subject: Do New Ideas Make Us Think? [print this page] Every 4 years 7-Eleven convenience stores have a presidential poll. Customers vote at the self-service coffee counter by selecting a cup with the Democratic candidate's name on it or the Republican candidate's name on it or an unmarked cup if they are undecided. As of October 9th, Obama was ahead nationally by a 60-40 margin. Although this poll is both unofficial and unscientific, it has accurately predicted the winners since it was started in 2000. In fact, the results have been within 1 percentage point of the popular vote. Time will tell how 2012's poll is "carried out" by the customers.
To fight the war against calorie-laden sodas, beverage companies are marketing smaller drink sizes and running ads for healthy eating. Starting in 2013 soft drink makers - including Coca-Cola and Pepsico - will list calories counts for sodas on the vending machine's buttons. Even before customers press a button for a specific soda, the machine will scroll a reminder that lower-calorie choices are available. Then, for example, by pressing the 240 button a customer will know exactly how many calories are in a 20-ounce Coke - and they will know exactly how many calories they will be "paying for" physically.
Previous studies have shown that sitting at a desk all day can cause back problems, kidney disease, heart disease, as well as shorten your life. Workstations that allow workers to sit or stand were the subject of a 7-week study published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease. Ten workers stayed at their usual desks and 24 used workstations. On average, those using workstations sat over 1 hour less a day. Eighty-seven percent felt more comfortable and energized, 75% felt healthier, 71% felt more focused, 66% felt more productive, 62% felt happier, 33% felt less stressed and 100% gave workstations a "standing ovation".
Izhar Gafini is an Israeli inventor and a bicyclist in his spare time. After hearing about a canoe made with cardboard, he decided to make a bicycle with cardboard. In spite of 3 engineers saying it was impossible, Gafini knew folding something once made it 3 times stronger. After the bike parts are shaped and cut, they are treated with a solution to make them waterproof and fireproof. The final step is lacquering the bicycles for appearance. Gafini's bicycles are sturdy, durable and cheap. Because they can be sold for about $20, the "wheels are already turning" for mass production.
