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May 17, 2012
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These days, everyone wants a piece of the sustainable pie and is willing to jump through hoops to get it. But it’s not as easy as just slapping a sticker on a bottle, and it’s not enough to just have a few products on a “green shelf” for those who want it. Procurers want to see genuine eco-credentials at every step of the process. While these are voluntary policies, for now, it’s more than likely they’ll become law one day—and there’s a veritable maze of certifications and endorsements available to those who want to prove their dedication to the cause.
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It’s the most popular blog publishing software in use today, so it isn’t surprising there are conferences focused entirely around WordPress as a platform. To date, 17 WordCamps have taken place around the world this year already, and it’s just been confirmed that WordCampNZ 2010 will be held at Unitec’s Auckland campus from August 7-8. As the name suggests, it’s devoted to all things WordPress, put together by users and sponsored by none other than Idealog. Everyone from casual bloggers to core developers is welcome to attend (tickets are $75 plus GST). Possible presentation topics include custom themes, security, SEO, plugins and marketing—the list will evolve based on feedback, so if there’s something you want covered, be sure to speak up.
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On the first Wednesday of every month, the Icehouse opens up to entrepreneurs who are hungry to understand the steps to business success. You’ll get the chance to meet Icehouse executives, experts and angel investors (chairman Greg Cross just won the TechNZ Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual of the Year), and talk to previous incubator residents over a beer. It’s not just about networking, either; start-ups director Ken Erskine will present a seminar on five rules for successful entrepreneurship based on his 10 years of experience. And did we mention that it’s all completely free? Register to attend the next session here.
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They’re calling it the first truly-affordable infinite shot 35mm panoramic camera, and at less than $US150, it’s hard to argue. Traditionalists will be pleased to hear the Lomography Spinner 360° shoots eight scenes per 35mm roll; there are both indoor and outdoor settings as well as ten possible shooting styles. Just pull the trigger and watch the camera spin merrily on its axis, snapping as it goes.
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Redefining reality
It may seem like everyone and their dog is dabbling in augmented reality these days, but designer-slash-programmer Joon Moon’s Augmented Shadow is seriously cool. Users interact with a tabletop using tangible blocks, which then projects artificial shadows to match. As the animated silhouettes touch, Moon’s “fantasy ecosystem” comes to life: trees grow under light, and the animated characters gather up bundles of light to take home. http://vimeo.com/11672907
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When it’s cold and dark outside, it can hard to drag yourself away from the fireplace on a winter night, but we promise this one’s worth your time. The next Design Assembly evening will be held on Wednesday June 30— conversations will include “Vinyl flashbacks”, “Designer by day, designer by night” and most importantly, “How to design and not commit suicide”. RSVP online, and if you happen to have a suitable venue for future events (with a bar, projector/screen and room for 100) they’d love to hear from you.
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Debuting at the Berlin Air Show this week (impeccable timing, considering the current Gulf situation)
is the first aircraft to be entirely powered by a biofuel derived from algae. According to its manufacturer, it burns 1.5 litres less per hour compared with traditional jet fuel—so not only is it renewable, it’s also extra efficient.
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Historypin touts itself as a “digital time machine” that allows people to view and share their personal history in a totally new way. The crowdsourced project hopes to become the largest ever user-generated archive of historical images and stories, inviting users to dig out, upload and pin their own photos on its online map. By layering old pictures over modern-day Street Views, Historypin will create a global snapshot rich with peeks into the past—a Web 2.0 time capsule, if you will.
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You’re stuck in traffic, your phone is dead and you’ve just noticed a coffee stain on your jacket. And it’s not even 9am. Modern life can be stressful, but modern technology is offering up a surprising solution. Smart clothes, it seems, could soon be helping us to get through the day. Artistic project Wearable Absence has designed textiles interwoven with sensors, which track markers such as temperature and heart rate; they connect to a database which analyses the wearer’s emotional state. Based on this, your favourite music or calming images of picturesque sunsets might be piped through the garment to provide support.
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Balancing act
A totally ridiculous ad for a totally ridiculous product: Segway’s take on the office chair is ideal for lazy people who can’t be bothered to walk across the office. Because it’s Friday. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuIJRsAuCHQ
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Quote of the week
“You don’t say, ‘We’ll do those ones sustainably and we’ll burn and
pillage on all the rest’.”
— Michael Field on the importance of authenticity.
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