Random (web) sightings...

Its been an interesting week for news....

Apple CEO, the almighty Steve Jobs penned an open letter regarding his reasons for not allowing Adobe's Flash in Apples non desktop products. Among those reasons he cites its reliability, performance, and a closed source (*ahem the pot calling the kettel black...?) software...

A chinese company makes "Fully poseable African American Action Figures" w/ a striking resemblance to a certain President of African American ancestry, and a "steely, resolved" look on his face (had NO idea 'bama was so cut!)...

Microsoft kills plans for the next "great white hope" of a Tablet PC, thereby killing off one more magical unicorn...

Nigo released some behind the scenes shots of his "Camocollage" Bape art show...

and Comedian Chelsea Handler MAY have had a naughty video of her from her days before she became famous accidentally released...

thats is for now..holla at ya boy if ou got a copy of "said" tape..lol

-S.DeBose

Common at Southwestern U

My mane man Common recently did a small show in Georgetown, Texas on the campus of Southwestern University. I have so much more respect for him (not that I didn't already have plenty) for doing this show. One of the biggest hip hop artist in the industry and now-a-days a well known actor doing a gig in a small town at an even smaller university in the gymnasium of all places. Pretty cool right? Yeah, we all thought so too.

Lonnie "Common" Lynn wasted no time getting down to business. He started out his 45 minute set with the title track to his most popular album to date "Be". He continued to get the crowd hype with "Sex for Suga", "What a World", and one of my personal favs "Get em High". Now, we all know Common is a ladies man so of course he did some joints for the pyt's in attendance. He serenaded one special young lady to the tune of "I Want You" and took us all back with his first breakout single "The Light". And before you ask, yes, he did pay tribute to Dilla for that track and the countless others that Detroit's finest crafted to perfection.

I've seen Common in concert several times and I must say he never disappoints. As I'm sure most of you are as well, I am eagerly anticipating his new album due out later his year entitled "The Believer". Surely that will bring him to the road again where he always seems to stop in Austin. The production on this new record will be done solely by long time collaborator No ID and Yezzy himself. Oh and just so you know, we managed to slip Common his very first Kirin Tee. I'm sure he will rock it well I just hope he rocks it period! If he does, please believe this won't be the last you hear of it!

D. Griff

Fashion for Sport

Fashion and Sports are two of my favorite things to spend my time and money on. I am a fiend for clothes and kicks and some of those kicks get their share of run on the bball court. Yes, I play ball in my Jordans! Get over it! Nonetheless, a really dope store recently opened in Portland, Oregon called Li-Ning. This is a Chinese Sports Brand that is very big overseas but now looking to make its claim here in the states. Li-Ning initially came to Portland in 2007 as a footwear innovation center but their buzz and big time sponsorship has them on the fast track to global exposure.

The store will carry a variety of Li-Ning sportswear and footwear. Also, they have recently campaigned with NBA Star Baron Davis who will have a few signature pieces in this seasons line. Davis has been in heavy rotation on many sneaker & sports blogs promoting the line and his custom pieces. He was also the guest of honor at the at the store opening on February 15, 2010, which just happened to be a day after both the Chinese New Year and the NBA All Star Game.

Some say that Portland and Austin are identical when it comes to the culture of the two cities. Portland's sneaker scene seems to be well documented and Austin is beginning to be more respected as well. Does this mean I can go to Portland and not miss a beat? I sure hope so because next time I'm northwest I plan to pay them a visit... And catch a Blazers game while I'm at it.

D. Griff

All Aboard

Does this dude ever stop working? Hmmm... Yeah, I am going to have to say no! Fresh off of a $360k whip purchase for his son Justin's sixteenth birthday party (which likely cost more than the whip) the man we all know as Diddy continues to impress in his latest endeavor with Vogue Magazine. On the eve of his last album entitled "Last Train To Paris" US Vogue and world renown photographer Annie Leibovitz put together an amazing shoot for Diddy and supermodel Natalia Vodianova.

The shoot plays out as an old school love scene draped in high fashion. Keeping with the theme of the upcoming record, the shoot takes place in trains and train stations all across the east coast. A few guest appearances from Tyrese and Dirty Money don't necessarily make sense but a good look nonetheless.

Dark and bold colors dominate the shoot. Diddy shines in custom three piece suits with a cut that even President Obama would admire. While the beautiful Annie makes her presence felt in sequent gowns, tweed two piece suits, and a sensual 60's style most notably with her hair. Its said that the shoot depicts a man who meets a beautiful women while on a three day long train ride. They fall in love and proceed to spend the night together. According to Diddy what they do is up to your imagination. Check out the latest edition of Vogue Magazine and make your assumptions.

D. Griff

Pharell Speech at Midem 2010

Pharrell Keynote at MIDEM 2010 from thecashmerethinker on Vimeo.

World famous uber-producer/designer/businessman/trendsetter Pharrell Williams did the keynote speech at MIDEM Music conference in Cannes, France on Saturday. He spoke with Cornerstone (co)CEO and Fader Magazine (co)founder Rob Stone. He covered topics ranging from how artists can better engage their fans, how important it is to have a GOOD supportive team behind you, and how important it is to leave your neighborhood and see the world.
I had it playing on my tv while i edited photos from our Spring/Summer 2010 shoot and let me say it is hella inspirational to hear him speak on so many topics that people in the creative industry frequently discuss. I'll probably have it playing in the background while doing my "homework" a couple more times just to reinforce some of the things he said. A good vid.
-Steven

Choice Quote:
"If you have a great idea...you should go for it...dont wait until your 40,50 years old to get involved and get in the trenches. You gotta do it now"
other links:
www.ARTST.com
http://bbcicecream.com/blog/

All Day I Dream About....

Shoes! Thought I was going to say the other thing huh? Get your mind out of the gutter. I haven't copped a pair of the Run DMC inspired kicks in a minute. However, the new Adidas Originals Highrise is going to change all that. This new hi-top screams streetwear at its finest. The bold and innovative design has the customary 3-stripes perforated on each side of the shoe and well as the tongue. These kicks are absolutely ridiculous!!!

The expected release date in this month at all Adidas locations and select retailers. I think these kicks have the unique but old school look to become a classic shoe. Jordans, Air Force Ones, The Highrise? I've made my decision. What do you think?

D. Griff

Creativity

Its been a little bit since we've posted. Today's post is just random web sightings that inspire "creativity". And with the weather in Austin cold and wet its a great reason to stay inside and channel that energy into something dope/progressive/new. Rise and Grind!!!

Action Book

I stumbled across this in a banner ad. Im loving the site design. Its simple, clean and to the point."Behance Outfitters" makes products to help creative proffesionals organize themselves and boost productivity by "making ideas happen". This Action book is exactly what i need when my mind is running a million miles a minute (all the time) and i have a chance to stop and clearly write something down (none of the time). I want it.
Their sister site is The 99 Percent. Here they focus on what happens after the initial conception of an idea. "Making ideas Happen". A really good site to spend some time on (and take notes!) & learn a little from leaders in the creative and business industries. I think its going to be at the top of my "blogs i visit daily" list. (...yes i know its not a blog)

FashionServed
This one is a cool site with daily updated fashion photoshoots/editorials and part of a suite of
"--served" sites (ie fashion,photography, industrialdesign) with the tagline "Fresh works from leading creative professionals" looks like a good spot to get some fresh inspiration.

-S.DeBose