Orchard East House, A Very Pretty Box

I've seen lots of mini-mansions in my day, but this home by Wheeler Kearns Architects has got to be the most stunning I've seen yet. None of the space is wasted. Everything has a function. I'm starting to have second thoughts about the whole "dedicate your life to grids" idea Nina's been so crazy about...

Blue Accent Architecture

Oh, those Swedes. When will they stop teasing me with their crazy ideas? The not-so-subtle blue detail on the stairs and bookshelves around LASC Studio's summerhouse? Nothing short of amazin'.

Panasonic Lumix GF-1 Hirano Leather Treatment

Ahhhh, to leather or not to leather. That is the question... Photos from Mickey Fox in Japan. Case can be purchased here.

The Girl of Winter, Dramatic Edition

Sharon: "But you only have about 2 minutes of video."
Me: "Yeah, we can still do something with that."
Sharon: "I don't believe you."
Me: "Trust me... I'll just tear it to shreds, slow it down to 50% or something, and do all sorts of weird color stuff to make it seem like you're in more places than you really are."
Sharon: "Huh?"

This is the third test video I've shot with the Panasonic Lumix GF-1 (only this time, using the updated firmware). Seems like the auto-focus has improved slightly, but still pretty slow in general. However, I've learned to really enjoy shooting with it and it's become my go-to camera for anything, anywhere.

Edited in iMovie '09 and music by The RAah Project.

Chop Cup Awesome

Well, that was unexpected. Really, really bizarre, but awesome. (Hint: Keep your eye on more than just the ball)

Mid-Century Modernlicious

Yeah, that's a skateboard. A pink one. I know. It makes no sense, but you just know it's fantastic. Photos by Jonas Ingerstedt.

And You Thought Slap Chop Was Dope...

Just wait until you get a hold of this new album by KillQueez early next year. The video, which is produced by Versus Media, does get me fiendin' for some ill ideas for my next music video - shot with nothing less than the Panny Lumix GF-1, of course. Me wonders if I can find some volunteers for some crazy stuffs...

Elica Glide Hood Does a Cabinet Good

The Elica Glide under-cabinet hood keeps your cabinet's clear of both smelly foods and excess stainless steel. With its chrome-plated, low, dynamic profile, it'll surely be a hit with New Yorkers' tiny kitchens. Zing!

Family Guy: Something Something Dark Side Review

And I thought Robot Chicken one was lame. Not to mention, I really wish they would stop adding those random musical sections into their Family Guy. Especially if it's a tasteless rhyme originating from a short moment of inspiration while sitting on the can or something. But hey, at least they kept it under 2 minutes this time. 6.6/10.

WALC Gets a Usability Test

Our walking system gets tested on the streets of Palo Alto, CA. The WALC (Walking Around your Local Community) system is made of 3 parts:

1. A wearable artifact (a carabiner with GPS or RFID)
2. An interactive display (prototyped using an easel and paper pad)
3. A business storefront.

The more you walk, the more points you gain. These points can be used to redeem free goodies, coupons, and samples at local participating businesses. It's kind of like turning your entire city into a Costco.

My Theory on Robot Love

Call me crazy, but I have a feeling that our love for consuming technology and products today will ultimately lead us dating robots. It's just another step of marring software with our pre-conditioned cultural influences to create what we understand to be as, "Love." Anyway, happy holidays all.

Up Review

After Cars, I seriously was about to punch someone at Pixar in the face. But after Wall-E and now, Up, they've successfully placed me back in my seat and enjoying excellent films by one of the greatest animation giants of today. I can only assume they've fired the idiot responsible for that god-forsaken incarnation and now have an incredibly talented team of writers, directors, and visual artists bringing these movies to life. Up is well-told, filled with amazing entertainment, and best of all, is great fun for the whole family. 9.1/10.

Magimix See-Thru Toaster

Yeah. It only took us 15 years to get here. But we made it! The see-thru material is constructed of insulated glass, so you'll no longer have to worry about having those nasty burnt bagels toast. Unless you're the type that would buy a $320 toaster and still walk away from food while it's cooking. Then I have no hope for you, sir.

You Could've Gone With Something More Subtle

Mmmmm... porcelain grenade salt and pepper shakers. Who could ask for more? Dishwasher and microwave safe, though I would question a person who microwaves their pepper. Available for $16.

Gigantic Jellyfish Lamp Guaranteed to Impress

Come to think of it, the lamp reminds me a lot of those hairdryer hats my mom still uses in her hair salon. And the lamp is indeed large - 12 feet wide and 63 inches deep. You can throw any bulb in there or, as seen above, you can whip up a fancy paint job and turn it into an out-of-this-world experience. Dezeen certified.

