Simon Høgsberg: We're All Going To Die - 100 Meters of Existence

by Evan Orensten

Photographer Simon Høgsberg's new work, We're All Going To Die - 100 Meters of Existence was shot from a bridge overlooking a railroad platform in Berlin in the summer of 2007. 178 people have been captured in this impressive 100 meter wide image (highlights above and below).

The power of the portraits is in the subjects expressions—you can feel what they are thinking in the moment. We also really liked the scrolling interface to explore the photo.

Høgsberg's uncanny ability to bring insight into the thoughts of his subjects was explored in an earlier work that we also like, The Thought Project, which captures portraits and has brief statements of the subjects that tell what they were thinking when the photo was taken (below).

via My Formative

La Suite, Rio de Janeiro

by Ami Kealoha

Set on a cliff in one of Rio de Janeiro's most exclusive neighborhoods, staying at the seven-room boutique hotel La Suite is much like having a private residence in the city but with the amenities of a luxury hotel—and then some. Joel, Greg and I had the chance to experience it first-hand when we visited after the recent São Paulo Fashion Week.

Co-owners François and Rodrigo are perfect hosts, providing unobtrusive and gracious service that makes for a personal experience without any of the frustrations of larger properties. The simple option of having a freshly-made breakfast served at any time of day was a true luxury that we all relished after nights out sampling Rio's impressive nightlife. Making our way up the stairs late the next morning (or in some cases afternoon) to find the table laid out for a four-course breakfast on the terrace and lingering over the sweeping views of Rio, we realized it was about the best it gets.

In addition to getting us out of a real bind with our rental car, another example of the kind of exceptional hospitality that François and Rodrigo provide was the hassle-free check out and check in. Upon arriving late in the evening, we mentioned that we wanted to go out. After showering, we went upstairs where Francois handed us a print-out of the area we had talked about with a few spots highlighted, even giving us a name to drop at one club so we could jump the line. When it was time to say goodbye, Francois informed us before we had a chance to ask that a late check out wasn't a problem.

Several other features proved to be on par with the general sense of comfort La Suite maintains. Stocked with the softest towels I've ever come across at a hotel, as well as local products by Granado, the spacious marble bathrooms were elegantly appointed. The air-conditioned rooms themselves, also the work of the owners, belong to the class of irreverently luxurious chic, with antique furniture, pop art, au courant colors (each room is a different one) and elaborate chandeliers. Each also includes its own balcony and unbelievable views.

Other areas of the hotel include an infinity pool (still under construction when we were there) and a plunge pool surrounded by gorgeous tropical landscaping and a charming small parrot, as well as a lobby/lounge area filled with books and often inhabited by Jolie, the resident dachschund.

The secluded location of La Suite makes for a respite from Rio and fun late-night drives along Oscar Niemeyer drive winding between favelas and the ocean. It also provides access to beaches that are more popular with locals than with tourists (like in Barra, try Pepe beach) while also being close enough to Ipanema so that you don't feel too isolated.

To book, see Mr & Mrs Smith, rates start at 300€.

La Suite
501 Rua Jackson de Figueiredo
Joatinga, Rio de Janeiro
Brazil map

Thames & Kosmos Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Kits

by Brian Fichtner

Although the Rhode Island-based Thames & Kosmos has only been around since 2001, the science kit manufacturer has a roster of more than 57 award-winning kits. This prolific output has been possible, no doubt, through partnership with the respected German publisher Kosmos, which has been producing experimental sets since 1922. (Its chemistry set won a gold medal at the 1937 World's Fair.)

Thames & Kosmos has been publishing eco-driven science kits since its inception. In fact, the first product to be introduced to the States under the label was the Fuel Cell kit. At last week's NYC Toy Fair, the company introduced four new kits in its Alternative Energy and Environmental Science line-up, one of which was a revised and sportier (see above) version of the Fuel Cell Car and Experiment kit. Available this fall for $169, we're guessing this kit might be a popular holiday gift for automotive executives.

Another revised edition is the new Power House Green Essentials Edition. A follow-up to the best selling Power House Kit, the new edition is geared towards kids ten and up, and features 30 experiments over ten energy-related models: the power house itself, a greenhouse, a solar cell array, a passive solar collector, a solar oven, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a hydrometer, a lemon battery and a wind power generator.

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Illustrator Andrea Innocent

by Lost At E Minor

Melbourne artist Andrea Innocent's illustrations are beautiful, stylized and surreal. Borrowing from the Ukiyo-e tradition of woodblock printing that became popular in Japan in the seventeenth century, Innocent uses crisp lines and monochromatic color to create poster-style works. Ukiyo-e, meaning "pictures of the floating world," were often images of otherworldly scenes and people. Like those of her forebears, Innocent's works are ethereal, populated by ghostly characters caught in moments of contemplation, sadness, joy and despair. Innocent is inspired by elements of Japanese culture and folklore, with her work, Horror Otaku, being a tribute to the Japanese horror film genre, while her illustration Tanuki Girl is inspired by the mythical tale of the shape-shifting, mischievous tanuki, or racoon-dog.

Tiny Love Toys

by Karen Day

We keep upping the ante on gadgets and toys, taking them to smarter levels and adding more bells and whistles, but baby toys seem to remain somewhat the same. Tiny Love is changing that though, by enhancing design classics like the mobile and play mat with imaginative and constructive concepts that engage and challenge a baby during their critical first year.

For instance, the stroller and car seat arch attachment keeps the baby entertained with little toys like a sun prism, rattling butterfly ball and musical flower mirror, but are designed to also heighten sensory stimulation, encourage fine and gross motor skills, increase cognition and provide emotional intelligence. The flexible arch can be adjusted to angle towards the baby, or raised and lowered to any desired degree, making it more or less difficult for the baby to pull and manipulate the toys, an action that helps the baby learn cause and effect.

The leading expert in developmental toys, Tiny Love has received innumerable awards for their commitment to quality and innovation. Their products are sold in more than 40 countries, and can be purchased online or check the website for a list of shops near you.