Prezi communication tool

Prezi is a communication tool that helps you organize, present, and share your ideas. A popular alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint and other presentation applications, Prezi announced that it has passed the 15 million user milestone.

For those not familiar, Prezi uses a map-like metaphor for creating presentations instead of a slideshow metaphor. This makes it possible to create non-linear presentations, or presentations that use spatial metaphors for organizing ideas, like mind maps. Unlike PowerPoint and other Office apps the features aren’t “hidden” in menus, which makes it easier to find different options. The new UI launched should be easier for new users to get started. 

Prezi allows you to create eye-catching flash based presentations with just a few clicks and drags. It is very similar to PowerPoint, but with more powerful and interesting features. Instead of your presentation being on separate slides, all of your content is on a single canvas and you can add text, graphics, and videos. You can also embed YouTube videos into the presentation

Prezi had a unique opportunity to cooperate with the World Economic Forum's IdeasLab session in 2010 organized as a part of the annual world leader's meeting in Davos, Switzerland. A really interesting article for you Prezi authors out there can be found here.

Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that opens up a new world between whiteboards and slides. Sporting a  zoomable canvas, it makes it fun to explore ideas, and presenting them to the world with an unconventional spin. The web version of Prezi is free, but if you want the desktop version or certain other features you’ll have to go for the Pro account, which costs $159 a year.

Ref. (TechCrunch) http://techcrunch.com/2012/10/30/powerpoint-killer-prezi-launches-new-interface/

Urbanears

Swedish Zound Industries, with Urbanears have demonstrated how to combine music and colour. The vibrant product colours are stylized on top quality headphones in a comprehensive range. From canary yellow and cerise pink to grass green and tomato red, Urbanears headphones are guaranteed to attract some attention. Function, performance and the company's ‘zound’ plug make Urbanears a unique selection. See all available products and colours here.

1. BAGIS (color : forest)

Bagis is a compact version of the full Urbanears experience. It’s an earplug construction for a direct sound and efficient noise reduction. It features rubber housing along with a combined fabric and TPE cord to eliminate distortions caused by friction. As a bonus each earpiece snaps together, allowing one to carry them around its neck when not in use.

Read a review here.

2. PLATTAN (color : pumpkin)

Plattan was designed to be the perfect classic headphone, utilizing innovative functions and performance with today’s technology. It is a full size headphone allowing for rich, secluded sound. It can be folded down to the size of a fist for maximum mobility. Plattan also comes with a ZoundPlug on the earcap, allowing for a friend to plug in and enjoy the same music.

Read a review here.

3.  ZINKEN (color : indigo)

Developed with the professional DJ in mind, with respect to the wallet of the unpaid amateur, Zinken is chock-full of handy features that you never even knew one needed, like the dual-duty TurnCable and ZoundPlug. Designed for maximum comfort, the Zinken features swivel ear caps, an adjustable headband and specially selected materials that do not absorb sweat and odors. These headphones are designed to thrive in a DJ environment, but also excel at day-to-day use.

Read a review here.

4.  MEDIS (color : tomato

Medis is an unprecedented experience in ergonomics and functionality. The patented EarClick solution secures the earpiece at two separate points rather than one, relieving pressure to a nearly non-existent level while keeping it firmly in place. Additionally, the Medis rests a small distance from the ear canal and therefore doesn’t affect balance.

The Medis features a dynamic sound and the sleek and minimal design that is synonymous with Urbanears.

Read a review here.

All reviews were selected randomly. Prices for each available model & shipping costs can be viewed on the company's website.

Draw a stickman !

Draw a Stickman began with a very simple idea. What if you could draw a stickman and he would come to life? In 2011 the website drawastickman.com was launched, featuring an interactive adventure where you were able to do just that. Your stickman would then become a hero in a short story where you faced an assortment of imaginary obstacles and overcame them by drawing a variety of things to help you.

A brilliant idea, with exceptional realisation, that earned the people recognition and a Webby Award, for Best Use Of Animation Or Motion Graphics. On the website, two episodes are offered. Due to popular demand, "Draw a Stickman Epic" is taking that concept to a whole new level by creating a full length game. Kickstarter funding was then requested. For more info on the ongoing project, since the creators have more to offer, can be found on Kickstarter here.

