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March 31, 2008
Get Your 3D Glass Out, Prepare To Be Wanderlusted
Bjork's latest music video for her 4th single, "Wanderlust" is unlike anything you've probably seen - at least for a music video. Yes it's esoteric, ground-breaking, visually stunning, and a little bizarre but if you are a Bjork fan, its what you've come to expect. What makes Wanderlust so amazing can only be seen if you have a pair of old school 3D glasses. That's all I'm gonna say.
But for the rest of us, the video without enhanced stereoscopic 3D is pretty amazing by itself. Enjoy!
Posted by tranism at 3:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Splashy Water Clock Screensaver
Dropclock is an aesthetically intriguing motion clock screensaver. Every minute or real time is numerically expressed with heavy helvetica dropping into water in super slow motion.
Thanks Jeff!
Posted by tranism at 3:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Drumming A Beat
My mother used to yell at me every time I tapped out a beat on the dining table. Now there's a table that encourages it. The Musical Rumba Series is built around the idea of interchangeable tiles, each containing a percussive instrument. Get together with friends and really beat one out!
Posted by tranism at 3:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 30, 2008
How To Call A Deaf Dog
A cool story about a dog owner distraught with how to could call his deaf dog. So he fashioned a vibrating collar from the guts of an RC car. Make has all the info and if you have a weekend, you can build one too.
Posted by tranism at 4:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 29, 2008
Japanese Want To Launch Origami Space Shuttle
Japanese scientists believe origami airplanes could make it back to Earth without burning up. A prototype shuttle built from folded paper and coated to withstand stress was able to survive durability tests in wind tunnels.
If this all sounds nutty to you, consider this is from a country that has a culture of alien creatures sodomizing school girls, Mount Doom sized buildings, and food delicacies that guarantee a 99.9% chance of death if prepared incorrectly. So why are you surprised? I'm not. Hell, I'm sitting here wondering why the entire Japanese airforce isn't made of origami planes.
Posted by tranism at 4:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Wind Up Key
This company sells Wind Up kits for about $100 each. I'm tempted to get one but there's no kit for my Prius. So far they'll only work on a number of VW's and Scions. It's so dang cute I can't help myself. What do you guys think?
Posted by tranism at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Luna Furniture
There's a funny duality to the moon. It's not particularly beautiful from space but from our planet reflected sunlight sets the moon a-glow and thats how most of us think of the moon. This beautiful silvery sphere in the sky. Hell put anything shiny and silver in front of me and I go ape sh*t. The Fullmoon sideboard table by Sotirios Papadopoulos for Ennezero is just the kind of thing I'm taking about.
Created using some kinda super glow eco-paint, this terrestrial moon seems to illuminate when the lights are out. You lucky Milanese can check it out at the SOHO temporary gallery during the dEMOsign exhibition this April 18-20.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 3:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 26, 2008
Black & Gold
I'm so proud of Sam Sparro because he's representin' Los Angeles right. The most soulful white boy on this side of the coast, he'd make Annie Lennox proud. His latest single, "Black & Gold" is kicking chart ass over in the U.K. even besting Madonna's latest. I guess she needs an extra minute more to save the world.
In any case, big ups to Sam Sparro; sexy, gay, soulful, talented L.A. native (by way of Aussieland). You go boy! Hit the jump to see both his music videos and make sure you cop that album when it drops this April.
Posted by tranism at 6:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Gold Shoes Are Better Than Ruby Slippers
Y-3 is one of my favorite athletic sportswear lines. Designer Yohji Yamamoto always seems to know exactly what I want each season. I've been looking for hot metallic shoes all winter so when I saw the Honja Hi's in GOLD, I flipped! Definitely my next pair of shoes. Pick 'em up for a cool 2 bills and some change.
Posted by tranism at 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Better Than Your Weatherman
Science is humorous. We spend so much money and time inventing machines to do things nature already figured out millions of years ago. Take a shark for instance. Researchers at Aberdeen University concluded they're much better and forecasting weather. Their super sensory organs pick up everything from temperature shifts to changes in air pressure.
So maybe sometime in the feature, bimbo-like weather ladies (sorry I call them like I see 'em) will be replaced by more competent sharks.
