July, 2009

Enjoy superhuman jumping power and height with these kangaroo-inspired Powerbocks.

The Tracker Pro is the mouse version of the handicapped ramp you see on so many buildings.  It is the access port for disabled individuals to surf the Internet - hands free.  And I like it.

The Harry Potter bug has begun again with the most recent movie in theatres right now, so as kids are dreaming about looking like their favorite wizard, how could I not take a look at some of the Harry Potter fashions out there; and what better place to start than with shoes?

Razor blades can be a great expense and for those men who just can't seem to plan ahead or avoiding hitting up the stores at all costs, there can be some impulsive shopping trips when they realize that their razor blade just isn't going its job anymore. With this in mind, a new UK-based company has come up with a service that addresses all of these needs.

After what seems like a summer filled with nothing but rain and gloomy weather, I have a hard time picturing myself hitting the beach, even for an upcoming vacation. But that doesn't mean I'm not dreaming of donning a chic bikini to hit the surf, and I've found just the thing; the eco-chic Mystique Bikini by Deux FM.

A thing of the distant past, the iconic Sony Walkman cassette player used to be the way of toting one's tunes while on the go, short from hoisting a ghetto blaster atop your shoulder. To make use of these fine, albeit bulky pieces of memorabilia,  designer Vanesa Moreno has crafted a series of cassette tape lamps for ooomydesign.

In the name of science, engineer Jem Stansfield climbs a 100-foot building using a pair of homemade vacuum gloves.

Have you ever neutered your male dog only to think, I wonder how that blatant physical change is affecting him psychologically? No? Me either, at least not for more than a second. But it seems, that there is someone out there who has put some serious thought into the psychological and physical affects that neutering can have upon a male dog, and they've come up with a very specific kind of prosthetic.

Pam Hogg and Vivienne Westwood have been known for the punk and bondage-style fashions, and they've both recently revealed their latest trends in their fall runway shows. The unique trend certainly won't provide much comfort for the cool climates in fall, but it is a hot look that will serve multiple purposes.

Coca-Cola is a company that has been and will forever be a leader in the beverage vending industry, and they are about to introduce even more cutting-edge technology to their company that will offer more drink diversity than ever!

With social media becoming increasingly more popular with people of all generations joining sites like Facebook, Twitter and Myspace; it was only a matter of time until tongue-in-cheek fashion producers began to make clothing that attacks social media.

Communication today for most is confined to email, text messaging, blogging and social media networks like Facebook or Twitter. If it wasn't for these methods, there are many people that we'd lose touch with undoubtedly because picking up the phone, or writing a snail mail letter just isn't convenient anymore. But, there is still a generational gap for many methods of communication when it comes to older adults who aren't online, or choose not to use email; so to address this market there's a company called Sunnygram that allows everyone to communicate with their preferred method.

Energy drinks might be all the rage, but not everyone wants an instant pick me up; or rather, there are just some people that shouldn't have one. With this in mind, a new company has created the anti-energy drink to help tone down the hyperactive.

I don't know about you, but I've always thought that it would be pretty cool to create my own board game - what would be better than developing the next Mouse Trap or Monopoly? Drafting out a board game on construction paper, with playdough figurines or random household objects as pieces are one thing, but a new company is now making it possible to not only create a legitimate board game, but to sell it for profit too.

How many times have you heard the joke "your cell phone/Blackberry might as well be surgically attached to your body" for the amount of time that you spend on it each and every day? Well, when Karl Lagerfeld recently previewed his fall 2009 collection, he must have been listening, because while it's not quite surgical implantation, his fashionable item will keep your phone always within reach where you need it.

It's hard to be an entrepreneur on your quest for millions and an empire of your own; but most prospective business people learn the hard way whether they will find success or financial collapse because they build their skills while trying to build their empire. For some it works, for others it doesn't; but for everyone, there's the Millionaire Maker Game which inspires entrepreneurs and teaches them helpful skills along the way.

