Kim Gets Into That Camera Groove

I'm still in love with vintage cameras up to this day. They're so borderline steam punk, yet maintains that sophisticated twist that gets me all inspired inside. It's also why I'm totally gaga over the cute little collection Kim from Desire to Inspire has stacked up over on her bedroom side table...

Stayin' Up When You're Down

Dr. Odio shows us where Snow White got her name from...

Master of Some Trades

Rule of thumb: If you're good at something, apply it in every niche you can think of and you will succeed. Since American Apparel makes really soft and comfy tees, it only makes sense their entry into the bedding field makes absolute sense. Simple and affordable, this is how you do it. Nekkid girl not included.

Quantum of Solace Review

While it's definitely not one of the best Bond films, I found it to be a worthy entry nonetheless. The problem was primarily due to the fact that Casino Royale did such a great job in portraying Bond as such an emotional, enigmatic character, that the bar was set so much higher than any previous entries in the series. As tempting as it may have been, QoS manages to not create a repeat Casino Royale, but instead attempts to incorporate a Bourne-ish conspiracy theory lined with shrouds of endless mystery. What this equates to (though I wished it hadn't) is a slightly muddled execution, with merely decent character development and lackluster jokes that ultimately lend me to give it this average score. 7.8/10.

Aspirations, Expositions, and Missions in Life

As uncertain as our generation's "American Dream" has turned out to be during these past few years, leaving many folks of our Y-generation out of jobs right out of college and struggling to pay off loans meanwhile getting by on a dime, I still cannot help but dream about the potential of our future.

For now, those nickel and dimes will continue to amount to much more than we ever imagined they would be. While we try and step back to absorb wise words from our parents and elders, more often than not, we're only welcomed by discouragement tied by a dated mindset. A mindset that has led to dissimulation of our current economy. A mindset filled with overconfidence in choices based on safety, tradition, and job security.

So how does one design a successful company/venture in this dire situation, in this early age, surrounded by the endless stream of crap that's disillusioned us for so long? The more I gather ideas from speaking with associates and writing for Unplggd, the ethos of creating such an environment that fuels creativity and becomes more and more likely that it's still possible to whip up something the works, as long as you continue to have the drive to do so.

It's a secret formula, while risky in nature, has managed to continue coming together during the uphill battles I've held through the past few years. A concoction of ideas and ideals, fueled by what I like to call, "the empowerment of people other than yourself" - working on and off each other in a work flow that can only push forward, never back. And while it's not perfect, it's enough to keep me going in the direction I'm going in. So that even when I'm stranded in my bedroom with no gas money to spare, I'll still be enjoying my 10th cup of Campbell's chicken noodle soup with no regrets.

Those Right Angles Are Diabolical

All those geometric art-zines are getting me dizzy. It needs to stop. Before Stackenblocken becomes a reality.

Opening Ceremony Zip-Up Oxford and Boot

Adding their own little twist to standard leather dress shoes, Opening Ceremony releases an incredible set of formal kicks featuring a zippered closure and slick appeal. The oxfords are seen in the lone black color while the boots come in both brown and black. Available now for $355 for the oxfords and $400 for the boots.

Blind Lightning: White Samurai Style

Not sure what's up with my white obsession right now, but it's definitely on overdrive. I want to paint the town white. White pants. White keyboards. Everything. White.

6 Upsides of a Down Economy

Recession can be tough when you're losing lots and making nothing. Still, in the darkest hours, a silver lining may be just the thing you need to keep that head up for another day.

1. We're borrowing less and saving more.
2. We're wasting less, making it last, doing without.
3. We're finally building smaller homes.
4. We're driving less, living greener.
5. We're eating less red meat, getting healthier.
6. We're killing them evil big boxes, supporting our local businesses.

What Is A Browser?

Ask 50 passersbyers what a browser is and you're bound to get a few interesting answers.

The Shepard Process

Just in case there are some other Shepard Fairey fans out there (Oh, I sure hope there are), I think you'll get a big kick out of this one.

