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Archive for May, 2011

Hello From Earth.


Any consistent readers know that I’m a self-proclaimed nerd,  but some news running through the scientific community over the last week really got me excited.  (Be warned, it’s about to get REAL scientific in this b*tch).  Apparently for the first time in human history, we have identified a planet 20 light years away that could be capable of supporting life, complex/intelligent life, and possibly even human life.  The name of the planet (for now) is Gliese 581 D.  Check the article below.

An Earth-like planet spotted outside our solar system is the first found that could support liquid water and harbor life, scientists announced recently.  Liquid water is a key ingredient for life as we know it. The newfound planet is located at the “Goldilocks” distance-not too close and not too far from its star to keep water on its surface from freezing or vaporizing away.  And while astronomers are not yet able to look for signs of biology on the planet, the discovery is a milestone in planet detection and the search for extraterrestrial life, one with the potential to profoundly change our outlook on the universe.

Imagine life from the surface of this planet – its sun, being one third the size of our Sun and 50 times fainter – would be a dull, red glow in the sky. Under a deep, possibly planet-encompassing ocean, thick layers of ice surround the planet’s rocky centre.   It’s the “first serious waterworld candidate”, according to astronomer and exoplanet hunter Stephane Udry, from the Geneva Observatory in Switzerland, who was part of the team that discovered the planet in April 2007.

The habitability of this distant, possible waterworld depends on the composition and presence of an atmosphere. A Venus-like atmosphere, with a runaway greenhouse effect, could boil water away, whereas a thin, Mars-style atmosphere would see ice sublimate into vapor.

Gliese 581d orbits its sun every 66.8 days at about one fifth of the distance from the Earth to the Sun (0.22 astronomical units, or AU), closer than initial estimates and firmly within the star’s habitable zone according to a study published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics in April 2009.

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Bianca Eva.


Bianca Eva is a 22 year old, Black, French, Italian, Puerto Rican and Asian model living in New Orleans. She attends college, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Psychology. Although Ms Eva has a whole lot of brain to go with her beauty and body, acting and modeling are her true passions. With all the different ethnicities floating around in her gene pool, Bianca can actually pass for several different races. Her naturally curly hair and her winning personality compliment her driven, passionate, hard working, and dedicated attitude. From what I’ve seen in all her photos she seems to be a natural infornt of the camera. I just hope we can all get to see more of her soon.

Bianca's Info. Click to Enlarge.

Nobuyoshi Araki for The Reality Show.


The man known for his S&M slant turned his lens to Japan’s bleeding edge to shoot the second issue of limited-edition Tokyo-based style magazine The Reality Show. Director Kensui Arao filmed the behind-the-scenes action as Nobuyoshi Araki captured tastemakers including model-actress Kiko Mizuhara, model Jessica Michibata and concept band The Plasticzooms, who created the video’s original soundtrack.

Yelawolf, CyHi Da Prynce & Dose Bumrush Chamillion​aire In The Studio.


After Yelawolf, Cyhi Da Prynce and new Def Jam signee Dose run up on an unsuspecting Chamillionaire in the studio, Yela decides to spill the beans on his first official single, “Gangster of Love”.

The BET Awards Nomination List.


THE BET Awards, hosted by Kevin Hart, will be taking place June 26th in Los Angeles.  This list of the nominees was leaked recently, and have some pretty interesting people on the lists.  Sibling rivalries, (Willow vs. Jaden Smith) and even label mates going head to head (Drake vs. Lil Wayne) so no matter who wins, things should be interesting before, during, and after the show.  Here are the nominees…

