The "On Off" Alarm Clock

Over the past few years I have slowly gotten into the the worst habit of hitting my alarm clock snooze button a ridiculous amount of times in the morning. The people at Lexon have manufactured the "On Off" alarm clock for people like me who have trouble simply turning off their alarm and waking up. Instead of having the option of hitting a huge snooze button, and trying to find a tiny off button, the "On-Off" alarm designed by Nina Tolstrup is turned on and off by simply tilting it from side to side. The clock is super-stylish and comes in six different colors.

My Mania

Derrick Hodgson has made quite a name for himself creating his abstract, mutant little characters. Poppers, peepers, floaters, sprouts, spores, walkers, yetis and gouls are all members of the community that make up the world Hodgson has created. In October of last year the Canadian artist launched his book entitled My Mania at his solo show that took place at the well known Toronto gallery Magic Pony. The book expands on the exhibit, exploring the creative process behind Hodgson's mad genius. So if you were unable to make it out to Toronto for the show, I recommend giving the "My Mania" book a little looksy.

The Metric Mile in MTV Commercial

I am often surprised when I hear one of my favorite songs on some random car commercial or something of the sorts (ie. when M83's "Don't Save Us From the Flames" appeared in a Pontiac commercial). However, I am even more surprised when I hear a song I have never heard before in a television commercial and really take a liking to it. This recently happened with MTV's new Earth Day campaign and the song they use in one of their commercials. With a little help from Google I found that the creaters of this song is a band by the name of The Metric Mile, and the song used in the commercial is called "Ameatures". They have a bunch of songs songs for download on their site, and I am liking the sound of all of them so far. Wow, how surprised am I to think MTV actually clued me in on some music I really like.

City In A Bag

These city in a bag toys by MUJI are perfect for well travelled children and globe trotting individuals as well. Three popular cities (Tokyo, Paris, and New York) are immortalized in wood with emphasis on their most famous landmarks. These toys are great ways to introduce kids and kids-at-heart to the most stylish cities in the world and at the same time, double as playful, yet sophisticated home decor.

Orisue Clothing

Founded in 2005, Orisue Clothing was recently featured in Urb Magazine's "Next 100" clothing section, and if you take a look at their first line of tee designs you will see why. Inspired largely by Japenese design the California based label aims to appeal to more than just one crowd. Orisue Clothing may not be the next Bape, but for their first line I think they have some fresh stuff.

Remix Rush: Take Me Out

There wasn't a lot of information to be found about this post's remix, but I thought I would share it anyway. The track is done by UK wonderboys Hot Chip who have graced the cover of every electronic music magazine you could think of this past year. With their release of "Coming on Strong" they have done just that, come on strong. They have done many remixes, but one that I have been listening to a bunch lately is their rework of Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out". There are many times when I like a remix better than the original, this is one of them.

Franz Ferdinand :: Take Me Out (Hot Chip Remix)

AtoZ Cafe

Not a lot has to be said when it comes to Yoshitomo Nara and design company graf's AtoZ Cafe in Aoyama, Tokyo (Because one would assume that it is too amazing for words; and it is!). Just imagaine a very rustic, cozy cafe minimally decorated which emphasizes Mr. Nara's art. Even the menu is a work of art which can be brought home by the customer. The cafe also features a special room which is perhaps like a mini Yoshitomo Nara gallery/museum showcasing sketches, posters, and random bric-a-brac.

Selling Your Soul?

For the past six years I have worked as either an in-house graphic designer, or worked for small design firms. Recently I have decided to try my luck as a full-time independent freelance designer for the first time. In doing so I have sought advice from more experienced designers. One source I have found helpful is a book called How To Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul. This book gives insight into the less-glamorous aspects of graphic design not talked about as often, such as how much to charge, how to find work and how to deal with clients. There is much more to a good designer than creating pretty pictures, and this book will let you know what these characteristics are.

Hotel De La Paix, Siem Reap

The next time you find yourself in Cambodia, please make it a point to stay or at least visit the Hotel De La Paix in Siem Reap. With the brains behind Thailand's Bed Supperclub and landscape architect Bill Bensley developing the stylish hotel, globe trotters of all shapes and sizes will be in for a delightful surprise. The lobby will be heaven for art enthusiasts since it will be regularly rotating art exhibits while the rooms will be equipped with luxurious bath tubs and a personal iPod. The best the east and the west has to offer are all available in this hotel and what more can one ask for?

Room rates start at US$165.

