31.7.08

The other side


Global warming exists. Nobody will deny that. The problem is that we have being led to believe that it is all due to humans. This is not the case. I'm one of these people that likes to know 'why?' so I've done some researching into this matter quite a bit over the last year. People really thought I'm crazy when I said that there is no way global warming could only be due to humans. I remembered learning about the earth having several shift in climate in various regions long before humans and certainly millions of years before this new industrial era. What really amazes me though is that a lot of people that would deny that humans are not solely at fault are also people that denounce the way in which advertising has infected our society. Well folks, the human-caused global warming campaign is one of the biggest advertising scams ever!

I will say, however, that the intent is for the right reasons and I do not believe the people behind that train of though are seeking to steer people in a wrong direction. The threat of us as humans causing the earth to fail is large enough to make people more conscious about the way they consume and discard objects. Because of this higher sense of awareness it has forced companies to, once again, be more responsible both socially and environmentally. It is great to see the changes being made because of this threat and I advocate these efforts to promote more recycling, upcycling, sustainability and so on. Yes, we have done A LOT of damage to the earth and we do need to acknowledge this and change our ways. There is no denying that humans do contribute a percentage to global warming but guess what- so did the dinosaurs. Pollution and global warming are both separate and intertwined topics facing our modern societies.

My point is that I just wish that the public were told both sides of this story. People should also take a few moments to do some of their own research and balance out what they learn. I'd like to hear what some of you think about this.

30.7.08

Jump


Jump Studios has a very impressive portfolio definitely worth checking out. They're gooder than good.

What the (bleep) do we know?!

Here's a clip from the movie "What The Bleep Do We Know? (Down The Rabbit Hole)". More specifically it's from the 'quantum edition' which allows the viewer to watch the movie in potentially infinite ways by jumping in and out of 'rabbit holes' of information. By information I mean rants by people who don't know much but are really, really good at wondering and observing. By not knowing much I mean that they only know about 100 times what most of us morons do but still, I think they're on drugs. Yes, drugs of information that they vomit back at us morons who don't know what the bleep they're talking about.

Oddly enough, this really is one of my favorite movies and I do actually understand what they're talking about. I love all this nerdy shit though. It doesn't make my brain hurt either because I've been smart enough to fill my brain mostly with beer and junk food.

I highly recommend watching the other clips or just do yourself a favor and rent or buy the movie. Make sure you get the second edition and rent it for at least a week or so to assure you have time to get through even half of the bonus features.

29.7.08

Fishing the way psychos do it: Heli Fishing

I saw this last week and forgot to post it. Basically, these guys were bored of just catching really large game fish the old-fashioned way and apparently the good ol' method of c-4 explosives just doesn't do it for them anymore. So, they decided the next logical choice would be to catch fish by diving out of a helicopter. Makes sense to me.

Yeah, I know you must be thinking, "what a waste of money & gas!" See, but now their internet celebrities and that is sooooo worth the cost of a helicopter rental and fuel.

Objectified, a film about objects

No, the title is not referring to the way that women are portrayed in modern American culture (and other cultures around the world). This is a feature length documentary about objects, how they affect our lives and the designers who create them. I'm really looking forward to the release of this film mostly for other people. So, when I say "I'm an industrial designer." I don't get some weird look followed by the predictable question, "What is that?"

Read more about the film here

28.7.08

New download: Live at Adidas Originals

Here's the first part of a session from the Adidas Originals store here in Philly. It's always weird to play these transient kinds of gigs but also a lot of fun since it's like spinning for several micro parties within the course of the set. It's too bad I didn't get a recording of my set from the Armani Exchange in-store I did a few months back. It was a weird day but the set was really good...isn't that always the case though- you play a great set and it's all just a memory. That is part of the beauty in the artform though...it can be either temporary or permanent. Basically DJing is the equivalent to graffiti. Yeah, aural graffiti. Ok, time for bed.









Live from Adidas Originals in Philly (September 22, 2007 pt.1)
Download this mix

Somebody went a little crazy (not me this time!)


