January, 2010

How does the concept of the clown fit into modern advertising schemes?  While I'm not sure I have the answer, I do have several examples of how the idea of the clown has shifted over the decades... and where this image may be heading in the advertising realm... and beyond.  But they're still scary to me.

There are more than 300 members of the parrot family and many of them, from the large macaw to the budgerigar (budgie Parakeets), make wonderful pets.  Parrots are very social birds and they love to explore and, of course, "talk."  But anyone who owns a pet parrot knows that these highly intelligent birds need a lot of interaction, companionship, and challenging toys to keep them happy and healthy.

Sure, you can get a list of the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2010 anywhere.  But you want to see the designs, not just read their names on a list!  So, we've gathered them for you.  Focusing on the best interior design awards, here are 11 of the 22 winning furniture designs, plus the Wallpaper* Furniture Designer of the Year winner in Part 1.

 More and more, the influence of diet on various aspects of our health is being uncovered, often with very specific findings that leave us with obvious prescriptions for better health.  Another study, published today in the journal Neuron, looked at the effects of a laboratory-designed magnesium supplement on the brains of rats of different ages.

Since the resurgence of the stand alone sink, bathrooms have become really hot rooms to redecorate.  No slouch themselves, stand alone bathtubs have pushed the trend from closet-sized bathrooms into living room sized spas. These 10 designer bathtubs seriously call for an enlarged space to indulge yourself.  But, beyond the fact that they make a big splash, they make big impressions - like sculptures in a museum.

Just say the word "clown" to me and I shudder.  So why, dear readers, would I write a two-part article about them?  Because I think they've gotten a bad rap in advertising campaigns, that's why.  But they're still scary....

Miju's morbid necklaces might even go too far for those who like the gothic looks, but if you're into dead things (and I don't just mean leather or fur) then this is one fashion accessory that you might find appealing.

I don't know what you think of when you picture a relaxing retreat into nature, but a new unique hotel promises to be more ecologically friendly and provide a unique vacation experience.

It’s hard to resist Dima Loginoff’s designs; they’re so conceptually rich, drawing in so many aspects of history, art, and social commentary.  Perhaps none of Loginoff’s creations to date are as evocative as his concept chair, Dounyasha.

Today you don't need to step away from your computer to enter a different world that's not such a far cry from the one that's just outside your doorstep. Virtual worlds and Augmented Reality programs are growing in popularity, and now Adidas is taking advantage of that by allowing their new kicks to take you from the mean streets outside to the mean streets online.

Arthritis, or any hand pain, can be very limiting.  The muscles and joints in the hand and wrist are very small and precision-oriented, and pain can impair performance on things we do every day, like closing a jewelry catch or fastening buttons on your shirt.  Assistive gadgets have less of a stigma than they used to, and they're actually getting cooler as more people are using them... because they're just smarter.  Here are 10 new really cool and "handy" gadgets that just make routine movements less taxing on our hands. They even make great gifts!

A good pair of jeans can really do wonders when it comes to getting that hot look. Since off-the-rack designs don't always do a body justice, there are custom denim companies that we've come across. Most, however, require a visit in person. Now, one allows online ordering.

There are many out there who wish they didn't have to get out of bed every day to go to work. That doesn't do much by way of earning an income - but wouldn't it be a dream job if you could get paid to climb in bed every day.

Since Google announced that they would no longer continue to censor in China, pretty much everybody has assumed that they won't be able to remain in the country. That may turn out to be the case. I'm not going to speculate too much on the issue, because there's way more than enough being said already. 

In the midst of all that headache, I do want to point out a few humorous tributes to Google that some Chinese netizens have published online.

Some children are fortunate enough to have a passport full of stamps before they're even old enough to go to school, but that's not the case for the majority. So it's important to give children that cultural, educational experience even if it's from their own homes and bring the excitement of travel to them.

There's such thing as suffering for fashion, and there are shoes that truly do fall into that category, some really taking that concept to the extreme.

Broken bones happen, and when they do people of all ages are forced to tote around casts until the injury heals. At first, casts can be fun. People sign them, you get sympathy, and they're great defense mechanisms that are always there when you need them. But after a while they get grungy, and one company is ready to ensure that's a solvable problem.

The senior care industry is a growing rapidly to accommodate the aging baby boomers, and there are all sorts of businesses trying to break into the niche. With all of the competition, it's important that new businesses find a concept that allows them to stand out from the crowd, and Ruby Slippers is one that's done just that.

Tim Burton's interpretation of the Disney classic Alice in Wonderland is one highly anticipated movie.  While fans have a while to wait until it hits theaters, what they don't need to wait for are branded products getting in on the hype including one famous jewelry maker.

When you dreamed of a productive business to get yourself into, you might have ideas buzzing in your head, but I'd be surprised if it was beehives and honey that you had in mind. Well, Your Pure Honey was thinking for you so don't you worry.

