Sob Parlour, Origami Mouse, Swiftpod, and ET9. #236 / April 12, 2024/ Confidential
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My house is incredibly close to Disneyland. Often in the evenings, if you leave the door open, you can even hear the fireworks. It's only about a 5-minute drive away, so when the kids were younger, we used to get annual passes and go there frequently (now it's $500 per person, yikes). One vivid memory is riding the monorail from Downtown Disney to Tomorrowland and being greeted by the scent of diesel emanating from Autopia. The rides themselves are a lot of fun, but waiting in line midday, you can't help but feel like that harsh exhaust is seeping into your lungs... Of course, back in the 1950s when Utopia was first created, even leaded gasoline was allowed, so there was never any guilt or criticism...
According to a recent article in the Times, Disney has announced that the noisy, gasoline-fueled engines that symbolize Autopia in Tomorrowland will soon be replaced. Disney states that, thanks to changes in the automotive industry, they plan to update the ride within the next few years to add appeal to this transition. Whether it'll become hybrid or electric, it's a truly surprising and California-esque news.
▶ Photo 1: Autopia in Tomorrowland (pure gasoline vehicles)
▶ Photo 2: Bob Gurr (designer) testing Autopia vehicles in 1955, now 92 years old.
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People Pay to Cry
In the past, it was commonly believed in Korea that men should only cry three times in their lives - when they were born, when their parents passed away, and when the country was in crisis. Men shedding tears while watching sad movies or dramas were often seen as weak individuals going through a midlife crisis, providing fodder for comedy. However, Professor Arita Hideho, a world-renowned authority in serotonin research, paradoxically argued that setting aside time to cry is important. He pointed out that suppressing tears when we feel like crying not only accumulates stress but can also lead to serious illnesses such as depression.
With an awareness of these mental health benefits, New York is proposing places where people can intentionally shed tears. "Sob Parlour" aims to provide a quiet environment optimized for emotional release amidst the bustling New York daily life, offered in the form of pop-ups to allow people to cry comfortably.
People in need of emotional release can pay $20 to use the tear room for 30 minutes. Inside the room, customized music and lighting conducive to shedding tears are provided, along with interactive messages, comfortable chairs, cozy pillows, diaries to jot down thoughts, and eye patches to soothe swollen eyes after crying. Of course, crying is not mandatory, but users have shared that they experienced a sense of relief and relaxation during their emotional focus time. This multisensory experience provides an opportunity to relieve stress and allows oxytocin and endorphins to surge.
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[Jenna's Insight]
After occasional arguments with my spouse since getting married, I would sometimes storm out and drive aimlessly. However, unlike in Korea, where 24-hour businesses are not as common, finding solace in quiet places like theater parking lots was an experience not only familiar to me but to many Americans as well. Each time, my car became a refuge for tears, though I refrained from crying loudly for fear of being seen or heard by passersby.
"Let it out" - expressing emotions when needed, in a safe space, is essential. Even without referencing a report from Harvard University that suggests "holding onto difficult emotions internally is unhealthy," the importance of genuine emotional expression doesn't need to be stressed twice. The concept of Sob Parlour serves as a significant example of increasing awareness about the importance of emotional expression in society. By intentionally designing spaces for emotional release and safe crying, this startup is challenging misconceptions about crying, one of the most human and vital experiences, and establishing a new presence.
Cars can also serve as important personal sanctuaries, potentially becoming tear rooms. Besides providing mobility, how can the interior of a car be adapted to function as a space for emotional release?
Playlist for Tear-Jerking Songs:
- "Hurt" by Johnny Cash
- "Someone Like You" by Adele
- "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinéad O'Connor
- "Fix You" by Coldplay
- "The Scientist" by Coldplay
- "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.
- "Say Something" by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
- "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi
- "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton
- "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley
- "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver
- "With or Without You" by U2
- "Un-break My Heart" by Toni Braxton
- "All I Want" by Kodaline
- "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd
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Origami Mouse
The Orimouse, reminiscent of origami paper folding, appears flat and compact but transforms from 2D to 3D instantly when squeezed due to neodymium magnets. Despite its simple appearance, this mouse offers more functionality than meets the eye. Like conventional mice, it features separate left and right buttons, along with a scroll button in the center for convenient usage.
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Each block is equipped with a rechargeable battery, and it supports USB-C charging. With its flat design, it's convenient to carry around. (Weight: 40g, Thickness: 5mm) Priced at approximately $50, it seems suitable for general office use, although expectations for detailed tasks like Excel, Photoshop, Illustrator, and video editing may not be as high as with professional-grade mice.
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Swift Pod
The Swift Bird is often described as an exceptional flier, capable of sleeping, eating, and even mating while in flight, rarely perching on the ground. Designer Peter Schultz unveiled an autonomous model of the same name, harnessing its potential based on imagination.
The Swift Pod, designed for two passengers, appears like a large bicycle from the side but resembles a triangular pizza slice from above, maximizing internal capacity in a small space. Departing from traditional car layouts, it presents an interior space enveloped in a lounge atmosphere, suggesting its suitability for long-distance travel, akin to a nocturnal train. Considering the maximized interior space due to its low floor, it could serve as an office, relaxation lounge, bedroom, or any space desired. Features like a foldable work table, small storage for drinks and snacks, and storage space beneath the bed are ideal additions.
Renderings suggest a significant portion is made of glass, though it appears opaque from the outside. The large illuminated wheel and unique door opening mechanism, coupled with the triangular layout, add intrigue, hinting at a glimpse into the future.
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The NIO ET9, a car that can shake off snow by itself
While it's not entirely certain if special effects were utilized, NIO's ET9, featuring the SkyRide Active Suspension system that can independently move up to about 6 degrees, appears capable of shaking the vehicle from side to side to remove accumulated snow, as seen in the video. Additionally, by pressing the suspension button, the vehicle can be designed to raise or lower by approximately 40mm or 50mm, respectively.
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The recent unveiling of G-vagen's G-turn brought to mind the potential for manufacturers to create dynamic movements previously deemed impossible through electronic devices. Whether these innovations will provide practical value or be used as attention-grabbing gimmicks remains uncertain. Nevertheless, they seem to hold more value than the engine-played tunes of Formula 1 cars from the 1980s. (As for cars that can shake off snow by themselves, could these devices be installed inside the vehicle?)
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This past Monday (4/8), there was a partial solar eclipse in California, but in the eastern United States and Dallas, a total eclipse occurred. Many people postponed their busy schedules and took vacations to enjoy the eclipse with their families. Unfortunately, I couldn't witness this week's eclipse, but I still vividly remember the one I watched with colleagues in 2017. (It's hard to believe it's been 7 years already... We were all so excited back then...)
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