SW biko

Cutey Superhero Calendars!

March 29, 2013 by SW biko 1 Comment

I’ve never been a big fan of calendars. Sometimes, it just reminds me of how many long days are left before the weekend starts or how wide the disparity is between the number of workdays and days in the weekend are. However, being a fan of comic book superheoes, this calendar will at least bring a big smile on my face every time I look at what day it is. There’s only a few calendars left since they went on sale recently but you can check out some other calendars here – such as a cute Star Wars and an Animal Matryoshka one.

MSRP: $15.00USD

For more info, go to: Calendar Sale!

Filed Under: Art Tagged With: calendars, date, DC Comics, etsy, Marvel Comics, superhero, year

Create your own Foldable Gift!

March 28, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

Just found the perfect gift to give to my friends and family this year. Forget the jewelry for my wife, the Xbox games for my son, the rum cake for my friends, I’m giving them something that is special, unique, and memorable – a foldable me. Anyone can go onto foldable.me and download a pic of themselves and *Boom*, in two weeks you can give a little mini cardboard copy of yourself and have this next to them all the time. Personally, it’s be nice if these foldable.me figures came in different costumes like having one in an army fatigue outfit, or as Batman, Predator, or maybe even Luke Skywalker.

http://vimeo.com/49669508#at=0

For more info, go to: Foldable.Me.

Filed Under: Art, Design, Geeky Tagged With: cardboard, create, foldable, Foldable.Me, paper

G-Shock with Bluetooth

March 27, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

One of the great things of owning an iPhone, is looking through all the available accessories and gadgets that work with it. One such gadget I came across, is this Bluetooth enabled G-Shock watch from Casio. I love G-Shocks for their durability and with this one, you can pair your iPhone with it and be alerted to Facebook and Twitter events, calls, or email. It can sync-up time to your phone’s clock and it even includes an iPhone finder feature just in case you misplace your precious smartphone on those “what was I doing again?” days.

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Filed Under: Geeky, Tech Tagged With: Bluetooth, Casio, G-shock, iPhone, Japan, link, watch

AViiQ: Portable Charging Station

March 26, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

This is definitely going on my Xmas wish list later this year – It’s another awesome product by Aviiq, a company known for making modern, sleek, and practical mobile accessories. This is the Portable Charging Station with Battery Pack in its Leather Series. It includes an integrated 5200mAh Lithium Ion battery, a dapper leather carrying case, and a cable rack system for wire management. No more traveling with that zip lock bag full of cables and plugs – I can finally travel with all my gadgets in style.

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Filed Under: Geeky, Tech Tagged With: AViiQ, charging station, iPad, iPhone, leather series, portable, USB

Instant Print Digital Pictures

March 25, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

For those who are not happy just seeing a digital picture but wants that photo printed out right away, Polaroid has figured out a solution and came out with this neat little camera. This camera still retains all the great features we love about digital cameras – like the 10 megapixel sensor, 720p HD video recording, 6x digital zoom, and anti-shake image stabilization, but best of all, it contains ZINK Zero Ink Printing Technology which provides “inkless” printing; no need to install any sort of ink cartridges. What you get are 2″ x 3″ full color prints in less than a minute without the use of any nearby computer or photo printer.

MSRP: $179.99USD

For more info, go to: Polaroid Z2300W.

Filed Under: Geeky, Tech Tagged With: 10MP, camera, digital camera, instant pictures, Jpeg, Polaroid

Army Man Bottle Opener

March 16, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

When I was young I played with toy soldiers and I bought my son a set of them a few years ago. Seeing this bottle opener brings back some good memories of playing with those army toys plus it made me wonder where I those stowed those guys away. Made of die-cast metal, and is around $22 after shipping at Amazon, maybe it’s a good thing I don’t know where the old army men are, that way I’d never get them mixed up together since it’ll be a pain trying to find the opener.

MSRP: $18.05USD

Buy it @ Amazon.com – Army Man Bottle Opener.

