Tuesday, March 31, 2009

SWISS COMPANY RELEASES BABY REVOLVER



Are you letting your baby breastfeed unarmed? Is your toddler unable to protect your home in your absence? Have no fear brave parents, weapons manufacturer Swiss MiniGun (yes, from the notoriously neutral country of Switzerland) has invented a truly tiny revolver. The gun is 5.5 cm long and fires a bullet 2.34 mm in diameter (OF COURSE IT FIRES, WHAT WOULD THE POINT BE OTHERWISE?) at over 300 mph. Yes, it can kill you. Or home-invaders, or bullying 2 year olds (hard to imagine death from a 2.34 mm bullet, but possible nonetheless).

Unfortunetly, you can't get these in America. Yet...
A message from the SwissMiniGun website:

"The US Department of Justice has mentioned that our miniature revolver, ref. C1ST does not meet with the minimum size prerequisites referring to the Factoring Criteria for Weapons ATF Form 4590.

Therefore, our revolver is not classified as sporting and is not importable into the USA.

We feel sorry for all the US collectors who have showed interest in our miniature revolver.

We promise that our next model will meet with the US Factoring Criteria for Weapons."

Yes, that's what America needs... tiny, deadly guns that fit in your wallet. (via gizmodo)

Monday, March 30, 2009

SURPRISE, MICROSOFT'S "LAUREN" IS AN ACTRESS


Shocking. The "regular girl" who is given $1000 to buy a new laptop "of her choice" in the latest Microsoft ad campaign is actually a SAG eligible actress with over 20 film/commercial credits to her name. According to her website, Lauren De Long was proud to have booked a "market and research job" that turned out to be the lead "regular" in the commercial (last month she was psyched to be in a 7-11 webisode commercial). However, the Wall Street Journal reported on the story and included this seemingly seedy explanation of the hiring process:

Microsoft’s recruiting process for its commercials is interesting in this regard. Brooks says of the roughly dozen computer shoppers its agency recruited, not a single one ended up spending their money on a Mac. Brooks says he “swears on a stack of Bibles” that the agency didn’t in any way steer the shoppers towards a particular brand of computer or operating system. “Value is on the top of everybody’s mind these days with the economic situation we’re in,” he says.


FIRST, if T.V. viewers actually believe this girl is just a "shopper", shouldn't it worry Microsoft that she immediately went to a Mac Store First?! She obviously knows where the better computer is, but only upon leaving with no macbook (too expensive), she bitterly proclaims that she "isn't cool enough for a mac".

SECOND, Microsoft hired the girl for a "market/research" job so of course she was going to pick a computer that uses the operating system of the COMPANY THAT HIRED HER. I hope they didn't swear too many times on those bibles.

Once her identity was discovered, several Mac users volunteered to give Lauren their 17" Mac Books (her required screen size that eliminated Mac from her price range) so the poor girl didn't have to go through life using Windows. (Despite her "freedom" in choosing the laptop, she declined to talk about Mac/Microsoft comparison since she had to sign a non-disclosure agreement) (via Gizmodo)

NO ESCAPE FROM NEW ADS.


Marketing firms are always looking for new ways to "break through the clutter" to reach potential customers in more cost effective ways. My students are consistently surprised at the places they find ads, but they've never seen anything like these. In the picture on the left, an elevator floor becomes a high-flying ad for a Swiss skydiving company created by Wirz/BBDO Switzerland. On the right, shoppers resemble fleas (imagine that) on a gigantic floor sticker is seen from the upper levels of a Jakarta, Indonesia shopping mall for Jakpetz and Frontline flea spray courtesy of Saatchi and Saatchi (once one of the biggest ad firms out there). Speaking of Frontline, the PBS series produced the must-see documentary on the subject of advertising and persuasion called "The Persuaders". According to the movie, and unfortunetly for us, breaking through the clutter usually just leads to MORE CLUTTER. Where will it end? I'm sure we don't want to know. (via coolhunter)

Friday, March 27, 2009

SERIOUS RAMP HOUSE


It's about damn time. Greek Architectural firm Archivirus has created the "Ramp House" in Athens, Greece. Now this isn't just a ranch house with a crappy 2 foot particle board mini-ramp crammed in the living room like that divorced guy down the street had, the ramps are sizable and the house is handsome. Lead archtitect Athanasia Psaraki designed the wood/concrete space for a client who wanted a livable, functional skateable home (you can even skate from room to room). Eat your heart out. (via the Architectural Review)

3/28 note: once again, I got on this story before HS, only by a day though. Those dudes are good, damn them.