I just saw this and had to post. Some guy in San Francisco has A LOT of free time. So much free time that he built a sculpture entirely out of toothpicks...over 100,000 of them! Just click the link and let him explain why he does what he does.

click here to WATCH NOW

27.7.08

Diggin at Home vol.2

If you've noticed, I've stayed true to my word and didn't post nearly as many songs this time! Also, I hope you've been checking out the mixes I've put up for you to listen to in the player and to download (click on that big 'download' icon at the top right). Anyway, I had a bout six 45's just sitting here by this desk and I can't remember why these were singled out. Maybe you can help to remind me!








The Masked Marauders








I Can't Get No Nookie










Monopoly Ltd.








Underdog's Child











The Masked Marauders








Come On People

BMW does it again...




Big surprise...BMW does something amazing! (again) If you haven't heard, BMW erected the world's largest hourglass in Moscow to unveil it's new 7series sedan. Apparently Moscow is a big emerging market for the Bavarian company. I love how they make something as simple as an hourglass so amazing due to it's scale and complexity. I'm sure this took at least a few months of planning, testing, more planning, more testing, etc..
The even was called 'Never Stand Still' (click that link to go to the site for more pics and video)
BMW, if you're reading....HIRE ME! I could definitely help your team come up with some crazy ideas to coincide with your products and brand recognition. Feel free to sponsor me with a new motorcycle or car!

26.7.08

Vincent Peters is pretty good with a camera


This guy specializes in making people look beautiful. His images are stunning and I think you'll agree.
Definitely check out his website

Earth: a scary place to live



Like most planets, earth too can be a terrifyingly beautiful place. One can't help but to look in awe at the intense beauty and forces that our planet constantly shows us. These pictures taken by Carlos Gutierrez of the Chilean volcano, Chaitin, eruption in May was one for the record books. It spewed ash 12miles (about 19k into the air) and released ash and thick lava for about a week. The most astonishing visuals were seen during a 'dirty thunderstorm' surrounding the volcano.

Read and see more pictures from this event:
here
here
and here

Quantum Of Solace


NOVEMBER 7th!!! I'm really looking forward to this. The 22nd film in the 007 series is sure to meet expectations and become an instant classic. Learn more at the official 007 site.

Clever CD packaging is like, so old-school


Here is the packaging for the new album by Science Vs. Witchcraft. I know, this isn't the first group to do this but they went overboard and even have a perverted text based game on the CD too. Read more about it here

25.7.08

Type Cube..


Chris Clarke is a good up and coming designer mostly focused in graphics and typography. I think this project in the picture is quite interesting. It goes beyond game or tool territory and transforms making fonts a zen-like experience. (Both the Taoist & Buddhist I Ching are based on a system of 6x64)

"Modular Typeface design
Currently In productionBox contains 64 cubes

Typecube is a design tool used to facilitate the modular construction of letterforms. Typecube’s six faces each bear a unique formal component which provide the basis of two dimensional and three dimensional typographic systems, encouraging flexibility within uniform structure. By varying the number of type cubes, typographic solutions vary in complexity, and are capable of infinite rearrangement."

Maybe the best drummer ever


Animal has been a professional drummer since 1975 and is still going strong. It's like he hasn't aged a bit. Like many musicians he has had a troubled life and he only real relationship has been with his drums...at least until he eats them and has to get a new set. You can read more about him here

Below are some good videos featuring Animal.

part of one of his notorious solos


with Rita Moreno


showing Buddy Rich how it's done


with Harry Belfonte


Wild Thing

23.7.08

Another live session to download...


A couple of years ago my man Lil Dave (of Illvibe..click that giant link on the side of this page!) & I tried doing this party called 'High Postin'. Unfortunately, we didn't do the party for more than a couple of months but we have fun spinning together and we did get some good recordings.
Here's a short clip of me finishing out the night. I was more than a little tipsy by that point in the night so, maybe it's amazing that I could even operate turntables without spilling my drink on them!!








High Postin' : Live! October 11, 2006 (end of the night)
Download this mix

Scary video

This video scares me because it could really happen and probably is happening somewhere in the world at this very moment! yikes!!

