YES WE DID!  

Last Night's Party

I love this blog.  Check out lastnightsparty.com.  You can live vicariously through the snapshots you'll find of the most off-the-wall parties you wish you were at last weekend.  From massives to house-parties and everything in between,  this blog captures the essence of "PARTY" in every sense of the word.  

Vending - what?

I saw this in I.D. today.  What's weird is I ran across it before while I was inter-web surfing but it didn't process like it did today.  I mean, you've gotta think, it'd be kind of rough being the guy who stocks these bad boys...but I digress.  

I have been all for everything over-the-top and loud lately.  You can't help but be affected by today's pop culture; neon is in, super-bright colors and disco chic flavors, as well as in-your-face typography-based graphic design are all the rage.  

These vending machines by bikedispenser.com are an ingenious idea.  Green in every way as well as convenient, these babies are automated rental stations.  You swipe your bikedispenser card and voila~ your bike is dispensed.  Not only that, the whole contraption is designed with some class.  I wish we had these in the U.S.

iPod Solar Charger

You can find Solios ipod and mobile phone charger at Ethics Girls.  This little guy is so relevant for the times.  It's not only handy but green.  The company even plants trees so the production of these devices is carbon neutral.  What a great way to carry through with the sustainable message they are selling.  It comes with a kit of various tips for cell phones, USB cable, and 12V adapter.  Now to see if it'll work w/  my iPhone!

Minitel Rose

Minitel Rose is part of a group of producers from Western France, called Valerie.  Valerie has a great blog worth checking out as well.  Other artists in the group include The Outrunners, College, Anoraak, Maethelvin, and others.  

I am in love with all the great up and coming electro artists out there but for some reason the French just do it with amazing ease.  Minitel Rose is my fav out of the bunch so far; very 80's retro sounding, catchy, dancy, and still good 'ol dirty electro.  These guys are a buzz in the electronic music blog world and I'm glad I found them before they hit it big...and you know they will before long.   Their first album "The French Machine" is out this month on May 28th.  I cannot wait!  

Below are a list of blogs that I've found have some tracks available for download.  Check out Minitel Rose's Remix myspace page for some free tunes as well.   

Hipster Runoff

The Fader

Trash Menagerie

Chromeo-Fancy Footwork

Just released official video for Fancy Footwork by Chromeo. Directed by Ben Levine. Enjoy!
Chromeo - Fancy Footwork from Chromeo1 on Vimeo.

Purple Crush-Shopping on the Dancefloor

Love it!

Stefan Bruggemann

Check out some Stefan Bruggemann.  I love his work because you really get into the artist's head; in just a few textual elements.  Its simplicity and boldness befits the time.  Nevertheless, it is ironic and humorous on so many levels.

Bravo!  

Dancefloor Mayhem

So I've been on this hunt for the latest and greatest dance music. dancefloor mayhem is my new spot to discover the best of electro, house, techno, breaks, hip-hop, and the list goes on.  Plus there are a ton of high-quality songs and mixes for download.
 
Fuck'n love it!

Last.fm

Last.fm is the go-to-site for anything music related. I'm trying to think of the right word to describe it but really, there is no one word or phrase that best describes it. The official slogan "The Social Music Revolution" touches on the essence of what this is all about.

I first came across this site when a friend of mine suggested I check it out; knowing I am the type of person who loves to organize everything nice and neat. I was first taken by the ability to track your what you listen to on iTunes. You create a profile on the site and the more music it tracks, the more it gets to know your music taste.

Last.fm recommends artists weekly, based on what you are listening to. Of course there are a whole host of groups you can join, catering to different interests, and these groups are an incredible network for finding virgin music. You can also search for music by artist, album, song, you name it.

Each artist has a page that displays other similar artists as well as an overview as well as listener stats, charts, album info, and more. You can listen to clips from songs, and sometimes there are full tracks to listen to and/or download. It's wonderful. I could go on and on but really you need to just check it out.

Enjoy!

N.E.E.T. Magazine

N.E.E.T. Magazine. I love this site! Anyone into indie fashion would love this magazine. From clothing to art to fashion blogs and much, much more. This is one of my favs.

Renewable batteries

USB-Cell has produced a great sustainable product that is practical and simple in design and concept. This is something everyone needs: a rechargeable battery that is USB-adaptable for fast, easy, convenient charging. I need to get myself some of these. Batteries are such a waste; use it until it runs out of juice and out it goes to the dumpster.

Change

We attended the Adams County Democratic Assembly yesterday (12.08.08) at the Adams County Fairgrounds. At the caucuses in February, Stephen and I volunteered to be elected delegates for the Adams County Democratic Assembly. We were both inspired and moved to do our part to contribute to the movement of change that is becoming so evident today.

We both support Barack Obama enthusiastically and thought this would be a good opportunity to be a part of the process that we have been so oblivious to; frankly, until recently (the past couple years), I have developed a healthy skepticism to question everything. Of course this tendency has been fermenting through my college years, but only in an abstract way. The reality of the absurdities of the right-wing evangelical policies that are choking out all reason in America today is the seed that is bringing out this need for change. I cannot just sit back and do nothing as Bush and the Republican party argue for a war in Iraq, insist on invoking fear in Americans by feeding us bullshit, doing nothing to alleviate our dependance on foreign oil or advancing our own economic and technological future by investing in new sustainable technologies, allowing domestic spying on Americans and trampling on our privacy while protecting the corporations that assist in the process...just to name a few atrocities that are considered acceptable by the government and accepted by Americans.