Best Male R&B Artist

Chris Brown
Cee Lo Green
Bruno Mars
Trey Songz
Usher

Best Female R&B Artist

Beyoncé
Marsha Ambrosius
Keri Hilson
Jennifer Hudson
Rihanna

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist

B.o.B
Drake
Lil Wayne
Rick Ross
Kanye West

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist

Nicki Minaj
Diamond
Cymphonique
LoLa Monroe

Best Group

Diddy-Dirty Money
Cali Swag District
N.E.R.D.
New Boyz
Travis Porter

Best New Artist

J. Cole
Bruno Mars
Miguel
Willow Smith
Wiz Khalifa

Best Collaboration

B.o.B f/ Hayley Williams – “Airplanes”
Chris Brown f/ Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes – “Look at Me Now”
Chris Brown f/ Tyga & Kevin McCall – “Deuces”
Waka Flocka Flame f/ Roscoe Dash & Wale – “No Hands”
Rihanna f/ Drake – “What’s My Name?”
Kanye West f/ Rihanna – “All of the Lights”

Video of the Year

Marsha Ambrosius – “Far Away”
B.o.B f/ Hayley Williams of Paramore – “Airplanes”
Chris Brown f/ Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes – “Look at Me Now”
Keri Hilson – “Pretty Girl Rock”
Willow Smith – “Whip My Hair”
Kanye West f/ Pusha T – “Runaway”

Video Director of the Year

Benny Boom
Mr. Boomtown
Chris Robinson
Kanye West
Hype Williams

Best Gospel

Byron Cage
Deitrick Haddon
Mary Mary
Karen Clark Sheard
BeBe & CeCe Winans

Best Actress

Halle Berry
Taraji P. Henson
Regina King
Zoe Saldana
Kerry Washington

Best Actor

Laz Alonso
Chris Brown
Don Cheadle
Idris Elba
Jamie Foxx

Young Stars Award

Shenell Edmonds
Keke Palmer
Diggy Simmons
Jaden Smith
Willow Smith

Best Movie

Death at a Funeral
For Colored Girls
Takers
The Book of Eli
Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too?

Sportswoman of the Year

Tamika Catchings
Candice Dupree
Maya Moore
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

Sportsman of the Year

Carmelo Anthony
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Derrick Rose
Michael Vick

Viewers’ Choice Award

Chris Brown f/ Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes – “Look at Me Now”
Lil Wayne f/ Cory Gunz – “6 Foot 7 Foot”
Mindless Behavior – “My Girl”
Nicki Minaj f/ Drake – “Moment 4 Life”
Rihanna f/ Drake – “What’s My Name?”
Trey Songz f/ Nicki Minaj – “Bottoms Up”

Centric Award

Marsha Ambrosius
Eric Benet
Cee-Lo Green
R. Kelly
Kem

Best International Act: U.K.

VV Brown
Chipmunk
Laura Izibor
Skepta
Tinchy Stryder
Tinie Tempah

Best International Act: Africa

2Face Idibia (Nigeria)
D’Banj (Nigeria)
D-Black (Ghana)
Angelique Kidjo (Benin)
Fally Ipupa (Congo DR)
Teargas (South Africa)

Kreayshawn – Gucci Gucci.


Kreayshawn

Its funny how the true the term “6 Degrees of Separation” can actually be.  I’ve rocked some of the same venues as Kreayshawn, and my brother Reginald Sylvester even illustrated the poster used for one of her overseas singles.  So I was a bit amused when a friend of mine from Miami told me about a music video he saw on twitter from “some girl around where [you] stay at”, and it turned out to be the one and only Kreayshawn.  Check out her video for “Gucci Gucci”.

And for those of you unfamiliar with Kreayshawn, check out some of what she’s got to say for herself.

Let me say as much as I can in this time I am not distracted. I am moved by creating, documenting, flourishing in society. I’m coming right from Northern California. Young East Oakland baby to be correct. I am a Director, Cinematographer, Editor, DJ, Pixel Artist, Rapper, Swag assassin, Under-cat. I am just here working for you. Let’s see what it look like in my world. I live in Los Angeles, CA. Self employed baby doll looking for consistent work with the love to travel.

Mass Suicide… Or Delicious Treat?


