http://odeo.com/channels/3385-The-Sniffer Cathibondsympaticoca no Cathi and Nora stick their noses in some unusual places to find out what the future holds. Some of it you’re going to love, some you’re going to hate, and most of it will scare the pants off you. Nora and Cathi spot the newest trends, and where they’re taking us, to keep you tuned in and on top. Wanna know what we’ve got our teeth into? Check us out. Cathi and Nora stick their noses in some unusual places to find out what the future holds. Some of it you’re going to love, some you’re going to hate, and most of it will scare the pants off you. Nora and Cathi spot the newest trends, and where they’re taking us, to keep you tuned in and on top. Wanna know what we’ve got our teeth into? Check us out. Nora Young and Cathi Bond treat you to the best in trends, marketing, and the future -- three times a week! en 40 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:53:25 -0800 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:53:25 -0800 Marketing http://odeo.com/episodes/25484621-Trends-in-Media-and In today’s podcast, Nora Young mentions Henry Jenkins’ talk about transmedia storytelling.  It’s been liveblogged here. Cathi wonders whether authors will go along with people’s desire to participate in creating stories in other media, as well. Cathi Bond talks about The Sleep Box, a mini sleep station for weary travelers (via PSFK). Would you use it? In today’s podcast, Nora Young mentions Henry Jenkins’ talk about transmedia storytelling.  It’s been liveblogged here. Cathi wonders whether authors will go along with people’s desire to participate in creating stories in other media, as well. Cathi Bond talks about The Sleep Box, a mini sleep station for weary travelers (via PSFK). Would you use it? In today’s podcast, Nora Young mentions Henry Jenkins’ talk about transmedia storytelling.  It’s been liveblogged here. Cathi wonders whether authors will go along with people’s desire to participate in creating stories in other media, as well. Cathi Bond talks about The Sleep Box, a mini sleep station for weary travelers (via PSFK). Would you use it? tag:odeo.com,2009-12-03,25484621 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:53:25 -0800 no The Sniffer Media, Uncategorized, Architecture, travel http://odeo.com/episodes/25466957-Trends-in-Trends-and-Hacking In today’s trendwatching podcast, Nora Young raises a trend they’ve been, er, tracking on thesniffer, since the podcast’s early days: monitoring and tracking.  Trendwatching lists “tracking and alerting” as one of their Crucial Consumer Trends for 2010, and, well, Nora thinks they’re right.  Check out the examples here. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond points to these great examples of modding old technology.  (via Craziest Gadgets) In today’s trendwatching podcast, Nora Young raises a trend they’ve been, er, tracking on thesniffer, since the podcast’s early days: monitoring and tracking.  Trendwatching lists “tracking and alerting” as one of their Crucial Consumer Trends for 2010, and, well, Nora thinks they’re right.  Check out the examples here. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond points to these great examples of modding old technology.  (via Craziest Gadgets) In today’s trendwatching podcast, Nora Young raises a trend they’ve been, er, tracking on thesniffer, since the podcast’s early days: monitoring and tracking.  Trendwatching lists “tracking and alerting” as one of their Crucial Consumer Trends for 2010, and, well, Nora thinks they’re right.  Check out the examples here. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond points to these great examples of modding old technology.  (via Craziest Gadgets) tag:odeo.com,2009-11-29,25466957 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:32:36 -0800 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, trends, modding, hacks, self-monitoring http://odeo.com/episodes/25466958-Trends-in-Digital-Media In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond gets into ’sharing’.  Why not have a USB sofa so you can leave digital media behind for your friends?  (via Gizmodo) Meanwhile, Nora Young has been following Danah Boyd’s discussion (here and here) of her experience at the Web 2.0 Expo, where, amongst other distractions, a Twitter feed that contained unkind remarks scrolled behind her as she was giving a presentation.  It’s got Nora thinking about our blind assumption that more communication tools are necessarily better. The talk itself is here, and is well worth reading. In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond gets into ’sharing’.  Why not have a USB sofa so you can leave digital media behind for your friends?  (via Gizmodo) Meanwhile, Nora Young has been following Danah Boyd’s discussion (here and here) of her experience at the Web 2.0 Expo, where, amongst other distractions, a Twitter feed that contained unkind remarks scrolled behind her as she was giving a presentation.  It’s got Nora thinking about our blind assumption that more communication tools are necessarily better. The talk itself is here, and is well worth reading. In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond gets into ’sharing’.  Why not have a USB sofa so you can leave digital media behind for your friends?  (via Gizmodo) Meanwhile, Nora Young has been following Danah Boyd’s discussion (here and here) of her experience at the Web 2.0 Expo, where, amongst other distractions, a Twitter feed that contained unkind remarks scrolled behind her as she was giving a presentation.  It’s got Nora thinking about our blind assumption that more communication tools are necessarily better. The talk itself is here, and is well worth reading. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-26,25466958 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:34:26 -0800 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, twitter, social media, furniture, Danah Boyd, USBs http://odeo.com/episodes/25466959-Trends-in-Affordable-Fashion-and-Sunglasses-for-Contact-Lenses In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond and Nora Young both hit on the same story: A great startup idea called Rent the Runway, where you rent high end fashion that would normally be out of reach for that special event. (Via New York Times). Would you use it? Plus, researchers think they’ve hit on a way to make transitional lenses that darken and lighten very quickly, which is a good thing, because they’re for contact lenses! (via Technology Review). Would you try them out? In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond and Nora Young both hit on the same story: A great startup idea called Rent the Runway, where you rent high end fashion that would normally be out of reach for that special event. (Via New York Times). Would you use it? Plus, researchers think they’ve hit on a way to make transitional lenses that darken and lighten very quickly, which is a good thing, because they’re for contact lenses! (via Technology Review). Would you try them out? In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond and Nora Young both hit on the same story: A great startup idea called Rent the Runway, where you rent high end fashion that would normally be out of reach for that special event. (Via New York Times). Would you use it? Plus, researchers think they’ve hit on a way to make transitional lenses that darken and lighten very quickly, which is a good thing, because they’re for contact lenses! (via Technology Review). Would you try them out? tag:odeo.com,2009-11-22,25466959 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:45:28 -0800 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, fashion, distribution models http://odeo.com/episodes/25466960-Trends-in-Sound-Systems-and-Data-Transparency In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond has fallen in love with the spectacular Wall of Sound iPod dock and speaker system.  Would you like one too? Check it out: (via Gizmag). Meanwhile, Nora Young took a quick peak at her account using Google’s new Dashboard feature, which shows you a snapshot of your account, and a summary of the data Google has of yours. Google is framing it as a commitment to greater transparency. Where do you think data openness is heading? In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond has fallen in love with the spectacular Wall of Sound iPod dock and speaker system.  Would you like one too? Check it out: (via Gizmag). Meanwhile, Nora Young took a quick peak at her account using Google’s new Dashboard feature, which shows you a snapshot of your account, and a summary of the data Google has of yours. Google is framing it as a commitment to greater transparency. Where do you think data openness is heading? In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond has fallen in love with the spectacular Wall of Sound iPod dock and speaker system.  Would you like one too? Check it out: (via Gizmag). Meanwhile, Nora Young took a quick peak at her account using Google’s new Dashboard feature, which shows you a snapshot of your account, and a summary of the data Google has of yours. Google is framing it as a commitment to greater transparency. Where do you think data openness is heading? tag:odeo.com,2009-11-18,25466960 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:02:45 -0800 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, google, data, transparency, sound systems, ipod docks http://odeo.com/episodes/25466961-Trends-in-Cars-and-Wind-Turbines In today’s trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions AIDA, MIT’s new research into automated driving assistance devices. Cathi Bond is not convinced. What do you think? Plus, Cathi mentions a new wind turbine using biomimetic design to mirror the way a bee flies. (via Gizmag) In today’s trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions AIDA, MIT’s new research into automated driving assistance devices. Cathi Bond is not convinced. What do you think? Plus, Cathi mentions a new wind turbine using biomimetic design to mirror the way a bee flies. (via Gizmag) In today’s trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions AIDA, MIT’s new research into automated driving assistance devices. Cathi Bond is not convinced. What do you think? Plus, Cathi mentions a new wind turbine using biomimetic design to mirror the way a bee flies. (via Gizmag) tag:odeo.com,2009-11-15,25466961 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:44:41 -0800 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, robots, alternative energy, cars, sustainability, biomimecry http://odeo.com/episodes/25441701-Trends-in-Fab-Architecture-and-Transit In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond returns from vacation in Rome, full of stories.  She also got a sneak peakat Zaha Hadid’s fantastic new MAXXI contemporary art museum (more of her pictures are below).  Cathi was blown away. Check it out and let us know what you think! Meanwhile, Nora Young brings you Honda’s electric EV-cub mini-motorcycle.  Nora loves it. You? (via Gizmodo) In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond returns from vacation in Rome, full of stories.  She also got a sneak peakat Zaha Hadid’s fantastic new MAXXI contemporary art museum (more of her pictures are below).  Cathi was blown away. Check it out and let us know what you think! Meanwhile, Nora Young brings you Honda’s electric EV-cub mini-motorcycle.  Nora loves it. You? (via Gizmodo) In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond returns from vacation in Rome, full of stories.  She also got a sneak peakat Zaha Hadid’s fantastic new MAXXI contemporary art museum (more of her pictures are below).  Cathi was blown away. Check it out and let us know what you think! Meanwhile, Nora Young brings you Honda’s electric EV-cub mini-motorcycle.  