Posted by Peter Brady on Wed 9th August 2006 at 09:00 AM, Filed in Gadgets, Go Green
There are currently a plethora of small fold away bicycles hitting the market, that will shred your arse as so much as look at them. Great idea in principle with higher energy costs looming ever more prominent, gridlocked roads and fitness benefits all touted as the key reasons for “getting on your bike”.
So, how convenient to just unfold your bike from a ruck sack and cycle into the sunset. A particularly salient feature given that bikes are becoming an ever increasing target for thieves.
So what’s the latest arse shredder to hit the streets?
Well, Clive Sinclair recently unveiled his “A-Bike” or “Bike-in-a-bag”. Now I’m a big fan of Sir Clive. He rather unfairly became tarred by the Sinclair C5 which with a bit of tweaking and a release of 30 years later could have been a killer product. “Being ahead of your time and failing is just as bad as just plain failing” someone said, although I may have mangled the wording some what - you get my gist though.
Nonetheless, the A-Bike looks like a very interesting concept.
Due to be manufactured in Malaysia, the bike will weigh approx 12lb and is accompanied by a bag which it snugly fits into. It can be carried on foot or be placed on the luggage rack of a train.
“The bike folds in three places, has tiny wheels and is being promoted as ideal for commuters and possibly also for children.”
(Via Manchester Evening News)
Posted by Peter Brady on Tue 8th August 2006 at 11:00 AM, Filed in Cooking, Gadgets
Boiling an egg without water is a great idea in principle. Saves on washing up, saves on time and probably saves on your energy bills.
So that’s what UK inventor James Seddon has tried to create with his Eggxactly water free egg cooker. According to The Mail “Once placed in the device, the egg is cocooned in a flexible plastic element and heated to just over 100 degrees.”
The only problem is that Mr Seddon has failed to demonstrate his device successfully on two prominent TV programs. His calamities don’t seem to be dampening enthusiasm for the product and there seems little doubt that with investment/guidance from Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh (of Dragon’s Den TV Program) the problems will be ironed out in quick time.
Ultimately, you can guarantee Eggxactly being an iconic gift of the future.
The intended retail price is thought to be a very reasonable £20 ($37).
Posted by Peter Brady on Tue 8th August 2006 at 09:00 AM, Filed in Go Green
Um the ”Xylon Wooden Bike” sounds like a nice idea but what about the splinters! And what about warping, moisture damage/penetration etc, would these pose structural weaknesses that could snap the bike in half at a minutes notice? Probably not, but something to consider. Nonetheless the wooden bike concept is a nice, if utopian idea. Would it make a good gift? Possibly, particularly for the environmentally conscious of us.
Here’s what Treehugger say about it:
“Aeronautical grade plywood and seasoned hardwood are combined with ‘state-of-the-art adhesive’ to engineer these hand-built bicycle frames, to which components from leaders in the field are affixed. The completed bikes are designed to be functional, as well as beautiful. The model names reflect the character of their shape and structure.”
Sounds cool. Just not sure about the viability of the product or the company in truth. But maybe I’m just barking up the wrong tree!
Posted by Peter Brady on Mon 7th August 2006 at 09:00 AM, Filed in Cooking, Golf
These golfing shoes are loud and in your face. That’s why I love them! Anybody who wants to stir up the often stuffy clothing requirements of many club courses, needs a pair of shoes like these. Just wear them in front of the club chairman and watch the sparks fly.
Currently available through SubSeventy these golfing shoes retail for £89.99 ($135) and are available in a selection of colour combinations. If you’re looking for a unique gift this might be worth some consideration!
Posted by Peter Brady on Fri 4th August 2006 at 09:00 AM, Filed in Flowers
Roses are the quintessential Valentines Day gift. Undisputed world champions of the flower gift market. The problem is that they are often massively over priced for the key days, to a point where most men I know say to themselves “why bother.” They have a good point, but of course the Rose does some how hold great romantic capital in the love department. I was personally curious as to why this was and found the perfect answer in where else but Wikipedia. Here’s a precis which explains all.
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