May 31, 2013

11 Hacks to make your life easier

We all know that Daedalus was one of the greatest inventors of all time.
...that being said, i don't think he would be disappointed with all the crazy and original ideas that people keep having to solve every-day problems!

Maybe you can even use some of them...

1. Cord Organizer

Do you know those messy cords you always have all tangled up laying around? Here is a great solution to keep it simple and clean!

2. Clean Caulking

Have you ever tried calking something? Did you make a big mess out of it? Well, welcome to the club.
Fortunately for us, there are some great thinking minds out there that came up with this simple method of caulking.

3. Repairing Furniture

Walnuts are good, healthy and - i wonder how people find out this things - it turns out it can be used to repair your damaged furniture.

4. Burning Spaghetti

Don't try to hide it, we all have burned our fingers trying to light an out of reach wick. Well, i guess it wont happen again!

5. CD Sleeve

Who says plastic CD sleeves are nice? Here is a super awesome idea of a DIY sleeve to impress your friends. Ideal for a gift!

6. Stubborn Knots

Knots in plastic bags can be a pain in the sweet back to open. You try and try again, with your nails and your teeth, but nothing seems to happen.
But everything will be different the next time with the right technic.

7. Dips Dips

Summer is the ideal time to make Barbecues and picnics with your friends. And here is a nice way to present those delicious Dips that you have been preparing.

8. Book Holder

So you don't like cooking?
Now you will, just to show your friends how cool you are using a pants hanger to hold your cook book clean and open in front of you!

9. Smelly Rubbish bin

That's like an IKEA Promotion: 2 by the price of 1. You can dispose of your old newspapers and keep your rubbish bin from leaking all those disgusting food juices.

10. Personal Info

Hopefully a card like this will never need to be used, but you never know. Better be prepared.
It can literally save your life!

11. Safe Money

Do you feel unsafe carrying around lots of money? Here is a special ninja technic to help you feel a little bit safer.


Ok, now that this post is done, if you'll excuse me, i'll go and bild my new water powered car!
...let's keep dreaming!


SOURCES:
   - Life Hacker
   - Bored Panda

May 30, 2013

6 Amazing Notebooks

We all know that there are lots of Note-taking applications out there.
...that being said, the experience of writing on a real carefully handcrafted paper notebook surpasses any typing you may like doing!

1. Moleskine

We start this list, of course, with the well stablished Moleskin.
Moleskine has a wide range of choices, from little to big, from watercolor to music paper, from black to colorful and from cheap to not so cheap.
Throughout the time there were many renowned artists to have used the Moleskine notebooks, among them are Vicent Van Gogh, Pablo Piacasso, Ernest Hemingway and Bruce Chatwin.

You can read more about it here: Moleskine

2. Piano Notebook

If you, like me, sometimes find the need of writing down the musical ideas on your head, maybe this is a good notebook for you.
If it happens during a bike ride, just stop for a moment, take our cool looking Piano Notebook from your backpack and sketch your music ideas down. If you have any doubts, just play it on the little piano to check you got everything right!

3. Rite in the Rain

The Rite in the Rain is one of the coolest notebook i've seen so far.
Not only is looks super cool, but it is also really practical to everyone who likes to spend time outside in all kinds of weather - or, you never know, take some notes during the morning shower.
And that's not all. On top of being all-weather writing paper that sheds water, they are also environmentally responsible!

You can read more about it here: Rite in the Rain

4. Triangle Notebook

Here is a Notebook for the design lovers.
With an original format and a smart design, the Triangle Notebook will surely attract the attention of your friends, teachers, parents and peers.
Design by Tan Mavitan, this might be one of the most original notebooks out there

You can read more about it here: Tan Mavitan

5. Ciak ECO

The Ciak ECO is a collection of very beautiful and well thought notebooks.
They are made in reprocessed leather and recycled paper using energy obtained by sustainable resources and they have a very nice and distinctive feel to them.
I personally think the black one with colorful elastics are super beautiful!

