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Archive for September, 2011

Jhene Aiko @ 330 Ritch.


Above Ground Productions, has been shining a light on some of the hottest emerging talent around bringing out Theophilius London, Casey Veggies, the homecoming show for Bay Area based Kreayshawn and now, they are bringing out Los Angeles based singer Jhene Aiko.  Aiko, has been making a name for herself for years working with then, mega boy group B2K with the label TUG, and releasing her debut single “No L.O.V.E.”  However, Aiko finally received notoriety with the release of her March release, Sailing Soul(s). The project shined a light on Aiko as a writer, and vocalist, singing songs that everyone could relate to at one more or another regardless of gender.

 

With that being said, Above Ground is bringing Aiko to San Francisco for her first show in the Bay Area, with an intimate 18+ show at 330 Ritch.   Aiko will be backed by a live band, and the opening acts for the show include local YouTube sensation Erin Paula, Rapper/Producer Iamsu!, and Toyoko 24.  The in-house DJ for the night will be DJ King Most. Pre-sale tickets are available now for $17.00 and can be purchased online http://jheneaiko-estw.eventbrite.com/.  Hope to see you there.

- Erin Duncan.

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The Mercedes F125 Hydrogen Concept.


The Mercedes-Benz F125, is the latest technology concept in a long line of research vehicles, from the Stuttgart-based automaker.  Powered by hydrogen and electricity, the F125 will initially evolve from it’s gullwing coupe effect, into a four door sedan, and it may very well be the future generation of the S class Mercedes-Benz.  This luxurious eco-friendly car of your dreams is perfected by an E4Matic all-wheel-drive-system, consisting of 4 motors mounted in each wheel, a total of 231 horsepower and it’s able to get from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and from 80 to 120 km/h in 3.2 seconds. The top speed of the F125 is 220 km/h.

The electric motor is powered by hydrogen fuel cell, offering 621 miles on a full tank of hydrogen and aside from the fuel cell; the Mercedes F125  stores it’s energy in a Lithium-sulfur high-voltage battery.  The avant-guard interior design of the Mercedes F125, features some of the latest technological innovations, such as natural touch, gesture and voice control, and the “your command” cloud-based infotainment system.  The saloon architectural seat design is fashionable created for the style conscious individual and each automobile is tailored to the driver’s personal needs, without removing his hands from the steering wheel.

The lounge-like atmosphere is entwined with Wood, Alcantara and Silk.  The COMMAND of the day and tomorrow are also proactive.  The Mercedes-Benz F125, in any case is a large vehicle. Measuring 4998mm in length, 1980mm in width, 1430mm in height and 3333mm wheelbase, now feast your eyes upon the slide-out trunk. This is the vision of the future mobility.  The overall picture is redefining automotive luxury and the Mercedes F125 is emission-free driving in First Class.

The Nissan GT Academy.


In my mind, there are primarily two types of serious video gamers out there… The ones who play games because they perform some of those actions in real life (football players that play Madden, ball players who play NBA Live, marines who play Call Of Duty, etc.) and then there are the type of gamers who play games because they imagine one day they’d have the skills to perform some actions in real life.  However, there does come the rare occasion when gamers who have no real life training in something play game long enough, and for so well, that they actually become capable of pulling off some of their digital tricks in real life.  Coincidentally Nissan recognized this with a few champions of Grand Turismo 5.  The game is so life like, the cars so well tuned, and the mechanics so close to the real thing, they’ve chosen a select few to compete in REAL cars for a spot on the professional Nissan racing team.  Check the method below.

The Wildest Hair You Ever Will See.


I’ve never met Nagi Noda, but the next time I’m in Japan, there’s no doubt in my mind I gotta look her up. This Japanese phenom was the creator of one of the strangest things I ever saw on the web (a video called “Ex Fat Girl” and features white poodles exercising to music. Check it out here if your that curious)  But her latest project is possibly as bizarre as it is absolutely brilliant at the same time. “Hair Hats” are exactly as the name implies, hats made of hair, mainly in the shape of animals. These designs are simply one of the most unique inspirations since Theodore Geisel invented Dr. Seuss.  Ms. Nora has worked with creative geniuses like Jack White of White Stripes, Scissor Sisters and one of my favorite artist Mark Ryden on a new clothing line called Broken Label.  Check out the rest below.