Thursday, March 26, 2009

BOXED WATER IS BETTER FOR THE EARTH


Alongside the constant talk about lessening our carbon foot print, a massive movement in the development of responsible (and handsome) consumer products has emerged in the past few years. Tops on the list of earth-friendly water peddlers (there aren't many) is BOXED WATER, a new company that provides an interesting alternative to Americans' current obsession with plastic bottled water. If you have to drink packaged water, this is the company to support. Their website makes their case:

"Started with the simple idea of creating a new bottled water brand that is kinder to the environment and gives back a bit - we found that it shouldn't be bottled at all, but instead, boxed. So we looked to the past for inspiration in the century old beverage container and decided to keep things simple, sustainable, and beautiful.

About 90% of the Boxed Water container is made from a renewable resource, trees, that when harvested in a responsible, managed, and ethical way serve as an amazing renewable resource that benefits the environment even as it's renewed. Our carbon footprint is dramatically lower as our boxes are shipped flat to our filler and filled only as demand is created, opposed to most bottled water companies that ship their empty bottles across the globe to be filled, then shipped back for consumption. The flat, unfilled boxes we can fit on 2 pallets, or roughly 5% of a truckload, would require about 5 truckloads for empty plastic or glass bottles. Our cartons can also be broken down to their original flat state, are recyclable in most areas, and will be everywhere shortly. We're also giving 20% of our profits back to the resources our product is composed of - water and trees. Not only does it simply make sense, but we really enjoy supporting water and forestation organizations as it's part of our company's ethos and way of thinking to give back and participate. All that and an over-arching focus on simple and beautiful design that compliments our brand as well as the spaces it's sold and consumed in."

(via LovelyPackage)

CASSETTE TAPE PORTRAITS


Amazing portraits from iRI5 made from cassette tapes. The collection includes Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Ian Curtis and the Stone Roses' Ian Brown. Enough said. (via Drawn)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

MAY YOUR SHIP HAVE IRONSIDES?

As the first month of my blogging experience comes to a close, there has lately been a significant rise in the amount of people reading (can I call it "reading"?) the ol' blog here. Whether you're genuinely interested in what I post or enjoy perusing my horrible grammar/spelling, I appreciate your "visits" cause let's be honest, blogs without readers usually suggest a mental deficiency in the writer.. or that we can't afford a journal.

Anyway, I've had a few questions about the name of the blog (this proves people have at least read that far) and so I wanted to provide a few answers. First, since this blog is meant, generally, to link people to sites that contain interesting information, I imagine I send most of my readers off in the first few minutes. (I think this might be contrary to what websites are supposed to do which is keep readers on the site to make ad dollars) Anyway, I chose a title that I think reflects the "see you off" part and that indeed is the point of the title, "May Your Ship Have Ironsides". It is a simple farewell, one that was lifted from a Brown Bird lyric actually (From the album "The Bottom of the Sea" -highly recommended). It is not a popular saying as far as I know, but as with most things Wallace, there is history behind this name.

Old "Ironsides" aka the U.S.S. Constitution in fact, did not have iron sides. No ships at the time it was built (1794) used metal siding (that didn't come till the mid-1800s). During the war of 1812, the Constitution earned its nickname by famously defeating the British vessel HMS Guerriere. According to the legend, the ship was said to be made of iron since it's thick wooden sides resisted British cannon fire. 116 years after its last "sail", the ship was reborn in 1997 when it was completely rebuilt.

