The Pixar Story

Sitting at home? Unwrapped all your presents, eaten all the food you can eat? I recommend watching The Pixar Story. I love stories of smart people struggling for technological change, and this story certainly delivers. Pixar might seem like an overnight success, but there was plenty of drama: Lasseter got fired from Disney, and had to leave Lucasfilm where George Lucas didn't see the point of what he wanted to do. Even Toy Story almost got killed multiple times.

Chances are you won't even have to buy this: The Pixar Story is included on most Wall-E DVDs, and most Netflix members can watch it online here. Happy Holidays!

Ribcap

Last weekend, I went to Zurich's Museum für Gestaltung to see this year's winning entries in the Swiss Federal Design Prize. The 18 winners each get either 20000 CHF or a free studio spot in either New York or London.


One of the winning teams – and my favorite entry of all – were Lisa and Tom, who designed the Ribcap: Head protection gear that doesn't look and feel like a bulky helmet but like a standard cap. It contains materials by D3O which are soft when worn, but instantly turn solid upon impact.

From the Ribcap site, it looks like these a worn mainly by snowboarders and skiers. Can I replace my bike helmet with a Ripcap? If yes, I want one now!