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July 31, 2007
Link Heavy. The Skinny
Link Heavy. The Skinny: Scion has put on some great shows over the years. Redman's performance with the Rhythm Roots Allstars is one of our favorites. There's was a show with Nicolay, J*Davey and Steve Spacek, that was pretty sweet too*. There's only one problem: these shows are almost always exclusive and the footage is hard to find.
Well, Scion has solved that problem. Their new interactive website is an online archive of video and music from Scion’s events, as well as some original content like, Driving With ?uestlove. Now you can send your buddy video from the Ghostface show instead of telling him or her, "that show was poppin, you should have been there!" [Photo Credit: Ian Meyer]
For the latest videos and music from Scion’s events check [The Skinny]
Posted by james at 04:40 PM
Reviews. The Budos Band
Reviews. The Budos Band: The right soundtrack can turn a ho-hum road trip into something epic. You know the kind of trip - the one where the stories only resonate with the people who were actually in the car with you.
The Budos Band's new album, The Budos Band II, is ideal driving music. Their sound is gritty, stripped down soul - a modern take on the music of Fela Kuti and James Brown. They're a bit mellower than their predecessors and yet they've managed to keep the frenetic energy of Afro-Beat intact. If you're in NY, be sure to catch them August 9th at Joe's Pub. Philadelphians can see the band perform at the World Cafe Live, August 10th.
Dork recommends The Budos Band II. Buy the album [Here]
Posted by james at 03:14 PM
July 28, 2007
Travel. Stones Throw in Europe
Travel. Stones Throw Pics in Europe: The dork offices subscribe to a bunch of business magazines. Fast Company and Business 2.0 rank up there as some of our favorites. We like these publications because they provide a savy snapshot behind the curtain of start-ups, successes and inspired individuals working like mad to build something with impact. For the same reasons that we subscribe to those magazine, are the very same reasons we love Stones Throw's website.
Over the years, Stones Throw Records - the indie label that could - has continuously worked to crank out music they love and are committed to. And, through their website, they take you along for the adventure. As stated about their latest Eurpoean tour: "They say the USA is violent but it seems like every time Stones Throw goes to Europe these days, someone lights off a bomb or two, causing all kinds of ruckus. This time it was London & Glasgow. The newspapers were frightening and everyone's luggage was lost, but the shows went off well. Wolf, Guilty Simpson, Percee P, J.Rocc and Aloe Blacc took a bunch of photos."
View photos from Stones Throw's European tour [Here]
Posted by taj at 06:52 PM
Gadgets. New Apple Keyboard!
Gadgets. New Apple Keyboard: Now this is exciting news. Really it is. I know most folks don't get that excited about a keyboard, but when you live on your computer, your keyboard is your home. Rumor has it that Apple is updating their keyboard. We liked the updates on the Mac Book keyboard. It'll be interesting to see something like that on a wireless peripheral.
As reported on Gizmodo: "The rumored new Apple keyboard has already been analyzed to death, compared to its current, fully real counterpart. But in this handy side by side picture we can see the potential impact the new design will have on Apple users. What, for instance, will we ever do without the 'Help' key? Overall, the comparison shows that if Apple isn't using this new keyboard, they really should be, as dock and multimedia functions have been condensed and organized neatly."
View full comparison of old and new Apple Keyboard [Here]
Posted by taj at 06:50 PM
Kicks & Tees. Nike Quickstrike!
Kicks & Tees. Nike Tech Pack: The last few weeks have proven fruitful for us on the sneaker tip. We've been graced with second chances as the re-re-issues hit our favorite stores, Ubiq and WTHN. Now we're on the hunt for the above pictured jams. The latest Blazer pack - Nike Tech - is right down our alley.
