International

Officially Official News About the Subaru-Toyota Sports Car

Over the last few weeks, a substantial amount of media attention has been directed to the joint Subaru-Toyota sports car. What is getting even more attention is the news that the result could be a light rear-wheel drive performance coupe priced at less the $20,000.

Enhance Your Flower Power With the Antibodi Chair

by Sarah O

The Italian-made Antibodi Chair created by Patricia Urquiola is a blossoming interior design statement. If you're digging springtime but its still a little too cold to fully enjoy the outdoors, this chair will give you a taste of what's to come with its very organic, budding design.

1 comment

Go Green When You Go... With the Toto Hybrid Toilet

by Steve Levenstein

Going green these days means going all the way - to the bathroom, where the new, environmentally friendly Toto Neorest AH type hybrid toilet awaits nature's call.

Scented Pencils from Pentel Relax, Refresh and Recharge

by Steve Levenstein

Aromatherapy and nanotechnology are combined to create Pentel's award-winning Ain Supplio scented pencils. As you write, specially selected oils waft through the air to relax, refresh and recharge.

Milan Design Week: Spotlight on Vahakn Matossian

by Sarah O

Twenty-two year-old Vahakn Matossian is exhibiting with designersblock during Milan Design Week taking place this month. He is showing three of his latest works: Microscopy, Boomboy and Crucifix.

The World's Tallest Building Keeps Growing

by Alison Storm

These amazing photos look like the view from an airplane, but they were actually taken from inside the world's tallest building.

5 comments

Video Game Championships Come to China in 2009

by Andrew Domino

The site for the 2009 World Cyber Games video game tournament has been announced. It's a first-ever for China.

Can Viewing Cherry Blossoms Turn You On?

by Steve Levenstein

An intriguing article in Japan's MSN Sankei News speculates the reason people feel great beneath Japan's famous flowering Cherry trees is due not so much to the sights, but the scents - specifically, pheromones.

2 comments

Braille Cell Phone Gives Good Vibrations to Blind & Deaf Callers

by Steve Levenstein

A new type of Braille cell phone will make it possible for those who are vision and hearing impaired to hold conversations and even send & receive text messages via mobile phone.

Expand Your World With Molo Design

by Sarah O

The increase in environmentally-friendly consumerism has fostered the rise of green interiors and award-winning, Vancouver-based Molo Design is leading the pack with their striking line of expandable furniture.

Meet Hatch-chan, Japan's First Blogging Cat

by Steve Levenstein

A black & white cat named Hatch-chan has become a minor celebrity in Japan thanks to his popular blog. Yes, blog. Deal with it, LOLcats!

9 comments

Biofuel From A Termite's Butt?

by Steve Levenstein

Termites... these ground-dwelling insect pests cause millions of dollars worth of damage each year to wooden structures by eating them. Now scientists are closer to understanding how termites convert wood into energy - true biofuel - and how we humans might do the same; cleanly, "greenly" and economically.

Studio Nommo Rocks the House with Their Ultra-Funky Wallpaper

by Sarah O

I am totally impressed by these unique and ballsy wallpapers that are very boldly and unapologetically just what they are. Whoever can seamlessly work these into their décor is definitely a master of interiors, in my book.

Mini-House Addition Won't Upset Your Landlord

by Sarah O

Designed by the German team at Convertible City, Rucksack House is a quick and easy way to expand your apartment size without the hassle of moving. This walk-in cube functions as an additional room, hanging from the façade of your current residence via steel cables anchored to the roof.

7 comments

Manga Comic Explains The War On Terror in Anime Style

by Steve Levenstein

"Afuganisu-tan" is a Japanese manga (comic) that seeks to explain the sociopolitical situation in Afghanistan and The War On Terror in a very unique and unusual way - with cute anime characters representing the countries.

7 comments

Knit One, Pearl Two - The Lampshade that Knits Itself

by Sarah O

Nadine Sterk, the designer of this Sleeping Beauty lampshade, is a graduate of Design Academy Eindhoven, currently displaying this piece as part of an alumni exhibit at the Design Huis. According to Stark, this is "a lamp that develops like a living organism," slowly growing its lampshade at the rate of three rotations per hour.

An East Coast School In Central China: The University Of Massachusetts Moves Into Asia

by Andrew Domino

Are you a University of Massachusetts alumnus? A current student? You might not be alone in the world soon. The school is working out a deal to bring online classes to China.

Nightmare Playgrounds Equal Family Fun?

by Tammy

There is no question that kids love playgrounds – but unfortunately some adults have lost sight of what truly has “kid appeal”, as these terrifying playgrounds around the world prove!

3 comments

Dislike Burial and Cremation? Try Resomation!

by Thomas A. Parmalee

If you are planning on dying - and let's face it, we all are - you might be trying to answer the following question: Burial or cremation? Well, now there is a third option - resomation.

McDonalds Japan Bucks Fast Food Trends With Big Fat Burgers

by Steve Levenstein

You'd expect McDonalds Japan to be ahead of the game when it comes to providing healthy, calorie-conscious meals to a nation that boasts the world's longest average lifespan. Well, expect to be disappointed... BIG time!

4 comments

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