use of space! We all have our heaps of books stored in our shelves (and under the bed, and inside the toaster, and …. you get the idea) but what if the books threaten to consume the inhabitants? Why, you thank them for their presence and use them wisely, of course.
Check out The Amazing StairCase! To wit:
… London-based Levitate Architects came up with this ingenious solution to a book storage problem and created a loft-like bedroom nestled under the roof of the top-floor apartment. Here’s what Levitate’s Tim Sloan had to say about the project:
The flat occupies part of the shared top floor of an existing Victorian mansion block. Our proposal extended the flat into the unused loft space above, creating a new bedroom level and increasing the floor area of the flat by approximately one third. We created a ’secret’ staircase, hidden from the main reception room, to access a new loft bedroom lit by roof lights. Limited by space, we melded the idea of a staircase with our client’s desire for a library to form a ‘library staircase’ in which English oak stair treads and shelves are both completely lined with books….MORE….
Nice idea! Kudos to the design.
And if you’d like some staircase discussion resources, check out:
For the hosts who have every thing
Please click here to continue your search.
you can now add:
… Add some bling to your next party. Just fill the 100% food grade flexible tray with water or any kind of juice and freeze it, and when your guests arrive, they’ll know they’re dining with the stars.
Perhaps this would be a great thing to have when the Oscars roll around!
‘Course, if you really want to get creative with ice, visit:
Editorial Reviews —… Product Description | ”With this new edition of Ice Carving Made Easy, Second Edition, Joe Amendola shares with all present and future ice carvers the resurgence of this historic art form. This book will guide and inspire thousands of chefs and artists to enjoy the artistic fulfillment, professionalism, and camaraderie of the exciting art of ice carving.” –Larry Malchick, President, National Ice Carving Association “The information on the history, tools and accessories, different methods, types of ice blocks,…more
Customer Reviews —[1]Rating: 4 Date: 2007-02-26 Summary: A good book with lots of information … Purchased this book to learn ice sculpting. Found the book to be full of information on all aspects of ice sculpting. I would have preferred a bit more information on power tools, fusing, and snow filled logos, and less information on ice scuplting contests, transportation, and ice sculpting as a business, but this is only because of my specific needs. This book has provided me with enough information to undertake ice scuplting in my workplace, which is what I wanted. Book contains several projects complete with templates …more [2]Rating: 5 Date: 2004-12-30 Summary: Just the book I needed! … I’m not one to brag, but sculpting things out of wood always came very naturally to me. I recently sculpted a wooden statue of Pat Sajak that would knock your socks off. It’s so life-like that it’s almost scary. However, with wood comes a lot of splinters. I’ve got enough problems in my life already without that kind of extra hardship added. That’s why I chose to give up wood sculpting and take up ice sculpting instead. This here book has shown me that I can do it! In virtually no time at all, I’ve taken what I’ve …more [3]Rating: 5 Date: 2003-09-06 Summary: A Great Book for Teaching Ice Sculpture … WOW! I’ve been waiting for an ice-sculpture book like this for years. As a chef-instructor that who has taught ice-sculpture as part of my Garde Manger class, it’s been hard to find a book for the classroom. This text book has everything I need, including chapters on art, using power tools, safty, lighting, fusing, colouring ice, transportation, competitions, plus a lot more.The photos are great, with hundreds devoted to step by stepdirections on how to carve many interesting sculptures. The bookis well organized for …more Editorial Reviews —… Product Description | If you long to create the stunning ice sculptures that are the focus of attention on cruise ships, special events and other displays and want to learn the very latest in modern techniques, this is the book for you. This is the newest book published on ice sculpting in the last decade, Ice Sculpting the Modern Way is the definitive reference and training manual on the market today. Brimming with carefully orchestrated step-by-step photographs that take the reader through each sequential…more
This is sooooo corporate-humor it had me falling off my chair. Kudos to Tassimo for a brilliant idea!
And here’s some background of the concept:
…Hoping to generate awareness and interest in its Tassimo hot beverage system, Kraft has partnered with Ogilvy Entertainment to create a series of humorous, interactive “Webisodes” featuring actors from NewYork’s “The Upright Citizens Brigade” comedy troupe.