Top 5 Kitchen Items I Don't Own, But Must Have

Mind you that these are the best of the best, so ignore the price tag, swoon over its sheer elegance, and pretend you actually have room for these goodies. Here's my list, feel free to tag on your own:

1. All-Clad 12-Inch Stainless Fry Pan with Lid ($90)
2. Swissmar Borner V-Slicer Plus Mandoline ($40)
3. Demarle Silpat 11-3/4-by-8-1/4-Inch Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat ($15)
4. William-Sonoma Silicone Large Spatula ($10)
5. Ken Onion by Shun 8-Inch Chef's Knife ($200)

Today, You'll Become A Man

For the rest of June, I will be covering something I feel I don't cover enough of on a daily basis - audiophile-grade production and listening equipment. While the majority out there will probably see it as nothing more than technological porno, if you're as passionate about music as I am, you need to look past all that and realize great sound doesn't come free. And I'm not just talking about listening to the birds and the bees either - I'm talking about excellent reproduction, accuracy, and music that makes you feel as if you are there.

First on the list is this incredibly innovative product by Lexicon. The Ionix U22 is the perfect complement to any studio professional preparing to take off to stardom. This 2x2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface comes with XLR/TRS inputs, instrument input, and a wealth of other options that let you connect your studio monitors, plug in your digital piano, and listen to headphones - all from a single interface that's conveniently designed to go in that "dead space" between your monitor and keyboard. Brilliance at its best? You betcha. More to come, so stay tuned.

How to Choose the Correct Frame Size for a Fixie/Road Bike

It's fairly simple. Just follow these simple steps and you should have a relatively good idea of what your bike size is in no time at all:

1. Place a book or carpenter’s square between your legs with one edge against the wall, and pull it up firmly into your crotch, simulating the pressure of your saddle while riding. Have a helper measure from the top edge of the book to the floor, in centimeters. (You can convert inches to centimeters by multiplying inches by 2.54.) Repeat two or three times, for consistency, and average the results to get your inseam length.

2. Use your inseam measurement to get a rough idea of your road bike size. Multiply your inseam by .65. This will give you a good estimate of you road bike size for bikes measured center to center. Thus if your inseam is 86 cm, you will fit a 56cm road bike (86 x .65 = 55.9). Note that many road bikes are measured center to top. To determine how to fit these bikes, multiply your inseam by .67.

3. Subtract an additional 10cm and convert this measurement to inches to get your mountain bike frame size, roughly. Thus, if you fit a 56cm road bike (c-c), you will fit a 46cm - or an 18" - mountain bike.

4. Consider top tube length. In many ways, this is the most important aspect of sizing a bike. Two 18" mountain bikes may have different length top tubes. Or a 54cm and an 56cm road bike may have the same length top tube. Given the same top tube length, the bigger bike may be more comfortable in that it will allow you to get the bars up a bit higher.

5. Know that women have longer legs and shorter top tubes than men. Unfortunately, most bikes are designed for men, and women often have a hard time finding a bike that will fit them well. Luckily, some manufacturers have begun to make women-specific models.

6. Test ride some bikes once you have gotten a rough idea of what will fit you. This will help you determine what is most comfortable for you.

Look! Jack's Back

Glad to have you back, Jack. Now that it's summer, with the sun shining so bright, I think everyone's got a chance to take their photography skills to the next level. Who's in?

In Case You Were Wondering

This is where I do what I do. For the most part. The 24-incher is ridiculously hard to read sometimes given how tall it is. I might even consider getting rid of it due to its size. Bigger isn't always better, you know.

Being a Nerd Is Like, So Cool

The overpriced, retro-inspired Casio G-Shock Data Bank Calculator Watch is just what I need right now. $90 for food? Pfft. Who needs food when I can calculate how many calories I'm not intaking by having this awesome watch?

Apartment Prerequisites

Roominess. Lots of light. Wooden floors. White walls. Vintage molding and details. Pictures by Jacob.

Gran Torino Review

Like many Eastwood movies, the screenplay is poignant, beautiful, and full of strong character development. The idea of an old racist truly didn't click for me at first, but as the movie continued on, you learned to laugh at crusty old Kowalski's comments and appreciate the bonds that he forms with the Hmong immigrants that live next door. It's a simple premise, but is executed with Eastwood's fine hand for developing believable films despite a wishy-washy supporting cast. Some may even call up similarities between the contrasting cultures as "just another Karate Kid" movie. Nonetheless, I still found it to be far more enjoyable than 90% of the other Hollywood junk out there and a worthy addition to Eastwood's arsenal. 8.3/10.

Life After Davis, A Weekend Video Project

First test video shots with my new Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 camera captured in 720p. I only later realized I had bumped the exposure joystick on accident and was oversaturating everything, but I'll definitely keep an eye on it next time. Still, I think it turned out fairly decent, capturing the warm faces of graduated Davis folk enjoying themselves in glistening HD glory.

