114. Bright Ideas: for Champagne December 31, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Food and Drink, Product.add a comment
This gadget is perfect for uncorking champagne, especially for the New Year. I bought one for my in-laws and one for myself for the holidays. Metal spikes grab the cork, and a quick twist removes the cork with ease. For me, trying to use my thumb to pop the cork into the air was getting old.
I bought mine for $7, in store, at World Market. I can’t find it online for US shipping (UK here), but I found this similar item.
Read on for another Bright Idea for Champagne…
113. Bright Idea: Atom Massager December 30, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
I just finished massaging my scalp with this little gadget. Feels really good, and hopefully it will prevent me from going bald. Next time you see it in a store, try it on your head, where it feels the best (and for that reason, I think it is the best massaging gadget on the market).
For some odd reason, the three feet light up when it is on. It’s only $10 (Buy it Here).
112. IdeaSpark: Sick Kit Delivery December 30, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in IdeaSpark*, Service.1 comment so far
This is a great IdeaSpark I found on Halfbakery.com, by Danielo. Being sick lately, I appreciate it even more.
“What better time to discover that you’re out of OJ, throat lozenges, and cold meds than when you’re miserably sick…. Don’t worry – just call Sick Kit Delivery, and we’ll bring it all to you! Our standard “Sick Kit” comes with basic cold meds and throat lozenges, ultra-soft facial tissue, microwavable chicken-noodle soup, a carton of premium OJ, and a get-well card. And don’t think you can only order for yourself! Order for a friend or coworker who’s having a rough day in bed. For a nominal extra fee, you can customize a kit with a custom magazine or newspaper and a custom greeting card message!”
111. Bright Idea: Heelys December 30, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Plaything, Product.2 comments
I routinely see pre-teens gliding along in Target and malls. Watch this 13-second clip below to see what I mean:
Click on to learn more…
110. Quickie Web: Plaything: Blood Hose December 30, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Plaything, Quickie Web.add a comment
Don’t be turned off (or on, you sicko) by the name. This is a fun little diversion that should entertain you for at least 7 seconds.
Click and drag the hose around, change it’s direction, and alter it’s various properties. Check it out HERE. (via Jeff Weir’s Windowseat.ca)
109. Bright Idea: Beamvertising December 30, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Marketing.add a comment
Check out this guerillian, mobile, and dynamic billboard-like marketing idea: a moving ad is projected on the side of buildings from a van. It is for Sportlife, a Dutch chewing gum company.
Though maybe only a limited number of people caught the image live, and even less were able to figure out what was being marketed (since it only became clear at the end of the clip), it was a buzz-worthy marketing campaign (hey, even YOU now know about Dutch gum).
This Bright Idea almost makes up for the questionable brand choice of “Sportlife,” for a gum. Hmm, tastes like sweat, and maybe you will choke on some as you play a little ball or flip an ollie. (via TrendHunter.com)
…metapost… December 29, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Uncategorized.add a comment
Admittedly, I have been posting less frequently lately, but this is temporary. For more update info, and the Global Shout Out, click HERE…
108. Bright Ideas: for Tea December 29, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Food and Drink, Product.2 comments
I use the IngenuiTEA dispenser everyday for my loose white tea leaves. Both white (vs. green/black) and loose (vs. bagged) tea provide increased antioxidant levels.
I add the leaves, fill her up with hot water (from my work water cooler…or you can microwave everything), then place it over my cup, where it automatically filters and dispenses the tea. Just make sure your cup can take all 16 oz, or is clear so you can see when to pause the dispensing.
Read more about it and buy it HERE
And for those who prefer using bagged teas, here is this handy Tea Bag Mug. Finally, a convenient place to put your tea bag: the side pocket.
I just hope the inner wall of the side pocket is partially concave so no residual water spills on your brow when you tilt the mug past horizontal to get the last drop.
Buy it here (via Slashfood.com).