Posted by tranism at 6:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
B-52's Funplex
It's been 16 years since the B-52's last studio album, 1992's "Good Stuff" so fans definitely waited a long ass time for Funplex, their new album. Everything about the B-52's is still there; the esoteric vibe, the campiness, and the lyrics - oh GOD the lyrics. With lines like "put me in a laurex gown." Who the f*ck wears laurex anymore? The B-52's that's who. The first single "Funplex" is about a mall. Yea, they're so American I LOVE it.
The album's great guys I promise. So go cop that, iTunes, Amazon, CD - it don't matter. Just get it. Ricky is somewhere right now smiling.
Posted by tranism at 2:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 25, 2008
Robotic Universal Remote Is My New Turtle God
Toshiba may have lost the HD format war but the company still manages to kick out neat ideas like the ApriPoko, a robot universal remote that learns by watching and asking you questions. It doesn't walk despite having feet but it does have some amazing eyes. Anytime it detects IR signals, it speaks up and asks, "what did you just do?" Tell it what you did and it memorizes it.
Couch potatoes will LOVE this thing. They don't even have to move their hands now. Just shout what you want because every wish is your command.
via Asahi
Posted by tranism at 6:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
March 24, 2008
Revelation
Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: One morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. As it happened -- as she felt her brain functions slip away one by one, speech, movement, understanding -- she studied and remembered every moment.
It's an inspiring story that convinced me of the majesty of our minds, how we have limited ourselves in what could be the most experiential existence in the universe. If you have 18 minutes, please watch it.
Posted by tranism at 6:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
March 23, 2008
Happy Easter 2008
I'm not Christian but I do love bunnies. I know, they're not really related but I celebrate how I can. Happy Easter!
Posted by tranism at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
March 22, 2008
Reebok Emoretion By John Maeda
Reebok and world-renowned graphic designer John Maeda have collaborated once again and this time are pleased to present the Reebok x Maeda Emoretion.
In their first collaboration, Maeda designed the Timetanium which was inspired by Time. For his latest design, Maeda drew from the 7th Law- emotion- from his book, The Laws of Simplicity. In it, he urges us to embrace our natural desire for personal meaning in everything we do.
Using Reebok’s iconic Freestyle as his canvas, Professor Maeda’s handwritten code decorates the shoe’s lining and creates the digital paisley print, representing a burst of pure energy and emotion. Holographic straps bring this design to life with every move, while the velvet-wrapped mid-sole and tongue-liner give a little elegance to the shoe.
Only 100 pairs will be sold. The Timetaniums sold out in the first 14 hours so these will probably go just as fast. March 31st is the day people. Mark those calendars. Hit the jump to hear John Maeda break it down.
Posted by tranism at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Raf Simons Pocket Trainers
I want these like yesterday. Raf Simons footwear always takes me for a loop but this time he created something that I love; pockets! Not that I carry anything that needs stashing but still, a man likes his options. Get it now at Oki-ni for the exorbitant price of £389.00.
Posted by tranism at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
A Fox And A Bush Announce World Tour
Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory sit down for a chat about their upcoming 2008 world tour. I'm totally enamored.
Posted by tranism at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Congratulations Cocky!
Big congrats to my buddy Nicholas aka Cocky, model extraordinaire, is the male lead in Leona Lewis' new video (U.S. version) Bleeding Love. You go boy!!!
Posted by tranism at 1:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
The Swede Lands!
Not until April 10th but Daniel a.k.a. Plankton did give me an Easter gift by surprising me with these limited edition Adidas boots. Of course he would never buy something for me without getting something for himself so hit the jump to see what he got. One of the perks of having Adidas as a client.
Thanks Plankton!
Posted by tranism at 1:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Selective Hearing Much?
Check out these Batphones and yes that's what they're really called. Designed out of injection molded plastic, these easily slip on like a head band and amplify sounds entering the ear canal. They're not designed to replace hearing aids but if you're a little hard of hearing... or have selective hearing, then you need one of these. I suspect Oprah will have these on her list of favorite things. Before long, we'll see housewives forcing them on their husbands everywhere.
