Welcome to EYE|SPY—Views on Creativity
I believe we are surrounded by creativity—it really can't be avoided. It is a force of innovation that manifests itself in tangible or experiential creations. From the shoes on your feet, to the music you hear while driving your car to the building you work in every day—all of it was created by someone somewhere.
As a person who spends a great deal of time exploring creativity in various incarnations, I can't help but make observations and form opinions. EYE|SPY is my little corner to examine the ephemera I find either captivating or questionable. Some items are inspiring, while others leave me puzzled—but each is thought-provoking in its own way.
Be present. Be inquisitive. Investigate. What will your eye spy today?
Woodland "Hobbit" House in England
Photo Credit: simondale.net
Have you ever dreamed of living in Middle Earth, serving cakes and tea to parties of Dwarves and visiting Wizards? No? So, that's just me then? Okay, well, perhaps you've considered building your own home into a hillside and living closer to nature?
Simon Dale, a Wales resident, did just that, with the help of his father and a few friends. Mr. Dale (sounds quite like a resident of the Shire) set out to create a low-impact, permaculture home—to live in harmony with the natural world where he and his family would lead simple, sustainable lives using suitable levels of technology.
"It's fun. Living your own life, in your own way is rewarding. Following our dreams keeps our souls alive." –Simon Dale
Dug into a hillside—as Hobbits often do—the home blends with nature rather than disrupts it. Construction uses mostly natural and reclaimed materials. Bales of straw in the floor, walls and roof provide natural insulation while lime plaster on the walls offers more breathability than concrete. A nearby spring provides gravity-fed water and solar panels gather energy for electrical needs. In all, the home took about 4 months and 1000-1500 hours to complete.
I don't know if human visitors are welcomed, but I would like to go there and back again.
You can learn more about Simon Dale's low-impact, woodland home on his website.
Posted by: Jason Dugan | February 13, 2012
Rocksmith Authentic Guitar Games
Photo Credit: Amazon.com
Have you ever wanted to learn how to play guitar? Maybe you already know how, but want to improve? Are you already a guitar god who wants to play guitar and video games simlutaneaously? Your day has come.
Rocksmith is the first (and so far, only) video game that develops your guitar skill and fuels your inner rockstar by letting you plug in any (electric) guitar. The game dynamically adjusts its difficulty to match your current skill level—which means you will actually play entire songs as you learn new skills and build upon those you already have.
Plug in your guitar and play through a catalog of songs which features a plethora of music styles. Did I just say "plethora?" Yes—and that plethora is growing! Rocksmith features songs by Best Coast, David Bowie, Jenny O., Muse, Pixies, the Rolling Stones, Velvet Revolver, and many more!
Your fans await!
Rocksmith tracks your progress and suggests practice exercises as you go along. You might begin learning single notes, then move on to chords. If you need a little more fun, slide on over to the "Guitarcade" and learn 'til your fingers burn. Once you've rehearsed enough, you unlock new gear and perform in more prestigious venues in front of larger and larger crowds.
Rocksmith is available now for PS3, XBox 360 or PC from Amazon.com for only $79.99.
Posted by: Jason Dugan | February 8, 2012
Skydiver Will Jump from Space!
Photo Credit: BBC News
So, what are you going to do today? How about ballooning into orbit, taking a sound barrier-breaking freefall for 23 miles, then popping your 'chute! Are you with me?
Felix Baumgartner, an Austrian adventurer, has set out to do what others have only dreamed. It is his goal to fall farther than anyone has ever done before—a record-breaking 23 miles—3 miles beyond the previous record set in 1960 by a then Captain in the United States Air Force, Joe Kittenger.
A specially designed capsule attached to a balloon will lift him into space. He will then exit the capsule wearing a pressurized suit designed to protect him from the low pressure of high-altitude and the friction of the atmosphere during re-entry.
Best of luck to you, Felix!
Learn more about this record-setting jump at BBC News.
Posted by: Jason Dugan | February 8, 2012
A Swarm of Nano Quadrotors!
Movie Credit: KMel Robotics
Amazingly agile, the Nano Quadrotors were developed by KMel Robotics and are shown here performing flight experiments at the University of Pennsylvania's General Robotics, Automation, Sensing and Perception (GRASP) Laboratory.
While they are capable of independent flight, multiple Quadrotors can fly together and change formations within 3D space. This ability makes it effortless for them to navigate around, through or over obstacles. Tell me you didn't have sci-fi flashbacks (flashforwards?) while watching this robotic fleet strategically maneuver to achieve their goal. Cylons, Skynet—take your pick, *gulp.*
Find out more about the Quadrotors at KMel Robotics or by visiting the GRASP Laboratory online.