Developer By Trade, Auto Tuner By Day

LOL. Man, I kind of want to grab a mic and annoy the shit out of people now after watching this video. I believe the lady-friend would feel it most. "Baby, do you wanna get some sushi?"

The Infamous Grado SR80 Reverse Mod

Here's the general idea: You grab a pair of stock Grado SR80's. You grab a pair of HD-414 earpads. Now, you literally pin a quarter down with my left index finger and cut out the hole (carefully) with a Swiss army knife. The whole should be about 25mm across. It doesn't look perfectly round, but pretty good. I'd imagine it would be better with those scalpel looking knives, but this is the best one can do! Now, last but not least, you put them on backwards - hence the "reverse" mod.

PS: Removing that plastic logo also lets in some more air and creates a cleaner look. Proceed with caution if you do!

Lofty Lazybone Cafe

On top, we got a vintage Herman Miller Eames grey fiberglass shell on Modernica maple rocker. You also got the Modernica Noguchi replica cyclone side table with glossy white laminate on walnut base. And in the back, a George Nelson favorite - the large cigar bubble lamp on matte chrome floor stand. Bike specs can be found here.

If It Makes Me An Aristocrat, I'll Take Two

Italian leather wrapped body with solid wood legs. Made in the style of a classic design. Who could ask for more? Buy it for $1378.

Dim Mak Hires Only The Hottest

If your style is as loud and obnoxious as Dim Mak's, you might as well hire the hottest girls to strut your stuff. Like MISHKA, the saddest thing is that it works so well. Me loves simple marketeering.

You've Won Me Over, Pierre-Jean Verger

You got some nice browns going on there, Pierre-Jean. For now, I'm almost certain I want to go brown with my upcoming Humanscale purchase. But seeing as my walls in my new home would most likely be white, wouldn't red match better? Hmm... decisions, decisions...

MmMmm... Finger Biscuits

What can I say? It's frickin' genius! I wonder if they taste like fortune cookies, though.

I Promise I Won't Be Eccentric

I'll tell the truth, always. I'll understand the problem, never skimpin' it. I promise I'll avoid the fads, letting it be what it is, and always self-deluding myself whenever necessary. I'll do all this and take over. I just need 698 days.

Lucy Duffy & The Gang, Selbified

Lucy Chadwick and Duffy are showing off their home in London (with special superstar guest Emma) over at the good ol' Selby. One of the more inspiring messes I've seen in a while. Yeah, they feature unorganized people to inspire more chaos. Gotta love it.

Chalk Full of Firekites

Really diggin' this super emo artistic animated piece done all on chalkboard. The band is Firekites, in case you're wondering. Ah wait, forgot YouTube takes care of all of that now... enjoy!

Designin' Ain't Easy, But It's Necessary

I'm pretty stuck in between the leather fabric choices of red and brown for my Humanscale Freedom chair with headrest. My greatest fear is the red being too contemporary lookin' for the laid back retro-modern look I'm trying to pull off with the rest of my furniture. What do you guys think?

IKEA JERKER Is Still The Greatest Desk Evar

Jack Cheng nonchalantly proves that the 2001 run of the IKEA JERKER collection still manages to be the best desk out there in terms of usability, timelessness, and functionality.

One Reason Not To Buy A Mac

Annie: so what do you think about getting a new macbook?
i mean, my dell is 4 years old now
it still functions okay, but it's just not very versatile
it inflicts back pain on me

me: lol
back pain
riggghtt...
the macbook wont fix that
its your posture

In The End, There Was A...

And righteously, so! Still on the lookout for a decent letter to throw up on my wall shelf of eclectic goodies though. These Davis thrift stores are getting sorta depressing in terms of quality items...

It's Not Sunny Enough For A Beach BBQ

But that doesn't mean you can't be listening to some awesome jammies. This should get you started. You can almost feel that refreshing ocean breeze tickling your little facial hairs, can't ya?

Air France - Beach Party (MP3)

Humanscale Freedom In Multiple Flavors

Ah, how torn I am about the fabric choices of my next great chair. Can't say so much about the reclining feature though. From what I've heard on Amazon, it sucks with some epicness. Will follow up if this chair does indeed fit like a mechanical bull, but I guess only time will tell.