Mila Kunis + GQ

A gift to my loyal readers after a brief hiatus. Hit the jump for more photos.

Detroit: A Food Desert?

A 2003 University of Michigan study deemed America's 18th most populous city a "food desert." A food desert is classified as "any area in the industrialized world where healthy, affordable food is difficult to obtain." In a city of nearly 1 million, healthy and nutritious food is scarce while high calorie, unhealthy foods are readily available. Since losing it's last two Farmer Jack's supermarkets over 3 years ago, the city of Detroit does not contain any supermarkets in it's 135 square mile area. Not one single Wal-Mart, Meijer's or A&P. A famously publicized haven for crime and unemployment, all chain supermarkets have cut their losses and fled to the suburbs, in search of greener pastures.


Although famous Detroit landmarks and grocers such as Eastern Market and Joe Randazzo's Produce exist, they are often times out of reach for most of the city's residents. A July 2007 Detroit News article formulates that the city has 155 grocery stores of various sizes that mostly cater to specific ethnicities. The article also goes on to state that "the city has 1,000 convenience stores -- including gas stations and party stores -- that sell some type of food." These types of food are more often than not expired and/or of low nutritional and high caloric value.


Although the statistics may seem staggering, I'm not sure if I would go so far as to call the city a food desert. But a difficult place to make healthy decisions? Absolutely.

2012 BMW M5

The 2012 BMW M5 trades in it's predecessor's portly V10 in favor of smaller and more efficient V8. The 4.4 liter, twin-turbo engine produces a street-shredding 560 horsepower with 502 lb-ft of torque to boot. The result of all of these technical advancements yields a 4.4 second 0-60 time and an amazing top speed of 190+ mph. Proof that Germany does it better.

Pardon My Facebook

French Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (CSL) has passed legislature which will ban the words "Facebook" and "Twitter" from television and radio advertisements. Set in place to eradicate corporate favoritism, French TV networks will have to replace this endorsement with a more neutral, "Follow our social networking sites." The ban, however, does not extend to news stories as they are still allowed to refer to the sites by name.

Christine Kelly, a spokesperson for the CSL begs the question:

"Why give preference to Facebook, which is worth billions of dollars, when there are many other social networks that are struggling for recognition? [...] This would be a distortion of competition."

Wether this is absurd bureaucracy or a unbiased leveling of the playing field, only time will tell.

"Pencil Vs. Camera"

'pencil vs. camera' by ivory coast-born brussels-based photographer ben heine is a series of images that inject hand-drawn pictures within real-life settings to create a composite effect that is often surreal and highly narrative. manipulating the backdrop to host added elements such as real-life tetris blocks, floating speech bubbles, and an alcoholic panda, the photographs are an exercise in manual photoshop, always including heine's hand which holds up the sketched piece of paper in the foreground.

Nintendo Wii U

Nintendo's consistent evolution of interactive and creative gaming platforms has spawned the Nintendo Wii U. The console boasts 1080p graphics, full backwards compatibility with games & devices and a 6.2-inch, touch screen controller. The exciting innovations make for a system that will propel the gaming realm forward, much the same as it's predecessor did.

Click here to view Nintendo's official demonstration and implementation of the revolutionary controller.

Feeling Lucky, Punk?

"This full-scale schlieren image shows the discharge of a .44 Magnum revolver. Two spherical shock waves are seen, one centered about the gun’s muzzle (the muzzle blast) and a second centered on the cylinder. The supersonic bullet is visible at the far left. This weapon produces a bright muzzle flash and a cloud of products of gunpowder combustion that envelops the hands of the shooter. Such high-speed images help forensics experts understand the transfer of gunpowder traces to the hands when firing a gun."

Via Webgard.

Wild Horses

Life Calendar

Brigada Creativa's calendar asks the question: "How was your day?" A clever and perhaps therapeutic way to chart the progression of your days. Click here to purchase.