I featured some funky hoof shoes a while back as the trend was beginning to emerge. As if the risk of taking on gravity (for those without a heel) was not enough; Iris Schieferstein, known for her unique designs, has come up with a shoe far more dangerous.

Tom's Shoes has made its claim to fame not only for its versatile, and ridiculously comfortable shoes, but for the fact that for every pair purchased, another is donated to a child in need. Not surprisingly, other businesses are catching onto this philanthropic business structure and this latest one deals in beautiful baby goods.

I'm a big fan of customization, particularly when it comes to fashion, and I know I'm not alone. Not all of us can be fashion designers, but customizable fashions do get to put our own mark on the clothing and accessories that we choose to wear so they're unique. Here are some of the coolest customizable fashions on the market today.

We've seen lots of fun theme hotels that make for a unique visitor's experience, but there's a new one in a popular vacation destination that has gone to a new level.

Ever wondered what makes up your body composition? Well, now you can stop wondering and tell the rest of the world about it on your designer t-shirt.

Many men and women hold the belief that riding motorcycles is a sexy hobby - but few think that the helmets that are required for the safety of your noggin is too. That's why, high fashion motorcycle helmets are on their way!

You know about the gecko. It can climb any smooth surface with the best climbing boots in the world -- its own feet.  Création Baumann, the renowned, proudly extravagant Swiss innovator in textiles, has named its latest product GECKO for a good reason. It sticks to smooth, shiny surfaces, like mirrors and windows, and it can lift its sticky "feet" to stick again somewhere else.

Facebook and other social networking sites have become great ways for family of all generations around the world to stay in touch with one another. But for those who aren't as technologically savvy, it's not hard to be left out of the loop, which is why a new business News From Yous is integrating social media with print.

Skinny jeans were one of the biggest fashion trends in 2009, both for men and women. They may be trendy, but arguably, they're not the most comfortable, so the same style has now been applied to a more comfortable style.

Umbrellas are an under-appreciated accessory, but if you follow my blog - you know I'm a big believer in their ability to brighten your day and your outfit on the dreariest of days. A new one to come across my radar is classic, chic and sure to be a conversation starter.

Though they are not exactly hit men, certain enzymes in fat cells have been found aiding and abetting the spread of the most aggressive cancer cells.  The guilty enzymes are the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) enzymes, which put cancer cells into overdrive when they come in contact.

As much as I advocate public transit, in concept, for environmental reasons; I loathe standing on a bus or subway about as much as the next person. You find yourself sleeping, falling, and tumbling over the person sitting in the seat in front of where you're standing. Now, one innovative Korean designer has made commuting just that much more comfortable.

The Cat Eye Bed, with its attitude and all, is just perfect for one cat or a multi-cat family, who love to scratch, play, spy on you and, of course, nap.

Food delivery services offer the ultimate craving. In North America, you can dial a number or login to a website and receive just about anything you're craving right at your doorstep. Gourmet foods can be the exception, but not according to one Hong Kong company.

Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz was best known for her glittery, ruby red slippers and now there's a modern version available as part of a complete design project that partners Swarovski with a number of Japan designers.

While Christmas is fresh on your minds, I know you inventors have plenty of ideas for how to improve it.  Before those visions of sugar plums and the money to be made from them leave your minds, the Christmas Tree Shops, through Edison Nation, want your ideas.  Hurry now, you have only until February 15, 2010 to get your entries in.

You might think that a notebook is a notebook; after all, what can a company really do to make paper with a cover unique, right? Well, Rite in the Rain doesn't agree with that sentiment since their main project line takes notebooks to a place they've just never been.

Burberry is known for the classic trench coat and designs that have transcended fashion for decades; now, they bring a design that's fitting for the new decade that we've entered with an edgy twist on a classic.

You never know when brass knuckles just might come in handy. So it's becoming a growing trend to build them into accessories. Previously, we saw a daintier necklace - this design just might do a little bit more damage.

Everyone loves to try things before they buy them, but so rarely is there the opportunity to really check things out in a non-pressure situation, without commissioned salespeople starring over your shoulder trying to convince you to by. This is where the trend of tryvertising came from, and now there's an actual business that's opened in Spain with this sole purpose.

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.

It's no secret that many men are still clueless when it comes to dealing with women, and that doesn't discount those in long-term relationships and marriages. Lady Data Site by DonQ helps men unlock the secrets that separate men from women.

Johnny Depp started the allure of Edward Scissorhands with women around the world hoping to get their haircut by a sexy hairdresser with magic fingers. To encourage this fantasy hairdresser Valentino LoSauro created the Clawz.

Steampunk clock-maker Roger Wood creates unique works of art with a variety of unusual materials.