Make Pretend

Farewell.

2010-02-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

Goodbye. Head to Soft Focus instead.

OfficePod > Cubicle

2010-01-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

Some Great Music from 2009

2009-12-16T15:55:00.000-08:00

We're winding down to the end of the year and I've been seeing these "Best of 2009" music lists everywhere so I thought I'd do one of my own. So without further adieu and in no particular order, these are the albums that have kept me sane this year:

Grizzly Bear - Vecktimest

Mos Def - The Ecstatic

Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz

Devendra Banhart - What Will We Be

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

The XX - XX

Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II

The Flaming Lips - Embryonic

Real Estate - Real Estate

jj - jj n° 2

Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

The Postmarks - Memoirs at the End of the World

Fever Ray - Fever Ray
Part 1
Part 2

M. Ward - Hold TIme

Deerhunter - Rainwater Cassette Exchange EP

And a few more here.

Millenium Falcon Bed

2009-12-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

by Kayla Kromer

Wow. This totally owns my childhood car bed.

Christmas Light Hero

2009-12-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

Exactly what the title sounds like:

Cool!

The Thin White Sketchbook

2009-12-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes, even more David Bowie love here. The Thin White Sketchbook is an ongoing project started in 2007 by Sean T. Collins and features sketches of David Bowie from many different artists, musicians, directors, etc. A few samples are below and you should definitely check the rest of the sketches on Sean's Flickr page here.

by Jim Rugg

by Michel Gondry

by John Cuneo

by Tunde Adepbimpe of TV on the Radio

by Scott Campbell <-click the link for a very cool and funny Bowie print by him.

The Julian Scarf

2009-12-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

Winter is upon us, why not keep your neck warm with the Julian Scarf by the Wintercheck Factory? You've probably got a drawer or closet full of scarves but I doubt you have any scarves that come with discrete zip-up pockets. Exactly. I've got the red one and it comes pretty handy when you don't want to pack your pockets full of phones, mp3 players, cameras, etc. Available here.

In case you didn't see...

2009-12-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

G.O.A.T.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

2009-12-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

Just caught Fantastic Mr. Fox this weekend and I have to say that it lived up to its title. Great voice-acting, animation, directing, and most importantly of all, it was great fun. Wes Anderson has done it again and this ranks among his best work. Make time for this and you won't be disappointed.

Qixen-P UNI Watch Concept

2009-12-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

"The folks over at Qixen-P have come up with an idea for a watch that let’s you be in control of how you see the time. The concept is called UNI and features a 96 x 96 pixel, full color OLED screen that is totally programmable and customizable." from Kitsune Noir

I hope this moves forward from concept into actual production.

Sneak-It-In Disposable Flasks

2009-12-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

from Restoration Hardware

Just like Capri-Sun!

David Bowie's response to his first American fanmail letter

2009-12-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

"In September of 1967, aged 20 and yet to make much of an impression on the music scene, David Bowie was so enthused to receive his first American fan letter that he immediately typed out a reply from the office of his manager, Kenneth Pitt. The fan in question was 14-year-old Sandra Dodd, a young girl from New Mexico who had come to own a promotional copy of Bowie's first album as a result of her uncle running a radio station. She was impressed and decided to write to Bowie, telling him his music was as good as that of The Beatles and then offering to start a fan club on his behalf.

Below is the lovely reply she received."

From Letters of Note

This neat little gem makes me love Bowie even more.

WTF Bonus:

David Bowie & Bing Crosby - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy

In the mood for...

2009-12-01T10:29:00.000-08:00

Passion Pit - Manners

Passion Pit - Chunk of Change EP

Atlas Sound - Logos

Blitzen Trapper - Furr

St. Vincent - Actor

Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There are Mountains

Comet Gain - Broken Record Prayers

Beck - Harry Partch

Duck Sauce - aNYway

Enjoy.

Neat Cases for your Naked IPods

2009-11-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

from QuietDoing

For the Alcoholic in You.

2009-11-30T15:52:00.000-08:00

at Refinery 29

RRRECORDS

2009-11-24T16:44:00.000-08:00

ThisBlogRules put up these old record covers put together to create another image.

Inspired by Mad Men

2009-11-24T10:59:00.001-08:00

My current addiction is the AMC Television Series: Mad Men. I just love the whole look of the 60's. The slim tailored suits, the super skinny ties and tie bars. With today being another typically boring day at work, here are some of the things that have caught my fancy which I feel capture the style of the Mad Men era.

from Poetic Home

from Hickoree's Hard Goods

J Lindeberg Baracuta G9/Harrington style "Travis" jacket at Tobi

Vintage Rotary Phone from Anthropologie.