Nora loves it. You? (via Gizmodo) tag:odeo.com,2009-11-12,25441701 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:09:04 -0800 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Architecture, sustainability, Zaha Hadid, alternative transport http://odeo.com/episodes/25423455-Trends-Advertising-and-Rural-Chic In today’s trendwatching podcast, Nora mentions The Fun Theory and a discussion about advertising as content ensues (via John Gushue’s great blog and Twitter). Cathi talks about this article on people taking their love of virtual farming into paid, recreational (real) farming. What do you think..is this rural chic? Cathi lives in the country, what about the rest of us…are we just naive urbanites? Personally (Nora here), I love my city garden, but I know the business and ag skills you need to do this are totally lacking in me. In today’s trendwatching podcast, Nora mentions The Fun Theory and a discussion about advertising as content ensues (via John Gushue’s great blog and Twitter). Cathi talks about this article on people taking their love of virtual farming into paid, recreational (real) farming. What do you think..is this rural chic? Cathi lives in the country, what about the rest of us…are we just naive urbanites? Personally (Nora here), I love my city garden, but I know the business and ag skills you need to do this are totally lacking in me. In today’s trendwatching podcast, Nora mentions The Fun Theory and a discussion about advertising as content ensues (via John Gushue’s great blog and Twitter). Cathi talks about this article on people taking their love of virtual farming into paid, recreational (real) farming. What do you think..is this rural chic? Cathi lives in the country, what about the rest of us…are we just naive urbanites? Personally (Nora here), I love my city garden, but I know the business and ag skills you need to do this are totally lacking in me. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-08,25423455 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:34:08 -0800 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, advertising, marketing, Lifestyle, sustainabilty http://odeo.com/episodes/25394080-Trends-Social-Media-for-Business-and-Inspiration-for-Artists In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond refers to the Like Minds conference, and the observation that social media isn’t free: it costs your, or your employees, labour (via PSFK) Meanwhile, Nora gives a quick mention of a quote she found at Caterina Fake’s blog.  How about you, creative types? Does your artistic process seem mysterious to you, or is it more planned out than that? Oh, and Nora’s colleague, the delightful Dan Misener, thinks thesniffer is getting too self-referential. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond refers to the Like Minds conference, and the observation that social media isn’t free: it costs your, or your employees, labour (via PSFK) Meanwhile, Nora gives a quick mention of a quote she found at Caterina Fake’s blog.  How about you, creative types? Does your artistic process seem mysterious to you, or is it more planned out than that? Oh, and Nora’s colleague, the delightful Dan Misener, thinks thesniffer is getting too self-referential. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond refers to the Like Minds conference, and the observation that social media isn’t free: it costs your, or your employees, labour (via PSFK) Meanwhile, Nora gives a quick mention of a quote she found at Caterina Fake’s blog.  How about you, creative types? Does your artistic process seem mysterious to you, or is it more planned out than that? Oh, and Nora’s colleague, the delightful Dan Misener, thinks thesniffer is getting too self-referential. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-30,25394080 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:09:37 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, social media, art http://odeo.com/episodes/25381794-Trends-The-Depressing-Episode%E2%80%A6in-a-Good-Way In this podcast, Nora Young talks about this fabulous article in WIRED, about Demand Media. Is this the future of content outlets for creative people? How significant is a business model such as Demand’s? Let us know! Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about this unsettling new workplace surveillance tool: The Ekahau T301W!  Designed for keeping an eye on your kids, or for secure institutions, can it be long until this kind of this is used in other workplaces? On the up side of surveillance, Nora wonders whether something like this could be used for productivity, rather than time logged in the office or on the line.  What do you think of this tool? In this podcast, Nora Young talks about this fabulous article in WIRED, about Demand Media. Is this the future of content outlets for creative people? How significant is a business model such as Demand’s? Let us know! Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about this unsettling new workplace surveillance tool: The Ekahau T301W!  Designed for keeping an eye on your kids, or for secure institutions, can it be long until this kind of this is used in other workplaces? On the up side of surveillance, Nora wonders whether something like this could be used for productivity, rather than time logged in the office or on the line.  What do you think of this tool? In this podcast, Nora Young talks about this fabulous article in WIRED, about Demand Media. Is this the future of content outlets for creative people? How significant is a business model such as Demand’s? Let us know! Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about this unsettling new workplace surveillance tool: The Ekahau T301W!  Designed for keeping an eye on your kids, or for secure institutions, can it be long until this kind of this is used in other workplaces? On the up side of surveillance, Nora wonders whether something like this could be used for productivity, rather than time logged in the office or on the line.  What do you think of this tool? tag:odeo.com,2009-10-26,25381794 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:22:15 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, work, Publishing, Surveillance http://odeo.com/episodes/25359637-Trends-in-Robots-and-Toys In today’s podcast, Cathi Bond brings you, yes, a robot update (Like so many robot updates before).  This time, she looks at the RIBA, yet another robot that designers imagine can keep people in their homes and care for them in hospital.  Nora thinks it looks like a Mr. Sno Cone.  Watch the video here. In a freakier vein, Cathi chats about the Chembot, from the iRobot people (via IEEE Spectrum)  In spite of the creepiness of the ‘jamming skin technology’, Nora thinks about the power of robotics freeing itself from anthropomorphic design constraints. Meanwhile, Nora Young wonders why Lego seems to be having a ‘cultural moment’.  There’s the adorable kitchen island, made from an IKEA island covered in Lego (via Core77), the forthcoming Lego Rock Band And there’s always BrickCon, the Lego convention.  Do you love Lego?  Tell us! In today’s podcast, Cathi Bond brings you, yes, a robot update (Like so many robot updates before).  This time, she looks at the RIBA, yet another robot that designers imagine can keep people in their homes and care for them in hospital.  Nora thinks it looks like a Mr. Sno Cone.  Watch the video here. In a freakier vein, Cathi chats about the Chembot, from the iRobot people (via IEEE Spectrum)  In spite of the creepiness of the ‘jamming skin technology’, Nora thinks about the power of robotics freeing itself from anthropomorphic design constraints. Meanwhile, Nora Young wonders why Lego seems to be having a ‘cultural moment’.  There’s the adorable kitchen island, made from an IKEA island covered in Lego (via Core77), the forthcoming Lego Rock Band And there’s always BrickCon, the Lego convention.  Do you love Lego?  Tell us! In today’s podcast, Cathi Bond brings you, yes, a robot update (Like so many robot updates before).  This time, she looks at the RIBA, yet another robot that designers imagine can keep people in their homes and care for them in hospital.  Nora thinks it looks like a Mr. Sno Cone.  Watch the video here. In a freakier vein, Cathi chats about the Chembot, from the iRobot people (via IEEE Spectrum)  In spite of the creepiness of the ‘jamming skin technology’, Nora thinks about the power of robotics freeing itself from anthropomorphic design constraints. Meanwhile, Nora Young wonders why Lego seems to be having a ‘cultural moment’.  There’s the adorable kitchen island, made from an IKEA island covered in Lego (via Core77), the forthcoming Lego Rock Band And there’s always BrickCon, the Lego convention.  Do you love Lego?  Tell us! tag:odeo.com,2009-10-23,25359637 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:31:22 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, toys, Robotics, lego http://odeo.com/episodes/25295240-Trends-in-Mind-Altering-Drugs-and-Hybrid-Cars In today’s podcast, Nora Young mentions new Canadian research into the drug Propranolol.  Propranolol is a beta blocker, originally used to treat conditions such as hypertension, but it’s been shown to reduce the impact of traumatic memories.  Now, researcher Alain Brunet has found that even some time after the traumatic event has occurred, you can get patients to remember the event, administer the Propranolol, and the emotional impact of the memory would be reduced. Huge potential for treating things like PTSD, of course, but would you reduce the impact of other, simply painful memories if you could? (Technology Review, via The Utne Reader) Meanwhile, Cathi Bond has found an intriguing–though not entirely clear–story. Google has been running a fleet of hybrid vehicles for some time.  Now it thinks it’s got an idea for how to design ’smart chargers’, thus resolving one of the long-standing issues with electric cars: insuring recharging capac... In today’s podcast, Nora Young mentions new Canadian research into the drug Propranolol.  Propranolol is a beta blocker, originally used to treat conditions such as hypertension, but it’s been shown to reduce the impact of traumatic memories.  Now, researcher Alain Brunet has found that even some time after the traumatic event has occurred, you can get patients to remember the event, administer the Propranolol, and the emotional impact of the memory would be reduced. Huge potential for treating things like PTSD, of course, but would you reduce the impact of other, simply painful memories if you could? (Technology Review, via The Utne Reader) Meanwhile, Cathi Bond has found an intriguing–though not entirely clear–story. Google has been running a fleet of hybrid vehicles for some time.  Now it thinks it’s got an idea for how to design ’smart chargers’, thus resolving one of the long-standing issues with electric cars: insuring recharging capacity when it’s needed (via Gizmag) In today’s podcast, Nora Young mentions new Canadian research into the drug Propranolol.  Propranolol is a beta blocker, originally used to treat conditions such as hypertension, but it’s been shown to reduce the impact of traumatic memories.  Now, researcher Alain Brunet has found that even some time after the traumatic event has occurred, you can get patients to remember the event, administer the Propranolol, and the emotional impact of the memory would be reduced. Huge potential for treating things like PTSD, of course, but would you reduce the impact of other, simply painful memories if you could? (Technology Review, via The Utne Reader) Meanwhile, Cathi Bond has found an intriguing–though not entirely clear–story. Google has been running a fleet of hybrid vehicles for some time.  Now it thinks it’s got an idea for how to design ’smart chargers’, thus resolving one of the long-standing issues with electric cars: insuring recharging capacity when it’s needed (via Gizmag) tag:odeo.com,2009-10-16,25295240 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:10:07 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, medicine, sustainability, mental health http://odeo.com/episodes/25270171-Trends-in-Exercise-and-Wi-Fi In this podcast, Cathi Bond is obsessed–obsessed!–with this plan for a very cool exercise facility.  The idea is that it would float on the Hudson River, and be powered by the activity of the gym’s participants. Take a look! (via Ecofriend)  Nora Young says she’s seen lots of concepts for these projects, but wonders how much power they would actually generate. Has anyone seen examples (other than Mr. Something Something)? Meanwhile, Nora points to researchers at the University of Tokyo who have created a paint that blocks wi-fi and other wireless signals (via PSFK) It reminded Nora of this exhibition, Towards the Sentient City, and the possibility that we may want a ‘cloaking device’ in the future, as in this art project. In this podcast, Cathi Bond is obsessed–obsessed!