Hasta La Ideas

A pared down approach to running, the ultra-lightweight Evo performance shoe allows the foot to fully flex, freeing it from superfluous padding while still offering strong support. Part of Terra Plana’s VivoBarefoot collection, the brand based the design on the biomechanical benefits of running barefoot—a method believed to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles while realigning the body’s natural posture.

We recently put the Evos to the test, tasking a runner with wearing them while training for NYC’s half marathon. While she reports that the initial barefoot feeling seemed slightly strange, overall she found the shoes extremely comfortable, even helping to alleviate an old foot injury.

Without the interference of a thick sole, the foot’s 2,000 nerve endings stimulate senses all over the body from the tonsils to the kidneys, making for a healthier and more complete workout. The structure compels the foot to land on the ball or mid-range area instead of the heel, not only reducing the impact on the foot (and potential injuries) but also allowing the runner to use energy stored in the Achilles tendon and longitudinal arch.

A collaboration between Terra Plana owner Galahad Clark and head designer Asher Clark (seventh-generation shoemakers of the renowned Clark’s family), Evo sells online or from Terra Plana stores around the world for $160.

As an inspiration to all creative types toiling in anonymity, Björn Johansson serves as a beacon of hope. Creator of Internet sensation Big-Ass Message, Johansson attributes his success as a graphic designer to this project and other impassioned (though seemingly dead-end) side projects. Now he freelances full-time for Ogilvy & Mather, one of eight largest advertising networks in the world.

Johansson got the gig after an NYC Ogilvy & Mather exec saw Johansson’s website Bjernies, which he started for fun with his buddy Johan “Ernie” Öhrn. Among several other great web “experiments,” the collaboration spawned Big-Ass Message, a site that creates—you guessed it—very large messages.

Type in 48 characters or fewer, choose a style (such as Magic, Heart or Jprdy), and Big-Ass Message creates a simple full-screen web message with its own link that you can email. Whether wishing a giant happy birthday or sending vehement insults, the site has already proven wildly popular with traffic reaching over three hits per second at times.

For the future, Johansson intends to continue working on BAM. “My focus right now is to keep developing it. Next on the list is to add more accented characters that are used in Portuguese [Due to BAM’s popularity in Brazil]. And I’m also trying to figure out the best way to add more typographic styles. The whole BAM project basically started as an excuse for me to work with big typography online, so I really look forward to coming up with new cool styles.”

After checking out the new collection of user-friendly routers from Belkin this morning, the model most after our own hearts is the top-of-the-line Play Max, a dual-band device that makes both experiencing and downloading large media files easier. Their Video Max HD technology takes advantage of the simultaneous networks that the Play Max creates, upping both performance and speed when watching HD movies and the like.

A series of software turns the router into a system for managing incoming media, using an app called Bit Boost to prioritize how it handles different types, for example. But those who regularly leave files downloading overnight will especially love Torrent Genie, a feature that will continue downloads to a hard drive without a computer.

Other fun features introduced with the new line, and included in this model, range from automatic backups, wireless printing, and music streaming to enabled devices like PlayStation 3s and Xbox 360s.

Due out this April, the Play Max will sell directly from Belkin for $130.

An alarm clock, digital photo frame, portable movie display, and Skype station all in one, the iLuv IMM190 dock makes iPhone and iTouch capabilities all the more useful while keeping your beloved gadget secure and charged.

Featuring dynamic acoustic speakers, the iMM190 easily rotates horizontally or vertically to match its temporary purpose.

Available online for $90 from iLuv and elsewhere, the coordinating software downloads free from Apple’s iTunes Store.

Savant seamlessly organizes the control of the many elements of a home—lighting, security, A/V, Internet, and even sprinklers—into one handy remote.

The only Apple-based networking program like it on the market, Savant simplifies the many seemingly disparate aspects of living into one centralized system. From adjusting the heat in the living room while on vacation to checking the weather while watching TV, or simply turning off lights all with a single clicker, the all-in-one solution allows for simple and near universal access.

With a variety of different touch-screens and remotes, as well as the capability to sync directly with iPhones, Savant customizes their gadgets around each individual household’s unique needs. With multiple tasks automated into one command—”Away” could turn off certain lights and shades, turn down heat, and activate security systems—intuitive interfaces make it dead-easy to navigate features.

One product, their TrueImage Control wireless touch panel, makes the experience particularly familiar by allowing for browsing through professionally-shot pictures of each room and controlling lighting, shades and other features by touching the image of it on the screen.

Other future-thinking features include the ability to turn any HD television into a portal for content stored on optional servers or anything (Hulu, YouTube, etc.) online. In addition to such high-tech convenience, Savant helps conserve energy by using motion sensors to switch off lights, closing blinds at midday, and regulating heating and cooling systems based on outdoor temperatures.

Whether synchronizing just the heating and lights in a studio apartment or managing the multiple elements of a three-story brownstone, Savant effortlessly scales up or down—all thanks to the brand’s commitment to customer service.

Packages begin at about $5,000. Visit Savant’s site for a list of authorized dealers.