Unexpected happenings may occur

23 January 2012

Unexpected happenings indeed!

I don't write many personal things on this blog but I am gobsmacked. My MONTHLY house and contents insurance payment has risen from $220 to $663! I wonder if this has happened to other Mackay people?

17 January to 22 January 2012

Chinese New Year is celebrated tomorrow, usually with dragon parades, in all the major cities in the world. On February 4 the Year of the Dragon begins.

The dragon, which represents the emperor, is unpredictable and therefore unexpected happenings may occur this year (yet again!) The mythological symbol, the Chinese dragon, dates back to 3000 BC and stands for happiness, immortality, procreation, fertility and activity. Chinese Dragons were believed to ward off evil spirits.

From dragons to jellyfish

Humans have two eyes, box jellyfish have 24 eyes, of four different kinds, and, no matter which way the jellyfish is swimming, four of those eyes always look upwards! They rely on their vision to react to light, to avoid obstacles, and to control their rate of swimming. The jellyfish have a simple nervous system and scientists are perplexed that such a system could support advanced behaviours which the jellyfish display.

Laundry baskets usually sit on the floor taking up space. With the Polyp you can have one which not only attaches to any vertical surface, and is out of the way, but also doubles as an ornament. The Polyp is made from plastic and once the laundry inside builds up, the basket sends a signal that these clothes must be washed. The design is by Helene Steiner.

9 January to 16 January 2012

New findings, published in the BMJ suggest the brain's capacity for memory, reasoning and comprehension skills can start to deteriorate from age 45. Previous understanding was that cognitive decline did not begin until after the age of 60.

Researchers, from the Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health in France and University College London in the UK, observed 5,198 men and 2,192 women during a 10 year period from 1997. Cognitive functions of the people involved were assessed three times. They were tested for memory, vocabulary and aural and visual comprehension skills.

The results showed that cognitive scores declined in all categories (memory, reasoning, phonemic and semantic fluency) except vocabulary and there was faster decline in older people.

As a result of the study it is suggested a healthy lifestyle should be promoted, in particular cardiovascular health as what is good for hearts is also good for brains.

These Nike Dead End Heels are an interesting combination of heels and sporting shoes. They feature a violet rose on the ankle strap and words Dead End on the heel rear. One website reports "The shoes on your feet will also show the charm of women with vitality!"

Take away pizza, but take your gold cards

People in Glasgow would think twice or three times before popping into Domenico Crolla's restaurant to order a Pizza Royale 007 which costs (US)$4200! Just twelve inches in size, the pizza includes lobster marinated in cognac, caviar soaked in champagne, sunblush tomato sauce, Scottish smoked salmon, venison medallions, prosciutto, and vintage balsamic vinegar. The topping no doubt adds to the value as it is edible 24-carat gold flakes.

Aeroshot for a quick hit

Forget that cup of coffee, invest in an Aeroshot and get your hit of caffeine quickly and easily anywhere. The Aeroshot, an aerosol-based, calorie-free caffeine inhaler, contains the same amount of caffeine as a large cup of coffee. It has been invented by Professor David Edwards of Artscience Labs who also created Le Whif breathable chocolates and vitamins. Take eight puffs from the Aeroshot to get 100 mg of caffeine.

2 January to 8 January 2012

Smart phones and iPads are moving into the world of plants. The Biome, designed by Samuel Wilkinson, is a terrarium and all the climate conditions, the water level, and the nutrients are controlled via applications. Sunlight is replicated through low energy lighting.

Must be yet another chair

Brightly coloured plastic rugs were violently attacked by a heated chair-shaped metal tool and melded to a stainless steel frame to make the meltdown chair. Designer Tom Price presented his chair at Design Miami 2011. More chairs are planned.

Charleroi

What was formerly a site of barracks and an arena in Belgium are transformed into Charleroi, a village for contemporary dance and an area for street artists. Dance studios and also residences for the artists are included in the design. A new police centre is also part of this complex.

29 December 2011 to 1 January 2012

I enjoy running photographs of body parts but these two photographs are, unfortunately, not the real thing. They are the brainchild of Sara Asnaghi from Milan who created a collection of brains made from food stuffs.

A green car in more ways than one

This French design, the Tilter, does not pollute the environment, it is ultra compact and is described as a zero-emissions vehicle. The car, which will be available this year, is powered by electricity and can travel up to 120 kilometres per hour. Designed for two people, the Tilter is easily manoeuvrable and can be parked in small spaces.

And to start the year on a chairful and playful note....

Bear in mind that this chair, which would probably appeal to children, would take rather more than their pocket money, it is one of a limited series of 25 chairs and each one costs $85,000! Brothers from Brazil, Fernando and Humberto Campana, came up with the idea for these chairs which are manufactured by Estudio Campana. Brazilians call these toys plushy toys whereas we know them as soft toys and any parent who bought one for their child would indeed be a soft touch.

Below is the Eyrie chair which looks unbelievably hard and uncomfortable. The chair was made from steam bent ash and is described as nature inspired and functional. Dutch designer Floris Wubben came up with the idea after looking at bird's nests. If I had the choice, and the money, I would opt for a plushy chair.