Speed dating has been the latest craze in match making, or at least it has been offline to those who sit down over a quick cocktail and 5 minute conversation to form judgments about whether or not they could potentially fall in love with their quickie date match. Not surprisingly, as internet dating is also all the rage, speed dating has gone online with a number of different online match makers specializing in fast match-ups.

People might look at Kim Kardashian as one of those celebrities who's famous for doing absolutely nothing, other than having a scandalous tape leaked to the media to launch her career and a little bit of junk in her trunk; but recently, she's actually made women's (no, I didn't mean men's) dreams come true with an amazing shoe subscription service called ShoeDazzle.

It's beach season across North America, and while men and women are out there flaunting the beach bodies and catching a few rays, men are forever worrying about that decade old problem which hasn't left their minds since George Costanza swam in freezing cold water on that epic episode of Seinfeld.

Pop-up business are all the rage these days because of their decreased environmental impact, and the fact that they can be picked up and moved to make sure they're always in the hottest location. What better business for a pop-up structure than a barber shop?

Walking advertising, or innovative art; you look at it whichever way you'd like. But these bold and beautiful finger nails look pretty cool whichever way you swing it!

We're at the height of birthday party season for children across North America, and while parents are having parties with cake, balloons, and at best, bouncy castles; the competition is steep to throw a party that kids will still be talking about when school starts again in the fall.

Bicycle chains.  They don't exactly invoke images of lavish grandeur, but Mexican-Brazilian artist Carolina Fontoura has taken these unsung heroes and elevated them quite literally into lighting pieces worthy of the finest of dining rooms.

With the popularity of Twitter growing rapidly, businesses around the world are incorporating its use into their business models. The most recent business to use Twitter to expand their appeal? Package Track App.

Hats have gone to some strange places, but these hair hat animals by Nagi Noda and Uchu Country are totally wild!

Ever wondered how people would define words if given the option? Or how specific words have meaning to their lives? Check out Wordia, a recently-launched crowd defined video dictionary that might not win any grammar awards, but is worth the entertainment.

How annoying is it every time you go through the airport and have to empty your luggage, take off your shoes and turn on all of your electronics (yes I know, safety first) while trying to rush your way to the departure gate of your upcoming flight? We comply because it's safe, and also primarily because we don't have a choice, but apparently there's travelers out there just waiting to get frisked and contained for suspected terrorism, because one designer created the not so concealed weapon suitcases.

As the world is discriminating against smokers, there's a whole world of possibilities for those looking to make services a little more accessible to those that can't seem to detach themselves from their cancer sticks for long enough to do anything.

It's rare that jewelry that's not a wearable gadget has an additional function other than enhancing an outfit, but Downstairs Studio is attempting to put a stop to this with a unique design that's fabulous and functional.

It's never too early to have good ideas, and children are constantly coming up with them. Unfortunately, it can be hard for young and aspiring entrepreneurs to get the attention of someone who can help take their business from an imaginative idea to a successful business. However, there are 5 young entrepreneurs out there who have broken through those barriers in order to launch successful businesses that have been helped and not hindered by their age!

The Golfers Mug addresses two of your biggest addictions in one simple accessory. Drink your morning coffee, then get some putting time in.

Many of you are likely familiar with the case of the American student from Berkley back in April of 2008 who when he was taken into custody by Egyptian police managed to send out a short tweet via SMS saying "Arrested." Subsequently his embassy and the press were notified and he was eventually released (see CNN story) thanks to his twitter distress call.

Every bride wants a one-of-a-kind wedding dress that will blow away her guests and most importantly, her groom when they get a glimpse of her. These unique wedding dresses truly will blow people away, but perhaps not in the way you would hope.

After I recently wrote an article about a restaurant that deals exclusively in PB&J based meals, a reader suggested S'MAC, another restaurant that features a food that will take you back to your childhood and to the days of your mom's hearty home cooking. I really hope you like cheese; but who doesn't?