Odd Past

With the state of music rapidly and aggressively deteriorating, underground artists shoulder an insurmountable burden ... Make something original to combat the cookie-cutters. Frank Ocean's "nostalgia, Ultra." does so convincingly with a musical style that defies the Money & Bitches dominated airwaves, snagging cues from the likes of Leonard Cohen, MGMT & The Eagles. Ocean creates an incredibly original and articulated style that harkens to the days when artistic integrity was more coveted than platinum plaques. The finished product is a synthesis of blues, soul, & electro delivered via mellow vocals and sophisticated content that any real music fan is sure to love.

I'm a bit late on uploading this but if you haven't heard it yet, now's the perfect time. And if you already have, listen to it again. Click Here to download "nostalgia, Ultra." Enjoy.

Empty Promises

Google's Bright Idea

Google has reinvented the light bulb, introducing innovation that may change the way we illuminate our homes. Or at least dead the Clapper. The idea is a competitively priced and extremely efficient 60-watt light bulb featuring an embedded computer chip that will allow connectivity with Android devices. This technology allows users to power the bulb on and off & dim remotely via laptops, tablets and phones powered by Google's proprietary operating system. This "intelligent" bulb is also able to power the light on and off automatically by using device's GPS and proximity sensors, rendering a light source that is only used when needed. Proficient and brilliant design by Google.

Heineken Alum-inated

Following the direction of a new design initiative named the "Open Design Exploration", Dutch beer maker Heineken has release a limited edition, aluminum bottle for their revered beverage. Heineken states that while the "modern aluminum bottle design looks stylish in any light, the UV technology reveals a surprise [...]" This is attributable to a pattern printed on the bottle with invisible ink, revealing a brilliant shooting star pattern when paired with the black lights commonly present in clubs & bars.

Via Cool Hunting

Louis Vuitton Yucatan

Disassembled Gadgets

Created by Canadian Artist Todd McLellan. Originally posted on Nina Amjadi's Chronicle.

White iPhone 4

After months of speculation and online rumors, Apple has issued a press release that details the release of the White iPhone 4. Available tomorrow, the 28th of April, this iteration of the iPhone will be available for purchase on Apple's online and brick-and-mortar stores, and through AT&T and Verizon.

Live Stream of "El Clasico"

Click Here to view a live stream of the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals showcasing Barcelona against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Atom & Eve

Colloquially recognized as "The Father of the Atomic Bomb," theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer was the Scientific Director of the World War II undertaking known as the Manhattan Project. The project was initiated by a multi-national arms race to develop the first atomic bomb and came to fruition on July 16th, 1945 when the Trinity Test became the first successful atom bomb detonation. Some of his later works included theories of general relativity, quantum mechanics and ground breaking research into cosmic rays ... but his infamy lies in the development of death-dealing atomic arms. Having been heavily influenced by the Sanskrit scripture the Bhagavad Ghita, Oppenheimer states that the words of a particular excerpt resonated with him at the Trinity Test grounds:

"Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

Cabin Fever

The Chimney House by Onix Architects in Bosschenhoofd, Netherlands is the perfect synthesis of modern architecture and classic design.
Hit the jump for more photos. Click here to view the original article.

Doré's Bible Illustrations

Jesus Walking On The Water

Artist, engraver & sculptor Gustave Doré's resume of illustrations contains visualizations of some of the most influential pieces of literature ever created, ranging from Dante Alghieri's "Divine Comedy" to Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven." Doré's surreal style compliments scenes from the Bible, offering an original view of events depicted in the Old Testament. Hit the jump for more illustrations.

Sade x Jay-Z - The Moon & The Sky

SFO to Charles De Gaulle (Time Lapse)

House Of Balloons

20 year old Toronto native Abel Tesfaye aka The Weeknd has been on a steady incline of popularity since the release of his mixtape "House Of Balloons." His demeanor is unmistakably R&B but possesses a sound derivative of electro, hip-hop & indie. Co-signed by fellow Torontonian Drake and working in collaboration with Odd Future associate Frank Ocean, Weeknd has garnered considerable attention and is poised to make a splash in the trite and cliched world of R&B.