The Seven Deadly Rings.


Stephen Webster, in characteristic flamboyance launched The Seven Deadly Sins collection in London’s Old Vic’s tunnels under Waterloo station. Look all seven rings and I dare you to tell which is your Deadly Sin.  Webster presented a collection of rings, a very original name “The Seven Deadly Sins.” There are seven human vices: pride, envy, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath and lust.  The concept is super sick, and the rings themselves are exquisitely constructed.  Check the method.  (Note, the name of the ring is below the picture.)

Anger.

Greed

Lust

Sloth

Pride

Gluttony

Envy

Rotimi – How To Love (Remix)


Rotimi & Northshore Pharmacy make their own rendition of Lil Wayne’s hit song “How To Love”… This song is the first single off of his “While You Wait” mixtape which dropped summer 2011.  I personally got put onto this New Jersey raised singer by my good friend Kells, but if you haven’t heard, you should get familiar.  To date, Rotimi has performed on BET’s hit show “106 and Park” as a Spotlight act; he has shared the stage with America’s Best Dance Crew popular dance team, Jabbawockies. He has opened for artists like T.I., Estelle and NERD. As well as, performed at the 2010 BET Awards Pre-Party in Los Angeles.

Absolut Vodka: Crystal Pinstripe.


It seems like every other month, Aboslut is dropping some sort of crazy exclusive bottle.  Honestly, I had skipped putting a few on the blog, but when I saw this one, I knew I had to throw it up.  Pernod Ricard launches Absolut Vodka Crystal Pinstripe which is “the most exclusive and luxurious version of its iconic Absolut bottle”.  Inspired by the Savile Row pinstripe suit, the bottle has been designed by Swedish designer duo Skogsberg & Smart.  It was hand-blown, hand-cut and hand-engraved in crystal by craftsmen at the Reijmyre glassworks in the Östergötland region in southern Sweden.  A total of 800 bottles of Absolut Crystal Pinstripe will be available, each numbered and signed by the cutter after inspection and approval.

The product is presented in a pinstripe fabric-clad case, with two hand-crafted crystal tumblers and “various other specially designed devices”.  An Absolut Crystal Pinstripe Black Bottle has been crafted in a limited edition of just ten bottles, certainly the most exclusive version of the iconic Absolut bottle shape.  The black, lead-free coating is applied in a unique, glass-blowing technique with old traditions at Reijmyre glassworks.  Super sick with it.

David Banner – Swag (Official Video).


Interestingly enough, I happened to be watching “Black Snake Moan” last night (until the DVD went sour on me) and I was trying to explain to someone who exactly David Banner was.  So I was quite excited to check my email this morning to see that Mr. Banner had just dropped a video for his track titled ‘Swag’ in which he addresses the current state of Hip Hop.  Taking shots at the ‘swag’ movement, V Nasty, and Soulja Boy (among others) I personally think the track Banner’s honest assessment of the way things are going in the game right now, and he’ll definitely have a lot people listening up.  Check the method below.

The Worlds Most Expensive Toy Car.


I’m not necessarily into toys, but this one got me…  Hailed the world’s most expensive and precious car model by Guinness World Records, this creation is based on the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4.  The car was crafted by Robert Gülpen — who has also created miniatures of the Mercedes Benz 500 SL and Aston Martin DB5 from precious metals and gems.  The Lamborghini is made from carbon fibre like the original and its shell was milled using computer modelling data handed over from the Italian car manufacturer.  But, adds Gülpen, he wrapped a 1/1000mm thin thread of solid gold around the carbon fibres — a feature the original doesn’t boast.  The tyre rims have been cast from solid gold and platinum as has the entire interior, while diamonds have been inserted into the seat, headlights and steering wheel.  Sotheby’s will auction the car in December in either New York or Dubai with bids starting at $4.7 million.

A Pimp With Two Paddles And Some PVC Pipes.


