Trend Trends

New Peel Looks Cool, but Expensive, Dangerous

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:25:00 +0000

While design of this miniature car from famed Peel Engineering, which is known for its tiny creations, is nice looking, who would want to be riding in this tiny car tot if hit in an accident.

This is a limited run, and so obviously was built to cater to collectors and those wanting to make a show run to garner attention once in a while.

Called the Peel Electric Mini-Cars, they are offered as an electric car, or much better, a gas alternative is offered.

As usual, the gas cars demolish the mileage of the futile electric car scam, with the 49cc engine of the gas version getting about 119 mpg, while the electric version gets about 40 mpg, while being able to ride for only 20 miles before the need to be recharged. The gas version runs at a top speed of 40 mph.

It does offer a ride for two people, but has virtually no storage room.

The cost of this basically useless vehicle? About $20,000 per car.

That's a lot to pay for what is essentially a little toy car built for the purpose of getting a little attention.

All this is is a marketing gimmick to get the company back in the game again. I guess, to some degree, it's working.

It would be fun to use if you had a piece of property with enough acreage to let it loose a little.

Hopefully no one is dumb enough to take this out in real-world driving conditions. Thankfully it's a limited edition with very few cars offered.

Investment Trends | Investing in Commodities

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:06:00 +0000

Investment Trends

Investing in commodities is going to be one of the more lucrative ways to build wealth in the years ahead, and there are numerous ways and sectors within the overall commodity sector to get it done.

For example, you have commodity futures, where the commodity in and of itself is invested in; for example gold, platinum, silver, copper, palladium, wheat, rice, corn, soybeans, cocoa, coffee, and many others.

You can also invest in commodities through a commodity ETF, commodity ETN, commodity index and commodity fund.

There are mining companies of a wide variety, with some specializing in specific commodities, and others holding a number of different mining interests.

Others like Potash and Caterpillar serve the commodity market through providing tools for those growing grains in this case, or it could be companies providing mining equipment, etc. You get the idea.

In a business world that is getting harder and harder to trust the numbers the companies put forth, or evaluate products that are supposed to wow everyone and drive the revenue and profits of a company, the one thing raw materials, metals and agricultural products assure us all is there will always be a market for them as long as there are people.

We of course have to watch the supply and demand factor, the income the population of a specific country averages, and a number of other factors.

But always comes down to supply and demand eventually, and if there is demand somehow the supply will come.

Like anything else though, look to sources you can trust as to the true nature of where things are at with commodity demand, as even there people can attempt to play you if you let them.

Don't be in a hurry. Do your research. Look at the general and specific economics of the commodity you want to invest in. Even if it's a commodity index, you can check to see if the basket of commodities they're promoting is in fact in a period of demand or not.

No matter what though, commodities should be a part of every investors portfolio in the years ahead, and you can be sure they'll be important to wealth building; as much as any other sector for a long time to come.

Investment Trends

Samsung Electronics Sells 2.6 Million LCD Televisions with LED Technology

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:29:00 +0000

Samsung LCD LED TV

Samsung Electronics announced it sold approximately 2.6 million units of LCD televisions which had LED or light-emitting-diode technology. That is far beyond its goal of selling about 2 million for 2009.

Samsung sells more liquid-crystal-display televisions than anyone else in the world, and is looking for its LED-based LCD TV sales to surge by almost four times in 2010 to 10 million units sold.

Assuming that happens, it would really position Samsung as the dominant provider of LCD TVs for probably years into the future.

What makes the LED TVs so popular is their extremely thin makeup, along with a much brighter screen, in contrast to the more traditional LCD TVs we're used to.

A secondary element involved in Samsung TVs is the much-hyped 3-D LED TVs, which a number of companies unveiled at the Consumer Electronics show last week, along with Samsung.

While it's being touted as a big deal, in reality there really isn't that much content available at this time to be a game changer, although several years from now that could change.

At this time the LCD TV technology which dominates the television landscape is based upon cold cathode fluorescent lamp, or CCFL, blacklight technology.

Eventually LED TV is expected to take over CCFL, and there seems to be no doubt that Samsung will be leading that charge.