Braun AB1 Quartz Travel Clock from The Shop at Cooper-Hewitt

Teroforma Whiskey Stones from Amazon.

leather lighter case from The-Glade

The Indiana Leather Dopp Kit from Gent Supply Co.

I really dig this subtle little gold key tie bar from Fine and Dandy

And of course the Limited Edition Mad Men Suit from Brooks Brothers

While you're at it, don't forget to head over to Mad Men's official site to MadMenYourself!

Rings made from Antique Silver Spoons

2009-11-24T10:36:00.000-08:00

from Revisions on Etsy.

Just received one of my own.

DIY S'mores Kits!

2009-11-24T10:14:00.000-08:00

via: Twig & Thistle

Awesome!

Vintage v.s Modern Design: Travel Posters

2009-11-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

"Our design-minded friends at Grain Edit have thoughtfully rounded up a “handful of travel related posters from 1950s -1970s for all the desk jockeys that are itching to get out of town.”

They are simply stunning. Check out five of our favorites after the jump, along with some modern day counterparts we dredged up. Let us know if you feel more inspired by the old-school versions to update your passport. We certainly did." via Flavorwire

More vintage posters here.

Vintage wins.

DJ Hero

2009-09-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but when I heard that Guitar Hero makers, Activision were coming out with "DJ Hero," I just rolled my eyes and did not feel any excitement for the game. However, that changed when I saw this...

Apparently they have 11 original mixes in the game including:
- Daft Punk “Around the World” vs. Young MC “Bust A Move”
- Daft Punk “Da Funk” vs. NASA “Strange Enough ft. Karen O, ODB and Fatlip”
- Daft Punk “Da Funk” vs. Queen “Another One Bites the Dust”
- Daft Punk “Robot Rock” vs. Hashim “Al-Naafiysh” – Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts
- Daft Punk “Robot Rock” vs. Queen “We Will Rock You”
- Daft Punk “Short Circuit” vs. Boogie Down Productions “Jack Of Spades”
- Daft Punk “Technologic” vs. Gary Numan “Cars”
- Daft Punk “Television Rules The Nation” vs. No Doubt “Hella Good”

and then two megamixes featuring only their own music.

And then there's this Renegade edition of the game. (Which is way too much for me)

Now I'm actually debating whether or not I should pick this up...damn it. I just got Beatles: Rock Band too...

QLOCKTWO

2009-09-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

I've never thought of myself as a clock/watch person but I just realized that this is the third time I've posted about a clock...

Well, the QLOCKTWO is a pretty awesome clock! It's a clock that displays the time in sentences like "It is a quarter to twelve," how cool is that? For the mere price of around $1300 you can go your very own QLOCKTWO in your choice of 5 different colors and 6 different languages. Maybe when I get my own place...

A Song A Day: Ruby Tuesday

2009-09-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Ruby Tuesday
Who could hang a name on you?
When you change with every new day
Still I'm gonna miss you

Artist: The Rolling Stones
Song: Ruby Tuesday
From: Flowers

Band of Outsiders Fall/Winter '09 Featuring Jason Schwartzman

2009-08-31T16:36:00.000-07:00

Shots from Band of Outsiders new Fall/Winter fashion starring Max Fischer, er..Jason Schwartzman on the streets of Chinatown in Los Angeles.

More shots at Swipelife.

Learn Something Every Day

2009-08-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

Learn Something Every Day is a site that gives you random facts with simple drawings. I love it!

A Song A Day: Blue Monday

2009-08-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

An obvious choice for obvious reasons.

Artist: New Order
Song: Blue Monday
From: Substance

A Song A Day: Cannonball

2009-08-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

I know you, little libertine
you're a real coocoo

Artist: The Breeders
Song: Cannonball
From: Last Splash

A Song A Day: French Navy

2009-08-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to control it but love, I couldn't hold it

Artist: Camera Obscura
Song: French Navy
From: My Maudlin Career

A Song A Day: Trains to Brazil

2009-08-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

'cause days don't get you far when you're gone

This tune is fantastic.

Artist: Guillemots
Song: Trains to Brazil
From: Through the Windowpane

Picture taking is fun.

