Blackletter, without a doubt the stimulus behind the more efficient font designs we’re familiar with on a day-to-day. On the other hand, a now popular foreboding font for super-hip urban graphics and a time-travel message for packaging.
In addition to the thorough presentation of some 300 typefaces with dates, designers, and origins, you will find a facing-page design using the typeface. Many quite well done and some even exciting. Of course, I’m not the first to find the book spectacular. It won the Type Directors Club of New York’s 2007 Award for Typographic Excellence.
Designer:Judith Schalansky ( Berlin )
via amazon.com
Refinery29 uncovered some exceptional footwear styles for guys that use fabric and water-proof treatments in a modern, fashionable way. ( above, from left ) Acne for Tretorn Stroll High Sneakers (rubber galosh sole, water-resistant upper), $240;
( above, from left )Gram 383g Softshell Sneakers (rubber sole, waterproof upper, micro fleece lining), $130.
To see all 10, go to Refinery29.
via cool hunting
An election wrap up: more creative generated in presidential election 2008. Passion trumps strategy — the bulk unsolicited, unapproved by either candidate. (more…)
MINI announced that they’ll be giving up to 500 test drivers the opportunity to test drive the new no-carbon footprint electric MINI E before it’s released.
The diminutive 3-door MINI E is powered by a 100% electric motor (hybrids are for wusses), and still manages to go from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in about 8.5 seconds. While a top speed of 95 mph (152 km/h) isn’t going to break any world records, it’s plenty for anyone who doesn’t spend much time on the autobahn or the race track.
The car gets its juice from over 5,000 individual power cells, joined together to form a single composite battery. At peak, the motor can crank out 204-horsepower and 162 ft/lb of torque – not too shabby for an electric car.
With a cruising range of 150 miles (approx. 240 km), the MINI E should be fine for heading back and forth to the office, grocery, or any other short haul local destination.
If you live in Southern California, New York City or New Jersey, you could be selected to be one of the lucky early test drivers. For your chance to test out the new MINI E, head on over to MINI Space and fill out the form for more information on applying.
Mini specs
Producer: Mini
Industrial. Creative. A sculpture? Quite fresh and unpredictable. An emergency laundry drier. Maybe a wall-hook for designer oven mitts? The Ciussai Radiator from Adhoc.
Designer: Stefano Ragaini and Giorgio Di Tullio
Producer: Adhoc
You may also like this contemporary radiator from Deltacalor …
via trendr
During the early 1940s Charles and Ray Eames developed a successful technique for molding plywood into three-dimensional shapes, which led to the creation of a variety of furnishings and sculptures. You won’t find Eames donkeys however.
That said, if anyone finds appropriate donkeys, or other animals for that matter, please inform us.
marvin gaye sings american national anthem observed via designobserver
overheard: time to recycle campaign signs
Whether or not you must throw your trash on the street, what about pink and white polka dot designer trash bags? Or Anycoloryoulike?
Each bag is biodegradable and treated with repellent for even rodents of unusual size. Though this is a New York City art intervention initiative, you can splashy trash in your town too.
via momeld
For many of our readers, winter is just around the corner. And that may mean it’s time to trade the A/C unit for a humidifier. Here is a cute one.
Designed by Takashi Hiroshi Tsuboi, the tear-drop shaped humidifier is ultrasonic and can produce moisture for up to ten consecutive hours. If you speak Japanese or knows someone who does you are in luck as they aren’t yet available in the U.S. But it would make a great gift for someone you really care about, and you too!
Designer: Takashi Hiroshi Tsuboi
Producer: Middle Colors
via cool hunting
If it’s rechargeable, it’s recyclable. Don’t toss those those dead rechargeables out of your mobile phone, camcorder or camera—they can be recycled.
In fact, they’re toxic, the industry wants them back and is providing thousands of recycle bins in the U.S. and Canada to make it that much more convenient.
So far, RCBC claims to have recycled 42 million pounds of rechargables since 1994, and aim to continue the effort. There are already 40,000 recycling points in North America.. Get in touch to find out how you can get your old batteries recycled in the Call2Recycle program.
New! ABUS – as the inventor of the U-shackle lock – has once again launched an innovation for bicycle locks: the foldable locks.
above: granit X-plus
above: granit X-plus
above: granit X-plus
above: granit X-plus
Application:
The innovation for all cyclists, whether hobby cyclists or pros.
Protection of two-wheels with a high theft risk
Operation:
Fix your bicycle to a solid object (e.g. lamp post, sign, fence)
Technology:
ABUS X-Plus cylinder for maximum picking protection
Links made from 5.5 mm thick hardened special steel protect against brutal opening methods
Link construction offers maximum flexibility for external securing (i.e. lamp post)
Easy transport thanks to modern bag in stylish design
Compact lock dimensions offer various and simple fixing possibilities at the frame
Transportation:
Handy modern bag protecting against dirt
Producer: Abus
