Where does inspiration come from?

Are we still driven by physical connections? Or does the idea of virtual stimulation satisfy us nowadays? We pull inspiration from what surrounds us... but what if that is the Internet for an avg of 10 hours a day? Is it our only pop culture hub?

Internet: Inspiration + demise

I Almost Signed up.

Recently the New York Times wrote an article on a pretty cool outdoors retailer called Moosejaw (think REI meets American Eagle) and their approach to mobile. Anyways, I'm usually not a huge fan of mobile marketing - I feel like my phone is the last place where advertisers can't interrupt me and I've been sort of militant about keeping it that way. Not to mention, many of those experimenting are annoying about it. However, Moosejaw seems to have figured out a way to make it a lot less painful. Instead of pushing ads at users, they can opt to receive funny questions that invite them to respond (or vote). In return Moosejaw gives them rewards points to be used on their site. I almost signed up. Almost.


Here are some other clever mobile executions for those interested (or those of you who are like me and still need some more convincing).

The Future of Flash Mobs

NextGreatThing had a nice post on Flash Mobs this week. One question - how do I get invited?

Check out this awesome classic.

Algorithms and Lipstick Shades

Seems like an unlikely combination but not to Hewlett Packard.

Scientific American wrote about HP's recent announcement of a new service that aims to use images, algorithms and wireless technology to help women determine the best colorings for their skin tone.

"The biggest issue with cosmetics is selecting the color," says Nina Bhatti, principal scientist at HP labs. "This is a common pain point—women can't find colors that look good on them."

Simply snap a photo of yourself holding color swatches and HP will run "them through sophisticated image-processing algorithms, and returning scientifically based recommendations for the shade of foundation, lipstick, blush and eye shadow that best suits a person's skin tone."

This comes along around the same time that IconNicholson announced their new "Talking Mirror" - both very interesting ways to use technology to solve classic problems for consumers.

Exercise Solutions for the Busy Gal

Japanese girls are turning to Cobini fitness for the convenience of a corner store with the benefits of a workout facility.

Just stop in, jump on one of their machines and maintain your balance as the "foot pads churn up and down and back and forth at up to 1,560 times per minute."

"I love that I don't even have to change clothes," says 17-year-old Midori Nishioka as she bounces on a Conbini machine in Osaka.

While I appreciate efficiency as much as anyone else -- I hope I never get this lazy, busy or broke.

Thanks Wired.

Live Earth... really?

Article Found in the Arizona Wildcat newspaper...

"So how is a mega-concert like Live Earth supposed to stop climate crisis? Well, I can tell you how it's not: by coaxing hundreds of thousands of fans to drive or fly to arenas across the globe to see their favorite band in concert; by booking performers and spokespeople, who usually travel with an entourage by private jet or tour bus; and by encouraging viewers to stay inside on a hot summer day, flip on the AC and watch a 22-hour television broadcast while simulcasting the Internet feed from their computer."

The Point: Chill out a little, Andrew, we are trying... We just need to find new ways to connect for a cause.

Bugaboo Daytrips

Bugaboo, the creators of the ultimate (in price and performance) stroller, is already known for breaking the mold by positioning itself as an exciting brand in a rather boring category – so why wouldn’t their online experience be any different?

Recently they have tapped local artists to help create 'Bugaboo Daytrips' in select cities around the world. Discovering that today's parents desire a lifestyle that is filled with curiosity, adventure and activity, the site gives Moms and Dads ideas for kid-friendly yet hip happenings in their area.

Check out this beautiful yet very functional site – http://www.bugaboodaytrips.com/?lang=us