As far as the released game is concerned :

"Get ready for a creative gaming experience unlike anything you've ever played before! Draw a stickman and then guide him through a fantastic world using an assortment of pencils, draw elements, tools, and weapons to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
Draw a Stickman Epic combines adventure, puzzle, action, and creative thinking, like no game you've ever played before!. Draw a Stickman Epic immerses you in a fantastic world where you have complete creative freedom! "

Available for iOS and Windows 8 devices. 

Milk & Honey bar

Milk & Honey is an Award winning private member's bar that operates in two locations, in London and New York. In their own words "At Milk & Honey we have a passion for making the highest quality drinks; using the best ingredients, and the finest, often painstaking, methods." Milk & Honey opened in New York in January 2000 and is located on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Entrance is by referral and appointment only, something that has to do with its small size, but that is about to change. ^[1] They are part of the Rushmore Group, and a sister Milk & Honey bar opened in Soho in April 2002, where door policy is about the same. What follows applies to the Soho location.

Described as a sexy, friendly hideaway in the midst of Soho it will make you feel, if only for an hour or two, like you play in a 50s Hollywood film. A prohibition style speakeasy entrance takes you past a clued up maitre d-style receptionist, through a plush curtain and into a low lit and beautifully decorated bar where lovingly crafted cocktails are served to the strains of laid back jazz standards. It's dark, small, cosy, secret. It's a great place for cocktails and the bartender knows what he is doing. It's about £9-10 for a cocktail.

The bar theme spreads with a twist over three separate floors, with a fourth room on the second floor available for private hire. Of those three floors (the basement bar, the main ground floor bar, and the red room on the first floor) the dimly lit booths in the ground floor bar are great if you're looking for a buzzier vibe, and the leather sofas and open fire in the members only red room provide a perfect place to relax and chat. The scented candles in the main bar can be a little over-powering though.

Non-members need to make a reservation for before 11:00pm (and in practice restricted to the early part of the week), unless going with a member. Make sure you know the address; the club is unmarked from the street. For members and their guests the bar is open until 03:00am, six nights a week. No reservation is required for members, but you better call ahead. Membership of Milk & Honey London also includes automatic membership of The Player in Soho, The Clubhouse in Chamonix, and access to Milk & Honey NY. In their own words "Our membership scheme is not a traditional one - there are no formal vetting and approval procedures, no referees or contacts required. In short, nothing wanky. Just apply. Act like a grown up and you can enjoy easy late drinking in London, New York and the French Alps for a change. There are no free memberships, so please don't ask. It doesn't matter who you are or who you think you know."

Check a review here. Get directions here.

^[1] Ref. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/30/dining/milk-and-honey-is-moving-on-and-attaboy-is-moving-in.html

Ciel de Paris restaurant

Mostly for tourists. However, situated on the 56th floor of Montparnasse Tower, the Ciel de Paris restaurant has a lot of room, and definitely a very spetacular view. It's chic, welcoming and ethereal with a 1960's futuristic influenced aesthetic. Stepping into this restaurant is like floating through space where the breathtaking view from the huge bay windows mingles perfectly to the stylish furnishings and decoration.

The grey velvet paint on the walls, corian table tops, Stolz leather and different tonal dimensions mesmerize even more when light bounces off the varying surfaces; strengthening and transforming perspectives. Like the design itself, the overall mood is subtle and far from confrontational; provoking a string of reactions, lasting as long as you stay in a space where shapes and colours communicate and caress each other. Then there is the ever changing light coming in from outside which once night falls opens up the delicate twinkling of Paris’ skyline and the enchanting panorama changes once again.

A carefully curated menu, comprised mainly of French classics with interesting twists. Most critiques about the plates & service ranked it from good to excellent. It is expensive. You pay for the good looks, and the astonishing view ; and really it's all about the view and all tables have one. Avoid the hour long lift queue by booking beforehand, but you will still need to buy a ticket to get to the roof top viewing terrace.

Read some reviews here.

Ref. http://www.yatzer.com/Ciel-de-Paris-Noe-Duchaufour-Lawrance

Ref. http://www.dezeen.com/2012/06/29/ciel-de-paris-by-noe-duchaufour-lawrance/

10 objects for your office desk

A collection of beautiful objects, to display on your office desk.