Samsung LCD LED TV

Toy Trends | Zhu Zhu Hamsters Toy Hit of Holiday Shopping Season

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:30:00 +0000

Toy Trends

Zhu Zhu Hamsters continue to be the hit of the holiday toy season, and with good reason: they create a strong emotion and attachment in those using them.

Not only do Zhu Zhu's draw on human emotions, but have a few themselves; each one with a unique personality and likes. Even the interesting names like "Mr. Squiggles," "Num Nums," Pipsqueek," and "Chunk" make you feel like you know them some.

Not only can you enjoy the little Zhu Zhu hamsters, but there are a ton of accessories you can use to create a great play city if you choose to. There are things like a car and garage, slide and ramp, sleep dome, and numerous other things you can add to the fun.

Another interesting element to the interaction is some of the hamsters prefer to be loved on, and chatter away when they're spend time with, while others prefer to explore, and they'll run around at any excuse or curiosity.

Great fun! Just be sure if you find one you get one, as they're getting harder and harder to acquire the closer you get to Christmas because of the extraordinary popularity of the Zhu Zhu Hamsters.

Toy Trends

Retail Trends | Instantaneous Price Comparison

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:46:00 +0000

Retail Trends

I've been writing for years on the ability of shoppers to use the Internet to comparison shop. That's gone a step further now, and in some cases you can take your mobile phone and scan the barcode at the store and receive immediate feedback on where to get it at a better price.

You can also search for a specific product you're interested in and receive back a list of the prices you can find online for it.

Of course the caveat to this is you must have a smartphone to perform these tasks, so only about 17 percent of Americans can take advantage of those services.

Of course you can still go the route of checking out the Internet via your computer if you must go to a physical store to make your buy.

All of this scares retailers, and it'll probably take several more years before market penetration is at the level where it really could impact their bottom line at the potential it could.

Retail Trends

Christmas Trends | Thomas Kinkade Art

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Christmas Trends

I don't think I've ever found something by Thomas Kinkade I didn't like, and that's true with this work of art depicting the night before Christmas.

All those lights on in the house seem to speak of nobody wanting to go to bed because of their excitement, and their color is very nicely done.

The yard light throwing light on the snowman and cobblestone path is also fantastic, as well as the arch behind the snowman.

A nice fire is going as shown by the smoke escaping the chimney, along with the trees filled with snow as the sun starts to go down, depicts just what many of us remember when we were children. Great piece of Christmas art from Thomas Kinkade!

Christmas Trends

Extreme Vampire Shoulder Tattoo

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:30:00 +0000

Extreme Vampire Shoulder Tattoo

Talk about an extreme vampire tattoo, this one definitely is, and the look of the male vampire image with its hair and teeth make it seem he's about to feed on whoever he is looking at. Pretty cool.

Too bad the skull next to the vampire portrait isn't as compelling, as that would have been a great combo if it was as intense as the vampire tattoo image.

Extreme Vampire Shoulder Tattoo

Gothic School Girl Halloween Costume

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:19:00 +0000

Gothic School Girl Halloween Costume

Gothic Halloween costumes lend themselves to great theme combinations, as you can see from the Gothic and school girl theme that is popular for a costume at Halloween time.

Another fun part of this school girl costume is the black and white lollipop and teddy bear, which make it so enjoyable, to go along with the black and white colors throughout the rest of the Gothic Halloween costume. Lot's of fun!

Gothic School Girl Halloween Costume

Eliza Dushku in Complex Photoshoot

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:28:00 +0000

Celebrity Trends

In anticipation of the premiere of the second season of Dollhouse, Fox has Eliza Dushku out and about doing a photoshoot with Complex, where she dons some bras, swimsuits and other skimpy clothing in a sexy photoshoot for the mag.

One interesting side to the photoshoot was the background, which in most cases are very compelling and outstanding, in this case had the look of being at someone's home; maybe it was the point, but you never know with creative types.

Either way, you can see Dollhouse and Eliza Dushku in the September 25 premiere of the show on Fox.

Celebrity Trends

Kate Gosselin Halloween Wig

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Halloween Trends

One of the funny and interesting Halloween trends this year is the look some people are looking for in copying reality TV star Kate Gosselin. Now you can have it with this great wig which looks very close to the hair style Kate always wears.

