Iconoculture: Watch and sniff? Specially equipped Japanese movie theaters are enhancing the cinematic experience with scene-synchronized scents. The Fragrance Communication system uses NTT Communications' seat-mounted machines to release preprogrammed aromas.

The fragrant feature will make its big-screen debut at showings of Terrence Malick’s The New World, a retelling of the love affair between John Smith and Pocahontas. The film's "fragrance schedule" of custom scents includes Grandeur of Nature, Joy of New Love and Grief of Separation.

Japanese movie theaters enhance cinematic experience with scene-synchronized scents [Iconoculture]

CoolBuzz: You hang your clothes on a laundry pole after washingsun dries your car once you wash it...but what about your shoes and sandals? One cannot hang them anywhere.

However, if sandals are somewhat like these Hook sandals, I do not think there's gonna be any hassle drying them too. These come with a highly functional hook that helps them hang on the laundry pole after washing.

The Hook sandals are available in a number of funky colors to add variety to your laundry poleooops! to your footwear collection.

[CoolBuzz]

Chip Chick: The Burton Solar Amp Pack is designed to compliment your iPod. It has an integrated Apple iPod control system with a SOFTswitch control pad on the shoulder strap. It also has a molded iPod storage pocket, a shoulder strap headphone port, padded and ergonomic shoulder straps, and it even has a side-entry compartment to store your laptop. The Burton Solar Amp pack retails for $299.95. We would almost consider getting this if it was available in other colors besides "natural hemp," which looks like it will pick up plenty of natural dirt.

Burton Solar Amp Pack Laptop Bag with iPod Control System [Chip Chick]

Gothamist: Two of the biggest brands in the world came together today in New York to announce a partnership for a new product. Nike and Apple - who wasn't content just with opening a store on 5th Avenue - announced the Nike+iPod - a wireless system that can track your running progress and allow you to choose a "PoweSong" to pump you up when you hit a wall. The sensor fits into a special compartment under the insole and a receiver attaches to the iPod (which only works for the Nano). With the sensor, a voice can tell you what your progress is through the headphones with the touch of a button. Nike is rolling out several new Nike+ shoes in the fall, with the Air Zoom Moire as the first in the Nike+ line. There's also a pretty spiffy Nike+ website where you can track your run history and set up competitions with your friends.

Nike and Apple Together With a New Product [Gothamist]

Gearlog.com: Leave it to the folks at MIT to develop high-tech...toothbrushes? And not just any toothbrush, but "toothbrush toys promoting good dental hygiene."

Instructor Barry Kudrowitz's Toy Product Design course created protypes of kid-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste dispensers to get kids excited about dental hygiene. Tough job, huh? They actually came up with some really cool stuff.

Entries include a brush that dispenses a sticker every time you brush well, a toothbrush that lets you mix up your own flavors, and a even gravity-defying, magnetic Batman Batcave to hold dental supplies. (Results of the design competition come out soon.)

The course worked with MIT Dental, Hasbro toys, and with the real expert themselves... 2nd graders at a local academy.

Before you dismiss the significance of toothbrush technology, consider these findings from an MIT survey: "Toothbrush beats out car and computer as the invention Americans can't live without."

Bathroom Tech: Toothbrush Toys [Gearlog.com]

Mainichi Interactive: Loincloths are being marketed by the Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo's Ginza district as a feature product for the summer months ahead, it has emerged.

A boom in the sale of loincloths has been seen since last spring, and in just half a year the department store has sold about 5,000 loincloths -- roughly 25 times the normal number it sells.

"They're unconstrained and have got good ventilation, and they're suited for Japan's humid summers," a department store official said.

The store predicts that that a full-scale loincloth boom is eminent. It has prepared an abundant range of products for customers, from sleek designs featuring dots, goldfish, and fireworks, to loincloths that come with matching T-shirts.

With the hot summer months ahead, the loincloths may add a new twist to the "Cool-biz" trend of dressing down to cool off.

