Taking siestas to the next level since 2003…

NY based company Metronaps has created what they call their Energy Pod– for power naps at the office. I’m a huge fan of siestas– anyone who knows me, knows that much– I was ecstatic when I read this article about siestas cutting the risk of cardiac death by up to 37%. It gives me great rebuttal amo for anyone who flips me shit for taking naps. Anyhow, this company understands the importance of napping to work productivity and employee well-being, and are attempting to create a personal and comfortable environment for people to take a snooze while at the work place. The space ship looking pod provides a sterile and virtually silent environment (the shield blocks sound from coming in or going out) complete with Bose speakers for your listening enjoyment. They cost a pretty penny, but if they increase the bottom line I guess it’s an investment worth looking into. Maybe one day when I have endless disposable income I’ll pick one of these up for my office– or maybe I’ll just get a couch and an ipod.

Design for the Other 90%

Read about this exhibit on Coolhunting.com and I think it’s really inspiring. It’s easy for those of us who love design to get caught up in–and get used to — buying items for ridiculous amounts of money. But there is a whole population of people out there that struggle to eat, or to find access to clean water. Vitals of life that many of us in first world countries take for granted. Design for the Other 90% is an exhibit featuring designers that have focused on making products for those under the poverty line or who are recovering from natural disasters. The exhibit is broken up into sections including water, shelter, health & sanitation, education, energy & transportation. It will be on view from May 4-September 23 of this year at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. 2 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128. If you’re in the area check it out! You can read more about what you’ll find at the exhibit here.

The best thing since sliced bread…

In honor of last night, which was a complete throw back to my days romping around Rome, I thought I would enlighten all of you by exposing the lovely world that is boxed wine. I don’t know how many times last night I had to say “no, it’s not soy milk”– so I figure if I write about it maybe I’ll save other boxed wine lovers from having to offer endless explanation. Boxed wine sales have increased by up to 75% and apparently folks in Seattle are the best at not being prentenious and trying something new… It’s not just Tavarnello & Franzia anymore folks, there’s good stuff that they’re putting in boxes. Read more about that at The Boxed Wine Spot.

Here are some advantages to drinking boxed wine from Sunset.com;

1. You get more bang for your buck. Premium wines come in 3-liter boxes (the equivalent of about four bottles) and sell anywhere from $15 to $25 a pop. Do the math — you’re getting a good deal on a good wine.

2. There’s no pressure to polish it off in one night. Unlike a bottle, which goes bad within a day or two of uncorking, boxed wine lasts about four to six weeks.

3. You can drink it now. Forget about the whole let-it-age thing — boxed wines are meant to be drunk within a year of being made.

4. It’s transportable. Because it won’t shatter, boxed wine is perfect for picnics, the beach, and tailgates. Take the oxygen-tight bag out of the box and bring it backcountry camping.

5. You have a reason to use that carafe. A pretty decanter filled with red wine looks so good on your table.

Last night there was Bandit– don’t squat with your spurs on– by Three Thieves. If you’re curious about what makes a boxed wine drinkable/tolerable, here are some things to look out for (again courtesy of Sunset.com);

3-liter boxes. These hold the good stuff. Avoid the old-school 5-liter cartons.

The vintage date and the varietal printed on the box. You want more information than simply “delicious red wine.” More recent vintages are generally better — boxed wine is not meant for the cellar.

The region. Check for familiar winemaking regions such as southeastern Australia or the Napa Valley.

Cin Cin!

Chocolate vs. Kissing

      VS

Which would you say was better? According to BBC News and Mind Lab, Chocolate “beats kissing hands down when it comes to providing a long-lasting body and brain buzz.” Who woulda thunk it?! I mean we all knew chocolate was good, but who knew it was THIS good. Read the full story here.