Friday, August 21, 2009
David Yu's Mint Ginger Lemonade
With my first blog on Wine & Bowties, I think it's important that I share my gastronomic perspective with you guys. I mean, if you're really about to take the time to read my reviews and cook my food, you have to understand where I'm coming from, and where I'm going with my plate in hand. Not only is this a step towards appreciating food, but it's crucial to understanding what I mean when I say "Damn,that's good".
Like the other human necessities (shelter, clothing, etc.) food is, always has been, and always will be art. But in today’s world, we often forget this fact. Somewhere between the drive through and the frozen pizzas, we sometimes treat food like mere fuel. Even worse, when we pull up to the pump, we pick the 87, regular, unleaded stuff because food, like gas, is fucking expensive! But to be perfectly clear, I’m not hating on fast food. As a young person on a budget, only Jack’s spicy chicken is an option after 1 am and Costco’s deep-dish singles are all I can make in the two minutes before I need to be at work. So no doubt there is a place for fast food in our busy lives. But I dare the readers of this blog to take half a step away from the quick, the convenient, the familiar, the unwholesome, and treat food as it should be treated: as art. With that, I’ll leave you with my first recipe: Mint Ginger Lemonade.
Like the other human necessities (shelter, clothing, etc.) food is, always has been, and always will be art. But in today’s world, we often forget this fact. Somewhere between the drive through and the frozen pizzas, we sometimes treat food like mere fuel. Even worse, when we pull up to the pump, we pick the 87, regular, unleaded stuff because food, like gas, is fucking expensive! But to be perfectly clear, I’m not hating on fast food. As a young person on a budget, only Jack’s spicy chicken is an option after 1 am and Costco’s deep-dish singles are all I can make in the two minutes before I need to be at work. So no doubt there is a place for fast food in our busy lives. But I dare the readers of this blog to take half a step away from the quick, the convenient, the familiar, the unwholesome, and treat food as it should be treated: as art. With that, I’ll leave you with my first recipe: Mint Ginger Lemonade.
This lemonade might be my Mona Lisa thus far, because of its simplicity. It’s got that classic lemonade tang as you sip it and as it goes down your throat you get a spicy kick from the ginger. When you open your mouth once again, air hits your palette to create a cooling sensation from the mint. Perfect for a hot summer day or a mixer for the late night. Mint Ginger Lemonade:
1 cup sugar
5 cups water
1 small gingerroot, thinly sliced
1 cup lemon juice (about six ripe lemons)
1 tsp mint extract
mint leaves & lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Heat 1 cup of water in a small pot over medium heat to a simmer. Add ginger, stir and lid the pot to prevent evaporation. After ten minutes remove ginger and add sugar. Stir to until dissolved. Combine infused syrup with lemon juice, mint extract and remaining water. Chill, garnish with mint and lemon wedges, and serve with lots of ice. Serves 4 thirsty people.
A Closer Look at the Healthcare Debate
Given the circus that is the American news media, it can be tricky to cut through the bullshit and hoopla and get to the heart of any given issue. Such is the case with the healthcare debate, which has effectively devolved into theater, with most media attention focusing on the people who talk the most but are the least knowledgeable. Beyond the abstract ramblings about socialism and Hitler lies the fact that millions upon millions of Americans are unable to afford healthcare of any kind. Add to that the fact that millions more who are "covered" still don't get the care they need. In this segment from Real Time with Bill Maher, comedian Dana Gould takes a look at the two sides of the debate. You might be surprised by what you see. Gould's signoff says it all.
Happy Birthday Usain
Usain, you're a bad man. I mean you're a dream crusher and a moment stealer. A scoundrel perhaps. But context is everything. Because in the eyes of your opponents you're their worst nightmare. Your presence on the track already has cats thinking about how 2nd place is gonna feel. But in the eyes of the rest of us, you're a hero, a specimen, and the fastest man in the world.