The videos focus on the goofy antics of an oddball named “Bob,” who is supposed to be a coffee addict and the type of guy who finds a thousand things to do at work besides doing work. The first two Webisodes in the “Who Hired Bob?” series are already on the site. Interactivity comes in the form of giving viewers the opportunity to pick different endings to the zany episodes. They’re also being asked to think about any “Bob-like” people at their own places of work and submit stories. The best stories will become new “Bobisodes.” …MORE…
Want some more information about Tassimo? Check out:
Feature:… Hot-beverage system brews drinks at the touch of a button in about a minute; Patented T-Disc system with barcode technology; customizable strength settings; Beverages pour directly from T-Disc into cup; no measuring, no fuss, and virtually no cleanup; 50-ounce water reservoir; dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup; Measures approximately 10 by 15 by 16 inches; 2-year limited warranty …more Customer Reviews —[1]Rating: 4 Date: 2008-11-22 Summary: Loud but works good … The downsides to this are it is incredibly loud when running (I have to shut my office doors to make a cup of coffee) and the directions for set up and making the coffee were vague and confusing. Luckily the machine is pretty foolproof and you can figure it all out. The upsides are no messy filters, the coffee is good, and it is quick. I would recommend it despite the noise. …more [2]Rating: 5 Date: 2008-11-14 Summary: Happy Coffee / great for entertaining … We love this machine! It is quick, clean, quiet…. fabulous. We have done all the combinations of the coffee flavors available. The cappaccino is unbelievable, it is a two step process unlike other machines so it is so authentic in flavor and look. It came with a great recipe book for more creative coffee beverages that has us really inspired. We do look forward to more flavored coffees to be introduced though as it is limited. …more [3]Rating: 5 Date: 2008-09-05 Summary: dont loose the puncture thingy … I bought this because it is the only system with a quality coffe to go with it (starbucks). This is actually better than I thought. It really makes a great cup of coffee; equivalent to the brew from starbucks. HOWEVER the “capuccio” system from Gevalia is only OK. I prefer to just add milk rather than that disk. BE CAREFUL because there is a piece of plastic which punctured the disk to allow it to work and which can come off when you remove the disk at the end and get it thrown out. The company answered the phone promptly; …more [4]Rating: 5 Date: 2008-08-21 Summary: Love it … It’s easy to use. It’s fun to use. The coffee is fresh and superb. Your experience will vary based on the type of coffee but, for example, I find the Starbucks Verona to be on par with a fresh cup from the store! Would definitely buy again. …more Editorial Reviews —… Product Description | Tassimo is not just another coffee maker. It’s a whole new way to prepare a variety of delicious hot drinks perfectly, in the comfort of your own home, and it’s so simple. With the Tassimo machine and the Tassimo Discs (T-Discs) you can make the hot drink you want, when you want it - no fuss, no bother. The same machine that makes a real espresso and freshly brewed filter coffee from some of your favorite U.S. and European brands, also makes real milk-based latte and cappuccino, cafe crema,…more
ThankYouVeryMuch!
Owlbert
ps - and of course, you can always get them at eBay:
in today’s world of one’s upmanship no matter what the cost. After all, if you have the cutting edge of iPhones and iPods and designer jets and the like, how COULD you appear in the gym wearing, well, common ordinary sneakers?
The brilliant folks at Adidas have heard your cries! Reported by Haute Concept, check out this update:
For spring/summer 08, Adidas will be dropping a luxury collection of kicks that feature premium materials and classy looking colourways. The Tobacco will be the first to drop in March, followed in May by the release of the Campus Vintage, Italia 1960 and Rod Laver Vintage. Each sneaker brings a subtle touch of class to the floor, for example, the Tobacco uses laser treated crackled leather, whilst the Campus Vintage is particularly interesting due to the woven uppers that use a combination of suede and patent leather….MORE….
Want to learn more about Adidas sneakers? (CONFESS, of course you do!) Check out:
Now, anything that deals with coffee
Please click here to continue your search.
is newsworthy. But coffee as a Good Thing with your computer? Tell me MORE!
Check it out!
Called the Yuno PC, it’s a personal computer concept that would allow you to let you display your email, weather, traffic conditions, and other important criteria…. even your own special screensaver!
I found a discussion about it over here. The designer wrote:
The point of the Microsoft Next-Gen PC competition is to push the boundaries of how you interface with the PC, the tech used, and to disrupt current ideas of what is possible. Theres more pages, visit coroflot.com/jasonfarsai for an exploded view and explanations of how it is possible… (in the future of course)
Nothing would ever evolve if people thought things were impossible. Its not an engineering project that needs to be manufactured tomorrow, its a design concept and if you can’t see that then you need to join us here in the future where anything is possible.
its simple, detachable bottom houses micro components/cpu (and makes it dishwasher safe), oled, touch sensitivity, insulation from hot beverages, wireless RF charging… but again, a blue-sky concept usually cannot be made yet. Its already disrupting which means I did my job.
And if you like the concept, it’s a finalist for the Microsoft Next Gen PC competition: You can click on Vote and vote for it. I already did!
While it’s not available yet, wow, I’ll be the first one in line to snap one up….
I didn’t think so. But check out this interesting article:
…New consumer research shows that when people first unwrap and plug in new consumer electronics, 70 percent don’t know how to make these sleek pieces of technology fit into their home décor.[1]
Celebrity interior designer Doug Wilson is working with LG Electronics to help consumers by offering tips and ideas on how to “techorate” their homes by melding innovative consumer electronics with interior design. Techorate is a term coined by LG Electronics that refers to the integration of technology into the overall decorative theme of a home.
Wilson, perhaps best known for showcasing his design expertise on TLC’s “Trading Spaces,” is working with LG Electronics as the first official “Techorator” to develop consumer tips and tricks to guide them through the techorating process.