This name was not particularly original though, as a British ship (the HMS Britannia) was given this nickname 30 years earlier and British military commander Oliver Cromwell held the title in the mid-1600s for leading his "ironsides" cavalry troops.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

PHOTOSHOP EVERYTHING REAL OUT OF LIFE.


Let me start by saying, I don't gives a sh*t about Kim Kardashian. However, when I noticed this story on Gawker (don't ask) I couldn't resist weighing in. If you live in America (or an industrialized country), you shouldn't be surprised to learn that along with the pounds of make-up used on the models, there are also "changes" made via Photoshop that are also applied to images gracing the pages of several main stream magazines. They're used for a variety of reasons, but they become pretty obvious if you look at the before/after pics of Kim on the Complex website (the one on the left was removed), a mediocre street wear/hip hop/culture rag owned by Marc Ecko, maker of discount-store Marshall's exclusive label, Ecko Clothing. Anyway, the thought of an average or "normally" proportioned woman on the cover of any magazine is enough to applaud the inclusion of Kardashian in Complex (although that statement itself is pretty sad), but the fact that she's computer-lipoed should leave a horribly bitter taste in the mouth of American pop culture. As my sister just announced that her new baby is a girl (due in August), I can't help but imagine the brutal pressures that will be placed on her in only a few years to be "beautiful" in a way that pleases Marc Ecko and seemingly, the rest of America.

Note: I won't get into the fact that Kim's skin looks quite a bit lighter or should I say "whiter" in the new pic OR why her talentless self is in the magazine in the first place OR generally speaking how women are portrayed in these types of magazines and/or mainstream rap (not typically hip-hop mind you, but mainstream rap).

Monday, March 23, 2009

NEW BMW MUSEUM AND THE "EGG CAR" ISETTA


BMW began as a company making airplanes in 1916 in Munich, Germany. The iconic luxury car maker quickly switched to motorcycles after the Versailles Treaty demilitarized Germany in the early 20s after WWI. During the second world war, they returned to making airplanes, but shortly after it's end, they attempted to break into the auto industry. The result was the Egg Car, known formally as the Isetta, a tiny car with no more than a motorcycle engine to move it. Made in several European countries with slightly different designs, the car was exactly what fuel conscious people needed, more than 60 years prior to our current revolution in efficient car models. The best part? Gotta be the fact that the steering wheel is mounted on the door, which opens from the front.. despite the fact that you're dead meat and/or trapped in the car during an accident. Safety? Not the car's strong suit, but I'd take my chances if one fell on my doorstep and I could still fit in it.

When I was a youngster, I used to play in the backyard of my aunt and uncle's house in dirty Jersey. Behind the shed, and providing the best play space ever, was a BMW Isetta. It's flat tires were sunken into the earth and the red and white paint was barely visible above the rust, but the tiny car was completely intact and completely awesome (and sold to a collector who restored it). Growing up, I would be reminded of that car every now and again, in a design book or an episode of Family Matters (damn you Urkel), but most recently, the car is getting the recognition it deserves in the new BMW Museum in Munich. Observe.



Wednesday, March 18, 2009

VINTAGE MILITARY MEDICAL PHOTO ARCHIVE


The National Museum of Health and Medicine is releasing and re-releasing thousands of pictures from various medical agencies from the Civil War (the earliest war-time pics) to the war in Vietnam (mostly WWI/WWII). You may recognize a few shots (especially if you teach history like myself) but the first 800 photos are captivating and have been archived here. The subjects range from the first airplane crash in 1908 (and subsequently, the first death from airplane crash), various prosthetics , propaganda, STDs, the body of Poncho Villa, frozen Native American bodies at Wounded Knee, Roman surgical tools from Pompeii, Amputations, early rhinoplasty, x-rays, medical oddities, etc. Some of the pics are a bit gory, but overall I'd say they're more interesting than disgusting and more importantly, they are a testament to the great progress we have made in the field of medicine.

The Propaganda Poster above is one of many warning of the rampant STD's during WWII (there are dozen of other posters as well in the archive). The one below is from the Civil War and documents the results of numerous amputations when doctors who, without antiseptics or knowledge of infection, hacked off limbs by the hundreds each day. If you were a lucky, injured soldier, the "doctors" might wrangle up some chloroform to put you out. Goodtimes.