Loincloths emerging as cool product for summer in Japan [Mainichi Interactive]

Chicago Sun-Times: Willie Jacobs, a 69-year-old retired machinist, was doodling on a napkin while rehabbing from a heart attack when he came up with the concept for a tilted soup bowl.

Seven years later, with a patent and mold in his possession and a manufacturer under contract, Jacobs and his wife, Linda, now find their product listed in one of the largest professional rehabilitation catalogs in the country and on the shelves at local Walgreens stores.

The bowl is designed for the disabled and seniors with unsteady hands who have difficulty spooning food from regular bowls. It's also marketed for young children, whose parents want to avoid spills.

The bowl is angled in the bottom, allowing the user to easily spoon from it without tilting it forward. To the naked eye, the colorful, microwaveable and dishwasher-safe product looks like an ordinary bowl.

"It's a useful product," for seniors and the disabled, said Willie Jacobs, who adds that his grandchildren love them.

The bowls are manufactured by Warren Specialty Molding in Chicago, and are marketed and distributed by Glori Beee's Kidz Corp., the couple's upstart company. Glori Beee's is on track to generate $250,000 in revenues from the bowls this year, said Linda Jacobs, adding that she hopes to hit $1 million next year.

Retired machinist digs deep for non-spill bowl [Chicago Sun-Times]

Springwise: In keeping with today's mobile theme, Escape Rentals is a New Zealand camper rental company that sets itself apart by letting artists turn camper vans into art on wheels.

Taking something slightly dull – a camper – and turning it into something fresh, Escape Rentals is attracting travellers who are tired of mass tourism and looking for a more unique experience.

Each of their nearly 100 campers is given an aerosol overhaul by a New Zealand artist. Paint jobs draw from the whole spectrum of visual art and pop culture, from kiwiana to Far Side comics and Maurice Sendak to Pablo Picasso. Rental rates are competitive, at around NZD 59 (USD 37/EUR 29) per day, with optional extras like mobile phones and solar showers charged separately.

Funky kiwi campers [Springwise]

Brand Infection: Here’s one for Switzerland’s airline group Swiss Air, created by Artfield (website in german), a company shaping agricultural land into art but also advertising. Using fields between 50.000 and 100.000 square meters the company can create characters of up to 100meters length while only using natural colors and elements.

Pretty crazy but hey, this works perfectly next to airports where people already see the advertising from far up.

Fieldvertising [Brand Infection]

Blissworld: Want the ‘outside’ skinny? This new water-resistant broad spectrum sunscreen actually helps you fight the look of fat while lying on the beach! With exclusive sun-activated spheres that release the visual slimming effect of caffeine molecules when you need them most— while baring the better part of your birthday suit in the sun—in a non-greasy spray formula of hydrating antioxidants and aloe.

Ray Of Hope [Blissworld]

Iconoculture: Would you make any much-loved family member sleep on the floor on a lumpy pillow? That’s the logic driving a new generation of high-end dog beds that feature not only frames, but luxe mattresses and decorator themes befitting not a doghouse, but the room of a pampered child. From the Asian-themed Saigon Day Bed Frame ($300) and Pampered Puppy’s “Furari” dog bed ($250) to SSS Petcare’s wrought-iron frame ($127-$163) and pillow-topped mattress ($250-$420), there’s nothing about these canine crash pads that says “dog’s life.” Then again, with a good night’s sleep on the radar for human health, how could Fido’s sweet dreams be far behind?

People-like dog beds give Fido a good night’s sleep [Iconoculture]

Treehugger: Here's a little something for burgeoning urban gardeners and those without green thumbs alike. We featured AeroGrow's aeroponics system back in the day, before it was available for sale; we're happy to say that it has finally arrived. With it comes your ability to grow vegetables, greens, herbs and the like in your kitchen (or just about anywhere indoors) by suspending plant roots in the air, rather than soil or water. The suspended plants derive their nutrients from the air; with the help of the "smart" lighting and nutrient-cycling that comes with the garden, the company claims accelerated growth and increased yields over hydroponics and traditional outdoor gardening. Skeptical? They even guarantee a harvest after 28 days. AeroGrow also offers seed kits to go with the garden, including things like chili peppers, gourmet herbs, cherry tomatoes and strawberries; the garden goes for $149.95 and the seed kits are $19.95, available through their website and selected retailers like Sur La Table.