Posted by: Jason Dugan | February 7, 2012
iLaunch Thunder by Dream Cheeky
Photo Credit: Amazon.com
Control air-powered missiles using your iPhone, iPad or iPod—it's time to break out the big guns with the iLaunch Thunder.
This missile-launching, desktop defense system features four foam missiles which can be aimed and launched wirelessly using your iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. Capable of rotating 270 degrees, the iLaunch Thunder will show your coworkers, or your cat, who rules the room (until you run out of ammo).
Air-powered pistons launch the foam darts up to 25 feet, making it safe for both outdoor and indoor use. The launcher is officially licensed by Apple and features a USB-rechargeable lithium battery which means you will never run out of power.
The iLaunch Thunder is available now from Amazon.com or dreamcheeky.com for about $99.
Posted by: Jason Dugan | January 26, 2012
Quirky Cordies
Photo Credit: Amazon.com
If you're like me, you probably have more than one electronic device, each with its own specialized cable. The problem is, the cables snaking across your desk have become a tangled mess; and that's not counting those which have slithered onto the floor.
Cordies, from Quirky, help relieve stress by turning a rat's nest into a sleek cable station. Available in assorted colors, Cordies help organize the surface of your desk and keep your cables under control.
Each Cordie has a weighted base for extra stability and utilizes four rubber slots—each capable of holding multiple cables. This means no more unruly cables messing up or falling behind your desk.
Keep your USB cords, cell phone chargers, headphones and more exactly where you want them—organized and easily accessible.
Quirky Cordies are available on Amazon.com—many cost less than $10!
Posted by: Jason Dugan | January 25, 2012
Kindle Fire
Photo Credit: Amazon.com
Are you looking for a tablet that is both ultra-portable and affordable? You should check out the Kindle Fire. This full-color tablet gives you features similar to an iPad at less than half the price.
The latest offering from Amazon.com, the Kindle Fire is setting the tablet world ablaze. You can use Android apps, read books, play music and movies, even check your email—this is one hot little content consumption device.
Featuring a full-color, 7-inch multi-touch display and Wi-Fi, the Kindle Fire also provides you with free cloud storage for all your Amazon content—which means you'll never run out of storage space.
The Kindle Fire is available now from Amazon.com for only $199.00.
Posted by: Jason Dugan | January 24, 2012
Tesla Model S
Photo Credit: Tesla Motors
Thinking about getting an electric car? Do you love video games? Well, the Tesla Model S combines both technologies in one fun little package.
The Tesla Model S, a stunning piece of tech in its own right, features not one, but two nVidia Tegra processors—one controls the digital instrument cluster, while a second supports the 17-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which features Wi-Fi, a web browser and controls for accessories such as the power sunroof and door locks. Smart-phone or tablet connectivity is provided via four USB ports.
With prices starting at $49,900, the Tesla Model S delivers up to 435 horsepower—the "Performance" model will accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 4.4 seconds—multitudes faster than your average carnival pony ride.
The Tesla Model S production starts in 2012 and can be reserved from Tesla Motors.
Posted by: Jason Dugan | January 23, 2012
Victory Motorcycles | FUEL IT. (or LOSE IT?)
I'm not really sure what is going on in this ad. It appears as though you and your buddy are tooling down the open road along the coast. Ah—the wind in your hair—no, wait, you're wearing a helmet. Ah—the wind in your face, the smell of the ocean; perfection! There is no traffic other than the two of you. Suddenly, your pal goes flying over the guardrail and tumbling down the cliff—but not before you snap a photo of his Victory Motorcycle spinning through the air into oblivion. Damn, the ride was going so nicely until that happened.
Okay, so maybe the visual elements aren't 100% effective. What about the writing? "It's why you'll read this and grab your keys."? "It's why ..."? What's why? What does that mean? It's certainly not this ad that will make me grab my keys. And the button at the end of the ad "ROLLOVER TO LEARN MORE."? ROLLOVER? Really? That particular word is NOT something I care to associate with riding. Every time I've rolled-over on my bike—oh, I learned more, no doubt—but it still hurts to think about it.
As much as I LOVE motorcycling (I've been riding for over thirty years) this is one ad that only serves to remind me of things I DO NOT WANT to happen while on a leisurely ride on a beautiful summer day. Sorry Victory Motorcycles—but I'd have to say this approach will more than likely not sell many bikes for you.
Posted by: Jason Dugan | May 13, 2010
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