Filed Under: Drink Tagged With: 180 Degrees, Amazon.com, Army Man, beer, bottle opener

BeardSKI

March 15, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

Some skiers and snowboarders take great care of their eyes, hands, and feet, but tend to neglect their nose, chin, and lips. Since winter sports peeps love to have fun, Beardski came out with these stylish and comfortable 12 inch synthetic beards to protect you from the harsh winter weather. You can now look like a member of ZZ Top while hitting the slopes, though it looks more like a Wookie mask to me, either way, it looks pretty cool.

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: beardSKI, Chill, face protection, mask., skiing, snow, snowboarding

Umbrella Samurai by Materious

March 14, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

With this awesome umbrella that has a replica of a samurai sword handle, hopefully, I can walk down the street without getting stared at by passersby or getting stopped by curious onlookers. But who cares, once I wrap the umbrella behind my back, and with my long rain coat on, I can walk around feeling like a masterless samurai roaming the streets of feudal Japan. And when it starts raining, I’ll be ready and waiting.

MSRP: $35.00USD

For more details, go to: Kikkerland Design – Umbrella Samurai.

Filed Under: Design, Fashion Tagged With: Japan, Kikkerland Design, Materious, rain, umbrella, umbrella samurai

Techno Tree by Vivian Muller

March 12, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

I’m not very adept in growing any assortment of plants or flowers. It seems every type of vegetation in my house or in my cube just ends up being kaput. Though when I saw the Electree, there wasn’t any apprehension in wanting this especially when knowing that it would be very difficult for this to die on me. Designed by Vivian Muller, it’s a bonsai sculpture with 27 movable solar panels acting as leaves that is able to charge many different mobile devices. Not only will this look good in any room, it’s also wonderfully inventive and functional.

For more on this Smartphone tree, go to: Vivian Muller – Electree.

Filed Under: Design Tagged With: art, bonsai, designer, Electree, sculpture, smartphones, solar panels, Vivian Muller

i-Wood Laptop by Bea Seggering & Donkey Creative Lab

March 9, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

I told my son that he was getting a laptop for his birthday this year and he got pretty excited. Although, I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he opens up the box and sees this laptop inside. This i-Wood Laptop, designed by Bea Seggering & Donkey Creative Lab, should give him endless hours of fun and where the only limit is his imagination. Not exactly sure how he’s going to download his League of Legends onto this but the most important thing is that Daddy kept his promises. A word of warning, this is intended for kids who are at least 3 years old and, if he or she is older, make sure the kid has a good sense of humor. Also, never try this on your spouse, or else she won’t be your spouse for too long afterwards.

MSRP: $61.00USD

For more details on this i-Wood Laptop, head over to: Donkey Products – i-Wood Laptop.

Filed Under: Design, Geeky Tagged With: bea seggering, children, donkey creative lab, eco-friendly, education, i-wood, kids, laptop, recycle

Seungji Mun’s Dog Safe Sofa

March 8, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

I don’t own a dog since there’s enough on my plate with the wife and son, but maybe when my son leaves for college, I might consider having a canine companion. By then, I will definitely have considered picking up one of these beautifully designed sofas so that myself and man’s best friend can sit together comfortably. He or she can have a little nap while I enjoy a movie.

For more info and images, go to: Seungji Mun – Dog Safe Sofa.

Filed Under: Design Tagged With: cat, dog, dog safe, furniture, pet safe, Seungji Mun, sofa

Protect Your Thumbs with Freehands Gloves

March 7, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

The thumb was of great importance for human evolution. Sorry guys, beer brewing or building monster trucks are not as important since the thumb enabled us to hold tools, climb, hitchhike, and now, more importantly, text stupid messages to your homies. With this glove, you can protect your hands and fingers while having the thumb and forefinger free for touchscreen devices so that you can still surf in sub-freezing temperatures. What’s unique for this glove is the use of finger caps so that when you’re done texting or surfing, you can put your fingers back in the glove and keep them toasty.