We need a new government. Not one based on old politics. We need a president that is not jaded or affected by the same old way of doing things. Hillary fits right into this old politics based on undeniable ties to the special interest lobbyists, broken promises, and a disconnect from the needs and passions of the real people. Have you once heard Hillary talk about her work in the community centers and inner city neighborhoods? She does not have a real understanding of the underprivileged. She votes to approve the war and of course is part of this anti-Bush campaign to bring the troops home. She votes for pro-NAFTA legislation and champions the Workers' cause to keep their jobs from going overseas and "fix" NAFTA. She says she is "proud" to be runnning against Obama, then mocks him, and uses negative campaigning against him attacking him with untrue statements. And I don't know if anyone else has noticed but her slogan and image has changed so many times throughout this campaign, I don't know if she has multiple personalities, or the more reasonable conclusion to make is that she is imploring every tactic possible to get what she wants. She has no ideals, morals, or even the wisdom to realize that when she endorses herself and McCain to have the experience a candidate needs to be president, she is dividing the party as well as praising the candidate that promotes the same ideals she is supposedly running against.

Change??? All I see is a conniving political machine willing to say and do anything to get into office, w/out concern for the ideals that make this party worth fighting for. She is not real. For these reasons I have to take action and do my part to keep another political robot from being elected for Presidency.

Obama is not affected by Washington and still in touch with the average Americans' needs and goals in life. He is an advocate for change and will not stand for the same "business as usual"; but on the same token he is not naive to the realities of politics. He is consistent; he was against the war then and is against the war now. And for these reasons I feel the responsibility to not only support Obama but really do my part in the Democratic process to oppose the Republicans. I am moved. I really want to do my part to take back my country. This presidential race has done one important thing. And that is invoke a sense of ownership and pride, for many people, for the very first time in our lives. Michele Obama spoke for the majority of Americans today when she said she is proud to be and American for the first time in her adult life.

I have to say though, that I was definitely not expecting a joy-ride the entire way. The Adams County Democratic Assembly this weekend was a taste of two sides of the political process; excitement and painful. The painful part came when we had to be there at 7:30AM on a Saturday...ouch. Once we got inside (there was a huge line to get in), we checked-in and casted our preference votes for the Democratic presidential nominee. Then we waited a good two hours for voting to finish and the Adams County Assembly to begin. Most of which was formal introductions, and jibber-jabber that really didn't mean much to us. The bulk of the Assembly was taken by candidates for state senate and congress seats making their stump speeches. We made it 'til about noon and left.

I have to say I was a bit disappointed that we left early but all that was left on the agenda was some more speeches. We did our part and voted, as well as meeting some interesting people on both sides. The atmosphere was cheery and excitement. There was one older lady that went up to the mic to make a point of order. She wanted the chairman slow down and explain the process since she was a first time delegate (she said she switched from the Republican Party). She asked a few questions and then a few people in the assembly starting booing her and one even told her to "shut up and sit down". Unbelievable. I could not believe they did that to her. She was only being honest and really she was speaking for the majority of us in the assembly that were first-time delegates as well. Suffice it to say, it put a slight damper to the day but overall, it was a fulfilling experience.

Just Jack

I just discovered Just Jack this weekend. I love the fresh dancy sounds. There are some hip-hop rhythms that you can pick up but it is very dancy and fun.

Jack said it best himself, "I never had heroes and never wanted to be like other musicians", he says. "I have no affiliations to anyone, I'm not part of a gang, I'm not a part of a scene and I don't have a sound that's obviously a part of a scene. I'm Just Jack."

The sound does not fit neatly into a genre...it is Just Jack. There is a bio on last.fm and be sure to visit Just Jack's website. The newly released album Overtones is wonderful. My favorite song Starz in Their Eyes makes me want to dance! Enjoy!

Obama For Change

Remember to vote this Tuesday! Obama supporters - pass this video along to all your friends and family!

Earth Hour 2008

Join the effort to make a difference this year. Earth Hour is an ingenious idea to bring people together to save energy and reduce global carbon emissions.

If you're like me you feel like the little efforts you make at home and work on an individual level do not add up to much of a difference but something like this really makes a tangible impression on the realness of the climate crisis we are facing as well as the realness of the impact you can make to reverse the warming trend. Sign up and let's together make a change!

Recycle Cell Phones

The Secret Life has a page dedicated to informing those of us who are interested in being less wasteful.

AWDIO

Awdio is a great concept. I love it. For those of us that love to stay in front of the mainstream and be in the know of all the great new music around the world.

The world's hottest clubs and hot spots are at your fingertips...

You can listen in on what is being played at a huge selection of the hottest clubs, bars, and lounges around the world. And it's all live.

More Screens

Thomas Phifer's Salt Point House is featured in this month's Architectural Record.  I thought it would be a nice comparison to the Tattoo House.

The minimal use of materials and the clean straight lines results in a very modern form.  This is in sharp contrast to its context and makes for an interesting juxtaposition.  The verticality of the screens mimics the trees that surround as well as create a semi-transparent effect that maximizes views throughout the house.  The ribbon-windows reflect the trees and adds another layer of transparency.  The shadows cast into the house adds yet another layer and brings the outside in.  

The Salt Point House assimilates within its context in a very simple yet poetic way.  Amazingly the porousness of this design addresses the beauty of its surroundings and optimizes the practicality of providing privacy with screens. 

Silhouettes & Screens

Andrew Maynard Architects' Tattoo House is a beautiful example of transforming the challenge of the practical limitations of code and a client's needs  into a cohesive innovative design.  The tree silhouettes address the city requirements of 75% opacity for second-story spaces.  

This addition to an existing three bedroom home includes a new kitchen and living space.  The UV protective screen provides an ever-changing display of shadows inside, as well as eliminating any need for curtains.  It adds an organic aspect to such a modern form.  I love this juxtaposition.  More on this project at Arkinetia.