So you turn MJ today. Congratulations. You've broken two world records in the past 3 days. Which means you were sittin on 22's and murking cats 5 years your elder. Impressive to say the very least. We're gonna show them what you did yesterday. Congratulations again. And please don't ever stop.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Apple iPod Slide Concept
The iPod slide. A new concept for Apple that could extend their sphere of influence in the realm of mp3 players. A sleek design that encompasses the latest sliding technology making the player more compact without losing any functionality. Equally impressive is the ability for the device to be controlled by thermal sensors, which would be a first for an Apple product. Icy all around.
Jay-Z feat. Kanye West & Rihanna - "Run This Town"
So they dropped it. After two teasers and a preview, the official video for Jays second single has been released. A solid effort all around, the video successfully captures the magnitude of the track while featuring three of the biggest acts in the world. While, Jay and Kanye come correct, Rihanna's star shines the brightest. She just comes so epic with it. Style and grace. Style and grace. With BP3 right around the corner, I wonder if this is the precursor to the main event? Most of us are anticipating a classic album, and with ample time Jay has been given the opportunity to create a masterpiece. I guess only time will tell.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The xx - "Crystalised"
With music, it's usually best not to do too much. The xx seem to understand that notion pretty well, building minimalist riffs and beats into catchy pop-rock songs steeped in casual cool. Having built up a serious buzz in the blog world, the British band seems poised for success with their self-titled debut out now in the UK, and dropping soon in the states. Any band that lists Ginuwine and the Pixies as influences is cool with me. And this song is dope.
"As Cold As They Are" By Mark Dean
Contemporary artist Mark Dean is set to showcase his newest work at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery in New York. Using his "Toile De Jouy" patterns, Mark has created a series of paintings featuring Popeye and his crew including Pluto, Olive Oyl, Sweat Pea, and Wimpy. Marks pieces are especially dope when you take a closer look at the figures, as their bodies are made up of contorted faces. Wet.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Tenderloin Project
The best art isn't always the easiest to watch. Furthermore, the art that speaks to us most powerfully is often rooted in reality. Photographer/director Sean Desmond's Tenderloin Project most certainly falls into both categories. The project combines film and photography to paint what Desmond describes as "a compelling and honest portrait" of the Tenderloin, known widely as one of San Francisco's poorest and most marginalized areas. The result is something deeply resonant and meaningful, with a message and a purpose in mind. "The project will culminate in publishing the images in book form," explain the creators, "with proceeds from the sales being donated to organizations that promote and give access to art in the Tenderloin. This, we feel, will allow our project to live on for years and generations to come in the form of art within the community. " Check here for more info, videos and pics.
Sony Announces The Playstation 3 Slim
For the video gamers like myself that chill on a system for years until it becomes affordable, our time has come. Sony has recently announced that the price of the Playstation 3 will drop to $300 in September. Not to mention, the system will also be sold in a slimmer version, which will hold 120GB of storage, while using 34% less power. (Only 2 USB's though). Aside from the video games, this price drop may be additionally enticing for tech fans who are eager to utilize the internet capabilities and Blue Ray functionality from a gaming console.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Spree Wilson - "I Believe She's Lying"
A taste for diverse musical influences, a unique voice and some sharp songwriting have earned Spree Wilson frequent comparisons to Andre 3000. Now after hearing the fellow ATLien's debut, Evil Angel EP, I can't say the hype is unwarranted. The project manages to pack acoustic guitar, electro-hop and soul into six tracks in a way that few people not named Andre or Cee-Lo could pull off. "I Believe She's Lying" is the joint, but don't miss out on the No ID-produced "Word", or the video for that matter.
BLU at the FAME Festival
I hope this becomes the norm. Art can do so much. It has the ability to infiltrate our minds and force us to think, or better yet to feel. It can open our minds to wonder, while answering the toughest questions. Italian street artist BLU allows us to imagine what art can be. This piece serves as a glimpse into the endless possibilities that art gives us to make a statement. Below is a piece written by angelino, as he speaks on the work of BLU's creation for the FAME festival in Italy:
"people is bad. some other people is just nice.if you’re new to FAME festival, you probably dont know that Grottaglie is 10 minutes far from Taranto. if you’ve been in Taranto, you probably remember that the city has a massive ugly factory called ILVA (one of the biggest steel factory in europe).
this factory is destroying the territory and killing a lot of workers ’cause of its big lack of security measures and high environmental pollution. the direct consequence is that Taranto has one of the highest rate of death by cancer in italy.
