PEDAL I.D. Gives You The 1/9 Fixie Build-Up Toys

Japan sure knows how to market "cool." Seeing as many of us don't have the money to build actual bikes with colorful attributes and high end parts all over, our second option could be to build our dream bikes from miniature part sets from PEDAL I.D. Not only do these look absolutely gorgeous, but it kinda makes me want to build one just to give myself an idea of the bike of my dreams may look like in the future (when I got the moneys).

Top 5 Hip-Hop Mixtapes of 2008

My personal favorites from this past year. Most of them are free around the internet or available from Soulseek. Enjoy!

1. Girl Talk - Feed The Animals
2. Wale - The Mixtape About Nothing
3. Benzie & Diplo - Fear and Loathing in Hunts Vegas
4. Kid Cudi - A Kid Named Cudi
5. Anything and everything Crookers related!
   

Dino-Riders Rule!

Seriously, if ya'll don't know about them dinos in laser-touting armor, ya'll just don't know.

Wait... I See What You Did There

From Havard Lampoon's "Cosmo" magazine parody comes an idea that's totally unoriginal, yet absolutely filled-to-the-brink with awesome. Simply cross the eyes or add masks to old retro magazine covers and voila! Instant irony!

Mad Styles with Cream of Photoshop Soup

Pretty clever, if I must say so myself. More cool goodies and ideas over at Karramarro's Flickrstream.

The Good, The Bad, The Weird

While the idea of an Asian Western seemed to tickle my fancy at first, a viewing of The Good, The Bad, The Weird generally solidifies how difficult it is to pull a good one off - even if it's meant to be comical and quirky. The character costumes are pretty good, but the jumbled mess of a storyline and sloppy camera-work is just too poor in regards to quality compared to the older works of Ji-Woon Kim (The Tale of Two Sisters comes to mind). However, fans of gunfights and confused Asian personas may enjoy this more than I did, but compared to the Clint Eastwood classics, there is no contest on who knows how to direct these types of movies better. 7.4/10.

Stereo Future Review

While Stereo Future attempts to cover all the bases - saving mankind through maintaining the welfare of nature, giving us a peek into commercial Japanese pop culture, and telling a short little story of one man's lovelife - it simply doesn't matriculate into the gem that we all hope it'd be. The movie more or less is an exercise of directoral masturbation, with characters that really don't have any motive as they do the things they do, all piled together with a shoddy script and a couple of pretty female actors. There's mild humor littered throughout and decent Japanese-handheld cam cinematography, but overall, it's primarily a director's personal project that can be passed if you're looking for something with a little more substance. 6.8/10.

My Sassy Girl Review

Ever since some Hollywood studio decided it might be a great idea to ruin such a Korean classic, I felt it was only just to revisit that 2001 classic once again with an updated review. In almost every single way, the Korean version does everything the American version fails to deliver; beautiful direction, genuine comedy, and a timeless flair between well cast characters. If you've seen this movie in the past, let me reassure you a second viewing only makes it so much better. A must-see indeedy! 9.1/10.

This Is England Review

As told from an impressionable 12 year old's perspective against the backdrop of the Falklands War, this film shows that story telling doesn't require fancy plot twists and gimmick exercises to get the point across. Its documentary style effectively documents the skinhead culture innocently perpetuated through the "mod" and "ska" music scene from a subverted racist element from within - all while outlining a moving story with great performances and, while not perfect, maintains an effective showcase of the 80's culture in England with doses of tragedy littered throughout. 8.0/10.

Banksy's Village Petstore & Charcoal Grill Art Show

There's never a dull moment when it comes to Banksy's work. I recently stumbled on one of their more recent shows this year and it's everything I expected it to be; stupendously ridiculous and fun fun fun! Did I mention there are animated hot dog buns?

Sydney Yeager Really Knows How To...