2009-08-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a long hot summer and the latest hobby to occupy my time has been Lomography. It pretty much started when I was bored and decided I wanted to finally buy myself a Polaroid camera because I always loved the dreamy qualities of the instant image and its vignetting. However, much to my chagrin, I found out that Polaroid had discontinued producing the instant film for their classic Polaroid cameras. That is when I decided that I was going to experiment with "toy cameras" instead. Eventually my choices narrowed down between the Holga and the Diana F+; I went with the Diana F+ and I'm very happy I did. Unlike the instant gratification of digital cameras, Lomography uses film which can yield some unpredictable but great results...but you won't know what you get until you develop the film! And perhaps the best part about it all is that both the Holga and Diana cameras are fully customizable to fit your needs, which was great news to me when they introduced the Diana Instant Back+ because it meant that I get to turn my Diana into a Polaroid camera after all! If you're sick of all your pictures looking the same (and you don't have/care for photoshop) then I recommend picking up your very own "toy camera" too.

A Song A Day: 1901

2009-08-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

For a minute thought I couldn't tell how to fall out

Artist: Phoenix
Song: 1901
From: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

A Song A Day: Pulling Our Weight

2009-08-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

We'll find love
The kind we're dreaming of...
And even in time
We'll give in to crime
We'll be on the line
Pulling our weight

Artist: The Radio Dept.
Song: Pulling Our Weight
From: Pulling Our Weight EP

A Song A Day: Bed for the Scraping

2009-08-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sick with this I'm sick with this
Situation avoided or just missed?
My own sweet time says it's ten twenty four
Hardly recognise simple things anymore
I don't want to be defeated
This is the point
This is the manifest
Bed for the scraping
Dirty little secret
Reason for the gathering consequence
What else is there to do
But go outside and look around look around

Artist: Fugazi
Song: Bed for the Scraping
From: Red Medicine

Dirty Diana...Now MINI-Sized

2009-08-19T13:30:00.001-07:00

"The Diana Mini has big shoes to fill being the little sister of the classic beauty Diana F+. Luckily the “Mini” was born a star in her own right. With the flick of a little switch you can move from the retro square format to the amazing Half-Frame, giving you the ability to Shoot Forever, packing 72 shots onto one 35mm film!

The Diana Mini is the ultra-compact, petite version of the Diana F+ camera. This little queen of convenience allows you to shoot square format or half-frame pictures using standard 35mm film – that’s 72 rectangular half-frames or 36 square images on one roll! To further enhance creative possibilities, we’ve thrown in Multiple Exposure and Long Exposure features, a tripod mount, and a cable release attachment – a first for the Diana!

• Pocket-sized and ultra-compact
• Uses convenient 35mm film and standard development
• Allows you to shoot 72 rectangular half-frames or 36 square pictures on one 35mm roll!
• Multiple exposure, long exposure capabilities
• Tripod thread and cable release attachment available"

It's available here: Mini Diana

I just bought F+ a month ago and now this comes out with the ability to use 35MM film. Dirty, Diana, dirty, dirty. Guess I might have to pick this up too.

A Song A Day: Damaged Goods

2009-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I'm thinking that I love you but I know it's only lust.

Artist: Gang of Four
Song: Damaged Goods
From: Entertainment!

A Song A Day: Crocodiles

2009-08-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

I don't want to look back
I can't look around
I don't wanna see it comin' 'round

Artist: Echo and the Bunnymen
Song: Crocodiles
From: Crocodiles

A Song A Day: Llyod I'm Ready to be Heartbroken

2009-08-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

Hey Lloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken
'cause I can't see further than my own nose at this moment

Artist: Camera Obscura
Song: Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken
From: Let's Get Out of this Country

Adidas Nizza Hi X Porter

2009-08-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

Adidas have collaborated with Japanese luggage company Porter (Yoshida Co.) to bring you the Nizza Hi X Porter which sports a black padded nylon and orange lining similar to Porter's famed TANKER series of bags and the feature that sold me: a zipper down the heel to make putting on/taking off high-tops as easy as ABC. Get it at Adidas and it even comes with a Porter bag for carrying your shoes. I just received mine today.

A Song A Day: Summer Song

2009-08-16T20:49:00.001-07:00

Summer came up and saved us all
When Summer came up we sang along
We stayed up talking all night long
So move your feet to the summer song

Artist: Yacht
Song: Summer Song
From: See Mystery Lights

A Song A Day: Too Drunk To Fuck

2009-08-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Dead Kennedys' rambunctious punk rock classic gets a bossa nova makeover from this quirky French group.

Artist: Nouvelle Vague
Song: Too Drunk To Fuck
From: Nouvelle Vague

BADASS: DORYU 2-16 Pistol Camera

2009-08-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

"A video camera for your inner Jack Bauer. The DORYU 2-16 uses the same C-mount found on a 16mm camera with a mounted Cine-Nikkor 25mm F1.4 lens. Believe it or not, this is an actual Japanese police issue camera that is very rare to find. One lucky guy that actually owns this piece of equipment, and it is Japan’s Dr. Ryu Koakimoto." via Swipelife

So cool.

