LAOROSA

Your Random Inspirational Photos... YIKES! (20pics)

2012-02-01T02:00:00.000-06:00

...is it Friday yet....???!!

Congratulations everybody, we made it to Hump-Day Wednesday and below are 20 Random Inspirational Photos (RIP) that will hopefully make the rest of your day bearable and the rest of your week stress-free... enjoy!

If you haven't already, don't forget to check-out last weeks RIP at this link... Wooohooo!!

HISTORY: Steve Jobs and NeXT Team Brainstorm Their Beginnings in 1987 (video)

2012-01-31T03:00:00.000-06:00

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to be in the same room with the visionary Steve Jobs, then please watch this inspiring 20 minute video.

The video below is a candid documentary depicting Mr. Jobs (31-years-old) and his team during the first 90 days of their new startup company NeXT. The video follows the team as they brainstorm, problem solve and joke around the meeting room as they figure out what their mission and business strategy is all about. As an additional treat, the video shows the the great graphic designer Paul Rand as he unveils the company logo to the NeXT team for the first time.

As a creative, designer and one who enjoys building a brand, I find this video not only inspiring but also motivational. It is interesting to see Steve Jobs in a casual setting instead of up on a stage as most of us are used to. And I especially enjoyed how the documentary was filmed in a first-person perspective as if I was sitting in the same room and part of the team :)

-very inspiring and worth the watch... enjoy!

The Villa Amanzi in Thailand

2012-01-31T02:00:00.000-06:00

Designed by Original Vision Architecture in 2008, the Villa Amanzi in Thailand has obvious similarities to Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water... Although there isn't a waterfall like 'Falling Water', it is a beautiful multilevel home that is built right into the natural landscape with an incredible interior to match.

The home is at once solid and airy; it’s meant to seem as if it grew out from the rock, yet, the view over the water stretches to the horizon. Indoor/outdoor living is taken advantage of, with an open air living room and dining room space melding seamlessly with the patio and wood decking of the pool. There are also sliding doors at the front of the house to encourage sea breeze and circulation. The saltwater pool, which juts out from the house, is cantilevered over the lower level in a spectacular feat of horizontal versus vertical layering.

Oh This? ...Its Just Wine Aged With a 4.5 Billion-Year-Old Meteorite.

2012-01-30T20:17:00.000-06:00

I would be the first to admit that I am not an expert in wine... and would make a lousy sommelier, BUT I would be the first in line to try this Cabernet Sauvignon that is aged with a 4.5 Billion-Year-Old meteorite...!!

The Cabernet is from the Ian Hutchinson's vineyard in Chile. The meteorite is approximately 3-inches long and originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. After crashing into Earth 6,000 years ago and recently discovered, this space rock sits in a wooden Cabernet barrel for 12 months at a time... Hutchinson claims that the meteorite gives the wine a 'livelier taste'... although curious to try it, not sure if my taste buds are sophisticated enough to even tell the difference. I guess I'll stick with normal 'boring' wine from Earth that I'm used to...

The wine is cleverly called Meteorito, about 10,000 liters have been produced so far and the price has not been publicly disclosed yet... (I'm guessing it won't be cheap)

via gizmodo

Logo Designs Of The Great Paul Rand.

2012-01-30T06:30:00.000-06:00

When it comes to timeless branding identities that have made an impact on modern corporate culture, one graphic designer stands at the top of the list... Paul Rand. Above is a collage and below is a list of corporate logos that he is best known for which includes IBM, ABC, UPS, NeXT, ENRON, Westinghouse, Yale and many more.

Also take time to watch the attached short video below of Steve Jobs and his impression of Paul Rand's design philosophy while working with him on the logo design for NeXT.

...and below is a logo he designed for FORD and was rejected.

A $2,300 Blackberry Designed by Porsche.

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-06:00

Sure (Research In Motion) RIM has a brand new CEO and yes there is a dedicated fan-base that still consider the 'CrackBerry' a reliable smartphones for business... even though many phones have come into popularity such as the HTC, Samsung and of course the mighty iPhone. And others unfortunately may be on the way out like Nokia and Motorola....

So what does RIM have up its sleeve?

They are releasing a new smartphone called the P'9981 designed by Porsche Design. As of now they are only available in the UK and the Middle East and will only set you back $2,300....!! Would you ever think about getting this...?

