385. Bright Idea?: the Beach Backrest July 18, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Furniture, Product.add a comment
A somewhat Bright Idea, but it looks like a weapon (The Dual-Spear Shield), and is expensive ($50). Buy it HERE; via SciFiTech.
IdeaSpark*: have the backrest be made out of fabric. It will be more comfortable, and the entire thing can roll up like a scroll for easy carrying. And have the spikes of death retract into the supporting poles, for safety and increased portability.
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384. Bright Idea: the Light Drop July 18, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Art, Product.1 comment so far
Control the light bulb (custom-molded polycarbonate/silicone with an embedded LED) with the faucet. Too bad this Bright Idea that is not in production. By Rafael Morgan; Via Core77.
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383. Bright Idea: the Sha-Do Lamp July 17, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Art, Product.1 comment so far
This wall lamp by Aeneus projects beautiful light and shadows on the wall. Though it is pricey (€300) and difficult to install, it is still has a gorgeous effect. Buy it HERE; Via FreshHome.
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382. Quickie Web: Game: Star Shine July 17, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Game, Quickie Web.add a comment
Like the calming bear below, this game is soothing, as well as a relatively original puzzle game. With pleasant piano music in the background, shoot your star to cause the others to light up in a chain reaction. It gets quite difficult after a few stages. Play it HERE; via RGS.
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381. Bright Idea: Teddy Bear with Prenatal Sounds July 17, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Baby, Product.add a comment
This weekend, my friends and new parents vouched for this Bright Idea: a bear that emits calming whirring sounds reminiscent of the rushing of blood and beating of mom’s heart in the womb. The sound player can play sounds for 30-, 60-, or 90-second intervals, or continuously. Buy it HERE ($50); via OhGizmo!
P.S. My friend also would hold his baby son on his stomach with head tilted down a little. Similar to the baby’s position in the womb, this seemed to really calm him.
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380. Quickie Web: Video: Honda’s Cog Commercial July 17, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Marketing, Quickie Web, Video.add a comment
This is a truly amazing Rube Goldbergesque commercial by Honda. Only 2 minutes long, with no CGI, it took 1 month to approve the script, 2 months for concept drawings, and 4 months in development and testing. The commercial cost 6 million dollars and required 606 takes (source). Via FreshCreation.
And below is a 4 minute video of what went on behind the scenes.
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379. Sparked Art: The Pool Illusion July 16, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Art, Optical Illusion, Video.3 comments
By Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich, this fake swimming pool is an installation in an art museum at Kanazawa City, Japan. See below for a quick clip. Via Hemmy, where you can also find more photos.
378. Bright Idea: The U Bend July 16, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
Use a book as a bookend, and have the rest lean.
Simplicity of design should = inexpensivity. But not here. This glorified metal bar will cost you $95. Buy it HERE; via BLTD.
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377. Bright Idea: The Lift Oven July 16, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
The Gaggenau Lift Oven has a ceramic surface that descends for loading and unloading. Benefits include:
- Safer (no reaching in and risking burns; no access for kids).
- Heat efficient (since heat rises, there will be minimal heat loss when opened as compared to traditional ovens, because heat (and smoke) remains trapped in the cavity).
- Ergonomic (Working surface is counter height; view to inside is eye level).
Scheduled for 10/07 release; around $3000. Check it their website HERE; via OhGizmo!
376. Quickie Web: Plaything: Snowdays July 16, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Plaything, Quickie Web.add a comment
This is an engaging and whimsical snowflake creator. Create your own unique hexagonal beauty with Snowday’s simple and easy online interface. Users can post their snowflakes online to share, with the option of adding messages. Check it out HERE; via Neatorama.
375. Bright Idea: The Bungee Trampoline July 16, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Experience, Plaything, Product, Video.1 comment so far
I filmed this clip of this Bright Idea earlier this month. I regret not paying the $7 to give this a try (we were running late for a home-cooked dinner when I came across this). Apparently, it can hold up to 200 lbs. The 13 y.o. girl on before I filmed was doing flips.
