ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS: RO SPIT (Of BURN RUBBER Sneaker Boutique)
While in Detroit, I got a chance to sit down and chop it up with Ro Spit, The DJ… turned emcee….turned business owner…(a very popular business might I add) Half of the muscle behind the Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique in the suburbs of Detroit, Ro and I chatted about everything from his transitions in the business, how he juggles it all, how he felt when JAY Z shouted out his store at a sold out show in Detroit and MORE! Take a peek!
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NEW VIDEO: RIHANNA ‘WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?’
Finally! After a highly promoted anticipation…Rihanna drops the visuals for her newest single ‘Where Have You Been’. The dance track is lifted off of her current album ‘Talk That Talk’. The video was directed by video veteran Dave Meyers… Are you feeling it? Check it out below.
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FUNCTIONAL NINTENDO CONTROLLER COFFEE TABLE
Ever wished that you could defeat Bowser literally right from your coffee table with giant built in buttons? Well, your dreams have come true with the fully-functional Nintendo Controller Coffee Table. This is the creation of Charles Lushear that has combined old school entertainment with maple wood and craftsmanship. Simply plug into an existing classic NES system and go to town. The table also features a removable glass top with retractable cord to use the furniture as just a table when you are done playing Mario. The table dimensions are 42″ long x 18.25″ wide and 18″ high and is yours for a cool $3500 from Etsy. source
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FASHIONABLE SUSHI?
Ready for the next wave of innovation in the sushi industry? Introducing laser-cut sushi rolls. As part of an effort to boost sales following the tragic 2011 tsunami, I&S BBDO, a Japanese ad agency, created intricate laser-cut designs for their client, Umino Sweaweed. It’s refreshing that such amazing technology and creativity wasn’t marred by some tacky logo branding. Instead, the designs conveyed a classic brand heritage and positive hope for the future. The designers carved various Japanese classic patterns that signify happiness and long-life right into the Nori. Five designs were introduced: Sakura (Cherry Blossoms), Mizutama (Water Drops), Asanoha (Hemp), Kikkou (Turtle Seashell), Kumikkou (Tortoise Shell). Can’t wait to see if this design spec catches on and gets introduced to more sushi purveyors. Here’s a look: SOURCE
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PLACES: AMSTERDAM (Great non-touristy stops)
After a five-year stint studying in the picturesque Holland town of Leiden, Cassandra Pizzey moved to Amsterdam, where she interned and was subsequently hired on as an editor. Working as a freelancer has allowed her to explore by bike during her more than two years in the bustling hub of culture and design. “If you can look through the mass of tourists and make the city yours,” says Pizzey, “it really is an amazing place to live thanks to impressive architecture, a rich cultural program and great shopping—and don’t forget the fearless Amsterdammers themselves.” Here, Pizzey shares a handful of her favorite local spots. De Pizzabakkers This pizzeria promotes itself with the slogan “Pizza and Prosecco”, and what could be better? It’s the best pizza I’ve had in the Netherlands with gourmet toppings and fresh greens. Foam This photography museum is one of the hippest in town and is tucked away on the beautiful Keizersgracht canal. They always have great exhibitions featuring some of the biggest names in photography alongside young talent. Trouw For club nights and concerts, the former printing warehouse Trouw is my favorite. Great line-ups, an industrial feel and Fritz Kola always manages to make the night …
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JAY Z VIDEO GAME FOR FACEBOOK
Empire, the title of Jay-Z’s new Facebook game takes players down to roads Jay took to make it to the top. From Marcy Projects to one of hip-hop’s biggest icons, each level explores a gradual progression to the top as portrayed through Shawn Carter’s life. The game is currently in its beta stage, however, Facebook users can sign up for the game and will be notified in the future of the official release. Apparently Jay-Z isn’t the only hip-hop mogul going after that social media money. 50 Cent is also set to launch Black Jack on Facebook as well. This may be the new trend in hip-hop, check out the official press release of the game below. “Empire takes you on a journey from the streets of Marcy Housing in Brooklyn to the hotspots of the rich and famous: from hustler, to entrepreneur, to business mogul. But, don’t forget friends and family, or your karma will suffer. Make the right choices and you can have it all: cash, bling, fame, street cred, and good karma” Source: XXL Mag
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AMAZING ART: ALBERTO SEVESO : UNDERWATER INK
If you’ve never seen the work of Italian artist Alberto Seveso, well, get ready. His latest series of underwater ink photographs is entitled a due Colori and they are simply breathtaking. The images are made by taking high-speed photographs of two colors of ink mixing with water. The results are beautiful and serene studies of color and depth. The series is completely mesmerizing and dreamlike, and I just want to stare at them for hours. Read more at Design Milk
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NEW MUSIC: NAS ‘DAUGHTERS’
Nas has released the new single from his upcoming album Life Is Good entitled “Daughters”. Take a listen for yourself.
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FOR NOSTALGIA’S SAKE: BELL BIV DEVOE ‘POISON’ (VIDEO)
Oh how I LOVE 90′s nostalgia! “Poison” is a 1990 single by the New Edition spinoff group, Bell Biv DeVoe. This song was the group’s most successful single, and sings of the dangers of falling in love. “Poison” was the first single taken from Bell Biv DeVoe’s debut album as its title track. “NEVER trust a big butt and a smiiilllleee” lol ENJOY
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PLACES: THE NOMAD HOTEL: NEW YORK
You know a neighborhood has made it in New York when it receives its own abbreviated nickname. The latest addition to the map is NoMad—short for North of Madison Square Park—which is also fittingly the name of Andrew Zobler‘s newest lifestyle hotel. Zobler, who is also responsible for the Ace Hotel across the street, was initially drawn to the distinct architecture along that section of Broadway. While the Ace set the neighborhood in a thrilling new direction, Zobler set his sights on the preserved facade of the NoMad to create something entirely new. “The challenge from an overall perspective was that we didn’t want to do anything that was duplicative of The Ace—we wanted to compliment it,” he says. “That was the impetus for going with something that felt more luxury, more European and more romantic.” Using the Beaux-Arts style facade of the newly opened NoMad Hotel as inspiration for the interior, Zobler tapped French architect Jacques Garcia to complete his vision. “What we really wanted was to explore Jacques at his roots, so we found a photograph of an apartment that he lived in when he was in his 20s in Paris, and you can see in the image …
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