For too long golf has been a sport in which exercise was clearly lacking. The Bicycle Golf Caddy puts a little exercise back into the game while reducing impact.

Recently I've been talking a lot about wine and wine related products, I'm not sure what that says other than the fact that perhaps it's been a while since my corkscrew has made in appearance. However, since not everyone likes to drink, let's focus on a company that gives the same benefits of wine, but without the alcohol.

The expression "that'll put some hair on your chest" is one that has been used for ages, but now, children don't need to wait for it to happen anymore, thanks to a funny novelty t-shirt.

Sometimes business concepts couldn't be any simpler. It's all about coming up with a time consuming activity that people need to do, but would rather not, and then doing it for them at a price. Since iPods are all the rage lately, this year's most obvious and industrious business relates to this trendy gadget.

With Michael Phelps being the latest sports star to motivate athletic children across the country, they too want to look like the gold medal winning swimmer every time they hit the water for their swimming lessons or swim competitions. Custom swim caps do exist out there, so motivate your own Olympic swim star with their own design.

Design graduate Marlies Romberg merges the past with the tools of today in 'Dear DIary 1.0', an old-fashioned writing desk that has an embedded computer and keyboard within it.

Recently I introduced you to wine served in test tube bottles for single servings of wine. Now, let me introduce you to one of their competitors, that also offers single servings of wine, but this time in a more portable format.

iTie solves two common tie problems; allowing men to make sure they always look dapper, while never requiring them to leave behind their favorite gadgets. Best of all, they'll feel like secret operatives, because this fashionable tie is so covert, no one will ever know it has more purpose than just color-coordinating with your shirt.

Despite the cravings that can accompany pregnancy, it can be challenging for women who are expecting or nursing to focus on maintaining a balanced diet that is crucial for the health of a baby. It can take a lot of effort to research the foods that are beneficial and those to avoid, and who wants to do that when exhausted from pregnancy or caring for a brand new baby. A new brand of food just for pregnant women, takes the thought out of nutrition in pregnancy.

People crash and burn all the time. A failed business, a stock market fiasco, an unexpected job termination. If there's anything you can bet your money on, it's that life doesn't always work out as you plan. 

So prepare, prepare, prepare! Most people don't understand how much psychological well-being plays into being an entrepreneur.  Knowing what you should expect and how you should deal with it is winning half the battle.

Fortunately, fanny packs (except for sport purposes), especially in neon colors went out in the 80's; but now there's a new form of hands free pouch that's trying to bring back that old 80's style in a very new way. It's bold, it's convenient, and it's a pouch that doesn't go around your waist!

Peanut butter has forever been a staple in sandwiches that appear in lunch bags and snack tables around North America for years. But with increased knowledge about peanut butter allergies, it can be difficult to find somewhere where you can sit down to enjoy a good old PB&J sandwich, that is if you don't where to look. One restaurant franchise brings peanut butter back into the accepted mainstream, by serving nothing but peanut butter.

Finding a good hairdresser is probably one of the greatest challenges that women (and of course, some men) seem to encounter. We've all had one of those experiences where we've left a hair salon with tears of frustrating, realizing that it will be months until our hair will look half decent ever again. With a new website, those in need of a haircut can find a salon, based on pictures of others who have a style or cut that they're vying for.

Selling wine by the glass can lead to waste at restaurants or wine that just isn't top quality because the bottle isn't finished within the recommended time after recorking. A company called WineSide has come up with a unique alternative by packaging their finest wines in a unique way.

Summertime is the perfect time for a casual beach wedding or outdoor ceremony at a hot destination, so why dress to the nines with you can stick with a cool and casual summer style? Complement your summer wedding dress with accessories that are comfortable and cool for warm climates.

As we become more health conscious as a society, it's all about portion control and snacking versus consuming large meals. But when you eat out you will often find that you are stuck with large portions, either forgoing your healthy eating lifestyle and overeating, or wasting your food and the money you paid for it. A new restaurant makes all foods in miniature size to accommodate proper good portioning.

