I’d like to sell some puzzle books I’m creating, say at the local airport. But I can’t afford a regular cart. So how about a mini-one? Basically, it would be a portable store, wirelessly ready to accept credit cards, print receipts, store change (that’s in my pockets). Design it all up, and you’ve got yourself Read More …
Label reveals: “Energy used to make this product.” If A and B cost the same, would you buy the one that wasted less energy? Side benefit for jingoists: It’s probably the product made abroad that consumed the most energy, because of shipping. So home-made, local products would probably score the best. Of course, cynics might say: Read More …
Visited the U.S. Mint the other day to see how the presidential dollar coins are being made. Collectors seem to be excited about new features, like four new presidential portraits a year, and writing around the rim. But will the coins wind up in cash drawers and pockets? Skeptics say there’s only one way: No more dollar Read More …
Say an upscale mall wants to distinguish itself, attract visitors lost to megamarts and the Internet. Provide a way for shoppers to try and use Segways for free. Maybe there’s a track or strip just for Segways. Maybe it goes out to parking as well as inside. Read an interesting post about this at segwaychat.com that Read More …
Want to outdo the Truth Booth? Right next to it, set up the Praise Chaise. (OK, I’m committing another Rhyme Crime.) Anyway, a silver-tongued host stands by a lounge chair, and invites people to lay back and relax, while getting effusively flattered (an ego massage). Bet this would do better business than the Truth Booth, but they might complement (and Read More …
At home centers, lifting and unloading heavy purchases, like sacks of concrete mix or big tubs of paint, can be a chore. If the end of shopping carts could unlock and swing outward, either all the way down or partway like a ramp, you could back the cart right up to your trunk or sidedoor Read More …