At first glance it looks like they’re putting real guns in their mouths, but fear not they are eating edible ice guns. They all have different kinds of flavors–cola, cherry, licorice and black currant. They are an addition to the first 50 tinted ice guns that Florian Jenett and Valentin Beinroth made and placed in downtown Frankfurt a few years ago.  These edible eatables where exhibited at an art show called “Freeze Revisited”, and their existence certainly shocked a lot of people.

Chris Parks Illustrations.


Illustrators have always amazed me by being able to take something in their heads, and meticulously draw out every single facet of their vision in detail.  A while back, Chris Parks caught my eye with a Skate Board Totem, and after coming across more of his work again late last night, I wanted to post up more of his brilliant work.  Everything from the details, to the use of colors mesmerizes me every time I see one of Mr. Park’s pieces.  Check the method.

Live Footage of Wiz Khalifa in London.


Its no mystery that Hip Hop has spread all over the globe, but it seems that all caliber of musicians have been flocking to the UK for some of their biggest performances.  Wiz Khalifa has now joined the ranks of professionals to blow up the stage in London, England.  Check some live footage of his performance below.  (If this video ceases to work, PLEASE comment and let me know so I can update it.  YouTube has been somewhat flaky lately.)

Chemically Powered to Charge.


The Eco Power Strip is an alternate energy production source that bypasses traditional oil and the new-age hydrogen alternatives. Electricity is produced by electrolysis – the combination of oxygen with hydrogen in bio-ethanol (DEFC: Direct-ethanol fuel cells), using energy without carbonic acid gas. The tech is viable but will we ever see this in practical applications?  The world may never know.

The ‘Bottle’ Movie.


“Bottle”, is a funky little stop-motion animation by Kirsten Lepore.  Its not often I happen to run into a short film this intriguing,  So check the method below, Kirsten has crafted something truly magical here, a story with a heart and a soul.

The Martell Liquor Trunk.


The House of Martell has launched The Martell Trunk made in collaboration with Pinel & Pinel, the renowned French luxury malletier.  This journey of the senses takes place against the gently lit backdrop of the leatherlined compartments and drawers, offering the Martell Collection such as Cordon Bleu, XO, or L’Or de Jean Martell.  Furthermore, Martell has endowed this trunk with twenty-eight montres that contain the most unique and exclusive blends.  In the company of crystal glasses and decanters, rare scented candles and a cigar humidor, the trunk holds all of the noblest companions to the tasting of cognac.  Last but not least, the trunk contains a small blue leather-bound booklet – The Cellar Master’s Notebook – which contains all the handwritten tasting notes of Martell’s Cellar Master, Benoît Fil.  As an ‘avid alcohol connoisseur’, this might just be something to save up for.

The Evolution Of The Geek.


I’ve been called many different things in my day, and the two I get the most are ‘Geek’ and/or ‘Nerd’ (which are not necessarily untrue assessments of my personality when I’m not at work).  But as curious as I am, I decided to take a look into the term Geek while I was on break during a studio session.  My findings were quite interesting.  Check the method.

Click to enlarge

Rhian Sugden.


I come across models in all different types of ways, I may meet them, have worked with them, or me/someone on my staff may have just stumbled across them on the internet.  Rhian Sugden however marks the first time I was introduced to a talented model through a Facebook suggestion.  One of our common friends coincidentally is my good buddy, the super-talented (and one of London’s best) DJ Roy Rovelli, so thanks Roy have having sexy friends. lol.  From what I hear, Ms. Sugden is also a DJ herself, although she seems to be known for her work modeling more than anything else.  Born September 11th 1986, she’s far more than just a pretty face in the crowd, Rhian became a model, and a ‘Page 3 Girl’ quite a while ago after leaving her position as a network administrator at Global Telecoms and Tech.  Since then she’s appeared in magazines like Zoo, Nuts, and even Maxim Magazine.  In 2008 she even appeared in the BBC documentary series Glamour Girls that us in the states can find online.  Hopefully I can put her on my ‘to meet’ list next time I work across the pond.