1.
Molecule Building Set by Ferm Living

Create your own molecular design with Ferm Living's Molecule Building Set. The set comes in a nice little box, which makes it easy to store. Each set consists of 24 molecules (6 colors with 4 of each) and wooden sticks to connect the dots and turn the molecules into your own unique design. Made from wood.

Available to purchase here.

2.
A Friendly Tank Pencil Sharpener

Destructive military force is not the only way to resolve conflicts. Let this Friendly Tank, made from Ceramics, be a wiser and powerful tool in bringing peace by translating ideas into words and images.

Available to purchase here.

3.
L'Oiseau by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra 

Routed from maple wood and sanded to a smooth finish, L'Oiseau is reminiscent of the wooden artefacts of Nordic folk art and enriches contemporary interiors in an appealing way, without sinking to cuteness or even tackiness like many other animal figures.

Made from maple wood.

Available to purchase here.

4.
MunnyWorld, mini Munny, 4-Inch White Edition

The world's greatest do-it-yourself toy just got shrunk!

The geniuses at the Kidrobot labs have managed to squeeze MUNNY's endless world of possibilities into a miniature, 4-inch frame. Paint, draw, or scribble; pierce, pose or clothe.

Available in pink, blue and white, each mini MUNNY includes a mystery accessory, a sticker and a mini marker. Made from vinyl.

Available to purchase here.

5.
Muji's NY in a Box

Own some of the worlds most iconic city scape. Small wooden models depict some of the most famous landmarks in New York including the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State building. The box also includes a canvas bag for easy storage after using. Also available "London in a box".

Available to purchase here.

6.
Chalk it to me Piggy Bank

With handsome curly leather tails. Constructed from silky-smooth pigmented ceramic that allows it's body to be drawn on time and again. Draw your favorite pattern, label what you're saving for, let your friends play graffiti artist, or simply leave him clean and minimal. This piggy is ready to be your friend and help you save. Includes chalk and cloth wipe

Available to purchase here.

7.
The NeoCube

What’s the purpose of these magnet sets? There isn’t one really… It’s a fidget object. Something to keep your hands and mind busy when you’re bored or need a break from some other task. You can make all sorts of shapes.

Available to purchase here.

8.
Rocket by Pat Kim

Solid Walnut, hand painted decorative rocket.

Available to purchase here.

9.
Lexon Buro Set 

Design by Jeremy & Adrian Wright

A set of 7 pcs to take care of all small everyday tasks in the office. Comprised of a hole puncher, calculator, tape dispenser, lens, electronic calendar, stapler and 3-port usb hub & SD, CF card reader.

Available here.

And my favourite as the last (10th) item :

Bruno Car by Julian Meagher 

A car for all ages! Playforever have managed to come up with a range of toys to suit adults and children alike. Designed by London based designer Julian Meagher, these toys are destined to become true modern classics. Drawing inspiration from vintage biplanes and classic cars these toys are virtually indestructible - made to be played with forever.

Made from ABS plastic and rubber.

Available to purchase here.

Pos1t1on furniture design

The POS1T1ON (position) Collective was founded in Hungary, at the beginning of 2010 through the initiative of five friends working in different fields of the design industry. Their goal is to perform complex design tasks (branding, graphics, image, furniture, packaging, web, and interior design) by capitalising on the multifaceted knowledge of the team. They have already collaborated on a number of occasions with representatives of other artistic fields; their most recent project was a furniture collection created together with Je Suis Belle. Established in 2005, Je Suis Belle is one of the best known Hungarian fashion brands – the creations of its designer duo are internationally acclaimed.

The fundamental goal of this cooperation is to create a functional family of furniture items along the concept jointly developed by the two brands, serving the needs of everyday comfort. The basic elements of the design were inspired by traditional furniture forms, preserving their functions and formal schemas. A path of creativity, reinterpretation and analysis led to the aesthetic details expressed in the quality of materials, in surfaces and structures, which are present in every item of the BELLEPOSITION collection. 

During the design and creation process, the use of quality materials (solid walnut, wool felt, cotton) and elaborately crafted details were key aspects. Traditional technologies – the classic craft of joinery and the folk technique of surface design, the smocking – are contrasted by innovative ones, such as led lighting and acid-treated mirror surfaces. See more of the whole process here.