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: cashmere, freehands, gloves, hand gloves, leather, microfur, thumb, wool knit

Friis Coffee Vault

March 6, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

I have this obsession with keeping coffee fresh. To save money, I’ve been buying coffee in bulk, but my finicky taste for great coffee had me searching for ways to keep it as fresh as long as possible. Recently, the Friis Coffee Vault came to my attention, and this stainless steel container removes any trapped gases that break down and destroy coffee flavor over time. This will be the perfect gift for anyone who, like me, are looking for that consistently tasty brew in the morning.

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Filed Under: Drink Tagged With: caffeine, coffee vault, drinkers, friis, storing coffee

For Men & Women: the adjustable waist belt!

March 5, 2013 by SW biko Leave a Comment

I’m pretty sure this has happened to most everyone who’s ever worn a belt, where one starts by being on the second belt notch in the morning, then to the third one by lunch, and by dinner time, it’s been moved to the fourth notch. Somehow, it just seems to shrink more and more throughout the day. Well, this belt should help solve that problem since there are no belt notches/holes and you can slide it at 1/4 inch increments. If only they can make an “automatic sliding buckle” so no one can see my belt adjustment at the buffet line.

MSRP: belts start @ $54.99USD

For more info and other types of cool belts, check out Nexbelt.com.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: adjustable, men, nexbelt, waist, women

Audeze LCD2

November 20, 2012 by SW biko Leave a Comment

Christmas is coming and here I go again this year with my wish list. Though every year, that lame St. Nick never delivers what I want. But that won’t stop me, I plan to post more of my wish lists in the coming weeks here at Retrenders. First on the list are these gorgeous Audeze LCD2 headphones with Lambskin leather cushions, Rosewood earcups, and a planar magnetic driver. What else more can I ask for in a headphone?

MSRP: $995.00USD

For more details, go to Audeze LCD2 – Bamboo.

Filed Under: Geeky Tagged With: bamboo, CD, heaphones, Lambskin, MP3, music, Rosewood

Drink: Star Wars Bottle Opener

November 19, 2012 by SW biko Leave a Comment

In a planet far, far away, they probably have beer, and they will probably need something to open it with. That’s where they would need this millennium falcon bottle opener. It’s unfortunate this thing doesn’t shoot out lasers or have sound effects, but to be able to hold a small replica in your hand with the cold beer in the other, well, I think thats good enough for any Star Wars-loving guy.

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Filed Under: Drink, Geeky Tagged With: beer, bottle, Han Solo, Lucas, Millennium Falcon, thinkgeek

Umbrella Art by Luke Jerram

November 18, 2012 by SW biko 2 Comments

The staff here at Retrenders has brought you other umbrella art pieces in the past – maybe its a trend. Seriously though, artist Luke Jerram said it best in describing his recent outdoor art installation Just Sometimes, “It’s ok to create something that is simply beautiful that makes the public smile.” Honestly, I really wouldn’t mind walking by this to work everyday. Sure would bring a smile to my face and some spring to my feet as I tackle a long day of work. Go to his website to check out some of his other amazing art installation, sculptures, and live art.

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Filed Under: Art Tagged With: art project, colors, live art, London, Luke Jerram, rain, street art, UK

Bringing Soul to Your eBooks

November 17, 2012 by SW biko Leave a Comment

I love everything about a good book – the weight in my hand, the beautiful cover, and of course, the great enjoyment the story has brought me. With e-readers, we lose the weight, but we also lose the “soul” of the book. With this imaginative idea by Outofprintclothing.com, one gets to still enjoy their favorite book and cling on to at least some of that “soul” by fitting their eBook with a jacket adorned with original book cover art. Made by the oldest bookbinder in the U.S., the cases also look and feel like an actual book. Check out some of my current favorites – The Great Gatsby and A Clockwork Orange jackets.

For more info, go to: KickStarter – Out of Print eBook Jackets.

