Art 3.0

For those of you aspiring artists there is a new website where you can showcase your work and interact with other artists, Heywire Gallery, was recently launched to be the premier gallery for artists to share ideas, collaborate, and interact with each other. One notable user who introduced many to the site is, Kaws, who has his own page on Heywire.

Madfoot Fresh Kicks

Japanese footwear company, Madfoot! just released a slew of new sneakers on their online shop. They have some slip-ons, Mad Witnesses, Mad Zones, Mad Professors, Mad Predators, Mad Basees, Mad Daaams, etc… Each of them are available in different colours through their online shop.

Visvim New Year Collection

Visvim has develop quite a recent following these past few years due to their simplistic approach to clothing. Hiroki Nakamura, the creative director of Visvim, has created a brand which focuses on quality and on the smallest details.

You could even say buyers of the brand want to buy it because they want to live the Visvim lifestyle. Anyhow, Visvim has recently released a New Years Collection which includes two models of shoes, the FBT and the Kiefer Hi. Two colorways are available for each model. The predominantly black shoes will be accented with either red or blue.

The FBT's will retail for 29,400 Yen while the Kiefer Hi will retail for 28,350 Yen. Both are now available at Chapter World.

Google: To Infinity And Beyond

Internet giant Google said Thursday Dec. 27 that it will give $20 million to the first private group to land a roving robot on the lunar surface — a prize likely to start a 21st-century space race.

The competition is open to groups from around the world, as long as they get no more than 10% of their funding from government sources.

For a team to win the $20 million grand prize, its vehicle must ramble at least a quarter-mile over the lunar surface and send video back to Earth. A $10 million second prize is reserved for the first spacecraft that can't rove but still transmits data from moon to Earth.

Imagine live video feeds from the moon, all brought to us by our friends at google.

Crooks and Castles...Accessory Swagger

These few items from Crookes and Casltes December addition are sure to turn heads. It seems they took after Weezy F. with all this red croc print. Now even PSPs can be fresh with this Red and Green striped carrying case. Add the keychain, bill-fold, and belt to keep your outfit together.

Dubai World Taking Over

Dec. 28 -- Dubai World, the government-owned investment group, bought 5 million shares of MGM Mirage, boosting its stake in the world's second-largest casino company to 6.5 percent.

The group now holds 19.5 million shares of Las Vegas-based MGM, Dubai World said today in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Dubai bought the shares Dec. 26 for $424 million, or $84.80 a share, from the Lincy Foundation, a non- profit controlled by MGM majority shareholder Kirk Kerkorian.

Dubai World's investments include port operator DP World Ltd. and Barneys New York, a department store. On Dec. 26, its Istithmar World Real Estate fund completed the $1.15 billion sale of 230 Park Ave., a New York office building. If you have not already, google Dubai, you will see some amazing things.

Vudu...This Is No Black Magic

Now every night is a movie night. Check out this review of the new black box.

There's New Hope For America

Obama is a leader of change and is the most authentic and viable candidate in the 2008 Presidential race. It is a mistake for people to have the view that Barack Obama won’t be elected because he is Black. Why set artificial limits on what someone can do? What do we have to lose if we test this out? Barack Obama has the courage to run in the face of racial threats on his life.

Questionable leaders such as Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton represent business as usual. These corrupt leaders don’t support Barack Obama full blast because of what he represents: change and a different pedigree of leadership.

With Barack, you know he is sincere. Obama passed on employment at major law firms to work on community issues in the streets of Chicago. This was an early example of Obama’s character.
Getting behind Obama early in 08′ would be a statement for change, and change and innovation are deeply rooted in the Expressive Frontier culture.

We support him because he is the best candidate that represents our interests, understands our generation, and brings fresh ideas to the table.

Expressive Frontier officially endorses the Barack Obama campaign.

Apple Seeks Patent For Wireless Order Processing For Cafes

Apple is seeking to patent a system that would make it possible for a person to use a wireless gadget to place an order at a cafe or fast-food restaurant and pickup the order without waiting in line.
If the "wireless communication system" described in U.S. Patent Application No. 20070291710 becomes a product, then it would transform Apple into more than a computer and iPod maker and online seller of music and video. Instead, Apple would also become a middleman between restaurants, cafes, and possibly other merchants and their customers.

