Tropolism: John Powers

by Ami Kealoha

Rekindling dormant grade and grad school fantasies at Tropolism today, Brooklyn-based artist John Powers' geometric sculptures, installations, drawings, and paintings reference fine art, pop culture, and his own obsessively imagined, completely fantastical worlds. Triggering deep childhood fantasies of "landscapes like the surface of the Death Star in Episode IV: A New Hope," as well as memories of architecture models, Tropolism picks the Sci-Fi Wahabi #1 (pictured) and Voluntaries #23a for its white scaffolding that's reminscent of Sol LeWitt.

Hennessy Hammock Tent

by Ami Kealoha

For serious backpackers or serious loungers, Hennessy Hammock Tents are a well-designed hammock-tent hybrid, providing shade and shelter in a wide range of terrains—from the Amazon to your backyard. Asymmetrical engineering makes for maximum comfort by positioning the body along a diagonal axis. Bug-, wind-, and waterproof, Hennessys also feature an automatic snap closure, the "Perfect Set" curve that keeps backs straight and level, and an anti-tipping design. Available in a variety of sizes and weights from Hennessy or REI.

Also on Cool Hunting: Summertime Rules: A Guide to Outdoor Furniture

Puffy AmiYumi

by Wendy Dembo

Puffy AmiYumi is playing tomorrow night, 11 July 2006, at the World Financial Center Plaza. Presently in the midst of celebrating the 10th year of their luminous career, the duo is so much more than a manufactured J-pop girl band. At this point they're more like a veritable pop culture institution; it's a very special treat to see them perform live.

Over the last decade Puffy AmyYumi has hosted their own weekly TV show in Japan, "Pa-Pa-Pa-Pa-Puffy,*" starred in the action-packed cartoon, "Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi,” were featured as a float in the 2005 Macy’s Day Parade, and Mattel is making dolls in their likeness. And, of course, Puffy Amiyumi makes music, selling millions of records in Japan and collaborating with super foxy Jon Spencer of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion on their upcoming album Splurge. Due out 25 July 2006, purchase it from Amazon.

*Sean “Puffy” Combs' prevents them from going by Puffy in the U.S.

Puffy AmiYumi
Tuesday, 11 July 2006, 7pm
World Financial Center Plaza
New York, NY 10281 map
tel +1 212 945 0505

Gilles Peterson: Back in Brazil

by Ami Kealoha

Two years after the lauded In Brazil, Gilles Peterson revisits his longstanding love for that country's music with Back In Brazil, a two-disc set that spans undiscovered classics from the '60s and 70s' as well as of-the-minute Brazilian sounds. The first album, Das Velhas, features an old school collection of kitschy gems that have made frequent appearances on Gilles playlists over the years, including Wilson das Neves' homage to the West Coast, "California Soul," and the trippy instrumental "Reflexos" by Luis Eça. Disc two, titled Novas, is a journey through today's Brazilian reggae and bossanova, with doses of hip-hop, like on "Zé Brasileiro" by Rappin Hood and with the dirty house-funk of "Sounds Like" by DJ collective Bugz in the Attic. Play Novas on hot summer days and make Das Velhas the soundtrack as the days turn to warm summer nights. Pick it up from Amazon.

The Beautiful Game

by m ss ng p eces

In this Episode of CH Video we explore 'The Beautiful Game' (soccer that is) and its correlation with contemporary art by spotlighting a recent New York City wide exhibition of the same name curated by Trevor Schoonmaker and Franklin Sirmans. In a recent tour of Roebling Hall Art Gallery, co-curator Sirmans explains the motivations and ideas of contributing artists from around the globe.

Le Cool Changed My Life

by SummerSeventySix

Like no other guide book you've seen, Le Cool Changed My Life. A Weird And Wonderful Guide To Barcelona didn't quite change my life but it certainly made my trip to Barcelona a lot more fun. The second edition is just out and British editor Andrew sent a few over for us to check out.

The small hardbound guide may look like Mao's Little Red Book, but once you open it up you'll see the quotes aren't exactly from the Chinese Chairman. Who better than locals in the know to help you make sense of the city's labyrinthine streets? Hip Catalans share their tips on where to eat; the guy who started local chocolate-chain Xocoa describes his ideal day in the city; and the man who runs an association for Barcelona's fashion designers gives up where he buys his own threads. In between, there's everything from walking guides linking the essential shops, a matter-of-fact pricelist for illegal narcotics and where to find a good sex club (should the need arise). The best hotels get a mention too, but Gaudi is kept to a minimum.

Originally born from a free weekly email guide to Barcelona, this new edition features about 30 more pages than the original with many redesigned sections. There are also lovely illustrated maps courtesy of local designers Vasava.

Check out the site for a good look at the guide. It's available now directly from Le Cool, and on Amazon UK from 17 August 2006.

We have two copies to give away. Send us an email in the next day and let us know why you need a copy; the two best answers get a free guide, practically ensuring a great time in the Catalan capital.

Winners of the contest can be found here