Wednesday

Keep It Short: "The Subway Time"

What an amazing animation about a crazy adventure on the subway. Makes me wish I went to the Beijing Film Academy. Two thumbs up for this one.

The Subway Time from Dongzhen.Li on Vimeo.


Via Like COOL

31 Things: #4 No Freebies

"Tip # 4. Don't help him ask you out by texting him something nice or polite. I'm glad you're more outgoing and thoughtful than he is, but he doesn't want the help."

This is a tough one, but I'm going to tell it like it is. My sister once said she was tired of teaching her boyfriends how to be boyfriends. As a guy, I will tell you that we could use all the help we can get, but you should be careful of preventing him from growing and learning on his own. Trust me, he'll be better for it.

You see, if you didn't nudge him to ask you out, would he have taken the initiative? Could this lead to him never taking the initiative in your relationship? Never plan your dates, surprises, etc? This could be a stretch, but seriously... don't get in the way of the learning process. I'm not saying don't text him back, but let him fail and succeed on his own. If he can't pass the test. He shouldn't be riding your ride. No freebies. It's not that he doesn't want the help. He just shouldn't need it.

"The man will really see no reason to call since you are doing it anyway. While he will be content with the fact that you are already making the calls, you will be burning with frustration as it seem every time you're the one to call him." -- Should Women Take The Initiative to Call The Men?


Tips For GIRLS: How to Text a Guy



(This is part 4 of the "31 Things" series inspired by the article, "Things I Wish I'd Known About Dating When I was 21".)

Monday

Photographer: Jon Von Holleben

Jon Von Holleben's "dreams of flying" is totally worth a quick browse. It completely captures the imagination of children while playing with our perception. A brilliant concept executed beautifully. Thanks for the inspiration. (Plus I bet this would make a good gift for a school teacher.)

Art Speaks: Scratching the Surface

Not only do I love how they shot this, but the colors and mash of images is stunning. You could stare at it for hours as these creative characters come to life before your eyes. Impressive. How do I get involved with stuff like this?


Scratching the Surface from [weAREtheIMAGEmakers] on Vimeo.



Via Yimmy's Yayo

Friday

New playlist updated...

Each week, I update the music player located on the bottom (or left side) of my blog with songs I love or find interesting. I try to pick a lot of new music/bands and organize it in way that flows. I haven't tried making the mix downloadable, but you can Google the songs and find other websites that have the songs for download.

No theme this week (though I had many options... trust me). The last one is a treat, since it's one of the few things keeping me going these days. Go ahead and blast the mix at work. You know I did.

"Hounds of Love" by The Futureheads

"Perfect In My Mind" by Gold Motel

“I Go Away” by MNDR

"Teardrop" by José González

"Hustlin" by Rick Ross

MUSIC VIDEO: “I’m Beamin”

The song is okay, but the video is pretty fun. There is a lot going on visually and I love the use of the Lite-Brite.


Lupe Fiasco - I'm Beamin



Via Kanye

Just Dance: Stomp'n the Yard

No matter what you say or believe... this is pretty impressive for something coming out of Arkansas.

Also, they are some fine Zeta Tau Alpha ladies and MTV agrees. (WARNING: Lot's of girls screaming, so turn it down before you hit play.)

ZTA Step 2009



Via Joshua

Wednesday

The LEGO Star Wars Story

I don't know who came up with this idea, but it was executed brilliantly.

"The original Star Wars saga as told by a kid with one heck of a LEGO collection."


The Fastest and Funniest LEGO Star Wars story ever told

31 Things: #3 The Compliment

"Tip # 3. Even a guy who will admit that you're better looking than him should still be able to tell you you're beautiful. If he holds back in order to control the situation, or to keep you, or keep you down, he's got issues."

This is really a two part tip. PART 1. Learn to accept a fucking compliment, especially if the guy means it. Value it. Treasure it. Write it down. We do notice when you look nice, but sometimes we forget to express it. How you react to a compliment, also controls how and when the next time we compliment you. So don't jump all over him with your negativity, because he won't dish it out again.

"A compliment is intended to make you feel good. If you frown, look at the ground, or look away, the other person will be confused or uncomfortable. Smiling will make both of you feel good." -- wikihow.com

PART 2. He's got issues. Actually, all guys have issues, but if he's not complimenting you to make you feel needy, not wanted or ugly... he might as well punch you in the face. It's abusive and controlling and isn't right. It's emotional abuse and you should point it out. I believe in second chances, but he's really got to realize what he's doing even if its subconsciously. Though be careful not to confuse his lack of compliments as abuse. Find a way to test the situation. Yes, I just said to use mind games. (Oh God.)