Why? : Kayo Gallery : SLC, UT

The First time Why? performed in Salt Lake City I was unable to go, so I couldn't let another opportunity to see the Post-Folk genius pass me by. Last night Why? played for a small crowd of about 50 people at Salt Lake City's Kayo Gallery. This was the first stop on the tour, and despite the small crowd the energy of Why? and his band was surprisingly high. It's always nice to hear an artist that sounds as good live as they do an their album. Look for a tour stop near you and don't miss out on a great perfomance.

Check out more photos from the show.

Phoenix : It's Never Been Like That

Fans of the French band Phoenix rejoice! The band has just completed their junior effort entitled It's Never Been Like That and is set to be released in May 2006. The album, which was recorded in Berlin, is said to be a little more personal and a bit more romantic as compared to their second album, Alphabetical, which was released in 2004. Vocalist Thomas Mars explains in an interview with Teen Vogue that he wants people to cry and break up while listening to this album because that is what happened to him. As for Phoenix's die hard fans, the only tears they'll be shedding are tears of joy.

Head on over to the band's Myspace page to listen to the single Long Distance Call. Also, the beautiful album art was designed by Phoenix's very own keyboardist/guitarist, Laurent Brancowitz.

Aoki Jun

Aoki Jun's motto is "to do anything that seemed interesting" and perhaps he's already mastered it. With a chain of Louis Vuitton boutiques in Japan and New York under his architectural belt, there's no sign of him stopping anytime soon. Combining form, function, and style in a distinctly Japanese manner (minimalism being an important keyword), he has captured a look that is distinctly his and yet he continually pushes himself to create beauty with the tools he is familiar with: concrete, wood, glass, and an imagination that is working overtime. The K House (pictured) is a personal favorite because of its sleek and modern facade that is complemented by rocky cliffs, lush greenery, and the roaring ocean below.

Uniqlo T-shirt Line 2006

2006 is a big year for Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo and their t-shirt collection. With styles and designs created by big design names such as Colette, Staple Design, and Lodown, everyone should be on the look out. As a personal fan of Uniqlo, I can tell you that their t-shirts are of the best quality and their prices are more than affordable. (I even bought two of their Futura tees in black and white back in 2004.) At only 1,500 yen each, these amazing tees are a steal.

Milosh & The Unseen Video

Last month I posted about the new album out by Milosh which has undoubtedly been my most listened to album of the past month. Not only was the album amazing, but Milosh continues to break boundries with his new video for his track "You Make Me Feel". The video cleverly titled The Unseen Video uses time and weather information from the viewers location to dynamically generate a new video experience everytime it is veiwed. The video has already been nominated for several awards, and even has its own Flickr Pool so you can post screenshots of your video.

Tigarah: Japan's M.I.A.?

Brazilian music seems to be having an influence on artists all over the world, and Japan is no acceptation. Like nothing I have heard from a Japanese artist Tigarah is largely influenced by Baile Funk, UK Grime, Baltimore Club and Hip-hop. Her most notable track "Girl Fight" has really caught my attention. After majoring in political science at Tokyo's renowned Keio University the spunky artist began writing music expressing her politcal views. After spending much time in Brazil and being inspired by the culture Tigarah released an 8 track EP, and is expected to release a full length LP this summer. Keep your eye out for this one, this Japanese cutie is breaking boundries.

Creative Zen Vision:M

There are few things in this world I would give my iPod up for, it may as well be surgically attached to my hip. However, Apple's unwillingness to add certian features such as built in FM transmitter and voice recorder to the iPod really gets to me sometimes. For these very reasons other players such as the colorful Creative Zen Vision:M could very well begin to catch the attention of people with my same frustration. Past players by Creative haven't really seemed worthy to replace my iPod, but with the Vision:M's features like playing video and displaying photos, storing 30GB of media, built in FM transmitter and voice recorder, and a price of only $299.99 I may have to rethink my next media player purchase.

Busy Work Shop Opens In Hong Kong

Busy Work Shop just opened its doors to Hong Kong residents last Saturday, April 1. That's a pretty cool way to celebrate April Fool's isn't it? Of course, the brains behind the Japanese fashion empire, Nigo, was there to join in on the festivities. And as expected, he was wearing his ubiquitous neck gear. I wonder how much those necklaces weigh...

Photo courtesy of Denise via the Hypebeast.

Kate Spade Music

With her beautiful bags, delicate shoes, and vintage-inspired accessories, Kate Spade is the epitome of American class and elegance. And now, Kate brings you Kate Spade Music with songs composed by British band Beaumont. The CD is the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon cup of tea or an intimate dinner with close friends. The music is playful and nostalgic and these wonderful songs are found in the 8-track CD that was obviously inspired by the music of the 1960's. Head over to the Kate Spade website and listen to snippets of the songs and to Siesta Records for more information on Beaumont.