P.S. I posted the CARDBOARD OFFICE blog TWO whole days before Highsnobiety got a hold of it. Just saying.

Monday, March 16, 2009

NEW MUSICS FOR MARCH


The new MF Doom album, Born Like This finally drops on the 24th of this month. This track, CELLZ sounds darker, slower, better. An amazing sample dominates the first minute and a half, but definitely needs a listen.. or two. From Lex Records. (Note: the album will NOT include the Thom Yorke remixes buzzing about the web)

NEW BONNIE PRINCE BILLY.
Yet another Will Oldham album, this one entitled Beware is due out any day now on Drag City. The new jam "I AM GOODBYE" is fantastic, check out this video in which Oldham lurks around the city and sings his wayward song.

DAEWON SONG: NO SHOES NECESSARY



Usually, I'll post about a new shoe or shoe colorway or what have you, however today's video is Daewon Song skating without shoes. Despite the fact that he's one of my favorite riders ever, the world needs another new Daewon shoe like a hole in the head, BUT dude gets f*cking tech as hell in a pair of socks. Observe.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

CARDBOARD OFFICE


The Dutch have done it again. Joost Van Bleiswijk has designed an amazing new office for Amsterdam advertising agency, Nothing, made entirely out of reinforced cardboard. Now a cardboard office would be one accomplishment, but this creation uses NO GLUE, NAILS, SCREWS OR "FIXINGS" meaning all 1500 pieces are affixed using only slots and grooves. Apparently, Joost has used this production method in the past to create a number of objects out of several different materials. In addition, the office is made completely out of inexpensive, recyclable, throw-away resources: Cardboard boxes.

While I don't work in an office, this would be an awesome space in which to spend 40 hours a week. Read the rest of the story from DEZEEN.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

MODERN CLASSICS SKATE FURNITURE


The Skate Study House is furniture design project spearheaded by Sole Tech (Etnies, Es, Emerica) president Pierre Andre. Each piece is a tribute to the timeless designs of the mid-century modern movement including the name of the company, which is lifted from the well-known Case Study House program. Seen here are skate reproductions of the Eames Lounge, Noguchi coffee table, and Nelson bench. Also included in the collection are repro's of the Le Corbusier Lounge, Nelson Clocks, and an Eames chair.



NEW TASCHEN BOOKS (THE GODFATHER FAMILY ALBUM)


Taschen's new, super-limited book documents the making of what I would argue is one of the best film series ever (the first two anyway). Each of the 100 "art edition" copies include over 400 never-before-seen images from Steve Schapiro as well as an 11x14 print (see below) signed by Schapiro himself. 444 pages full of interviews, essays and the moments that defined some of the best lines and images in film history. Only $1,800, so get two.

This month, Taschen releases a 99 page anthology of work by Keith Haring, detailing his far-too-short career. Keith was one of my favorite artists growing up and the Haring skateboarder was my first ever art print (given to me by my mother when I was 10 or 11, I'm not that cool) . His bold lined pieces, as well as his political and social messages are still as important/relevant today as they were during his career in the 1980's. Haring's work with charities and AIDS education were/are inspirational and make his death in 1990 that much more tragic.

THE GODFATHER FAMILY ALBUM















Tuesday, March 10, 2009

HOW TO TIE A SCARF



Not sure if I agree with the amount of time necessary to tie what was originally meant to simply keep you warm, but I be damned if that ain't a handsome knot. Definitely would work well for the lighter, spring scarves.

Friday, March 6, 2009

OBJECTIFIED.



Objectified is the new design documentary from director Gary Hustwit (Helvetica, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart) about our love affair with all things manufactured from the design process to production and consumption. Why not let the director do the talking?

"Objectified is a documentary about industrial design; it’s about the manufactured objects we surround ourselves with, and the people who make them. On an average day, each of us uses hundreds of objects. (Don’t believe it? Start counting: alarm clock, light switch, faucet, shampoo bottle, toothbrush, razor…) Who makes all these things, and why do they look and feel the way they do? All of these objects are “designed,” but how can good design make them, and our lives, better?