Our usual spots haven't recieved them yet, but we're being patient. We want to support our local shops, so I hope Nike comes through Philly with their quick strike. Speaking of Philly stores, while patroling for the Tech Pack we noticed that WTHN has the Nike Major Taylor pack*. They look great! Be sure to check them out when you get a chance*. [More pictures of the Tech Pack after the jump]
[Pics Courtesy of Slamxhype* & Hypebeast*]
Posted by taj at 06:44 PM
July 18, 2007
People News. City Canvases
People News. City Canvases: Dork's stance on graf is pretty clear. It's one of those unexplainable counter cultures that anger and elate people at the same time. To us it makes life interesting. The creation of beauty despite social, physical and structural norms forces the imagination's hand. So, in the usual battle of whether graf is good or bad, the USA Today covers the story of an artist named KET.
As reported by the USA Today: "Until the vandal squad took him away in handcuffs, it seemed that KET had grown up. KET is the graffiti signature of Alain Maridueña, who as a teenager in the 1980s made a name spray painting subway trains. But he'd since evolved into an old-school legend — historian, publisher, lecturer, consultant — who supposedly hadn't tagged a train since his first child was born."
Read more about KET and graf in the USA Today [Here]
Posted by taj at 11:38 PM
Kicks & Tees. Sneakerplay Widget
Kicks & Tees. Sneakerplay Widget: Web 2.Ohhh is cool, but Robleh from Sneakerplay has taken it to another level! His community runs deep. And, as usual, his innovation sheds more light on the social cohesion that lies between sneaker fans. Widgets rule the world.
Sneakerlay does it again. This time launching The Photo Box, an official Sneakerplay widget that lets members take the pictures from their galleries and embed them onto personal websites, blogs and profiles. The sneaker box themed widget is sure to be a big hit with digital nomads looking to take their collections with them on their online journeys. As usual, you will need to be invited to Sneakerplay to take advantage of this dope new feature. Non-members have also been given a little bit of a treat, they can now surf through and view member profiles.
Visit Sneakerplay for more information [Here]
Posted by taj at 04:44 PM
DM Journal. Philly!
DM Journal. Philly! We've been steady grinding on an awesome project. I've personally never learned so much. Talk about tasting life at full blast. It's been fun and we've been ultra focused. It's like watching the birth of a child. We can't wait to release it on the world. But these months have been crucial. The effort invested will come back a thousand times over.
In the meantime, whenever we can, we try to go into our inspirational zone and find those quiet moments of serendipidy in the city we love - Philadelphia. We hope you find the following pics fun and light. There's nothing crazy, but that's why we love summer in the city. Sometimes what appears everyday is really the respiration (remember that video). Anyway, we hit our favorite vinyl and mod furniture shops. And, we ran into an old chum - big up Point Blank!
-- el fin
Posted by taj at 02:04 PM
Link Heavy. The CultistShop
Link Heavy. The CultistShop: According to dictionary.com a definition for cultist is "a member of an unorthodox cult who generally lives outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader." If this description sounds like you then your new place of wardrobe worship would be Cultistshop.com and your charismatic leaders would be Robin Walker and Yasi Salek who launched the site in March 2007.
While their about us section lists actual tenets like "Women’s clothing shall not exclusively be a) pastel, b) tight, or c) frilly" & "Join us, and we will save you from the mall." Cultistshop seeks to provide a webshop where females looking for an alternaive to the usual nuances can find streetwear fit for femmes mixed with dresses and jumpers that stay keen to feminine appeal. Stocking collections like Married to the Mob and Hellz Bellz, they also carry international brands such as Insight from Australia and Darkhorse from Canada. Salek, who previously worked with Digital Gravel and has written for The Hundreds, Vapors, and Missbehave Magazine incoporates her writing with witty descriptions for each item while encouraging you to get your read on through interviews with other industry creatives dubbed "the Modified Proust" and a handful of Powerhouse books for sale. Look no more for style ladies, you have been blessed.
Check out our brief interview:
1. What are your respective job titles? Where were you before, and/or
concurrently still?