“The television has become the hearth of the 21st Century, but I’ve seen people struggle with the basics…. MORE….
at first glance - imbibe your coffee creation at Starbucks, hook into their free Wi-Fi, power up your laptop, sync up your iPhone, and enjoy 2 free hours of simultaneous portable device usage (ie, working when really, you should be relaxing).
But is that really all? To wit:
…you’ll be able to use two different Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously during a single two-hour session at Starbucks.
The bright side is that while you are syncing your schedule and e-mail on your iPhone (AT&T, which will provide the Wi-Fi, is the exclusive carrier of the iPhone in the U.S.), you can also surf the Web or compose an e-mail on your laptop at the same time.
The down side is that once you log-in to your free AT&T Wi-Fi account with one device, the clock starts ticking…and doesn’t stop even if you logout one or both devices/computers. Two consecutive hours per day, that’s it….MORE…
How will StarBucks keep track of your usage, I wonder?
If you plan on using the service, you should ensure your WiFi connection is secure, of course. Here are some resources for that:
Sensei.com, would YOU focus it on karate or martial arts? Heck no, you’d create a high-tech weight loss application! It marries mobile phones and weight loss and friendl accountability, all at once! To wit:
… Part 1: The Web
It all starts here! Easy to use interactive tools help us learn about you. Tell us what you like to eat, activities you want in your life and habits that you don’t. Sensei will create a personalized program you can stick to and helps motivate you along the way. Our simple drag-and-drop website is a whole new way to get healthy, but with Sensei the web is just the beginning.
Part 2: Your Phone
Your mobile phone is where the magic happens. Using what you told us about yourself on the web, we’ll put your personalized program to work for you no matter where you are and no matter what you’re doing. Best of all, with a click on your phone, you can change your program on the fly. We’ll also be sending you advice and feedback throughout the day like any good Sensei would.
Part 3: You
Ultimately, you are the most important part of Sensei. Using MySensei on the web, or through your mobile phone, we’ll be working together to constantly refine your personalized program and to track your results. And if you ever get stuck, we have 24-hour customer support and registered dietitians that are just a phone call away. We’ve got big plans for you, so if you’re ready to drop those pounds and have some fun, let’s get started….MORE….
Looks quite fascinating! They also have a blog at Sensei Talks
This story from Kansas
Please click here to continue your search.
does my heart good.
….Can a ninety four-year-old do anything a four-year-old can? One local nursing home activities director thought so after she watched her son enjoy the video game Nintendo Wii. They say a group of nursing home residents stay young by playing a game meant for their grandkids.
The activity room at the Ozark Nursing and Care Center is packed when it’s time for Wii. On Tuesday the crowd was tense. All of them hoping Nondis Payne would knock down two final pins. Applause erupts and Payne shouts, “Yes, yes. It’s my first time.”
The bowling competition at the skilled nursing home is fierce. Activities Director Flo Marcus says, “It’s pretty stiff.” She says it can also be fun. Residents all around the room say ‘good job’ as the nearly 94 year-old Elverdia Griffin gets another spare. Marcus says, “Our best is our oldest. She bowls fast and she got a 161.” Griffin has lots of skills but even more modesty when it comes to mastering a video game most likely made for her grandkids. Griffin says, “I’m not good. I thought that I’d never do anything with that game but with a little practice I’ve improved a little.”…MORE….
Love to hear the Wii is having such a positive impact in nursing homes. And if you’d like to know learn more about Wiihabilitation, check out:
to make a splash with your executive client first impressions, right? If so, what better way can you achieve this goal than by having the following in your waiting room?
Available in England,
…The Clear-Seal coffee table aquarium comes with a toughened glass top that has polished rounded edges. It has either a reproduction or mirror corner section that covers the filter and lighting system. All of the coffee table aquariums come complete with light diffuser (the one in the corner to illuminate the tank, the one under the tank is optional), fine and coarse biological sponges, plastic filter cover and acrylic table top support blocks which are designed to minimize sound vibration coming into the tank. To avoid a stressful situation for your fish we do recommend using coasters. The corner section is available in any of these reproduction colours: Dark Oak, Light Oak, Limed Oak, Medium Oak, Yew, Mahogany or Mirrored glass.
The Clear-Seal Coffee Table Fish Tank is suitable for the following coldwater fish: Black Moors, Bubble Eye, Chocolate Pom Pom’s, Comets, Fan Tails, Orandas, Shubunkin or small Koi.
The Clear-Seal Aquarium Coffee Table forms a stunning blend between the practicality of a piece of furniture and the peaceful world of a natural aquatic environment. Here is some useful information and advice to help you maintain you Aquarium Coffee Table and maximise the benefits of this tranquil aquatic display that you can bring into your home or place of work……MORE….
It takes Koi (goldfish, for the naive)! Talk about making a unique first impression. If you get one, do send me a picture and I’ll put it up. And if you need help with your office aquarium, check out:
… London-based Levitate Architects came up with this ingenious solution to a book storage problem and created a loft-like bedroom nestled under the roof of the top-floor apartment. Here’s what Levitate’s Tim Sloan had to say about the project:
Called the 