Posted by tranism at 1:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
The Measure of a Man
Listen, I think it's kinda cute this towel has a built-in tape measurer but I'm not like a Bowflex model or anything and the last thing I want to be reminded of is how wide my waist is. Damn you industrial designers! Why?!? Why?!?!
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 1:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Really Fast Instant Coffee
As if instant mixer coffee weren't fast enough, here's another way to shave off an additional 4 seconds. This design mimics those sugar/honey sticks you find in coffee shops around the country. I mean, why couldn't it work for instant coffee? You get just the right amount and a stirrer. If you're so inclined, you can even fold the stirrer into a star. That's what I do with drinking straws.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 1:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Urban Bike Keeps You Visible
Those little flashing lights night bikers dawn don't really register as a moving vehicle. They need to be bigger and brighter so drivers can actually see them. The Tong City Bike by Niklas Galler has all that by integrating light tubes inside the chassis and wheels. To top it off, the bike is super low maintenance with the brake, drive train, shock absorbers, and gears housed in one unit. Unfortunately it's just a concept for now but one can dream can't they?
Hit the jump for another picture.
Posted by tranism at 1:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Fashion Blogger
I've really been into a blog called Fashion Fabrication. Tho new, it's already chalk full of useful style tips for men. The writer is quite the stylish specimen himself so he obviously practices what he preaches.
Posted by tranism at 1:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 21, 2008
Messed Up
Sorry about the 24 hour site outage yesterday. See kids, this is what happens when you forget to auto-renew your domain name!
All is back and all is well now. Thanks for the hundreds of emails. I'm totally okay and no I didn't get hacked. :)
Posted by tranism at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 17, 2008
Warner Bros Picks Up Amulet
I'm not into comic books but I love Amulet, The Stonekeeper. I'm also pretty happy to find out Warner Bros. decided to turn the book into a movie with Will Smith producing. The leads of course will be played by his kids, no shocker there. Warner, please don't muck it up like you are with Spike Jonze's Where The Wild Things Are.
Big congrats to Boltcity for making it to the big time. Long overdue.
Posted by tranism at 12:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 16, 2008
The Whale Hunt
Photographer, computer scientist, and visual artist Jonathan Harris wanted to create a better way of visual storytelling. He came up with a very interesting interface following his travels on a whale hunt. The entire journal is made up of thousands of photos but by clicking the whale icon, you can jump to photo groups of the same content or even ones that emote the same level of excitement. Really cool stuff!
Posted by tranism at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Black Bunneh Launch
Some of you may have noticed that funny looking banner above the post area, you know - the one called Black Bunneh with the white bunny in the corner. It's my new blog and no I'm not giving up on electro^plankton. I just started a new blog where I could post musing and amusing posts, stuff that doesn't fit here.
It's been up for a few months but I'm officially launching it now with a new design (thanks Paul Giacherio) since there's a nice backlog in archives. So do me and Black Bunneh a favor and add it to your rss reads.
Posted by tranism at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
March 15, 2008
Katt Trappa
That's Swedish for cat ladder. I had no idea Swedes were so obsessed with them.
Posted by tranism at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Hottie Lanvin Sneakers
I'm kinda hot over the new Lanvin Spring/Summer 2008 sneakers. I love the ribbed tongue and suede detailing on the high-top. My favorite part are milky metallics. Another pic after the jump.
Get them online at Barneys.
Posted by tranism at 6:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Kenzo Fall/Winter '08 Women's Backstage
This is for all you people who keep emailing me about only posting menswear. So here's womenswear from one of my favorite designers, Kenzo.
Posted by tranism at 5:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Biometric Feelings
Emocare's latest watch, the BT2, takes the cake for being the most complete "big brother watchin' your emotions" solution I've seen. It measures almost every biometric reading possible and sends it to a computer. Now you're employers know how you're feeling and how you react in different situations.
This is how I imagine Disney Theme Parks keeps their minions employees in check. As soon as your smile begins to crack, the watch alerts park authorities. The first rule for working at Disney Theme Parks is to ALWAYS SMILE.
via Gizmodo
Posted by tranism at 5:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Boobs and Dinks
The Boobs and Dinks early detection kit teaches you to look for anomalies by fondling these crocheted simulations. You can buy them for $5 which goes towards Cottage Dreams, a cancer recovery center.
