Small Space Digital Poster: RedPost

I’m sure you have a local coffee shop or grocery store that has a community bulletin board. You know, that magical place where everyone posts their multi-colored flyers and posters. Well RedPost is trying to change the way local advertising works.

RedPost sells the Sign Beta — a compact 19-inch LCD screen mounted in an aluminum frame with a full-blown computer on board. The Sign Beta can be mounted anywhere. You could mount it in your home and use it as a high tech digital photo frame. You could hang it in your business and use it as a digital bulletin board for digital advertising. This is the amazing part. You can update the Sign Beta from your PC with its WIFI connection. It can also be updated via an internet connection, again using WIFI, from a special web site.

Specialized software called Corktop allows you to manage your Sign Beta in several ways. Corktop allows you to manage what is displayed on your sign through a play list function much like iTunes. It also allows others to submit “flyers” to you online for your approval. You can offer your ad space free of charge or on a paid basis. Corktop manages the income, accepting payments and mailing you checks for revenue earned.

There is much to figure out here, but basically you buy the Sign Beta, set up your Corktop account and start selling or offering your sign space. I see this process helping local bands and family yard sales to go paperless.

It’s all very high-tech but these days what isn’t?

Small Space Kitchen Set: My Pro Kitchen

My kitchen is too small. I also have too much stuff. I need to divest myself of lots of unused kitchen items.

Recently I found My Pro Kitchen. My Pro Kitchen is a web site that sells the My Pro Kitchen Set. It is a set of 36 must have items for an instant well-equipped kitchen.

I find the idea intriguing — 36 pieces and the set really does include nearly everything you would need to cook a vast array of meals. I also like that the items are all from commercial restaurant suppliers. So you are getting good quality industrial pieces. Now don’t expect to see brand names in the set.

It’s a perfect starter kitchen set for anyone moving into his or her first apartment or home. The My Pro Kitchen Set is also a study in minimalism. If you could downsize your kitchen to 36 pieces, wouldn’t that be a great thing.

Small Space iPod and Gadget Charging Solution: The Sanctuary

So I like gadgets — cell phone, iPod, GPS, and more. In most homes there are at least two cell phones and often multiple ipods and a slue of other battery guzzling gadgets. So how do you manage all the chargers?

The sheer number of charger requiring gadgets in a standard home is mind blowing. Finally, BlueLounge has a solution. The Sanctuary is a sleek multiple unit charging station. Unlike other units, instead of just providing a power strip and cord organizer, The Sanctuary is the charger for up to twelve devices. So it’s bye bye to all those bulky AC adapters and chargers. I like that you could also now take a chargers that you use need frequently to another location, like work.

The Sanctuary is available in black or white and it’s a whole lot more stylish than the ball of cords it replaces. It would work well near your door or on a bedside table; there is enough room in the tray for your keys and wallet also.

Its about time someone came along and saved us from the dirty side of our gadget addiction and it looks like BlueLounge has done it.

Small Space Caffeine: Ascaso Dream Espresso Machine

I love coffee, specifically espresso. At one time I had a pretty serious habit, some days eight shots before noon. I have somewhat weaned myself off the juice. That is until now.

I just purchased an Ascaso Dream. I had the opportunity to purchase the machine at an obscenely low price. The machine retails for $850 – $700. I have found refurbish units on the web for $499. The unit I purchased was an open box, but when all was said and done I paid $160.49 — that’s a pretty good machine.

The machine is very highly rated on coffee geek — check out a review here. I have yet to fire it up; I just cleaned it and set it up. As soon as I am able, I’ll let you know what I think.

I am hopeful that more high quality caffeine will keep me bouncing around and writing more — we’ll see how it all works out.

Apartment Therapy Small Cool 2008

Way back in January I did a post on Apartment Therapy’s Small Cool 2007 contest. It is a marvelous event where owners and renters submit photos of their small apartments. There are prizes for the winners and tons of eye candy and free ideas for the rest of us.

The contest brings out the best of the beautiful small living spaces. Last year I spent untold hours scrolling through sideshows of some pretty incredible dwellings. The entire contest is just fabulous — there is no single place where you can see so many stunning small designs.

Well its that time again the 2008 contest is underway. This year the deadline for entry is April 14th. I am somewhat expecting that deadline to be extended, as there are not so many entries this year.

So far I love “Luca’s Surplus of Storage & Light”. It is truly a marvel of small space living. At just 400 square feet it certainly qualifies for small space, but the balance of light and perfect built-ins make it seem much larger. As amazing as it sounds, this tiny apartment has a walk-in-closet. I also love the built-in storage separating the living area from the bedroom. The wall of storage contains the apartments AV equipment, including a flat screen TV that can pivot to be viewed from either room.

I’m sure by the time Apartment stops accepting entries there will be some additional stunning spaces. I’ll keep you posted.

Small Space Extreme Sports: Pen Spinning

Today I bring extreme sports to the small space dwelling masses. I know you crave having the space for an indoor basketball hoop or bowling lane of your own. Today I bring you a far cooler activity suitable for small space living.

Pen Spinning has not really caught on in the states as the competitive, don’t poke your eye out sport that it is. In Japan, however, it is huge. I am aware that not all, ok many, Japanese trends never catch on in the rest of the world, but I think pen spinning has merit.

Penz’Gear is now selling a two pack of specially balanced spinning pens complete with a DVD of tricks. If you are not familiar with pen spinning, you need to be. Do yourself a favor and watch the video at the bottom of this post.

The things these people can do with pens — yes pens — is just plain insane. Well I’d like to write more, but I need to practice. The next time you see me, I may well have ink all over my hands, but you’ll know why.