Refreshing Window Therapy

There's somethin' about extra-extra-large windows that I absolutely adore. Sure, it's probably not easy to have something like this unless you find an abandoned warehouse somewhere in downtown, but one can always dream, right?

Objectified Review

While it doesn't completely kick Helvetica's ass out of the water, Objectified surely is succeeds at what it sets out to do. It provides an honest face to design, but also comes accompanied with a certain air of "if I don't care about design, why the hell am I watching this?" Well, to the casual viewer, I might agree. There's nothing in this movie except pretty industrial design products. No real hook. No famous people you've probably heard of. So in that sense, it isn't really accessible to the mainstream at all, but rather a community of artists and designers already familiar with the culture and universe of the industry. But ultimately, because I do dig my designerly things, I enjoyed this movie and felt engaged throughout. 7.9/10.

Vy Picks Out a Piece of Fabric

Vy helps demonstrate the user deductive mental model when selecting a piece of cloth from a fabric store. Taken with my new Panasonic Lumix GF1 (20mm 1.7), edited in iMovie '09, and provided music by Ratatat.

And yes, there were a few instances when I just wanted to choke the GF1 for not auto-focusing faster. It's pretty terrible at that when it comes to video. Going to try manual focusing tomorrow in another test video. Hopefully the results won't turn out to be so obnoxious.

I'm Not a Big Wedding Person

But these "the day after" photos are pretty fantastic. Not sure what my obsession is with the balloons are all about. Maybe I've been watching "Up" too many times.

It Ain't Easy Being #1

Hmmmm... seems like we must be doing something right at Apartment Therapy. The Times UK just recently granted us the prestigious spot of numero uno on their list of World's 50 Top Design Blogs. Yay us!

Above, the Laidly House in SF takes center stage. Love it!

Attack of the Thrones

Noah and The Whale? Lykke Li? Daft Punk? And the XX? This kid have a mouse on crack dealing out these crazy mixes. Don't expect a sound structure here folks, this track isn't held back at all. Check it out. It's gotta be one of the craziest experiences I've had all week.

Death To The Throne – I Only Have Eyes For You (MP3)

Abstraction

Oh, XKCD. I love how you're only funny 2% of the time, but when you are, it's quite good. Link to referenced video here.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen

Daniel Everett does some contemporary-retro mashing with clouds and geometric shapes. The result? An awesome sky-scape of serious fun!

As Simple As They Come

Lovin' the simplicity of these coat hooks by The Future Perfect. Grab two of them for $28.

Typography Fiend

Ah, I'm real excited for my upcoming Type class next quarter. Finally I can create some luxurious goodies like these extravagant typefaces designed by ANDR over on Flickr. Drooooooooool...

Sunflare Saturday

Seems like this is the last of it. First semester of Human-Computer Interaction Design done. I couldn't be more excited. Up next, CHI 2010 conference project submission.

Biz Markie Does TuneUp Commercials

Haha... OMG, this is great. Biz Markie and Andy Milonakis does an awesome commercial for TuneUp, something that cleans up that pile of poop we all call our organized iTunes library.

I Want a Galley House

Just like this one by Donald Chong Studios. Talk about slim fitting.

Lumix GF-1 vs. Leitz Summaron

The first rule when Anthony gets a camera: Pimp it. Pimp it to a level never seen by a cat, man, or animal. Unless you're Japan, or something. In which case, you would buy an Artisan&Artist Kobe Shaved-Edge Leather Strap and a $600 Leitz Summaron 35mm f/2.8 Leica lens to create the sexiest camera beast to ever walk the planet.

Photography Incoming...

Guess who's camera just came in? Yep, and is moi excited! (Did I even use that correctly?) After months of deliberation and patience waiting for Amazon's shipping department to get their act together, the shiny Panasonic Lumix GF-1 is finally in the palm of my hands. I plan to restructure my entire workflow and have my good buddy Eugene teach me how to make the most of out this magical black box.

Flickr updates soon to come! Finally!

Vintage Chill

Nothin' like relaxing around in the company of some eclectic pieces from the 1920's. Mmmm-mmm, tastes like Europe.

Arndt Menke-Zumbragel's Wooden Fixie

This bike will make ya look "green", yo. Except, well, you're killing trees to make one.

The Epic Muse

While it's no Rachmanioff, it still kicks some stellar ass. I gotta get me a fuckin' digital piano already. These creative juices is hurtin'.

Hipster Guys Winter Edition

Believe me. This will make you two step. Oh, and here's Friday's promised posting two days later. Those Ray-Bans don't come cheap!!

Robin S - Show Me Love (Redlight Remix) (MP3)