activity center

I think that this would be a great starting point for an activity center or entertainer. Both in the play and in the way it encourages cognitive development this has a lot going for it. The materials and color palette are also compelling and imply there is integrity in the play.

recycled products

Ben, Eric and the team at Recycline did a great job making this happen. It really makes you realize how difficult it is to do something differently.
http://www.recycline.com/products/kitchen.html

same difference

This photo from wikipedia really shows how similar everything is.

footwear

Check out the new Gordon Rush catalog. These boots are one of the best of the new line and would be first on my list of footwear to order but the last pair I ordered from them was too narrow, stiff and hot. I love the design of all of the Gordon Rush shoes but they all seem to have these issues.

toothbrush

I recently read an article that described a products move from innovation to commodity and back towards innovation again. One of the interesting points was how the proliferation of subtle variations was often an indicator of a product catagories readiness for innovation. I think that this is a perfect example.

The first bristle brush was invented in the 15th century by the Chinese, using hair from the neck of a boar for its bristles. This design has come a long way from Boar's hair. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "Even after being rinsed visibly clean, toothbrushes can remain contaminated with potentially pathogenic organisms."

VIOlight's UV light kills 99.9% of the bacteria that thrive in your toothbrush. The sanitization process takes just 7 minutes, then the bulb automatically shuts off and your toothbrush is fresh, clean and safely stored for the next time you brush.Designed specifically for travel, the small case takes up minimal space. I think that this company is going to be a 200 million dollar business by the end of 2009.

New Years Day Project

Here is an interesting and tedious New Years Day project. If you are looking for a center piece bowl and have some magazines to recycle this could be perfect. You can see the whole step by step here: http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2007/09/recycle-project-no-7-magazine-bowl.html