As good as it Gets - Legendary Jack Nicholson



(This is part 3 of the "31 Things" series inspired by the article, "Things I Wish I'd Known About Dating When I was 21".)

Monday

Adidas + Star Wars™

Whatever green screening/composting it took to make this is amazing, so clean. Plus anytime you can mix Daft Punk with one of my childhood favorite films, I'm down. Thank you, Adidas.


adidas Originals - Star Wars™ Cantina 2010

Art Speaks: Yulia Brodskaya

Artist Yulia Brodskaya has created some stunning Paper Illustrations that not only embrace 3D and color, but have a great sense of movement. Definitely worth checking out.

“Typography is my second love, after paper and I’m really happy that I’ve found a way of combining the two. Having said that, I don’t want to exclude non-typobased designs, I’d like to work on different projects.” - Yulia


Via Katie G

Friday

MUSIC VIDEO: "It´s In The Morning"

I posted this song back in April, because it was so damn sexy. They finally made a music video and yeap, it's so damn sexy. (Love the blue outfit.) Also, I should mention that the video girl is Manuela Arbeláez. My heartbeats.


Robin Thicke - It's In The Mornin ft. Snoop Dogg




Also, I found this bonus video, while searching for Robin's video. Haha. Worth checking out.

Ostava - Sex In The Morning

Just Dance: More JabbaWockeeZ

I could seriously watch these guys all day long. By far, one of the top 3 best dance crews in the country. Style, creativity and execution... sky high.


ABDC Champions for Charity - JabbaWockeeZ HD

New Playlist Posted

I went with a warmer sound for the summer. Something fun. Enjoy.

"Everlasting Light" by The Black Keys

"Colours" by Calvin Harris

"Daft Punk Is Playing At My House" by LCD Soundsystem

"Lisztomania" by Phoenix

"Lemonworld" by The National

Wednesday

Keep It Short: IRON BABY

Woooow.

"An Iron Man movie parody starring my baby girl. The costume was created by her uncle STROB."


IRON BABY



Via a little something extra*

31 Things: #2 The Flirt Zone

"Tip # 2. Sometimes guys flirt with you or pay attention to you because it makes them feel good about themselves. (Hey, we do it, too.)"

I've been accused of doing this and to be honest, I think we all have. Everyone flirts, so if you keep in mind the social setting in which the communication is taking place it will help keep your mind/heart from running away from you. Just enjoy the moment, but realize that if you're looking for a real personal connection... it's not going to happen in the bar. Take it out of the Flirt Zone and try to plan a one-on-one date around a fun sober activity like putt putt golf and keep the conversation PG13. If there's still a spark or conversation comes with ease... it's a good sign.

"Whether flirting is just friendly or it hides other feelings, it’s important to recognize the true nature of it. If the romance is one-sided or inappropriate, it’s a good idea to shut down the flirtation before it becomes difficult to deal with. " -- AskMen.com


R. Kelly - I'm A Flirt (Remix) ft. T.I., T-Pain



(This is a continuation of the "31 Things" series inspired by the article, "Things I Wish I'd Known About Dating When I was 21".)

Monday

Photography: Stormtroopers 365

Stormtroopers 365 is the coolest 365-day photo project I have ever seen. This should be a YouTube web series. Well done!




Via Christopher

Ad: Embrace Life

It's a great effective concept, so simple and very touching. Plus I love the glitter in slow mo.

"It cost peanuts to make and was shot in just two days yet a British road safety advert is being hailed as one of the greatest ever." -- Mirror UK News


Embrace Life - always wear your seat belt


Via Danto

Friday

I can't stop listening to...

"Tiger" (feat. Aku) by Maximum Balloon (Dave Sitek’s newly named side-project.)

Also, the girl in the video is Daisy Lowe. She's a little pale for my taste, but she burning it up sexy style in the video. Love it.


Daisy Lowe for UK esquire HD from Greg Williams on Vimeo.



Via Yimmy's Yayo

Just Dance: H&M Kids Fashion Flash Mob

I love the energy that the kids have and this builds up so great. A showdown turns into one huge dance off. Love it. Probably one of the coolest flash dancing mob videos I've seen.

"H&M knows how to attract customers without them even knowing it. This video starts off with what seems like a simple dance battle between two children, but erupts into a stylish sea of 55 dancing kids." -- Guerrilla Promos


H&M Kids Fashion Flash Mob



Via Stephanie

I Love Music Playlist Updated

New songs are posted on the blog. Let me know if you love it or hate it. Mostly chill songs.


