Author Archives: Beth Graddon-Hodgson

The Breakup Shop: Heartbreaker Of A Business Will End Your Relationships

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We've reached that time of year when people come together to celebrate family, love, tradition, and all of the things that inspire warm and fuzzy holiday feelings. Sadly, these celebrations also encourage an activity as ice cold as a white Christmas - the holiday breakup. The good news is that you don't have to be a heartbreaker, as there's an innovative new business prepared to do the dirty work for you so that you might be spared that lump of coal in your stocking (but probably not).

Fingers As A Service: Business Reinvents The Foam Finger To Be A Little More Sass, And A Little Less Class

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Today, I opened my mailbox and was pleasantly surprised.  Typically only filled with flyers and the occasional bill (that duplicates the one sitting in my email inbox), I actually found something that was worth more attention than an immediate trip to the recycling bin. You're going to have to read on to find out what it is, but I can tell you that it was a gift from a hot new business out there that subscribes to my brand of sarcasm. While I was pleased with the appearance of their namesake item, you may not be if you're on the receiving end.

Rage Room: Smash Random Objects, Not Your Husband, Following The Ashley Madison Controversy

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It's pretty fun to smash things, and the world is catching onto the trend as businesses designed to help people relieve anger have been sprouting up like wildfire over the past few years. Smart entrepreneurs know that passive aggressiveness just isn't enough of a release for the frustrations of today's society, and they're giving people a fun and cathartic outlet. Today's technological advancements make services like this one more necessary than ever - especially following the Ashley Madison scandal.

The Business Of Subscription Boxes Reaches New Highs With PotBox

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Subscription box services have been a trend for a number of years, popular for their convenience and the fact that they're like unwrapping a present when the contents are (somewhat of) a surprise. Everything from pet items, to razors, to delectable snacks, and makeup have been sold in this format by businesses that deal exclusively in items that are packed in cardboard and left on your doorstep once a month or so. But, if you think you've already seen it all, you'd be wrong.

CharityWait: Donate To A Cause To Skip Restaurant Wait Times

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If you're the type that likes to spend your Friday and Saturday nights at the latest restaurant openings, sampling creative culinary delights from the world's top chefs, then you know your love of food warrants a lot of patience. Reservations during prime hours, especially at the city's hottest spots, are as hard to come by as a winning lottery ticket. Foodies know it's just one of those grin and bare it circumstances to which there are no alternatives - at least not before now.

Escape From Casa Loma Tower: Toronto Game Combines History, Theater, And Fun

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Escape games are pretty trendy these days, and there are various concepts all around the globe. It's no surprise that these businesses are becoming popular. After all, what could be more fun than going on your own intellectual, "Saw"-style escape adventure that lets you test your wit without losing your limbs? Well, believe it or not, I can answer that question for you.

Swap-O-Matic: Whimsical Vending Machine Faciliates Trades

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We all have those items that hang around our homes for months or years that collect dust untouched. Sometimes, however, we develop a sense of attachment to those items, and just don't want to see them discarded. Trying to sell pre-loved items to collectors, thift stores, or by holding a yard sale is a whole lot of effort with little payout. This inconvenience leads many of us to hoard things we wouldn't allow to take up valuable space in our homes. A new business concept uses technology to offer a whimsical solution.

‘Weird Hotel’ In Japan: The Robotic Future Of The Hospitality Industry?

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Little by little, we're approaching a day and age where businesses that once relied on humans are using technology instead. I say "approaching" because we're not quite there yet; people are still valued in many fields, particularly where customer service is concerned. But that doesn't mean that many businesses aren't already embracing alternatives, and some of them happen to be a little strange.

St Louis’ Grown-Up Friendly Playground

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It's summertime, and as far as I'm concerned the season is all about fun and adventure. Travel may not be in the budget, but that doesn't mean you can't have new experiences that make 2015 a memorable year. It's easy for adults to fall into the trap of "acting like grown ups" or putting all the focus on creating fun times for the children. But there's nothing wrong with letting loose, getting back to basics, and having the kind of fun you may have forgotten you can have as an adult. One business has made playtime happen.

Swim In Movies: A New Take On The Retro Drive In Concept?

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Every summer, many Americans flock to the drive in movie theaters to see their favorite retro flicks or new blockbuster releases. Although drive in movies are still popular today, there are far fewer operating theaters than there were a few decades ago, and some things have changed. Speakers no longer have to be pulled through your car's window as was once necessary (now, audio is available through a specified radio station), for example. What hasn't changed are the kids in pajamas or the pickup beds loaded with blankets and teenagers. But now, one concept could totally reinvent the drive in - and driving isn't even part of the equation.