"Stroke it," would be the words I am probably seeking, but such energetic synergy from the collaborative effects of the stroke is enough to offset any rude puns I may wish to make. Better yet, it's an inspiring style that I might just start painting again. More of her older work can be found here.

An Interest in Supersonic Sound

Now that I'm totally done with my GREs and graduate school applications, I finally have some free vacation time to practice my keyboarding skills. I'm considering selling a few things to afford an Alesis Micron synthesizer so I can start making some kick ass beats. A expensive hobby, but so much fun! Oh, and that's paperdreams in the photos above. She's a goofy one, that girl.

Pieces of Style Makin' Heaven a Reality

If there is anything I love more than home technology, it's the furniture that accompanies them. However, given the absurd price tags on some of these pieces, there are many times where it is difficult to justify such a purchase. Luckily, Gus*Modern has prices that are fairly reasonable (and when I say reasonable, I meant working professional earning at least $45k reasonable) - my favorite being the Bathurst Media Center table for $1695. Just lookin' at it makes me want to stroke the fine lines on the wood paneling... oh dear...

Time To Kick Back and Have a Merry Christmas!

The holidays are always a good time to catch up with family, friends, and Nintendo DS Lite RPGs. Oh, and here's a old freebie for you to enjoy - it reminds me of a good ol' days spent doing nothing and without a single worry in the world.

Bobby Brown - Every Little Step (MP3)

The Man Who Wasn't There Review

This slow, moody homage towards the noir genre isn't the action packed cop and villain story that becomes box office hits. It's more about the story, where the characters don't find the events - the events find them. With cinematography that is absolutely gorgeous and dead-near perfect casting, it's easy to overlook the 2-hour runtime and uneasy mix of strange cynical humor that some may be thrown off by. Still, what remains is a great plot about the modern man - searching and finding, sometimes only discovering there is no truth at the end of the tunnel. 8.3/10.

Vintage Press Letters As Decor

Looks quite lovely, no? The letters can be found on eBay for about $7 a piece - though you'll save if you buy them from the same seller in bulk. More Leah Hennen sneak peeks and great dseign ideas can be found at the Sponge.

Kasabian's Shoot The Runner

Perhaps the most masterful videos of 2007 and one of my favorites. It takes Apple iPod commercials to a level unheard of. Shoot the runner, I'm the king and she's my queen!

Chinese Girls Anime Massacre

Photographer Chen Zhun for FHM China sure knows to how take visual pleasure to the next level. More of them fightin' words and photos over here.

Wanted Review

Perhaps it's a bad idea to chase a mindless action flick with another one the night after. I was initially apprehensive about the film, but decided to give it a go anyway since I enjoyed Freeman as a bad guy in Lucky Number Slevin. After watching, however, I must say there was one essential part of the puzzle that Slevin obtained, but Wanted missed completely - a story. A story that doesn't question my intelligence, recycle pitiful special effects in an attempt to cover up the fact that it doesn't have a story, and makes you feel like America's so dumbed down by culture that it can't even tell the lack of substance and instead praises such horrid trash. That said, it does have some good action sequences, but the main character is really annoying. 6.8/10.

Futuristic Japanese Design From European Nod Young

The prints are somewhat reasonably priced - though $81 each is kind of out of my price range momentarily.

Rolando Turns Your iPhone Into a Wacky Gaming Device

Whew! Well it may have taken a while longer than expected, but I'm super excited to see the release of Rolando on the iPhone! Credits go to Mikko Walamies for bringing Rolandoland to life with his wonderful, charming illustrations, and to awesome talents like Mr. Scruff who helped sculpt Rolando’s musical landscape. Can't wait to check this out!

Death Race Review

Those who grew up with the early 90s PC video game Mega Race will find this the latest entry from Paul Anderson mysteriously nostalgic. Along with the corporate penitentiaries and ridiculously loose storyline, we have Tyrese, Jason Statham, and sexy Natalie Martinez to keep it right on target in fulfilling its role as a B-movie - not some Fast and the Furious ripoff. It's pure entertainment, like Planet Terror and Starship Troopers, so don't go into it expected any form of character develepment. Just grab some popcorn, kick back, and enjoy some unadulterated grindhouse-style action. 7.2/10.

