NEW IDEAS AND TRENDS (old)

Feast Your Eyes! The International Design Awards (iDA) 2008

by Toby

The 2008 International Design Awards (iDA) have been announced in iDA's traditional categories: Interior Design, Architecture, Fashion, Product, and Graphics. One design is more breathtaking than the next, but I can't say which one!

Buffalo's New USB LCD Computer Monitor Gives You Extra Screen Time

Buffalo FTD-W71USB Secondary LCD Monitor Gives You Extra Screen Time

by Steve Levenstein

The new FTD-W71USB secondary computer monitor from Buffalo (the company, not the city) lets busy computer users view off-topic programs from an off-screen location.

1 comment

Adaptive Alarm System: Great Idea?

by Cosetta

Patent# US 6838994 also known as the Adaptive Alarm System, is not an invention that will appeal to those of us who feel we are being watched by hidden eyes. It may, however, be just the thing for those wanna-be J. Edgar Hoover types who roam free among us. Read on, but look over your shoulder.

2 comments

What Will Replace the Internet?

by Ron Callari

Historically the Internet has been around since the 1960s. Since 1994, the digerati of users has grown from approximately 13 million to more than 300 million globally. Shortly it will incorporate holographic technology. Looking beyond, it will become ubiquitous and as elusive as air, as it morphs into our biological make-up!

4 comments

Inspired By The Lotus Leaf: Lotusan® Paint

by T Goodman

The surface topography of the lotus leaf interacts with water molecules so that the water rolls off the leaf and takes the dirt with it. That was exactly what Sto® Corporation wanted for its Lotusan® sealer and paint.

World’s Longest Television Remote: Russian Innovation

by M Dee Dubroff

Art Lebedev, one of Russia’s most famous design studios, continues its creative tradition of modifying the most ordinary things and transforming them into…well, something else. Read on for details about their new television remote.

8 comments

Trendiest Vending Machine Of 2009: Yo! Naturals

by Beth Graddon-Hodgson

If you don't know that healthy foods and organic eating are in, you must be living under a rock. As a result, it's no surprise how rapidly the industry has grown over the past years; and since vending machines seem to be entering the forces of many niche markets, companies like Yo! Naturals', YoZone vending machine are popping up which combine convenience with eating trends.

Whipped Cocoa Bath: Great Idea?

by Cosetta

Patent#US 6753303 known among chocolate lovers as the Whipped Cocoa Bath, may very well take the concept of going a bit too far a bit further. If you have dreamed of sitting in a luxurious cocoa bath surrounded by suds that don’t know quite what to do, consider it within sight, but watch out for those marshmallows!

Innovative Chinese Museum Unites Mah-jong and Tea Culture

by M Dee Dubroff

In Chengdu, the capital city of China’s Sichuan Province, there stands a one-of-a kind museum. It is the very first of its kind to combine the China’s two most popular aspects; the game of mah-jong and tea culture. Read on for some fascinating details.

Catching Viral Fever – A Look at 3 Viral Marketing Techniques

by Ron Callari

When we think of viruses…we start conjuring up negative images. Viruses that trigger colds and viruses that damage computers are contagious and something we try to avoid or fight off with mega-doses of Vitamin C and spyware software. So how can Viral Marketing be good for us?

7 comments

Feng Shui Compass: For Inner Order, Direction and Wha?

by M Dee Dubroff

For the person who has everything (or at least thinks so), comes the electronic Feng Shui Compass, the newest creation from Fortune Compass, LLC. If you have been working in a room with your back to the door, now is the time to move, as this compass will indicate in no uncertain terms. Read on and be prepared to …calculate!

Google's 40 Minutes When the Earth Stood Still

Google: This Site May Harm Your Computer

by Ron Callari

Google caused the Internet world to stand still on Saturday 6:30 AM PST, January 31, 2009 for a whole 40 minutes! The problem affected internet pages across the entire planet, as engineers frantically tried to fix it.

1 comment

A Robot That Crawls Into Forbidden Places: Great Idea?

by Cosetta

Patent# US 6824508 is also known as a Micro Robot. While that might sound harmless enough, this little guy is really brazen and travels up unsuspecting butts. This 2004 invention has its medical purposes, but there are those who might prefer to see it in action in the next horror flick about the homicidal robot that practices medicine without a license! Read on, but be careful where you sit!

Just 10 Of John Backlund's Awesome Guitar Designs

by Toby

You don't have to know diddly squat about playing the guitar to recognize how awesome these designs are. If you've ever admired the design of a Fender® or a Parker guitar close-up, you would want it displayed somewhere in your home where others could admire it. Wait until you see the electric guitar designs of John Backlund!

Helicopter Hunting: Dangerous and Cruel Innovative Russian Pastime

by M Dee Dubroff

Russian ecologists and conservationists have expressed grave concern over a growing pastime among the Russian elite; namely poaching from helicopters. This disturbing practice was recently brought to light after a recent helicopter crash revealed carcasses of endangered argali sheep among the wreckage. Read on for more details on a most distressing subject.

2 comments

Room Light Saves Energy by Adjusting its Own Brightness

Panasonic Ceiling Light Adjusts Luminosity to Save Power

by Steve Levenstein

Saving power is the green way to go these days and Panasonic is making energy conservation ever more effortless. The new "Auto-eco Light-control Twin Pa" automatically adjusts its own light output to keep rooms evenly lit, day or night.

Chewable Toothbrush: Great Idea?

by Cosetta

Patent# US6769828 refers to the Chewable Toothbrush, a sort of throwback to that old expression about those who can, do and those who can’t, teach (chew in this case). When there is no brush available, one can chew and release, which is ultimately better than not brushing at all. Read on and remain dentally aware.

2 comments

Russian Scientists Create New Model of Tumor

by M Dee Dubroff

The study of photodynamic therapy is a promising technique in the fight against the scourge of human kind, cancer. Russian scientists have developed a new model of a tumor for more reliable cancer testing that may save many lab animals from an agonizing death.

Hello Kitty Chocolates for a Purr-fect Valentine's Day

by Steve Levenstein

Hello Kitty is all about being cute, sweet and loving so it's only natural that Sanrio Japan would offer a variety of Hello Kitty chocolate treats for Valentine's Day.

China to Increase Solar Energy Research

by M Dee Dubroff

In a major attempt to transform solar energy technology into a major Chinese energy source by 2050, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has launched an initiative to boost its development. Read on, but don’t get too much sun.