I tend to get thrown some crazy videos when I’m working with my staff on blog posts, but I rarely bounce them onto the blog simply because I don’t really relate to it, or its honestly just not that good.  The video below however is falls into neither of those categories.  With all the research I’ve done, I still can’t find this kid’s name for the life of me, but he deserves a medal, or record deal, or a blowjob from every girl that was in the room while he pulled off this performance.  Said genius below starts off playing a tune on a cleverly constructed (yet simplistic) PVC pipe organ wit two paddles, and plays for about 6 minutes.  Now being a DJ, I know how hard it can be to transition between songs on turntables while keeping the audience interested, not making every transition the same, bridging the gap between genres, keeping the BPM’s the same, and playing songs that any given group of listeners will enjoy… all at the same time.  But I could never imagine doing that ALL with two paddles and some PVC pipe.  Check the awesomeness below… and wait till the very last song when his surprise guest jumps in and gets busy.

What To Wear To A Job Interview.


Deciding what to wear for a job interview can be nearly as stressful as the event itself. Beyond deciding what looks good on you, there’s also determining what’s appropriate dress for the employer who’s looking to look you over.  The growing trend in recent decades toward more casual dress in offices and other workplaces means three-piece suits are out for the most part. But going too casual can send a signal to a potential employer that you’re just not interested in working there.  So it’s no wonder that many college graduates (and job applicants, generally) are unsure of how to dress for an interview these days.  But seeing as how I happen to be a bit fashion-inferior, I figured I’d just post this handy info-graphic by the minds over at Rasmussen College as a guide.

Rihanna x Armani.


Shortly after launching its men’s campaign with tennis player Rafael Nadal, Armani has released long-awaited images for its jeans range starring pop star Rihanna.  The singer is taking over from actress Megan Fox for the campaign, with the second batch of images (for the brand’s underwear line) yet to be brought out.  Rihanna is upping her advertising game at the moment, also having just been named the new face of skincare brand Nivea.

Boating Around The Port Of Maimi.



99% of the time I travel, it’s either for business or for vacation.  Rarely do I ever mix a trip up with a bit of both, but my recent voyage to Miami was just that.  My assistant and I stayed up the entire night before to leave at 3 in the morning, jumped on our plane before the sun came up, made a short trip to Texas, and got into MIA before night fall.  Immediately the next morning we got up and started drinking before grabbing some food at the beach and getting down to business.  Most of our days were like that until our last, where some friends and one of my cousins linked up and took an interesting, and very relaxing trip on a private boat around some of the water ways of Miami.

Aside from a few dolphins that were chilling by our boat, some of the highlights of that morning were some of the sights around Star Island.  We peeped out one of Diddy’s cribs, saw one of the original MTV Cribs houses, and even swung by a MONSTER boat owned by the prince of some Arab nation… and his “shadow boat” that was equally as big, required 30 crew to operate, only carried his cars, smaller boats, and other various toys, and who’s sole purpose was to follow his main boat around just in case he needed some extra entertainment.  (Baller).  I took some pics of a couple of other attractions.  Check the method below.

The $22 Mil. Yacht where they filmed "I'm On A Boat".

The most photographed house in Miami... The mansion where they filmed Scarface.

Gloria Estephan's house next to Sylvester Stalone's place. (Don't mind my finger in the corner)

The pool house of Al Capone's Maimi compound.

And once again, an infinite thank you to Kamekia, Danny, B, Ash, and Jay.

The Full Mood Odessey Pillow.


The giant ‘Full Moon Odyssey‘ floor pillow by Korean designer Lily Suh & Zoono of i3lab, is intended to give you a dream-like experience as if your are sleeping on the moon. “The print is a real image of the moon which includes 65 individual frames of the lunar mosaic images taken 23 February 2005 from Nantes, France by Astronomy photographer Norbert Rumiano, together with Chin Wel Loon with a 6 inch telescope and DMK astronomer’s camera.”

Uldouz Wallace.