The Korora House.


On a remote ridge stretching between the Hauraki Gulf and the breathtaking landscape of Waiheke Island sits the Korora House, Daniel Marshall Architect’s latest project. The New Zealand based firms’ driving approach to building the Korora House was to “work within the contour of the ridge, as an attempt to minimize the impact on the landscape.” The team was successful at their approach, co as each element of the house fits tightly within the curves of the rolling hills.  Marshall was extremely methodical when he incorporated local weather conditions into the design of the home. “The plan form of the house is spaced between two courtyards, which are bridged by a gabled roof stretched across the long axis. The courtyards provide the opportunity to shelter from either of the two dominant winds.”  Korora is built with materials of local interest, Marshall explains that “the materiality of the house draws on two architectural conditions of Waiheke, the masonry forms were inspired by the gun emplacements of Stoney Batter. The use of cedar and plywood reflect precarious weekenders of the island’s past. The combination of the home’s materials and it’s intricate built are what make the Korora House absolutely beautiful.

Murakami Rocking Chair.


The Murakami Chair’s attached lamp powered by your rocking back and forth, a good idea. Designed by Rochus Jacob. The Chair’s OLED lamp even senses when it’s light or dark out. And it has a battery pack which stores ‘your rocking’ in the daylight.

LeBron James Balls Hard.


I’ve always said to the people around me, to my staff, and to my younger cousins growing up that there’s always someone above you, and always someone below you.  Simply put, no matter how good you are, there will always be someone better.  And that’s a lesson that King James is teaching people with the leak of his Las Vegas receipt.  Supposedly LeBron James spend a few cents over $171,937.00 at a Las Vegas lounge recently.  Almost $13,000 in taxes added to his bill helped comprise the whopping total (that could send a person to a 4 year university).  And no matter how much you ball out in the clubs, there are not too many people who can rack up a bill like that and not think twice about it.

I only have one question… Who the HELL’s idea was it to spend $108 on Bud Light?

The ‘Look At Me Now’ Karmin Cover.


I’m an avid ‘Tosh.0′ fan, and I love some of the segments he posts up like “Asians doing Christopher Walkin impressions” or the subsequent “White girls doing Bill Cosby impressions”, but recently I’ve seen a rash of “White girls doing covers of Look At Me Now”.  For whatever odd reason, girls all over the place have taken to trying to spit either the Busta Rhymes’ verse, or the entire song, but one girl in particular has nailed it.  During a studio session I was prompted to look up a video of “Karmin” performing the track originally by Chris Brown, Busta Buss, and Lil Tunchi (Lil Wayne), and I was quite impressed, especially by the adaptation of the chorus.  Check the method below.

The Continuance System.


This is so simple. Continuance is a set of batteries with a USB interface on the side. The batteries are rechargeable plus dole out some juice to stranded gadgets that are starved of power. Handy, compact and a totally do-able concept. Kudos.

Cassidy Arrested and Suspected of Murder.


The Philadelphia Police warrant squad called the Hackensack Police Department on Saturday morning to tell officers there was an open warrant for Hackensack resident Barry Reese, also known as Cassidy, Hackensack police Lt. Timothy Lloyd said.  The warrant was for violating probation, but Reese is also a suspect in a murder and two attempted murders in Philadelphia, Lloyd said.  Philadelphia police knew from a prior investigation that the rapper lived in Hackensack, Lloyd said.  Philadelphia police told their Hackensack counterparts “to consider this person armed and dangerous,” and this was a “high-risk warrant,” Lloyd said.  Officers from the Hackensack Police Emergency Response Team and the police department’s juvenile bureau watched Reese’s home Saturday on Reilly Court, Lloyd said.

