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Shopping Bags Taking New Meaning

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europe_bagsRecently I came across a series of shopping bags photos that took the meaning of the words and turned it on its head.  The creativity of advertising agencies had stymied their way into a mundane utilitarian device and transformed it into an advertising mechanism that is not only whimsical, but eye-catching.  

However, the shopping bag designs alone are nothing too spectacular, but when slung over the shoulder of a human walking down the street, the bag takes on a new life and new meaning.  Instantly the images on the bag becomes a piece of a scene, in which the transporter (human), is helping play a part.  While the shopping bag is serving it's purpose of carrying recently purchased goods, it is now a walking billboard and public novelty simultaneously.  

So, the next time you're checking out at your favorite establishment, check to see, if you too, can become an actor in the spectacle. 

The iPad as More than Just a Piece of Technology

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ipad_photoRecently I came across a Mashable article highlighting various iPad self-portraits.  The article title intrigued me, "10 Ingenious iPad Self Portraits," my initial thought was, how can a iPad self-portrait be ingenious?  But, like so many other occasions my pessimism turned to revelation.  The iPad was inherently designed as a technology tool, but it has evolved into something more, some would argue something greater, a social symbol of our time.  So how else can technology serve the world?  Time will tell via human innovation.  Click here to view the other nine iPad self portraits on Mashable. 

The Evolution of Web Buttons

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More and more I hear people referring to websites and apps as "beautiful."  Can an app or website contain beauty?  I don't know, but I can tell you I've see some sites that are ugly.  If you care to take a trip down ugly boulevard visit websitesthatsuck.com.  

One of the key aesthetic components found on beautiful sites include navigation buttons. However, these buttons have changed over the years.  Lets take a quick look at the evolution of web buttons through the ages.

1) We've discovered gradients

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Once designers realized they could apply gradients to web buttons the practice began to surge through the web. Now nearly every web button contains some type of gradient effect.

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Derek Stearns talks about DailyMav.com

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Derek Stearns talks about DailyMav.com and the daily deal business model.  Stearns is part of the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization.  Dailymav.com was developed by the organization as part of an effort to create a sustainable platform for members and future projects.

DailyMav.com offers discounts for various Omaha businesses to college students and the community.   The site works similar to other popular sites such as Groupon.com and Livingsocial.com.  Stearns discussed some of the issues sites like Groupon.com faces.

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