Origami Toilet Paper

This is just awesome, plain and simple. I jacked this straight from Contra (whose blog and online magazine are awesome by the way, and definitely worth checking out); there is no way the bathroom can ever be boring again with instant origami at your fingertips. And no, making butterflies and flowers doesn't replace the need to wash your hands when you're done.
P.s. I have no idea where to actually buy this. If anyone does, please leave a comment

The iPhone shows off

Although I feel bad for the unlucky girl who was the basis for this spoof, it's still pretty funny. Also, I'd put money on the fact that this Adam guy is single after scaring off women indefinitely.

Jersey Shore/Oompa Guidos

I hope you haven't watched MTV's Jersey Shore yet. I personally have yet to see an episode seeing that everything I've read online has been less than complimentary. Even those who admit to watching it frequently preface their lapse in judgement with "my guilty pleasure". It's hard to imagine a scenario in which anyone would enjoy watching spikey-haired orange workout buffs hitting on straight-haired over-tanned big chested women.

Understandably, Italian-Americans aren't so happy with the negative portrayals of their community. Andre DiMino, President of UNICO National, "the Largest Italian-American Service Organization in the States", issued a statement describing his feelings for the show: "I don't see any redeeming value in the show. They are an embarrassment to themselves and to their families." Well put Sir, well put.

So why am I telling you all this? Because Jersey Shore has re-spawned the existence of the Guido. For those who are unaware of what a Guido is, I don't want to get caught spewing out generalizations; instead check out the 14 pages of politically incorrect definitions on Urban Dictionary. And during my course of study on the recent ressurgence of the Guigo, I was lucky enough to find this picture. I love it because it combines two things I hate: Oompa Loompas and silk vests that in no way match the shirt they're covering. An important sidenote: this picture was found on a website that looks at the World's Strangest Animals. WIN!

Just in case you were completely lost while reading this post (or you're just looking for a reason to be disgusted), check out the trailer here and keep your fist pumpin'!

Chanel sports gear

A few days ago, French fashion house Chanel released a collection of snowboards with their logos emblazoned on the deck but for whatever reason, I hesistated to post them. Today, the photos of the rest of their collection surfaced and it's impossible for me to ignore this any longer. My favourite pieces are definitely the surfboards above (especially the one second from left, black with a white border) but I also back the tennis racquets and the scooter.

If you think this partnership is absolutely ridiculous, then you're absolutely right; but that's probably what makes this so awesome. Check out the images below.




Via Freshmag

Key to the Roc pt. 2

I promise I won't be posting these on a regular basis but the irony is just too much. The picture tells all.


Read Billboard's shpeel here

Blakroc on Fallon

Wow, I watched this last night on TV and I was kind of taken aback. These guys have a weeeeeeeeird stage presence and I have to be honest, I don't think I'd enjoy going to their concert. Plus, I just wasn't impressed that the lead singer was sweaty and exhausted before even starting to play his first song. Let me know what you think.

Gift Guide Item #7: The "Get Headmaster" Shawl Collar Cardigan Men's Sweaters

Although our priciest item to date ($94.49 CDN), this sweater from LRG is straight ballin'. With a simple combination of black and grey stripes, the colourway matches with almost everything (I'd personally stay away from any browns, but some people dig the black/brown combo) and looks warm enough to take out for the winter that finally hit Toronto. Half-cardigan/half-sweater, this piece features the white buttons and little pockets in perfect cardigan style, and the thickness, the shawl collar and ribbings of a sweater - all of which really augment the stylistic aspect. Put this on, and feel your swag level instantaneously rise.




Available through Karmaloop.com

Making the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can

No, I'm not talking about Jay-Z, I'm taking about Japanese clothing vendor Onspotz. For anyone who has ever worn a New Era 59Fifty baseball cap, rule #1 is keep it as dry as possible. The stench of soaked wool is hard to bear and inevitably causes the wearer to stuff the hat in their pocket so as not to attract sideways glances. But aaaaanyways, Onspotz has developed a new material that will allow for waterproof fitteds. This is great news for any Seattle Mariners fans (I'm sure there are some...) and anyone else who may frequently find themselves caught in the rain. Finally something sensible with a Yankees logo on it...

Via Hypebeast

Key to the Roc

"They say he bougie, he big-headed/Won't you please stop talking about how my d**k head is" - Kanye West on "Last Call"

As entertainment mags/blogs/shows/etc. are starting to roll out their obligatory best-of-the-year countdown, this year is a little special; seeing as there are exactly 21 days and 3 hours left until the new decade, prepare yourselves for a plethora of best-of-the-decade lists.