The latest application, filed Dec. 20, described a system in which a person approaching a cafe, fast-food, or take-out restaurant could place an order that would be received by an in-store computer. The person's order would be treated as if the customer was standing in line, which means he would be served before people placing orders after the remote order arrived.

The remote customer would receive a confirmation that the order was received and the approximate time it would be ready for pickup. The notification could be displayed as text or an image on the device's screen, or it could come via an audible message played through a device's speaker or earphones.

Orders could be placed through a media player, wireless PDA, or cell phone. The obvious benefit to customers would be in avoiding the wait in line to order their favorite coffee drinks or hamburgers.

But the system would also have benefits to restaurant owners beyond providing better service. Each customer using the system would get a unique identifier for tracking the establishments they visited and what they bought. The information would be stored in the devices and synchronized with the computers of participating merchants.

Technology is taking over, whats next, epidermis imbedded RFID tracking modules? Wait, those already exist.

Yea...Bet You Dont Have These

Everyone knows that Nike is a brand you can trust. Waraku brings you Nik's that you just can not find in other stores in the USA. These limited edition shoes, until now, were only sold in Japan. It's too easy to be normal, stand out from the crowd, get your shoe game up!

Exclusive Smell Goods

Men's lifestyle magazine Monocle collaborated with Japanese brand COMME des GARÇONS's perfumer, Antoine Maisondieu to create an exclusive scent titled Hinoki. The cedary and woody scent draws its inspirations from Japanese hot-spring baths as well as the Scandinavian forest. Available in 2008 at select COMME des GARÇONS retailers and at Monocle's online shop.

A dab here and there...next thing you know Vanessa, Sharon, and Tammy are on lock.

Stocks Fall After Bhutto Assassination

Oil prices surged and American stock markets took a tumble on Thursday as investors grappled with a slew of weak economic data and concerns about economic fallout from the assassination of the Pakistani political leader, Benazir Bhutto.

Oil prices jumped more than $1, to $97.36 a barrel, the highest price in more than a month, after the Energy Department said domestic petroleum supplies dropped last week. Most of the increase came after a disappointing inventory report, and some analysts said the violence in Pakistan had little effect on the market. Oil prices ended the day at $96.75, up 67 cents.

“How many traders know where she fits into the political spectrum in Pakistan, and how many would be able to digest what the risk would be for that area of the world?”. “I don’t think very many.”

The major European markets appeared to shrug off the news, with a benchmark London index ending the day in positive territory. French and German markets also retained their gains. Maybe the US just needs to chill out a bit.

Ron English - Abject Expressionism

Last Gasp released Ron English’s latest book, entitled Abject Expressionism. The 208 page hardcover that features a foreward by Morgan Spurlock consists of the artist’s work spanning 20 years. It depicts everything from staged photography, to neo-Surrealist oil paintings, to street art. Currently, you can only buy the book through Yumfactory, but it will be available soon through retailers. Kind of trippy if you ask me, have some herb and enjoy.

Time Is Money Baby

Not so long ago, I peeped a pic of an L-R-G x Suzuki Hayabusa motorbike. It appears as though L-R-G has a G-Shock ready to go soon. The white colorway includes green and yellow along the dial. A special box is included. No word yet on availability aside from the Complex Store. LRG gets some points for this one, still a bt too similar to the BAPE G-Shock.

How Atlanta Hustled up to Become the Capital of Hip-Hop by Chris Ryan

Within the last 10 years, Atlanta has risen to prominence as one of the new mecca's of hip-hop. Chris Ryan breaks down this formula to success with Atlanta's foundation laid in the scene's unwillingness to wait for big labels to sign local talent and their diverse styles. Add in tracks which offer a real life glimpse into the world of Atlanta, and you have what is arguably a genre that is easy to understand and tangible. The article by can seen here at Fader.