"Window Seat" by Erykah Badu

"Starry Eyed" (Penguin Prison Remix ft. Theophilus London) by Ellie Goulding

"You and I" (ft. Caroline Polachek) by Washed Out

"I Think Ur A Contra" by Vampire Weekend

"In the Dirt" by S. Carey

Wednesday

Keep It Short: "powers of ten"

To think about this is amazing. Simply amazing. Sometimes science leaves me speechless.


powers of ten :: charles and ray eames from bacteriasleep on Vimeo.

31 Things: #1 The Relationship Diving Board

Okay, so since my friend/kind-of-ex-gf has hounded me about writing about relationships. I will write a ridiculous series called "31 Things."

Basically, I'll highlight all 31 tips from the article, "Things I Wish I'd Known About Dating When I was 21," one blog post at a time. Why? Because these past six months have been a personal and social relationship whirlwind and some how I became the guru to solve everyone's problems (not counting my own). Well I feel this article covers a lot of good points for girls and boys. Though her ideas are not original, you will be better off if you stick with it. So read it, learn it, live it.


"Tip #1. If you're confused about whether a guy likes you or not, that's probably not good. Confusion in romance belongs only in romantic comedies because it suspends the plot, but suspense in real life sucks. So try not to analyze the events. The truth will reveal itself without you having to do anything."

Honesty is the best policy. Especially, being honest with yourself. So don't hold onto that confusion. Do something about it! Either deal with the matter face to face or walk away leaving it behind completely. Be two feet in or two feet out. Either jump off the diving board into the pool or climb down. Don't hold yourself to some false Hollywood identity, cause if a guy really likes you, guess what... he will chase your ass down. If he's not that into you... he'll text you when he's bored and hasn't found anyone else to play with. True story.

"More than 98% of the time, if a guy likes you, then he is going to be around you... Whatever the case may be, the best sign to look for to see if he is interested in you, is if, no matter what foolishness he is doing, he is doing it around you." -- girlsaskguys.com


He's Just Not That Into You trailer

Monday

Amazing Animated Optical Illusions

I really want to know how this works. It seems so simple, but when you can create animation without real motion or multiple images... it blows my mind!


Amazing Animated Optical Illusions!

Technology: Hipstamatic App

The Hipstamatic iPhone App is probably one of my favorite iPhone apps, so far to date. For $1.99 you get a picture taking tool that stylizes photos to look like fun classic images from the past. Plus, I think it's sharper than the regular camera though there is a slight learning curve.

"The Hipstamatic for iPhone is an application that brings back the look, feel, unpredictable beauty, and fun of plastic toy cameras from the past."

My Hipsta photos are featured on my blog, but you can always check out the flickr site for the mother load.


Via Susie

Friday

MUSIC VIDEO: “What They Been Waiting For”

I know Diggy is the son of Rev Run of Run-D.M.C., so we should all hate on his little rich butt... but this is too sick of a beat. (WARNING: Turn down your speakers a little before you hit play.)


DIGGY SIMMONS “WHAT THEY BEEN WAITING FOR”



Via Kanye

I LOVE MUSIC PLAYLIST UPDATED

Music playlist updated, so click the links on the side to start the player. Enjoy.

"Get Connected" by Midnight Juggernauts

"You've Got the Love" (The xx Remix) by Florence and The Machine

"Tell Me" (Clock Opera Remix) by Au Revoir Simone

"Quicksand" (Matty Moon Remix) by Safari

"Numbers" by New Look

Just Dance: Essence Ladies Crew

I'm still not a fan of the song, but I'm loving how these girls can kick it, so sharp.


Gigi Torres - Imma Be with Essence Ladies (Part 2 Added)



Via Anna

Wednesday

Movie Trailer: "Jonah Hex"

I know of Jonah Hex from the Batman: The Animated Series, but this seems to have more promise than Nic Cage's Ghost Rider as the cool anti hero movie. (Plus my girl is in it!)

"Jonah Hex (Josh Brolin) is a scarred drifter and bounty hunter of last resort, a tough and stoic gunslinger who can track down anyone... and anything. Having survived death, Jonah's violent history is steeped in myth and legend, and has left him with one foot in the natural world and one on the 'other side.'" -- Wikipedia


Jonah Hex Trailer



Via Josh

Kasandra, please stop calling me



It's her nose.

Kasandra is a 2011 student at University of South Florida and she's been featured on Campus Girl USA, which might be the greatest website ever.

"She is a psychology major at the USF and, this one time, at band camp...yes, Kasandra was a band nerd for six years. As a child, she stole candy frequently and now she just steals our attention and our hearts." -- IGN



Via James