You can read more about it here: Ciak ECO

6. Scout Books

I have left the best, or maybe it is more correct to say "the coolest", to the end.
The Scout Books not only are they made of 100% recycled paper, but you can DESIGN YOUR OWN. How cool is that?
Ever wanted a notebook for a special topic? Well, now you can have it.
Ever wanted a super cool notebook with one of your design on the cover? Well, now you can get it.
The possibilities to make you happy are endless! You will have no more excuses to say notebooks are boring!

You can read more about it here: Scout Books

With notebooks like this, i think we better start writing our award winning novel!
Let's keep dreaming...

May 29, 2013

6 Amazing Album Covers

We all know that you can't judge an album's quality by it's cover.
...that being said, we all love a beautiful album to hold on our hands while we listen to it!

1. Beatles - Abbey Road

The Abbey road is one of the most memorable record in recent music history or, as Nicole Pensiero puts it, it is "and amazingly cohesive piece of music, innovative and timeless" and is, by many, considered on of the best music albums in history.
And, not less recognizable is its cover: the four The Beatles' members crossing Abbey Road. First Lennon, than Starr, followed by McCartney with Harrison in the back were photographed by Iian Macmillan to make this iconic cover.

You can read more about it here: Beatles - Abbey Road

2. Nirvana - Nevermind

The music world was never the same after the disappearing of Nirvana. And, i don't know why, but i think that if K. Kobain was still around he would just say "Nevermind!".
With songs like "Smells like teen spirit", "Come as you are" or "Polly", the ground-breaking Nevermind soon became a hit and it was number 1 in Hit Charts all over the world.
The photo of the baby swimming in the water, taken by photographer Kirk Weddle, has appeared in magazines like Time and Rolling Stone.

You can read more about it here: Nirvana - Nevermind

3. Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the moon

Even if people don't know what this image is or where it comes from, we have all seen it in one place or another. With art work by George Hardie the cover from Pink Floyd's eight studio album is an icon of simplicity, beauty and meaning.
The album was an immediate success, with songs like "Money" or "Speak to me / Breathe", stayed on the charts for about 15 years and has won many Gold, Platinum and even Diamond Disks.

You can read more about it here: Pink Floyd - The dark side of the moon

4. The Velvet Underground & Nico

Did you know that early version of this great album invited people to "Peel slowly and see" and then, by peeling back the banana skin, a flesh-colored banana skin would be revealed underneath?
The Velvet Underground & Nico, with songs like "Sunday Morning" or "The Black Angel's death song", was, at first, a big commercial failure. But, with time, this album became of the most iconic albums of the alternative music world being even named 22nd greatest album of all time in a Music of the Millennium poll conducted in the UK by HMV Group, Channel 4, The Guardian and Classic FM.

You can read more about it here: The Velvet Underground & Nico

5. The Clash - London Calling

Pennie Smith took what is today acknowledged as being one of the most iconic photos in Rock History: Paul Simonon smashing his bass against the floor to express his frustration again the overly quiet audience at New York's Palladium in 1979.
Not only the album became a success, being #1 in 1980's critic's poll of the Rolling Stone Magazine, but the album cover is one of the most loved covers from music fans all over the world.
Ah, and the bass is now at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

You can read more about it: The Clash - London Calling

6. Sigur Rós - Ágaetis Byrjun

And now i finnish this list with one of my favorite album covers. Believe it or not, this cover was designed by Gotti Bernhöft with only a Bic Crystal ballpoint pen.
Ágaetis Byrjun (meaning "a good beginning") was the break-through algum of Sigur Rós, and it is filled with melancholic and dreamy soundscapes.
This is a moody album with a moody cover to go with it!

You can read more about it here: Sigur Rós - Ágaetis Byrjun


Now we don't even need to listen to music anymore, we just need to look at the cover albums!
...let's keep dreaming!

May 28, 2013

6 Amazing Infographics about Food

We all know that eating healthy is one of the most important things we can do for our well-being!
...that being said, how many of us really pay it enough attention?