One reason that I’m delving into the world of objects in this film is that I, admittedly, am obsessed by them. Why do I salivate over a shiny new piece of technology, or obsess over a 50-year-old plywood chair? What does all the stuff I accumulate say about me, and do I really need any of it in the first place?"

-Gary Hustwit

BOYCOTT PORTSMOUTH TEA COMPANY











Now I won't get political too often here, (though my own blog is certainly the proper venue) but when a local business takes a very public, hard line on a political issue, they must expect local customers to draw the line as well. The Portsmouth Tea Company, which recently opened their retail location in Somersworth, NH (interesting choice), has joined a conservative protest of President Obama's policies called the Tax Day Tea Party. The company has donated over 70 pounds of tea to this cause and has advertised their efforts on their blog. Normally, I could care less about the political leanings of business owners, but as a former owner myself, I know better than to publicly mix one's business (and customer's money) with divisive politics. Not only do I disagree their "protest" but I would never allow my money to go to such a cause. What's worse, the owner of the company, Marshall Malone expressed some rather disturbing sentiments about the real culprits in the government's "wasteful spending". Read on (Full Article from Seacoast Online):

"Malone said he grew up in south Alabama near some very segregated areas and saw entire communities destroyed by welfare.

'Fathers didn’t need to work because the government was giving them a check,' Malone said. 'No one was teaching them to fish. They were just giving them fish.'"

Now please correct me if I'm wrong, but he seems to be insinuating that a certain race, living in the SEGREGATED SOUTH, are not working for a living but instead feasting on the free government "fish". As a participant in an anti-government spending protest, it's easy to conclude that Mr. Malone is claiming that African American welfare-abusers in the south are an important example of wasteful government programs (since he didn't mention any other "problems"). Beyond perpetuating a racist stereotype that African Americans don't work and/or receive welfare assistance, his assessment of the "problem" is completely backwards.

It is well documented that the majority of people using welfare programs are white: "Racist attitudes notwithstanding, it is a matter of record that White mothers receive more than half of the checks distributed under the auspices of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program--55.2 percent, compared to 39.2 percent received by Blacks. Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau reported in February that during an average month in 1990, 61 percent of major assistance program participants were White, compared to 34 percent who were African-American."

This all makes sense since African Americans make up only about 12.8% of the population and approximately 24% live below the poverty line. Whites make up approximately 80% of the population and about 8.6% live below the poverty line. So out of a population of 100 people, there would be about 7 poor whites and only 3 poor blacks. That's a ratio of more than two to one! Rather simplistic, but I think it disproves some long standing myths about poverty and race in the U.S. AND where the blame lies in Mr. Malone's theory about "wasteful spending".

Lastly, just because a very small minority of welfare recipients could be considered "abusers," doesn't mean that the entirety of the programs are in any way unnecessary or unneeded. Welfare programs (including Social Security) are safety nets for Americans and their children, who in uncertain times, may need assistance to survive.

In light of this information, please join me in boycotting the Portsmouth Tea Company.


Thursday, March 5, 2009

BROKEN DOWN IN POLAND

"BIODEGRABALE IN 60 DAYS", the 60 Bag is a new carry-all that has virtually no impact on the environment. Designed and manufactured in Poland, the bags are made from a flax-viscose fabric and is produced from flax fiber industrial waste. The production of the 60 bags and their decomposition require no natural resources, little energy and don't require expensive recycling processes or space in landfills. Hopefully we'll see products like this in the U.S. soon.



Wednesday, March 4, 2009

ADIDAS, PUMA.. NAZI BAZOOKAS?


