The Nicest Umbrella

Here's the scenario: it's raining buckets and you're walking down a crowded street, you along with most everyone else is carrying an umbrella. As a result of sheer congestion and the cumbersome nature of the umbrella, you nick many of those passing you by and vice versa. Anyone unfamiliar with this scenario either lives in a) an extremely unpopulated area, b) lives somewhere it doesn't rain, or c) both. Maybe Antarctica, if you're from Antarctica, the following is not for you.

Joo Youn Paek's 2005 product concept, the Polite Umbrella is pretty much exactly what it sounds like.

"A user can easily adjust their umbrella anytime by pulling a handle so that one can protect themselves from harsh winds or bumping into others. The shrinking movement is immediate and is capable of morphing shapes to that like of a jellyfish. Additionally, graphic images printed on the umbrella have animated effects which create gestures of politeness such as bowing or hand gestures. Furthermore the umbrella also has readable quotes related to good manners in order to initiate communications."

I want one! What a cute concept!

(Thanks Core 77)

Mix Tapes and Postcards

Suck UK has taken a creative approach to two of my favorite things, music and getting mail. The Mix Tape USB Drive allows you to create an old-school mix tape with new-school technology. Receiving on of these would probably make my day...scratch that, my month.

And then there's the Wooden Postcard, which comes blank for you're carving pleasure. Maybe a tad bit more tedious than penning one's message, but far more creative!

An Alternative to Slitting Your Wrist

Every year for the past 5 years the town of Columbia, Missouri has played host to the True/False Film Festival. As of today, the 5th season is underway and I have to admit, this is probably my favorite thing about this place.

"The festival highlights innovative work with a cinematic scope, creative takes on contemporary currents, and most of all work that provokes dialogue about its subject and the documentary form itself."

Last night they did a sneak peek showing of a film called An Alternative to Slitting Your Wrist. It was wonderful! The movie was done by Columbia College alum Owen Lowery. The concept and story is inspiring:

"What if every single person in the world took a year out of their life to do all the things they've always thought about doing? Start and finish a movie, make someone's dream or wish come true, spray-paint an inspiration message on city property, burn their regrets to the ground. And with this thought I began compiling a list of 52 things which I would complete, one a week for the next year of my life."

I have a list of 'Things to do Before I Die" but there's no where near 52 items on it. The movie got me thinking about what else I should add to my list. It also got me wondering what I'm waiting for. What would be on you're list?

Vampire Weekend

This may be my new favorite band...just kidding...but seriously. I meant to post this a week or so back, but forgot, or got busy. I was reminded after visiting the blog of a man who came and spoke to a class I'm taking.

In their own words:

"The name of this band is Vampire Weekend. We are specialists in the following styles: Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, Upper West Side Soweto, Campus, and Oxford Comma Riddim."

Vampire Weekend is comprised of four Ivy Leaguers (Columbia Alum to be exact) hailing from New York. Their awesome, their debut CD is out. Give 'em listen!

Learn More / Maybe Fall In Love:

• VW Office Site
• VW Myspace
• VW in Rolling Stone

Things I've Learned In My Life So Far

To the likes of PostSecret, the site 'Things I've Learned in my Life So Far' asks users to answer that very question. The answers are then artistically depicted and uploaded by users.

(Found via One Floor Up)

What Are You Thinking About?

Funny German commercial. Enjoy the chuckle.

Top 10 Physically Modified People

And I thought one tattoo was enough. Over at Deputydog they're running a featured post on the Top 10 Physically Modified People. Check out the interesting and often shocking pictures and back-stories.

(Found via Deputydog)

Scissors Magic: Jen Stark

I can hardly cut in a straight line. Jen Stark can do that and so very much more. Check out her incredible art here: Jen Stark Art

(credit to the Urban Outfitters Blog)

DIY: iPod Case

Use an old Walkman to camouflage your iPod. Not only is it a great idea, it will likely prevent your iPod from getting stolen.

(Found at swissmiss)

For a Good Laugh at Another's Expense...

It's a hard life out there for the news-reporter:

(Thanks to Brian who found these through Esquire)

In Honor of Super Tuesday

Several eager but uninformed voters didn't get the memo that Wisconsin wasn't included among the 24 states holding primaries on Super Tuesday. Nearly 10 Milwaukee residents lined up outside their polling place, only to find out they were early. Two weeks early to be exact.

Read the full story here: Uh, No Super Tuesday in Wisconsin

The Day Grand Central Station Stood Still

The public improvisation group Improv Everywhere caused quite the scene at Grand Central Station in New York City. The group was created in 2001 and has performed over 70 missions aimed at causing chaos and joy in public places to expecting audiences. There most recent stunt, employing over 200 'undercover agents' through out Grand Central Station to freeze in their place at exactly the same time. I can't even imagine what the unsuspecting commuters must have thought!

(Found on Gawker)

Re-Shirt

Re-Shirt is a website with a few simple objectives: donate an old t-shirt, provide a story about that old t-shirt, and repeat over time. Each donated shirt is assigned a reference number which can be tracked by all future shirt owners. I love it! In their own words:

re-search
every Re-Shirt tells a unique story about its owner:
e.g. career step, a journey, an unforgettable concert. we collect those shirts with a story and give them a new life with a registered Re-Shirt label.

re-use:
if you become a Re-Shirt user, type in your shirt code and keep on writing the story. the longer your shirt is in use the more it helps to keep existing cotton resources in circulation.


re-think:
10,000 liters of water are needed to produce a new cotton shirt. Re-Shirts save resources in a completely new way. every Re-Shirt story makes a difference.

(Found via One Floor Up)