Check out the review on the hardware, software, camera, keyboard and other specs by engadget at this link.

via engadget

Creating Art With Glitchy 'Google Earth' Images.

2012-01-29T03:00:00.000-06:00

Check out these wacky Postcard images of roads and terrains created by artist and developer Clement Valla by using glitchy Google Earth images...
These mind-bending glitchy images were the result of Google's new automated system that uses the combination of cameras, satellites, terrain/map technology and other sources and wizardry to create the most realistic maps E-V-E-R.
Unfortunately for Google Earth, but fortunate for Clement, there are situations where 2D satellite imagery and 3D terrain don't line up correctly and the results are 'effed up....

(But waaaayy cool to look at!!) ....see more at the link below

via clement

Fun With Vinyl Sleeves...! (12 pics)

2012-01-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

With digital music as the popular form of music today, it is easy to forget the good old days of vinyl records.... if you got some of them still laying around, below are some fun photos that you can do with them.

Explore Mars In First-Person... NOW!

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-06:00

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but most of us if not ALL of us will most likely NEVER walk on the surface of Mars in our lifetime...

Despite this eye-opening fact, we can still experience the next best thing with these interactive sites from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory that allows us to explore the surface of Mars in a Google Earth-ish kinda way...
The first of the two interactive sites allows you to swipe, zoom and fly around the Gale Crater in high detail... the similarities to Google Earth are evident except it's frreeaaaakkinn' MARS... How Cool Is This! The second site puts you in full control in the driver seat of the Mars Rover Spirit as it roams the surface exploring craters. Just like the Google Maps Street View feature, the interactive capabilities of these sites are truly inspiring... (see demo video below)
...especially for this wannabe astronaut.

This is all part of NASA JPL/CalTech's outreach program. It's one thing to tell us what a rover saw and how far it went. It's quite another to drive along its tracks. It's more visceral and infinitely more engaging. It inspires you to want to know more about these, some of the most incredible expeditions the human race has ever undertaken. It's downright inspiring.

....if you have some time to spare, I encourage all of you to check this out :)

via gizmodo
• explore gale crater
• spirit's journey

Must Watch: Video Game Mash-Ups (10videos)

2012-01-27T01:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday Everyone...!

I'm not a video game 'geek' by any means, but I do admit growing up playing most of these classic games as a kid and I find it hilarious seeing them in these clever video mash-ups...
Classics such as Duck Hunt vs. Contra and Pac Man vs. Sonic or Donkey Kong vs. Mortal Kombat... and many more!

...must watch :)

via techeblog

Movie Posters From a Parallel Universe... (13pics)

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

Now here is a different take on the movies we all know and love... by seeing them as movie posters from an alternate-parallel universe...!

Artist Peter Stults took popular movies by depicting in a vintage-style movie poster of what they could have been if they were made in a different time period and with a totally different cast. Check out these 13 examples showing Al Pacino as 'Wolverine', Frank Zappa as 'The Big Lebowski' or how 'bout Leonard Nemoy as the star of 'Die Hard'...!?

see more examples at the link below.

via behance

HISTORY: Websites At Their Infancy... (10 pics)

2012-01-25T03:00:00.000-06:00

Like all things, websites had a beginning as well...

And it doesn't seem like too long ago when the following major websites started up. With many years of design evolution from talented designers/programers and a whole lotta revised code, these website brands have evolved into the layouts we all know and love from the 'dated' designs from the past...

- enjoy!

via thechive

Your Random Inspirational Photos (18pics)

2012-01-25T01:00:00.000-06:00

Aaahhhhh... YES!!

The mid-week is here and the weekend is just around the corner and like every hump-day we have some Random Inspirational Photos to help you get over the rest of the day... enjoy!

And like always, don't forget to check out last week's RIP at this link...!!

The Magnus Magnetic iPad 2 Stand.

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

Designed by Ten One Design, the Magnus Magnetic Stand for the iPad 2 takes full advantage of the magnetic spine already built into the design. The simple design of the Magnus makes your iPad 2 appear to float effortlessly in the air. Priced at $50, the Magnus can be purchased at the link below...