Uldouz Wallace is a rare find, even on a blog known for its rare finds.  When I say a rare find, that doesn’t mean Ms. Wallace’s resume is short, because it’s not.  Uldouz has graced the pages of Show Magazine, Dub Magazine, Batchelor Magazine, 944 Magazine, and Streetlow Magazine, not to mention appearing on show/movies like Good Luck Chuck, Smallville, and The L Word.  (And trust me, the list goes on).  Not only has she finished her Masters in Marketing and Advertising, and earned a Business Administration degree as well as an Acting Diploma at the age of 25, but she’s traveled the world.  The thing I feel that makes Uldouz Wallace stand out the most to me is her ability as a model to capture the camera as well as she does, regardless of the shoot, premise, photographer, concept or wardrobe.  Not too many urban models are diverse enough to be incredible sexy while remaining fully clothed, and having nothing else than a glance and a smile.  (But her being half naked is also awesome, which is why I gave her the longest model post to date.)

This 5 foot 5, 34B-23-37 beauty was born in Teheran, Iran. Uldouz parents moved to Uppsala, Sweden when she was 5 years old, when she turned 9 years old she moved to Stockholm, Sweden. In her journey from Iran to Sweden she was still able to maintain the language Farsi (Persian) as well as learning the languages Swedish, English, and French fluently.  When she lived in Vancouver, Canada Uldouz fell into the world of modeling and acting, she was (among all the things I listed earlier) the main spokes model for the Brazilian Brahma Beer and Coca Colas Tab Energy Drink.  From what I’ve seen, Ms. Wallace is way more than just a gorgeous face, (and incredible body), she’s intelligent, multifaceted , and is someone I for sure wouldn’t mind working with on anything in the future.

Asher Roth ft. Akon – Last Man Standing.


It’s always fun to see a music video for a song you’ve liked for quite some time, just like its fun to see an artist who’s work you’ve appreciated for quite some time coming around and putting a unique spin on a classic idea.  Asher Roth is back with the video for ‘Last Man Standing’ which is formatted like flipping though a comic book, but done unlike many of the other pseudo-cliche videos of its kind.  Check the video out below.

The Most Expensive Sh*t.


Madrid, Spain– A thief in Spain who stole a diamond from a British woman (and then swallowed it) was caught when police stopped him at a checkpoint. He was then  x-rayed and then forced to take a very expensive sh*t…  The theft occurred when two British women entered a restaurant in the luxury southern resort of Marbella and one of them left her handbag on the floor by her chair, police said in a statement.  “Two well-dressed men came in, one sitting at the bar and the other next to the woman,” according to the statement. “The women discovered that the men had eaten the contents of her handbag, containing 2,000 euros and 400 pounds sterling, a mobile phone, a pendant with a diamond worth 12,000 euros ($16,500) and other valuables.”  Hours later, police stopped a car at a routine checkpoint and forced the men to undergo an x-ray.  It was then discovered their bodies were filled with the stolen items.  “That’s the most expensive dump I have ever seen,” said one of the officers. “And I have seen a lot. I am really into that.”  The men were arrested and the items were returned after a thorough cleansing.

The Kisai Night Vision Wristwatch.


Tokyoflash is on the loose once more, and this time it’s introducing a concept that has been in the works for months on end. The Kisai Night Vision and as they say, “what a difference a year makes.” As of today, the LED wristwatch is up for grabs, constructed with black stainless steel, sub-surface LEDs, a hexagonal form factor and support for USB recharging. Despite your initial assumptions, it’s actually capable of displaying both time and date, and there’s even a built-in alarm with a “light-up animation.” Fancy! It’s available in black with blue, green or red LEDs, and if you order soon, you’ll be able to snag one for $129 / £79 / €89; procrastinators will face a sticker of $149 / £91 / €103. Check the method below.

Check Out The Brand New Capain Planet.


With all the reboots, and remakes of old series that are cropping up all over media, you wouldn’t normally be surprised to find out about some sort of re-imagination of a series as classic as ‘Captain Planet’.  However, when you know that this new take on this old show is done by Funny Or Die, you should know what’s up.  The hillarious (and uncensored video) features Don Cheadle as good ol’ Cap. Planet.  Don wan’t looking as gangsta as usual, but once the skit began, I realized the look had nothing to do with it.  He’s as lethal as Captain Planet should have been in the first place.  Check the method below.

All You Need To Know About Graffiti.


