I am re-printing this article ( with permission from the paper) to build up some inertia around the idea that Skyaak ( and the connection to the CD Single 'I Believe' ) is indeed newsworthy, and that this is obviously only the rudimentary beginning. In my experience, the ONLY way to create a buzz around a new product, event or idea in terms of media coverage is to get press releases actually published and then go on to generate more momentum as the story develops. So we have done exactly this.
The next step will be to dream up more happenings around the project and to follow up with more P.R.
Local Scouts test out Skyaak invention
Please note: Left Click on the picture for full-screen version. Check out all the Skyaak units!
The 1st Westminster Scout Group had a special guest at their last meeting on March 22nd, 2006 Manitou Beach artist/inventor Michael Gaudet dropped in to make a presentation of his invention called 'Skyaak'. This is a unique new flying toy that features two conical-shaped wings on a 24" plastic shaft. This unusual design creates interesting aerodynamic properties. Gaudet told the story of how his invention was slowly developed over a period of a couple of years , and how he at one point felt discouraged. He explained to the group that he prayed for some kind of help and three days later it arrived in the form of a full-blown 12-stanza poem. The poem was written down in the wee hours of the morning and it seemed to pick up his spirits. Little did he realize that a musician friend of his would visit the following day and read what he had written. His friend, Manitou Beach musician Gene Angers, felt that the poem had a very positive message and that it ought to put to music. This is exactly what he did and within a few months the pair had taken the steps to have the words recorded as a song in the form of a CD single called ' I Believe'. They have also created a web-page to promote the project called www.theahaexperience.com
Gaudet went on to explain that the poem is a testament to belief in your ideas. He pointed out that shortly after the poem was written, seven people came forward and invested cash in his fledgling invention, as a very powerful and direct answer to his prayers. This amazing, true story really impressed the group, as it provided a concrete example of the power of prayer.
The inventor then read the poem and played the CD for the group. He then proceeded to show them the results of the fast-tracked research and development that had taken place in the interim with his 'Skyaak' invention. The product was shown both in its flat display box and a fully three-dimensional model. He demonstrated how the model is constructed ( without the hassle of adhesives!) and tossed it around with them to show how it performs in the air. The model is hand-launched between two partners, and creates its own lift due to the unique ' ring-wing' design. The participants were very impressed with how well it flew.
Then Gaudet unveiled his latest innovation. It is a miniature 14" version that comes in a compact plastic sleeve that he calls "Mykro-Skyaak'. He had several units with him that he constructed for the group to experiment with. He explained that the 'Skyaak' project represents for him the tangible results of self-belief, and he described the process of designing the flat wing that could be rolled and constructed into a 3-D ring. He likened the end result to watching an idea literally launch itself off the drafting table from a mere drawing into a high-performance flying toy as a powerful metaphor for persevering with one's ideas, and simply refusing to take 'no' for an answer.
The evening was topped off by the participants enjoying the physical activity of tossing several of the unique flying toys around between themselves. The Scout leaders got in on the fun too, as Gaudet pointed out that the model can be enjoyed by kids of all ages!
The inventor invited the group to visit his web-page at www.skyaak.com, where they would discover lots of background information. He also informed them that the larger model is available for purchase at Causeway Natural Health in Humboldt.