Click Here to view The Weeknd's official page and download the free mixtape.

Albanian Flag Day

On this day 100 years ago, the Albanian flag was raised for the first time since 1480 when the Castle of Shkodra fell to the Ottoman Empire. The subsequent years of Turkish occupation ended on April 6th, 1911 after the Battle of Deçiq claimed thousands of lives but went on to spark Albanian independence.

Holstee Manifesto

The Beatles Lost Photographs

A few shots of a recently released book of never before seen Beatles' photos as seen by author Larry Marion and US Tour Manager Bob Bonis.

Cy Twombly Untitled

Pixel Perfect

What happens when nerd meets canvas ...

Movie Barcode

Created by compiling the most prominently used colors in a given film and representing each with a 1 pixel line. Above is the Movie Barcode for Scorsese's "Goodfellas"
http://moviebarcode.tumblr.com/

Fully Flared Intro

I Drink Your Milkshake

Select shots of the superb piece of cinematography that is 2007's "There Will Be Blood" starring Daniel Day-Lewis as the ruthless oil prospector Daniel Plainview.

Super Moon

The moon will be the closest it has been to the Earth in 18 years today, resulting in an 18 percent larger and 30 percent more lustrous moon than usual ... thus coining the name "Super Moon." There has been a speculative buzz about the phenomenon's prominence, linking it to higher tidal waves and inevitably sparking the theory that the occurrence will yield some catastrophic natural disaster. Wether that's true or not is yet to be determined, for now enjoy it's eerie beauty.

Help Japan Poster

This simple, vinyl poster was created by artists Weiden + Kennedy to help raise funds for those devastated by the earthquakes and subsequent tsunami. Click here to buy the original print.

Four Seasons - Florence

Voted one of the 10 best Hotels in 2010, the Four Seasons Florence is a historically steeped yet modern destination. A beautiful getaway that makes you forget you're in a crowded downtown and almost makes you forget what century you're in.

Welcome To Heartbreak

Great song by Kanye + Amazing Direction by Nabil

Science Is Ignorant

Air Jordan 7 "Bordeaux"

Set to release in April, the Air Jordan 7 "Bordeaux" is a reiteration of the last original colorway of the 7's that MJ debuted in the 1992 All-Star Game. Click the jump for more pictures.

Powers of Ten

Classic video that provides perspective on scale in the universe.

Tyler the Creator - Yonkers

Seldom does an artist successfully walk the fine line between genius & blasphemous as well as Odd Future's frontman Tyler the Creator does. Self-assessed as a "fuckin' walking paradox," Tyler aka Ace sounds like what I imagine Kurt Cobain being in the Wu-Tang Clan would sound like...somehow abrasive and smooth in the same breath.

The Odd Couple

The union of hip-hop and rock has often been a tumultuous one that's yielded some less than favorable results, but the 2009 release of Blakroc is an exception. Project co-founder Damon Dash recruited the Black Keys for their soul-infused brand of rock and hip-hop talents such as Mos Def, Raekwon, RZA, Q-Tip, Ludacris and even obtained a verse from the late Ol' Dirty Bastard's short Roc-A-Fella stint. The finished product is a seamless blend of hard, echoing riffs and eclectic flows from some of hip-hop's elite.

The project received moderate success, thus spawning a 2nd Blakroc album which will feature The Cool Kids, Curren$y, Jay Electronica & Wiz Khalifa to be released at a later date. But for now, this surprisingly compelling mash-up will prove to be a worthy addition to any library.

Click Here to Download

Biomimetic Design

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain is a gothic cathedral rivaled by none in terms of design and ingenuity...

Shayk & Bake

Russian beauty Irina Shayk appears on the coveted SI Swimsuit Edition with a photo-shoot that has been scientifically proven to cure erectile-dysfuntion. Hit the jump for more shots of her sizzling spread.

