Thursday, August 05, 2010

Not your standard stock.

Brooklyn Fare, a new grocery store in New York (Brooklyn, to be exact) has created a buzz both in the design world and with everyday shoppers thanks to its clever, tongue-in-cheek branding. Created and imagined by Mucca Design, the Brooklyn Fare brand and advertising is typography based and relies on bold, friendly text to convey its message. They did more than create just a logo - they created an entire shopping experience, as everything in the store is branded... from the paper bags and takeout containers to the window graphics and aprons.

This approach is quickly setting them apart from the big grocery chains, and other smaller stores in the area. Having a memorable brand, such as Brooklyn Fare, is invaluable. Make sure to swing by and check them out the next time you're in the neighborhood! (By the way, it's a medium... not a grande.)

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Magic?

Have you ever wished you could control the things around you with magic? Now you can, with your very own magic wand.

The Kymera Magic Wand is a universal remote that works with almost any device that can be remote controlled. It has the ability to learn up to 13 infra-red remote control codes from your existing push-button remote. All you have to do is master the magical gestures, and with a flick of the wrist, you will be controlling your TV like Harry Potter.

www.thewandcompany.com

Monday, August 02, 2010

Can your Etch A Sketch do this?

The etch-a-sketch is a world-famous drawing toy that's been around since 1960. Since that time, few have been able to make this simple etching device reach its full potential quite like George Vlosich III, Etch A Sketch artist.

Since his first sketch of the US Capital at the age of 10, George has made the painstaking process of etching celebrities, sports icons, musicians and politicians seem easy.

George's masterful turns and tweaks of the dial have provided one of a kind pieces of artwork which have garnered him widespread recognition for his talents.

Check out his eye-popping artwork at www.gvetchedintime.com.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Weenie Wheels

What could possibly be a more graceful and elegant union than that of the automotive and smoked meat industries?

Perhaps Carl Mayer, Oscar's nephew asked himself that very question with the construction of the very first wienermobile in 1936 as a promotional vehicle for the company.

Save for an understandable break during World War II, the wienermobile has been on the road since its creation and has received a number of face-lifts over the years.

In 2004, Oscar Mayer announced a contest which would allow entrants to win a chance to use the wienermobile for the day. A month later the contest had generated over 15,000 entries.

Currently, lucky winners (known as hotdoggers) must be college graduates and are given the job for a year, during which they are free to cruise about the countryside to give away wienermobile whistles.

There are currently 7 wienermobiles in the fleet, each measuring in at 27 feet long and 11 feet high! Hot-dog!

If you'd like to learn more about the hotdoggers' cross country crusade, visit the hotdogger blog. http://hotdoggerblog.com

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Crayon Physics

This intuitive and unique game is simple in concept but highly addictive! Your cursor becomes a crayon and all you've got to do is draw the necessary lines, shapes, ramps and weights to find a way to get the red ball to the goal. Watch the video to see how it's done or download a free demo at http://www.crayonphysics.com/. It takes just minutes to learn but may take a bit longer to master!

Crayon Physics Deluxe from Petri Purho on Vimeo.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

A Creative Mind for Architecture

The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Centre for Brain Health helps to prevent symptoms of many common brain diseases. While they work to help on the inside of things, Frank Gehry, a prize-winning architect works on the outside. He designed their center to reflect what its purpose is. Using twists and turns, this whimsical building has a left and right brain you might say. On one side it looks like your typical building and on the other side you have this creative piece of art. The building represents the human brain and its two parts, the left being the more logical of the two and the right being the artistically creative part.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Instructables

Ever wondered how to make your very own electricty-producing wind turbine? Always wanted to build an authentic Optimus Prime costume? Searching for the perfect recipe for one-ingredient homemade icecream? Look no further than "Instructables" - the ultimate DIY community. Members post tutorials (including detailed instructions, photos and videos) for everything from cake decorating to motorcycle repair. Not only is Instructables incredibly useful, it's guaranteed to keep you entertained and inspired. Pie in a jar, anyone?

Some of the Fresh Family picked their favourites... can you guess who each of these belongs to?

- How to build your own jet engine

- How to make a three-tiered garden fountain

- How to pull off a "cupping" prank

- How to construct a string pendant lamp

- How to build a Nintendo arcade

- How to create a Space Invader belt out of Lego

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Web Site Story

This West Side Story parody will strike a familiar chord with pretty much anyone who's used the internet in the past 10 years.

Google Maps, Facebook, Twitter, eHarmony, blogging... this well-produced musical video displays just how much our culture has changed since the 50's and 60's, and how much the internet now plays a huge role in the how we spend our time and interact with others, all set to the tounge-in-cheek beat of classic musical composition.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The Chalkbot

Nike and LIVESTRONG have produced an innovative campaign to spread messages of hope for cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones.

The 'Chalkbot', is a machine towed by a pickup truck that is capable of transferring written messages to pavement in a wide variety of styles. This machine was developed by a group of engineers, programmers and friends, and was used to write inspiring messages on the roadways during the Tour De France.

Take a look at the full story in this video.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Remembering Robby

It's important for any successful society to honour the robots that star in their 50's science fiction films. That's why Robby the Robot was inducted into the Robot Hall of Fame in 2004.

This robot is significant because it is the very embodiment of the classic, ridiculous looking sci-fi robot we've all come to know and love.

Today Robby enjoys a cult phenomenon status. He graced the silver screen in several films, but his most notable appearance was at the very start of his career way back in 1956 with MGM's 'Forbidden Planet.' He was a fan favourite, but expensive prop; he came with a $125,000 price tag (no small potatoes in '56!,) and was the first and only movie prop in history to receive 'star billing' with the other actors in the film.

Games and toys in his image have spawned from his appearance in that Oscar Nominated film, which has solidified its place in the annals of cheesy science fiction history.

Well done, Robby!