Reese left his house about 1:30 p.m. and was followed by police to a local convenience store, Lloyd said.  An undercover ERT officer went in the store and positively identified Reese, he said.  When Reese came out of the store, “the ERT units moved in and conducted a felony motor vehicle stop,” Lloyd said.  Reese “was very surprised,” Lloyd said. The officers who arrested the rapper “did an outstanding job,” he said. “Without the proper teamwork going on, this could have spiraled out of control quickly.”  No one was injured in the arrest, Lloyd said.  Reese, 28, will be brought to the Bergen County Jail Annex to await extradition to Philadelphia, Lloyd said.

X-Men First Class. New Trailer & Character Profiles.


Tons of people have been looking forward to the “second coming” of the X-Men franchise.  An all new cast, a new point in time, and no Hugh Jackman are all things the series was in need of after the 4th movie.  So needless to say folks flocked to their screens once the first trailer was released on the web, and seemed to be even more anxious for a second glimpse.  The second trailer was released a while ago, (I was just unaware of it because while sifting through hundreds of links, I only watch the first few seconds of a video, and these two trailers happen to begin pretty much exactly the same way.)  But I finally managed to put my A.D.D. on the back burner, and find the official second trailer for X-Men: First Class.  Check the method.

The studio has even gone a bit further than simple theatrical trailers, and have fashioned a few character previews for some of the movies mutant stars.  The short and intense character profiles include some lesser-known X-Men including Havok, Banshee, Mystique and Beast. The full movie will release on June 3, 2011.

The World’s Largest Wooden Structure.


What is there not to like about Metropol Parasol?  The waffle-like crown structure in Seville, Spain has been finally completed in April 2011 after a competition held by the city of Seville in 2004.  Located at Plaza de la Encarnacion, the stunning sequence of undulating parasols comprises the world’s largest wooden structure. The Metropol Parasol project was part of the redevelopment of the Plaza de la Encarnacíon, designed by J. MAYER H. Architects, this project becomes the new icon for Seville, a place of identification and to articulate Seville’s role as one of the world´s most fascinating cultural destinations.

Project: Metropol Parasol
Redevelopment of Plaza de la Encarnacion, Seville, Spain
Function: archeological site, farmers market, elevated plaza, multiple bars and restaurants
Site area: 18,000 square meters
Building area: 5,000 square meters
Total floor Area: 12,670 square meters
Number of floors: 4
Height of the building: 28.50 meters
Structure: concrete, timber and steel
Principal Exterior: timber and granite
Principal interior material: concrete, granite and steel
Designing period: 2004-2005
Construction period: 2005-2011
Building/Cost: 90 Million Euro

Sitting Down Can KILL You.


I know things may appear a bit blurry, so just click the picture to enlarge it.

The Shelby 2-Wheel Cruiser?


Fans of automotive legend Carroll Shelby have traditionally lusted after masterpieces such as the Shelby Cobra and Mustang, but now they can get their fix from an entirely different beast — with two wheels.  This week saw a partnership of a new kind with competition bike manufacturer Felt Bicycles, to develop a cruiser which pays homage to the iconic Shelby image.  Finished in the legendary Wimbledon White and Guardsman Blue paint scheme of some of Shelby’s most iconic vehicles (including the GT350).  It is based on Felt’s hydro-formed aluminium tank frame, which is fitted with three-speed internal gears and linkage-designed springer forks which Felt says provide “fast and precise handling.”  The 36-spoke wheels, meanwhile, feature “blue dot” tires, another nod to Shelby’s auto racing history.  The two-wheeler will be produced as a limited edition model from the end of this month. The Shelby bike will be available worldwide for $999.

Pharell: Creative Director Of KarmaloopTV.


Billboard reports that rapper-producer Pharrell Williams of N.E.R.D. and The Neptunes fame will serve as creative director for the Karmaloop TV, which is the network scheduled to launch later this year. Karmaloop will feature original productions along with movies that have shaped the 18-to-34-year-olds who grew up with the Internet. It’s essentially programming for the digital, plugged in generation.

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