Dusty Black Chalkboards Are In

Personally, the mess would probably drive me nuts, but it really add some fun factor to a would-be sterile and boring space.

Richard Wilkinson Zebra Horses Are Way Cool

Maybe even cooler than unicorns. His gallery has a pretty unique style - reminiscent of early 90s children illustration books - available for your viewing pleasure here.

Vintage Signs As Rolling Doors

Now that's a clever idea. Mismatching chairs just give it that extra +2 points in the hip department.

Grado GS-1000 Is Cute and Retro, The Best Out There

Are you some kind of low-end audiophile? Prove yourself by checking out the Grado GS-1000's; not only are they probably the most amazing headphones out there today, with some of the best low-volume performance any review site has ever experienced, but its retro modern appeal fits right in to any present day decor without issues. Either way, it's an amazing pair of headphones and I would take the plunge... if I only had $1000 to pay for this indulgence.

I Love Peaches, Don't You?

Who would've thought they had some interior design instinct as well as a great knack for all that incredibly awesome hipster music. Check out more luxurious crazy tendencies over at the Selby. Not familiar with the Peaches? Check out this video and you'll get a pretty good idea.

London vs. Kanye West, On Guitar

Tonight is all about Kanye, okay? Regardless of geography, age, gender, bad habits, or dance styles - everyone needs a little love lockdown. And who better to unleash it upon us than our emo London friend, Alan.

Alan Pownall - Love Lockdown (Kanye West Cover) (MP3)

The Insider Review

Though a bit dated, the Insider manages to give an in-depth look at Michael Mann's early work that's developed over the past few years. Particularly in the field of the thinking man's action flick, this movie delivers on all fronts. With an inventive soundtrack that creates high tension without the use of anything but his camera, he manages to create characters that are fully formed and moving. Admittedly, the cinematrography is not as powerful as some other ones by the same director, even with a few shots which I found absolutely redundant and needed cutting, but it's still one of the most influentual works by the director to date. 8.5/10.

Shots from the White Elephant

Their first brick and mortar shop, White Elephant has more than a few inspiring ideas that are easy to pull off using recycled junk from your local thrift store. Bike baskets? Globes? Sure thing! I'm even thinking about starting up my own mini-furniture collection while I prepare for my interstate travel...

Stevey Boy, We All Love You Dearly

It's truer than true - it's Jobs double true. I can only hope human-computer interaction falls somewhere in there. Wallpaper credits from here.

"Steve Jobs is not a designer, and he’s not a software engineer. But he’s the one who mediates between them, the one who knows that the place where the visible and the invisible meet is also the place where we go to meet both. He’s the one who knows how human that place is. He’s the one who makes sure it stays human."-A quote from John Maeda in Steve Jobs and the Portal to the Invisible

Anthony Lister & WK Interactive at Elms Lesters Gallery

Video journalist Dan Fontanelli recently caught up with comic inspired artist Anthony Lister and WK Interactive at London’s Elms Lesters Gallery during an ongoing exhibition. The video highlights some pretty dope artwork and interesting personalities behind the magic.

To Macbook Air, Or To Not Macbook Air

That is the question, yes. Now if I could only convince myself to let my MP3 and movie collection go to make room for the tiny SSD drive, this decision would come much easier…

Dumbster SF's Hyper Cube

Buhh?? A Rubix cube inspired painting you say? Pure genius! More here.

Mishka Zeitgeist Gloves in Blue

Bright blue knit gloves from Mishka, with a white & magenta Bear Mop logo patch on the right one, at the wrist, and a magenta Mishka logo flag woven label on the left one, also near the wrist. Sure, $41 is admittedly insane given the economic downturn, but hey! Give and receive - and I can give lots if you do me right!

