I thought so, until I came across the video gamer's dream purse!

Remember when you were a kid and dreamed of a bike that could pedal itself? Gruber Assist is just that. Almost.

Most drivers have some qualms with their car insurance policies, or more specifically, their insurance carriers; but insurance is a big business, since those who want to get behind the wheel of a car need to make sure they're insured. Typical car insurance policies insure vehicles for a pre-determined term, but Mile Meter tries to offer drivers a more flexible and affordable option, by insuring people based on how much they drive.

Designer Alice Wang likes exploring the darker side of human nature, and with this installation of quirky, bizzare one-off chairs, it's evident she's also got a healthy sense of humor.

She claims that though the function of every day objects remains essentially stable, our relationships to them shift with the evolution of culture, and so why not have that reflected?

In today's day and age, everyone is looking for new music to listen to on their iPods or MP3 players; but the options available to download music aren't always the most desirable. Music lovers can either download songs from iTunes or other music distribution services for a per song fee, or they can risk criminal prosecution by downloading pirated versions available from peer-to-peer exchange networks. Fortunately, there's now We7, a music sharing site that provides free music, with some strings attached.

Want to take a walk on the wild side and add a little bit of adventure into your diet? Edible, a UK based company specializes in the acquisition and shipment of unusual food from around the world that will really spice up your meals.

Good news for those who have always wanted to wear a pair of pants that detect your every move. According to scientists at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the smart technology will soon be integrated right into the fabric of fashion items.

People take many steps to ensure that their estates and assets are left to the right people in the eventuality that they pass away. But, other important items that slip through the cracks are the various online accounts that we hold so near or dear. For many, Hotmail, Twitter and Blog accounts are far more valued then their collection of family keepsakes or jewelry, and they want to ensure that these virtual assets are well taken care of after their death. Legacy Locker, a new online business has captured this niche to ensure that important online accounts are distributed to those trusted by the deceased, so that they can grieve their loved ones passing in 140 characters or less.

Gone are the days where tattoos were just for fashion, and now a new nano ink particle tattoo will help diabetics eliminate the need for painful fingertip testing strips.

The Dareway is a Segway designed just for children. Did we need this device? Read on, and decide for yourself.

Perfectly timed with the recession and decreased spending, come the world's most expensive jeans, by artist Damien Hirst. Through a partnership with Levis, Hirst created these jeans as a form of wearable art; but at their cost, I'd be afraid to leave the house in them, or maybe that's just because of their unique fashion statement.

At a time when the economy requires us all to derive income from the minimal resources we might have available to us, iLetYou, a new business which recently launched in Private Beta, couldn't have had better timing. Allowing people to rent out the items that they hold near and dear to them, iLetYou's revenue sharing program is an easy way to make money with minimal effort.

No.  You're kidding, right?  You think that boomers are going to squat on a toilet?

The designers of Go With The Flo, from Arizona State University (ASU) Design School, say that their squat toilet is a toilet concept for baby boomers to help them get Yoga exercise.  Not this boomer!

There are many untraditional couples out there who would never dream of having a typical wedding complete with the white dress, tuxedo, pastel bridesmaids and flashy diamonds. Having been one of these brides myself, I'm happy to see a unique wedding band alternative that truly binds the bride and groom together.

Long gone are the days where child entrepreneurs were confined to the business of lemonade stands or garage sales. Now with Franchild, a business that helps children learn entrepreneurial concepts, follow a business model, and manage their own company in a professional way that is suitable for a child!

Chinese chess (Xiangqi) is centuries old; some historians date the game back to 400 BC. All this time, blind and other visually disabled persons have been unable to play one of China's most popular games.  But last year, design professor Michael Siu, of Hong Kong Polytechnical University (PolyU), created a Chinese chess set  for blind persons and others with varying levels of visual impairments. The set  has opened up a new sport to millions of vision impaired persons that allows them to be included in a very popular national game.

The Stationary Bike Blender delivers an effective morning workout and breakfast all at once.

Following an ancient samurai fashion tradition is the Haramaki. Once used to protect the stomach and kidneys from sharp swords, this fashion item is now used to protect against much less harsh elements; namely the weather. Read on and decide if the Haramaki is a fashion statement for the future, or if it should have gone extinct with the Samurai's.

Non-profit group Sound Food, which aims to support the consumption and sale of locally grown produce, is bringing the ultimate farmer's market convenience to ferry commuters in Seattle. Understanding that not everyone can find the time to go to local farmer's markets, which are often hosted during the week when the majority of people are at work, Sound Food is bringing the farmers markets to them at an affordable price.

Chances are pretty good you haven't seen MP3 speakers quite like these before!   The uniquely-shaped Zumreed Rain Drop speakers are sure to be great conversation starters.

High fashion doesn't always appeal to the masses, but fashion that hits the international runways often finds itself a major topic of conversation. Memorable, modern and mystic, the Octopus Dress finally gives women the opportunity to live out their fantasies; while most girls dreamed of being the Little Mermaid, there are some fashion lovers out there who had darker tastes and lusted after Ursula.

Buying a car can be a trying process; first you have to locate the dealership with the best price, then you have play hard ball to try and negotiate the price down, and then you have to secure the financing at a good rate because you don't have the cash. By the time the process is complete, you have a new car, and quite likely a few new grey hairs to go with it. To save the stress, a company appropriately named No Haggles does all the haggling and legwork for you to get you in that new car.

On May 23, 2009, the annual Beard and Moustache Championships competition will be taking place in Anchorage, Alaska. Inventor Spot first introduced this strange sport to readers in the "Top 10 Sports From Around The World", and in honor of this strange competition rolling around again, we're counting down the most weird and wacky moustaches and beards from the Beard and Moustache Championship photo gallery!

They have always said that boys love their toys, and I think we all know that it's an expression that refers to the over 18 male demographic. Some men prefer their video games, or their set of garage tools, but there's others that prefer entertainment that's a little bigger and little dirtier. At Mannerspielplatz, Germany's playground for men, men get to play out their construction worker fantasies and leave their suits and ties behind at the office.

Vending machines are all about offering convenient services for consumers, and in a world where we have trouble slowing down; vending machines are capturing every niche market. I've written about a wide variety of vending machines in the past, but read on, because these ones are newer vending machine prototypes which are set to be amongst the coolest of 2009.

With the state of the economy, employers can bring a little humor to the workplace to show that they're feeling on the edge using a less than professional fashion statement. Not recommended for wear in those offices where superiors don't know how to loosen their ties and have a laugh, this morbid necktie is a fashion accessory to die for.

Sunning yourself in the lap of luxury at a Danish Beach in Copenhagen, the last thing you want to do is remove yourself from your perfect vantage point to the ocean, get dressed and go on a potentially endless trek for a junky beach fare meal. Capturing the market of people who have encountered this exact dilemma, Sommergrill is an on call beach BBQ service with a gourmet menu.

Spring is in the air, but depending on where you live the hot weather isn't quite here yet. Looking for a lighter weight jacket that delivers enough warmth for those cool spring nights? Try the carbon fiber jacket with adjustable internal heating that allows you to make sure the heat setting is appropriate for what the weather's doing outside.