September, 2009

Moustaches are suddenly a thing of fashion. We've seen varieties of jewellery galore (also designed to be held up to the face when an impromptu disguise is needed), some of which is discreet and some of which insights hysterics.  Now there's a new fashion for those who want to jump on the moustache trend in an even more in your face way.

We've seen restaurants that deal exclusively in mac ‘n cheese and PB&J, and now there's another fantastic new restaurant that serves a different type of food. Care to render a guess? No, well then just read on to find out.

Everyone loves a morning cup of coffee, but sometimes one just isn't enough. So you don't need to keep on filling your bladder as a result of too many wakeup beverages, one company that caffeine addicts are sure to love is making other caffeinated breakfast foods.

The Sam's Town Hotel and Casino Sportsbook is located on the Boulder Strip; the operation itself is on the smaller side compared to some of the massive resorts that can be found in the Las Vegas area. The complex has a unique feel, particularly following the 2007 remodel that incorporated a glass atrium into the building with a glass roof which also lends an element of modernity to the overall effect.

We've seen marijuana cafes located in California, but on the other side of the globe there's now a bar that's the first of its kind and it serves a drug that is surrounded by even more controversy, particularly as unlike marijuana, there is no talk of move towards legalization.

It doesn't matter which generation you belong to, at some stage, you've probably had a brief love affair with Super Mario when playing on Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64 or Nintendo Wii. You might want to show your love through fashion, but cartoon clothing featuring Mario has primarily been made for men, until now.

Hula hooping has become the latest fitness craze, in part popularized by the Wii Fit fun hula hooping challenge which also doubles as great abdominal activity. But standing in one place swivelling your hips for many minutes on end is far more boring than a run or walk on the treadmill, which is why one hula hoop maker has decided to offer artsy dance classes.

Halloween is coming up, and I bet I know what you're planning. If you're into the nightlife scene, you're likely to be dressing up as a scantily clad superhero, pirate, or football cheerleader (if you're a woman that is, and maybe even if you're not); or if you're looking for a low key Halloween night, you're probably waiting to fend off the trick-or-treaters with candy. Well, for a unique experience, here's a better idea by way of a unique business that will satisfy your appetite for fear and dinner!

As the ban of cell phones in cars is slowly embraced across North American states and provinces, more people are turning to Bluetooth technology for their hands-free devices. This technology is great, but what if I told you that you could get your hands on a Bluetooth headset that also has an alternative, more fashionable purpose?

There are lots of hotels around the world that offer comfortable accommodations for travelers, but some of them are far more memorable than others with unique themes, décor, and unusual locations that really stick out in visitors' minds. Here are some of the 5 most strange and unique hotels from around the world.

The ubiquitous Google never content to remain idle and like the Pac Man of yesteryear gobbling up everything in site is now setting its cross-hairs on YOU. This time out, they are introducing the Google Sidewicki which will be added to the Google Toolbar and will allow the entire Internet universe to leave comments about pages they surf on the Web.

Kanye West's recent MTV Video Music Awards invasion created a media frenzy and went viral with a number of related videos beginning with the opening the rap star used when going onstage to interrupt Taylor Swift's award acceptance speech, "I'ma let you finish..." It's a statement that has become forever imbedded in pop culture jargon and it's also inspired fashion.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again; vending machines are the ultimate business of convenience. And as long as people keep developing the technology and making them available on the market; we'll never see an end to the type of products that are dispensed. The latest vending machine will conveniently dispense a fashion product that everyone needs.

We've seen jewelry made of human hair in the past; it's been woven, beaded, braided and been used as the main medium for many chic creations. But there's a new kind of hair jewelry out there that's far more refined, detailed and artistic than anything we've seen before.

Sometimes the most industrious businesses don't just stick to what they know - they expand to capture additional markets and ensure that their appeal reaches a greater scope of clientele. The most recent example of creative branding has occurred with the popular fashion brand Ed Hardy. Keep on reading to find out what they've done to re-invent themselves!

With some of today's gadgets, it seems like what we though this millennium would look like is finally coming true with the technologies available. The latest innovation is a prototype only right now, but it proves just how far we've come, and will help some wayward commuters as they go as well!