To kick off the festivities, let's look at Yeezy. He has released 4 albums in the past decade, 3 of which hit #1 on the Billboard charts and his first album, The College Dropout, peaked at #2; he has since amassed 12 Grammys amongst his 30 nominations (which don't even include his six nominations for the 2010 awards); you can probably sing the chorus to anywhere between 2-12 of his songs; and your general opinion of him is probably along the lines of "great musician; huge douche".

But regardless of his non-music related shenanigans, the guy will be a legend in the pop culture world for years to come. So it shouldn't come as a great surprise that Kanye was named one of Rolling's Stones Artists of the Decade only a few days after Entertainment Weekly named The College Dropout Album of the Decade and Kanye himself as #6 on the Top 100 things pop culture of the '00s.

Honestly, good for Kanye; I just hope he remains humble, which for Kanye is a normal person's foray into arrogance, and that his next album bangs.



Via his blog three times

Wale - Say Something Freestyle

Wale Folarin drops a new freestyle over Timbo and Drake's "Say Something".

Best Interview Ever

Although I know practically nothing about the Velvet Underground save for that one of Andy Warhol's pictures is the cover artwork for their debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico, I decided to check out this interview of VU lead singer Lou Reed. It's a good thing I did; this is one of the funniest/most frustrating interviews I have ever subjected myself to (and I watch a lot of end of quarter/half-time interviews with basketball players who struggle to articulate what they're thinking). Reed either despises the media to the point where their very existence baffles him or is so scared that something he says will destroy his career that he refuses to say anything pertinent at all; but I'm pretty sure it's the first.

And even though this is way out of our normal realm of music, it's only fair that after watching that interview, you get the VU musical experience as well, so check out "Sunday Morning"
Thanks to GQ for finding this one

Melanie Fiona - "Monday Morning" (Video)

Here's the latest video from Toronto-born Grammy-nominated Melanie Fiona.


Shouts to 1LoveTO

Brand Blast: 686

It's been a minute since we've done a Brand Blast but the other day, I came across one that deserves a mention. I'm talking about 686, the skate/snowboard brand out of Irvine, California that combines technological innovation with outerwear. Although they have several lines, I want to present you with the brilliantly-designed Time. Time's goal is "to work with a partner who shares similar inspirations and offer a limited product that’s like no other. We keep production limited and retail distribution exclusive, making the TIMES line fresh every year". All the stuff is limited edition so we're talking mega-exclusivity on each of these pieces. So far 686 has collaborated on projects with Levi's, New Balance and KR3W. The prices between the three lines are relatively similar but for the sake of comparison, here's a look at a jacket from each of the three companies:

686 Times New Balance 580 3-Ply Jacket; $289.99; available here

686 Times KR3W K-65 Jacket; $279.99; available here

686 Times Levi's Trucker Insulated Jacket; $269.99; available here

And a few weeks ago, 686 released what they called Supernova collections for their New Balance and Levi's collabs. The Supernova/New Balance collection is a boxset containing 4 pieces (a sneaker, snowboarding boot, New Era cap and what looks like a windbreaker) in a bright orange/turquoise colourway. The Supernova/Levi's collection is a single piece of clothing: a beautifully crafted pair of Levi's jeans that feature trimming in the same orange/turquoise colourway. These jeans are nothing less than gorgeous and only 10 pairs were made worldwide! I don't even want to know how much the Supernova pieces cost...smh... Check out some pics below.






A huge high-five to anyone who can figure out where this zipper is. I was thinking on the side of the jeans??

Shouts to Hypebeast twice

Ms. Amber Riley

I have a guilty pleasure. It isn't chocolate or pop or French Fries or anything potentially damaging to my health; it's Glee. No matter if the music is cheesy, these guys are talented (having 3 former Broadway performers doesn't hurt). So today, I present to you Ms. Amber Riley (Mercedes), singing "And I Am Telling You" by Jennifer Hudson. This girl is for real! Her range is off the charts, has a great falsetto and hit the last note perfectly just before running out of breath only to then deliver a bone-chilling ending. I mean this is Grammy-award winning Jennifer Hudson on the original, so props to Riley for even showing up to compete on this one, let alone smashing it.

As the story goes, Riley tried out for American Idol but didn't do so well and was not asked to advance. After Adam Lambert's recent debacle, and Ellen DeGeneres replacing Paula Abdul, I'm sure Idol is looking for some clean press before the new season premieres January 12th. Glee on the other hand just finished its fall season tonight and only starts again on April 13th and will now be airing on Tuesdays, rather than Wednesdays.