Since debuting with their first furniture collection HYPHA in 2010, they have been designing yearly collections in several artistic collaborations. They participated in 100%design, London 2012.

stylish study

The Bouroullec brothers this time have gone academic. The University of Copenhagen, DK, has requested a new seating & study design to be used in the libraries, common and work areas for its Faculty of Humanities, due to reopen after its renovation, this coming January.

The chairs which are the main focus of the design are simple, strong, stackable and built for high volume manufacture, and hence relatively cheap. To achieve all this, a shell in two parts was utilised by the Bouroullec design team. The chairs and library desks have been produced in oak and beech wood, and will also be available from Danish design brand Hay. and will be used in the university faculty’s libraries common and work areas 

At least when you're bored to death while in a lecture, you'll know that you're doing it in style.

Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec are a design team formed by brothers from Brittany. Their designs have been described as representing poetic practicality. The Bouroullec brothers work in Paris, for clients including Cappellini, Ligne Roset, Habitat, Domeau & Peres, Authentics, EandW, Magis, Vitra and others. In 2011, the Centre Pompidou-Metz hosted a major retrospective on the Bouroullec brothers. Ref. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronan_%26_Erwan_Bouroullec

Axalko wooden-frame bicycles

Wood is a material very close to Basque culture. The musical instrument, the Txalaparta is made from ash-trees and this strong tradition of working with ash has provided Axalco company of Spain with a deep understanding of the material as they bicycles' frames.

Two kilometers from Zerain, in northern Spain is the Larraondo sawmill. There, wood and technology is combined in the Axalko "Bat" frame to delight bicycle and nature lovers. The superb qualities of wood (its natural character, surface and microporous texture) and the various possibilities arising from the combination of different types of it, make wood a unique material whose fineness and magnificent mechanical properties are there to aid the enjoyment of cycling.

Aptly named after a quick-witted fox from a childhood fable, the Axalko bike boasts a lightweight hollow frame and micro-lamination for improved resistance. The bike is the inspired design of two brothers, Aitzol and Andoitz Tellería, who joined forces with Enrique Ardura in the north of Spain six years ago to test the natural durability of the ash wood, and to construct a bicycle that would be both fast and sturdy.

Wood is an organic material, a natural composite of cellulose fibres (which are strong in tension) embedded in a matrix of lignin which resists compression. The lignin makes the cell walls rigid with a compressive strength of 2,400 kg/cm2, higher than concrete. Cellulose fibres held together by a lignin binder, with tensile strength of 10,000 kg/cm2,  superior to steel. The fact is ironic, that those two elements provide a magnificent weight to strength ratio, at the same time that new materials appearing on the market (composites, epoxy, fibres) are trying to accomplish the same results, with this technology already found in nature. So far the bike has been road-tested in races in France proving that, as anticipated by the designers, it withstands high levels of vibrations and heavy riding.

Built mostly by hand and to professional standards, the bike is available in several types of wood, including the striking purple-coloured amaranth or striped zebrawood.

Axalko have started a joint venture with Yamimoto to develop an exclusive frame for an electrical model. Yamimoto is Spain's internationally acclaimed electric bikes manufacturer.

The shoes that you wear

There's probably no piece of your wardrobe that is as important as your shoes. You could have the most expensive designer suit and completely ruin it by the shoes that you have on your feet. That does not necessarily mean that you need to stock up on all those designer shoes out there. However it does mean that you have to buy good : that is (a) you have to be selective as to the coloring and style, so that you get the maximum number of combinations with the attires you already have, (b) shoes have to be functional, sturdy, well-made and comfortable above all, and (c) they have to be good looking. So if you ask me whether it is worth spending the extra more, I would say yes; not in every case though, and definitely not every time.

Let's discuss some more reasons. You don't want to wear a cheaper pair of shoes to an interview, business meeting or formal event. You don't want to do the same when going out on an important date. She will be scrutinizing you from top to bottom ; especially the bottom part.

But why does the designer ask for the extra cash ? Well, apart from the reason that he does because he can, and knowns that he can, since he does have customers (repeatedly), and after you take out all the marketing and image building expenses (that actually get you to the door of the shop), as well as the extraordinary sales margins that all outfitters demand, you end up with a pair of shoes that are really well-made. They are made from the finest quality leather, which makes the shoes light and flexible, yet sturdy. Designer shoes also have features such as specially designed heels to reduce pressure on a man's heel, non-slip soles, added room in the toe box for comfort and anti-sweat soles to reduce sweating and prevent foot odor. So they are actually very good (apart from stylish).