As a plus, the smartest politicians from Grottaglie’s town council allowed, back in ‘96, the construction of a very filthy special wastes dump right outside the city. they did not inform the people, they did not ask anybody’s opinion, they just did it. i wish i could wonder WHY they did it.
this said,i usually like to think that every piece of art can have different meaning, depending on who is looking at it and from wich perspective he is looking from. this time, i prefer to think that we’re all looking at a mere mirror of the actual situation we’re living in.
especially for our mean local politicians, none of them excluded. i hope that they can recognise themselves in these huge faces and feel disgusted for what they’ve done to their people." - angelino
Revolver 2009 Fall/Winter Collection
Some back to school hits for those that are still in it. Ed Banger Records art director So-Me has been assisting with the designs for Revolver for the past couple of collections now. In line with past efforts from the brand, Revolver returns with vibrant color schemes to add to their Fall collection. Consisting of graphic tees, baseball jackets and jeans, Revolver provides us with pretty much everything you need to come correct for that first week of school. "Oh I like your shirt..."
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Ant Colonies At A Glance
Ants are pretty clean. When they aren't in your house they're pretty settled. They are the definition of team players. Their anatomy is conducive to sharing as well, as their two stomachs serve separate functions using one to store food for themselves and the other to store food to be shared with other ants. I wonder what it'd be like to just be an ant up in a colony. Do they have dreams of making it? Do they even have a conception of making it? Are worker ants trying to step it up to soldier ants by the end of '09? Who knows. This video is wild though. Sort of makes you wonder what else insects are capable of.
Ratatat feat. Z-ro, Devin The Dude, Juvenile - "The Mule"
Kids have been fuckin with Ratatat, so we present them to you this morning. Made up of guitarist Mike Stroud and synthesizer Evan Mast, the duo got together in '04 to record their debut album Ratatat. Ratatat has dropped two remix albums over the past couple of years which have helped to extend their sphere by featuring hip hop artists on their electric beats. The pairings make for compelling music. The Mule is a personal favorite. Whenever you can get Juvenile on a electro beat something specials gonna happen. Jokes.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Beat Your Feet Kings
This is the cleanest dance group I've seen. Beat Your Feet Kings. Now I haven't had the privilege of watching an entire episode of Americas Best Dance Crew, but from what I've seen, they are the best out, and my pick to win it the contest. But as I mentioned, my perspective is limited, if there's someone icier, let it be known. I can see them winning it, but I could also see why the judges might flop them. If they can combine choreographed moves for the entire group to perform they could win, otherwise they might be deemed merely a group of individuals. Nonetheless this performance is impressive. 1:08 though.
Jonathan Mannion + Drake for FADER
Last week, Drizzy's face graced the cover of FADER, along with the headline "Drake and his inscrutable rise to fame and fortune". Inscrutable indeed. The dude is talented beyond anyone's expectations. Photographer Jonathan Mannion is known best for his iconic hip-hop photography, having built his reputation with memorable album covers like this one, this one, and this other one. Mannion did a beautiful job with the FADER cover story, capturing the young artist on the brink of becoming unprecedently, well, successful.
Stephen Colbert "Defends" Glenn Beck
In a world where Fox News dominates the ratings, the reasonable people of the world are lucky to have Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on their team. Recently Fox News' Glenn Beck has been the subject of heated debate after accusing Barack of being a racist and comparing him to Hitler. In response, several corporate sponsors pulled their ads for Glenn's show. In this clip, Colbert takes the opportunity to speak on the situation, as usual with a heavy dose of satire and sarcasm. Usually, I feel like the best policy is to ignore the dumb shit and keep it moving, but when people like Beck are consistently running their mouth and spreading misinformation, it's only necessary for Stephen to call them out on it. This shit is jokes.