I'll bet you'll see a lot of women wear this at Halloween this year, and you won't be seeing many attempting to get the look of her estranged husband Jon.

Halloween Trends

Bing Grabs More Search Market Share

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:23:00 +0000

Internet Search Trends

Microsoft's (MSFT) Bing grabbed more search market share from Google, as its U.S. search share climbed to 9.3% in August. Also seeming to decline in search share at the expense of Bing is AOL, which fell from 31. percent search share in the U.S. to 3 percent. Google droped from 64.7 percent to 64.6 percent search market share.

Now the combination of Microsoft and Yahoo (YHOO) search share stands at 28.6 percent in the U.S., with expectations that it'll grow more, assuming it passes regulatory hurdles.

As far as monetizing those searchers, all major search engines have declined in generating click revenue, as together they dropped as a whole by 13.5 percent from August of 2008 in comparison to August 2009, while also falling from August from July to August 2009 by 0.6 percent.

Year-over-year, Google (GOOG) click revenue fell by 9.4 percent; Yahoo by 5.7 percent; and Microsoft by 27.2 percent.

Internet Search Trends

Advertising Trends | Converse Hybrid Animals

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:07:00 +0000

Advertising Trends

The ongoing campaign of Converse to draw attention to their costumized shoes is very effective, and billboards sporting these animals like seen above and below in the photos really grab eyeballs when you see then, and quickly get the message out that Converse is attempting to convey.

I really like the way you immediately look at the hybrid or chimera animals and get the idea that things are being put together in a different way than normal, communicating their customized message very strongly.

Very strong advertising campaign and message from Converse.

Advertising Trends

Bicycle Trends | Wind-Solar Energy Bike

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:27:00 +0000

Bicycle Trends

This hybrid concept bike called the Wind-Solar Energy bike from Chen Chun Tung is interesting, as it can help you up difficult terrain, or at the same time, just get you home when you get tired from a long bicycle ride.

Energy is captured from four different sources: wind energy, solar energy, shock energy and muscle power, where it can then be stored in a rechargeable battery for use at those opportune times.

In conjunction with the four different energy sources accessed, are four areas on the bike where that energy is harnessed: the adjustable solar energy plane, the Spoiler, the Two front forks and the front and back wheels.

Each place has a gadget in place to harness that energy.

According to designer Chen Chun Tung, it was “Specially designed in a compact manner, can convert various natural power sources into electric power when the user rides it.”

Bicycle Trends

Bicycle Trends | Forkless Bikes

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Bicycle Trends

It's not new to see a forkless bicycle, but it's always fun to see one when its designed, and in that sense the latest forkless bicycle entry is from Ollice Erkklia.

Some people commenting on this don't understand how it works, with only the chain connected to the back wheel. But I don't get the mystery in it all. All you have to do is look at the pedals and know when you pedal the bike the back wheel would propel it. Not that hard to understand.

But it is always fun to see the fork usually coming from the handlebar to be gone, and the ensuing puzzlement and intersting design emerging from it.

Bicycle Trends

Motorcycle Trends | ZEVS Electric Motorcycle

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Motorcycle Trends

Created by designers Bernhard Ranner, Anders August Kittilsen and Rudolf Stefanich, they are marketing their concept motorbike ZEVS as the electric motorcycle design for "real men."

The motorcycle design includes a futuristic look that does give a hint of choppers and Harley's, although the sound (or lack of it) has always been a problem for electric motorcycles hitting the market.

I do like the futuristic look of the bike, which when it comes to motorcycles making headway in the market, design is one of the key factors in successfully introducing them at a profit.

With cool electric motorcycle designs like the ZEVS, we should see more acceptance of them as people gradually embrace electric as one means of transportation.

Motorcycle Trends

Fashion Trends | Model Isabeli Fontana

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:27:00 +0000

Fashion Trends

Brazilian supermodel Isabeli Fontana not only graced the cover of Spanish Vogue, but was included in a great editorial inside, showing of designs from the likes of Dior Homme, Armani, Alaia, Chanel and Louboutin.