Graffiti is often misunderstood, and it is difficult for a graffiti writer to explain what he feels about it. Writer Benoit Ollive decided to do something a bit more interesting when asked to write about it.

I have been asked by a book publisher to write few pages to explain to teenagers how to practice graffiti. After hours and hours I came to the conclusion there was nothing to teach about it except providing the tool to do it. The new generation needs to discover it by practising it instead of reading lessons. Rather than a long sterile speech debating on the good or bad vertues I created my own book to share my point of view through a conceptual message.

Bodyguard Champagne.


Champagne Piper-Heidsieck has wrapped its new limited-edition Bodyguard in a “sexy red crocodile skin” for its launch this month in selected travel retail outlets.  The 75cl bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut can be described as having “springtime citrus aromas with notes of apples and pears”… I just think it tastes good, looks fly, and gets you drunk.  Piper-Heidsieck reveals that the the flavor of Bodyguard is reminiscent of the Pinot Noir grape from the “distinctive flavor” it’s known for.  The 75cl Champagne Brut, in a lipstick red faux crocodile skin sheath, is “a perfect example of how innovative and audacious this brand can be”, said Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail Marketing Director Matthew Hodges.  Distribution starts, initially exclusively, in travel retail worldwide, beginning with Aelia at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport stores. A domestic roll-out will follow in time, I’ll for sure grab a bottle or two.

Sweet Miss Sara Lime.


Sara Lime is an Iranian born model that is currently living in Los Angeles. Her career as a model has delivered her to such endeavors as print and jewelry modeling, live event appearances, swimsuit, lingerie, as well as Internet modeling. Expanding her modeling experience, Sara Lime has also appeared in music videos from Optimus (Pot Of Rain, and On The Grind) and a few theatre productions.

Photos of Sakurajima Volcano.


On a visit to Japan in 2010, “alien landscape” photographer Martin Rietze captured some spectacular images of Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima, and the images flew all across photography sites the world over.  I’ve seen this incredibly beautiful collection of images tons of times, but something today just struck me, and I thought that although I see this collection all the times doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone else has… So I figured I’d share it.

Cam’Ron & Vado: Boss Of All Bosses 2.8 Mixtape.


Click here to download the mixtape.

Camron and Vado took a little leap, and surprised the hip hop community with a new mixtape to hold everyone over until Boss Of All Bosses 3 is released on Oct 5th.  Click the pic above to check it out.

Ermenegildo Zegna Celebrates 20 Years.


Year 2011 sees the Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna celebrating its 20th Anniversary in China.  To commemorate this occasion Ermenegildo Zegna made a special limited edition collection of just twenty pieces to mark this important milestone.  The collection include watches, cufflinks, mobile phones and fabrics made in collaboration with Girard-Perregaux, Tateossian and Vertu.

Twenty limited edition cufflinks created by Tateossian, in solid 18 kt rose gold. Replicating the Zegna China 20th Anniversary logo, with discreetly embedded rubies.

The Signature Vertu for Ermenegildo Zegna China 20th Anniversary Limited Edition presents Vertu’s iconic Signature handset in precious rose gold, sapphire crystal and exotic alligator skin.
As a testimony of its unequalled success in China, Ermenegildo Zegna offers two unique fabrics, signature to the link between the Chinese culture and the sartorial tradition of the Ermenegildo Zegna Wool-Mill.

The watch, with its timeless design, is adorned with an elegant rose gold case, true to Girard-Perregaux’s great chronograph tradition as well as a rare and precious specially designed movement guaranteed by Girard-Perregaux.  On the dial, a tachymeter scale lends it an assertively sporty character, while the logo at 6 o’clock is a tribute to the 20 years that Ermenegildo Zegna has been in China.  The mechanism features one of the most spectacular watchmaking complications – a coaxial Rattrappante chronograph with Foudroyante.  The two superimposed second hands of the Rattrappante chronograph enable to time several events which start simultaneously but which last for different times.  The Foudroyante is represented by the red hand in the counter at 9 o’clock, and enables to measure the final chronograph time to one-eighth of a second.  It completes one revolution of the counter per second, stopping on one of the 8 sections at the end of the timed event.

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