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Void LP Player
Now take a look at this. Ben just laced us. We all know vinyl sales are up in the '09. This is pretty much the iciest vinyl player out. On some Sharper Image tip. Known as the Void LP Player, the record player uses a carrier and dock outfitted with a magnetic control system which carries the LP into thin air as it is playing music. A self-running record player shaped in the form of a red sphere, contains a needle, amplifier and speaker, which spins around the record. Amazing. A single contraption with the ability to transform a cardboard box into a studio apartment. Ha ha. Dinner time.
Mayer Hawthorne - "Maybe So, Maybe No"
Contrary to popular belief, it's actually a good time to be a new artist in hip-hop and R&B right now. With Cudi and Drake seemingly well on the path to superstardom, and others like Wale and Trey scoring Billboard hits, it seems like this generation of musicians is starting to hit its stride. Believe it or not though, I'm as juiced for Mayer as I am for just about anybody else from the freshman class. Yeah, he's a little squarish looking. And yeah, his sound is more '69 than '09. But that's exactly what sets the 27-year old singer/songwriter apart from most of his contemporaries. This video is dope not just for the Venice Beach scenery, or the Rob Dyrdek sighting at 1:15, but because it manages to convey a lot of personality. Mayer is that dude. A Strange Arrangement due out September 8.
Huf 2009 Fall Preview
Huf is one of those streetwear brands that has achieved longevity in the game because of their ability to remain authentic while constantly evolving as a brand. In the past, Hufs collections have consisted of bright logo tees with loud colors and statements, however in the past year we've seen a more understated tone from Huf as they've transition into a casual streetwear brand. Many of the pieces from the Fall preview continue Huf's already developed aesthetic, combining muted colors with simple designs to creating lasting denim, button-downs and headwear. Featured below is a selection of pieces from the preview.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Top 10 Scottie Pippen Plays From 1996
Pippen went hard. His talent was undeniable. Top 50 of all time. Scottie Pippen got lucky though. He was about to be doing the Phil Mickelson, Andy Rodick, but fortunately the basketball gods blessed him, Steve Kerr, Ron Harper and many others. Nonetheless, Pip was doin it. Play 4 is particularly amazing, I mean come on, he just made Luc Longley look good. Looks like D.Rob ran away from him on play 2. And play 1 is just classic, because as you know, everyone loves a good old fashion bashout.
Eric B. & Rakim - "Don't Sweat the Technique"
Ask any hip-hop head who's been around for a while, and they'll tell you this rap shit just wouldn't be the same without Rakim. In case it went over your head, he's probably the most quoted MC ever to pick up a microphone. "Dont Sweat the Technique" was a 1992 hit from the album of the same name, released just before he and Eric B. split for good. A throwback joint for those in need of a quick break from "Birthday Sex" and Black Eyed Peas.
Typewriter Sculptures By Jeremy Mayer
No adhesives, no welding. Just skill and talent. Created entirely from cold assembly, Jeremy Mayers fascination with typewriters has brought him to the forefront of contemporary sculpting. By disassembling and then reassembling typewriters, Jeremy has created a series of full-scale anatomically correct human figures. Makes you kind of wonder, when it comes to creative expression, what can't we do?
on typewriters and their function: "I think of the typewriter as a product of nature- it was designed by minds immersed in nature around them, and mimicked the curves, geometry, and physical processes abounding in nature. Though it is cold metal created by human hands, the typewriter is just as much a natural material as stone or wood. I concentrate on bringing this fascination with the raw material and interest in science and science fiction together in the subtleties of the human form." - Jeremy Mayer
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
London's Biggest-Ever Diamond Heist
It's always cool to me when some shit you've seen in the movies comes to fruition in real life. Say what you will about the morality of it all, but you can't help but marvel at the fact that these guys managed to pull off a £40 million come up (just over $66 million U.S.). I'm sure the bystanders were pretty shaken up by the whole thing, but personally I can't really muster too much sympathy for a high-end diamond retail chain. In any case, here's the story from The Independent's Mark Hughes:
A 50-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the £40 million armed robbery at a Mayfair jewellers - Britain's biggest ever jewel heist. The man was arrested at an address in Illford, east London, on Monday, four days after the robbery, which took place at the Graff Diamond jewellers on New Bond Street at 4.40pm on Thursday.
