We pick interesting products and trends for you!
If you are ever in East LA and you have a craving for playing classic arcade games – you might want to head over to Caine’s Arcade. This 9 year old – Caine Monroy – built a bunch of arcade games from cardboard at his dad’s shop. At first no customers would show up, but through social media the word got out and now little Caine is running a business.
I want to be in Kaneda’s biker gang!
Akira is one of the most iconic anime films and has inspired many cosplayers and fans building Shotaro Kaneda’s motorcycle. But this new bike has Akira’s creator Katshuhiro Otomo’s blessings. From his hometown of Fukuoka, Japan – Mr. Tejima built Kaneda’s famous futuristic super bike.
Quick stats: The bike took Mr. Tejima 7 years to build and cost him around $121,000USD.
This mashup remix music video came out awhile back, like 4 years ago. It still cracks me up – He-Man and 4 Non-Blondes “What’s Up?”
Digital artist Giorgio Cantù wanted to see what Angry Birds would look like in the 1980s video game world. This looks pretty cool. Check out his personal site @ Girogio Cantù.
Angry Birds 1980s by Giorgio Cantu.
Can I get a Happy Meal?
If you’re a fan of DC Comics’ Green Lantern you might want to grab these nifty toys from McDonalds. Collect all 8 items from this set. More info on the McD’s Happy Meals: Green Lantern toys.
Japan just hosted the 2012 sport cup stacking competition for Asia. From kids to seniors – these guys are super fast. The World Championships of Sport Stacking will take place in Butzbach (40 minutes from Frankfurt), Germany from April 14-15th, 2012. This invite-only tournament will bring over 250 contestants from 20-plus countries.
For more info, go to: World Sport Stacking Asscociation (WSSA).
Since the advent of YouTube, everybody and their mom cuts and splices their own fan/tribute music videos to their favorite anime or cult TV show. Here’s a good one using Frou Frou’s single “Must Be Dreaming.”
Men’s magazine GQ have a little fun this Q&A. These two guys come from different backgrounds, but like wearing Supreme apparel. Rapper and skater Tyler – The Creator and old man fashionista Glenn O’Brien share their love of the street brand Supreme.
These students are jamming A-ha’s classic “Take On Me” with their accordions. Surprisingly, these music students are from the Kum Song school in North Korea and, as you know, North Korea is known for other things.
Rapunzel from Tangled by Jirka Väätäinen @ jirkavinse.wordpress.com/
Ever wonder what your cartoon Disney princesses would like in the real world? Would they look like a Barbie doll or a Valley girl? A college kid from the UK – Jirka Väätäinen did his own Photoshop project and rendered various Disney heroines with real world female faces.
Sexy Marvel tees – because it’s Uniqlo!
A friend of mine was recently in Hong Kong for vacation and stopped over @ the Uniqlo store and got me this fresh collab tee by Uniqlo and Marvel Comics. The tee is of course %100 cotton and reprints classic comic covers from Marvel comics. Remember when comics were .40 cents! In my day it was .75 cents and I’m really dating myself here. But if you are in Asia – make sure you stop by the Uniqlo stores for these cool collab tees.
Check it out: Uniqlo Jpn or Uniqlo USA
The Reaping from District 12 Lego-style.
It’s Hunger Games Mania this week! Here’s a cool custom Lego build of a scene from the “Hunger Games.” Check out Brian (Atin)’s Flickr site for more info, photos and how he built the District 12 set: Grim Reapings.
HIN kicked off its first event of the year for 2012 in Pomona, CA. Also check our Flickr page for more photos of the event – Retrenders @ HIN 2012 Pomona.
Custom Hikari Gunship by Mark Stafford.
This custom Lego Hikari Gunship looks really cool. Check out custom toy builder Mark Stafford’s Flickr site @ Lego Nabii.
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Major Kusanagi & her Tachikoma tank by Cole Blaq.
Okay, this is really cool. If you are into anime and a fan of “Ghost in the Shell” – check out these custom built Lego toys – Major Kusanagi and her Tachikoma tank. These custom Lego builds are by Cole Blaq. Check out more pics, other custom builds, and details @ Cole Blaq’s Flickr and his blog @ Cole Blaq.
One big yummy bowl of Jajangmyeon!
Jajangmyeon on a rainy day is awesome comfort food. Check out this big bowl of noodles with black bean sauce! My mouth is watering just from looking at this picture. This is one of the most popular dishes in Korea. Watching Kdramas like Coffee Prince and With Yoo Hee made me want to eat Jajangmyeon all the time!
Never wanting to be outdone by Target, Kohl’s exclusive is Rock & Republic. A stylish “out on the town” set for the men and ladies for Spring 2012.
Go to: Kohl’s.
Everybody should backpack through Europe once in their lifetime. Not only will you have an amazing adventure but you will also end up meeting different kinds of people from all walks of life. Well, the hostels can be a hit or miss, but you can use Yelp to find the best hostels for your stay. I have to say, besides the clubs, the food, the shops, the tourist spots, and the gazillion churches to visit, I also enjoyed just sitting at a café writing and drawing in my journal. It was cool jotting ideas and other random thoughts arising from my head while watching the world around me. Picture a cozy outdoor café in the South of France overlooking the sea while you are sipping on a cup of coffee.
An editor over @ Everythingisterrible.com must have had a lot of time on his hands because he ended up cutting this 1975 Superman TV musical into 3 minutes of terrible fun. It’s so bad that’s it’s actually funny to watch. Maybe a Smallville musical?
Asking the tough questions of whether to turbo or supercharge your ride.
Hot Import Nights started off its 2012 season in Pomona, California this past weekend – 03/10/12.
HIN in full effect.
Teruo Artistry is releasing their cool 2012 snapback hat line-up. Teruo Artistry has always been unique – a blend of West Coast design & Japanese art.
You will now look supa fresh at SF Giants games.
With Dr Suess’ birthday celebration last week and the Lorax movie opening up this past weekend – Dr Suess’ Lorax gets into the act with Converse. Various Dr Suess’ characters make their sneaker appearance on the classic Chuck Taylor shoe. These are colorful and fun shoes for both kids and adults. Prices range from $32.00 – $65.00 USD.
Nidhi Chanani Art Work
I like technology and I enjoy collecting toys, but what I like more is art that says something to our hearts and minds. My friend Johnny Moreno creates these incredible paintings on canvas celebrating the rich Latino history and culture. And with Wondercon approaching this month, we should try to hit up Artist Alley and support our indie artists.
Again – “stay cool.”
For more info on the Spring/Summer 2012 Shoe Collection – check out: ALDO shoes.
Johnny Moreno
Edward Ballar
GuestContributor
kellyannbrooke
Ramon Angel
Al Woo
Stephen Jang
SW biko
Retrenders 