–with this plan for a very cool exercise facility.  The idea is that it would float on the Hudson River, and be powered by the activity of the gym’s participants. Take a look! (via Ecofriend)  Nora Young says she’s seen lots of concepts for these projects, but wonders how much power they would actually generate. Has anyone seen examples (other than Mr. Something Something)? Meanwhile, Nora points to researchers at the University of Tokyo who have created a paint that blocks wi-fi and other wireless signals (via PSFK) It reminded Nora of this exhibition, Towards the Sentient City, and the possibility that we may want a ‘cloaking device’ in the future, as in this art project. In this podcast, Cathi Bond is obsessed–obsessed!–with this plan for a very cool exercise facility.  The idea is that it would float on the Hudson River, and be powered by the activity of the gym’s participants. Take a look! (via Ecofriend)  Nora Young says she’s seen lots of concepts for these projects, but wonders how much power they would actually generate. Has anyone seen examples (other than Mr. Something Something)? Meanwhile, Nora points to researchers at the University of Tokyo who have created a paint that blocks wi-fi and other wireless signals (via PSFK) It reminded Nora of this exhibition, Towards the Sentient City, and the possibility that we may want a ‘cloaking device’ in the future, as in this art project. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-11,25270171 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:33:17 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, wi-fi, sustainability, futurology http://odeo.com/episodes/25248515-Trends-Mags-and-Soap-Operas In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young and Cathi Bond riff on the death of Gourmet magazine, and what magazines have to learn from the web. Nora thinks Style at Home does a good job. Cathi Bond is shocked to learn that Eric Braeden aka Victor Newman, from The Young and the Restless, is being written out of the show!! Is the writing on the wall for Soap Operas? Will stunt casting, such as putting James Franco on General Hospital, help? In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young and Cathi Bond riff on the death of Gourmet magazine, and what magazines have to learn from the web. Nora thinks Style at Home does a good job. Cathi Bond is shocked to learn that Eric Braeden aka Victor Newman, from The Young and the Restless, is being written out of the show!! Is the writing on the wall for Soap Operas? Will stunt casting, such as putting James Franco on General Hospital, help? In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young and Cathi Bond riff on the death of Gourmet magazine, and what magazines have to learn from the web. Nora thinks Style at Home does a good job. Cathi Bond is shocked to learn that Eric Braeden aka Victor Newman, from The Young and the Restless, is being written out of the show!! Is the writing on the wall for Soap Operas? Will stunt casting, such as putting James Franco on General Hospital, help? tag:odeo.com,2009-10-07,25248515 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:08:51 -0700 no The Sniffer Media, Uncategorized http://odeo.com/episodes/25232335-Trends-in-TV-and-Education In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the BBC’s plans for Project Canvas. We’re intrigued, but not entirely sure what it’s all about (via TechRadar). Your thoughts?  Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions this thought-provoking article in Business Week about revamping post-secondary education, so there’s a two-tier system.  You’d have online, convenient, good-enough education to satisfy most employment requirements and more expensive, ‘full meal deal’ university experiences.  The gals are intrigued by the application of the principle of ‘versioning’ to education, but have concerns about two tier education. What do you think? In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the BBC’s plans for Project Canvas. We’re intrigued, but not entirely sure what it’s all about (via TechRadar). Your thoughts?  Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions this thought-provoking article in Business Week about revamping post-secondary education, so there’s a two-tier system.  You’d have online, convenient, good-enough education to satisfy most employment requirements and more expensive, ‘full meal deal’ university experiences.  The gals are intrigued by the application of the principle of ‘versioning’ to education, but have concerns about two tier education. What do you think? In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the BBC’s plans for Project Canvas. We’re intrigued, but not entirely sure what it’s all about (via TechRadar). Your thoughts?  Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions this thought-provoking article in Business Week about revamping post-secondary education, so there’s a two-tier system.  You’d have online, convenient, good-enough education to satisfy most employment requirements and more expensive, ‘full meal deal’ university experiences.  The gals are intrigued by the application of the principle of ‘versioning’ to education, but have concerns about two tier education. What do you think? tag:odeo.com,2009-10-04,25232335 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:21:11 -0700 no The Sniffer Media, Uncategorized, Education, tv, versioning http://odeo.com/episodes/25207535-Trends-Girly-Cars-and-TV-Turnoff This time around, Nora Young talks about Renault’s concept cars at the Hamburg Auto Show.(via BusinessInsider). Would you drive some of these cute cars? What’s with the connection between cute and enviro-friendly? Meanwhile Cathi Bond points out that, as far as she can tell, people aren’t watching TV so much anymore. Are you? Let us know! This time around, Nora Young talks about Renault’s concept cars at the Hamburg Auto Show.(via BusinessInsider). Would you drive some of these cute cars? What’s with the connection between cute and enviro-friendly? Meanwhile Cathi Bond points out that, as far as she can tell, people aren’t watching TV so much anymore. Are you? Let us know! This time around, Nora Young talks about Renault’s concept cars at the Hamburg Auto Show.(via BusinessInsider). Would you drive some of these cute cars? What’s with the connection between cute and enviro-friendly? Meanwhile Cathi Bond points out that, as far as she can tell, people aren’t watching TV so much anymore. Are you? Let us know! tag:odeo.com,2009-09-29,25207535 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:19:10 -0700 no The Sniffer Media, Uncategorized, cars, sustainability http://odeo.com/episodes/25194837-Trends-Floating-Hotels-and-Public-Shaming In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions the Marmara Antalya, a swish hotel with a portion that floats and turns on a pool of water.  Possible future design for coastal areas with rising water levels? (via Gizmag) Meanwhile, Nora talks about a possible trend towards keeping up with the Joneses/public shaming techniques, such as publicizing who has the lowest energy bills in the neighbourhood. (via PSFK) And Cathi has a Fall fashion tip for guys: the return of chinos and pants with huge cuffs.  Think James Dean in Giant, or John Wayne (via cool store, Baseworld) In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions the Marmara Antalya, a swish hotel with a portion that floats and turns on a pool of water.  Possible future design for coastal areas with rising water levels? (via Gizmag) Meanwhile, Nora talks about a possible trend towards keeping up with the Joneses/public shaming techniques, such as publicizing who has the lowest energy bills in the neighbourhood. (via PSFK) And Cathi has a Fall fashion tip for guys: the return of chinos and pants with huge cuffs.  Think James Dean in Giant, or John Wayne (via cool store, Baseworld) In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions the Marmara Antalya, a swish hotel with a portion that floats and turns on a pool of water.  Possible future design for coastal areas with rising water levels? (via Gizmag) Meanwhile, Nora talks about a possible trend towards keeping up with the Joneses/public shaming techniques, such as publicizing who has the lowest energy bills in the neighbourhood. (via PSFK) And Cathi has a Fall fashion tip for guys: the return of chinos and pants with huge cuffs.  Think James Dean in Giant, or John Wayne (via cool store, Baseworld) tag:odeo.com,2009-09-27,25194837 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:45:07 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, fashion, travel, sustainability http://odeo.com/episodes/25165359-Trends-Pushy-Drivers-and-Cool-Carpools In this trendwatching podcast, Nora gets a bit shirty about the aggressiveness of Toronto drivers.  Cathi is having none of it.  She’s got a potential patch for overcrowded roads: Open Ride, which combines elements of social networking with carpooling (via Gizmag). It furthers a trend we’ve sniffed a lot: services replacing buying durables.  Would you use it? Plus, Nora has an update on the Qlocktwo, the ‘approximate’ clock she mentioned in a previous episode. It’s now available as an iPhone app! (via Swiss Miss) In this trendwatching podcast, Nora gets a bit shirty about the aggressiveness of Toronto drivers.  Cathi is having none of it.  She’s got a potential patch for overcrowded roads: Open Ride, which combines elements of social networking with carpooling (via Gizmag). It furthers a trend we’ve sniffed a lot: services replacing buying durables.  Would you use it? Plus, Nora has an update on the Qlocktwo, the ‘approximate’ clock she mentioned in a previous episode. It’s now available as an iPhone app! (via Swiss Miss) In this trendwatching podcast, Nora gets a bit shirty about the aggressiveness of Toronto drivers.  Cathi is having none of it.  She’s got a potential patch for overcrowded roads: Open Ride, which combines elements of social networking with carpooling (via Gizmag). It furthers a trend we’ve sniffed a lot: services replacing buying durables.  Would you use it? Plus, Nora has an update on the Qlocktwo, the ‘approximate’ clock she mentioned in a previous episode. It’s now available as an iPhone app! (via Swiss Miss) tag:odeo.com,2009-09-22,25165359 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:21:23 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, gadgets, cars, sustainability http://odeo.com/episodes/25145514-Trends-Google-Wave-and-Spoiled-Pets In this trendwatching podcast, Nora says she’s fascinated by the promise of Google Wave.  Though details and specifics are still pretty slight, what do you think? Would you use Google Wave?  After all this talk of the cloud, how comfortable are you leaving your data on the Web? Meanwhile, Cathi has spied some supercool tech toys….for your pet! (via Popular Mechanics) In this trendwatching podcast, Nora says she’s fascinated by the promise of Google Wave.  Though details and specifics are still pretty slight, what do you think? Would you use Google Wave?  After all this talk of the cloud, how comfortable are you leaving your data on the Web? Meanwhile, Cathi has spied some supercool tech toys….for your pet! (via Popular Mechanics) In this trendwatching podcast, Nora says she’s fascinated by the promise of Google Wave.  Though details and specifics are still pretty slight, what do you think? Would you use Google Wave?  After all this talk of the cloud, how comfortable are you leaving your data on the Web? Meanwhile, Cathi has spied some supercool tech toys….for your pet! (via Popular Mechanics) tag:odeo.com,2009-09-18,25145514 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:30:01 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, gadgets, Pets, Cloud Computing, google wave http://odeo.com/episodes/25129553-Trends-3D-Cameras-and-Cool-Games In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the potential of new 3D cameras from Fuji, (video here) and 3D TV.  Nora? Not so much. Meanwhile, Nora Young talks about Noticings, a for-fun side project game by the brilliant Tom Armitage.  Nora loves it. Cathi? Not so much. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the potential of new 3D cameras from Fuji, (video here) and 3D TV.  