Gotta Rep DC...This Is For Neon Deon

Two famous local institutions in their own right teamed up with DC Shoes to each offer their own take on DC's the Gatsby. Virgina based streetwear store Commonwealth and Amsterdam's skate shop Ben G have each established themselves as popular shopping destinations and were well deserving of their own sneakers. Commonwealth chose to take an old meets new approach with the use of a Maharam fabric originally destined for use on furniture while Ben G went about things with a brighter approach with an all-over pattern of colorful rain. No word yet on availability.

Once You've Graduated From Footlocker...

Visvim has just released a new Logan Elk Lo which features nice buttery elk leather and a suede toe box. Visvim has always been known for their simplicity and these Logans are no different. They come in three simple colorways including brown, black and white.

Visvim: Once You've Graduated From Footlocker...

Visvim has just released a new Logan Elk Lo which features nice buttery elk leather and a suede toe box. Visvim has always been known for their simplicity and these Logans are no different. They come in three simple colorways including brown, black and white. A nice casual shoe, but still fresh.

Brazil's Bovespa Gains, Led by Cesp, Banco Itau: Latin Stocks

Brazilian stocks rose for the fourth time in a week, led by retailers and banks, after Christmas shopping increased from last year and lending rose in November.

The Bovespa Index's gain was led by Cia. Energetica de Sao Paulo, Brazil's third-largest power generator, which rose the most since shares started trading in Sao Paulo after the government approved plans to sell its controlling stake. Lojas Americanas SA, Brazil's biggest retailer, advanced the most in three weeks.

``All the figures are indicating that Christmas sales were very strong,'' said Eduardo Favrin, who oversees $3 billion as head of equities at HSBC Investments Brasil and expects banks and consumer stocks to lead the Bovespa index in 2008. ``The economic reality justifies the gains.''

The Bovespa index of most-traded shares on the Sao Paulo exchange rose 661.46, or 1.1 percent, to 63,759.17 at 9.56 a.m. New York time. The measure has gained 43 percent this year, thus proving that Brasil in well positioned for economic growth in 2008.

Dollar Still Dropping Like Its Hot

The dollar fell the most in more than five weeks versus the euro on concern slumping retail sales and falling house prices will sustain bets on further Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts next quarter.

The U.S. dollar declined against 12 of 16 most-active currencies after Target Corp., the second-biggest U.S. discount chain, said same-store sales may fall as much as 1 percent as customer visits slowed after the Thanksgiving holiday.

``The outlook for U.S. growth remains weak, which puts pressure on the dollar,'' said Michael Woolfolk, senior currency strategist at the Bank of New York Mellon in New York, the world's largest custodial bank with over $20 trillion in assets under administration. ``The dollar is losing ground.''

Long story short, we are able to buy less with US currency in 2008

Tech Taking Over...2008 Geek Takeover?

The economy may be looking sketchy, but the world's geeks are doing OK if Amazon.com's sales figures are anything to go by. Amazon Wednesday declared the 2007 season the Seattle-based online retailer's "best ever."

Amazon's holiday was much jollier. Amazon said the number of items ordered on its busiest day, Dec. 10, rose about 35% to 5.4 million items from "roughly" 4 million items during its busiest holiday shopping day last year. With Amazon citing hot sales of items such as the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye and Nintendo (other-otc: NTDOY.PK - news - people ) Wii, maybe Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos should have described it as its geekiest, instead.

Amazon's figures also point to a happy holiday season for Nintendo, Apple (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ) and global positioning system (GPS) specialist Garmin (nasdaq: GRMN - news - people ). Amazon said it sold 17 Nintendo Wii gaming systems a second--when it had them in stock.

And...He's Outta There!

It’s over. Jay-Z will step down as the president of Def Jam when his contract expires this year. What will big homey's next move be? We can imagine the facial expressions on LL and every other Def Jam artist who believed Jay-z was the root of their problems. Some say Jay may be on his way to Universal...Cash Money? nah...

HAPPY CHRISTMAHANAKWANZAKA FROM EXPRESSIVE FRONTIER!