Magnus is first machine-crafted from pure aluminum and then hand-finished using the latest manufacturing techniques. After that, customized magnets are installed into the base, and rubberized feet are fitted to the bottom surface.

Check out the video demo below:

via tenonedesign macrumors

Four-Player Ping Pong...?

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-06:00

Look out Ping Pong... here comes Quad Table Tennis, your evil step-child.

Similar to traditional Ping Pong there are paddles, a ping pong ball and a table.... but in this case there are Four individual tables set at a 10º angle in opposing directions where each player is fending for themselves.
It doesn't stop there... instead of a net, each table has a hole in the center where the object of the game is to hit your ball into the opposing tables' hole... I say, put a cup o' beer in those holes and turn it into a drinkin' game.... any takers?

This is the tennis table game with four separate tables that pits up to four players against one another for unpredictable, exciting play indoors or outdoors. Players can hit the ball onto any opposing player's table, ensuring angled bounces and caroms that require quick reflexes and dives for point-saving returns. Each table has a line for initial serves; a player hitting a ball into the center hole of an opponent's table scores a point.

Each table is priced at $60 ($240 for all four) at the link below:

via hammacher

Evolution of the Olympics Logo

2012-01-23T11:26:00.000-06:00

It is now 2012 and athletes from over 200 nations around the globe are preparing for the summer Olympic Games in London.

It is a great honor to host the Games and London has had the honor before when they hosted the summer games back in 1948. Not only has the times have changed, so has the Olympics logo and graphic identity...

The emblem chosen to illustrate and represent the world Congress of 1914...: five intertwined rings in different colors - blue, yellow, black, green, and red - are placed on the white field of the paper. These five rings represent the five parts of the world which now are won over to Olympism and willing to accept healthy competition.

Although the Games have existed for hundreds of years, below how the Olympics Logo evolved through the ages as the games moved from one host country to the next since 1932...

:: WWII put the Olympics on hold during this time ::

via logoblog wikepedia

The Incredible 'Glass Duo'...

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

....No, the 'Glass Duo' are not Super Hero bartenders, although the picture above speaks otherwise.
In reality, the Glass Duo is the combined talent of musicians Anna and Arkadiusz Szafraniec and their ability of creating beautiful music with their glass harp (see videos below). I'm sure you remember the ol' parlor trick of rubbing the rim of glass to make it hum a tone... well the duo took this a hundred-steps forward after they quit the Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra in Gdansk to create the world's biggest glass harp that covers nearly 5 octaves.

Their performances have generated a dedicated following and they have been fortunate to perform in various chamber ensembles and even symphony orchestras from around the globe. The duo, traditionally trained with the violin and trumpet, have discovered a new passion that is anything but traditional and still capable of producing incredible and emotional music.

via glassduo

Turn Your iPad Into a Portable Scanner.

2012-01-23T03:00:00.000-06:00

There are many mobile scanner Apps out there for your phone, but why not an actual portable digital scanner made for your iPad and iPad 2. Now that many people are using their iPad over their laptop, the design gives you the ability to scan documents of up 8.5-inches wide from documents to photos to receipts. The iConvert Scanner takes the scan and automatically downloads them into your iPads photo folder as JPG files in 300 DPI.
The iConvert is set to be released for sale in February for $150 by Brookstone.

Great for use at home (old photos, genealogy records, special greeting cards, recipes and children’s artwork), at the office (meeting notes, resumes, renderings, signed contracts) and on the go (receipts, expense reports, business cards and more). The entire scanner is sized to take with you in your messenger bag or backpack.

via bookstone

Gadget That Prevents Texting While Driving.

2012-01-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

At last there is a gadget that is designed to prevent the habit of texting and talking on the phone will driving... this is not only perfect for the general public but the ideal solution for parents with a thumb-happy teen behind the wheel.

The device is called the cellCONTROL and it transmits a Bluetooth signal that blocks drivers from being able to text message email, make phone calls and much more. After the cellCONTROL is installed/plugged into the ODB-II port of your car it transmits its blocking signal only when the car is in motion. And if the device senses that is is being tampered with or unplugged, it automatically sends a warning email or text to the administrator (i.e. teen's parents)...

Once setup is complete, the safe driving system is ready to use. Email, texting, internet, camera and other apps will immediately be blocked once the vehicle is in motion. Use of the phone application will also be blocked - unless a handsfree headset is detected by your mobile device. This is the perfect solution for young drivers, fleet workers and anyone who is using their cell phone unsafely while driving.