Love/lust at first sight


Absolutely stunning! Seriously, do I need to explain! This is beauty. Look at more pictures and read more about this concept model here

Lego manufacturing is neato


Gizmodo got an exclusive tour of the Lego manufacturing facility. I've seen quite a bit of these types of videos and have seen some things first hand but this process blew me away. To mass produce small objects like this on such a massive scale and to do it with such precision and quality is truly magical. Their automated sorting and storage 'cathedral' system is brilliant. Thanks Gizmodo for taking the time to present this to the world. Maybe Lego will someday make their products from recycled plastic and promote recycling their products?

Watch videos and read about it here

22.7.08

Muxtape #2


This week's top 12 is up at Muxtape.com. Remember, there will be a new list every week so don't sleep! For those of you that didn't check last week, here's what you missed:

Kevin Michael - it Don't Make Any Difference to Me (Acoustic) feat Akil Dasan
Grupo Los Yoyi - El Fino
Seu Jorge - E Seu Favela
CAN - ....And More
Wale - The Grown Up
Sonar Kollektiv Orchestra - BoomChlickyBoomKlack_Jazzanova
Stone Alliance - Vaya Mulatto
Ballin Jack - FOUND A CHILD
Ray Lamontagne - Crazy
Spank Rock - Touch Me
Malik Yusef/JV - What U Made ME
Marijata - Mother Africa

Get in the backseat, baby..


I've been compiling a list of bad pick-up lines but this video might be just as good/bad. Trust me guys, this does NOT work. I drive a go-cart though so maybe it's just me. Billy Ocean has a sweet Porsche cabriolet so maybe this worked for him. Doubtful though. Even as a kid I thought this was a little weird but maybe he just wants to be their chauffeur which is why he wants them in the backseat? You know, because it's safer there. Either way, Billy Ocean was one smoothe operator before becoming a rasta.

21.7.08

New exhibit opens at MoMA. I'm going..


So, now on the list of things to go to next time I'm in NYC is the new exhibit at MoMA called 'Home Delivery'. I've only taken a very quick look at site and it's about the idea of prefabricated housing & construction options for the urban environment. There will be 5 pre-fab structures there on site. If you care to share thoughts on prefabrication please use the comments section. I'll start by asking- Do you think that quality, craftsmanship or originality is worth compromising for prefabricated structures? Or, are these variables not affected by prefabricated processes? Also, feel free to add opinions or insight on the social, economic and environmental effects.

Progression in design and culture starts with a conversation. Let's see some dialogue!

Definitely go to MoMA's site for this exhibit> Home Delivery

Keep on rockin'

Just watch...this is awesome! ROCK ON!

20.7.08

Another mix to download


Here's part of a session when I was playing at the Puma store in King Of Prussia. The volume was pretty low, no monitor, and those weak ceiling speakers. Scratch live really came in handy that day. There's some really great music on this recording so and I think you'll agree.









The RECORD PLAYER : Live! Puma (K.o.P.) August 20, 2006
Download this mix

FINALLY...Mixes to download!!

I'm finally getting around to uploading some mixes available for download. These are mostly live sets but I'll put up some old mixes that I don't sell anymore. Hopefully you'll finally start to see some new mixes from me before the year's end. Until then, here's some oldies but goodies.

There's usually some good background information on these that I'll include if I have the time. Thanks for listening. These are both all vinyl mixes. I'll always prefer vinyl to Scratch Live but I like being able to play music I don't own yet on vinyl.






Photo by: Bruce Campbell a.k.a. DJ Junior









The RECORD PLAYER : Live! September 16, 2005
Download this mix
















The RECORD PLAYER : Not Your Typical '80s Jam promo mix #2 (2005)
Download this mix

19.7.08

Sea slugs


National Geographic is more than just a magazine used a source for 'boobies' for pre-pubescent boys. The take pictures of lots of other naked stuff in the world too. Their photography is always top-notch and never gets old. I haven't checked this site in about 6 months but it's not like they add a new gallery that often either. Highly recommended!

In the picture is part of the Toxic nudibranchs series. You can see the rest of that gallery here.

Be sure to browse around National Geographic .com too! But beware, you will be trapped into looking and reading for hours!

18.7.08

Afro Beat gems

Yeah, I've been slacking on my music posts. Mainly because I was waiting to upgrade my drive with all my digital music and vinyl transfers. And also because I don't want to just post stuff we all just saw on Soul Sides or Captain's Crate. Anyway, I'm back in business and got a TON of new stuff to import as well as all the older stuff. Here's a few joints I've been feeling from Africa.








