Don't Eat Too Much

your turkeys won't be able to tow you.

Happy Thanksgiving

6 Gifts For the Geek Who Has Everything

1.  USB storage skull ring

handmade to order 8 GB of storage

2.  Electronic Bubble Wrap Key Chain

that's right, it makes the bubble wrap sound when you pop the bubbles

3.  Luminodot

The 21st Century Lite Brite!

4.  USB 8GB Flash Drive Lighter

'sure to keep up appearances'

5.  The E-Cigarette - the electronic cigarette 

view the demo video here

6.  LED Color Changing Light Bulb with Remote

put this one on my wish list

The Traffic Jam Recreated

How many times have you been stuck in traffic and asked yourself why the car ahead of you doesn't move up?  The Mathematical Society of Traffic Flow in Japan may have scientifically solved the true nature of the traffic jam. Researchers argue that vehicles clump together at a certain point on a track resulting in a shock-wave effect running backwards through the traffic. Watch the demonstration video embedded above or view it here.

The Obama Pet

If it were only as simple as cat or dog.  

The Roosevelt children had a pet.  A lovable one legged rooster.

One-legged Rooster - pet of the Roosevelt children

photo Library of Congress (PPOC)

We're All A Bunch of Show Offs

Does that mean no one likes us?

If you were at Lollapolooza '92 you may remember the interactive video sound loop thingamajig set up in the village part.  Here you had a chance to compose your own music to looped scenes of drag racing, space launches, animals fornicating or overall destruction - somewhat Koyaanisqatsi or Baraka esque in feel.  A clip from Koyaanisqatsi is above - you can also view it here.

The lineup at Lollapolooza '92 was headlined by Ice Cube, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Ministry, and Jesus and Mary Chain - so yes, the stoner interactive video sound loop thingamajig was a hit.

The 21st Century

Check out Uniqlo's 'Create Your Loop!' an irritating, interactive and supposedly addictive viral marketing campaign directed at hipsters.  Get your mute button ready but do check it out!

Utloop

a hipster t-shirt marketing campaign

Sex, The Economy, and The Guerrilla Marketer

Courbet

Should Nevada's brothels apply for a government bail out too?

The world's oldest profession has been hit by the economic downturn.  The industry has a $400 million impact on the state of Nevada and generates about $50 million in revenues but in the last 18 months disposable income, aka the fun fund, has been going the way of the condom - down the toilet. Revenues for the 25 brothels in the Nevada Brothel Owners' Association are down by as much as 45 percent.  Stats on the women's individual earnings can be found here.

If done correctly,  guerrilla marketing tactics could work brilliantly here.

1. viral marketing
2. ambient marketing
3. presence marketing
4. grassroots marketing
5. wild postings
6. tissue pack advertising
7. undercover marketing
8. astroturfing
9. alternative marketing
10. experiential marketing

Go here to read a great post on the definition of each type of guerrilla marketing tactic mentioned above.

photo from weburbanist

What's Going On

Deborah Layton joined Peoples Temple as a teenager. She left Jonestown six months before the suicides.  In the PBS film Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple she expresses her unhappiness with the world in the 1960s and 1970s and the desire to change it, noting Marvin Gaye's song "Mercy, Mercy Me" off the 1971 album What's Going On.  YouTube video embedded above, and here's the link.

"...the whole time I was in college, I would go into the library -- they had headsets-- I'd ask them to put that entire tape on (What's Going On).  And it was all about "What is going on here, people," you know?  The war in Vietnam, everyone's upset.  And that sort of drifted into every aspect of my life...You know, we all seem to be lost here and that maybe it is time to get involved in something..."  Deborah Layton; Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2007)

November 18th, 1978 

Jonestown Massacre

Jim Jones issues a suicide order commanding his followers to drink cyanide-laced Fla-Vor-Aid.  918 people died in Guyana: five at the Port Kaituma airstrip, four in Georgetown and 909 men, women and children in Jonestown.

November 17, 1938.  

Gordon Lightfoot is born.  He releases Don Quixote in 1972, one year after What's Going On. Listen to "Beautiful" above or  here.

60% of participants polled believe the deaths of the adults at Jonestown were murders.  View the poll here.

10 Rock n Roll Rider Requests Sure to Surprise

The Rider.   Musicians can become legends over these. These contracts can include specs on everything from dressing room 'vibe' and meals to transportation and opening act.  You're thinking about Van Halen, Black Sabbath and NKOB right now aren't you?

