Hands On with the Lexus LFA

by Evan Orensten, 4 February 2010

We recently had the chance to check out the streamlined LFA, the first super car built by Lexus. While we're waiting for our test drive, we did sit in and explore the car in-depth.

Marking Lexus' 20th anniversary, the LFA leverages the brand's design and engineering expertise to both celebrate how far they've come as a brand, as well as demonstrate their wide-eyed vision of their future. Built by hand, the 500 LFAs feature the specs and capabilities of other super cars but does so in a (slightly) more accessible way. Each is, of course, extensively customizable.

The LFA is constructed out of carbon fiber, keeping it ultra lightweight but extremely durable. Redlining at 9,000 rpm, the 4.8-liter V10 engine easily reaches its top speed of 202 miles per hour and goes zero to 60mph in 3.6 seconds. Each of the 500 will be custom-built according to the owner's specifications, but will be precisely engineered to function beautifully both on and off the racetrack.

One of our favorite features is the digital speedometer (see video above), which changes depending on driving mode selected. The press of a button on the steering wheel moves the speedometer to the right, exposing secondary data and controls for other functions.

While ownership in this exclusive club is extremely limited, Lexus fans can look forward to some of the LFA's technology and features (especially the CFRP construction) to be included in standard production cars. The Lexus LFA is available for order worldwide for $350,000. Contact your local Lexus dealer for details.

Good Magazine's Tips to Slow Down

by Maggie York-Worth, 4 February 2010

The most recent issue of Good Magazine focuses on a notion that's come dangerously close to extinction: slowing down. Covering such widespread topics as agriculture, communities against suburban sprawl and cheating death, the mag has a nifty "Good (and readymade) Guide to Slowing Down." One of our favorites from this DIY list is number six, "How to Cultivate Conscious Laziness."

Good posits the truly radical notion of staying in bed all day as one that's harder than it seems. The truly competent and successful among us don’t generally spend all day horizontal, but a true dedication to slowing down provides a different definition of success.

The concept involves not just sleeping to the wee hours of late afternoon, but truly and totally—in the spirit of John and Yoko—committing yourself to a bed-ful existence, and letting "sweet lethargy take over.”

With tongue-in-cheek humor, the advice doesn't forget the strangeness of such an exercise, recommending satin pajamas and smoking jackets, and a cocktail hour “to differentiate 'day' from 'night.'" The editors suggest infomercials, as well as flavored ice cubes (to keep tastebuds dazzled) and the ever useful "Fine Literature."

Read the full article on the Good site.

Primary Atmospheres: Works from California 1960-1970

by Brian Fichtner, 4 February 2010

If you happen to be in New York City this weekend, consider yourself lucky and make a bee line to Chelsea for the closing day of "Primary Atmospheres" at David Zwirner Gallery. The group exhibition presents a survey of minimalist work created in and around Los Angeles in the 1960s from artists Peter Alexander, Larry Bell, Laddie John Dill, Robert Irwin, Craig Kaufman, John McCracken, Helen Pashgian, James Turrell, De Wain Valentine and Doug Wheeler.

By the mid-'60s, these California artists had become widely engaged with Minimalism, creating work with a distinct West Coast sensibility. Often referred to as "Light and Space," this proto-movement was shaped by the unique atmosphere of southern California, with its bright light, shimmering automobiles and boundless aspiration. These elements suffused works with rich color and reflective qualities.

At the same time, new advances in plastics and applied paints—brought about through fields as diverse as aerospace technology as surfboard design—influenced the way artists made these works. Cutting-edge materials and processes, such as fiberglass reinforced polyester, cast polyester resin, and vacuum coated glass, led to astonishing surfaces and contributed to the moniker "Finish Fetish."

In a world besieged by up-to-the-minute news cycles that makes movement-defining culture, like the slow germination of shared purpose and sensibility, seem impossible, "Primary Atmospheres" is both a look at a future that once was, and perhaps an irretrievable past.