When You're Snoozing, You're Losing

Are you a habitual snooze-button abuser? Well there's hope for you yet with SnūzNLūz's alarm clock. At a glance, it seems to be your run-of-the-mill morning antagonist but there's a catch; this Wi-Fi enabled device donates a predetermined amount of money to a charity of your choice by way of your online banking service. The donation increments begin at $10 per snooze and there are over 6,500 charities to choose from, giving you countless opportunities to practice some AM self-control. An interesting approach to morning procrastination. How much is your beauty sleep worth to you?

Top Gear - Albanian Bank Job

"Oh crickey! It's the Albanian rozzers!"

Rolex Daytona Meteorite

Rolex adds an intergalactic spin to their classic Daytona collection with the Daytona Meteorite. The piece sports iconic Daytona characteristics with a 4 billion year old Meteorite face. Some 12,000 years ago, a Gibeon Meteorite found it's way to the surface of the Earth, landing in rural Namibia. The martian artifact was discovered in 1846 and before becoming protected under Namibian law, Rolex had an opportunity to secure some of the more striking pieces for their collection. Retails for just under 30k with the Meteorite dial retailing for 5k itself. Pricey but about as unique as wrist-wear gets.

Brooklyn Decker Appreciation

Picture's worth a thousand words. A thousand nasty words. Click for original size, in all it's glory.

Interactive Advertising

Created by Marcus Wallander at Hyper Island, this interactive window display for streetwear company WeSC proceeds through a pre-rendered loop as people walk by. Walking slower will play the loop slower, walking backwards will rewind the loop and so on. Really cool technology and a great advertisement.

Don't Call It A Comeback

For $230, Euro company Lekki will send you an Unlocked and even color-customizable StarTAC circa 1998. Support for any SIM card carrier, 100 contact maximum, monophonic ringtones & a retractable antenna. Suck it BBM & Facebook, this is all a player needs to seal the deal.

http://www.lekki.fr/

The Ruins of Detroit

French photographers Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre capture some of Detroit's defunct landmark's in their "Ruins of Detroit" collection. Click here for their official website. A quote from their statement:

The state of ruin is essentially a temporary situation that happens at some point, the volatile result of change of era and the fall of empires. This fragility, the time elapsed but even so running fast, lead us to watch them one very last time : being dismayed, or admire, making us wondering about the permanence of things. 

Jay-Z Decoded Excerpt

Somewhere between the infamous Marcy Projects and Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytical practices lies Jay-Z's "Decoded." Hov offers up explications of some of his most noteworthy songs, tying in personal experiences to great effect and giving readers a better understanding of the self-proclaimed God MC's rhetoric. Aesthetically pleasing and surprisingly well written, Decoded will appeal to diehard fans and newcomers alike. In accordance with the cover Rorschach, the book maintains unbiased and (sometimes) painfully honest narrative from Jay, leaving interpretation of events transpired to the reader. 

One excerpt I particularly enjoyed involved the late, great Biggie Smalls and his favorite means of self-medication:

I hadn't been on vacation since I'd gotten serious about music, so I was happy to go to Miami to shoot the video for "Ain't No Nigga" with Foxy. Big was touring, but he took time out to fly down and make a cameo. Big loved to smoke, but I could count the number of times I'd smoked trees. Champagne and the occasional Malibu rum were my thing back then, but mostly I liked to stay sober, the better to stay focused on making money. I come from that class of hustlers who looked at smoking as counterproductive. We used to judge niggas who smoked as slackers, or workers. When I did smoke it was on vacation, in the islands.

But when Big asked me to smoke with him, I told my self "Relax, you're not on the streets anymore." It was happening and I had to admit it. I was out of the Life. So I smoked with Big--and he smoked blunts. The last time I smoked, whenever that was, I'm sure I was hitting a joint. A couple hits later and I was high as shit, sitting there, feeling outside of time, slightly stuck, and laughing uncontrollably.

Big leans in so only I can hear him.  

"I got ya."

Scoreboard: Biggie - 1, Jay - 0