A Song A Day: It Was a Good Day

2009-08-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Classic.

Artist: Ice Cube
Song: It Was a Good Day
From: The Predator

Hear it in the Nike SB (Skateboarding) Promo video featuring Paul "P-Rod" Rodriguez:

Pew! Pew! Chomp! Chomp!

2009-08-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Very fun and neat photography by Patrick Runte

A Song A Day: No One Said This Would Be Easy

2009-08-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

If an indie band made a 007 James Bond tune. From their fantastic new album.

Artist: The Postmarks
Song: No One Said This Would Be Easy
From: Memoirs At The End of the World

These are My Twisted Words by the Greatest Band in the Universe

2009-08-13T11:07:00.001-07:00

At least one morsel of good news has come out in the last two days, a new track mysteriously appeared on the At Ease message board and is titled "These are My Twisted Words." Perhaps leaked by Radiohead themselves?

DL: These Are My Twisted Words (MP3)

A Bathing Ape Fall 2009 Collection

2009-08-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

"Originally spotted within their 2009 Fall Style Manual, Japanese streetwear leader A Bathing Ape is now making their series of ties available throughout various flagship stores. Included are classic ties and bow ties, all sporting stand-out pattern choices, including a vibrant camouflage piece and plaid options. All can be found via select Bape retail locations." via: Hypebeast

I'm really digging these BAPE plaid bow/skinny ties. Guess I've gotta find a store nearby when I accumulate the funds.

I need one of these next to my bed.

2009-08-12T23:39:00.000-07:00

via: olivia munn

For the Ladies: Sanrio X A Bathing Ape

2009-08-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

"Following up on their numerous previous collaborations as well as their joint pop-up shop within the Isetan Shinjuku Department Store, A Bathing Ape unveil the full lineup from their capsule collection alongside Sanrio. Featured are a wide variety of different items, including various graphic selections, fleece, accessories, and footwear, more specifically four new colorways in the brand’s Skullsta model." via Hypebeast

Baby Milo + Hello Kitty = The makings of a fun collaboration. Do it, ladies.

A Song A Day: Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?

2009-08-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

...Because I needed an excuse to post some Zooey Deschanel.

Artist: She and Him
Song: Why Do You Let Me Stay Here
From: Volume One

The fun video featuring her 500 Days of Summer partner in crime: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

A Song A Day: Little Bit / Breaking It Up

2009-08-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

I think i'm a little bit in love with you.

Actually, I couldn't decide which song to post so today you get two songs.

Artist: Lykke Li
Song: Little Bit / Breaking It Up
From: Youth Novels

Little Bit

Breaking It Up

Actually, Make it three.
*Bonus: Little Bit (AutoErotique Bootleg Remix)

LED Graffiti

2009-08-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

"Halo is an LED spraypaint can by French designer Aissa Logerot. Basically, instead of spraying paint (which, kids, you shouldn't huff), it has an LED that sprays light!

The LED light can change colors and brightness on the fly and while it's powered by an internal battery that can be charged by shaking of the can."

"Graffiti artists can conserve their own gesture they have with an aerosol spray. It is possible to change the color and the brightness of the led to change the graffiti's styles. If the light doesn't have enough battery, the user must shake it to have energy again." via Geekologie

Very very neat-o!

A Song A Day: No. 13 Baby

2009-08-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

This little gem is one of my all-time favorites. The ending is bliss.

Artist: Pixies
Song: No. 13 Baby
From: Doolittle

Chicago Union Station: 2020

2009-08-10T12:57:00.001-07:00

click to view larger size

"Chicago Union Station designed by Yaohua Wang, Leonard Ong and Heyu Lu. Imagining a hyperlinked Union Station in 2020." via Foral Blog

This looks amazing.

A Song A Day: Human After All

2009-08-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Artist: Daft Punk
Song: Human After All
From: Human After All

pɹɐpuɐʇs ǝɥʇ Boardshorts by Quiksilver

2009-08-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Standard hotels and Quiksilver have collaborated to conveniently bring you specially designed boardshorts and bikinis that will be sold in vending machines next to their swimming pools. A cool idea. I personally like the Miami short that is pictured above.

Find more info and pictures at Notcot.

Or if you can't make it to the hotel, buy them directly here.

*Recent photos/article of the machine in action.

A Song A Day: Games For Days

2009-08-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Julian Plenti is Skyscraper is Paul Banks of Interpol.

Artist: Julian Plenti
Song: Games For Days
From: Julian Plenti is...Skyscraper

Here is the video featuring a pair of handcuffs and Emily Haines from Metric.