Indoor Gardening with AeroGarden Aeroponics [Treehugger]

UrbanBaby Daily: Boon, makers of the fun and practical Frog Pod, have just come out with their latest invention, the Potty Bench. And like their first release, this unique training potty manages to combine modern style and ergonomic features at an affordable price.

The bright green Potty Bench has two enclosed side storage spaces for organizing training supplies, and a pullout drawer for easy, sanitary cleanup. Just close the lid and presto – you've got a sturdy sink stool or mini-seat to sit on while the kids are in the bath. The sleek design includes a built-in toilet paper holder and a removable soft deflector shield for training boys.

Potty Talk [UrbanBaby Daily]

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Goodbye tiki torches. There are some interesting new deck/patio/backyard lighting products out that could make your next party a knockout (after the food, comes the mood).

Gardenwinds.com is selling solar globe lights that come in brilliant colors. You can sit them along your paths or deck, or float them in a pool . $29.99 each. 6 1/2 inches in diameter.

Also from gardenwinds.com, solar light sticks, similar to the bright-colored globes, but in 18-inch-tall stick. $49.99

New products: Outdoor party lights [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]

Springwise: Banana ice cream with peanut butter cups mixed in? Not a problem for MooBella, a high-tech vending machine that makes ice cream to order in 45 seconds.

Because it uses flash freezing instead of the standard slow churning method, MooBella can produce ice cream on demand from room temperature ingredients. The front of the machine features a touch-screen display showing a menu of flavours and mix-ins, allowing customers to create any combination they like. If the machine runs out of a flavour, it's removed from the menu and an order is automatically placed for a refill.

Raised in Massachusetts, MooBella is decidedly high-tech. Not only does its onboard computer run on Linux, the machine also communicates wirelessly through satellite technology to provide company headquarters with inventory and sales data.

Ice cream factory in a vending machine [Springwise]

Strange New Products: President's Choice, a Canadian brand of food products, introduced new "Crispy Lettuce Wraps", leaves of hybrid lettuce for the purpose of making low-carb bread-free burgers.

Because so many carb-conscious people are using lettuce leaves in lieu of hamburger buns, Loblaws Inc., which owns the President's Choice brand, decided to sell lettuce leaves designed expressly for this purpose.

They claim it's a versatile cross between Romaine and Iceberg lettuce flexible enough for folding, but still crispy.

Crispy Lettuce Wraps [Strange New Products]

Bornrich: Wooden bathtubs, glass bathtubs, hi-tech bathtubswe have seen it all! But, mobile bathtub designed by the designer Marie Louise is something really new! The bathtub is made of fiberglass for good heat retention and its front wheel swivels so a friend can easily push you to your favorite bathing spot. The Artwork in the tub is done by Norwegian artist Elin Melberg. So, if you dont mind taking a bath outdoors then start thinking whether you want to have a dip out on the patio or in the moonlight. No word on the price is available from the site.

Moblile Bathtub [Bornrich]

Iconoculture: Despite widespread acceptance, Harry Potter and Yu-Gi-Oh! trading cards still aren’t welcome in some Christian homes. The Bible Trading Card Game offers an alternative, replete with 240 cards bearing biblical figures, locations and verses that kids memorize to score points. The edutainment game tutors kids in the scriptures and faith (play begins with prayer) and encourages Sunday school attendance: That’s where rarer cards are distributed. Kids and parents already have taken a liking to the card game: The first printing sold out, and a tournament is under way.

Like secular parents, faith-filled parents aim to protect their offspring from corrupting forces. Keeping kids at play in accordance with faith principles can prevent tykes from coming under the spell of bad influences.

Bible Trading Card Game [Iconoculture]

we make money not art: Hybrid Muscle was both a work and exhibition space, built in Chiang Maï in Thaïland, that would generate its own electricity and thus be "unplugged" from the power grid.