Top 5 Gambit Quotes from X-Men

While he's only the second coolest X-Men character (Wolverine still beating out everyone with his badass ego), his quotes still remain one of the most entertaining, if not memorable, from the classic childhood series. Hopefully it gives you a chuckle while I try and ace them GRE's this coming Monday.

1. "Playin' for keeps is still playin', mon ami, so take a card...ANY CARD!" -Gambit, Avengers West Coast #101
2. "Every man has a price to charge and a price to pay." -Gambit, Uncanny X-Men #350
3. "Admit it, mon ami, we actu'ly make a pretty good team...when we ain't tryin' t'kill each other." -Gambit to Bishop, X-Men #47
4. "Ooh, two at once? Not my style. Seriously." -Gambit, Gambit #5
5. "Look at dis here. I be the thief, chere...and there you go off stealin' my heart." -Gambit, Rogue Ltd. Series #2
   

Latest Obsession, Vintage Cameras

I have a shelf built and everything. Ugh, this is going to make me poor... again.

Clean, Crisp, and Crunchy

At least that's the impression I received from Edward Duarte's portfolio. Who would've thought retro modern could taste so fruity. Yum!

The Essential Vista Sidebar Apps

Well, at least the custom ones I've found that have made Vista even with dealing with. The list includes All CPU Meter, Wireless Network Meter, Imp's Drive Info, and the WP-Corp Mail checker I mentioned a few days ago. I've also got the App Launcher as a temporary placeholder until I get my RKLauncher back up and running. Until then, I gotta deal with Vista's lack-of drivers (still) and will most likely go back to XP by the end of the month. It's either that or OSx86.

Symmetric Tendencies with Tiffany Bozic

Pretty amazin' stuff. I kind of want to do a similar piece, except with a bunch of Mao's stemming outward. Perhaps a subliminal message of China "reaching out" to the outside world? Ha. More of her gallery over here.

One Desk To Rule Them All

If there's one desk I like, it has to be Nelson Swag Leg Desk. Not only are the colors playful and lack enough flair to keep it from being considered an "office desk,"but the design retains the classic secretary look that's both smart and sophisticated.

Anna Ranung Plays with White

The idea of a white kitchen remains elusive to me - mainly due to the fact that it looks like a minimalistic morgue at times, but still... it looks quite pretty, no?

Taken Review

When the cinematographer of Unleashed and The Transporter and director 13th District pairs up with Luc Besson's story writing skills, one has to raise an eyebrow or two. After a thorough watch, I must say I was quite impressed with Pierre Morel's progression as a director. Taken is an edge of your seat thriller that's brilliantly executed and leaves you wanting more. A concoction definitely worth noting, though being not as memorable as Leon the Professional, should remain at the top of the list of anyone's popcorn movie Netflix queue. 8.9/10.

Until Death Review

Van Damme hasn't seen much light these days. I mean, who could really come back up after Street Fighter? Well, good news Van Damme fans because he's gone through some kind of rennaisance transformation. Okay, he's still playing a dirty cop with a bad attitude, but you'll be surprised at how entertaining it is despite being a straight up B-movie. It's grimy, dark, and paves the way for his reinvention as an actor. Just don't expect that John Woo shit - this one has heart, great characters, and *dun dun dun* a story? Yeah. 8.3/10.

We Pimp Yo' DS Lite Becuz You Can't Deal With Normal

With Chrono Trigger DS taking up all your hours of restroom time, you should really consider pimping it out with one of Decalgirl's skins for the DS Lite. They're cheap and add a bit of flair that you'll either absolutely love or hate. Grab a set of vinyls for $10.

In Search of a Disco Ball...

Maybe it's just the music I've been listening to lately. A little bit of Kitsune here, some Cut Copy there, and Girl Talk ends my nights in mash-up bliss. So where the hell do you find one of these things anyway?