Hi all, sorry for the podcasting silence; we were moving thesniffer to a new host.  All good now.  Thanks for your patience!

In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about ‘voluntourism’, which combines a holiday with time spent volunteering.  (Via ChaCha).  Cathi think it’s a chance to do some good in the world, instead of bloating out on a beach, but something about it makes Nora uncomfortable.  Nora also mentions Games with a Purpose and Kiva.

Meanwhile, Nora talks about the concept of the ‘free cafe’ or sampling station in Japan.  Rice cracker maker, Harimaya Honten is trying out a cafe where you can sample their food and simple drinks for free, with no pressure to buy.  According to CScout, it’s aimed at reintroducing younger Japanese consumers to older, more traditional foods.  What would you like to reintroduce in Canada?

 

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In this trendwatching podcast, Cathi Bond talks about Le Wif, the chocolate bar that you don’t eat….you smell.  It’s being marketed through Le Laboratoire.

Nora Young mentions research into microrobots that use mag lev to manoeuvre.  It’s a project of the University of Waterloo; read the press release here.

And, need some incentive to save water? How about a killer shower!! (via MocoLoco)

 

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