Daily milk delivery is a thing of the past in many communities, but there's one business that's bringing it back to New Yorkers, but rather than simply offering bottled milk, they've got a milk product delivery service that sends something a little bit more delicious to your door.

This Precision Urban Hopper  "leaps tall buildings in a single bound"  and will indeed be Superman to thousands of real live ground troops in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.  It is lightweight and small and can easily be carried with the soldiers and deployed when needed to scout out the situations that lie ahead in urban jungles, be they surface obstacles or combat ones.

Nail polish is often a girl's best friend, but the chemicals don't do our bodies any favorite, and let's not forget the potential impact on the environment. Green alternatives in nail polish are available, but one line is suitable even for the biggest fashionista looking for the trendiest colors for their manicures.

As much as working parents would like to enhance their child's minds and imaginations by reading to them daily, few can find the time to read to their kids as much as they'd like. That's where Story Something, a TechCrunch50 finalist comes into play.

Women like heels, but there's a common problem that accessory loves face - their heels just don't like them by the end of the day. Changing shoes for the walk home after a day at the office or a night at the club means remembering and managing to tote a more practical pair around which just isn't always reasonable. Now, an Australian design student has a more functional alternative.

Shoes are supposed to be worn on your feet, but not according to designer Minna Parkikka who has transformed her love of footwear into another unusual type of fashion.

We've seen businesses run by prisoners who are currently incarcerated, as well as those that give former convicts a second chance by employing them following their release from the big house. But now there's a special line of greeting cards which is exclusively geared towards those kept behind lock and key.

For Muslims who follow the code of Halal, it can be a challenge to find skin care products or cosmetics that don't violate the principles of the Koran. Now, there is a complete line available ideal for Muslim women who want to pamper themselves with high-end products.

It's a requirement that expiration dates be posted on all perishable products, but there are some items that are lacking these labels even though there's a good chance that they will go bad on the shelf or once they make it home with you.

It's a little bit early to be talking about Halloween, but if you're one who wants to prepare to scare the bejeezes out of someone you love, or just give them a novelty Halloween gift they'll never forget, then you'd better check out this creepy company.

Hearwear is more than just fashion, it's technology that puts fashion lovers in touch with technology in a unique way that's also visually captivating.

You might have seen the show Conviction Restaurant which aired for the first time this week. From a business stand point, the owners of this restaurant are doing something quite risky. Keep reading to find out how this unique restaurant works, and share your feedback on what you'd think of going into a restaurant with a staff like this.

We've all heard that we should stay out of the sun's rays, but that makes it difficult when we want to enjoy a day at the beach. A business in Japan offers a great alternative to fun in the sun outdoors, and is also suitable for all seasons.

They say diamonds are a girl's best friend. Well, now diamonds are available in more than just jewelry, so no matter what you love to wear, diamonds can make their way into your wardrobe and believe me, they'll be a focal point.

Lady Gaga regularly finds herself on the pages of both the best and worst dressed lists released by many magazines and publications. During last night's VMAs the artist made at least 3 costume changes (not counting her stage costume during her performance), but one couture outfit was verging more on crazy.

Hello Kitty has been a major phenomenon to spread across Asia; although we have the brand here in North America, the trend hasn't quite blown up to the same level. In Taiwan, Hello Kitty is the basis for a themed business that you just wouldn't expect.

The "stars" of the TLC show Jon & Kate Plus 8 have been dominating the media because of rumored affairs, child exploitation and divorce, and for those who are jealous of the attention, a new fashion item lets them try to follow in the mother of 8's footsteps.

The favorite accessory carried by most female celebrities these days seems to be a very little dog. Some have become fixtures in pop culture and have, as a result, inspired an accessory that sends a strong message about this trend by using a girl's second favorite accessory.

Marijuana might not be legal for general use in North America, but you would be surprised to learn just how big the marijuana industry is; and we're talking about those that are operating legally and even paying taxes on their products and services.

Some people just can't stop drawing or doodling, and while it can get some high school students in big trouble, Doodler's Anonymous actually encourages the addiction and honesty.

The cash for clunkers program was extremely popular when it launched in the US, and while it encouraged drivers to trade in an old inefficient vehicle for one a little more environmentally friendly, there's a new company on our radar that takes the concept to the next level.