What I would alternatively suggest is to explore the option of having your shoes hand-made to fit the style and size you wish. Before dismissing the thought as way too expensive, I would like to point you again to the facts of the previous paragraph. Unless your maker is not an internationally known artisan ^[1], what you are going to pay will be solely for materials, time and craftsmanship ; nothing more, and certainly nothing less. Investing in quality custom shoes will complete a stylish look. Plus, these shoes can be relied on for years and pay for themselves over time.

And as the old saying goes, “A good pair of shoes is never cheap and a cheap pair of shoes is never good.”

The question, of course, is why a man should choose to wear anything other than Rockports or sneakers. For one thing, a well-made shoe can, and should be, extremely comfortable. For another, a well-made shoe sends the rest of the world a signal about the wearer. More than any other article of clothing, shoes can influence how others view us, not to mention how we view ourselves. There's a reason, after all, why mothers traditionally advise their daughters to first look at a man's shoes. ^[2]

Shoes complete the outfit. They are a necessity ; not an accessory. Shoe styles seem to exemplify trends and they are a dead giveaway as to how little or much you are up-to-date with your appearance. Shoes are your time to shine (or matte), depending on the outfit.

Here are some "do’s" and "don’ts" for footwear :

DO match the silhouette of your outfit. Slimmer pants warrant slimmer soles.

DON’T wear bowling shoes unless you’re bowling ; no exceptions.

DO wear brown shoes with dark and light suits alike for business or for a less formal celebration.

DON’T forget to polish your dress shoes once every 4-5 wears.

DO buy shoes snug, but not tight. Leather and other natural materials tend to stretch over time and form to your foot.

DON’T buy poorly (not necessarily cheaply) made shoes. They will affect your posture and cause you to become more tired, and will eventually stress your back

Black shoes are extremely versatile, but are you sure you are not always picking black is because you are afraid of choosing the wrong color shoes for your clothing ?

Here are a few pointers on which shoe colors go best with certain clothing colors. 

Black shoes: nearly anything except pastels and some earth tones -- but even then, if black is repeated elsewhere in the outfit, black shoes can be a dynamic choice.

Brown shoes: shades of tan, brown, beige, orange, greens, and darker earth tones.

Tan/Light Brown shoes: lighter earth tones, blue, beige, lighter tan or white.

Cream/Taupe shoes: whites, light neutrals, and pastels.

White shoes: light neutrals, brights, and pastels.

Silver shoes: pastels, as well as with white, black, blues and purples.

Gray shoes: blacks, blues, grays, reds, as well as some purples and yellows.

Gold shoes: greens, reds, browns, and they usually look good with black and white as well.

Even less common shoe colors are simple to match to your clothing. If a color is present in your outfit, you can repeat it in your shoes. If the shoe color isn't in your outfit, you can rely on matching "values" (deep with deep, light with light, etc.), and other color theory rules. Complementary colors (those that are opposite of each other on the color wheel) will create an bold contrast when paired together, while colors that are next to each other will create a more harmonious look. ^[3]

^[1] England’s Crockett & Jones handmade leather shoes have been kicking around since 1524 and are renowned worldwide. “Our shoes are made from the finest raw materials and go through more than 240 separate procedures -- from the selection of the hide to insulating the sole with cork during a hand-construction process,” says the company’s export director, Robin Guinness. “It takes about eight weeks to make a single pair.” You can’t walk into any mall to pick them up, but the company does have retail outlets around the world, including New York City in the U.S. You can also place customized orders online or via their catalogue. Premium pairs range from $725 to $825. If you’re feeling particularly flush, they’ll make you a made-to-measure pair for $1,150 and up.

(read the whole article) Ref. http://www.styleandtechformen.com/style/shoes/affordable_handmade_leather_shoes/index.html#axzz2AswUnUao

^[2] Ref. http://www.forbes.com/2004/02/25/cx_ns_0225conn.html

^[3] Ref. http://shoes.about.com/od/shoe_tips_advice/ss/shoes_clothing.htm