Where Are You, Beezy?

So, this comes as a surprise to many, but Yeezy recently gave exposure to one of today's most forward-thinking creators of electronic music, Burial, on his blog.

On second thought, however, there may be a very vague common link between Kanye's most recent output on 808s And Heartbreak and Fostercare. They both have a faint sense of desperation, high-pitched vocal samples, and the empty clinks and clanks that make up most of the beats on Yeezy's newest LP. Now that Kanye is listening to a world-class creator of audio atmosphere and immersion, he'll learn a thing or two for his next release.

Check out the video for "Fostercare" here

Gift Guide Item #6: "The Hangover" 2-Disc Special Edition DVD

Although this only comes out next Friday, prepare to add it to the list. This movie is hella funny and I'm sure the second disc will be loaded with special features. What else is there to say about the underdog movie that took theatres by storm this summer? Just go get it ($28) here

Some music videos to occupy your time

Timbaland - Say Something (feat. Drake)


Kid Cudi - Pursuit of Happiness (Feat. MGMT & Ratatat)

Mighty Mos Def - Supermagic

"Owner Sorry for Michael Jordan - Byron Russell 1-on-1 hoax"

ARE YOU EFFING KIDDING ME BRANDT ANDERSEN? This guy has to be the biggest weiner that Orem, Utah (wherever the arf that is) has ever seen. The owner of an NBA Development League team decided to impersonate Michael Jordan and send the fake around town to create hype with the hopes that people would come out to watch his lousy team play. And then the owner has the cojones to say the following on his blog:

""This was done in fun," Andersen wrote on his blog after the game. "If you did not see it as fun or you feel we went over the top I am sorry."

Oh ya, I'm sure all 7,500 people who showed up found it real funny as well. Sir, in a real city, like Los Angeles or New York or Washington...or you get the point, your children would have been on the 6 o'clock news trying to fight back tears with a camera in their face and #brendtandersen would be trending on Twitter. You know what, Brandt Andersen, you should thank whoever or whatever it is the heck you believe in that you haven't been shanked and are still in possession of a house (or a lawn for that matter; see Leodis Mckelvin). I think the most unfortunate thing is that after punt-kicking the side of your own face, and instead of sacking up and taking the hit for this one, the fans are supposed to have understood you. No you're right; they shouldn't be mad at having been promised a shot to see the greatest to ever touch an orange ball play right in front of their eyes, but instead were being duped by a bald guy with latex make-up and a fake diamond hanging from his ear.

Alright, Orem are you ready? Time to move to a real city, just come with me. Ya I live a bit up north, but nowhere in the Arctic or anything. Well ya, but it's just as cold in Utah... Oh, you're afraid of polar bears breaking through the igloo while you sleep? You know what, maybe this won't work out as well as I thought. (Rolls eyes and exits left)

Read the rest of the article on the bonehead move of the century here and his blog post here.

Sorry for the strong feelings on this one; I'm just not down with owners showing a full-blown lack of responsibility when dealing with their fans. Not classy at all.

Young Money - "Bed Rock" (Music Video)

This is Young Money's second video "Bed Rock". Young Money, for those who don't know yet, is the record label founded by Lil Wayne and is essentially the collection of artists that form his supporting crew (featuring the likes of Drake, Mack Maine, Jae Millz and Nicki Minaj). Personally, I like their first single "Every Girl" better, but this song is alright. Two things: 1) Holy MOFO these guys are so rich, it's not even funny and 2) Lil Wayne, kick Gudda Gudda off your label; he has a (really) stupid name and brings nothing to the table; please and thank you.

Young Money's debut record We Are Young Money drops December 21st, which happens to be on the same day Weezy's releasing his new rock album Rebirth (coincidence? nah...) I expect Rebirth to be a piece of crap but do alright just because it's Weezy. As for the Young Money record...well, I think these two songs will be the only ones worth listening to but I could be proven wrong; only time will tell.

Here's Weezy's latest Rebirth leak, "On Fire".

Gift Guide Item #5: Graffiti World: Street Art from Five Continents

I was originally going to post this book as a gift guide item, then forgot about it, then really wanted it for myself so ya, here we are. I've been looking to buy this book for over 3 years now but have never been able to justify spending 45 hard-earned dollars on a big picture book, no matter how graffiti-obsessed I am.

But now that this is a revised edition that comes in at a whopping 392 pages, I think I might splurge and finally pick it up, especially since I can buy it for $30 online here.

As for my aforementioned graffiti obsession, I'll be posting some of my favourite artists over the next few weeks once I have a bit more time to really go through and pick out the best.