266. Bright Idea: The Xv Tool-less Shelving System March 30, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.1 comment so far
Requiring no tools to assemble, you can arrange these shelves in varied configurations. Easily transportable, this shelving system is good for wine bottles, and perfect for books (since you won’t have to crane your neck too much to read the titles on the book’s spines). However, it is clearly not so convenient for items that require a horizontal surface. Check the shelves out HERE (Seed International); via TrendHunter.com.
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265. IdeaSpark*: Nomadic Storage March 30, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in IdeaSpark*, Product.3 comments
I like to store all my crap in these clear plastic storage containers. I use all sorts of sizes, I label most of them (my wife’s favorite container is the one I label “Important Junk”), and I stack them in my closets. I buy these at The Container Store.
My wife and I are moving next week, so we are busy packing. It turns out that there are standards sizes for cardboard moving boxes (we got some from two different places, and they are the same sizes). I put all of my clear storage containers in the boxes, but they don’t always fit nicely and neatly.
My IdeaSpark* is to make very similar plastic storage containers, but in sizes that will fit nicely into your standard moving boxes. For example, make a small plastic container, where four of them will fit perfectly in and completely fill the typical medium cardboard box (18″ x 18″ x 16″). This organizational system will be very convenient for the nomadic types (like college students and military families). Just pack and go. I wish I had had something like that…packing and moving is a bitch.
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264. Bright Idea: Ineeka Tea Bags March 30, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Food and Drink, Product.add a comment
This Ineeka disposable tea bag has the tea leaves exposed from the top so you can pour hot water through the bag, and then leave the bag in to steep. Then you discard everything when done. And that is the part I have a problem with: it seems like a waste of materials and money. Ironically, the Ineeka tagline is “Cultivating Consciousness.” Apparently, they are not referring to environmental awareness. Ineeka website HERE, via Slashfood.com.
However, it is a pretty creative design, and thus, I consider it a Bright Idea.
True tea drinkers will use the various other less wasteful alternatives like tea balls, holders, or my personal favorite, the IngenuiTEA.
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263. Bright Idea: Flat Screen/DVD Combo March 30, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
Finally! A recent post of mine (#48) complained about how though flat screens can be mounted on the wall, the rest of the components need to be in a regular cabinet below. This pictured combo solves at least one facet of that problem. Now they need to produce a flat screen with an additional integrated Tivo/DVR, audio tuner for surround sound, and PS3/XBox. Via Aving.net.
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262. Bright Idea: Light-up Make-up Mirror March 30, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in IdeaSpark*, Product.2 comments
This $12 make-up mirror has LED lights so you can use it in the dark. Quite convenient. For the ladies and their purses, that is. Buy it HERE (AU).
What about us men? I know I could use a handy mirror to check to see if I have food in my teeth, or a booger showing. But I am not always carrying my purse (I really do carry a man purse at times). There needs to be another option.
IdeaSpark*: A laminated piece of reflective mylar the size of a business card would fit perfectly in a wallet, and act as a super-thin unbreakable mirror. Simple.
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261. Bright Idea: Medi-Crunch Dog Treats March 29, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Food and Drink, Product.4 comments
The shot glasses in the previous post reminded me of this Bright Idea: dog treats that can hold pills inside of them.
Most dogs will have to take some sort of medication at some point. For our Barkley, it is his monthly heartworm pill. Trying to wrap cheese around it, or smear peanut butter on it, was no longer fooling my pup (how long would you eat your scoop of ice cream if it had a large, bitter rock in it?). Luckily, someone ideated treats that can easily enclose pills. These Med-Crunch Treats have a crunchy exterior, and a soft peanut butter interior for added taste and adherence. Buy them HERE
Thanks to this inspiring Bright Idea, when I have kids, I am going to bake large tubular cookies where I can stash pieces of broccoli in the middle.
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260. Bright Idea: Ice Shot Glasses March 29, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Food and Drink, Product.add a comment
Freeze water or juice in this silicone mold, and then you pop out 4 shot glasses made out of ice. Not a bad idea, as it chills your vodka or tequila shot. The biggest consideration is having something (e.g. a super coaster) on the table to catch the melting liquid.
What makes this a Bright Idea for me are the secondary benefits: (1) Minimize blackouts: If your guests each only get one glass, they will eventually have to stop taking shots when their glass melts away; (2) Minimize mess: if you have those hyped-up macho fratboy-types as guests, shards of glass won’t spray everywhere when they smash this glass on the ground after they take a shot and head-butt each other.
Buy them HERE ($7); via Coolest-gadgets.com.
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259. Sparked Art: Weeks Votive Holders March 29, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Art, Product.add a comment
Like little sculptures, these votive candleholders by David Weeks are functional, gorgeous, and playful. Via MoCoLoco.com.