Photos included color and black and white, with Fontana looking great in all of them, and making the fashion look great as well.

The shoot was in a beach setting as well as a lounge, with the lounge solely being portrayed in black in white.

Along with her beauty, you can't help loving the name of Isabeli Fontana. Nice fashion editorial from Spanish Vogue.

Fashion Trends

Tech Trends | AMD Multi-screen TV

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Tech Trends

While this new multi-screen TV from AMD looks cool and everone has been talking about it, my first response was practical, and that was do we want multi-screens which interrupt the flow of the image by the connection points of the TV, like in the photo above. Why not just just use a single-screen TV for films, shows and playing games? I don't see what this adds other than a trophy used in attempts to enhance AMD's reputation. In other words, this may never be more than a marketing gimmick.

As far as the technology involved, it uses a new AMD Eyefinity DirectX 11 graphics card, which allows the graphics to show as one on the multiple screens.

This may be interesting for work and study uses, but as an entertainment device I think once people realize the limitations, it'll fizzle out. Tech is cool, but it still has to have uses consumers' demand. I don't see this being something that will inspire the masses, but will probably be a very expensive niche player, once some uses for it are discovered.

Tech Trends

Tech Trends | Apple's iPod Nano Will Continue to Dominate its Niche

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:54:00 +0000

Tech Trends

Apple's iPod Nano got a great boost today from the re-emergence of Steve Jobs to the stage, and the latest additions to its features which should help it retain a strong hold in the midmarket niche it now dominates, and probably extend its market share even more.

Some of the additional features include a pedometer, video camera, voice recorder, FM radio, new digital-album format and precut ringtones for $1.29.

The latest version, which will include 8 GB, will go for $149, while the newest 16 GB version will sell for $179, keeping in that nice range, which should cut into competitors' offerings.

While the price of the Shuffle was cut to $59 for its version with 2GB and $79 for the 4GB version, it probably isn't a enough to sway the minds of consumers who will probably continue to go with SanDisk's Sansa Clip+. That seems to be sending a signal from Apple that they're focusing on the iPod Nano as their chief entry in the mobile market. That's the same with the iPod touch, which has strong competition from the Zune HD, depending on what your priorities are.

Tech Trends

Toy Trends | Mini Polaris Ranger RZR

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Toy Trends

Now why didn't they have something like the mini Polaris Ranger RZR when I was a kid? Oh, well, now I can live vicariously through my children as they travel on almost any type of outdoor terrain with this very cool ride-on vehicle based on the Polaris Ranger RZR.

The ride-on vehicle includes dual 24-volt electric motors and a variable-speed accelerator which allows it to smoothly accelerate from 3 1/2 MPH to 7 MPH.

Wheels on the vehicle are 15" molded with treads, and there is also a rear suspension to make the ride smooth as it could be, depending on the type of terrain being navigated.

As safety is always at the top of our minds for our children, and to addresss those concerns there are power brakes which can be used by moving the child's foot from the pedal to the brakes. There are also safety harnesses included on each of the adjustable bucket seats, along with a rool cage.

For added fun, if driving isn't enough, there also is a FM radio and an MP3 player which work, and a couple of cup holders built in if the little ones want or need a drink.

The ride-on all terrain mini Polaris Ranger RZR can run for close to two hours on a four-hour charge. It supports up to 150 pounds and goes for $1,000.

Toy Trends

Bicycle Trends | Kiddimotto Balance Bikes

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:54:00 +0000

Bicycle Trends

These new wooden balance bikes from Kiddimotto in the U.K. are great. They are built to help your child build balance and confidence in preparation from taking on the challenge of riding a regular bike, and for just helping learn balance itself.

The bikes are made of lightweight birch plywood, which allow easy handling and steering for the children. Tires on the bike are made of rubber to make the easy to ride outdoors on a variety of surfaces.

There are four styles of the Wooden Balance Bike, with each one looking too cool. Each style is based on a past classic scooter or motorcycle. There is the Scrambler, which as a more typical bicycle shape, with a slighted elevated seat. Another is called simply the Scooter, which is based upon the Mod Scooter of the 60s. You can even see the little footboards that were a popular design of those times. Next there is the Superbike, which is exactly what it says, looking like a cool racer. Finally there is the Chopper, marketed for those who are the Easy Riders of the future. Very cool.