Nora? Not so much. Meanwhile, Nora Young talks about Noticings, a for-fun side project game by the brilliant Tom Armitage.  Nora loves it. Cathi? Not so much. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the potential of new 3D cameras from Fuji, (video here) and 3D TV.  Nora? Not so much. Meanwhile, Nora Young talks about Noticings, a for-fun side project game by the brilliant Tom Armitage.  Nora loves it. Cathi? Not so much. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-15,25129553 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:11:06 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, gadgets, 3d, cameras http://odeo.com/episodes/25114515-Trends-Cold-Water-on-Robots-Cool-Clocks In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond, lover of all things robotic, reports on an interview with roboticist, Noel Sharkey, about why he thinks robots will never have enough of a nuanced response to fight wars or take care of elderly or ill people (via New Scientist) Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions QlockTwo, one of a growing number of clocks that display time in unusual ways.  She wonders whether it’s just that we have so many embedded, functional clocks, that we know crave clocks as art. (Via Michael Surtees’ DesignNotes blog) In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond, lover of all things robotic, reports on an interview with roboticist, Noel Sharkey, about why he thinks robots will never have enough of a nuanced response to fight wars or take care of elderly or ill people (via New Scientist) Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions QlockTwo, one of a growing number of clocks that display time in unusual ways.  She wonders whether it’s just that we have so many embedded, functional clocks, that we know crave clocks as art. (Via Michael Surtees’ DesignNotes blog) In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond, lover of all things robotic, reports on an interview with roboticist, Noel Sharkey, about why he thinks robots will never have enough of a nuanced response to fight wars or take care of elderly or ill people (via New Scientist) Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions QlockTwo, one of a growing number of clocks that display time in unusual ways.  She wonders whether it’s just that we have so many embedded, functional clocks, that we know crave clocks as art. (Via Michael Surtees’ DesignNotes blog) tag:odeo.com,2009-09-12,25114515 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:55:42 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Design, robots http://odeo.com/episodes/25090821-Trends-Death-of-the-Video-Hut-and-Upcycling In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Blockbuster’s deal with Motorola (via AP) to download movies onto cellphones.  Nora Young thinks in part it’s a good thing, because it’s part of the dematerialization trend that folks like Alex Steffen talk about.  On the other hand, what about the curation role of physical stores, like Suspect Video?  Can “if you like this, you’ll like that” recommenders really work? Is finding out what your friends watch via Facebook going to do the trick? Meanwhile, Nora talks about this neat Fast Company article about handbag designer, Shannon South, and her company reMade USA, which takes old scraps of leather or upholstery, and fashions great-looking, original handbags. Upcycling is a booming trend which Nora sees lots of in Toronto, for instance, Susan Harris Designs, or Matthew Simpson’s AKA Menswear. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Blockbuster’s deal with Motorola (via AP) to download movies onto cellphones.  Nora Young thinks in part it’s a good thing, because it’s part of the dematerialization trend that folks like Alex Steffen talk about.  On the other hand, what about the curation role of physical stores, like Suspect Video?  Can “if you like this, you’ll like that” recommenders really work? Is finding out what your friends watch via Facebook going to do the trick? Meanwhile, Nora talks about this neat Fast Company article about handbag designer, Shannon South, and her company reMade USA, which takes old scraps of leather or upholstery, and fashions great-looking, original handbags. Upcycling is a booming trend which Nora sees lots of in Toronto, for instance, Susan Harris Designs, or Matthew Simpson’s AKA Menswear. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Blockbuster’s deal with Motorola (via AP) to download movies onto cellphones.  Nora Young thinks in part it’s a good thing, because it’s part of the dematerialization trend that folks like Alex Steffen talk about.  On the other hand, what about the curation role of physical stores, like Suspect Video?  Can “if you like this, you’ll like that” recommenders really work? Is finding out what your friends watch via Facebook going to do the trick? Meanwhile, Nora talks about this neat Fast Company article about handbag designer, Shannon South, and her company reMade USA, which takes old scraps of leather or upholstery, and fashions great-looking, original handbags. Upcycling is a booming trend which Nora sees lots of in Toronto, for instance, Susan Harris Designs, or Matthew Simpson’s AKA Menswear. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-08,25090821 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:22:11 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, fashion, sustainability, downloading, upcycling, dematerialization http://odeo.com/episodes/25085813-Trends-in-Bikes-and-Fashion In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the trend toward big bicycles designed for hauling lots of gear.  Nora Young mentions the horrifying return of so-called “jeggings” or denim leggings (via Style.com)  It’s the return of the Muffin Top!   In a more appealing fall trend, Cathi points to the return of biker chic! Yay! (via JC Report) In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the trend toward big bicycles designed for hauling lots of gear.  Nora Young mentions the horrifying return of so-called “jeggings” or denim leggings (via Style.com)  It’s the return of the Muffin Top!   In a more appealing fall trend, Cathi points to the return of biker chic! Yay! (via JC Report) In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the trend toward big bicycles designed for hauling lots of gear.  Nora Young mentions the horrifying return of so-called “jeggings” or denim leggings (via Style.com)  It’s the return of the Muffin Top!   In a more appealing fall trend, Cathi points to the return of biker chic! Yay! (via JC Report) tag:odeo.com,2009-09-07,25085813 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:53:35 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, fashion, bicycles, sustainability http://odeo.com/episodes/25045509-Trends-Weather-and-Coffee In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond has another weather update from her friends, the highly placed meteorologists.  Plus, Nora Young looks at Starbucks’ latest rebranding: launching the ‘indie style’ 15th Avenue Coffee & Tea.  Do the kind of people who like to go to, say, I Deal Coffee, want to go here? In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond has another weather update from her friends, the highly placed meteorologists.  Plus, Nora Young looks at Starbucks’ latest rebranding: launching the ‘indie style’ 15th Avenue Coffee & Tea.  Do the kind of people who like to go to, say, I Deal Coffee, want to go here? In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond has another weather update from her friends, the highly placed meteorologists.  Plus, Nora Young looks at Starbucks’ latest rebranding: launching the ‘indie style’ 15th Avenue Coffee & Tea.  Do the kind of people who like to go to, say, I Deal Coffee, want to go here? tag:odeo.com,2009-08-30,25045509 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 07:26:04 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, marketing, climate change, coffee culture http://odeo.com/episodes/25042351-Trends-in-Journalism-and-Furniture In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond says she’s finally over the ’small furniture for small spaces’ trend, with this example. The Paket table is designed to fold out, kind of like furniture origami.  Cathi thinks it looks like treehouse furniture, but Nora likes it.  What do you think? Meanwhile, Nora revisits a story she talked about in her column, and has talked about on Spark in the past: hyperlocal journalism, and whether it can make a go of it.  She was inspired by this New York Times story on the demise of The Washington Post’s experiment in hyperlocal news.  She wants Cathi’s opinion, and yours! What would you do to fix local newspapers? In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond says she’s finally over the ’small furniture for small spaces’ trend, with this example. The Paket table is designed to fold out, kind of like furniture origami.  Cathi thinks it looks like treehouse furniture, but Nora likes it.  What do you think? Meanwhile, Nora revisits a story she talked about in her column, and has talked about on Spark in the past: hyperlocal journalism, and whether it can make a go of it.  She was inspired by this New York Times story on the demise of The Washington Post’s experiment in hyperlocal news.  She wants Cathi’s opinion, and yours! What would you do to fix local newspapers? In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond says she’s finally over the ’small furniture for small spaces’ trend, with this example. The Paket table is designed to fold out, kind of like furniture origami.  Cathi thinks it looks like treehouse furniture, but Nora likes it.  What do you think? Meanwhile, Nora revisits a story she talked about in her column, and has talked about on Spark in the past: hyperlocal journalism, and whether it can make a go of it.  She was inspired by this New York Times story on the demise of The Washington Post’s experiment in hyperlocal news.  She wants Cathi’s opinion, and yours! What would you do to fix local newspapers? tag:odeo.com,2009-08-29,25042351 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:57:41 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Design, journalism, furniture, digital economy http://odeo.com/episodes/25009619-Trends-Irish-Life-and-Digital-Picture-FramesInt It’s the first podcast of a brand new season of thesniffer!  Nora Young is back from a super fun cycling holiday in Ireland.  One of the highlights was lovely Kilfenora, in county Clare, on the west coast.  She enjoyed the pubs–especially the conversation and the music–but was sad to see that with a few exceptions, there isn’t much going on with microbrew beers.  She also found out that now that no one prints out their photos anymore, Irish pubs don’t update their wall photos any more.  This led right into Cathi Bond’s story about this new digital picture frame.  It even comes with a phone! The gals would love to know if any of you are using digital picture frames. It’s the first podcast of a brand new season of thesniffer!  Nora Young is back from a super fun cycling holiday in Ireland.  One of the highlights was lovely Kilfenora, in county Clare, on the west coast.  She enjoyed the pubs–especially the conversation and the music–but was sad to see that with a few exceptions, there isn’t much going on with microbrew beers.  She also found out that now that no one prints out their photos anymore, Irish pubs don’t update their wall photos any more.  This led right into Cathi Bond’s story about this new digital picture frame.  It even comes with a phone! The gals would love to know if any of you are using digital picture frames. It’s the first podcast of a brand new season of thesniffer!  Nora Young is back from a super fun cycling holiday in Ireland.  One of the highlights was lovely Kilfenora, in county Clare, on the west coast.  She enjoyed the pubs–especially the conversation and the music–but was sad to see that with a few exceptions, there isn’t much going on with microbrew beers.  She also found out that now that no one prints out their photos anymore, Irish pubs don’t update their wall photos any more.  This led right into Cathi Bond’s story about this new digital picture frame.  It even comes with a phone! The gals would love to know if any of you are using digital picture frames. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-23,25009619 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:29:31 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, gadgets, ireland, tourism http://odeo.com/episodes/24967436-Trends-in-Anti-Ageing-and-iPhone-Apps In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond tells a personal story about bioidenticals, and why you might want to do your research on them.  It’s a huge trend, but Cathi has questions.  Nora Young refers to a recent Newsweek cover story about Oprah and dubious health claims by some of her guests, including Suzanne Somers on bioidenticals. Nora Young mentions a new iPhone app that helps you find the nearest Zipcar (via WIRED)  It reminds her of an interview she did with Worldchanging’s Alex Steffen about dematerialization, and how apps like this could help. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond tells a personal story about bioidenticals, and why you might want to do your research on them.  It’s a huge trend, but Cathi has questions.  Nora Young refers to a recent Newsweek cover story about Oprah and dubious health claims by some of her guests, including Suzanne Somers on bioidenticals. Nora Young mentions a new iPhone app that helps you find the nearest Zipcar (via WIRED)  It reminds her of an interview she did with Worldchanging’s Alex Steffen about dematerialization, and how apps like this could help. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond tells a personal story about bioidenticals, and why you might want to do your research on them.  It’s a huge trend, but Cathi has questions.  Nora Young refers to a recent Newsweek cover story about Oprah and dubious health claims by some of her guests, including Suzanne Somers on bioidenticals. Nora Young mentions a new iPhone app that helps you find the nearest Zipcar (via WIRED)  It reminds her of an interview she did with Worldchanging’s Alex Steffen about dematerialization, and how apps like this could help. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-15,24967436 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:11:28 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, sustainability, iPhone Apps, anti-ageing http://odeo.com/episodes/24908568-Trends-in-Architecture-and-Sunglasses In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about a post on Khoi Vinh’s Subtraction blog.  He quotes Nicolai Ouroussoff bemoaning the scrapping of Frank Gehry’s design for a new basketball stadium in New York.  Nora points out it’s another example of the way ’starchitecture’ projects are drying up, as they have talked about on previous Sniffers.  Cathi wonders why that means reverting to the lowest common denominator, rather than promoting younger architects and sustainable design.  Nora says developers are already complaining about the city of Toronto’s plan to require green roofs (via The Globe and Mail). Plus, Cathi points out the sexy retro-cool Paloma Picasso sunglasses, available from Net-a-Porter. Nora says she’s happy that it’s an alternative to the white hipster sunglasses, and 80s Tootsie glasses. In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about a post on Khoi Vinh’s Subtraction blog.  He quotes Nicolai Ouroussoff bemoaning the scrapping of Frank Gehry’s design for a new basketball stadium in New York.  Nora points out it’s another example of the way ’starchitecture’ projects are drying up, as they have talked about on previous Sniffers.  Cathi wonders why that means reverting to the lowest common denominator, rather than promoting younger architects and sustainable design.  Nora says developers are already complaining about the city of Toronto’s plan to require green roofs (via The Globe and Mail). Plus, Cathi points out the sexy retro-cool Paloma Picasso sunglasses, available from Net-a-Porter. Nora says she’s happy that it’s an alternative to the white hipster sunglasses, and 80s Tootsie glasses. In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about a post on Khoi Vinh’s Subtraction blog.  He quotes Nicolai Ouroussoff bemoaning the scrapping of Frank Gehry’s design for a new basketball stadium in New York.  Nora points out it’s another example of the way ’starchitecture’ projects are drying up, as they have talked about on previous Sniffers.  Cathi wonders why that means reverting to the lowest common denominator, rather than promoting younger architects and sustainable design.  Nora says developers are already complaining about the city of Toronto’s plan to require green roofs (via The Globe and Mail). Plus, Cathi points out the sexy retro-cool Paloma Picasso sunglasses, available from Net-a-Porter. Nora says she’s happy that it’s an alternative to the white hipster sunglasses, and 80s Tootsie glasses. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-04,24908568 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:52:00 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Architecture, fashion http://odeo.com/episodes/24839228-Trends-in-Sleep-and-Personal-Branding In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the Zeo Personal Sleep Clinic (via Medgadget) and wonders why we’re all so obsessed with sleep now.  It’s also an example of a trend Nora Young talks about quite often: personal monitoring (see for example, WIRED’s cover story this month).  Meanwhile, Nora has ‘personal branding fatigue’ as a result of Facebook’s newish policy around personal URLs for your Facebook page. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the Zeo Personal Sleep Clinic (via Medgadget) and wonders why we’re all so obsessed with sleep now.  It’s also an example of a trend Nora Young talks about quite often: personal monitoring (see for example, WIRED’s cover story this month).  Meanwhile, Nora has ‘personal branding fatigue’ as a result of Facebook’s newish policy around personal URLs for your Facebook page. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the Zeo Personal Sleep Clinic (via Medgadget) and wonders why we’re all so obsessed with sleep now.  It’s also an example of a trend Nora Young talks about quite often: personal monitoring (see for example, WIRED’s cover story this month).  Meanwhile, Nora has ‘personal branding fatigue’ as a result of Facebook’s newish policy around personal URLs for your Facebook page. tag:odeo.com,2009-07-21,24839228 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 07:43:21 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, social networks, Personal Branding, sleep disorders http://odeo.com/episodes/24765516-Trends-Fancy-Fishing-and-Cellphone-Innovation In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the super-duper Hobiecat fishing boat.  She also mentions a neat tool for keeping sharks away (via Ubergizmo).  Nora recommends people check out a fantastic Ideas podcast about whale consciousness, Ocean Mind. Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions New Scientist’s look at innovations in smartphones that may be just around the corner. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the super-duper Hobiecat fishing boat.  She also mentions a neat tool for keeping sharks away (via Ubergizmo).  Nora recommends people check out a fantastic Ideas podcast about whale consciousness, Ocean Mind. Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions New Scientist’s look at innovations in smartphones that may be just around the corner. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the super-duper Hobiecat fishing boat.  She also mentions a neat tool for keeping sharks away (via Ubergizmo).  Nora recommends people check out a fantastic Ideas podcast about whale consciousness, Ocean Mind. Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions New Scientist’s look at innovations in smartphones that may be just around the corner. tag:odeo.com,2009-07-07,24765516 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:29:56 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, recreation, smartphones http://odeo.com/episodes/24754360-Trends-More-E-Book-Battles-and-Fab-Tables In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about Jeff Bezos’ vision for the Kindle.  If they can sell you the device, great, but the real game is in selling the books themselves. (Via The New York Times).  Cathi Bond thinks opening up e-books so they are interoperable could create great opportunities for literary mash-ups, a la Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond found this beautiful concept for a kitchen table, The Rendez-Vous, from Electrolux.  Cook right on the table! Never be banished to the kitchen again! (Via Ubergizmo) In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about Jeff Bezos’ vision for the Kindle.  If they can sell you the device, great, but the real game is in selling the books themselves. (Via The New York Times).  Cathi Bond thinks opening up e-books so they are interoperable could create great opportunities for literary mash-ups, a la Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond found this beautiful concept for a kitchen table, The Rendez-Vous, from Electrolux.  Cook right on the table! Never be banished to the kitchen again! (Via Ubergizmo) In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about Jeff Bezos’ vision for the Kindle.  If they can sell you the device, great, but the real game is in selling the books themselves. (Via The New York Times).  Cathi Bond thinks opening up e-books so they are interoperable could create great opportunities for literary mash-ups, a la Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond found this beautiful concept for a kitchen table, The Rendez-Vous, from Electrolux.  Cook right on the table! Never be banished to the kitchen again! (Via Ubergizmo) tag:odeo.com,2009-06-29,24754360 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:47:07 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Design, DRM, e-books http://odeo.com/episodes/24754361-Trends-in-Search-and-Robots In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about Hunch.com, a decision-making tool she’s had her eye on for some time.  It uses input from users to improve its results.  Nora thinks it works because it’s fun! Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about so-called “robotic cargo-screening ferrets” which will be used to search shipping containers for contraband (via Eurekalert). In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about Hunch.com, a decision-making tool she’s had her eye on for some time.  It uses input from users to improve its results.  Nora thinks it works because it’s fun! Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about so-called “robotic cargo-screening ferrets” which will be used to search shipping containers for contraband (via Eurekalert). In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about Hunch.com, a decision-making tool she’s had her eye on for some time.  It uses input from users to improve its results.  Nora thinks it works because it’s fun! Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about so-called “robotic cargo-screening ferrets” which will be used to search shipping containers for contraband (via Eurekalert). tag:odeo.com,2009-06-20,24754361 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 09:49:00 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Robotics, search engines http://odeo.com/episodes/24701656-Design-Trends-Wood-and-Dumpster-Diving-Are-Back In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about the blog, Unconsumption, as an example of the broader trend towards making your stuff last longer, hacking it to suit your needs.  Cathi Bond calls it 21st century dumpster diving.  (via Core 77).  It reminded Nora of an interview she did on Spark, with Anil Dash and Gina Trapani, about geeks holding onto their gear longer. Cathi Bond notes that at the recent International Contemporary Furniture Fair, wood was featured prominently; sort of a dukied-up minimalist meets 70s rec room look. (via Flavorwire)  Nora says it reminds her a lot of the aesthetic you find in contemporary Canadian furniture design, such as what you see at MADE. (Note milk crate!) How about you? Are you seeing the ‘reduce, reuse’ hack your stuff aesthetic? Are you doing it yourself? Tell us your stories! In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about the blog, Unconsumption, as an example of the broader trend towards making your stuff last longer, hacking it to suit your needs.  