'Cause this is Thriller, Thriller Night

2009-07-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

Springfield Punx has a Simpsonfied Michael Jackson Wallpaper available here.

The Los Angeles Palace Theatre which was featured in the original Thriller video has put up Thriller in their Marquee sign as a nice gesture to remember the groundbreaking video and its superstar. It will remain until mid-August.

Read about it.

More Thriller fun here.

And when you're done, put a click on the jukebox (at the right) and groove to some tunes.

Hello

2009-07-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

Just received my Buddy Carr Skateboards Limited Edition Hello T-shirt designed by Antonio Carusone.

A nice touch on the regular packaging:

Wrapping:

Hello!

Get yours and stay cool (from the summer heat) along with the matching skateboard here. (Courtesy of my pal Wangopee)

I guess I have a thing for red and black text on a white tee, as this is quite similar to another shirt I own...by UGMONK

The New Acropolis Museum is Mighty Impressive

2009-07-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Opening Ceremony

"The Museum, designed by the Swiss-born architect Bernard Tschumi in collaboration with Michalis Photiadis & Associate Architects in Athens, opened its doors to the public only a few days ago on June 20th. Located only 300 meters (980 feet) SouthEast of the Parthenon, with an exhibition space of 14,000 square meters and a cost of €130 million, the New Acropolis Museum houses some of the most famous works of classical antiquity. It aims at providing the visitors with a comprehensive picture of the human presence on the Acropolis, from the pre-historic times through late Antiquity, with the advantage of being built on the slope of the Acropolis itself. The three major materials used for its construction are glass for the facades and some of the floors, concrete for the core and the columns, as well as marble for the galleries." via Yatzer

My level of wanderlust is skyrocketing off the charts. Anyone want to go to Greece?

Enigma Battleship

2009-07-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

"The Enigma Battleship Drinking Game—a classic Battleship game that makes you drink a shot of your favorite alcohol every time you take a hit." via Gizmodo

Must have this.

Linos Portable LP Player

2009-07-02T01:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm really impressed with this great looking record player designed by Charlie Pyott.

From Analog Apartment: "Ditching the traditional full platter configuration for modern sensibilities, this player takes into consideration the space demands and limited mobility of regular turntables. Simply load the record to the lower spindle element and lock it into place from above. Pushing down on the power icon then releases the tonearm and spins up the record. Hook up the player to your comp via micro USB for sound and powering or use the USB power adapter with standard stereo jack output."

The King of Pop: Michael Jackson. 1958-2009

2009-06-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

Billie Jean Live: Motown 25

Best Dance Moves:

Smooth Criminal

Beat It: Live

Billie Jean: 30th Anniversary Special

Captain EO Part 1

Captain EO Part 2

R.I.P to a Legend and Icon

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

2009-06-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

Fourth album from the French band: Phoenix. It's very good.

DL: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Buy: Amazon
Review: Pitchfork

The Best Burger, period.

2009-06-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

When I was still in high school, my older cousin told me about a 21+ bar that she and her friends would go to. Its name was Father's Office and she said that she would take me there one day.

According to her, the service varied between awful to non-existent. To get a table you would have to hover around a group that was already seated and make it so uncomfortable for them to linger around that they'd quickly eat and scram. And if you're a picky eater and ask for substitutions, well they may just tell you to take a hike or let you sit there starving. Which beckons the obvious question that my naive teen-aged self would ask her next: "...why would you bother going through all of that trouble when there are so many burger places all over town?"

"Because it's the absolute best burger, period."

And just like that I've been dying to go ever since. She never had the chance to take me but I finally made it there this Saturday. Arriving at that doorstep, I was expecting to be intimidated by holier-than-thou workers and a snooty crowd.

What I found was a small, very casual and relaxed, almost a hole-in-the-wall bar in Santa Monica with a large selection of great beers on tap and friendly workers. My experience was much different than the horror stories she had told. True, there is not much in the way of "traditional" restaurant service but it's not really a restaurant to begin with. It is a bar that happens to serve food. The menu items are written on the wall. You walk up to the counter, open up a tab and place your order, take your number back to your table and "service" happens when they bring your food. Which brings me to...

The Sweet Potato Fries served with Garlic Aioli sauce. Yum. Each piece had the right amount of crisp and was not too sweet, not too salty. It had just the right amount of balance. Sometimes they're served in a mini shopping cart, other times they're (disappointingly) served in a metal basket which is the case with ours:

and of course, the whole reason for this venture The Office Burger:

Caramelized onions, Applewood bacon compote, Gruyere, Maytag blue cheese and arugula cooked medium between two slices of a French bun. And the actual ribeye patty. Wow. Delicious is an understatement. It is now the only burger I ever want to eat. And if you order the Spanish Mushrooms (with garlic, vinegar, olive oil) side dish and combine it with the burger, you'll get an even larger explosion of flavor that will spoil all other burgers for your tastebuds, forever.

