Ever wanted to stay in a lighthouse??

Great new site allowing travellers to connect up with locals who have interesting and different places to stay – “A community marketplace for unique spaces”.

Excellent prospects around the Rugby World Cup and general ‘authentic’ trend running through the industry at the moment.

See: http://www.airbnb.com/home/about/?af=463249

This fits in well with the recent addition of “you” to the NZ Tourism “100% Pure” campaign – making it personal and about the individual experience you have when travelling.

http://www.tourismnewzealand.com/news-and-features/latest-news/2011/01/tourism-new-zealand-unveils-100-percent-pure-you/

Energising soccerball

A great invention that generates energy from a moving soccer ball to charge LED lights and batteries. This has real application in Africa where soccer is a big social part of many villages.

I love to see Design for the 3rd world, as opposed to the 1st one – where we don’t really need it at times. Let’s see a Kiwi Rugby version in time for the cup!!

http://www.soccket.com/

http://www.designwithafrica.com/energy-harvesting-soccer-ball

Sisters project unties at World Expo | Culture | MINDFOOD

Interesting documentary concept – I like the idea of partnering professions between cultures – Sisters project unties at World Expo | Culture | MINDFOOD.

Brilliant Marketing on a budget

A great, yet very simple, way to generate awareness for a failing Yoga club in China. Guan Yin Yoga Club set up a decorative box, with a very flexible person inside, who would pop out and ‘surprise’  passers by with a flyer to their business.

This concept had the shock, delight and memorable element to it. What’s more for a grand total of US$74, they have generated not only local awareness, but an estimated US$138,000 worth of free publicity through worldwide coverage of the concept. That’s the power of a good idea.

Memorable public displays remind me of this, slightly more commercialised but equally delightful ensemble at Liverpool Train station for T-Mobile, and another ‘freeze mob’ in New York:

Chinese Shoppers spend $115b (NZ)

During the recent week-long National Holiday this year, Chinese shoppers have spent a total of US$88 billion, or NZ$115 billion dollars on clothes, electronics and restaurant meals. This is according to a Government report released earlier this week.

As a sobering comparision, New Zealand’s real GDP value comes in at $133.1 billion (at June 10). So China could very nearly have ’consumed’ New Zealand in one holiday lunch!

Meanwhile back home, national GST increase of 2.5% means my Latte is now NZ$4.20 and Wellington Bus fares have doubled to NZ$2 a section. Oh the profanity!!

Being opportune about the shake-up

Christchurch brewer of Three boys beer is about to release an “Aftershock” ale – in special commemoration of the Canturbury Quake earlier this month.

This limited run of 1200 litres, was unexpectedly seasoned by the Magnitude 5.1 aftershock that hit on the Wednesday while owner Ralph was in the midst of brewing and the power was knocked out.

Rather than giving the batch up, he decided to reduce the liquid down and cap it at 7.1% Alcohol (the same magnitude as the first quake).

Looks like this, and the “Magnitude 7.1″ brew by the Twisted hop (from the same batch) may be the ultimate antidote for some, and a very timely move from the Three Boys entrepreneur. Watch out for the Trademe auctions!!

           

Interesting article about KFC’s approach in China

Check out: http://blogs.forbes.com/china/2010/06/04/what-are-china’s-consumers-eating-yum-brands-one-company-three-pillars-of-success/