Cathi Bond calls it 21st century dumpster diving.  (via Core 77).  It reminded Nora of an interview she did on Spark, with Anil Dash and Gina Trapani, about geeks holding onto their gear longer. Cathi Bond notes that at the recent International Contemporary Furniture Fair, wood was featured prominently; sort of a dukied-up minimalist meets 70s rec room look. (via Flavorwire)  Nora says it reminds her a lot of the aesthetic you find in contemporary Canadian furniture design, such as what you see at MADE. (Note milk crate!) How about you? Are you seeing the ‘reduce, reuse’ hack your stuff aesthetic? Are you doing it yourself? Tell us your stories! In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about the blog, Unconsumption, as an example of the broader trend towards making your stuff last longer, hacking it to suit your needs.  Cathi Bond calls it 21st century dumpster diving.  (via Core 77).  It reminded Nora of an interview she did on Spark, with Anil Dash and Gina Trapani, about geeks holding onto their gear longer. Cathi Bond notes that at the recent International Contemporary Furniture Fair, wood was featured prominently; sort of a dukied-up minimalist meets 70s rec room look. (via Flavorwire)  Nora says it reminds her a lot of the aesthetic you find in contemporary Canadian furniture design, such as what you see at MADE. (Note milk crate!) How about you? Are you seeing the ‘reduce, reuse’ hack your stuff aesthetic? Are you doing it yourself? Tell us your stories! tag:odeo.com,2009-06-13,24701656 Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:17:06 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Design, wood, hacks http://odeo.com/episodes/24670648-Trends-in-Building-Cheap-Efficient-Solar-and-Facades-that-Move In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond and Nora Young look at the latest in trends they’ve talked about before.  Cathi considers these new innovations in solar from Australia.  The hope is that it will make solar more efficient, and also cheaper. Cathi and Nora talk about moves to make solar more consumer-friendly, like one of the winners of the Picnic Green Challenge contest, Veranda Solar (via Treehugger).  Good thing, too, because The Guardian notes that by 2020, home electronics could account for 45% of home energy use. Also in this episode, Nora mentions a stunning building facade in Switzerland, part of a trend towards building exteriors that respond to the environment around them.  Watch the video at excellent design blog, Swiss Miss (Thanks for telling me about it Alanna!) In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond and Nora Young look at the latest in trends they’ve talked about before.  Cathi considers these new innovations in solar from Australia.  The hope is that it will make solar more efficient, and also cheaper. Cathi and Nora talk about moves to make solar more consumer-friendly, like one of the winners of the Picnic Green Challenge contest, Veranda Solar (via Treehugger).  Good thing, too, because The Guardian notes that by 2020, home electronics could account for 45% of home energy use. Also in this episode, Nora mentions a stunning building facade in Switzerland, part of a trend towards building exteriors that respond to the environment around them.  Watch the video at excellent design blog, Swiss Miss (Thanks for telling me about it Alanna!) In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond and Nora Young look at the latest in trends they’ve talked about before.  Cathi considers these new innovations in solar from Australia.  The hope is that it will make solar more efficient, and also cheaper. Cathi and Nora talk about moves to make solar more consumer-friendly, like one of the winners of the Picnic Green Challenge contest, Veranda Solar (via Treehugger).  Good thing, too, because The Guardian notes that by 2020, home electronics could account for 45% of home energy use. Also in this episode, Nora mentions a stunning building facade in Switzerland, part of a trend towards building exteriors that respond to the environment around them.  Watch the video at excellent design blog, Swiss Miss (Thanks for telling me about it Alanna!) tag:odeo.com,2009-06-09,24670648 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:14:14 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Architecture, sustainable energy http://odeo.com/episodes/24633640-Trends-The-Return-of-Smart-and-Harnessing-the-Body%E2%80%99s-Energy In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young is sniffing the return of smart.  She mentions the new blog, The Awl, and the fact that Clusterflock seems to have a bit of buzz around it.  (Kottke.org blogger, Jason Kottke, first told Nora about Clusterflock in an interview on Spark).   Meanwhile, tired of your mobile gadgets running out of juice?  Here’s an interesting concept The Etive Kinetic Energy Charger: a device that harvests the body’s energy while you’re walking and uses it to power tech such as cellphones (via Gizmag). In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young is sniffing the return of smart.  She mentions the new blog, The Awl, and the fact that Clusterflock seems to have a bit of buzz around it.  (Kottke.org blogger, Jason Kottke, first told Nora about Clusterflock in an interview on Spark).   Meanwhile, tired of your mobile gadgets running out of juice?  Here’s an interesting concept The Etive Kinetic Energy Charger: a device that harvests the body’s energy while you’re walking and uses it to power tech such as cellphones (via Gizmag). In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young is sniffing the return of smart.  She mentions the new blog, The Awl, and the fact that Clusterflock seems to have a bit of buzz around it.  (Kottke.org blogger, Jason Kottke, first told Nora about Clusterflock in an interview on Spark).   Meanwhile, tired of your mobile gadgets running out of juice?  Here’s an interesting concept The Etive Kinetic Energy Charger: a device that harvests the body’s energy while you’re walking and uses it to power tech such as cellphones (via Gizmag). tag:odeo.com,2009-05-31,24633640 Sun, 31 May 2009 13:03:24 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, energy, social trends, green power http://odeo.com/episodes/24625531-Trends-at-the-Movies-and-Twitter-TV In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about David Lynch’s new online project, Interview Project, 100s of interviews with Americans he’s met on the road.  It launches June 1st. (via Fimoculous).  It reminds Nora of Walker Evans, but Cathi thinks it’s more like Twitter, with people’s current appetite for first person disclosure. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about the plan for the Twitter guys to link up with TV producers for a new reality-based TV show. (Variety via Fimoculous) Cathi and Nora: WTF? Also, in case you haven’t guessed, C&N talk about how much they like Fimoculous. In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about David Lynch’s new online project, Interview Project, 100s of interviews with Americans he’s met on the road.  It launches June 1st. (via Fimoculous).  It reminds Nora of Walker Evans, but Cathi thinks it’s more like Twitter, with people’s current appetite for first person disclosure. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about the plan for the Twitter guys to link up with TV producers for a new reality-based TV show. (Variety via Fimoculous) Cathi and Nora: WTF? Also, in case you haven’t guessed, C&N talk about how much they like Fimoculous. In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about David Lynch’s new online project, Interview Project, 100s of interviews with Americans he’s met on the road.  It launches June 1st. (via Fimoculous).  It reminds Nora of Walker Evans, but Cathi thinks it’s more like Twitter, with people’s current appetite for first person disclosure. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about the plan for the Twitter guys to link up with TV producers for a new reality-based TV show. (Variety via Fimoculous) Cathi and Nora: WTF? Also, in case you haven’t guessed, C&N talk about how much they like Fimoculous. tag:odeo.com,2009-05-29,24625531 Fri, 29 May 2009 06:25:05 -0700 no The Sniffer Television, Uncategorized, twitter, FILM, david lynch http://odeo.com/episodes/24577312-Trendwatching-Mind-Control-and-Google-Map-Politics In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions Spanish research at the University of Zaragoza, that involves using mental focus to direct a wheelchair.  Interestingly, users don’t have to sustain focus all the time; they can in effect ‘pre-program’ the route of the chair.  (via Engadget). Nora says it reminds her of a story she heard on Radio Lab Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions the recent kerfuffle over Google Maps’ decision to annotate a map of Tokyo with ancient images that show where the ancient, lowest caste ‘death workers’ used to live.  People who currently reside there were none too thrilled over what it might mean to their property values (via Fast Company). Nora says it’s just one of many examples of the politics behind mapmaking. Expect to see more and more of this as people add detailed info to, say, Google Earth, or Second Life. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions Spanish research at the University of Zaragoza, that involves using mental focus to direct a wheelchair.  Interestingly, users don’t have to sustain focus all the time; they can in effect ‘pre-program’ the route of the chair.  (via Engadget). Nora says it reminds her of a story she heard on Radio Lab Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions the recent kerfuffle over Google Maps’ decision to annotate a map of Tokyo with ancient images that show where the ancient, lowest caste ‘death workers’ used to live.  People who currently reside there were none too thrilled over what it might mean to their property values (via Fast Company). Nora says it’s just one of many examples of the politics behind mapmaking. Expect to see more and more of this as people add detailed info to, say, Google Earth, or Second Life. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions Spanish research at the University of Zaragoza, that involves using mental focus to direct a wheelchair.  Interestingly, users don’t have to sustain focus all the time; they can in effect ‘pre-program’ the route of the chair.  (via Engadget). Nora says it reminds her of a story she heard on Radio Lab Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions the recent kerfuffle over Google Maps’ decision to annotate a map of Tokyo with ancient images that show where the ancient, lowest caste ‘death workers’ used to live.  People who currently reside there were none too thrilled over what it might mean to their property values (via Fast Company). Nora says it’s just one of many examples of the politics behind mapmaking. Expect to see more and more of this as people add detailed info to, say, Google Earth, or Second Life. tag:odeo.com,2009-05-18,24577312 Mon, 18 May 2009 12:00:12 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, google, maps, medicine http://odeo.com/episodes/24545963-Life-on-Display-Celebrity-Twitterers-and-Glass-Houses In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about this Business Week article on the cosy relationship between social media services, such as Twitter and Tumblr, and celebrities.  It reminds Nora of Andrew Keen’s recent talk at The Next Web conference (via TechCrunch).  Will social media eat itself?  Cathi and Nora, erm, discuss.  They also mention the great music writing of Carl Wilson and Robert Everett-Green. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond points out beautiful homes in Chicago (via mocoloco). Stunning, yes, but you can also see right through them! Is this about living your life on display? In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about this Business Week article on the cosy relationship between social media services, such as Twitter and Tumblr, and celebrities.  It reminds Nora of Andrew Keen’s recent talk at The Next Web conference (via TechCrunch).  Will social media eat itself?  Cathi and Nora, erm, discuss.  