107. Bright Idea: Capsule Hotels December 27, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Service.3 comments
I wondered about this idea years ago, and it turns out they have them in Japan: Capsule Hotels. I say, bring them stateside to make traveling more affordable around here. Place them off of highways outside major cities so your wanderlust is not limited by your finances.
Capsules cost $25 a night in Japan, but if they were off of a US highway, they could be under $10 a night. They would also be very handy for me when me and the missus have a fight and I am kicked out of the house for the night.
Consideration: The hotel should strictly enforce the one person per capsule rule or they are going to have a lot of horny teenagers and cheap johns making a mess and lots of noise.
Example: Ausukusa Riverside Hotel. I came across this via Trendhunter.com.
106. IdeaSpark*: Humidifier Breathing Attachment December 27, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in IdeaSpark*, Product.2 comments
With this cold I have, my sleep is hindered by burning nostrils and a dry throat. I have two humidifiers going, but I still experience dryness, so I also use a personal steam inhaler. I am still not able to sleep through the night.
My entire bedroom feels like a steamy, dank cave, when all that really needs to be humidified is my nose and throat. I wonder it is possible to make a humidifier attachment, like one shown in this picture (of a sleep apnea CPAP machine), so the steam only goes where it is needed, and so I can finally get a good night’s sleep.
Meanwhile, I am too lazy to clean my humidifiers, so I hope I am not constantly inhaling mold spores.
105. HumBugg: Triaminic Thin Strips December 26, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in HumBugg, Product.add a comment
I have been sick for the past 4 days, with a cough. So I came across this product, and thought it sounded like a Bright Idea: strips that I can put in the back of my throat, right where it itches. Makes sense, right?
Well, it tastes like crap. I would rather be coughing then have the bitter taste of aspirin lingering in my gullet.
*
Gas for a trip to Target = $ 2.36
Triaminic Thin Strips = $ 4.34
The taste of ass in your throat = Worthless
104. IdeaSpark*: Macho Red Wine Beer December 24, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Food and Drink, IdeaSpark*.1 comment so far
I know that a glass of red wine a day is actually good for my health, but after work, I prefer kicking back with a cold beer. And I know that beer is not good for me, and will probably just add to my expanding gut.
I wish they would come up with a more macho beverage made of red wine. Similar to a wine cooler, I guess, but bottled and marketed like beer (e.g. give it a tough name, like Ox-Blood #9). If the makers could pull it off, not only would I look manly ordering one in a bar, but I would look smart and more likely to live longer.
Even though this drink may never be thought of as macho, it may still be considered metrosexual, and I could live with that. I would drink one to wash down my skinless buffalo wings and baked tofu fries.
103. Bright Idea: Flight Arrival Update December 24, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Service.add a comment
As my family and I were waiting to go pick up more family arriving by airplane today, I had an IdeaSpark*: have an airline contact you via an automated phone call with any changes to a flight’s arrival time. This would be more convenient than repeatedly hopping online to get an update.
But my father-in-law told me that it already exists: United EasyUpdate. Though it is by text message for non-club members, it is generally the same idea.
They should also tell you what baggage claim area is servicing that particular flight, so you know where your friends and family will be waiting if they checked luggage.
And speaking of luggage, I am sure it will be a matter of months before all our checked bags have RFID tags on them. This way, every bag will automatically and routinely be scanned and tracked, resulting in significantly less lost luggage.
102. Bright Idea: Global Orgasm December 22, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Experience, Service.1 comment so far
Of course, any orgasm is a Bright Idea. It can be stress relief, self-care, a gift to another. But today (Dec 22nd) is the First Annual Solstice Synchronized Global Orgasm for Peace. You are invited to contemplate peace anytime during or after reaching orgasm today, to help “effect positive change in the energy field of the Earth.” Go to www.globalorgasm.org for more info.
The potential benefit of this movement is based on the work of The Global Consciousness Project, an international alliance of researchers who have been studying the affects of group consciousness on world events.
I came (ahem) across this in Lousiville’s Leo.