Amazing that it took me about 7+ years to come here because of scheduling conflicts and the fact that I was afraid it would not be able to live up to my lofty expectations. That is 7+ years of hype that was continually building in my appetite. Yet in the end, it surpassed my expectations.

"Because it's the absolute best burger, period."

Record Club

2009-06-19T00:31:00.000-07:00

"Record Club, an informal meeting of various people to record an album in a day. An album will be chosen to be reinterpreted and used as a framework. Nothing rehearsed or arranged ahead of time. A track will be uploaded once a week on beck.com as well as through the web sites of those involved with the project.

For this first edition, after lengthy deliberation and coming close to covering Digital Underground's Sex Packets, all present voted in favor of the 'other' Underground's The Velvet Underground & Nico. Participants included this time around are Nigel Godrich, Joey Waronker, Brian Lebarton, Bram Inscore, Yo, Giovanni Ribisi, Chris Holmes, and from Iceland, special guest Thorunn Magnusdottir, and myself. Thanks to everyone who helped put this together, and to all of you for indulging in this experiment. More soon." via Beck's Official Site

Record Club: Velvet Underground & Nico 'Sunday Morning' from Beck Hansen on Vimeo

I think this is a great idea and this cover is actually pretty good especially when it hasn't even been rehearsed or given a prior arrangement.

From Text-to-Movie

2009-06-16T02:07:00.000-07:00

Xtranormal is a website where anyone who can type can create their very own movie! It is easy to use and a good and fun way to get your creative juices flowing. Here is my crude first attempt at a short:

2009 NBA CHAMPIONS: LOS ANGELES LAKERS

2009-06-15T01:45:00.000-07:00

Following this team for most of my life, I am absolutely ecstatic that they have redeemed themselves from last year's disappointment and brought the trophy back where it belongs.

Kobe Bryant finally gets his fourth ring and can put an end to all of the "he can't win without Shaq" naysayers.

Phil Jackson gets that elusive 10th championship ring to push him ahead of Red Auerbach and put him firmly on top as the winningest coach in NBA history.

Now that the season is officially over...

Re-Sign Odom and Ariza at all costs!

See you at the parade!

A Field Guide to Common North American Phobias

2009-06-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

A fun book by Julia Icenogle covering 15 fears with cute colorful illustrations.

I personally suffered from the one below for most of my early childhood...

Bogyphobia: Fear of Bogeys

Hypothetical Wes Anderson Film Festival

2009-06-11T13:38:00.001-07:00

"For all you Wes Anderson fans - Alex Cornell created extensive promotional material for a hypothetical Wes Anderson Film Festival for his grad project. Posters, packaging, even a trailer."

Wes Anderson Trailer from Alex Cornell

Check out the rest of the perfectly detailed and fun project over at BOOOOOOOM!

Well done, Alex Cornell, well done.

Album Covers as Classic Penguin Books

2009-06-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Pretty rad.

By Littlepixel™ <-Flickrstream

Via: BOOOOOOOM!

Crayons Crayons Crayons

2009-06-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

A neat retrospective on Crayola's packaging through the years.

Via: TheDieline

How Popcorn Should Be Eaten

2009-06-09T09:52:00.001-07:00

Microwave popcorn in packaging that pops into its own bowl? Genius!

Via: playmedesign

The Evolution of Cell-Phones

2009-06-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

"Russian doll style cardboard model representing how mobile technology has miniaturised rapidly since the 1980's."

Via: Creative Review

Movies for People with Short Attention Spans

2009-06-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ever want to watch a movie but find that you just haven't got the time? Well 3 Frame Movies has got the solution by reducing popular films to, yes, just 3 amusing frames so that you get the entire plot and point of the film without having to spend two hours of your valuable time. And best of all, you can "order a movie" to be 3 framed. Once you're at the site, click on one of the video tapes and choose from titles such as Jurassic Park, Juno, Star Wars, and Blade Runner to get started.