We don't really do job titles. But we do affectionately refer to our intern as "slave." Prior to this, Robin was a Junior Nationals diver and Yasi was in the winter of her discontent.
2. Besides streetwear for women, whats the focus of Cultist?
Actually we don't like to focus much on anything, due to the fact that we are both afflicted with severe cases of A.D.D.
3. Explain "Modified Proust".
Marcel Proust was a tortured, sickly, lonely writer who lived with his mother most of his life. He wrote several very long and smarty pants novels. There is also a thing called the Proust Questionnaire, and while it was not actually invented by Marcel, he is widely known as the most famous one to answer said questions. This list of questions has been truncated and slightly modified for interviewing people we think are interesting.
4. What are your future plans, and is there anything we should be
looking for?
In the future we plan to have lunch, and possibly dinner. It is not for us to say what you should be looking for, but may we suggest something meaningful, like the answers to life's questions, or the
Colin Farell sex tape.
-- el fin.
Posted by catzie at 01:02 PM
July 16, 2007
Art & Design. Puppies are Biodegradable
Art & Design. Puppies are Biodegradable: This past weekend we stopped by the Puppies are Biodegradable exhibit in Philadelphia. The art exhibition - featuring original art - was organized to raise awareness of the deplorable conditions facing thousands of dogs in PA's puppy mills. The work is powerful and expresses deep concerns for the way dogs are treated.
The exhibit runs from July 6 to July 30. It features work from Lisa Ballard, Jonathan Bartlett, Justin M. Berger, Leanne Biank, Jacqalyn Binder, Jennifer Bird, Chris Kelleher, Kat Catanakis, Matt Cavanaugh, Carlos E. Fernandez-Dieppa, Judy Gelles, Ramiro Gomez, Alyssa Grenning and many others. If you're in Philadelphia we encourage you to stop by and check out the event - 249 Arch Street. If you're not in Philadelphia we've got pictures of the exhibit below.
Visit the Puppies are Biodegradable site [Here]
-- el fin.
Posted by taj at 03:38 PM
July 13, 2007
Art & Design. Moo Grows!
Art & Design. Moo Grows: From TechCrunch: "UK-based Moo, a startup that prints 'mini cards' from photos and other images that you upload directly or point them to via Flickr, Bebo, or their other partners, has been a real hit among the early adopter, silicon valley crowd. People hand them out like crazy, and they are great, if somewhat expensive, conversation starters. Next week the company will expand beyond cards and into stickers, which I predict will be even more popular than the cards. Look for them on July 19 on the Moo site."
We use moo cards all day. Flickr is a great web application, and Moo allows us to take that functionality into the physical world. As business cards and note cards they're fantastic. They are one of the best ways to pass on information and show your photos. Definitely check them out. We can't wait to get our hands on those stickers!
Read more about Moo and their sticker expansion [Here]
Posted by taj at 04:04 PM
Link Heavy. Sneaker Freaker 10 Launch
Link Heavy. Sneaker Freaker 10 Launch: Sneaker Freaker issue 10 is coming! We talked about their amazing ad campaign a few weeks back*. And I'm sure you've read our super cool interview with Woody*. Now for their launch you can actually feel the good vibes in person.
Next week starts their world tour. There are a lot of magazines out there. There are a lot of magazines that represent a movement or culture. But very few of them live their mission as clearly as the folks at Sneaker Freaker. Be sure to check out the tour dates and catch up with one of the finest niche publications. We've posted the dates after the jump.
Posted by taj at 03:41 PM
July 12, 2007
Art & Design. ISM Magazine
Art & Design. ISM Magazine: ISM is the counter balance. As a powerful non-profit, the organization supports the arts with great publications, events and contagious ideas. We were first introduced to them through their magazine. ISM's journalistic approach to art and culture inspires Dork. And now that they're a non-profit, their smart approach to the art community can effect more people in an even more powerful way.