The history of the world famous shoe brands, Adidas and Puma is an interesting story to say the least. Before they began their respective companies, Adolf ("Adi"das) and Rudolf Dassler (Puma) founded the "Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory" in 1924 to make specialty athletic shoes. Their break out moment came in 1936 when they made the sneakers worn by Olympic superstar Jesse Owens. (Ironic since the brothers were indeed members of the Nazi Party since 1933) However, with the tide turning against the Germans in WWII, the Nazi party nationalized most of the country's civilian industry. So, in 1943, the Dassler brothers began manufacturing anti-tank bazookas called "Panzerschrecks" ("Tank Terrors"). Read the rest of the story here at the German online magazine, Spiegel. Be sure to check the pictures too.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

THE LOBLOLLY HOUSE


This pre-fabricated home on Taylor's Island, Maryland was built in 2007, and remains a shining representation of green building in America today. Because of its location on the Chesapeake Bay, the free standing architectural design guarantees as little environmental impact as possible. The amazing thing about this home is its use of a re arrangeable aluminum frame and advanced wall components (rooms) making it 70% pre-fab. The homes can be constructed as quickly and easily as they can be taken down thus reducing the impact on any environment (and your wallet). Other green technologies include natural ventilation, green roof (has vegetation on it) and sustainable construction processes. From Kieren Timberlake Architecture Firm

The Loblolly House is just one example of architectural genius from a new book called ARCHITECTURE NOW! HOUSES published by Taschen, which you can view here. The book will be available in April 09.



BOLLYWOOD IN HOLLYWOOD?



Not yet anyway. First of all, Slumdog Millionaire is NOT a Bollywood film, it was directed by an Englishman (Danny Boyle, who directed Trainspotting) and it's star, Dev Patel isn't even from India (another Englishman). Bollywood films are great for Dan the Automater and Madlib albums (Bombay the Hard Way, Beat Conducta-- see above video), but I don't see the lavish musicals making much of a wave here (that last scene in Slumdog was painful at best). I will say that the Indians know how to enjoy a meal in a theatre and it might surprise you to know that POTATOES are the world's most popular movie-watching vegetable. Not popped corn.

PAPER OR PLASTIC?

Ana Serrano has a way with paper. She makes make models, scenes and sculptures out of old trees. Peep the detail and brighten your day with this scene on your desktop.



VINTAGE SKART


Skateboard art and fashion has had a lasting impact on youth culture and design. This slideshow will take you way back to a time when board graphics (complete with rails and rip grip) actually meant something. Thanks to 37 signals for the trip down memory lane.

A few guys who have since transformed deck graphics into a massive skate/art culture.

Ed Templeton













Chris Johanson











Mark Gonzales

YOU CLEARLY SLEPT ON...

1. The Wrestler. The academy recognized the well-worn Mickey Rourke for his role as the Randy the Ram, but totally missed the boat on one of the best films of the year. Also, Marissa Tomei is naked for approximately 15 minutes, not that I was counting. (This movie is not for people on a first date or those sensitive about the misuse of staplers)

2. Phosphorescent. 2004's "Aw Come Aw Awry" and 2007's "Pride" may draw some obvious comparisons on first listen, but in the end, Matthew Houck's sound stands out and dude has got his shit together (musically anyway). With a new Willie Nelson cover album out now he may get his due in proper, but his Oldham/Magnum inspired songs are worth a thousand listens.

3. Obama's first 30 days. We all know about the landmark stimulus bill, but did you know about these early changes: The closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention center and all CIA detention centers around the world (I'm free), the tightening of Environmental Protection Agency's green automobile requirements, reversing President Bush's ban on federal funding to foreign establishments that allow abortions (known as the Mexico City Policy), and overturning a ban on the photographing of military coffins. (high school photogs looking for a banger senior project take note)

4. A.P.C. Getting bigger in the US, this French company designs simple, perfectly cut denim, clothing and shoes. "Atelier de Production et de Création" may be an unfamiliar name, but their collab with Nike and amazing spring 09' line will wake you up.

5. Quinoa. (pronounced KEEN-WAH) This hardy, protein-rich grain (technically a seed) was the sacred food of the ancient Incan civilization and nothing bad ever happened to them so... You can get it in bulk or packaged in most grocers (even in NH) and cooks in a quick 15-20 minutes. Replace your crappy pasta or rice and try with veggies, meats, fake meats, whatevs.