Konono Nº1 - Congotronics (2001)








Paradiso
read more about Konono Nº1 and buy the album here








Ogyatanaa Show Band - from Ghana Soundz 2 (compilation)








Disco Africa
buy this compilation here








Sahara All Stars Band Jos - from Nigeria Special: part 2 (compilation)








Enjoy Yourself
buy this compilation here







Samuel Belay - from Ethiopian Urban Modern Music Vol 1: Ethiopian Soul & Groove








Aynotchesh Yerefu
buy this compilation here

Now people that use tools have a blog too


For years the internet has forgotten a small group of people. This small demographic is those among us that use tools to fix and build stuff. Well, now these freaks got their own blog. I checked it out and even found out that there are stores with nothing but tools (and now bottled water). Who'd a thunk of such a brilliant idea!? amazing!

check out ToolMonger

16.7.08

Really dope pianist

So, I'm waaaay out of the loop because this guy's got millions of views on YouTube (my new favorite hang out) and I never heard of this dude until earlier today. If you're anything like me, the word 'pianist' still makes you chuckle but this guy is seriously good. And I'm serious too about the word 'pianist' making me laugh. Doctors say I have the brain of an 8 year old but how many 8 year olds can really write their name in pee after drinking a 12pack? So, I'm probably more like a 10 year old and I'm a 'peein'ist'! (poo poo platter never gets old either) People who play piano should be called 'pianoers'?

'Rollercoaster' for bicycles looks fun, dangerous

Here's another one of those, "damn! someone beat me to it!" ideas that's on display in Eindhoven, Netherlands. It is by a Stockholm based artist by the name of Anders Jakobsen (also known as Lagombra) and was made with scraps from scaffoldings and such. It looks really fun to ride but it's really just a track and not a rollercoaster.

via- IconEye

Nice graphic design & typography


I've seen this duo's work before but didn't really know about them until now. Non-Format does a wide range of graphics for a diverse client base. Some of the work is downright striking while other work is so clean and simple that some people might say "I could do that!" (yeah, right! try it!)

A good way for your music to NEVER be heard (but also never bootlegged)

So some scholar of the highest order of nerd-dom thought of a genius way of distributing and selling music without all the hassles of worrying about how many people would bootleg it or even buy it. Seriously, unless you have an old NES gaming system you will not be able to listen to this. Well, maybe you could visualize what it sounds like but somehow a grey case with a sticker on it does not scream 'awesome synesthetic experience' to me. I guess i'm not a total nerd yet. I am enough of a nerd to know that NES rom's have a very limited capacity and probably cannot even handle music that's actually worth listening to. So, thanks ( whoever made this ) for making crap music that nobody can listen to. There is a download option for people that don't just happen to have an NES.

I did hear this shit is all the rage in Azerbejan.


13.7.08

I Knew it!!


See, it is possible to levitate!

Read more on how to do it here

Comedians for the environment

It's nice to see some big name comedians such as Will Farrell starting a coalition to raise awareness about pollution. Go GREEN TEAM!

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Muxtape


As if I'm not busy enough I'm going to attempt to do a weekly playlist at Muxtape. I found out about this site and even signed up a while ago but forgot about it until earlier today. It's a very basic site but it's pretty cool to see that most people DO NOT like the radio. I've heard some stuff on here that I may have never heard before. You can't download from here though so it's still promoting the sales and support of music. But many people, me included, post music that is not easy to get or is only on vinyl...at least you get to listen.

Here's my playlist for the week. These will be pretty random and may include songs also posted on this site.

The Record Player on Muxtape

American Apparel


Say what you will about American Apparel but I love the brand. Admittedly, I do not buy $50 sweatshirts from their stores (or anything else for that matter) but their business philosophy is one to make note of. Imagine if even 10% of companies in the world operated with similar ethics with regards to production and distribution. Sure, you could argue that because there is now another company making shirts, there is now another company using more materials and energy which is more damage to the environment. However, they have such a significant portion of that market now that other companies, that are not as conscious, may produce less and/or may have influence on those companies to adapt to similar systems. A company such as American Apparel also shows that collectively, our society is more concerned about how and where their products are made. Their marketing is clever too.