To celebrate ISM's special re-introduction as a non-profit organization they've invited artists from around the world, both emerging and established, to participate in a competition for the opportunity to be featured on the cover of their Autumn 2007 issue. Staying true to their mission, every single artist will be given an equal chance to have their work displayed on newsstands from Los Angeles to Sydney and everywhere in between. Don't miss this! We've posted more info about the contest after the jump.
Read more about ISM and their new non-profit organization [Here]
+++
The ISM Magazine Contest
A panel of judges, the "ISM Luminaries", will decide the final outcome of the Autumn 2007 COVER. The ISM Luminaries are made up of artisans and culturalistas from all walks of the art world and have through the years established themselves as some of the most definitive voices in their respective fields. ISM: a community project is honored to call these panelists friends just as we are proud of the opportunity to call you family.
Guidelines for submission of work
+ Use any medium (illustration, painting, photography, etc.)
+ Include our logo (Download Logo: [JPG] or [ILLUSTRATOR])
+ Inspire the world
+ All submissions must be in by July 21st 2007
+ All submissions need to be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches
+ All submission samples must be emailed to info@ISMcommunity.org
* Mark Ryden, Tokidoki, Kurt Halsey, Eric White, Blaine Fontana, David Choe, Gary Baseman and Bua have all graced the ISM cover...
+++
Don't forget to put this event on your calendar as well
Posted by taj at 12:52 PM
Art & Design. Toshimitsu Hayakawa
Art & Design. Toshimitsu Hayakawa: Ping Mag captures another example of art in functional spaces. This time they've caught up with Sento artist, Toshimitsu Hayakawa to discuss his work, process and history. It's an interesting read.
As reported by Ping: "A vivid blue paint fills the huge wall of the Sento, the public bath house, and in no time, bold brush strokes with great momentum create an image of Mount Fuji and crashing waves… As a long-standing tradition, Japanese Sento users have enjoyed many of these panoramic views on the walls of their beloved hazy bath houses which are an integral part of Japanese life. PingMag was lucky to accompany Sento artist, Toshimitsu Hayakawa, at work at the “Asahiyu” bath house in the Tokyo neighbourhood of Shinnakano - at 7am in the morning. What a rare incident, as you usually would have to go there as a customer to get to see his paintings at all…"
Read more about Sento artist, Toshimitsu Hayakawa [Here]
Posted by taj at 12:06 PM
People. Sean Marc Lee
People. Sean Marc Lee: The other day someone asked who's our favorite photographer. A few folks came to mind, but recently our favorite works have been from the camera of Sean Marc Lee. There's an airy composition in his photos that reflect everyday life with a hint of magic. I'm not sure how else to describe it.
When Sean's photos are dramatic, they hit you with such subtly that they're believable. And, when they're quiet or reserved, the calm atmosphere developed by his color balance, lighting and contrast pull you right into the center of the photo and infect you with its mood. Don't sleep on Sean's photography. If you're a photographer, you'll be inspired by his work.
Check out Sean Marc Lee's photography [Here]
Posted by taj at 10:57 AM
July 11, 2007
Kicks & Tees. Riottt x Nike 1Thology
Kicks & Tees. Riottt x Nike 1Thology: The Riottt folks are doing their thing. Right now they're hosting a contest for the Nike 1Thology jam. Check out the deets below and be sure to visit their site.
From their site: "Riottt.com and Nike are getting AF1 fans to submit their best AF1 stories about Nike's top 25 AF1's on www.riottt.com/af1. The top posted story on the site, as selected by Chris Vidal of Flight Club NY (site moderator) Riottt and Nike, will win two vouchers to a secret, super-exclusive NIKEiD Air Force One site. Second and Third place will win tons of exclusive AF1 gear. Visitors can post their stories as comments under the profiles for each of Nike's top 25 AF1's - or - in the five other "topic" profiles created by Riottt (sneaker collection, customized AF1's, kicks you're wearing, kicks your looking for, your top 25 AF1's)."