Filed Under: Art, Books, Design Tagged With: Book Covers, E-Reader Covers, iPad, Kindle, Nexus, Out Of Print Clothing

Mirvish x Gehry = Toronto Project

November 16, 2012 by SW biko Leave a Comment

Frank Gehry has some hits and misses (don’t we all however), but whenever I hear his name, I have to tune in and see for myself what he’s currently up to, because you never know, the next one might just amaze the socks off of you. So far, the models and images for a new entertainment district in his hometown of Toronto is simply amazing. Here’s the video that introduces this impressive project.

Filed Under: Art, Design Tagged With: architecture, Canada, city landscape, district, Frank Gehry

Smoko Toaster USB Hub

November 15, 2012 by SW biko Leave a Comment

At first this reminded me of a children’s toy for a five year old but after looking at it a little closer, it brought a huge smile to my face. Not for its silliness, but for it’s cleverness. Each piece of toast is a 4GB Flash Drive and the toaster itself is the USB hub. The artist took a mundane, everyday appliance and applied a nice amount of wit and charm – I just love the Crisp Toast Flash Drive with the crossed out eyes. The USB Flash Drives come in four designs (Tato, Butta, Ry Ry, and Crisp), while the toaster is equipped with four USB ports and a SD card slot.

Buy these neat USB flash devices @ My Plastic Heart – Smoko Toaster USB Hub.

Filed Under: Geeky, Tech Tagged With: 4GB, bread, breakfast, flash drive, toaster, USB flash

The Popinator: Voice-Command Popcorn Machine

November 1, 2012 by SW biko Leave a Comment

We all have those moments when the sudden urge to munch is greater than getting up and getting the darn food. No need to suffer any more, with the voice activated popcorn shooter, you can shoot food into your mouth at a moment’s notice. You don’t have to miss your favorite touchdown or get up from that 24 hour gaming marathon with your friends, just say the word “pop” to shoot out the popcorn and snatch the food out of the air. I wish I had one right now so I don’t have to take my fingers off this keyboard. Or if someone came up with a margarita model – then life would be complete.

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: butter, corn, Indiana, movies

Manwich: The Eggs Benedict Burger

October 31, 2012 by SW biko Leave a Comment

Eggs Benedict Burger via Werd.com

You only live once and you should probably eat this at least once. It looks delicious with the egg benedict, bacon, and hamburger. It includes a poached egg (chicken!) plus bacon (the other white meat), and a dollop of hollandaise sauce that slides right down. To be honest, my cholesterol level just shot up just looking at it.

For more info, go to: Werd.com – Eggs Benedict Burger.

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: bacon, breakfast, eggs, meat, Werd.com

Leica X2 – Paul Smith Edition

October 31, 2012 by SW biko Leave a Comment

What do you get when you blend two companies who are masters at their craft? You get the new Paul Smith for Leica X2 Camera. The simple beauty and functional design of Leica was never compromised when Paul Smith added his magic touch to design this camera. Leica’s look and features are unmistakably present and anyone knowing Paul Smith’s colorful designs will be able to recognize and appreciate this wonderful collaboration. This is slightly out of my price range (USD $3,025 + State taxes and delivery), but if you are a camera enthusiast, you are probably drooling right about now.

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Filed Under: Photos, Tech Tagged With: ag, digital camera, Jpeg, pictures

Yulia Brodskaya – Creative Paper Art

October 30, 2012 by SW biko 2 Comments

Artist Yulia Brodskaya brings together all the things she likes most – paper, typography, and hand-made craft objects, then created some amazing paper-art pieces. The vibrant color is what initially struck me but there is so much more. It’s as if she is able to give her creations life from the paper she uses.

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Filed Under: Art Tagged With: Brodskaya, crafts, fonts, hand-made art, paper, type, Yulia

Sengoku Avengers

October 30, 2012 by SW biko Leave a Comment

Alex Mitchell did his homework when he created these drawings of Avengers as Japanese warriors and gods. It would be great to see Alex taking these “Japanese Avengers” and make it into some kind of full-length anime film. How about a Seven Samurai-like adventure? Now that would be epic.

Check out more of Alex’s artwork @ DeviantArt – Genesischant.