Primary Atmospheres: Works from California 1960-1970
Through 6 February 2010
David Zwirner Gallery
525 West 19th Street
New York, NY 10011 map
tel. +1 212 727 2070

The Impossible Lamp

by Maggie York-Worth, 4 February 2010

From designer Jeeves Basu, who recently pushed the boundaries of furniture and disbelief with his Rat Table, the London-based creative tinkerer is now using wax to paradoxically make a melted wax lampshade that's un-meltable.

Created by melting a candle over a glass shade, the Impossible Lamp stretches wax art into function without losing the strange, ephemeral quality of this material. Using a liquid-cooled LED bulb, Basu ensures its impossibility.

The artist-slash-designer is taking custom orders for his lamps through his website, where you can also see a motion capture video of his process and the final product. Prices available upon request.

BMC Handmade Beanies

by Karen Day, 4 February 2010

Super-soft BMC beanies are making grannies proud not only for their hand-knit construction, but also because for each hat purchased BMC donates one hat to a child who lost their hair due to chemotherapy.

Similar in concept to Krochet Kids, BMC keeps it authentically bohemian both in style and pursuit. A comfortable elastic band around the rim, secures their slouchy beanies on the head.

The four styles—small, medium and large slouch as well as a snug fit—in classic shapes suit any face. On a recent trip to San Diego, I found my large slouch to be just the trick for keeping hair out of my face during the day and my head warm at night.

Prices vary, but average just $20. Pick one up online from BMC.

Stank Sentiments for Sweethearts Valentine's Cards

by Maggie York-Worth, 3 February 2010

Shirking typical Hallmark sentiments, Stank Sentiments for Sweethearts offers a different kind of nostalgia with a series of alternative boldface (and type) messages that borrow from rap lyrics to woo the one who makes your knees go week.

We have L.A.-based design firm Kuro to thank for the refreshing respite from schmaltz and imitation sentimentality with simple statements like "I Love It When You Call Me Big Papa" and the classic "Oh, Me So Horny (Me Luv U Long Time)."

The letterpress cards use quotes from "such masters of hip-hop eloquence as 2 Live Crew, Lil' Wayne, Diddy and Sir Mix-A-Lot." The cards sell from their Etsy shop for $5 each, or a stack of six runs $25.

See more images after the jump.

The 99% Conference 2010

by Ami Kealoha, 3 February 2010

We speak for ourselves and our partners at Behance when we say we're thrilled today to announce the first six speakers in the line-up for our upcoming second annual 99% conference on how to execute good ideas. Top billing goes to Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey for obvious reasons, but Eve Blossom, who founded Lulan Artisans as a means to prevent human trafficking, also makes a topical presenter at the NYC event.

Other big names include RISD president John Maeda and Stefan Sagmeister, who likely needs no introduction so we'll just call him a design-savant. And rounding it out with names that might not ring as familiar, but whose resumes speak for themselves, we have Fred Wilson (the venture capitalist behind some of the biggest online products and services out there, like Twitter, Delicious, Tumblr, Foursquare and Etsy), as well as award-winning storyteller Jay O'Callahan, who counts NASA as a client. More speaker announcements are to come, so stay tuned for those.

Following the day of presentations on how these powerhouses accomplished so much, a second day of workshops—from improv and meditating to making online videos—provides more opportunities for learning and networking, not to mention the opening and closing parties. Tickets are going fast, so register now to get in on what Tina Roth Eisenberg of Swiss Miss called "hands-down the most inspiring conference I have yet attended."

The 99% Conference
15-16 April 2009
NY Times Center
242 West 41st Street
New York, NY 10036 map

Red Cashmere Valentine's Day Freehands

by Maggie York-Worth, 3 February 2010

To express your love and keep your beloved warm, Freehands red cashmere special edition gloves make a perfect Valentine's Day gift. These soft, cheery gloves have thumb and forefinger flaps that easily slip off the finger for easy use of mobile touch-screen devices. Missed calls and unanswered texts prevented by the struggles of tearing off bulky handwear with teeth can fade into memory.

Our own CH founder Josh Rubin established Freehands with his glovemaker father to facilitate the use of technology in cold weather. The gloves come in men's and women's sizes and sell for $70 at the Freehands site.