1. Milk

(source: www.learnstuff.com)

Milk in our society is seen, and advertised, as something essencial in every man's diet.
But the fact is that many recent studies have proved it not to be true. Milk (cow's milk) is associated with many health problems, including Coronary disease, Type-1 Diabetes and even several types of cancer.
There are, however, several pant-based milks which are becoming more and more popular due to their high quality, nutritional values and, of course, interesting taste.

2. Fast Food

(source: odetocapitalism.com)

I think about Fast Food i don't even need to say anything. We are all aware that eating fast food is like eating a heart attack. Maybe tasty (sometimes), but a heart attack anyway...

3. Vegetables

(source: rvank.com)

Eating vegetables, contrary to what most people think, is very tasty, very healthy and can also be lots of fun to choose from so many varieties available to us.
But there is something very important: we should eat vegetables from the season and grown locally, and thus avoiding vegetables grown in super-greenhouses or flown from around the world.
This is a very useful graphic with many Vegetables and their seasons.

4.Water

(source. http://www.fastcompany.com)

Have you ever wondered how many liters of water go to waste every single day to produce all the things that we use?
Well, it is quite a lot, and i think it is our work to do something about it!

5. Vegetarianism

(source: Josh Segars)

I think most people criticize Vegetarianism because they don't really know it. Ignorance brings fears, and miss conceptions can be a really hard thing to change in people's minds.
I don't think this infographic will change anyone's mind, but i do think it has some interesting numbers, and there is lots of information about Vegetarian Diets on the Internet for those who wish to know more about it...

6. Chocolate

(source: andrejpreston.com)

I thought it would be a good idea to end this post with an infographic about Chocolate.
Chololate may have a lot of calories, but it's also a very healthy and taaaaaasty food!
Who doesn't like a good piece pf chocolate?


Well, now we have no excuses not to eat well for a very long time!
Let's keep dreaming...

May 27, 2013

6 Amazing Strange Instruments

We all know that learning how to play an instrument can be one of te most rewarding experiences in one's life!
That being said, who want to play a boring trombone, when you can play some really amazing instruments, like the ones on this list...

1. LaserHarp

Maybe some of us know the LaserHarp from the incredible Jean Michel Jarre's performances.
Well, anyway, the LaserHarp is one of the most cool looking instruments ever made. It not only is unbelievably cool to play, it is also a great way to express you musical ideas by allowing you to use it in 3 different modes: Trigger Mode, Sequence Mode and Event Mode. Ah, and it looks like it came from the future!

You can read more about it here: LaserHarp

2. Theremin

The Theremin is one of the spookiest instruments I have ever heard/seen.
It was created by Léon Theremin in 1919 and it is one of the only instruments in the world that can be played without being touched.
It's sound is completely ethereal and will quickly give you goose-bumps. Listening to a Theremin is like being inside a sci-fi film. Inside a good sci-fi film!

You can read more about it here: Theremin World

3. Minimoog

The Minimoog is an emblematic instrument and there is not much to be said about it.
We have to think that nowadays something like the Minimoog isn't technologically impressive, but back when it was released (1970) it was one of the first portable synthesizers.
With it's Signal Generators, Filters and Amplifiers, the Minimoog soon became popular and used by many musicians in all different kinds of music.
Nowadays there are several clones of the Minimoog, including digital ones, but nothing compares to the original one!

You can read more about it here: Minimoog

4. Glass Harmonica

We have all seen in films and TV shows someone playing music on half-full cristal glasses. Well, i guess the Glass Harmonica was invented by one of these guys that wanted something more.
It works on the same principal, to play it you rub your wet fingers on the spinning glass disks, creating a crystalline sound.
With an instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin and that supposedly made both musicians and listeners go mad, what can ever go wrong?

You can read more about it here: Glass Harmonica

5. Hang

This amazingly alien looking instrument will make you wish you were a hippie playing it on the streets around the world.
The Hang produces an hypnotic sound in a perfect mix of rhythm and melody. We can think of it as a steelpan that came from another planet to won our heart over!
It's not easy to get your hands on one but, as soon as you'll do, you'll get hooked!