Here are 10 musicians whose riders were and weren't what I expected: 

1. Sheryl Crow - Mon. Makers Mark, Tues. Bombay Gin, Weds. Courvosier Brandy, Thurs. Good Quality Champagne, Fri. Silver Tequila, Sat. Absolut Vodka, Sun. Silver Tequila
   
2. Kid Rock - if McDonald's could of set up I'm sure they'd be there.
   
3. Coldplay - NO chardonnay, NO Stella, NO U.S. beer but stamped postcards are nice.
   
4. Prince - more like a spa than a gig. The Yogi tea and scented candles do add a nice touch.
   
5. LL Cool J - the driver must know where to find a Soul Food Cafe and that door better not say Jay.
   
6. Boy George - boy o boy happy hour starts at sound check and that black t-shirt better be ready.
   
7. Nine Inch Nails - who would've thought these guys were juicers!
   
8. The Black Crowes - wooden furniture doesn't go well with zig zags.
   
9. Frank Sinatra - plants, Tootsie Rolls and top shelf liquor are 'appreciated'.
   
10. Guns n' Roses - Dom Perignon, guacamole and porn.

Korn's rider with a PHAT towel request

click it to enlarge it

What's on your rider?

Source: smoking gun 

May I Introduce You To...

Shocking Blue.

One of Kurt's favourites.  Nirvana covered Love Buzz.  

You can view more  here.

Dear Apple Strategic Development

Signature series, limited edition pieces do very well.

Why not try these:

1. Travis Millard - Fudge Factory Comics

2. Miss Van

3. Powell & Peralta Series

more pics here

4. Frank Frazetta

5. Basquiat

image copyright Artist Rights Society

23 Irritating Words and Phrases

There are certain words and phrases that wake a growling monster in me. Once they're said there's no going back.  You've lost me.

Researchers at Oxford University have compiled a list of the top 10 most irritating expressions to coincide with the release of 'Damp Squid', Jeremy Butterfield's book which uncovers, 'a wealth of fascinating facts about the English language.'.

Here is my personal list of the 23 most irritating words and expressions that make me want to... crumple up a ball of paper and throw it at the wall!

1. get 'er done
   
2. cheers (for thank you)
   
3. you're joking
   
4. random
   
5. fashion forward
   
6. eco and green (as marketing buzz words)
   
7. we work hard and play hard
   
8. the bottom line is
   
9. epic
   
10. no brainer
    
11. agree to disagree
    
12. ASAP (pronounced ay-sap)
    
13. it's not rocket science
    
14. value added
    
15. corporate culture/philosophy
    
16. at the end of the day
    
17. outside the box
    
18. I'm sorry, but...
    
19. it's all good
    
20. I need this yesterday
    
21. team (in a corporate setting)
    
22. I understand where you're coming from...
    
23. oh, yeeeeaah...
    

What about yours?

yes you CAN

go and find this album for your deep winter listening - Tago Mago~CAN

listen to mushroom here

The Fashion Designer and the Comic Book Artist

Veronica dresses better than Betty.

I think my first girl crush was on Veronica Lodge later to be replaced by Daphne Blake - which would probably explain my penchant for scarves and mini dresses.  

As for my thing for Asterix, later to be replaced by Shaggy - I think it was the facial hair and titular heroism that did me in.

When I read that Diane von Furstenberg had released a comic, Be the Wonder Woman You Can Be, published by DC Comics, I was intrigued.  The limited edition comic book features von Fursentberg's original story through the adventures of Diva, Viva and Fifa (get it - DVF) as well as bits by Lynda Carter and Gloria Steinem.  100% of the proceeds are for DVF's charity, Vital Voices. Check the pics out here.  Betty dresses better than these gals.

John Galliano had a great comic inspired website in 2004 where one could dress the heroine, Ms. Galliano, in his current collection and lead her on 007 style adventures around the world - thigh high stilettos and all.  I'd like to see a walk off between Veronica and Ms. Galliano.

So, which leaves me to wonder, do comic book characters have stylists or are comic book artists extremely stylish...

12 Best Boots for Dirty Girls

Q: PLEASE do a post on women's boots. I NEVER know what to buy! The walking down the street shopping kind of boot, or what to wear out for dinner with pants. I hate boots that are too fine to wear outside in real weather... DH

A: Sure thing DH - Here are my best boots for women who aren't afraid to get dirty.

1. The Granny Boot

2. Faryl Robin

3. Yves Saint Laurent

4. Ann Demeulemeester

The tall lace ups are a must!

5. Golden Goose

6. Prada

7. Marc Jacobs

8. Dries Van Noten

9. Golden Goose

10. Alberto Fasciani

11. vintage military

12. YSL

Stefano Pilati can do no wrong

How to Make A Cool Floor Lamp

Like a small budget, a small space calls for imagination and efficiency.

The stovepipe light above casts a warm glow and provides an accent to furniture groupings. The piece is created from lengths of galvanized stovepipes in six and eight-inch diameter sizes. You can find stovepipe and other jewels at Habitat for Humanity ReStore or your local hardware store.

What to do:

1. Cut the stovepipe into five lengths ranging from 16-30 inches, and buff the sections to the desired shine.
   
2. Cut five discs from 3/4 inch plywood to fit tightly in the bottom of each tube.
   
3. Attach a ceramic fixture and standard wiring to each disc (found at a hardware store).
   
4. Insert mini-spot bulbs into the fixtures.
   
5. Insert the discs into the tubes.
   
6. Cut to size, and place the entire unit on a 3/4 inch plywood base.
   
7. Spray paint the base black.

**Don't use oversize or high wattage bulbs because they will overheat. If the pipes become too hot or need ventilation, drill small holes near the base of each tube.