The clip is 38 seconds long.
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374. Bright Idea: Fake Book with Hands July 13, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.2 comments
Play your portable game system (like the PSP) while making others think you are reading Dante’s “The Divine Comedy.” This creative gag product made me smile, despite being Caucasian-centric. Via TheRawFeed.
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373. Bright Idea?: the Rolling Caterpillar Door July 13, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Transportation, Video.add a comment
This may not be a completely Bright Idea, but it is still unique. Pros: you won’t accidentally dent an adjacent car in a parking lot. Cons: costly repair bills, and getting stuck in/out of the car when the battery dies. According to the clip, this is a 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII that was selling on eBay. Via OhGizmo!
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373. Quickie Web: Video: the Human Slinky July 13, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Person, Quickie Web, Video.add a comment
I just happened to come across this clip, and was mesmerized for a few moments. A creative, original, and bizarre performance, which begins after the dude stops talking (about 20 seconds in). Veniamin’s website here.
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372. Idea TV: Everyday Edisons July 12, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Idea TV, Video.add a comment
Granted, I will be featured on Season 2 of Everyday Edisons (lots more about my story here). Regardless, it incidentally happens to be the best show on US TV having to do with inventing (I haven’t posted anything on American Inventor, which so far is focused on embarrassing people for laughs, with very mediocre inventions being showcased). EE is being broadcasted on most US PBS stations, but they now have a channel on Youtube (check it out HERE). Below is part 1 (of 4) of the Season 1a Recap (about 10 min), for those interested.
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371. Bright Idea: the Easy-Glider July 12, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.add a comment
The Easy-Glider is yet another one-wheeled transportation device (see two more below). A cross between scooting and water-skiing, this Swiss electric ride will cost you more than $1000, and go as far as about 15 miles and as fast as 12 mph. I still prefer the much cheaper and less cumbersome Magic Wheel. Via Engadget. Check out a few moments of the clip below to get the idea.
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370. Bright Idea: the Magic Wheel July 12, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.add a comment
This Magic Wheel is very similar to the Nimbus (below), but more scooter than unicycle.
This 13 lbs/6 Kg Bright Idea can support up to 330 lbs/150 Kg, and costs £119 (yet again, the coolest gadgets are being made and sold in Europe). Sleek and stylish, it looks fun, and even note the convenient handle on top. Steering and breaking must be a little tricky. I want one.
Buy it at their website, HERE; via CoolestGadgets. Check out the 36-second video below.
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369. Bright Idea: Nimbus Ultimate Wheel July 12, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.add a comment
I know this looks like a gag, but apparently, you can actually locomote with this. I included this as a Bright Idea because of its exercise value, and not so much because of the possible fun-factor (it seems more like a work-out than a thrill ride).
Check out the 16-second video clip to see it in action and that it actually works (the wheel wobble indicates there is no seat and pole, like with a unicycle). Buy it HERE ($78); via OhGizmo!
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368. Bright Idea: Bumbo Baby Seat July 11, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Baby, Furniture, Product, Video.add a comment
This award-winning chair is for 6 week – 14 month old babies. However, since it is only one size, it won’t always be a snug fit (my friend has one). It is also pricey for a piece of foam ($40).
IdeaSpark*: They should make another inflatable version, with a solid base. This way, it will always provide a cozy fit, and can continue to accommodate your growing child.
Buy one HERE
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367. Quickie Web: Game: Orb July 11, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Game, Quickie Web.add a comment
Orb is another original and exciting game. The balls will race towards your mouse pointer, but don’t let them touch you. Instead, maneuver them so they crash into the boxes. Trust me: it’s fun. With pumpin’ music. Play it HERE; by Kalinium; Via RandomGoodStuff.
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366. Bright Idea: the Waboba Ball July 11, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Plaything, Product, Video.1 comment so far
This small $7 Lycra-covered polyurethane ball bounces on water. The company also has another version made for pools (lower bounces).
