SPARX is a self-help computer programme for young people with symptoms of depression. The programme has been developed by a team of specialists in treating adolescent depression from the University of Auckand. The project was led by Associate Professor Sally Merry. Metia Interactive designed the software. Funding has been provided by the Ministry of Health.

In order to actively engage young people, SPARX uses a 3D fantasy game environment and a custom-made soundtrack. The programme teaches skills to manage symptoms of depression, in a self-directed learning format.

Young people learn cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for dealing with symptoms of depression (e.g. dealing with negative thoughts, problem-solving, activity scheduling, and relaxation). It can be used with minimal oversight.

Merging cardio and drawing, FigureRunning is a new (branded) sport that enables joggers to create scrawling designs by digitally recording their paths across a city grid. Working with GPS-enabled smartphones and the FigureRunning iPhone app, runners become human-pencils as their routes are tracked on a neighborhood map. Once their runs conclude, they can share their artwork with friends on Facebook or Twitter.

The Art of Running [TrendCentral]

Wax is an iPhone app that allows extreme athletes (skate boarders, snow boarders, wake boarders, etc) to compete in real time all the time. The aim is to create a game that allows athletes to compete with their friends by completing tricks and challenges to earn points and move up on the leaderboard.

New Business Idea Submitted by Danielle

If you enjoy biking, hiking, and walking, the Camelback Racebak compression tank is just what you need. This revolutionary athletic top features a drinking tube and a built-in reservoir capable of holding up to 70 ounces of water. The Camelback derives its name from the location of the water reservoir, which is found on the back of the shirt – much like a camel’s hump. With the Camelback Racebak, you will never have to carry a water bottle again!

Camelbak manufactures athletic gear designed to support hydration. Whether you are running on the track, in the woods, or on the treadmill, Camelbak’s accessories can help you make the most of your experience.

About the Author: Danielle, who blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands, enjoys yoga and running whether in the great outdoors or on treadmills. Read her work at suitsandladders.co.uk

Electric skate board called ZBoard is a weight-sensing and new mode of transportion, which was unveiled at the CES this year. The new electric skate board works on a 400 watts electric motor fitted below the board. One’s hands are free in the new version, because two circular pads are embedded on top of the board at its extreme ends. They are then connected to a micro controller on the motor. The front pad is to start motion and accelerate. The rear pad is for retardation i.e., to apply breaks.

The rider has to exert pressure on the front or on the rear according to his requirement. The rider has to lean forward to move or lean backwards to slow down to reach stationary position.

Zboard Lets You Cruise the Streets Like a Pro [TrendUpdates]

Rebel Race is a weekend get-away for athletes that want to run a military style 5k or 15k and then party like there’s no tomorrow — it’s the most adrenaline rushing obstacle run ever!

The Rebel Race Series is designed for people feeling the urge to tackle intense obstacles. From start to finish, Rebel Race’s military style obstacles will have you dashing, barricade-climbing, mud-crawling, rope-swinging and fire-jumping. Our grueling course forces each rebel to test their physical toughness and mental endurance. Cross the finish line and bask in the glory with tons of beer, food, live entertainment, and many new friends covered in mud.

Idea tipped by Amit Nar. Thanks!

For those who have penchant for combinations of precious metal finishing, and exotic wood varieties like alpine, Volant skis are here for your ultimate experience of the slopes.

The current range of skis, have been created with 3 options for finishing and design. That would include the R Silver, The Copper, and the Loop models. The most technical of the lot is of course, the Silver R priced at $1,573 a pair. Due to the silver finishing of the ski, it gives an illusion of an arrow piercing through the snow, also because of the ultra-sleek design. The front end has been given a tip, which helps during the landing and maneuvering on uneven surfaces. The next in line would be the Copper edition, which is priced at $3,015 a pair. This is a special model which can guarantee the similar level of comfort and handling for all kinds of skiers. The reason for that is the �fits-all� mechanism that can adapt to any kind of foot size.

Volant Ski’s precious metal ski equipment for the ultimate in slope style [Born Rich]

Cool Tools: Strava is a web service that lets you get the most out of your bicycle or running-based GPS device. Out on your bicycle ride (in my case), your GPS records and plots your ride. Afterwards, you can upload the data to the web service Strava which pulls out common segments: these can be significant climbs, popular sprint sections, etc. Your speed on these segments can then be compared against your older rides, as well as other riders (can be against everybody or just your friends/club, whatever). If you achieve a personal record, your ride is awarded certain medals and tokens.

Strava [Cool Tools]

What Should I Draw HD is an iPad app that was developed to answer the question that often arises when we want to draw something. “What should we draw? ”

Unlike the other painting or drawing apps, What Should I Draw not only provides drawing media but also gives children suggestions of what to draw. The app consists of four splodges of paint when touched that reveal a different part of the drawing suggestion. The blue reveals an adjective, red reveals a color, yellow reveals an animal and purple reveals a verb. So the end result could be “A bouncy, Peach, Lemur, Tap Dancing” and thousands of combination, so you won’t get short of something to draw.

The app also has its own website gallery where users can save, upload and see how their artwork on their favorite printable item such as mug or t-shirt.

Cool Tools: Caving is one of my weirder hobbies, and it has introduced me to a fascinating array of tools including one of my favorite possessions; the incredibly durable waterproof roll-top caving pack from Swaygo.

On any trip underground you’re almost guaranteed to ruin one piece of gear or clothing. It’s a tough environment, and as such it requires unusually tough gear. The Swaygo is one of the toughest tools I own. The minimalist roll-top bag is made entirely out of polyurethane impregnated and coated nylon, that is tough as nails (and closer to a car tire than anything else I can think of). It has RF welded seams, and the roll-top is locked by a carabiner (unlike a previous bag I used that had plastic clips that failed mid-trip). The roll-top combined with the impregnated nylon makes the bag waterproof, and the toughness of the skin means that even in scrapes and falls the gear inside is kept safe and sound.

Swaygo Caving Pack [Cool Tools]

Sand Art parties are a wonderful new way to entertain children. Children use brightly coloured sand to colour in specially prepared sticky cards, making wonderfully creative pictures. The process is virtually mess free, and kids just love the hands on nature of colouring in with the sand. Sand Art is perfect for children of all ages, and of all abilities, giving every child the ability to produce a perfect flawless picture.