If you like the SIMS games and you love fashion; you're going to die for Looklet, a beta website that combines virtual styling with designer fashion.

Not far from my home town is a simple yet delicious new concept that involves fresh baked goods and some serious decision making. Keep on reading to learn about The Sweet Flour Bake Shop and what makes it so unique.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you're likely familiar with the unusual phenomenon of inventive Chinese farmers. For some reason, these rural inventors are grabbing more headlines than most Chinese tech companies. Well, here's another distinguished farmer to follow in that tradition.

The pre-worn in look is in style today, from ripped jeans, to shredded jeans, to clothing that looks like it's gotten into a terrible fight with bleach and lost. But there's one trend that I'm not sure I'm sold on.

... Sure, you can buy about 10 plastic patio tables for the cost... but the Teak Shower Seat is so much smarter.  It stayed in school until it was ready to do the job. 

It's back to school season and that means it's prime time to shop for fall fashions. This year, if you live in a cool climate, you don't need to shop for boots, because a much more fashionable design now offers warmth and protection from the elements.

Twitter is making waves in the restaurant business and helping different companies build not only interest but a following. The latest business to jump on the bandwagon? A Korean BBQ taco truck.

Funeral homes and funeral planners offer all sorts of celebrations, including those based on Irish tradition that celebrate life with a toast to the dead, rather than having a morose and subdued ceremony. Tonight on ABC's The Shark Tank, a woman pitched a business that would do exclusively this.

Summer's coming to a close, and it's time to start reflecting on all of those fond memories of beaches and margaritas, and while we're at it, let's not forget about the fashion. Summer 2009 brought some truly innovative and inventive fashion. A favorite summer staple, the flip flop popped up in a variety of forms that were fashionable, functional and wacky.

Origami has a whimsical quality that can be translated to beautiful fashion, and one designer recently made those creative dreams a reality with accessories that have a modern take on the cultural craft.

Jealous of all of those musicians who manage to woo the ladies by writing and performing their own personalized love songs? Cheesy or not, now it's possible to have a love song written and recorded without any artistic or musical talent.

Moustache necklaces have been the big trend; but until recently, the trend has been small and dainty jewelry pieces, at least until someone came up with the bright idea to create a Magnum PI inspired moustache design.

It's no secret that some inmates in prisons in North America have privileges; you don't even want to get me started on some of the opportunities available to Canadian prisoners who have more opportunities available to them than some law abiding citizens. Freedom might not be one of the privileges of a group of Floridian inmates, but that hasn't stopped them from developing entrepreneurial roots.

A new and innovative company is just getting off the ground, both figuratively and literally. It offers a unique service that is the stuff that dreams are made from, and it will blow you away!

One of the trendiest styles that have hit the streets this summer are the Sanuk Pick Pocket Sidewalk Surfer Shoes that have become extremely popular with celebrities. If you haven't heard about these, you'll want to, because with summer drawing to a close who knows where these trendy shoes will pop up on sale.

The leg warmers of the 80's and the most recent decade where the style has made an appearance are designed more for fashion than function, although they do offer some level of warmth as promised by their name. Stroke's Extra Leg is similar in design, but it serves a very different purpose that is more about function than fashion.

When you walk into your local coffee shop or café, at best, the only freebies you'll get are the chocolate toppings or other spices available at the station where you have to lid your own drink. Well, not anymore; at least, not if you live in Japan and plan on frequenting LCAFE.

We've all listened to sports announcers and thought "wouldn't it be cool if he were saying my name as I kick butt at a sport I probably don't play in reality?". Well, short of becoming a professional sports player, that hasn't really been possible until now.

A new trend is hitting the runways for Fall 2009, and it's one that would have been better suited for spring, because it's pretty Easter chic. Read on to find out what it is, and tell me if it's something that you would wear for more than one holiday season.

This wearable gadget is about to get you thinking "just look at how far we come", and while retro fashions might be becoming trendy in a very big way, this is one design that should have remained in the 80's.

A few years ago Sprint launched a special nutrition service that is unfortunately no longer in operation that helps keep perpetual dieters always on task. Since this business is no longer in operation, it opens up a niche industry void that could use filling.