The man, who has since been released on bail, is not one of the two men in the CCTV footage released by the Metropolitan Police. A police source described him as a "minor player".
This morning mobile phone footage emerged which showed the moment that two men escaped with their haul. The video was taken by a man who just happened to be filming on New Bond Street at the time the robbery happened.
In the video the two suited suspects are clearly seen leaving the store. A man's voice shouts "call the police" before a gunshot is fired and screams are heard.
The footage then distorts and re-starts with a woman talking. a man reassures her: "They are gone, they are gone. Calm down, calm down."
The men stole 43 pieces of jewellery in two minutes before taking a female staff member hostage to make their escape.
Their haul included a pair of white, round, diamond double-hoop earrings, a yellow diamond flower necklace, a platinum white Marquise diamond ring and a Chronograph men's 45mm watch.
Full Story Here
Coconut Records - "Microphone"
You might recognize Jason Schwartzman from damn near every Wes Anderson flick (The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, Darjeeling Limited), and more recently Funny People. What a lot of folks don't know about Jason is that he's also a talented singer, songwriter and musician. Coconut Records is the name of Schwartzman's solo project, whose first album, Nighttiming caught the attention of Judd Apatow, landing him three songs on the Funny People soundtrack. Davy, his sophomore album dropped earlier this year, along with the single, "Microphone". Dope song and a solid video to go with it.
Kid Cudi Man On The Moon Album Artwork
Cudi's music is GOOD, pun intended, but his presentation and delivery is great. Maybe you'd call it artistry. While he has provided us with music to live to, he has also created compelling visual works to accompany his music and further portray his demeanor and scope. With the album set to drop September 15th, Cudi has the ball in his court and the game in his hands. As afore mentioned, the best artists have us anticipating what they'll do next. Cudi's Man On The Moon cover does just that.
Nike Sportswear Fall/Winter Varsity Jacket
Varsity jackets might be the fall/winter move. I can see folks coppin a blank one and buying patches to put on. Not surprisingly, Nike Sportswear comes with their initial fall offering of their NSW varsity jackets. As with most, the NSW jackets feature a melton wool body with leather sleeves. But the varsity jacket raises one peculiar question. The var jacket is cool for Seniors Juniors and outstanding Sophomores but on the real? What are the JV cats supposed to rock? 
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
SheOne + Crash: Pop Crime Exhibition
Pop Crime, hosted by Newcastle, England's own Opus Gallery is a joint exhibition, showcasing the work of pop-art and graffiti artists SheOne and Crash. Though their styles are visually distinct from one another, Pop Crime is a natural pairing, bringing together two of the world's premier street artists. SheOne, known for his graffiti art in London, is behind the abstract black and white designs (as seen on the Mini below), while the Bronx-bred Crash did the more colorful paintings. Wetness. More details here.
Fabolous on Chelsea Lately
The art of hosting a dope interview is a tricky thing to get right. For most people, it seems like the trick is to be funny and engaging yourself, but in such a way that you're not stealing the spotlight. The focus needs to be on the person being interviewed. Chelsea definitely deserves the credit for making her interviews entertaining, even if sometimes she's doing a lot. Fresh off the number one spot on the Billboard charts with Loso's Way, Fab dropped in to chat with Chelsea last night. The two brush on unprotected sex, weed trafficking, and of course the album. Pretty funny all around.
