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
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
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
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
New York City announced the ten finalists in their bike rack competition. One of these 10 finalists will become the official city bike rack design. Winner’s were to be announced October 24. Who won?
Top row, left to right: Next Phase Studios of Boston; Andrew Lang and Henry Dobbs of London; Federico Otero of Lima, Peru. Middle row, left to right: Stephen Jaklitsch Architects of Manhattan; Jeff Miller and Andrea Ruggiero of Manhattan; Baroni & Valeriani Architects of Florence, Italy; Ian Mahaffy and Maarten De Greeve of Copenhagen, Denmark. Bottom row, left to right: Ignacio Ciocchini of Astoria, Queens; Francis Anthony Bitonti/FADarch of Brooklyn; Open Thread Design of Brooklyn.
andrew lang and harry dobbs
baroni valeriani architetti
ian mahaffy and maarten de greeve
jeff miller and andrea ruggiero
After reviewing more than 200 entries from 24 states and 26 countries, a six-member design jury on Tuesday named 10 finalists in the CityRacks Design Competition to create new, better-looking bicycle parking racks.
The winner will be announced on Oct. 24 during National Design Week, an event sponsored by the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.
via new york times design addict
NOTE: station north bike rack competition baltimore, deadline november 7, 2008.
SEEN: talking heads, david byrne bike racks
The All-New mophie ‘Juice Pack 3G’ is designed to more than double the time you can rock, talk, surf and send with your iPhone 3G
This is the first Apple certified ”Works With iPhone” attached battery in the world!
The Juice Pack is a rechargeable lithium polymer battery in the form of a non-slip, soft grip case. It extends the time that you can use your iPhone 3G in these ways (additional hours):
* Standby Time – Up to 350 hours
* Talk Time – Up to 6 hours on 3G | Up to 12 hours on 2G
* Internet Use – Up to 6 hours on 3G | Up to 7 hours on Wi-Fi
* Audio Playback – Up to 28 hours
* Video Playback – Up to 8 hours
via mophie