Interview with DJ/Producer Steve Aoki

steveaokijumping2012Check out this clip of Steve Aoki – he’s one heck of a talented guy who’s got some very interesting things to say about music and spirituality.  Of course the music in the background is thumping and clips from his shows just permeate with excitement and energy, but you can tell that this guy loves his job.

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Smaller iPad Screen

We really shouldn’t be spreading rumors but what the heck, some things in life are too good not to share. There are reports coming out that Apple is planning on producing a smaller iPad with a 7 to 8 inch screen. Even though the bigger iPad screen is great for surfing the net, the smaller screen will be perfect for the public transit commuter like me. With one hand on the rail bar and one hand on a smaller iPad – now they have to figure out how I can surf with just one thumb because I’m not taking that hand off the rail. Have you seen how some bus drivers drive around lately?

Check out the Bloomberg article:  iPad with Smaller Screen.

Miguel Mestre Concept – My Desk

Photo via Design Milk – My Desk by Miguel Mestre

This is such a great idea. I already have a stack of paper on my desk to doodle and take notes, so why not make the stack of paper into a full sized desk?  Though this is still a concept design, with this I can finally draw on my table top all I want and still have a clean desk everyday. Although I would hate to spill coffee on this thing.

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UNIQLO x Coca-Cola = 2012 Theme Contest

Themed designed by Karrie Lee, Hong Kong – UTGP 2012 Coca-Cola Contest.

I love Uniqlo and can’t wait until they open their store here in San Francisco, but for now I’ll just read and buy their stuff on the internet. Recently, they held a design contest and they have just announced the winner.  This year’s contest Uniqlo was looking for the best Coca Cola themed design.  The winner was from Hong Kong, designer Karrie Lee.  Big kudos for a fresh take.

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Public Hotel: The Pump Room

The Pump Room, Public Hotel in Chicago.

Next time you visit Chicago, check out the Pump room inside Ian Schrager’s Public Hotel. The restaurant is reasonably priced and it’s almost like dining under a planetarium.

For more info on the restaurant, go to:  Public Hotels – Chicago.

Bayan Audio 7 iPod Speaker Dock

Here’s a nice little system to dock your iPhone – the Bayan Audio 7. It has an 8″ woofer with 120W of power which is loud enough for any room. It can also charge and play any Apple devices. The only problem – it’s currently only available in England. Hopefully it makes it’s way here in the States.

For more info on this cool iPod speaker dock, go to:  Bayan Audio 7 iPod Speaker Dock.

Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama

LV x Yayoi Kusama

Yayoi Kusama might not be a common household name to us here in the US but she is a very influential artist. She has worked in a wide variety of mediums, including painting and sculpture, most of which exhibit her thematic interest in psychedelic colors. She has also inspired Andy Warhol and many other modern artists. Louis Vuitton is working with her on a line of bags that’s coming out this October 2012.

For more pics from the collection, go to:  Purse Blog – LV x Yayoi Kusama.

Anthony Dickens’ Japanese Paper Lanterns

Tekio by Anthony Dickens, photo from Cool Hunting

I really like this concept of lighting.  Our current lighting setup is very one or two dimensional – it can take several light bulbs to fill up a room.  A bunch of fluorescent lights are able to fill up a room but it’s not very appealing to the eye. This concept blends the functionality of lighting with aesthetic sensibilities.

For more info, go to:  Cool Hunting – Anthony Dickens’ Tekio.

Reebok Collabs Hitting 2012

Photo from Sole Collector.com

Very simply put – Reebok meets Ghost in the Shell. Can’t wait for the day when Batman will pair up with Nike or how about Adidas and the Avengers?  For more info and release date, go to:  Sole Collector – Reebok Insta Pump Fury – Tachikoma.

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Since the Reebok Insta Pump Fury x Ghost in the Shell is not out yet, why not get these limited release sneakers – the Reebok Insta Pump Fury x Spider-Man kicks?

You can pick up a pair @ Mita Sneakers Japan and it’ll set your wallet back around $237.00USD.  How come Asia gets all these cool kicks?

Throwback Kicks: Adidas ZX 500

Who needs a time machine when they keep retro-ing all the coolest shoes of the 80’s. Adidas is reissuing the Adidas ZX 500 which was first introduced back in the 80’s. Every detail is exactly the same as the original shoe. If only they kept the 1980’s price … 😦

MSRP:  around $80.00USD.

For more info, go to:  Adidas ZX 500.

Mixtape Table

by Jeff Skierka Designs

This is a real coffee table in the shape of a cassette tape at 12:1 scale. My son, who is 9, has no idea what a cassette tape, turntable, or VCR is. He’s still amazed when I tell him that TV used to be only in black and white. Kids are just so darned funny these days.

For more info on the mixtape table, go to:  Jeff Skierka Designs.

Sandrine Estrade Boulet

It’s always nice to see an artist that can take the mundane part of life, something that we normally ignore, and turn it into something pretty, interesting, and funny. That’s what French artist Sandrine Estrade Boulet did.

I liked the way she described this in her own words, “To create a sensitive work that is fun, positive and totally disinhibited. Imagine spontaneous images than can make people feel good, putting a smile on their face: this is what really motivates me and amuses me.”

Sometimes an artists’ empty canvas can be difficult to start with, but to be able to take a mundane subject and turn it into a feel good art piece, that’s a very special talent.