Fit to be Tied

2009-06-03T13:09:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I get bored and go through my Amazon wishlist and clear out all the items that I now own or things that I no longer want. One thing I realized was that I love and own a lot of ties even though I hardly ever get the chance to wear them. So here are a few of my favorites that I've added to my wishlist over time:

Woven Silk Tie by Burberry

Royal Stewart Tartan Bow Tie from J. Press

Pinstripe Rep Necktie by Band of Outsiders

Red/Black Knit Tie by Band of Outsiders

Linen Gold Stripe Point Bow Tie by Alexander Olch

Blue Anchor Club Tie by Band of Outsiders

Cotton Madras Bow Tie from J. Press

Wool Plaid Tie by Sovereign Beck

Various ties from David Hart & Co.

Tie Bars and Collar Holders are just a few things you can add to give your look some extra pop.

Silver Skinny Tie Bar from the Fine and Dandy Shop

Misfit Tie Bar by Nikolai Rose

Check Tiebar by Burberry

Gatwick Leather-Encased Collar Pins from WANT Les Essentials De La Vie

Silver Collar Holder from J. Press

Beatles: Rock Band

2009-06-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

The trailers for Beatles: Rock Band were finally unveiled today at E3 and I am totally stoked. The first trailer is going to be the game's opener which spans the band's career and is especially cool because it's animated in an Anime style. Again, I'm stoked. Afterall, it's...THE BEATLES. I'm going to have to make a Gamestop tomorrow and preorder this.

Here's what the instruments look like:

Woolrich + Converse =

2009-06-02T01:11:00.000-07:00

Woolrich and Converse have collaborated to bring Woolrich's famous wool plaid flannel together with Converse's iconic Chuck Taylor's. No word yet on when and where these will become available but I'm keeping my eye out for a pair in red.

More shots over at Hypebeast

UPDATE: Will arrive in stores August 1st.

The Art of Lou Romano

2009-06-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Pixar's Up made 68.1 million dollars this weekend which means there was a pretty good chance that you watched it. And if you did watch it, you were viewing the excellent art direction of Lou Romano who is a member of Pixar's Art Department and was the voice of Alfredo Linguini in Ratatouille.

Here are some samples of his work:
from "Up"

from "The Incredibles"

More over at his official Blog: http://louromano.blogspot.com/

Kobe/LeBron: The MVPuppets

2009-05-24T03:54:00.000-07:00

If you've been watching this year's NBA playoffs then surely you've caught Nike's hilarious new ad campaign starring the MVP of last year, Kobe Bryant, and the current MVP, LeBron James...both in muppet form. The debate will rage on and on about which player is better but one thing's for sure, they're both great together, take a gander below at the MVPuppets:

"Chalk"

"3 Rings"

"Unstoppable"

"Mrs. Lewis"

"Lil' Dez"

"Car Jump"

"Lil' Dez and LeBron Home Alone"

LEGO Movie Posters

2009-05-20T22:08:00.000-07:00

More LEGO fun for today:

Via SpeckyBoy

LEGO Architecture

2009-05-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

The LEGO Group and Brickstructures Inc. announced that they're producing and distributing Frank Lloyd Wright Building Sets such as the Guggenheim Museum and Fallingwater. I'm totally stoked and can't wait to get my hands on these sets. Read more about it via PrairieMod.

These are totally better and more detailed than the Sears Tower I bought in December during my visit to Chicago:

Purchase this and a few others from: Chicago Architecture Foundation Shop
Search: "Lego"

Transforming USB

2009-05-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

Sweet. For a whopping $43, you can head over to the BigBadToyStore and purchase your very own Transformers USB Flash Drive. The price is steep for only 2GB...however my mind may change if it was Soundwave...

Chipmunk Meet Wookie

2009-05-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

Amusing.

Jack Spade Moustache Gloves

2009-05-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

(via Google Images)

Currently on sale at Jack Spade is the latest entry to the moustache trend: the Moustache Gloves!

Wilco (The Album)

2009-05-13T13:52:00.001-07:00

Wilco is one of my favorite bands and this is their latest album:

DL: Wilco (The Album)
Buy: Amazon

Tracklist:
1. "Wilco (The Song)" - 2:59
2. "Deeper Down" - 2:59
3. "One Wing" - 3:42
4. "Bull Black Nova" - 5:39
5. "You and I" - 3:26
6. "You Never Know" - 4:21
7. "Country Disappeared" - 4:02
8. "Solitaire" - 3:04
9. "I'll Fight" 4:23
10. "Sonny Feeling" - 4:13
11. "Everlasting Everything" - 3:58

Pixar's Up

2009-05-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I'm pretty excited about Pixar's latest installment, simply titled: Up. Right now over at /Film, you can find 38 newly released photos as well as this neat little anatomy of a scene below:

While you're at it, Apple has an exclusive new trailer which you can view here.

The movie is being released in theaters everywhere on May 29th, I can't wait!