101. HumBugg: No Free Refills December 21, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Food and Drink, HumBugg, Service.add a comment
I was eating lunch out today, and came across another bad idea: no free refills. I have come to expect free refills, especially when I am paying over a dollar for what is costing them 4 cents.
Mr. Eating Establishment, you may get your extra $.50 for a refill, or make me order a whole other drink, but you have probably lost me as a customer (unless your food is damn good, in which case I may return one day, but will only drink water).
HumBugg, and Not So Bright Idea.
100. Bright Idea: Wieden + Kennedy Nike Commercials December 21, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Marketing, Video.1 comment so far
I was watching live TV tonight (Real World/Road Rules: The Duel, incidentally), and was forced to watch commercials. It made me reminiscent, nostalgic even, for some of my all-time favorite commercials. This post is about how four of them are by Nike (and I believe all four are by Wieden + Kennedy)
Here is my favorite. I remember the first time I saw it, I shed a tear in the end when it came full-circle (you will see what I mean; just make a note of the opening shot).
Click on to see three more…
99. Bright Idea: Reclining Upholstered Headboard December 18, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.1 comment so far
This Bright Idea is on the right track: easy reclining for your reading or TV watching pleasure. It also has removable and washable slip covers, to allow easy cleaning of your sweat and back-oil stains (maybe that’s just with me). Find it at BLTD.
However, there is a problem with this design: the bed needs to be a foot away from the back wall to allow for reclining. That would look weird.
*
So I propose a similar, but better, design: the bottom of the headboard gets pulled in (instead of having the top part get pushed back). Slightly more engineering would be required for manufacturing, but at least this bed won’t be sitting there in the middle of your bedroom.
…metapost… December 18, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Uncategorized.2 comments
I posted # 96 (about a Bright Idea in a Singapore mall) the same day that Singapore became the first international city to reach 10 visitors to SparkBugg (see the clustrmap). Singapore: represent! (For a slang definition of “represent,” click here). (However, upon closer inspection, I am wondering if that large red dot is actually Kuala Lumpur)
Read on for more meta-musings…
98. HumBugg: Clanging Clothes in the Dryer December 18, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in HumBugg.2 comments
I am doing my laundry tonight, and a large zipper, clanging away as it tumbles in the dryer, is irking the crap out of me.
I doubt this idea would make millions, but I wish someone would manufacture silicone clips that would muffle big zippers and buttons in the dryer.
For those who have large houses and specialized laundry rooms, closing the door and some distance will do the trick. However, some of us live in small condos/apartments/flats.
And while I am on the topic, how about designing more dryers that play a nice little tune or call my cell phone when its done drying? My dryer startles me everytime with a loud and obnoxious buzz.
97. Bright Idea: Heated Bar Table December 16, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
Any idea that makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors as long as possible (despite the weather) is a Bright Idea. This propane powered heated bistro table provides heat where it is needed most: by your feet and butt.
Pop one of these on your deck, or place a bunch on the patio of your restaurant, and you have happy people.
Made by Outdoor Leisure, and found via I Want That!.
96. Bright Idea: Minipreneur Shelves December 16, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Service.1 comment so far
From Springwise.com, inBox stands for “incubation box,” and are cubes of leasable shelf space found in a Singapore Mall. Small businesses and artists sell their wares from these tiny box stores, which they rent for about $50 a month.
95. IdeaSpark*: Office Food Carts December 16, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Food and Drink, IdeaSpark*, Service.3 comments
Remember the jingle of the ice cream truck as is rolled through the neighborhood? Is it possible to recapture that feeling for adults? Maybe not, but perhaps we can try to get close.
These specialty carts visit office floors throughout the day to sell their nourishing treats. Of course, the morning cart serves coffee, bagels, and breakfast treats. Instead of the jingle, your office or cell phone rings when the cart arrives on your floor (thanks to a computer program and website you registered with), so you know to meet it, either next to the elevator or in a conference room. When you get there, you routinely shoot the breeze with fellow coworkers as you get your regular order. It is the new water cooler.
