global trends and evolution of human skills

2006-07-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

Skorpion Multi Terrain Skates

via www.i4u.com
www.multiterrainskates.com

This awesome looking skates for all terrains come from New Zealand.

The Skorpion Multi Terrain skates feature four oversized (5") wheels with individual suspension. To make them runs smooth each wheel is mounted on two bearings.

The skates allow you to look cool and speed over grass, board walks or trails.

More details on the Skorpion skates site. Planet On Wheels sells the Skorpion Skates in the United States. A pair Skorpion Skates cost you $119.97.

2006-07-20T00:12:00.000-07:00

Fox hunter

2006-07-19T23:52:00.000-07:00

New-York sound seeker

www.soundseeker.org

Explore the sounds of New York City with this aural map from the New York Society for Acoustic Ecology. Audio is directly integrated into the map marker popups. Nicely done.

2006-07-19T04:53:00.000-07:00

Five Fun Wedding Trends for 2006

www.starcourier.com

(ARA) - Teal bridesmaids' gowns? So last year. Bridal bouquet of red roses? Been there, done that. Platinum wedding bands? A classic choice, but there are trendier options.

According to a report published by The Wedding Report, the $58.5 billion wedding market in 2006 is expected to boast 2.2 million weddings (a three-percent increase over last year), at an average cost of $26,400 (a 2.3 percent increase.) With staggering statistics such as these, no wonder that planning a wedding can be difficult - and expensive - work.

Many brides- and grooms-to-be already have a firm grasp on their wedding plans and budgets. For those of you just starting to comb through bridal magazines, here are five trends you may want to consider when planning your big day:

* COLORS. While many colors will be popular this year, purple will prevail. TheKnot.com foresees a palette from pale lavender to deep eggplant, used in a variety of patterns on everything from bridesmaids' dresses and invitations to the wedding cake and cocktail napkins. Seasonal hues, according to The Wedding Company, include black, plum and navy (winter), latte, coral and lavender (spring), mauve, sage and turquoise (summer), and emerald, burgundy and chocolate (fall).

* FLOWERS. While roses will forever symbolize love and romance, more adventurous brides are experimenting with orchids, gerbera daisies, peonies, gardenias, lilies and green hydrangeas. Arrangements with a "just-picked, casual look" are favorites for both brides and their mothers, with silk flowers gaining speed as more durable, yet equally colorful, options.

* RINGS. Gold is gorgeous, diamonds are to die for, and platinum is a perennial favorite, but the hot new metal in men's wedding bands is tungsten. Over the past two years, tungsten has "taken on a life of its own," according to Steve Blackwell of e-Weddingbands.com, a premier online wedding band retailer. "It's the only metal that is scratch-resistant, making it very appealing to men who may have shied away from softer metals in the past." Another trend noted by Blackwell: custom-engraving wedding bands, with personalized messages of loyalty ranging from "All my love" to "We Are . . . Penn State" (www.e-weddingbands.com).

* ATTIRE. We can expect to see more and more strapless bridal gowns, as well as floor-length styles, adorned with pastel trimmings and embroidery, fancy beadwork and satin accents. Experts also see a renaissance of the morning coat for grooms in both black and gray - a less formal alternative to the traditional tuxedo.

* RECEPTION. Bridal Guide magazine notes unique menu fare ranging from one-bite desserts and chilled soups served in shot glasses to ethnic-inspired entrees and make-your-own food stations. Long tables conducive for family-style serving will be decorated with colored stemware, gilt edging, and party favors that include ginger-flavored truffles and monogrammed chocolate bars. The event will rock this year - literally - with DJs spinning favorite tunes from the '80s or even spicy Latin samba music.

For both trendy and traditional wedding rings, visit e-weddingbands.com.

2006-07-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

Gotta getta gadget: portable music trends

timesleader.com

By Donna Talarico Weekender Correspondent

The boom box rested on its last shoulder sometime in the late 80s. (Now, it rests in peace). The walkman has, well, walked out. And even the disc man is being thrust into the wind.

Will we be trading in our iPods next?

As many music consumers have gone digital, the trends in portable devices have changed rapidly in the past decade or so. The music world is seemingly getting bigger, yet the gadgets smaller.

Wired Magazine recently revealed some fresh devices on the market. The biggest news was that Hewlett-Packard has actually teamed up with Apple to release an iPod-like device. And, new HP computers will come with iTunes software already installed. (How ‘bout them apples?).

Also, the Seattle Times broke the news that Microsoft is set to release Argo by the holidays. Argo is predicted to have an advantage over the iPod: it can download music wirelessly. So, if you are in any wi-fi hotspot, you can download music as opposed the iPod needing to be attached to a computer. The device is rumored to also perhaps be compatible the Xbox games.

Technology company Archos offers several portable audio devices, but at a recent technology trade show it unveiled the GminiXS 202: a sleek and slender device that holds up to 10,000 songs, or 20GB of music. There are a few models of this gadget, which all will play MP3s, WMA and WAV files, either from a CD or downloaded from the net.

Samsung has also unleashed a 4GB flash memory digital audio player and picture viewer. Shiny and slim, the YP-ZF5 supports several file formats and is compatible with several music subscription sites. This gadget only weighs 58g, yet can hold 2,000 songs and 130,000 photos (which are seen on an LCD screen.) The ZF5 operates with a touch-pad and can also tune into FM radio and serve as a voice recorder.

Sony is also stepping up to the plate, offering a new portable player that is only compatible with its format of music, which will be offered at $.99 a download, with no subscription. The quality of a Sony product is a given, but the catch here is they are cashing in on their own music file format. Wired also reports Sony has also teamed up with United Airlines - songs can be purchased with frequent flyer miles. So, either fly across the globe to see one band, or download a few hundred with the miles.

Of course, iPods and all their models are still immensely popular, as are Dell portable jukeboxes. Along with these portable gadgets, there are also software programs and online stores that go along with the digital music craze. Real Networks has released a new RealPlayer 10, which also has its own storefront for downloading music. BurnLounge is another site that offers digital downloads. And of course, iTunes is hot.

Not on the digital bandwagon? It’s okay. A quick scan of a few discount retailers and music stores reveal that yes, they still make devices for listening to a CD on the go.