The engine was driven by the muscle power of an albino Buffalo. The buffalo worked a few hours a day to lift a steel counterweight. Once freed the buffalo would lounge around the rice field and the mechanical energy stored was turned into electrical energy to power ten light bulbs, laptops, mobile phones.

Hybrid Muscle [we make money not art]

ConvenienceStoreNews: 7-Eleven and Javo Beverage Company Inc. joined forces to launch an extensive line of fountain dispensed specialty iced coffee and latte beverages in five flavors. Customers can prepare the drinks themselves at the 7-Eleven self-service coffee bar.

"Our iced coffee and lattes are more consistently delicious than those served at high priced coffee houses," said Gary Lillian, Javo's president. "The tasty selections reflect the successful innovation and testing by the product and operations teams at our two companies."

7-Eleven Offers Line of Cool Java Drinks [ConvenienceStoreNews]

Newswise.com: Irvine Scientific, a leading medical device/biotechnology company located in Santa Ana, CA announced that the first vitrification product for blastocysts (day 5 human embryos from an in vitro fertilization procedure) is available in the U.S. after recently receiving clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The product, known as Blastocyst Vitrification Kit or Vit Kit™ is the first medical device of its kind to be introduced in the United States following nearly a five year development and regulatory review process.

Vitrification is an innovative technique for cryopreserving oocytes (eggs) and embryos. This new cryopreservation method results in much higher pregnancy rates than conventional methods. Conventional methods utilize slow freezing techniques which involve steps that could lead to the formation of ice crystals in the cells thus causing damage. Vitrification involves dehydrating the cells and very rapidly cooling them in liquid nitrogen, which avoids any ice crystal formation, thereby eliminating the potential for cell damage.

“We are pleased that we are able to offer an innovative product to fertility clinics that will change the future of reproductive medicine,” stated by Dr. Michael Kelly, Irvine Scientific President and CEO.

Irvine Scientific which has provided IVF products to the medical community for over thirty years is located in Santa Ana, California and is a subsidiary of Japan Energy Corporation.

In Vitro Fertilization Freezing Product Launched [Newswise.com]

SiteKreator: SiteKreator was designed to help businesses accelerate brand recognition, build customer loyalty, and increase sales by giving them a one-stop solution to easily create stylish, interactive, and effective Web sites. SiteKreator is a fully-hosted online application that eliminates the need to download, install, or upgrade software.

Prior to SK Business Edition, customers would either hire a designer or agency, use generic tools for site design and/or blogging, or use software to help build their sites. SiteKreator pulls together the best of the Web’s most important features and capabilities, without the high price tag or forcing a “generic” design. Unlike Google Pages and other do-it-yourself site design tools, SiteKreator is Web 2.0 ready, enabling businesses to easily implement interactive features, such as blogs, Web forms, and discussion forums, to engage visitors and convert them into repeat customers. Web site information can be tiered through multiple content layers by adding members-only areas and registration forms to encourage visitors to share key information in exchange for access to deeper layers of meaningful content.

SiteKreator - http://www.sitekreator.com

Springwise: Remember Norwegian 'Paraplyselskapet AS', who came up with the world's first fully connected umbrella vending machines? Well, Springwise guess they hit a bit of a rainy spot (maybe it was their name?), as the company is basically inactive these days. So bad idea, end of story? Not really: UK-based Umbrolly has resurrected the concept, and is busy installing machines all over London. There are currently 10 of them dotted around London, with a further 10 out at the end of this month. Machines sell approximately 50 umbrellas per machine per rainfall day. They also signed a deal to place the machines exclusively across the London Underground and will have 150 units on the network by the end of 2005. International expansion is also in the works: the company is in talks with location providers in Germany, Holland and the US.

Umbrolly [Springwise]

Gizmodo: Step away from the limousine, or I’ll shoot you with this … teddy bear? The Teddy Bear Gun capitalizes on a cutesy trend in Japan where wedding guests throw teddy bears at wedding receptions instead of rice or bouquets.

