Experimental Setup for Odor RecorderHave you ever gotten hungry just watching the cooking channel on cable? What if you could smell it too?

Our guest blogger, Emily Swan, graduated with highest honors from Butler University in Indianapolis. After school, she worked in public relations for Borders Group Inc, the book, music, and movie retailer. She's since jumped the PR fence and now works as a freelance writer. An avid science junkie, we hope you'll enjoy her quirky (and sometimes philosophical) takes on modern gadgets. Emily gives us a glimpse of what our future can be like while we're watching TV at home.

Here's Emily's article for AmericanInventorSpot.com:

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At the beginning of the twentieth century, French writer, Marcel Proust, explored a theory that human senses are intricately entwined with memory.
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ElevatorWonder what you would do if you were riding in an elevator with one of the judges from the American Inventor TV show?

Our Guest Blogger, Tim Whitney, is a bit of a contest nut. He's the National Grand Prize Winner of the KeyCite Key to Good Law Contest, and a national finalist in both the 2005 Staples Invention Quest and Digital Innovations Design-Originality-Creativity Awards. His background in law, marketing and design helps him bring a critical and analytical eye to the inner workings of these contests in an effort to advise and inform entrants and help them make the most of these and other opportunities to promote their ideas. Tim gives us some tips on how to pitch your invention in 30 seconds or less.

Here's his article:

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In the marketing/branding world, there's this thing called the "elevator pitch." read more »

It’s that time of year again when ghosts and goblins and Flappers and Ninjas hit the streets in search of loot. Halloween is upon us, so it’s time to get those thinking caps on to help dream up the perfect costume for the loved ones in your family.

For years, I have gussied up our dogs for the holiday so they can join in on the festivities. We have a pair of pups, so we usually opt for theme costumes. We have had Hula Boy and Hula Girl. (Yes, my dog did don a coconut bra.) I’ve rounded up some adorable costume ideas for you here to get you going on your Halloween brainstorming. read more »

New Mona LisaWhat is it about Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa that makes people want to create her image over and over again? Why is it so intriguing? Maybe it’s that enigmatic smile she wears or the facial hair she lacks, such as the missing eyebrows. read more »

This is my wacky find of the week:

Monthly Doos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, for the person with a lot of empty space on their walls, we have the Monthly Doos calendar. (Calendar). The merchant says "Finally, a calendar dedicated to the colorful achievements of man's best friend! "

I am left speechless, so I need your help in coming up with some funny comments for this product. Is this wacky or wonderful?
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It finally feels like its fall in the Northeast. I'm seeing leaves fall and kids starting to cough. I thought of this article I wrote back during the summer and thought it was very appropriate right now. Hope it makes your winter a little easier. Here it is. ..

If candy wasn’t so bad for my kids, I would let them consume it 24/7. Nothing seems to quiet a whinning child as quickly and effectively as candy. Now imagine your child sick at home and whinning and having the amazing ability to say, “Hey, I’ve got a great idea, why don’t you have a lollipop?” Your child will look at you with questioning eyes. Is it a trick?

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Staples Invention QuestThere's an inventor inside everyone of us. I don't know of a single person that hasn't had at least one great idea. Ever wonder whether you should enter into the Staples Invention Quest contest with that great idea?

Our Guest Blogger, Tim Whitney, is a bit of a contest nut. He's the National Grand Prize Winner of the KeyCite Key to Good Law Contest, and a national finalist in both the 2005 Staples Invention Quest and Digital Innovations Design-Originality-Creativity Awards. His background in law, marketing and design helps him bring a critical and analytical eye to the inner workings of these contests in an effort to advise and inform entrants and help them make the most of these and other opportunities to promote their ideas. Tim gives us some of his thoughts about the Staples Invention Quest contest.

Here's his article:

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For as much fun as I had making it to the finals of the 2005 Staples Invention Quest, there was always an undercurrent of corporate agenda that made some of us finalists wonder if we were being naïve about Staples' true intentions for the contest. With some of those elements intact for the 2006 version of IQ (www.staples.com/iq), I think it merits some discussion so the naivete isn't passed to a new generation of entrants. read more »

YalosOh, what to do? What to do? I have $130,000 laying around and I can put a down payment on a house, buy a few cars, feed a starving country or I can buy one TV. The choices some people have to make.

Keymat, has just come out with the Yalos Diamond LCD TV that costs $130,000.
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Staples Invention QuestEver wish you had insider's guide to what's going on in an invention contest?

Our Guest Blogger, Tim Whitney, is a bit of a contest nut. He's the National Grand Prize Winner of the KeyCite Key to Good Law Contest, and a national finalist in both the 2005 Staples Invention Quest and Digital Innovations Design-Originality-Creativity Awards. His background in law, marketing and design helps him bring a critical and analytical eye to the inner workings of these contests in an effort to advise and inform entrants and help them make the most of these and other opportunities to promote their ideas. Tim gives us some tips for Staples Invention Quest contest.