They're a part of a larger installation which includes life size Boobs and Dinks strap-ons and a PSA style video. Yes friends, this is the one place grabbing your goodies is a good thing.
More after the jump. Thanks Jeff.
Posted by tranism at 5:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 10, 2008
Man vs. Wild: New York
Spot on!
Posted by tranism at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
March 6, 2008
Reflections And More Bjork For Ya
So as I think back on the past 10 years of my life I see lots of growth and admittingly lots of regret. Reflection often lets you revisit chapters in your life, like little bookmarks that scream "hey, something important happened here", and it's only in reflection you come to realize it.
Of course it's hard not to be reminded where you faulted and with that, aimless wishes of how things should have been different. I know people say they wouldn't change anything for who they are today is a direct result of that. I don't subscribe to that belief because I believe wanting to change something in your past is a recognition of wanting to be better in the future. It's comforting to know be it love, career, friendship or choices - life is just a pattern, so large it requires a super wide angle lens to see where it begins and where it repeats. Like throwing dice, throw it enough times and sooner or later a pattern emerges. Can you imagine the kind of control we would have if we ever figure out life's pattern?
Bjork's "Desired Constellation" nails my sentiment right on the head. Please hit the jump and watch the video.
Posted by tranism at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Phone Has Something For Your Ear
I love this mobile phone concept dubbed "Mooon+" by Sunman Kwon. It's even more awesome the designer's name has the word 'Sun' in it but I digress. See this phone has all the goodies; mulit-touchscreen, slick design, slim, and a camera. What I really like is the mouth piece detaches and turns into a bluetooth headset.
Wrote about it at Yanko Design.
Posted by tranism at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)
Let Me In!
This is EXACTLY how a cat acts. Brills. Thanks Neatorama.
Posted by tranism at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Grey Wolf Returns
New England used to be home to thousands of grey wolves before they died from mass human settlement. The last recorded grey wolf in that area was in 1840. The remaining grey wolves are in the Rockies and Canada so it was a surprise to law enforcement when a healthy (and big) 85 lb male grey wolf was responsible for a number of missing sheep and cattle in New England. They think he may have migrated south from Canada but instead of returning him, you know what they did? They shot him.
Yeah. . .
Posted by tranism at 7:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
iPhone Finally Gets Real GPS Nav
I removed the crappy one that came with my car. I've held out on 3rd party solutions from Tom Tom, Sony, Garmin, and Navigon. I even refrained from a pretty decent solution for my Sony PSP because it doesn't have a touchscreen. My iPhone is with me 24/7 so it's about damn time somebody came up with a viable (no-hack required) solution.
Nav N Go demoed their iGo My Way 8 software on the iPhone and it seems perfect. I've used iGo on an old Nokia phone before so I'm familiar with the interface, not to mention satisfied with its GPS capabilities. The iPhone version utilizes a small dongle to receive the GPS single and that's about all you need to get it working. Best part is with the iPhone's multi-touchscreen, manipulating GPS data will be that much easier and fun!
Hit the jump for the video. Try HARD to ignore the awful elevator music.
Posted by tranism at 6:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Helping The Blind Go Hi Tech
A blind person's walking stick may soon make the leap into hi-tech by integrating sensors and tactile feedback. The Smart Wand by Jin Woo Han is pretty small and ergonomically fits in one's hand. If there is an obstacle in the way, the surface of device can actually raise small bumps to alert the person.
via Tuvie
Posted by tranism at 6:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Bees Sniff It Out
Moma Online has an interesting exhibit called Bee's Project. A number of hand blown glass objects houses bees in intricate chambers designed to detect your current health condition. Bees have a highly advance sense of smell which can be trained to sniff out certain forms of cancer, the common cold, even pregnancy. I wonder if they're covered under my medical insurance. I can't wait to tell my physician he's wrong cuz the bees told me differently.
If you jump to the Moma Online site, just type "bees" in the search field and follow the path to the entries. There's a few more pics after my jump too.
Posted by tranism at 6:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 5, 2008
The Newton Virus
When long hours at the office begin to take its toll, Newton will be there. When your judgement becomes clouded from over exertion, Newton will be there. When your computer refuses to do what you want and aggravates you, Newton will be there.