If teddy bear throwing sounds like a lot of work to you, here it’s made easy with a simple touch of a button. Pull the trigger and the tiny plush bear is catapulted into the air, and once airborne, it’ll float safely back to earth thanks to its tiny parachute. Made by paintball gun manufacturer Sunamiya, the party crackers will go on sale this month.

Teddy Bear Cracker [Gizmodo]

Yenra: Ipifini's Programmable Liquid Container technology employs buttons on the container's surface that release additives (flavors, colors, fragrances) into the liquid. Additive buttons allow for the consumer to choose variations of the liquid in the container at the point of consumption. For example, a programmable cola bottle with buttons for lemon, lime, vanilla, and cherry flavors as well as a caffeine button allows for thirty-two potential choices of soda. A programmable paint container with twenty pigment additive buttons allows the consumer to choose from one million colors.

Programmable Beverage Containers [Yenra]

Iconoculture: Smells like global spirit? That’s the divine essence of MoslBuddJewChristHinDao, the first-ever “unifaith fragrance” from Berlin-based design house Elternhaus. The ecumenical scent blends extracts and elements from major world religions into one perfectly balanced body spray. The harmonious bouquet is the inspired creation of Mark Buxton, the discerning nose behind perfumes and colognes from Comme des Garçons, Givenchy, Versace and Cartier. MoslBuddJewChristHinDao’s packaging is as modern as its concept: The worldwide whiff comes in a stark, concrete bottle.

MoslBuddJewChristHinDao “unifaith” fragrance celebrates one love, many gods [Iconoculture]

Novelty Lights.com: Novelty Lights Inc. is a Colorado based company owned by brothers, Tres and K.C. Coors. The company was established in 1999 as a direct importer of Rope Light, Holiday Lights, and a variety of popular novelty lights. Our lighting lines have grown significantly since then; however, we pride ourselves on knowing our customers and their needs and most importantly providing excellent service. Because the owners have years of experience working within the lighting field, even before starting their own company, you can trust the quality of our products and the information you receive. Novelty Lights Inc. strives for excellence in every aspect of our company, and we promise to provide knowledgeable salespeople, accurate information regarding products, and answers to your lighting questions, as well as outstanding and friendly customer service.

At Novelty Lights, we constantly import the finest lighting from all over the world. Because we import merchandise we are able to pass great savings on to our customers. Without the inflated prices offered by other websites and mall stores, we have the buying power to negotiate low prices and value our ability to pass the savings on to you. We strive for complete customer satisfaction and value your right to a fair price and quality lighting products.

Novelty Lights Inc. [Novelty Lights.com]

SBS: A green and red-striped tomato is the latest "designer" food set to hit the supermarket shelves in Britain. The cherry-sized fruit was created in response to increased demand for novelty produce, said Marks & Spencer. Called the tiger tomato, it has magenta-coloured flesh and is slightly sweeter than standard varieties. The tomatoes were grown in Lancashire and the Isle of Wight.

M&S is also launching an even sweeter-tasting variety called the "strawmato" which it says goes well with melted chocolate. Tiger tomatoes cost STG1.99 (A$4.80) for 275g.

NOVELTY FRUIT HITS SHELVES [SBS; sourced from PA]

Springwise: Launched last week by two young British entrepreneurs, tribewanted is creating a global tribe that will develop a sustainable eco-community on an island in Fiji.

In what seems like a hippie dream crossed with an episode of Survivor, tribewanted is looking for 5000 people from around the world to become part of a tribe that will not only exist online, but will also settle, 100 at a time, on 'Adventure Island'. On the map, Adventure Island is known as Vorovoro, and is being leased to tribewanted by the local tribal chief.

There are three types of membership to choose from: Nomads get 1 years membership and 7 nights on the island for GBP 120 / USD 210; Hunters are members for 2 years and can stay for 14 nights (GBP 240 / USD 420); and Warriors are member for 3 years and can stay for 21 nights (GBP 360 / USD 630). When the 5000th member joins, the tribe will be formed and will start to make tribal decisions by voting through the online community at tribewanted.com, on issues such as the name of the tribe, type of infrastructure that will be required, and how to build an island community in an environmentally friendly way.

Tribal Tourism [Springwise]