Here's his article: read more »

ChopStick KidsI grew up using chopsticks. Personally, there isn't a type of Asian food that I don't like (ok - so there really isn't any ethnic food I don't like). In this day and age where Chinese food restaurants are as common as the local pizza shop, all kids should get to know how to use chopsticks. My kids have a couple of pairs of them and when we go to restaurants, the wait staff usually makes their own version of children's chopsticks. Here are couple I've found for the kids (and grownups). read more »

 

Love to be scared, scare someone else or delight in watching others wet themselves in fright? If so, this is the post for you. Compiled here are the 13 best American haunted houses. Each has its own specialties in gore and fear and they are sure to terrify even the most seasoned haunted house goer. So, if you’ve got a plight for fright, check out one or more of these locations to ensure a positively hair-raising October. read more »

Hip Hop Grand VitaraInterested in knowing what you get when you mix a car with a music fanatic?

Our guest blogger, Carson Barker, has been a freelance writing since 2001. He has a bachelor's degree in music and journalism, and when he's not writing about the entertainment industry or general news, he teaches music and art lessons in his hometown of Austin, Texas. Carson takes a close look at the newest twist with automobiles.

Here's his article:

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When it comes to keeping up with the times, Suzuki has gone above and beyond its other automobile competitors. In accordance with music, fashion, trend and consumerism, American Suzuki Motor Company (ASMC) showed off its "Hip Hop" Grand Vitara, at the 2006 Orange County Auto Show and the Reggaeton Grand Vitara at the 2006 South Florida Auto Show.. read more »

In the United States, there is no sport more popular than football (although a few may argue baseball). Have you ever dreamt of being a professional athlete with the crowd roaring their approval? Ever dreamt of being out there playing football with the best in the world? With the video game Madden NFL 07, you can live out your dreams. It's as close as it gets to actually being on the field. read more »

If anyone read my last article, Adorable Animal Backpacks, they probably think that I'm on some kind of animal kick. These great bicycle bells are crafted of durable baked enamel. They come in variety of designs including: lady bug, bee, pink poppy, frog, dots, rainbow, clown, fish, hearts, flower, pond, and spring. read more »

I want to announce that we have a new Featured Blogger joining our team. Seth Plattner is a recent graduate from New York University and currenly lives in Denver, Colorado. Having majored in English and minored in Art History, Seth will be honing both his writing skills and artistic eye to focus on architecture and design for American Inventor Spot. Look for articles on anything from interesting buildings and houses to innovative design ideas. But, whatever the topic, you're sure to find interesting subject matter and a unique perspective from Seth.

We're very excited to have him join us and think he's a wonderful addition to our site. read more »

pod 3

So I know you like your iPod, and pea pods, and those weird Japanese pod style hotels (ok, maybe not) but I offer a few words of caution if you are considering investing in one of the latest design ideas to hit the market: the luxury pod. Designed by Jagger and labeled "the Boho Pods" these large box structures are meant to be an innovative solution for limited space, and they very well can be. Yet, before you slap down some cash for one of these, make sure and use it effectively. read more »

Book Purse In my last article, I introduced you to the world of inspiring chairs and their recycled parts. This time I’d like to show you that inspiration doesn’t always have to be so big and loud. Some times something as simple as a purse can make an impact on our society and the way we think about recycling.

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Trying to decide whether you need a prototype of your invention?

Our Guest Blogger, Frank Morosky, is an Entrepreneur Consultant. He assists people with business ideas or inventions get their business started quickly and on a tight budget. His website is at fmorosky.home.mchsi.com. He wanted to share his experiences with prototyping with the readers of AmericanInventorSpot.com.

Here's his article: read more »

Big BrotherThere should be no mistaking that information is for sale these days, and security concerns have placed a premium on surveillance data - but have we gone too far?

From subway cameras, to keyboard strokes, to webcams monitoring your local street, we’ve gone surveillance crazy. Advancements in camera, video and webcam technology are moving at a blistering pace and the latest innovators have developed such a mastery of pattern recognition that now they can tell it was you who ordered that tiramisu at Mike’s Pastry’s last Friday. Wendy was your waitress. They saw you, and you didn’t tip. read more »

I know that, at the end of a long day, I really enjoy settling in at home to relish the environment my husband, my children and I have carefully crafted. We have worked hard to make our house a home by slowly but surely contributing the creature comforts we savor on a daily basis. For us, that means a user-friendly backyard for barbequing, a high quality entertainment system for the occasional movie and a kitchen fully loaded to prepare only the finest meals.

Home life may be perfect for us, but what about our other family members: the pets?! They, too, should reap the rewards of our lives well spent. So here are a few products we are considering to help create the perfect home setting for our favorite canine companions. read more »