Pen Spinning…it’s more than just being bored in class.

You have probably seen Pen Spinning in one form or another. Perhaps it was a classmate who was spinning her pen effortlessly around her thumb, or a colleague hand twirling his pen in a meeting. Pen spinning is a form of contact juggling that uses a small writing tool, like a pen or a pencil, to perform different tricks that not only sharpen your skills, but also amaze people.

The Pen Spinning Association Japan was established last year and plans to gather pen spinners from around the country for a national competition this year. Hmmm.

Check out Pentrix.com for more info and/or watch this video to see what it’s all about.

So Happy Together: the latest trend in community living

A lifestyle trend that first started back in 1960s Denmark, co-housing may be making a comeback among progressive Gen Xers and Ys. Similar to communes but with more personal space, co-housing communities are intentional communities—usually consisting of between 20 and 40 households—created with the aim of having close interaction with neighbors, sharing resources and living sustainably. While each family lives in a private home, all residents take an active role in planning, designing and managing the community and share common facilities such as a large kitchen and dining room for group meals, laundry facilities, childcare, and tool sheds. Homes are usually placed in close proximity to not only facilitate socializing, but to also conserve the utmost green space which is used for gardening, exercise and playgrounds. There are currently over 150 co-housing communities in the United States in urban, suburban and rural settings.

While co-housing used to be a fringe movement, it is now resonating with Xers and Ys who are starting families, searching for community and looking to pool resources. NY residents interested in becoming a part of such a community can join the recently formed Brooklyn Cohousing Group which is hoping to create a housing complex in the kid-friendly Park Slope area. Unlike other planned communities, co-housing residents do not share a common economy, belief or religion, but are devoted to building a community support system. Turnover in co-housing communities is low and there are often waiting lists for new residents. As people become more strapped for both money and time, this will become a trend we’ll be hearing more about.

HT: trendcentral

Victor Taba…just because

Most people would question the purpose of such a website and wonder what made this award-worthy. Well, just click the “next” button and be mesmerized as the patterns build on each other.

Creativity Never Sleeps

Some pretty cool motion graphics at Veer. Click here.

Those crazy Germans…

Experience the safety features of Mercedes-Benz on this site that embraces visual effects. This is a perfect example of how the web is changing and merging by using the skills of Hollywood-style special effects and 3D artists. The site plays out as a moving video but also has interactive hot spots so you can get more detail if you wish.

It’s all in French, BTW….