Remember, imagination, time, and a willingness to do it yourself are all you need to make your decor plan effective and keep your budget on track.

Related Posts:

How To Make A Cool Headboard

8 Tips For A Living Room Layout

How To Make An Industrial Chic Table

Andy who?

'don't keep me waiting lover there isn't much time'

Watch Mirror

10 Best Men's Desert Boots

Desert boots are back. Probably to the chagrin of more than a few clicky shoe wearers. When looking for your boots online remember that desert boots are sometimes called chukkas. Desert boots, traditionally, have two or three eyelets.

Here are 10 picks for best looking desert boots:

1. Common Projects

2. Camper Pep

3. Rehacer Folk

4. Chronicles of Never

5. f-troupe

6. Earth

7. Frye

8. Clarks

9. Camper

10. Ikon - Crowley

Related Posts:

13 Hats For Those Mornings After

10 Men's City Bags

How To Wear A Cardigan

How to Wear a Cardigan

leave the bottom button undone

Kurt Cobain, the king of cardigans

Layer over a vest.

How Not To Wear Your Cardigan

Panic Attack: 22 creepiest horror movies

Criteria for selection of these creepy movies were the creation of a sense of panic, nightmares, claustrophobia, repulsion, and irritability.

Here is a list of 22 of the creepiest films I've seen - in no apparent order.

Enjoy:

1. Hellraiser 1987
   
2. The Descent
   
3. Wicker Man 1973
   
4. Rosemary's Baby  
   
5. Wendigo
   
6. Donny Darko
   
7. The Birds
   
8. Halloween 1978
   
9. The Hills Have Eyes
   
10. Gaslight 1944
    
11. The Haunting 1963
    
12. American Werewolf in London
    
13. Gothic 1986
    
14. Carrie 1976
    
15. Creature from the Black Lagoon 1954
    
16. The Blair Witch Project
    
17. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974
    
18. The Boys from Brazil 1978
    
19. Christine
    
20. Children of the Damned 1963
    
21. Scream
    
22. The Shining
    

Tips on Bedroom Wall Treatments

When you're living in a 620 sq ft apartment there is no price tag on good decorating.  

There are stimulating decorating prospects all around you if you just take the time to look for them.

The importance of establishing the appropriate mood is paramount so why not start in the bedroom.  Walls take up more space than any other single element in a room so use them to enhance it.

The eclectic look above was achieved by gluing strips of rough sawn cedar and mirror to the wall.

What you need:

• various lengths of cedar or fir - 1x6s and 2x6s in 24, 36 and 48 inch lengths
  
• four six inch wide mirror strips in lengths of 24, 29, and 39 inches.
  
• glue for the wood
  
• adhesive for the mirror

The boards shown here are painted white to play up the white-on-white look but you can also stain them or leave them natural.  I'd like to see it done in black.

If you enjoyed this post you may like my post on how to make a cool light here.

10 Cigar Topics For Conversation

I'm noticing a return of the cigar.  Could it be that 'e' word that's plaguing the news lately?  Are we cashing out and lighting up?  

Here are 10 cigar subjects to share over your next puff:

1.  120 year old Swiss cigar house Villiger sold 600 million cigars in 2007 worth a total $148 million.

2.  Don't use your Zippo to light your cigar.  Use wooden matches or cedar spills.  Your sentimental Zippo will leave its lighter fluid taste and odor on the cigar.

3.  Cigar houses are encouraging politicians and media 'not to accept at face value the facts being served up to them day by day by the highly organized lobby (the WHO and EU).' as efforts to create a 'smoke free society' continue. Heinrich Villiger

4.  Puff not toke

5.  Cigar bands are popular collectors' items.

6.  Cigarillos are popular among hipsters, Europeans and some aficionados yet scorned by others.

7.   A 5-inch cigar should smoke for 20 - 30 minutes.  A 7.5 inch cigar may last for over an hour.

8.   A cigar is done when you've finished enjoying it.

9.   Sugar occurs naturally in tobacco.  Darker wrappers contain more sugar.

10.  Sudlaj Napoles, the second woman in history, won the title of Champion Cigar Sommelier at the International Cuban Cigar Festival in Havana this past February.

source:  moodie report, cigar clan, simply cigars, cigar aficionado

ebony wooden match holder 

10 Men's City Bags

If your job or educational activities are such that you need to carry a bag about town try to make it as unman purse as you can.

Here are ten city bags that may get you carried away:

1. Vancouver

2. Jas M.B.

3. Roots

4. Vancouver

5. Ally Capellino

6. Vancouver

7. Fontanelli

8. Ally Cappellino

9. Vancouver

10. Cole Haan

If you enjoyed this post you may enjoy my post on 'How to Wear a Scarf'.