House of Cards

2009-05-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

This is Bryan Berg, he is a world record holding Cardstacker. He is incredible.

Building the U.S. Capitol

Building the Beijing Olympic Stadium

2009 Lexus ES Commercial

Behind the Scenes of the 2009 Lexus ES Commercial

Official Page.

David Bowie, Oh Yeah Man!

2009-05-12T10:28:00.001-07:00

Because any day is a good day for some David Bowie.

Here are the essentials:

DL: Hunky Dory
Buy: Amazon

DL: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Buy: Amazon

DL: Aladdin Sane
Buy: Amazon

DL: Station to Station
Buy: Amazon

DL: Low
Buy: Amazon

DL: Heroes
Buy: Amazon

A New Edition to the Bookshelf

2009-05-11T15:16:00.000-07:00

i just bought this:

The Color Book Table Clock by Present Time. Pick one up at perpetual kid.

Playlists.

2009-05-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

I've added an embedded playlist via lala over on the right of this blog. It shall be updated whenever I see fit. Go ahead and give it a click.

Summer-Time Coca-Cola Classic

2009-05-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

Coca-Cola is releasing 5 Limited Edition Can Designs for the summer including this sweet one below:

Check out the rest via theDieline

Deerhunter - Rainwater Cassete Exchange

2009-05-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

The latest EP from Brandon Cox and co.

DL: Rainwater Cassette Exchange
Buy: Amazon

Hang The DJ

2009-05-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

Neat clocks made from real vinyl records, each one is unique and can be purchased from The Grateful Thread.

Bat For Lashes

2009-05-04T23:16:00.000-07:00

DL: Two Suns
Buy: Amazon

"Two Suns" is Natasha Khan, a.k.a. Bat For Lashes' follow up to her 2006 debut "Fur & Gold." I haven't been able to stop listening to the first single: "Daniel" for the last couple of months.

Here's the video for "Daniel."

...and here she is performing it live on the Late Show with David Letterman

Be Kind Rewind.

2009-05-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

I was playing remote control roulette the other day out of boredom and landed in the middle of writer/director Michel Gondry's entertaining and delightful 2008 film: "Be Kind Rewind," and decided to watch it again. The movie revolves around Mike, played by Mos Def, who helps runs Mr. Fletcher's (Danny Glover) video store which is in danger of being foreclosed. Jack Black plays Jerry, Mike's friend and nuisance whom after a freak accident becomes magnetized and inadvertently ends up erasing every VHS in the video store which sets up the movie's premise: Mike and Jerry must remake or "swede" the movies in the store to appease and stall the customers before Mr. Fletcher finds out, however they end up becoming the biggest stars in their neighborhood and soon everyone wants to be a part of the "sweding."

The "sweded" movies are the most fun part of the entire film as Michel Gondry employs clever camera tricks to make creative low-fi special effects, here's a sampling:
Rush Hour 2 Sweded Version

Ghostbusters Sweded Version

When the movie was originally released, they had a section on their official site which allowed fans to upload their own "sweded" movies. Here's my favorite so far:
300 Fan-Swede

Find more at the Internet (Sweded) Movie Database.

The Owl Wrap

2009-04-30T15:17:00.000-07:00

A brilliant solution for preventing pesky chord tangling. Available at Etsy. I just bought two.

NES Mouse

2009-04-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

"This is a foam model which were modeled in various ways for a project in school. I chose to make a Nintendo Entertainment System mouse in which I took much of the design language from the NES system and gamepad." via: mousevomit

This is rad.

A Dose of Anna Karina

2009-04-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

Just because.

The scene is from Jean-Luc Godard's Une Femme est Une Femme.

Obamarama.

2009-04-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

The White House has set up an official photostream of President Obama and his first 100 days in office. There are some really great and interesting shots in there so check them out on Flickr.

Kobe Doin' Work: A Game in the Life

2009-04-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

"Kobe Doin' Work: A Game in the Life" is a documentary directed by Spike Lee and is an unprecedented glimpse and insight into what Gameday is like for NBA superstar Kobe Bryant. Utilizing 30 cameras and a microphone on Kobe himself, audiences will get a chance to see how Kobe prepares for a game, how he handles himself on/off the court and hear how he inspires his teammates on the bench, his banter with the referees and opposing players. It is no secret that I am a huge fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and have been following Kobe Bryant's glorious career since he was drafted 13th overall in 1996 so it should be no surprise that I am very excited about this project. It is currently playing at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York until May 3rd and will air on ESPN, Saturday May 16th at 8PM. It will also be released on DVD, May 19th and you can preorder a copy here.

For now, catch the trailer below:

or head over here to watch it in HD.