Toys you can age with

18 Jul
2008

When I was young He-man was the ultimate toy. Even owning Skeletor, which hardly had my applause, seemed a no-brainer. Today, my love of toys hasn’t decimated; instead it has grown from the cheap action figures of my youth (ripping a characters’ arms off seemed all too common) to the collectibles of present.

Kidrobot has been churning out toys since 2002-toys ranging from a couple of dollars to hundreds of dollars depending on the size and designer. One particular designer is Frank Kozik, the mastermind behind some of the most famous band concert posters to date. Today, as mentioned, he creates toys along with posters, clothing and prints of his artwork.

I am a fan and recently obtained one of his Mongers toys. While these vinyl pieces are not your play-in-the-tub figures, they are perfect representations of pop culture and underground art growing by the day. Two of his latest toys are shown here. Both favorites of mine, and both drastically different in price. If your want to start collecting these now, but find yourself teetering on the financial high-wire, pick up the slug first.

However, if you are throwing around money like insults at a Nascar event, then order yourself Comandante Rojo. This guy is anarchy at its finest.

He-man will always live on, but In a winner takes all battle, Big Bob Slug and Comandante Rojo’s deviousness will surely stand the test of time and age appropriately on the shelves of adulthood.

I may have just flatlined

17 Jul
2008

About a month ago I discovered that Fall Out Boy remade Michael Jackson’s “Beat it” and a little piece of me died. Unfortunately, news of much greater concern and closeness to my heart have me questioning whether or not I need a defibrillator.

Since much of this blog discusses topics I find interesting or noteworthy, it was simply a matter of time before graffiti was brought to my happy little readers’ attention. Graffiti, the art form that I will defend to the death, has permeated throughout my conversations, my writings and two years of graduate research. I will not rant excessively in this post about my graffiti appreciation (there is plenty of room for that later), but I will comment on someone who has changed the message of graffiti on so many levels – British guerrilla artist Banksy.

Known to thousands around the world for his creative and controversial public art, disappointingly, his actual identity may no longer be hidden. It’s actually a bit daunting to write that statement; not a week ago I was discussing my hopes that his identity never be unveiled and POOF! the British publication Daily Mail reveals a picture and some facts identifying Banksy as 34 year old Robin Gunningham.

Banksy’s agent does not confirm nor deny the allegation, but with evidence beginning at Gunningham’s high school to Banksy’s 2003 Turf War art show, it’s not hard to believe that the Daily is onto something (especially since Gunningham is apparently MIA). Read the ARTICLE and decide for yourself.

As for me, I’m opting it’s not true. Hopefully, as the article’s closing briefly suggests:

Given Banksy’s long-standing success at covering his tracks, there is, of course, the possibility that the trail we have been following is a red herring, a complex set-up. But if it is, it must be the most elaborate such ruse ever concocted.

Boulder, Colorado-The new ATL

16 Jul
2008

A few years ago a show on MTV (boo!) claimed Houston was the new ATL. Boogus I say! Houston has nothing on the ATL. Some of the greatest rappers, who are respectively appreciated by both hardcore rap fans and new school hipsters turned this city into the most recognizable rap-loaded place in America. I only need mention Outkast to make my point. They encompass rap, hip-hop, electronic, pop and a variation of other genres to create some of the most dynamic and lasting music available. There is hardly a person who can say that at one time or another they did not love this duo.

And while I am on the topic of duos, one place may have something on Houston and Atlanta. I’m likely to be biased due to my musical taste, but the next city that should honorably stake claim on a comparable ATL title is Boulder, Colorado. There is one group alone that has enough grit, flow and pop to encompass all that music represents – 3OH!3.

If  you haven’t heard of the Boulder white boys with mad style, run to the store now. Having released their second album on July 8, their fluid electronic sound, hilarious lyrics, ass-shaking beats and vocal range are enough to make you say, Uggghh. (Yes, I did just say that) They have been grouped more with pop alternative bands than rap and hip-hop artists, but do not be deceived, the twosome are laconic and witty as hell with lyrics like, “T-tell your boyfriend if he says he’s got beef, That I’m a vegetarian and I ain’t fucking scared of him.”

There are songs for all kinds. The rap lover. The slow jam fan. The sappy emo kid. And even the electronic rockers.

Listen to the songs below, but be careful, these tracks are more contagious than chicken pox in a Kindergarten classroom.

And we thought Ecstasy was bad

15 Jul
2008

I have never been to a rave. That is not to say that I haven’t wanted to go to one. The excitement and desire stems from the sneakiness of location, the crazy night long dancing and the absurd behavior and attire people find appropriate to wear. However, I’m not one to pop anything other than your occasional soda can top, which I instantly feel guilty about, so I have never made it to the water guzzling, Lycra wearing, glow stick twirling event. I have no interest in ecstasy, the drug of choice heavily saturating such parties, and the horror stories I have heard are enough to keep me away-but I’m just one person.