Those looking for the latest wearable gadget needn't look any further, because the Hamilton ODC X-02 Quartz is the latest gadget available for the world traveler.

Perhaps this business was inspired by a hate of facial hair, or perhaps it's about self-improvement, but in any case, this is one business that is clearly designed for stupid men. Not only does it teach them a fundamental skill they've probably been using during their entire adult life, it also charges them a ludicrous amount. Yes, it's a shaving school and keep on reading to find out exactly what it does and why.

Sure to be the next craze at kids birthday parties everywhere, Waterwalkerz get you out of the pool and onto the water. Walk, jog and run your way across the lake, pool or ocean.

Looking for a way to secure your commitment both to your partner and your inner geek? Then enter into engagement with a unique ring, which is ideal for any geeky couple looking to tie the knot.

Frozen yogurt tends to be a guilt-free desert as it's lighter on the calories and the fat content. But there's another reason to feel a little bit of remorse when satisfying your sweet tooth, because until Sno:La came along, no frozen yogurt shop specialized in a product that has 100% organic and natural desert treat.

Sock Monkeys, for whatever reason, are a trend that has sprung many variations of products, and finally (or unfortunately) there is now a sock monkey outfit that will allow you to relive your sock monkey obsession every time you put it on.

Any woman that's sat down with a makeup artist to have them do magic on her face, would be lying if she said she wouldn't like to have her own custom makeup applier on hand, tucked away in her own secret drawer (the one right next to the home hair stylist). It's unfortunate, but this just isn't realistic for most women; however, there is a product that delivers the same results almost instantaneously.

There are tons of company out there that sell energy monitoring products to help you reduce your energy consumption and make your home that much greener, but so far there only seems to be one that pays you to save money.

Sitting outside in the backyard getting some sun, I couldn't help think about my poor dogs roasting away. After turning on the sprinkler and putting them into a fit of terror, I couldn't help but wonder if there's a company out there that specializes in making swimming pools specifically for dogs. Read on and find out!

Showering just got a lot more fun with the animal shower caps by Urban Outfitters. Whether you're young or old, you'll get a kick out of these novelty items that are anything but fashionable, but you might want to keep them your own dirty little secret.

Last year I introduced you to Bulldog Interactive Fitness, and exergaming franchise working to get kids off the couch with the innovative concept. Not only is Bulldog finding success, but exergaming is not surprisingly a trend that's really making waves. Now, with Nexgym out there in the industry, the competition in exergaming is heating up!

Based on the lineup at Starbucks, coffee addicts seem to be getting younger and younger everyday. One young coffee drinker just can't shake her love for coffee, so she brought her addiction to a new level by bringing it to her prom. Yes, you will understand how coffee and fashion come together if you keep on reading.

Band t-shirts have traditionally been strictly a way to promote your love for a favorite band or concert series, now an exclusive design of music fashion tees give you access to artists' music for free.

Forget modern vacations with all of the modern conveniences of in-room beverage dispensers, room service, and on-location spas, and escape to a vacation that lets you live as the pioneers did in days gone by at this unique UK vacation spot.

Most women wear medical tights in order to try and cure varicose veins, but for those who like the look, there are strange fashions to accommodate their vein jealousy.

Coming to you in August 2009 is a new business that allows you to replace your favorite actors in some of Hollywood's top movies. Aspiring actors and actresses, you might never make it to the big screen, but with this up-and-coming company you can pretend.

Many men and women dream of one night stands, where they can play sweet music all night long without having to share their hard-earned money for years of time together. Guitar Affair knows that sometimes you just need to get your hands on something beautiful, without the commitment and arranges for their clients to have access to some of the top guitars out there.

Lego has inspired the creation of many clothing and design items since it is one of the most versatile building materials that also creates a cool effect. The Lego dress is the latest innovation in fashion that has popped up, although it's not exactly what you think, so read on.