You can read more about it here: Hang

6. Didgeridoo

The Didgeridoo is the instruments of the Australian Aborigines and it has been around four about 1500 years.
It was originally played as an accompaniment to cerimonial dancing or singing, but nowadays it has spread to the whole world and it's getting more and more popular.
To really master the Didgeridoo a player need to do Circular Breathing, which is a accomplished by inhaling by the nose while, at the same time, pushing out air by the mouth.
The Didgeridoo is one of the most magical instruments out there...

You can read more about it here: Didgeridoo


With instruments like this on our bag, we will be soon playing at the Vienna's State Opera!
Let's keep dreaming...

May 26, 2013

6 Amazing cycling accessories

We all know that cycling is nice and good for your health!
...that being said, cycling can also be a good way to make other people super jealous of your cool cycling gadgets!

1. LightLane

I thought it would be a good idea to start this list with an accessorie i have been drooling about for some time: a laser light that makes our own Bicycle Lane on the pavement.
This is a simple but very good idea, and the people at LightLane are making it into a very nice, stylish and useful product.
It started as a concept for a competition and now they are developing it into a product we will all want!

You can read more about it here: LightLane

2. TiGr Bike Lock

The TiGr Bike Lock "is a titanium lock that is Smart, Versatile, Elegant, Light, Tough and Easy to use". That is how the people at TiGr lock describe it, but i would still add that it is the most cool looking lock i have seen for a while and, and this is a big thing, it is really practical!
With a very original "storage" method and a high level of security, the TiGr lock is a great candidate to become you favorite tool to keep your precious bike safe!

You can read more about it here: TiGr Bick Lock

3. Topeak Hexus II Multi-tool.

There are a lot of Multitools out there and they all say they are the best. So, choosing one Multi-tool to present you here, was not an easy choice.
The Hexus II is an award winning Multi-tool with 16 hardened steel tools put together in one single ergonomic and stylish composite body.
At only 167g, the Hexus II you always be with you and, who know, save you from many uncomfortable situations.

You can read more about it here: Topeak Hexus II

4. Turtle Shell Speakers

Cycling is not a time to have your head in the clouds. But at times having some music would make it much more interesting.
The OT Turtle Shell Wireless Speaker is a sleek, functional and rugged Bluetooth Speaker that started as a Kick-Starter Project and is now on it's way to become a well known, and loved, product.
You can easily pair it with any of your Bluetooth devices and you'll always have your favorite soundtrack at hand on all your Outdoor Activities.

You can read more about it here: Turtle Shell Speaker

5. Overade Foldable Helmet

Why do cycling helmets always need to be so ugly and unpractical?
I think that was exactly the idea that went through the head of the creators from this amazing Foldable Helmet.
The Overade Foldable helmet offers a simple and easy to use, yet safe, stylish and reliable Helmet for the everyday use of the most demanding commuters.
Now you'll have no more excuses not not wear a Helmet.

You can read more about it here: Overade Foldable Helmet

6. Siva Atom Bicycle Generator

After a successful Kick-Starter the people at Siva have a super great product: the Siva Atom!
The Siva Atom is a lightweight, highly efficient bicycle generator and rechargeable battery pack designed to power virtually any of your electronic or mobile devices vis USB.
The Atom is the ideal product for the modern commuter cyclist, the urban biker, the weekend rider, the gadget lover or every sustainable minded cyclist who needs a charge on the go.

You can read more about it here: The Atom


With gadgets like this even I could keep up with Miguel Indurain!
...let's keep dreaming!

May 25, 2013

ion Mobile LP USB Turntable

We all know that nothing beats a really good live concert!
...that being said, we can't go to concerts the whole time, so listening to music at home can (and should) also be a very good experience.

The ion Mobile LP is a portable USB turntable which you can connect to your computer (PC or Mac) to just listen to some great music, creative your favorite playlists, record your vinyl records to CD or convert them to good quality .mp3 files.
The Mobile LP can run on wall power or on batteries, which, together with it's built-in speaker and it's protective dust cover, makes it a perfect companion to your picnics and music filled outings.