Great idea to get kids to want to ride them in order to build their balance and coordination, while have a lot of fun burning off all that energy.

Bicycle Trends

Bicycle Trends | Urban Electric Bike

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:35:00 +0000

Bicycle Trends

An increasing number of people are enjoying riding around urban areas with electric bicycles, and designers have offering up a number of new creations to meet that growing demand.

The latest is named "The Mosquito," from German designers Tom Mudra and Hans-Tobias Schicktanz.

According to the two men, the idea “... was to create a lightweight and attractive E- Bike suitable for urban places. The motor is powered by lithium batteries which cost about 50p to charge. The Mosquito has got a range of about 60 km (37 miles) with a maximum Speed of 50 km/h (31 miles).”

A couple features of the bike are with the consumer in mind, and they'll appreciate it. First, the center section you see in the photo can be removed, making it easier to get on and off the electric bike, while not interfering with the stability of the ride itself.

The rider can also easily find the majority of the electric bike components at a bike shop, making it easy to deal with parts that need to be replaced.

Overall a nice urban, electric bicycle.

Bicycle Trends

Auto Trends | Noble M600 Supercar

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Auto Trends

Noble Automotive is about to release their latest entry into the supercar field, and it's got a lot going for it if you like speed and great 0-60 mph time.

The stainless steel, space frame chassis, along with the twin-turbo Volvo engine allows the Noble M600 to have a great power-to-weight ratio, and it shows in the speed, which can reach up to 225 mph and generate a 0-60 time of three seconds.

Another cool feature if you decide to take this baby off the track is the ability to switch between horsepower modes, where it can alterate between 450 and 550 bhp.

The Noble M600 is a speed demon, no doubt about it, but lacks several things like anti-lcok brakes and ESP. Still, an nice entry into the supercar field.

Auto Trends

Design Trends | Spaceship Yacht RFF135

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:49:00 +0000

Design Trends

Being touted as a "spaceship on water," the latest yacht design from the partnership between the Porsche Design Group and Singapore-based Royal Falcon Fleet is fantastic, and definitely delivers on the promise.

Named the RFF135, it is able to hold up to 20 passengers, split between ten crew members and ten guests; giving a nice one to one service ratio if you're on a luxury yacht charter.

“Our newest project once again demonstrates that our design, outstanding in many ways, is setting trends in numerous fields. With the first Royal Falcon Fleet yacht, we are building a bridge to the Porsche Design Sport textile collection that was developed specifically for the maritime area,” says Dr. Jürgen Geßler, CEO of Porsche Design Group.

The luxury yacht, which travels at 35 knots, will be available for sail or charter sometime near the end of 2010.

Design Trends

Tattoos | Kat Von D Tattoos DJ AM Portrait On DJ Fashen's Forearm

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:19:00 +0000

Tattoos

Kat Von D is among the best tattoo portrait artists in the world, and she displayed that again with her tattoo design of DJ AM which she inked on his friend DJ Fashen to honor him.

The tattoo was inked by Von D on DJ Fashen's forearm, and she proportioned it perfectly, only in a way a talented tattoo artist could.

Many fans and friends of celebrities get inspired to get them tattooed on them at the time of a celebrities death. It was no different with DJ AM and DJ Fashen.

Great tattoo portrait of DJ AM by Kat Von D.

Tattoos

Social Trends | Duggar's Face of Large Families

noreply@blogger.com (Ray) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Social Trends

Now that the Jim-Bob and Michelle Duggar have announced they're pregnant with baby No. 19, it brings to mind a growing mentality and movement maintaining that children are a blessing from Jesus.

The term used by many is quiver full, which refers to a place in the Bible which say concerning children that "“Happy is the man who hath his quiver full of them…."

There's even a web site dedicated to that end named, of course - QuiverFull.

It's actually great to see many people returning to the desire for a large family and recognizing the blessing children are and can be.

This is a great trend to see, and many people are embracing the importance of family again.

Social Trends