Fresh Jive Drops All Branding & Logos
Rick Klotz is the owner and designer of Fresh Jive. Established in 1989, Fresh Jive has been influential in the rise of street wear and urban culture, bringing the lifestyle to the forefront over the past couple of years. However, as the streetwear climate changes today, Klotz has become rather 'disenchanted' by the pressence of branding within his company, and has made an unprecedented move to omit all branding and logos from Fresh Jive products. In an interview with Bobby Hundreds, Klotz speaks on the change in presentation, and his reasoning behind the move. A really fascinating move on the part of Klotz as his decision forces consumers to attach themselves to the ideology of the brand rather than a visual acknowledgement. It will be interesting to see if other brands adopt this change in the months to come.
on the thoughts and motives behind the decision: Throughout the years I’ve become uncomfortable with this business of branding and brand identity. I’m not the type of person that buys something for the brand name. I’ve also never done a very good job at creating a captivating identity to our own brand logo. Also, within the streetwear culture, the promotion of a company’s brand has become downright silly to me. What’s amusing is I still really enjoy designing gear, graphics, and even logos. But when I see kids wearing company logos it reminds of people who are trying to be a part of a “tribe” or “gang”, as if they need to be part of something, which seems to go against the idea of individualism in style.on taking on a new name: Well, let’s be practical. The company is still Freshjive. It’s just that none of our product will have any of our logos or even our name AT ALL. Not even in the labels. And after the turn of the year, no promotional material, nor our website will have any logos. It’s really invigorating to approach designing a line WITHOUT the constrictions of how the logo is gonna be placed or used on the garments.
was dropping the name the only way to solve the problem? Well this was the only way to solve the problem without just closing down and starting a new brand. But that would be TOO easy in a sense. It’s WAY more punk to have this company running for 20 years and then dropping the name brand. I’m punk.Interview conducted by Bobby Hundreds
Full Article Here
Monday, August 10, 2009
Everybody's Gotta Eat
I guess snakes can eat kangaroos?! Kind of makes me wonder what other animals have ridiculous eating habits. "Contrary to the popular belief that snakes can dislocate their jaws, snakes have a very flexible lower jaw, the two halves of which are not rigidly attached, and numerous other joints in their skull allowing them to open their mouths wide enough to swallow their prey whole, even if it is larger in diameter than the snake itself as snakes do not chew" (Wikipedia). This is nothing short of amazing. Would you say extraordinary?
Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa - "Over The Building"
Running with the Cheech & Chong imagery, Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa have recently dropped their newest project entitled the How Fly Mixtape. A solid effort, the mixtape as a whole may appeal more to already established Curren$y and Khalifa fans, as punch line heavy verses accompany tracks touching on the fast life. If compelled, the mixtape is available here. Presented below is an appetizer track.
The Dripping Table By John Nouanesing
Seems like a single piece of furniture can really cultivate the feeling of a room. The color, the shape, the size, the design can all work to create a feeling, and additionally communicate a message about the room, the home and ultimately the person. Beautifully designed furniture is dope, but I think comfort reigns supreme. I'd rather post on a ugly comfy couch, than a great looking hard one. Below, is a modern table concept by John Nouanesing. Slim legs give the illusion of a dripping board. A conversation starter to say the least.
Nike Presents The Hyperizers
Part of Nike's latest ad campaign for the Hyperize kicks. Can't say I love the shoes, but this shit is worth the watch for so many reasons. If the idea of Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant, Rashard Lewis and Mo Williams gettin on a track isn't reason enough, at least watch for Mo's jheri curl. Is it me or does Durant lightweight have bars? Quik cameos would explain why the song kinda slaps. On some Space Jam soundtrack shit. Yet another moment in the long and storied history of hoopers trying to rap. Bet you weren't up on this though.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
A Day In Nollywood
Yup, this shits pretty crucial. Which is exactly why we present it to you today. You see, as we continue on this journey we're going to continue to encounter things that we wish we hadn't seen, and know things we wish we'd stayed oblivious to. It's a hard feeling sometimes, because in a lot of situations, once you become knowledgeable about a problem, you assume some of the responsibility. It's like when a feed the children infomercial comes on and you change the channel. You are conscious of their pain, but in the moment we choose not to acknowledge it. Don't worry though, we're never going super out of pocket with it. No knife in eyeball Saw 8 type shit. But just some ideas and images to understand the world around us. The pictures below were taken by photographer Pieter Hugo during his visit to Nollywood, the third largest film industry in the world, located in Nigeria. Call it a warm up.
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