Either you are a DJ with an extensive vinyl collection, a big music lover or just a fan of beautiful simple design, the ion Mobile LP [iPTUSB Red] limited edition has something for you to love!

You can read more about it here: ion Mobile LP [iPTUSB Red]

With a turntable like this we'll soon be everyone's favorite DJ!
Let's keep dreaming...

May 24, 2013

6 Amazing Concept Motorcycles

1. 2015 Honda CB750

This edgy bike is presented by it's creator, Igor Chak, as "the future of the Café-Racer".
Well, whatever that means, this is a cool futuristic looking bike which, i am sure, not many of us would mind to have in the garage!
You can find his page here: Igor Chak

2. Honda Cub Concept

If you are an ecologically concerned rider, maybe the Honda Cub Concept would be for you.
With a super original design, hydrogen fuel cell and the unlikelihood that it will ever come into being, this is a bike only to dream about.

3. Alstare Superbike Concept

If you want something a little bit closer to reality, maybe the Alstare Superbike Concept is something for you. With the help of Serge Rusak of Rusak Kreaktive, Alstare have designed this futuristic looking bike, that, maybe only in our dreams, one day Ducati will dare produce!


4. Ostoure Concept

If Mad Max would one day become a designer, and what a great day that would be, this is probably the kind of bike he would design. The Ostoure Concept Bike looks agressive, powerful, beautiful and ready to make what it's name suggests: become a legend!

5.Yamaha Deux Ex Machina Motorcycle

Image that one day you wake up wishing you were a grasshopper, or maybe an alien from a far way very advanced planet, hmmm, or maybe a character on a cool sci-fi film. One bike you you ride? No doubts about that, you would surely ride the Yamaha Deux Ex Machina exoskeleton Concept bike from Jake Loniak.

6. Voltra Electric Motorcycle

We all know that Voltra has some very cool motorcycle designs, but, still, one of my favorites is this Electric Bike Concept, from Dan Anderson. This bike is stylish and has a really cool minimalist feel to it. It's a great way to finish this list...


With bikes like this i would be no match for Rossi!
Let's keep dreaming...

Arduino Starter Kit


We all know that electronic is for geeks living in their parent's basement...
...that being said, with the Arduino Starter Kit you will soon become addicted to electronic and wish that your parent had some free space on their basement!

The Arduino Starter Kit come with a Arduino Uno R3 board, lots and lots of electronic components (including a breadboard, resistors, transistors and many other nice things) and with a nice book that will introduce you to this fascinating world.
Following the instructions of the Arduino Projects Book you will learn the basic of electronics and microcontrollers and soon you will be making your own projects, like a Quadcopter, a Laser-Harp or even get your plants to tweet you when they need water.

This is a perfect way to get into to the electronic world and learn the skill you need to invent and create all those crazy things that you have always dreamt about!

You can read more about it here: Arduino Starter Kit


With the Arduino Starter Kit i'll soon build my first time machine!
Let's keep dreaming...

May 23, 2013

PöPö


PöPö - MIDI Xylophone


We all know that Xylophones are boring instruments for nerds that can't play anything else.
That being said, WOW, this PöPö MIDI Xylophone brings a whole new dimension to the whole Xylophone playing thing!

PöPö is a home made Arduino based MIDI Xylophone that you can plug via USB to your MAC/PC and, with it, you can not only play incredible music, but you can also control you DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
It comes with 8 Note Pads (that you can assign to anything, from piano sounds to the most incredible drums, or even soundscapes), 4 Assignable Knobs, 4 Assignable Buttons (each with with Press and Press+Hold Functions) and 3 Selectable Modes/Scales (Major, Minor and Pentatonic).
PöPö is a modern, beautiful and original musical instrument that will make the delights of every music lover, from the little little ones to the big big ones.

And that's not all.
The design is open source, so you can find all the schematics on the website to build your own, adapt it, upgrade it and make so super crazy that it will soon became your favorite music making tool!

You can find more information here: PöPö

With this cool PöPö MIDI Xylophone even i can be a concert Xylophonist!
Let's keep dreaming...