Works with all Android 2.1 and above, Blackberry 4.5 and above, Windows Mobile 5 & 6 and all Symbian S60 phones (sorry iPhone users). Priced at $130 at the link below, the cellCONTROL may be the best option to-date for safer driving for you and/or your teen driver. What do you think? Would you get one...?

via scoshe

Everything You Need to Know About Apple’s New Education Tools

2012-01-21T21:34:00.002-06:00

Yes you heard correctly...

Apple's NYC keynote revolving around Education last Thursday has come to pass. The Cupertino company has done what many have foreseen coming... bringing the iPad and iBooks into the classroom. It is no doubt Apple has a head start here with not only the popularity and portability of the iPad, but also its strong reputation of its App store and ever growing iBook store.

Below is the full video of the NYC Education Keynote hosted by Phil Schiller...

Just how will Apple find it's way into the hands of millions of students and welcomed into the classroom...? Well the crew at gizmodo summed it up pretty well in the link below as they covered details on the new iBooks 2, Apple's brand new iPad Textbooks, how to create your own textbook, The new iTunes U App and much more.

via gizmodo

App: Face Unlock Your iPhone

2012-01-20T07:39:00.001-06:00

There is an App that was just released called Face Unlock, which will allow you to unlock your phone with facial recognition via front-facing camera. The App will set you back $0.99 and requires an iPhone 4 or later running iOS5 or newer. Because of the new-ness of the App, there are few reviews and the ones that are available aren't very favorable...

After reading the App description (above), it seams after the phone 'reads you face' you still have to enter a passcode and/or perform a screen finger swipe to 'actually' open the phone.... so really, What's The Point of this... seriously?

...Anybody out there got this? What are your thoughts?

via itunes

Iconic Pin-Up Models Pose for Artist (10pics)

2012-01-20T07:30:00.000-06:00

Check out these 10 classic/vintage Pin-Up Model Illustrations next to their respective model posing for the artist... enjoy :)

The Cold Coffee Hot

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Don't know about the rest of you, but when it comes to waking up especially on a cold winter's morning, I REALLLLLY want my coffee hot and to stay hot until it gets into my belly where it belongs...
Designed by Hyewon Lee, the Cold Coffee Hot is a rewarming stick that re-warms and keeps warm your beloved precious coffee. Although the idea isn't new, it is a wonderful modern take on an older concept...

via yankodesign

Glass Multi-Touch Keyboard & Mouse

2012-01-19T08:37:00.000-06:00

Check out this slick-minimal keyboard and mouse design... wow!

...each sport a full multi-touch surface of clear tempered glass and features a solid metal base, Bluetooth support, rechargeable lithium batteries, tactile sounds and lighting. The keyboard and mouse will set you back $350 at the link below.

Multi-Touch keyboards and mice are the next generation in computer peripherals. These elegant well made devices are composed of quality tempered glass, a solid metal base, and the finest components. They are designed using simple existing technology and have no moving parts. They have rechargeable Lithium Polymer batteries and are completely wireless. The tactile sounds and lighting can be turned on or off per the users' preference plus they are coffee and doughnut resistant!

via kickstarter

Modern Home Built Inside a Cave.

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Curt and Deborah Sleeper wanted a home like no other... so what did they do? They built their new home inside a cave in Festus, Missouri.
This underground dwelling is a 15,000 square foot single residence with unfinished natural sandstone walls. Not only is this a wonderful example of a unique residence, it also is a perfect example of energy-efficient architecture. Because of the nature of it's location within a cave the interior maintains the perfect temperature and living conditions thanks to Geothermal heating and smart passive design... so in short it has no need for a furnace or air conditioning.

The naturally insulating properties of the site’s sandstone walls keeps the climate inside comfortable throughout the year. The cave consists of three chambers, and the Sleepers decided to leave many of the walls in their unfinished natural state, which adds to the home’s charm. The walls do shed sand, however, so the family has built interior roofs and placed coverings over areas that need to stay sand-free.

Because of the housing crises, the Sleepers unfortunately had to foreclose on this unique home and posted it on Ebay with a minimum bid of $300,000....

via inhabitat