See her artwork and other photos here – Sandrine Estrade Boulet.

JPN Only: Adidas Originals Mita Sneakers

These kicks are not currently available in the states, only in Japan, but you’re able to get it through Undefeated’s website.

And since you’re there, I’d recommend checking out their Adidas line.

Go to:  Undefeated.com.

Dragon King “Enter the Dragon” by kaNO

I always love all things Bruce Lee because he was DA MAN. Check out this cool figure by kaNO.  The figure is limited to 250 pieces worldwide.

MSRP:  $65.00 plus Shipping & Handling.

For more info, go to:  Kuso Vinyl.

Jake Dyson’s LED Light

This light bulb is promised to last 37 years. I probably need to change it one more time before I die. What a hassle.

For more info, check out: PSFK – Jake Dyson LED Light.

Bad-@$$ Videogame Room

Really? An Atari Jaguar??? Didn’t it only have like 3 games? LoL.

I am not a hardcore gamer but I am definitely a gamer. The first ever video game that I played was Pong (so u can probably guess how old I am). Then I went through the Atari, Nintendo, Playstation, etc. So when I saw this picture, all I can say was AWESOME. Also this is not some non-functional museum piece – all the systems are plugged in and ready to go! Can you imagine how cool it’d be to just pick out a game on the left hand side and turn on any system and play it?! It’s safe to say, if that did happen, I could probably then die a happy man.

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DIY Crystal cMoy Headphone Amp

This is actually a headphone amplifier and it works just like an amplifier for your speaker. Audiophiles swear by it and, once you listen to one, you might also become a believer. This is a very clever design and its beautifully simple. Unfortunately, this is a concept product and is not yet for sale. The site does provide a schematic for those who are handy DIYers.

For more info check out:  Instructables – Crystal cMoy Free Form Headphone Amplifier.

NIGO’s Human Made – Spring/Summer 2012

Have you checked out this new brand yet? It’s called Human Made and it’s only a few seasons old, but yet this Japanese designer’s style has a very mature consistent look to it. His look is never over-the-top outrageous except for the zebra striped jail house outfit. Everything looks comfortable and ready to wear.

Here’s a link to the designer’s site where you can check out a photo gallery of all the various styles and looks and also drawings of his current line of clothes.

The Champagne Mojito by Young Grasshopper

Champagne Mojitos by Young Grasshopper

Champagne Mojitos are yummy! I wished I saw this recipe sooner to share with all the Retrenders followers out there for Mother’s Day but there is nothing wrong with a makeup drink with mom, unless you’re under 21 of course.

Recipe:

1 & 1/2 oz. white rum
1 oz Simple Syrup
8 mint leaves
1 key lime quartered {or 1/2 regular in eighths}
2 strawberries sliced {1 for garnish}
Brut Champagne

For more info on this delicious beverage, go to:  Young Grasshopper – The Champagne Mojito.

The other concoction:  Food & Style – Raspberry Champagne Mojito.

Strapya World Star Wars

Since I am always on the lookout for Star Wars collectibles, I stumbled upon this website.

First of all, I fell in love with my GPS with built-in Darth Vader voice guiding me through the streets but I feel it’s sacrilege to have an R2-D2 soy sauce bottle or even the R2-D2 shampoo pump. Does George Lucas know this is happening?? On another note, I do love the idea of having a Silicone Ice Tray that can make ice in the shape of Han Solo in Carbonite. It will definitely be awesome to have a Frozen Han Solo floating around in my Margarita.

Check this site out for more crazy “illegal” Star Wars accessories?: Strapya World Star Wars.

LEGO Dark Knight Trailer

If you thought you saw all the Dark Knight trailers, check out this version of the trailers, but done in Lego.  We should expect the Lego Dark Knight video game to follow soon.  I have to admit though, Lego video games are one of the most kid-friendly game series around.

Keith Haring x COLORS iPhone case

To be honest, in the beginning I wasn’t a big fan of Keith Haring, but the more art pieces of his that I saw, the more I can appreciate the simple beauty of it. And here is his new project, a collab with Japanese iPhone case maker COLORS.

COLORS x Keith Haring

Keith Haring x COLORS:  Bamboo case for Apple iPhone 4 & 4S.  The case will set you back around $114.00USD.  It’s a pricey iPhone case to look fresh.

The product is only sold in Japan and it’s already sold out.  You might want to look around eBay or Craigslist.

If you can read Japanese, then head to the COLORS website for more cool stuff:  COLORS Tokyo.

Walls Notebook – The Adult Doodle Book

I love this notebook, because I doodle and I can’t stop drawing during those long drawn out meetings at work. With a notebook like this, I think I can really explore different areas of drawing like, for example, maybe trying out graffiti art.

Quick Facts:  80 pages to draw and costs $16.95USD.

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The Sexy Art of Des Taylor

Katie Rogers by Des Taylor

I have always had a crush on Wonder Woman but wow, after seeing these posters, I just can’t stop looking at all the animated women on this blog. Great art by Des Taylor and also check out his other non superhero art.

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Summer Inflatable Fun!

coolhunterEven though this is only a design competition idea, I can’t wait to jump into the real thing.  Can you imagine this in Hawaii?

Check out more cool inflatable designs @ The Cool Hunter – TCH Design Competition.