I'm into Vans lately. Probably a mid-life thing, and I can't afford a Porsche. Here's a cool pair, part of a new limited-edition series created by Marc Jacobs. (Very limited...only 50 pairs of each were produced) Another example of contemporary designers bringing new life to classic American brands. I like it. (Via Being Hunted)

Want another example? Take a pair of Pumas and give them to Philippe Starke, and you get highly evolved shoes.

Another example of how far out of touch I am with our culture.
Its seems that a large number of american teens ("illiterate celeb stalkers" in the words of my good friend Bob) believe that the press enjouys too much freedom (32%). 36% believe that the press should get "gov approval" before stories are published.

Read the article

The difference betweeen Pop and Rock I believe, is that Pop says: "Everything is groovy, have fun, be young, drink Pepsi, everything is aaaaaaaall riiiiight". Rock says: "Fuck you, I'm not all right and you aren't all right either". Where is Rage Againt the Machine when you need em. "Hey Kool-Aid! Can we get another round?"

Written form

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Some dude (with really dirty hands and kitchen table) sold a monster frosted flake on ebay for $156.00. This guy probably was inspired to do so after the Sacred Virgin Mary Grilled Cheese sold for $28,000.

Of course, the winning bid on the flake came from someone with the user name "golden palace casino" who I am sure was in no way affilated with the online gambling site.

The comic book industry takes another stab at Hollywood.
Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean are teaming up with Jim Henson's Workshop in the release of Mirrormask.
The visuals in the trailer look pretty impressive.

TAKE THAT!

You don't need to be a Photoshop god if your idea is powerful enough.

Anyone who remembers, fondly, the movie "The Incredible Journey", about three animals trying to find their way home, should seek out the comic book called We3. It's a hi-tech update on the concept, complete with sci-fi gadgetry, government conspiracy and an unbelievable amount of gore. But despite the extreme violence it's actually a very touching story. Especially if you're an animal lover.

There's a more in-depth review here at icomics.com.

Those in content, loving relationships please read no further (and screw off for that matter). For many people, Valentine's day is the perfect reminder that life isn't going quite as you had planned. Now, a site called despair.com (love that) has the perfect accessory...BitterSweets, the Valentine's candy for the rest of us. They come in two varieties, dejected and dysfunctional, because like the website says..."When cruelty and holidays collide, the weak-willed find solace in self-pity and comfort foods".

About a week ago, I read this article about an Old School-themed party at my alma mater. I wanted to bring an air of investigative reporting to YesButNoButYes, and vowed to do everything in my power to uncover pictures of this scandalous affair. (OK, I e-mailed the younger brother of a friend of mine.)

Mission accomplished, sort of. I was hoping for much better. The faces have been blocked out to protect the guilty, and to make sure the posting of such pictures doesn't discourage similar activity in the future.

Put on your glasses and get ready:

http://guimp.com/pacman_flash.html

Do you have young kids, or nieces and nephews? Looking for a great birthday gift idea? Try Cube Figures.

Open their eyes to a world of low expectations. Let them create a truly attainable vision of their future, complete with motivational posters on cube walls and comic zingers on coffee mugs.

Anyone interested in figure drawing would do well to check out some of the instructional books by Andrew Loomis. Unfortunately they're all out of print. So you can either pay a pretty penny on eBay (like I did for one book) or you can see some sample pages that are available on this site:

http://www.saveloomis.org/

From the surprise hit of 2004 and #1 on my DVD's To Buy list...Napolean Dynamite, comes this unofficial soundboard of Dynamite audio clips, courtesy of Ebaum's World. PS: We need to have a lunchtime screening real soon.

...but for some reason it fascinates me.

Iraqi election got you fired up to vote? Play Is your senator Hot or Not?

An old political adage says that people vote for the better-looking candidate. There must have been some hideous runners-up.