Granted, lots of workers will want to leave the office to venture to the local Starbucks. This office cart is the for the hard worker who doesn’t have the time to, or wants to stay in during nasty weather.
These vertical carts are designed to fit in elevators, and get refreshed at designated trucks parked outside. Burritos and paninis are served for lunch, smoothees in the afternoon, beer and take-home dinners at the end of the work day.
If you can’t bring Mohammed to the mountain, bring the mountain to Mohammed (no Danish riots, please).
94. Quickie Web: Game: Tune Ups December 15, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Audio, Quickie Web.add a comment
Simple and fun. Tune up your car, then race on a track using your Up, L, and R arrow keys. Then race that track again, this time against the ghost image of your previous best time. The playability is reminiscent of Super Sprint.
Hit play on the Odeo Widget below for some driving music, then click here (Tune Ups) to drive.
[odeo=http://odeo.com/audio/470356/view]
93. Bright Idea: Expandable Round Table December 15, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
Round tables are more socially convenient than rectangular ones. Each seat/place is relatively identical to the others, and you can see (and more easily talk to) everyone at the table. Problem: expanding the size is difficult, unlike simply adding leaves to a rectangular table. But, not anymore. Check out this table by DB Fletcher:
92. Bright Idea: Tivo Reaction Time Compensation December 15, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.1 comment so far
On your DVR, you fast-forward through commercials, but need to resume to regular speed once your show comes back on. Tivo has a built-in reaction time compensation feature, so it resumes normal playback speed at your intended point (usually a few seconds before the point you pressed the play button on). That is, it compensates for the natural delay in your reaction time, and returns you to the point where you actually wanted to resume watching.
Tivo must have done studies to determine people’s average reaction speed. Determine your reaction speed HERE (I am averaging 0.22 seconds).
This Tivo function is incredibly convenient, almost magical. Alas, it is not on my Comcast DVR, sadly, because Tivo has the patent on it (who knew? read about this here). This sucks, until I can afford the new HD Tivo.
91. Quickie Web: Tool: Box.net December 14, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Quickie Web, Service.1 comment so far
Why use portable storage devices anymore when you can use Box.net to keep all your files online? Unless you collect illegal porn pictures or classified files regarding national security, this free (1 GB) online service is the way to go.
No more panic attacks when your hard drive crashes. No more losing, breaking, or forgetting to always carry around your flash/thumb drive. Access your data from any online computer, and even share accounts with friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Simple and easy to use; great if you have a work and home computer. Check out Box.net.
90. Not so Bright Idea: the HamDog December 14, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Food and Drink.3 comments
The Hamdog is a hot dog wrapped in a beef patty that is deep fried, covered with bacon, chili, cheese and onions, and served on a hoagie bun topped with a fried egg. Served by Mulligan’s in Decatur, Georgia (from Wikipedia; via Maxim). I like to add salt and mayo to mine, dip it in hollandaise sauce, then wash it down with egg nog as I finish off a pack of Marlboro Reds.
Check out this video of chicken fried bacon (4 minute clip, but jump to 2:00 to cut to the chase; via SlashFood.com).
89. Bright Idea: Solar Airship December 14, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Plaything, Product.1 comment so far
This $20 long, black, garbage bag-looking plaything floats due to solar-heated internal air. Check out this 28 second video of the product. Fun for kids and adults alike, it could also eventually be used for advertising and announcements (especially for sex toy shops, cigar vendors, and laxative products). Read about and purchase it at I Want That!
88. Bright Idea: Ice Candles December 13, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
The ice cube diffuser around the flame slowly melts and the shape changes over about 3 hours. Check it out here (found via OhGizmo!).
87. IdeaSpark*: Open House Crawl December 13, 2006
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Experience, Food and Drink, IdeaSpark*, Service, Website.add a comment
Sunday, 1-4 pm. Typical open houses, with their lingering agents, are ineffecient and a bore. Imagine an Open House Crawl: a festive, social, and more informative way to check out open houses, with drinks and food.
Read on for more details and background…
SparkBugg.com 