Peace and blessings to all. The EF staff hopes that you enjoy this day with your loved ones, and remember that this is the day to give. Stay posted for updates for the new year.

China Entrepreneur Confidence Falling On Economic Overheating Concerns

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - China's central bank said a quarterly survey shows that the country's entrepreneur confidence continued to fall as more entrepreneurs deem the country's economy is getting overheated.

It said that inflationary pressure 'is continuing to grow', with 39.8 pct of respondents saying raw materials prices are increasing, 13.9 percentage points higher from the same period last year and the highest level since March 1997.

Nike Future Sole Design Competition

I remember a few years ago, NikeTalk was a haven for some unreal sketches of visionary shoe designers. The names have eluded me now, but some guy I remember scored a gig with FILA as well. Nike has initiated the Future Sole Design Competition for budding high school students to submit their designs in hopes of becoming a new footwear designer for Nike. The contest begins January 1st, 2008 and wraps up May 15th, 2008. A full list of information and rules can be seen here.

From Black Credit to Black Card

Kanye West is featured in this month’s issue of Spin Magazine. Check out this quote below:

“I’m a pop enigma. I live and breathe every element in life. I rock a bespoke suit and I go to Harold’s for fried chicken. It’s all these things at once, because, as a tastemaker, I find the best of everything. There’s certain things that black people are the best at and certain things that white people are the best at. Whatever we as black people are the best at, I’m a go get that. Like, on Christmas I don’t want any food that tastes white. And when I go to purchase a house, I don’t want my credit to look black.”

Kanye is always one to speak his mind, now he just has to get Lupe to stop swagger jackin.

Google, Warp Factor 5...Engage

Google is usually fairly tight lipped about future product releases. But they were surprisingly revealing about upcoming plans for Google Apps at an event in Ann Arbor earlier this week. Blogger Andrew Miller took some great notes from a presentation by Googler Scott Johnston, the VP of Product Development.

First, Google Sites, an evolution of Google Page Creator, will launch in 2008. Google Sites will be based on JotSpot collaboration tools and will allow businesses to create intranets, project management tracking, extranets and other custom sites.

We should also expect Google Docs, Gmail and Calendar to soon work offline via Google Gears.

Weezy...His Future?

Lil Wayne talks about future plans:

“When I’m 30 or 35, I don’t want to be into this s**t no more. I want to own a basketball team or some kind of team. That’s why I’m in the studio every night. Now, I’m 25. You think I’m gonna be doing this s**t 10 years from now? Or even five? That’s my drive.”

Wayne has had a spectacular 2007 year, with hits like Gossip, Im a Beast, and 1000 degrees he marked his place as The Best Rapper alive. With the upcoming 2008 release of C3, expect to be blown away with lyrical ammo. Look out for that Wayne EF collabo real soon!

Shoulda Listened to Dame...Be Authentic, Maintain Integrity

Hova's business swagger did not impress Fortune Magazine. He ranks as #32 on their “The 101 Dumbest Moments in Business, 2007″ list. His Rocawear brand was found guilty of using dog hair in place of faux fur. Now we all know the type of dudes that still wear Rocawear...lame gamers get ya gear up!

Others that made the list include O.J., Isiah Thomas, and Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones.

Alife Of Their Own...The Jump On Spring Kicks

Fresher Than Your Average J's

Gourmet has recently been getting some serious press lately due to its shoes that look a lot like some Air Jordans. They have released a picture on their blog of some samples from their collection that will be coming out next year. Inspired by Jordans, these new shoes will come in several different colorways. Look out for these flashy sneakers to drop in the Summer of 2008.

BAPE MAGAZINE...super exclusive!

Bape Paper Version 7.0 has hit important Bape clientèle in possession of Bape Members cards. The magazine highlights upcoming special exclusive items for sale through Nigo's Favorite Shop (NFS). These included modified Shark Hoodies, which among them feature an all white piece. The magazine is not for sale through any licensed retailers.

It looks like Skateboard P and Nigo are back at the top of fashion exclusivity.