Others may not be concerned about the effects of the drug or its presence, but there is apparently a new threat to detour you from such events. Laser lights (Muuahhaawwww)! Yes, that is right, those entrancing rays of vibrant color may end up sabotaging your eye sight. Burned retinas, yikes!

Recently, a hand full of Moscow ravers became partially blind due to laser light power. Those seen by doctors were diagnosed with up to 80% vision loss. Whether it was the rain that caused these lasers to turn on attendees or the intelligence of party-goers sucked in by the beaming light, who is at fault is still in question in my mind. Either way, the thought of losing your sight at a legal rave, or any party for that fact, is startling.

I guess Corey Hart wasn’t just a one hit wonder, but a pretty smart guy when it came to protective eye wear. “And I wear my sunglasses at night, so I can so I can, See the light that’s right before my eyes.”

Read the article here

Logitech Harmony, yes please!

6 Jul
2008

Heavy undertones of environmental concern. Human well-being on a never ending downslide. The recent film Wall-e hints at the future of our world. Loaded with obese people, slurpees and digital screens allowing individuals to always be connected, one has to wonder: Is this really an accurate depiction of what’s ahead? Unless we are wiped out in 2012 as the History Channel would like us to believe, technology may push us in that direction.

But don’t panic yet, because there are plenty of devices that should have you on your knees praying to God, Buddha, Allah, Luke Skywalker or whichever deity you praise, that you will live long enough to own them and still be walking without the sound of flapping blubber. The Logitech’s Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote is the most necessary electronic the avid entertainment junkie can own. Released over a year ago, the word laziness shouldn’t completely cross your mind, instead think “convenience” and “clutter elimination”.

This remote can control your stereos, televisions, gaming systems, security systems, lights, photo logs, appliances and a slew of other gadgets, all with the movement of one finger. The digital screen is also fairly impressive. With a 3.5″ diagonal and customizable display, the sleek silver remote will have you chucking your five unnecessary remotes in no time.

Are you Donor 401?

1 Jul
2008

MSN may not be the most exciting website. They may not even host the best email accounts. Heck, some of the news the site provides is down right boring and ludicrous, but that is exactly what is great about it. The ludicrous part that is.

Today MSN posted a story about Donor 401. This elusive sperm donor apparently has 25 youngin’s roaming the country. How did all of these half-siblings make the connection? A site called Donorsiblingregistry.com helps visitors discover others who have used the same donor. Seem odd? It should.

While I in no way, shape, or form condemn the donor process-I think it is a wonderful service for people wanting to bring a little life into the world-I do think a few things must be noted regarding this story. First of all, this means there is some poor man who once gave sperm in Virginia because he was hard up for cash reading the article aloud in his German accent while banging his head against the wall praying that there was a “no responsibility for child support” clause on the donor agreement.

Second, this means that there is a slight chance that there are kids all over the country, fathered by the same guy, who may grow up and meet and fall in love. While I may not have actual statistics for the likelihood of this happening, it shouldn’t detract from the mere horror of possible incestuous behavior. Studies do show that you are attracted to those of equal appearance, so it is feasible that your look-a-like life love could be your own blood. GASP!!!

And finally, what the hell is wrong with these people? What possible benefit is there from knowing other donor children? Does your only child really need a network of 25 siblings?

I only have two pieces of advice to give:

1) If you are in a relationship, and you and your partner were donor babies, you may want to re-evaluate your connection.

2) If you have a German accent, a strong affection for your mother, and you purchased your flat screen TV with sperm bank money, cross your fingers.

Read the story here.

Taking it back to the old school

30 Jun
2008

Anyone who knows me understands my borderline unhealthy obsession with electronics. While I can function for prolonged periods of time without technology, I find myself Veruca Salting my way through life claiming necessity for every gadget, gizmo, or power-driven object. Some of these things are essential. Truly you must own multiple iPods if you love music. Playlists are nice, but why not equip yourself with a Pod for getting crazy, a Pod for calming down and a Pod of all the music you think is more elite, eccentric, and in clear better taste than your friends. To help you utilize all of these Pods, the creation that would have baffled us in the days of Bel Biv Devo cassettes and Positive K singles, is this dock by Lasonic.

Why pick up this pricey dock? Other than the fact that Radio Raheem would have been proud to adore this monster on his shoulder, it has all the features of the newest docks combined with the reminiscent feel of the 80?s.

Another day, another dollar, er…

29 Jun
2008

Chase the carrot, huh? You are probably wondering why I chose this name and why I think I am important enough to have a blog. Well, to find out about the name, you’ll have to click the ‘about’ button to find out. As for my importance in today’s World Wide Web-I know stuff. Well, that’s not the entire reason this blog is being started, but it sure is a good place to begin.

During my sabbatical, as I so diligently title it, I have found myself hounding those who actually spend their time at work (God forbid) with odd world news, new music knowledge, gadgets that will make you cooler than you already are (yes, it’s possible) and the antics that make up my mission to “Chase the Carrot”. So, instead of becoming the Queen of Spam, I have decided to bring this knowledge to the masses and let my readers laugh and cry their way through my journey and all that is exciting in today’s society.

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