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258. Bright Idea: Waterball March 29, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Plaything, Product, Video.add a comment
This Bright Idea takes squirt guns to the next level: it launches little balls of water. You can shoot 40 waterballs in about a minute, and each filling can hold 175 waterballs. Though it is probably not as much fun as a Supersoaker, the Waterball is an original spin on a classic toy. Check out their website HERE; buy it and read reviews HERE
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257. Bright Idea: The Carver One March 28, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Experience, Product.add a comment
The Carver One has the opposite three wheel configuration than the Piaggio MP3, but looks just as fun to drive. However, it costs a whole lot more, at $45 K. For that price, it better come with a whole bunch of air bags.
Again, most everyone, not just millionaires, should have the opportunity to give this a try, so someone needs to rent these out.
Check out the 44-second promo video below. Via FunniestGadgets.com.
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256. Bright Idea: The Tennis Tube March 27, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
I just saw someone getting a tennis lesson a few minutes ago, and they were using this Tennis Tube to help gather up all the balls.
It’s a pretty simple and convenient Idea. Just press one end down on a ball on the ground, and it gets trapped in the tube. No more bending over or trying to deftly flip the ball up with your racket.
Check out an informative website HERE, and buy it HERE
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…metapost… March 27, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Uncategorized.add a comment
I am trying to link up with blog search engines, so I am posting links:
255. Bright Idea: Laptop Shade March 27, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.1 comment so far
This $35 SunShade will make it easier to use your laptop outside (perfect for those beautiful days). Also convenient for looking at porn and top secret data in public. Buy it HERE (UK); via Ubergizmo.com.
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254. Quickie Web: Video: Virtual Soccer March 27, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Marketing, Plaything, Product, Quickie Web, Video.add a comment
I have seen this technology before (as interactive advertising), but have decided to post this particular 44-second clip because it includes a cute dog (rather than kids being engaged by marketing and products). See more of this technology HERE (Reactrix.com); via UberReview.com.
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253. Bright Idea?: The Transport Pod March 27, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Experience, Product.add a comment
For $10,000+, you can own this Perceptual Pod, which includes speakers, lights synchronized to music, and a waterbed pad. Check out (or not) the designer’s website here (it’s annoying).
I highly doubt that many individuals would purchase one of these for personal use. But, I think I would take my date (just once) to a night club that had a bunch of these to chill in. Despite being a questionably Bright Idea, this pod is also a slightly novel experience, so I included it. Via BornRich.com.
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252. Bright Idea: Batali Pizza Peel March 27, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Food and Drink, Product.add a comment
HumBugg: The last pizza peel I had was all wood, and it soon split apart over time (I guess because I washed it with hot water).
This pictured pizza peel not only won’t split because it is mostly metal, but it folds up for easy storage. Near perfect design: Bravo! (Unless, of course, the pivot joint easily breaks on you).
Buy it HERE ($30); via KitchenContraptions.com.
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251. Bright Idea: Tree of Knowledge March 27, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Art, Product.add a comment
This sculptural piece of furniture will instantly command the attention of your house guests, so make sure to put your best books on this book shelf. Bonus: your friends will stretch all their neck muscles as they peruse your collection. Via Productdose.com.
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250. Bright Idea: The Sofa Hammock March 26, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
I was just in the process of trying to decide what to buy for my new porch: a hammock, or a porch swing? This Sofa Hammock may be the best of both worlds, and could easily solve my dilemma. Now all I have to do is to figure out how to buy one (I think they are only sold in Germany). Via Swissmiss.
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…metapost… March 26, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Uncategorized.add a comment
The following few posts (or preceding few, depending on how you read blogs) contain some content of questionable taste. Partly serendipitous (I came across all three this weekend), and partly deliberate (I chose to post on each, and in succession), it is my hope that they make you laugh, and not repel you from SparkBugg.com forever.
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249. Bright Idea?: The Gotta Go Briefcase March 26, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
This product is a gag (I think), and is not really being mass produced. I am making an assumption, here, but do hope that I am not being culturally insensitive by doing so (i.e. this product is legit and I have somehow offended the strong Japanese work ethic). Arrgg…just read the original posting yourself and decide if this product is for real or not: posting HERE (via AmericanInventorSpot.com).
Nevertheless, this product does seem to potentially be a better option than those nasty Port-a-Potties. Just have this product come with disposable adult diaper-like inserts, and then you have a legitimate portable emergency toilet, for when nature calls at inconvenient times.
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248. Bright Idea: Butthole Bear March 26, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.1 comment so far
Like Tickle Me Elmo, here is an interactive stuffed animal: the Butthole Bear. Poke your finger in his anus for over 50 different fart sounds and phrases. Yes, this toy does actually exist.
This product sounds like a laugh riot, if you appreciate this type of humor (and apparently, I must, since I have been giggling for the last two minutes). Check out the website HERE (TwistedToy.com), where you can purchase it for $38, and actually hear some of the sounds the bear makes. Via AmericanInventorSpot.com.