Sure, people want to criticize them for their ads for some reason. I don't see what the big fuss is all about. Not just because I like to see sexy girls in ads, but because they're not any worse than Calvin Klein, Guess, Victoria's Secret, etc... If anything, they are a lot better since they are glorifying naturally beautiful girls with out the use of airbrushing, make up artists and agents. Maybe it's the fact that these images look 'real'? A lot of them do look as though they could have just been taken by a boyfriend and that's the appeal and the success. Average citizens can relate to those images and to the company. Even at this point most people know about the good nature of that company but they continue to make people aware even in some of their sexier ads. Recently, they even included a mini newspaper with Vice to make people more aware of immigration issues in America and specifically L.A. Of course it's part of their marketing but they don't have to do what they do.

Oh, did I mention they have some beautiful pictures of girls and other great info on their site?

10.7.08

Innovations in partying: Kegstand


Well, it's about friggin time! This is GOOD design. period. This should be part of the rental when getting the keg. Michael Roller is a good designer and definitely gets props from me...even if this is the only thing he ever does. Thanks for being such a thoughtful partyer. But what about the rest of us that 'practice' in our off time and use half kegs? I mean drink about 1 per day...I know, it makes more sense to get full ones but that would require me to work harder and burn calories and fat which is not a good idea when working on a sexy gut. You know, it's summer time and I want to show off my new body for the ladies.
My only question is why all of this guy's designs have wheels?!

See more pics and explanation here

Playing with yourself just got better

Get your minds out of the gutter- perverts! I'm talking about playing music with yourself. This is a year old but still really cool. It's amazing that even though thousands of us have thought about this, he is the first to do it. Read and watch more videos about this project and others by this dude at Odbol.

9.7.08

Diggin at home -BIG music post

I have A LOT of records. Waaaay too much for any normal person. But, for a vinyl obsessed music addict like myself, there is no such thing as too much when talking about music. I know some of you understand but for those of you who don't: it is us that keep music alive and have allowed for some music to finally be heard by the world. Think of us as librarians doing a public service for the good of humanity.

Having a lot of music also means that, unless you stop acquiring more, you always have a lot to reacquainted with. Sometimes we get so busy with other things that we don't have time to listen to new things we buy or only get to listen once every couple of years. So, from time to time, it's good to go back and check out some of the things you've forgotten about or just wanted to hear again. After a year of living in my current house I've finally started to resort my collection since it got all messed up during moving and settling in. While going through this process I'm rediscovering a lot of things I forgot I had or have just never listened to. So, I figured it would be a good starting point for a new series of posts. There will be some obscure & rare things here as well as some familiar records I just haven't listened to in a while and don't have mp3 for yet.

This will be an all vinyl series and will not include recent digs- only stuff that's been sitting on my shelves for at least a few months.
ENJOY!



Exile One - Fism (1976 Barclay)








Ole Ole








He Never Knows








Move Mama Move










Terry Callier - 12" single (Talkin' Loud)








Love Theme From Spartacus (4 Hero main mix)











Jessica Lauren - Siren Song (1994 Soul Jazz)








Serengeti













Shaft's Big Score! (MGM)








Move On In









Black Heat - self-titled (1972 Atlantic)








The Jungle











Hot Butter - More Hot Butter (1973 Musicor)








Space Walk






Sunbear - self-titled (1977 Soul Train)








Mood I "L.O.V.E. Love"








Mood II "Love At First Sight"












Gene Harris - Hot Lips (1982 J.A.M.)








Hot Lips











Swamp Dogg - 12" single (1979 Atomic Art)








Come On And Dance With Me (snippet)










Phil Upchurch and Tennyson Stephens - self-titled (1975 Kudu)








Don't I Know You?





Open Door - Limited Edition Remix EP (2001 Sole)








Get Into You








Fallin








Lights










New Sector Movements - The Sun 12" single (2001 Virgin)








The Sun (Kenny Dope main remix)



(NO! I will not be posting this much music in a single post anymore. Just wanted to give a solid intro.)

Related Posts