A Mac virus that really isn't a virus since it won't email your friends or damage your files. Hit the jump to see what it will do tho.
Posted by tranism at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 3, 2008
Swimmy Swimmy
I want these goldfish shaped magnetic boards. They're not really that big (13" x16") so I plan on getting at least 3 or 4 of them. Now I can finally fill up this blank corner in my dining room which is really my home office. OOH you know what? I'm gonna head down to the craft store and get some of those googlely eyes. These goldfish need eyes.
Posted by tranism at 12:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Your Jeans, My Jeans
Not sure if my newer readers know but I have a fashion design background that's been sitting on the back burner for far too long. Mainly because my fascination with construction, art, and design doesn't mesh well with the economics of the fashion industry.
But I'm finally working on my very own menswear collection with the help and guidance of some very good people in my life. It's totally focused on sustainability from the cradle point all the way down to business. In my research I've learned the many gritty details often glazed over. Time Magazine has a great photo story about those jeans that you and I wear. Designer prices came from humble beginnings.
Posted by tranism at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Hydroponics For All
For all if you live in Wuhan, China. The new modern city will feature an apartment complex with 100 sqft. trellises in each unit. Grow your own veggies or other worthwhile green ventures. Just remember, China has an execution policy for anything drug related.
Yea, I thought that would change your mind. Smanx Geekologie.
Posted by tranism at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Because This Blog Needs Another Bjork Post
I haven't written about Bjork in awhile, mainly because she's been touring this and all last year promoting Volta. Nonetheless that shouldn't stop me from finding something to write about her, so here it is.
Bjork has one of the most amazing voices. She can mangle it to the point of chaos and screaming abandon, but then reel it back in with total operatic control. Hit the jump to see a rare Bjork performance all the way back in 1997 - the year an obsessed fan tried to kill her with a chemical bomb. By the end of the year she retreated for a well deserved rest before releasing her most introverted (and best in my opinion) album, Vespertine in 2001.
It's rare to hear Bjork with guitars. Can you hear the pain in her voice? It strikes my sentiments hard just like that guitar strumming.
Posted by tranism at 12:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 2, 2008
Gods Of Sport
I'm not big on the whole coffee table concept. Personally I like clear surfaces so if it's a book it'll probably stay on the bookshelf. That being said, I wouldn't mind having this book on my coffee table.
Naked for a Cause is releasing "Gods Of Sport" in aid of the McGrath Foundation. This hardcover book features unseen images from the Naked for a Cause photoshoot featuring hottie Australian footballers. Shot by Pedro Virgil, each photo exudes masculinity in a competitive sense. The book retails for $95 U.S. but I'm sure the nude footballers in this book more then justify it.
Anybody wanna buy me a copy? I need new viewing reading material.
Posted by tranism at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Sweet Outside, Nuts Inside
Ads for dogs treats (or really gross looking human ones). It's cute so I posted it okay? More after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 1, 2008
Portraits of Furry People
My buddy Greg alerted me to some awesome artwork by a colleague of his; Jay Van Buren paints furry animals! Tho they're really people dressed up as furry animals - same difference. I'm enamored with the sincerity and humor in his work. Perhaps I could recruit him for my Panda Makings project. :)
Posted by tranism at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
PUMA Buys Hussein Chalayan
May not be really big news unless you're into fashion or love Puma. Okay in hindsight that's like everybody so guess what? Puma bought a huge stake in Hussein Chalayan's business and taking on the designer as Puma's first ever Creative Director.
I'm excited Chalayan's ideas will finally have the financial backing of a company rich enough to let him do what he wants. I can only imagine what he'll create for Puma. The flip side is the death of another independent fashion house. Chalayan is one of the very few "cerebral" fashion designers out there. He marches to his own beat and many of my fashion peers feel the industry is now a big conglomerate.
In any case, my congratulations to Hussein Chalayan. See my favorite Chalayan pieces after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 4:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
K.K. Slider Found
You may have seen him gleefully strumming away in Nintendo's Animal Crossing but he's not just a low polygon video character. He's real!
Posted by tranism at 3:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)