Read more about the Riottt x Nike 1Thology [Here]
Posted by taj at 11:48 PM
Events. The Adi Cup LA
Events. The Adi Cup LA: This is one of our favorite events - a great brand matched with a great sport outing. It's probably best that we're not involved. No one wants to witness our west indian / nigerian collabo completely wipe out the rest of the squads. Until then we'll keep our dominance local. ha!
About the event via Hypebeast: "This Saturday July 14th, the soccer field at Crossroads School in Santa Monica will be the location of some furious soccer action as this year’s adiCup Los Angeles goes down. Building on last years success, this years tournament looks to be a great time with 20 teams made up of some of your favorite LA business’ and brands vying for the top prize. The tournament will also provide drinks, BBQ and music by DJ King Britt."
Read more about the Adi Cup LA [Here]
Posted by taj at 11:37 PM
July 10, 2007
DM Journal. Summer Hits
DM Journal. Summer Hits: So far the summer has been a complete success. The last few months were packed with hits. Considering events like the much anticipated iPhone, the release of Transformers and this beautiful East Coast weather, it's safe to say we've been pleased. We can't remember a summer being this rewarding since we were teenagers.
To briefly capture the moment, we've highlighted a few of our favorites. Mind you, this list is far from complete, but it briefly describes what kind of summer it's been. Also, while we're on the topic of summer, have you all checked out our DM Rootdown Show 9? It's a classic. Anyway, be sure to view our summer favs after the jump.
Three & Three: Three points about three things DM is digging.
The Apple iPhone
+ It's sturdier than anyone anticipated.
+ Finally being able to use iCal and Address Book to organize our life.
+ It's the perfect marriage of form and function.
Nike Crosstrainers
+ We missed our chance to buy these the first time. Now they're back!
+ The colorway highlights our favorite composition - dark grey with sharp bright colors.
+ These sneakers are among the most comfortable in our closet.
Ocean's Thirteen
+ Al Pacino (the pacing of this movie was well done.)
+ Al Pacino (ironically he's not featured in the above pic.)
+ Al Pacino (oh and the cinematography is really fantastic too.)
-- fin
Posted by taj at 01:41 PM
July 06, 2007
Audio. DM Rootdown Radio 009
Audio. DM Rootdown Radio 009: Someone told us that the above pic represents 9 in a scientific analysis of nuetrons and ions. Sounds good to us. Besides, it looks fresh too. We could see that being the album cover of a super hip group. So why not make it the cover pic for our 9th Rootdown? Dorks can be hip too. For number 9 Ken gives you another dose of his crushing audio.
[Words and Music by Ken Peebles] Summer is here! It is intensely hot around my place. I love it though. I can understand people feeling it’s too hot, but I’m all about it. Summer is easily my favourite season. In that spirit, I’ve provided some smooth grooves for summertime run. I hope you enjoy.
Listen to DM Rootdown Radio Show Number 9 [Here]
1. Good Times Theme / Camp lo – Black Nostaljack
I had to drop that Good Times theme in front of this because not only is it cool but Camp Lo flipped it in the video version of this song. I remember everyone really freaking out when Camp Lo originally dropped. They presented something so different for the time. The beats where straight out of a 70’s Soul soundtrack and the lyrics had all this crazy slang. I still call those b-boy style hats Hathaway’s because of these guys. Tracks like Swing had the underground going nuts, but this album is solid front to back. It’s a shame that Camp Lo disappeared for so long after this debut. When they surfaced again they never quiet captured the magic found here.
2. Sergio Mendes f. Q-tip & Will.i.am – The Frog
It’s funny how things just start matching up sometimes. Maybe it’s just the way it floats into your conscious. It’s like being interested in buying a MINI and then seeing them everywhere all of a sudden. I had only recently discovered who Sergio Mendes was before the name caught my attention in a local CD spot. I did my usual store review at the listening station and took particular note of this song. Will.i.am has been doing his thing the past year or two and who can be mad at a verse from Q-Tip.