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247. Bright Idea: Butt-Face Towel March 26, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.1 comment so far
Though I personally don’t need a towel like this (I am able to determine which side is which by odor alone), I thought this product was a creative idea, and it made me laugh.
At first glance, it may seem like an insult product, but it is not. If you don’t get it right away (it took me a few seconds), allow me to explain: You use the “Face” half to dry your face, and the brown “Butt” half to dry your nether regions. The clear indicators prevent cross-contamination. Buy it HERE ($15), via Freshome.com.
But why stop there? I would appreciate sections for “Armpits,” “Ears,” “Crotch,” and “Bellybutton.”
But seriously, it reminds me of an idea of mine: I only use one side of the towel to dry myself. Then, when done, I hang the towel to dry with that side exposed to the air. This serves to prevent the sour mildew smell from developing. Thus, I can use the same towel for months on end.
OK, I went back to joking around with that last sentence.
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246. Bright Idea: Keepon, the Dancing Robot March 23, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Plaything, Product, Video.1 comment so far
There needs to be more dancing in the world. Get inspired by Keepon (as in “Keep on dancing”), a squishy robot that can dance to the beat of music and video. This prototype can detect a beat, then bop in time with it. I can’t wait until this little guy gets mass produced and becomes an international best-seller, like Tickle Me Elmo.
This video clip is sure to make you smile:
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245. Bright Idea: Hurricane Balls March 23, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Plaything, Product.add a comment
These toys have an incredibly simple design. But get them spinning, and then blow on them to accelerate the revolutions, and these Hurricane Balls can spin at 8-10 k rpms, for as long as 2 minutes. Though the novelty would wear off quickly (unless you came up with some sort of game), it is worth watching parts of the 2.5 minute video clip (of a 2-sphere unit, and a 4-sphere unit). Via TechEBlog.com.
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245. Quickie Web: Game: Boomshine March 23, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Game, Quickie Web.3 comments
Not only does this game have a cool name, but it has pretty music (really, it’s pretty) and is actually quite enjoyable to play.
The goal is to cause a chain reaction of dots expanding. Take a few moments to give it a shot and to try to make sense of what I am trying to say here (since there are no instructions), and you will see that it is very much worth playing. Try it out HERE, via GameLife.
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244. Bright Idea: Loop Lounger March 23, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
This collapsible lounge chair can hold 220 lbs, and is made of stainless steel and plastic fabric mesh.
Not only does this product rock (perhaps with more than a little effort), it looks cool.
$675 HERE. Via Productdose.com.
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243. Bright Idea: Portable B Ball March 23, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Plaything, Product.1 comment so far
Bring the mountain to Mohammed. Play basketball anywhere you can drive your car/SUV. All you need is a trailer hitch and $500. Check it out HERE. Via BornRich.org.
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242. Bright Idea: The Dockitjet March 21, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
As I mentioned earlier, I find jet-skis (a.k.a. personal water crafts) to ultimately be boring. If I owned one, I would probably feel obligated to ride it occasionally to justify how much it cost me. Then, I would purchase the Dockitjet to actually make the jet-ski seem more useful.
This rigid, inflatable boat attachment can carry up to 6 adults. Price TBD. Check out their website (and video) HERE.
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241. Bright Idea: Plug Snug-Its March 21, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.1 comment so far
It irritates me when the electrical cord gets accidentally pulled out of the socket when I am vacuuming. I tried to ideate some device to keep it plugged in, but never came up with anything satisfactory.
Then today, I came across the Plug Snug-It, a cheap, simple, and ingenious gadget that will do the trick. It is flexible, and looks like it will release if there is excessive pull (so there is no socket or wall damage).
Buy it HERE ($6 for 6; via Improvements Catalog).
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240. IdeaSpark*: Double-decker Pizza Box March 20, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Food and Drink, IdeaSpark*, Product.1 comment so far
Tonight, my wife and I had pizza for dinner; quick, easy, and tasty. But realizing the experience is not always perfect, I came up with an IdeaSpark*.
Problem: By the time you get to the second half of your delivered pizza, the cheese has cooled down. Then you can’t really fit the box in the fridge (if there are leftovers), or in the trash can (if you ate the whole pizza).
Solution: My IdeaSpark* is to have a double-decker pizza box, with one section for each half of the pizza (the whole pizza is still round). So…(1) You only open the top section of the box to eat the first half of the pizza, and the second half is still warm in the bottom by the time you get to it; and (2) the box is easier to fit in the fridge, or (3) in the trash can.
Also…(4) It would probably more convenient for the delivery people to carry (the thermal bag could be carried at the side of their body, and not in front of it). And finally, (5) This is an instant branding gimmick, to clearly set apart a particular pizza delivery place.
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