The Sniffer

Today in trendwatching on the podcast, Cathi Bond brings you a look at Fall fashion 2010.  Lots of luxe fabrics, like leather, a definite ’80s vibe, and also a real ‘hard looks for hard times’ sensibility, with lots of sci fi influences. (Via the rather awesome JC Report). Would you wear these fashions?  Nora likes the minimalism and the hard edge.

Meanwhile, Nora Young points out fun, gorgeous electric dune buggy-esque concept cars from Pugeot. Pacer meets Fifth Element meets dune buggy. Cool! (via Gizmodo)

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the fact that the South Korean Supreme Court has legalized the exchanging of virtual gaming money for cold, hard cash (via Gizmag). Nora Young chats about learning from insect architecture for human buildings, in particular, termite mounds (via New Scientist).  Yet more of the biomimetic architecture we’ve been sniffing for some time.  Cathi and Nora are reminded of the Etruscan Tombs, or Sagrada Familia… but with termites!

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Cathi and Nora are back, but Cathi’s on the injured list!  Check out the gory details!

In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions AOL’s new plan to relaunch themselves as content creators. Part of their strategy includes monitoring very closely which articles are getting the most heat, and tracking what’s popular online. (Via Business Week). Is this just an extension of what MSM already do, or the future of a journalistic echo chamber?

Cathi mentions that thesniffer used to be with Rabble.  Nora refers to a great story about the history of journalism on the always excellent Planet Money.

Meanwhile, Cathi Bond weighs in on Apple’s recent decision to pull sexy apps for its phone/touch and presumably the iPad.  What do you think?  Creeping nannyism, or sound business decision as the iPad looks to be the family media centre?

Finally, Nora exhorts you to check out the hilarious Unhappy Hipsters.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young refers to this Mashable article on Twitter’s seeming move to go local. Looks like another part of the move towards local search…and local advertising.

Meanwhile, Cathi Bond points out beautiful, delightful, fantasy architecture! (via Flavorwire).

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This time on the podcast, Cathi Bond talks about the fact that elite US department stores are opening bargain bin pop-up shops to get rid of unsold stock. (via PSFK).  Nora Young mentions Holt Renfrew’s pop up shop on King Street west.

Nora mentions that Apple apparently has a patent on a solar powered iPod (via Gizmodo)

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions Kibotzer, part of a definite trend towards body tracking and self-monitoring online (via Kevin Kelly)

Meanwhile, Cathi Bond has been checking out the Fall 2010 fashion shows for men (via New York Times).  What does all this grey flannel and military looks mean? Nora points out that shows themselves featured implied violence. Is fashion telling guys to ‘man up’? How about it, gents? Would you wear these styles?  What do you think is going on here?

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In today’s trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Architecture Five Cents (via New York Times). A chat about young architects and innovative approaches to dealing with recession follows.  Your thoughts?  Is the economy getting you down? Do you have a smart approach to share? We want to hear about it!

Meanwhile, Nora Young talks about Dow’s plan to bring out solar shingles (via Technology Review). What’s the future of accessible green power?

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In today’s trendwatching podcast, Nora Young mentions State Farm’s promotional app for the iPhone, complete with tips for what to do in an emergency (via Springwise).

Cathi Bond found a great set of predictions by IBM for tech innovations in urban environments in the next five years.  (Via the ever-awesome Gizmag).  Nora thinks two of the trends in particular, related to responsive cities, are going to be huge, and cites Google Map’s Navigation as just one example of the coming trend.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

For this trendwatching podcast, the gals look at cool tools and toys.  Cathi Bond thinks the Bumper Dumper makes a great gift for the gal who likes to camp. Nora? Not so much. She does, however, love Cathi’s pick of these great conductive North Face winter gloves, so you can operate your touch screen device in winter!

Meanwhile, Nora Young spies some very cool, very chic, and very expensive audiophile ear buds by Ultimate Ears (via Gizmag)

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this trendwatching podcast, Nora Young talks about the push towards tying marketing to socially responsible goals. Beyond greenwashing, is this really a transition, or more feel-good marketing? Contagious calls it Goodvertising. What do you think?

Meanwhile, Cathi Bond recommends Food Inc, a documentary to make you think about your food choices.  Cathi says it’s changed her life. She also talks about the On Running Shoe: put a spring in your step with these sneaks designed to reduce knee strain.  Is it a sign of marketing to older athletes?

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download