3. De La Soul – Copa Cabanga
I remember at the time this came out I was working at a factory. I worked with this dude who rocked nothing but reggae and the most commercial hip hop. He did his best to explain why Swiss Beatz is a genius and I did my best to explain why Mos Def was the future. We went back and forth, but when this dropped we could both agree on De La. These guys are just one of the most consistent groups in hip hop. This whole album is pure enjoyment.
4. Ahmad – Back in the day
Whoa. Going way, way back. I usually remember music in terms of being in some specific place with my walkman, but with this I really remember the video. This puts me right in the middle of summer at my man Adam’s house. We used to play ball in the morning and then chill all day watching rap videos and drawing graffiti. Adams house was great because he had an outdoor pool and a steady stash of cola. This song was great then, but after all this time I really get it. Funny that those were my days. I miss those summers.
5. Jay-Z – Dear Summer
Wait. Jay-Z? Yes I love Jay too and even though I would normally dip into something a little less recognizable for the Dork show I thought Jay’s been getting a bit of a bad rap lately. We all need to remember how fly he is with his. On top of that this song is just so perfect to stroll with in the sunny weather. That beat is beautiful.
Listen to past DM Rootdowns [Here]
Posted by taj at 02:34 PM
July 05, 2007
Events. Re-Run with Nike
Events. Re-Run with Nike: powerHouse puts together great events. As a publishing brand they've unearthed our favorite collections of art and photography. Staying true to form, they've teamed up with Nike for another substance filled event. This Saturday if you're in Brooklyn, be sure to check out Re-Run.
Here's more information from their site: "On July 7, 2007, The powerHouse Arena will present RE-RUN, a contemporary installation that celebrates the renegade spirit and energy of running in the 1970s. The installation is set within the context of a three-dimensional wooden modular structure, and based on alternative architecture from the 70s. RE-RUN composes 77 panels featuring vintage Nike Running images juxtaposed with photography, graphics, and a series of specially commissioned artworks created by some of today’s leading young contemporary artists. Created to revisit an era gone by, but presented in a modern context, RE-RUN stimulates and inspires in an irreverent way, exploring the connection between running, sport lifestyle, and design. The installation encourages looking back in order to move forward, but never forgetting that sometimes the simplest actions can change the world for the better."
Check out the Re-Run Installation starting July 7 at powerHouse [Here]
Posted by taj at 02:31 PM
Travel. DM in Antwerp
Travel. DM in Antwerp: It's another Dork adventure. A few weeks ago we invaded Antwerp and Brussels in Belgium. It was a great trip. The people were friendly. The fashion was on point. The history was fascinating, and the food was out of control. Who could hate on a place known for its Fries!
While we were there, a close friend took us to a park dedicated to murals and graf. It was stunning to say the least. At the cross section of modern and traditional architecture lies an explosion of color that radiates with expression. There's no way to articulate its size or impact. Check out the pics below and see for yourself.
About Antwerp
The city and municipality of Antwerp (Dutch: Antwerpen (help·info), French: Anvers) is a centre of commerce in Belgium and the capital of Antwerp province, in Flanders, one of Belgium's three regions. Antwerp's total population is ca. 461,496 (as of January 2006) and its total area is 204.51 km² with a population density of 2,257 inhabitants per km².
Antwerp has long been an important city in the nations of the Benelux both economically and culturally. It is on the right bank of the river Scheldt which is linked to the North Sea by the Westerschelde. Antwerp's seaport, one of the world's largest and after the port of Rotterdam the second largest in Europe, has a high level of cargo shipping and oil refineries traffic. Families of the large Hasidic Jewish community have traditionally controlled Antwerp's global centre of the diamond trading industry, although the last two decades have seen Indian and Armenian traders become increasingly important.[via]
A park off of Munthof in Antwerp
Posted by taj at 12:25 AM