What is it: Shedding was once seen as the domain of retired men escaping their wives, but now the shed is providing an inexpensive venue for developing creative ‘cottage’ industries.
Why is it cool: No longer is shedding perceived as something to be ashamed of, it’s become a very cool way to conduct business in an economic climate of restraint and keeping it real.
Where to find it: here!
Submitted by: Hilde Swendgaard
What is it: An inexpensive way to travel in a city, it required no responsibility for maintenance or insurance. For the equivalent of $5 per day, one can buy an annual ‘key’ and pick up a Bixi Bike from any port/depot. Ride where you want to, find a Bixi port and drop the bike.
Why is it cool: It will add a significant flexibility, and an alternative, to commuters as the ports can be picked up and dropped off into areas of high demand. If it’s a clear sunny day on the way to work, you can opt to go home by bus/train if it’s raining later that afternoon.
Where to find it: here!
Submitted by: Hilde Swendgaard
What is it: A pair of articles about the health impact of chocolate. First, from the BBC, an article about how the more chocolate one eats, the more depressed one becomes; now that’s depressing!
Second, a little information from about.com about the antioxidant benefits of eating dark chocolate.
Why is it cool: There is perhaps no more confusing and contradictory area of research than studies on what we eat. As science learns more, many foods have gone through the good-for-you-bad-for-you-good-for-you cycle. Perhaps the only best advice is moderation.
Where to find it: Bad for you: here! Good for you: here!
Submitted by: Hilde Swendgaard and Gemma Enright
What is it: German-made Talk-o-meter identifies who is speaking in a dialogue and tracks the extent to which one or other is monopolising the discussion.
Why is it cool: Aside from the application being an opportunity to be more inclusive to the quieter members of a team whether an in-house meeting or a focus group (we can’t all be superstars!, it’s a great reminder about the importance of listening – communication is two-way!
Where to find it: here!
Submitted by: Hilde Swendgaard