Looks like a lot of fun: check out the video clip below (1:42).
Waboba website HERE; Buy it HERE; via UberReview.
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365. Bright Idea: BongoPong July 10, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Game, Product.2 comments
Bongo Board + Pong = Bongo Pong. Get off the couch and use dexterity and balance to control your paddle on the classic video game, Pong.
This Bright Idea is not in production, but maybe could/should be, if it is not super difficult. This is a very sparked hack, with my respect going to the creator (his website HERE). Via Make.
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364. Bright Idea: The AshCan July 10, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.add a comment
This vacation, I noticed how my brother-in-law would refrain from littering cigarette butts, and held onto them until he found a trash can. I will have to buy him this conscientious little gadget when it comes stateside…
The AshCan is an air-tight (i.e. odor-containing) metallic tube that can hold up to 4 butts for storage until you find an appropriate place to discard them. Keep the AshCan in your pocket or the cigarette box. Sold in the UK (HERE, for £1.20); via TechDigest.
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363. Bright Idea: the Go-Ped Trail Ripper July 10, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.2 comments
Would someone start renting these out, please, so I can take one for a spin?
This $1000 Scooter can go 30 mph, fold up for your trunk, and has cantilevered suspension.
Though a motorized scooter is not an entirely original idea, I like this one because you can go off-roading. Go-Ped’s website HERE; via FreshCreation.
Check out the 3-minute video clip below (taken from Beyond Tomorrow, currently showing in the US on the Science Channel).
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362. Bright Idea: Mirror, Mirror July 10, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Art, Furniture, Product.add a comment
These two mirrors happen to be quite stylish and visually appealing. But what makes them a Bright Idea is that they are cut from the same piece of wood. With a little planning, Paul Loebach was able to double his production and limit his waste. Good for him, good for us, and good for the earth. Check out his website HERE; via MoCoLoCo.
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…metapost… July 5, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Uncategorized.2 comments
Hello, readers. I am writing you from an internet cafe in Charleston, SC (we are visiting my sister-in-law). Sorry about the delay in posting, but I had a broken modem last week, then the last several days I spent at a NC beach with no internet access. And since my vacation is continuing, I most likely won’t be able to post until next week. Thanks for your patience.
BTW, my childhood crush Mary Stuart Masterson was just sitting two tables down. Some Kind of Wonderful was one of my favorite movies as a teenager. I had to share that with you.
Talk to you all soon.
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361. Bright Idea: Tete-a-Tete Rocker June 26, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Furniture, Product.add a comment
Perfect for couples; now you can have good coversation while rocking, staying in sync with solid eye-contact and sharing a drink.
This rocker should also have attached footrests, so individuals can alternate who is rocking, and who is kickin’ back and chilling, being rocked like a baby.
Buy it HERE (price not listed; i.e. crazy expensive). Via ProductDose.
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360. Bright Idea: Stair Squares June 26, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Art, Furniture, Product.add a comment
People sit on stairs all the time, especially on nice days. Mark Reigelman’s art installation in front of Brooklyn’s Borough Hall adds colorful aesthetic appeal to the drab monotony of this building’s facade and steps, and gives you and your friend a place to put down your lunches. Another person can even use it as a back rest. I think most large public staircases should have permanent similar additions. Via Core77.
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359. Bright Idea: The BikeBoard June 25, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product.1 comment so far
Finally, something that will make it easy for me to learn to waterski. This $1000 Bikeboard is towed by boat, and perfect for beginners. There are water, snow, and street versions; buy them HERE; via OhGizmo!
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358. Quickie Web: Game: Bloxorz June 25, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Game, Quickie Web.1 comment so far
Bloxorz is a brilliant and fun puzzle game. Tumble your rectangular unit to the escape hole without falling off of the playing surface. Higher levels incorporate varied additions to the challenge, like gates with switches, fragile surfaces, and teleportation. Play it HERE; via GameLife.
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SparkBugg.com 