They also mention the great music writing of Carl Wilson and Robert Everett-Green. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond points out beautiful homes in Chicago (via mocoloco). Stunning, yes, but you can also see right through them! Is this about living your life on display? In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about this Business Week article on the cosy relationship between social media services, such as Twitter and Tumblr, and celebrities.  It reminds Nora of Andrew Keen’s recent talk at The Next Web conference (via TechCrunch).  Will social media eat itself?  Cathi and Nora, erm, discuss.  They also mention the great music writing of Carl Wilson and Robert Everett-Green. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond points out beautiful homes in Chicago (via mocoloco). Stunning, yes, but you can also see right through them! Is this about living your life on display? tag:odeo.com,2009-05-13,24545963 Wed, 13 May 2009 05:14:05 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Architecture, social media, celebrity http://odeo.com/episodes/24545966-Trends-in-Energy-and-Good-Ideas-for-Small-Spaces In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about this very cool solar “power tower” in Spain.  Nora Young mentions that the folks at Dyson applied for a patent on a modular system for kitchen gadgets (via New Scientist).  Will design/gadget hounds resist, or is it part of the simple, elegant solutions we see for small spaces, like Muji? In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about this very cool solar “power tower” in Spain.  Nora Young mentions that the folks at Dyson applied for a patent on a modular system for kitchen gadgets (via New Scientist).  Will design/gadget hounds resist, or is it part of the simple, elegant solutions we see for small spaces, like Muji? In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about this very cool solar “power tower” in Spain.  Nora Young mentions that the folks at Dyson applied for a patent on a modular system for kitchen gadgets (via New Scientist).  Will design/gadget hounds resist, or is it part of the simple, elegant solutions we see for small spaces, like Muji? tag:odeo.com,2009-05-10,24545966 Sun, 10 May 2009 10:20:40 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Design, sustainable energy http://odeo.com/episodes/24539968-Trends-in-Jobs-Social-Networking-for-Work-and-Future-Jobs In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about Blellow, a new microblogging/social networking platform designed to connect freelancers and self-employed people. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about Popular Mechanics’ picks for top ten jobs for the future, noting how many are related to alternative energy, and how much of a return to skilled trades they represent. In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about Blellow, a new microblogging/social networking platform designed to connect freelancers and self-employed people. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about Popular Mechanics’ picks for top ten jobs for the future, noting how many are related to alternative energy, and how much of a return to skilled trades they represent. In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about Blellow, a new microblogging/social networking platform designed to connect freelancers and self-employed people. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about Popular Mechanics’ picks for top ten jobs for the future, noting how many are related to alternative energy, and how much of a return to skilled trades they represent. tag:odeo.com,2009-05-05,24539968 Tue, 05 May 2009 05:03:53 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Social networking, trends, jobs http://odeo.com/episodes/24531724-Wild-Trends-in-Food-Robots-and-Water In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Le Wif, the chocolate bar that you don’t eat….you smell.  It’s being marketed through Le Laboratoire. Nora Young mentions research into microrobots that use mag lev to manoeuvre.  It’s a project of the University of Waterloo; read the press release here. And, need some incentive to save water? How about a killer shower!! (via MocoLoco) In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Le Wif, the chocolate bar that you don’t eat….you smell.  It’s being marketed through Le Laboratoire. Nora Young mentions research into microrobots that use mag lev to manoeuvre.  It’s a project of the University of Waterloo; read the press release here. And, need some incentive to save water? How about a killer shower!! (via MocoLoco) In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Le Wif, the chocolate bar that you don’t eat….you smell.  It’s being marketed through Le Laboratoire. Nora Young mentions research into microrobots that use mag lev to manoeuvre.  It’s a project of the University of Waterloo; read the press release here. And, need some incentive to save water? How about a killer shower!! (via MocoLoco) tag:odeo.com,2009-05-03,24531724 Sun, 03 May 2009 08:54:44 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Food, robots, art, conservation http://odeo.com/episodes/24514712-Trends-High-End-Canes-and-Biomimicry-in-Robots In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the Slik Stick, by Baylis, a very high end cane. (via TCL Products). It’s yet another example of the kind of design-savvy gear we’re seeing aimed at older consumers. Nora Young talks about this video, at New Scientist, of CUTE penguin robots that seem to swim and fly.  It’s another example of a trend Cathi and Nora are seeing a lot of: biomimicry in tech design, and in particular, in robotics. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the Slik Stick, by Baylis, a very high end cane. (via TCL Products). It’s yet another example of the kind of design-savvy gear we’re seeing aimed at older consumers. Nora Young talks about this video, at New Scientist, of CUTE penguin robots that seem to swim and fly.  It’s another example of a trend Cathi and Nora are seeing a lot of: biomimicry in tech design, and in particular, in robotics. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the Slik Stick, by Baylis, a very high end cane. (via TCL Products). It’s yet another example of the kind of design-savvy gear we’re seeing aimed at older consumers. Nora Young talks about this video, at New Scientist, of CUTE penguin robots that seem to swim and fly.  It’s another example of a trend Cathi and Nora are seeing a lot of: biomimicry in tech design, and in particular, in robotics. tag:odeo.com,2009-04-28,24514712 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 05:14:24 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, gear, Robotics, ageing http://odeo.com/episodes/24502863-Trends-Gaming-on-Twitter-and-Portable-Health-Care In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions Sony’s new marketing tool/casual game to promote the upcoming Terminator movie.  You can follow Resistance 2018 on Twitter and play along. (firstshowing via fimoculous) What are the potential future applications for Twitter and other micro-blogging tools to play games and solve problems collectively?   Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about a very neat portable ultrasound device that you plug into your smart phone.  It’s potentially a great tool for less developed countries where access to hospitals is limited. (via Medgadget); here in North America, is this part of our trend toward obsessive self-monitoring? In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions Sony’s new marketing tool/casual game to promote the upcoming Terminator movie.  You can follow Resistance 2018 on Twitter and play along. (firstshowing via fimoculous) What are the potential future applications for Twitter and other micro-blogging tools to play games and solve problems collectively?   Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about a very neat portable ultrasound device that you plug into your smart phone.  It’s potentially a great tool for less developed countries where access to hospitals is limited. (via Medgadget); here in North America, is this part of our trend toward obsessive self-monitoring? In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions Sony’s new marketing tool/casual game to promote the upcoming Terminator movie.  You can follow Resistance 2018 on Twitter and play along. (firstshowing via fimoculous) What are the potential future applications for Twitter and other micro-blogging tools to play games and solve problems collectively?   Meanwhile, Cathi Bond talks about a very neat portable ultrasound device that you plug into your smart phone.  It’s potentially a great tool for less developed countries where access to hospitals is limited. (via Medgadget); here in North America, is this part of our trend toward obsessive self-monitoring? tag:odeo.com,2009-04-25,24502863 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:00:33 -0700 no The Sniffer Gaming, Uncategorized, twitter, medicine, ultrasound http://odeo.com/episodes/24486015-Trends-Down-on-the-Farm-and-Micro-employment In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the declining enrollment in agronomy at the University of Guelph as just one sign that Canadians are getting out of the farming business.  As the current generation of farmers gets ready to retire, are we really able to retire our ability to grow our own food? Weigh in with your thoughts! Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions Trendwatching’s idea of ’sellsumers’, people who have a small income stream from doing things like renting out their parking spaces, or selling hobby products on websites like Etsy.  (via Trendwatching, not, as Nora says in the podcast Trendhunter).  Nora says it reminds her of an interview she did with John Maeda several years ago, about ‘micro-employment’. She also refers to Nathan Eagle’s txt eagle project. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the declining enrollment in agronomy at the University of Guelph as just one sign that Canadians are getting out of the farming business.  As the current generation of farmers gets ready to retire, are we really able to retire our ability to grow our own food? Weigh in with your thoughts! Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions Trendwatching’s idea of ’sellsumers’, people who have a small income stream from doing things like renting out their parking spaces, or selling hobby products on websites like Etsy.  (via Trendwatching, not, as Nora says in the podcast Trendhunter).  Nora says it reminds her of an interview she did with John Maeda several years ago, about ‘micro-employment’. She also refers to Nathan Eagle’s txt eagle project. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the declining enrollment in agronomy at the University of Guelph as just one sign that Canadians are getting out of the farming business.  As the current generation of farmers gets ready to retire, are we really able to retire our ability to grow our own food? Weigh in with your thoughts! Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions Trendwatching’s idea of ’sellsumers’, people who have a small income stream from doing things like renting out their parking spaces, or selling hobby products on websites like Etsy.  (via Trendwatching, not, as Nora says in the podcast Trendhunter).  Nora says it reminds her of an interview she did with John Maeda several years ago, about ‘micro-employment’. She also refers to Nathan Eagle’s txt eagle project. tag:odeo.com,2009-04-22,24486015 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:12:44 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, agriculture, employment http://odeo.com/episodes/24470681-Trends-Robots-That-Grow-and-Responsive-Architecture In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions one of her favourite blogs, Pink Tentacle, about unusual pop culture, art, and robotics in Japan.  This time around, it’s CB2, a ‘baby robot’ that has Nora’s attention.  It’s part of a string of attempts, including the ones at Second Life Cathi talked about before, to model behaviour like facial recognition in a developmental sense.  It’s also very, very creepy.  Nora says it reminds her of the Uncanny Valley, and also what bioethicists sometimes call ‘the yuck factor‘.  Check the video at Pink Tentacle. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond finds a stunner of a building, the Helix Hotel in Abu Dhabi (Check it out, via Inhabitat).  Cathi says it reminds her of the band Devo’s hats, but on a more serious note, it’s another example of a trend we’ve talked about a lot: architecture that’s designed to be more sustainable either by being ‘responsive’ to changes in the su... In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions one of her favourite blogs, Pink Tentacle, about unusual pop culture, art, and robotics in Japan.  This time around, it’s CB2, a ‘baby robot’ that has Nora’s attention.  It’s part of a string of attempts, including the ones at Second Life Cathi talked about before, to model behaviour like facial recognition in a developmental sense.  It’s also very, very creepy.  Nora says it reminds her of the Uncanny Valley, and also what bioethicists sometimes call ‘the yuck factor‘.  Check the video at Pink Tentacle. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond finds a stunner of a building, the Helix Hotel in Abu Dhabi (Check it out, via Inhabitat).  Cathi says it reminds her of the band Devo’s hats, but on a more serious note, it’s another example of a trend we’ve talked about a lot: architecture that’s designed to be more sustainable either by being ‘responsive’ to changes in the surrounding environment or by utilizing local environmental conditions, in this case, with an exterior that harnesses wind and light.  It reminds Nora of Lisa Rochon’s recent article in the Globe and Mail about the declining market for ‘pushed to the limit’, out-there, starchitect designs.  Finally, Nora mentions the Open Reel Ensemble, for lovers of Old Skool! (via Pink Tentacle) In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions one of her favourite blogs, Pink Tentacle, about unusual pop culture, art, and robotics in Japan.  This time around, it’s CB2, a ‘baby robot’ that has Nora’s attention.  It’s part of a string of attempts, including the ones at Second Life Cathi talked about before, to model behaviour like facial recognition in a developmental sense.  It’s also very, very creepy.  Nora says it reminds her of the Uncanny Valley, and also what bioethicists sometimes call ‘the yuck factor‘.  Check the video at Pink Tentacle. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond finds a stunner of a building, the Helix Hotel in Abu Dhabi (Check it out, via Inhabitat).  Cathi says it reminds her of the band Devo’s hats, but on a more serious note, it’s another example of a trend we’ve talked about a lot: architecture that’s designed to be more sustainable either by being ‘responsive’ to changes in the surrounding environment or by utilizing local environmental conditions, in this case, with an exterior that harnesses wind and light.  It reminds Nora of Lisa Rochon’s recent article in the Globe and Mail about the declining market for ‘pushed to the limit’, out-there, starchitect designs.  Finally, Nora mentions the Open Reel Ensemble, for lovers of Old Skool! (via Pink Tentacle) tag:odeo.com,2009-04-19,24470681 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:05:13 -0700 no The Sniffer music, Uncategorized, Architecture, Robotics http://odeo.com/episodes/24439222-Social-Networking-for-the-Rich-and-Random-Acts-of-Art In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Affluence.org, a new web service/social networking project for the stinkin’ rich. Nora Young talks about I Got an Envelope, an art project where you leave a self-addressed, stamped envelope out in public, someone fills it with something and mails it back to you, and the results end up online (via Coolhunting.com) Nora and Cathi talk about the appeal of randomness and ’secret’ public art. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Affluence.org, a new web service/social networking project for the stinkin’ rich. Nora Young talks about I Got an Envelope, an art project where you leave a self-addressed, stamped envelope out in public, someone fills it with something and mails it back to you, and the results end up online (via Coolhunting.com) Nora and Cathi talk about the appeal of randomness and ’secret’ public art. In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Affluence.org, a new web service/social networking project for the stinkin’ rich. Nora Young talks about I Got an Envelope, an art project where you leave a self-addressed, stamped envelope out in public, someone fills it with something and mails it back to you, and the results end up online (via Coolhunting.com) Nora and Cathi talk about the appeal of randomness and ’secret’ public art. tag:odeo.com,2009-04-12,24439222 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 08:18:55 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Social networking, art http://odeo.com/episodes/24435974-Trends-New-Memory-Research-and-USB-Mania In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about new research into a drug that might remove memories. (via New York Times).  Cathi Bond has also found new research from The University of Texas into a drug that may retain the memory but remove the traumatic intensity of it. (Via EurekAlert).  This reminds Nora of research into the drug Propranolol.   Cathi also talks about ViBook, which allows you to attach up to 6 monitors to your computer. It’s part of her USB mania. In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about new research into a drug that might remove memories. (via New York Times).  Cathi Bond has also found new research from The University of Texas into a drug that may retain the memory but remove the traumatic intensity of it. (Via EurekAlert).  This reminds Nora of research into the drug Propranolol.   Cathi also talks about ViBook, which allows you to attach up to 6 monitors to your computer. It’s part of her USB mania. In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about new research into a drug that might remove memories. (via New York Times).  Cathi Bond has also found new research from The University of Texas into a drug that may retain the memory but remove the traumatic intensity of it. (Via EurekAlert).  This reminds Nora of research into the drug Propranolol.   Cathi also talks about ViBook, which allows you to attach up to 6 monitors to your computer. It’s part of her USB mania. tag:odeo.com,2009-04-10,24435974 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:53:27 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Computers, neuroscience, research http://odeo.com/episodes/24410884-Trends-Hands-Free-Cellies-and-Do-It-Yourself-Electronics In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions the Sanwa and US Special Forces ‘throat mics’, so you can talk on your cellphone without wearing one of those clunky Bluetooth thingies on your ear. (via Engadget). Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions ifixit, a new site with lots of video and a forum to help you fix (or just monkey with) your (mostly Mac) electronic gadgets. (via Core77) Finally, Cathi talks briefly about Google Talk.  Would you use it? Is it a potential Skype-killer? In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions the Sanwa and US Special Forces ‘throat mics’, so you can talk on your cellphone without wearing one of those clunky Bluetooth thingies on your ear. (via Engadget). Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions ifixit, a new site with lots of video and a forum to help you fix (or just monkey with) your (mostly Mac) electronic gadgets. (via Core77) Finally, Cathi talks briefly about Google Talk.  Would you use it? Is it a potential Skype-killer? In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond mentions the Sanwa and US Special Forces ‘throat mics’, so you can talk on your cellphone without wearing one of those clunky Bluetooth thingies on your ear. (via Engadget). Meanwhile, Nora Young mentions ifixit, a new site with lots of video and a forum to help you fix (or just monkey with) your (mostly Mac) electronic gadgets. (via Core77) Finally, Cathi talks briefly about Google Talk.  Would you use it? Is it a potential Skype-killer? tag:odeo.com,2009-04-05,24410884 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:54:53 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, gadgets, electronics, DIY http://odeo.com/episodes/24396603-Trends-Retroculture-and-Death-of-the-DVD-Player In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young notes the return of Boy George as style icon (via Style.com). It’s got her wondering: with retro bicycles, Moleskines, Hunter Boots etc, are we living in a retro-obsessed era? What gives, designers? And why is so much fresh energy going into online design and not into fashion?  Cathi also mentions a true (if creepy-looking) style original, Leigh Bowery. Leigh Bowery apparently even inspired the new Alexander McQueen collection. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond points to the possibility that Netflix might offer a “Netflix Instant Streaming Disc” that would let you watch streaming movies on your Wii.  Cathi is sniffing the beginning of the end for the DVD player. (Via Switched)  Nora mentions her interview with Jenova Chen on the maturing of games. Could games and movies be merging? In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young notes the return of Boy George as style icon (via Style.com). It’s got her wondering: with retro bicycles, Moleskines, Hunter Boots etc, are we living in a retro-obsessed era? What gives, designers? And why is so much fresh energy going into online design and not into fashion?  Cathi also mentions a true (if creepy-looking) style original, Leigh Bowery. Leigh Bowery apparently even inspired the new Alexander McQueen collection. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond points to the possibility that Netflix might offer a “Netflix Instant Streaming Disc” that would let you watch streaming movies on your Wii.  Cathi is sniffing the beginning of the end for the DVD player. (Via Switched)  Nora mentions her interview with Jenova Chen on the maturing of games. Could games and movies be merging? In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young notes the return of Boy George as style icon (via Style.com). It’s got her wondering: with retro bicycles, Moleskines, Hunter Boots etc, are we living in a retro-obsessed era? What gives, designers? And why is so much fresh energy going into online design and not into fashion?  Cathi also mentions a true (if creepy-looking) style original, Leigh Bowery. Leigh Bowery apparently even inspired the new Alexander McQueen collection. Meanwhile, Cathi Bond points to the possibility that Netflix might offer a “Netflix Instant Streaming Disc” that would let you watch streaming movies on your Wii.  Cathi is sniffing the beginning of the end for the DVD player. (Via Switched)  Nora mentions her interview with Jenova Chen on the maturing of games. Could games and movies be merging? tag:odeo.com,2009-04-02,24396603 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:57:48 -0700 no The Sniffer Gaming, Uncategorized, fashion, retro http://odeo.com/episodes/24381612-Trends-Renewing-the-Burbs-and-Flying-Vehicles-Redux In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about moves to reclaim big box stores and malls that have been abandoned, due to the economy, and changing tastes. What does it mean for the ‘burbs of the future? (via Dwell and Time). Meanwhile, Cathi Bond has a wacky way to travel.  Think of it as a flying Segway! It’s the Aeris Naviter! In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about moves to reclaim big box stores and malls that have been abandoned, due to the economy, and changing tastes. What does it mean for the ‘burbs of the future? (via Dwell and Time). Meanwhile, Cathi Bond has a wacky way to travel.  Think of it as a flying Segway! It’s the Aeris Naviter! In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about moves to reclaim big box stores and malls that have been abandoned, due to the economy, and changing tastes. What does it mean for the ‘burbs of the future? (via Dwell and Time). Meanwhile, Cathi Bond has a wacky way to travel.  Think of it as a flying Segway! It’s the Aeris Naviter! tag:odeo.com,2009-03-29,24381612 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 07:50:43 -0700 no The Sniffer Uncategorized, Architecture, development, vehicles