Stories With a Full Background

Found these pictures on Hypebeast, thought they were very interesting. They take a look at the global events going on, show what could really be behind what's going on. Makes you think...

"Under the direction of creative agency DDB&CO, CNN has recently started a new campaign in Turkey. Translated as “Stories With The Full Background”, the campaign features three different posters each presenting both sides of the story such hidden agendas and correlating factors. Among the global personalities and events reflective of CNN’s objective reporting are the American economy & Yassir Arafat, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad & Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and finally the War in Iraq & the pursuit of oil."

Didier Drogba

I know this article is a little late, but it is still more important than ever.

If soccer is a religion in England, then the Slug and Lettuce pub in Putney is its Vatican. There, over warm beer and soggy fries, middle-aged men pontificate on everything from the inherent sinfulness of the offside trap to the fallibility of Wayne Rooney's left foot. But like church officials confronted with Galileo's telescope, football's high priests can't quite make sense of Didier Drogba. "He's a weapon, not a footballer," says one. "A specimen," says another. "The scariest footballer in the world."

Drogba, 32, a striker for England's Chelsea Football Club and the captain of the Côte d'Ivoire team, has shown the world what's possible when power and grace fuse on the soccer pitch. Imagine the body of an NBA star with feet as nimble as a prima ballerina's. When the World Cup kicks off in South Africa in June, he will carry the hopes of a continent as Africa's best-known soccer star. (West African fans will toast him with a beer glass called the Drogba. It's nearly twice the size of a normal mug.)

No one knows the rickety and high-spirited but often heartbreaking touring bus that is African soccer better than Drogba. At the 2006 World Cup, his homeland ravaged by civil war, he organized a statement from the Elephants, as the Ivorian national team is referred to, calling for peace. Many credit the ensuing calm for allowing reconciliation to begin. At a match last March, 22 Ivorians were killed in the crush to see their beloved heroes play. After the game, Drogba resolved to donate every dollar he earns from endorsements to a charity he set up to build new hospitals in the country.

Drogba is conflicted about his stardom; the same love of No. 11 that brought Ivorians together in 2006 also led to the fatal tumult last year. "I'd like the country to ultimately be able to deal with political problems itself," he says in his soft, French-accented English. "It's not really good to depend on the win or defeat of the national team. That means there is something wrong."

On the pitch, Drogba is known for the strength with which he holds off opposing defenders; it's that awesome ability that scares and baffles the high priests at the Slug and Lettuce. But why should it surprise them? This sensitive young man already carries so much of Africa's weight on his wide, sturdy shoulders.

Read more: TIME

UNDFTD Lighter

I've never smoked anything, but I am a bit of a pyro and I do love UNDFTD, that's the reason I think this Zippo is so cool. Part of the brand’s accessory line for the Fall/Winter 2010 season, Undefeated released this new “Play Dirty” lighter. The lighter features an engraved graphic design over a simple silver base. Available now through colette.

The Artwork of UEFA....in Building Form

There are some beautiful pieces of art throughout Europe, pieces of art that are filled with thousands of rabid fans. Faced paints, jerseys on, and scarfs ready to go, these people fill these stadiums every game and make these cathedrals the places they are. Below I have posted some of the top, in my opinion, arenas in all of Europe.

Camp Nou

Imagine walking out of the tunnel to 99,000 screaming fans. Camp Nou is the biggest stadium in all of Europe and for good reason, the team taking the pitch every game is always, arguably the best team in the world. Barcelona has played on these grounds since 1957, winning most of them. The stadium capacity has varied greatly over the years, opening at 106,146, but growing to 121,749 for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. All these numbers are well over capacity, the stadium officially holds 98,722. In the coming months talks have started about further renovations to the stadium to add more seats, updating certain pieces of equipment and in the end making it the third biggest, non-racing stadium in the world behind Rungrado May Day Stadium in North Korea (150,000) and the Salt Lake Stadium in India (120,000). It held UEFA five-star stadium status which was superseded by a new system of classification. Talks were in the process to sell the practice building neighboring Camp Nou, but upon the choice of the new President, those ideas were ceased.

Wembley Stadium

This massive stadium has only been open since 2007, well technically 1923. The new Wembley was built to supersede old Wembley by increasing capacity by 8,000 and creating an all-encompassing football experience to all of England and the World. Wembley in it's current state cost about $1.57 billion. The New Meadowlands Stadium in New York City is the only athletic facility in the world to cost more. Owned by the FA, it is rented out to the English National team for all home matches as well as hosting the upcoming Champions League Final in 2011. On top of those, even the NFL and the Race of Champions have been held here, yes, a race! A signature feature of the stadium, following on from the old Wembley's distinctive Twin Towers, is the 134 metres (440 ft) high Wembley Arch. With a span of 317 metres (1,040 ft), this steel arch is the longest single span roof structure in the world. As a sidenote, the stadium contains 2,618 toilets, more than any other venue in the world.

San Siro

The industrial look of San Siro houses two of the best teams, not only in Italy, but in all of the world, A.C. Milan and Internazionale. Opening in 1926, it has gone through numerous renovations which has seen its capacity fluctuate from 26,000, all the way up to 100,000, and currently held at 80,074. The stadium underwent further renovations for the 1990 World Cup with $60 million being spent, bringing the stadium up to UEFA category 4 standard. As part of the renovations, the stadium became all seated, with an extra tier being added to three sides of the stadium. This entailed the building of 11 concrete towers around the outside of the stadium. Four of these concrete towers located at the corner to support a new roof which has distinctive protruding red girders. San Siro should be on any football fans list to visit before they die, especially for an Inter v. Milan match.

Old Trafford

The ground, given the nickname the Theatre of Dreams by Bobby Charlton, has been United's permanent residence since 1910, with the exception of an eight-year absence from 1941 to 1949, following the bombing of the stadium in the Second World War. And since 1910, oh has Manchester United made it feel like home. Upon getting into the the NW side of Manchester, everything turns red. Houses, stores, even the people, everything is red and the stadium is no exception. Old Trafford's most recent expansion, which took place between July 2005 and May 2006, saw an increase of around 8,000 seats with the addition of second tiers to both the north-west and north-east quadrants of the ground. United continue to harbour plans to increase the capacity of the stadium further, with the next stage pointing to a redevelopment of the South Stand, which, unlike the rest of the stadium, remains single tier.

Allianz Arena

Allianz could be the most beautiful stadium in Europe, as well as the most technologically-advanced. The two professional Munich football clubs FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 München have played their home games at Allianz Arena since the start of the 2005–06 season. It was built previous to that season for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The arena facade is constructed of 2,874 ETFE-foil air panels that are kept inflated with dry air to a differential pressure of 0.038 hPa. The panels appear white from far away but when examined closely, there are little dots on the panels. When viewed from far away, the eye combines the dots and sees white. When viewed close up however, it is possible to see through the foil. The foil has a thickness of 0.2 mm. Each panel can be independently lit with white, red, or blue light. The intention is to light the panels at each game with the colors of the respective home team, or white if the home team is the German national football team. (In the US, a similar scheme will be used for the new Meadowlands Stadium, which will light up in blue for the Giants, green for the Jets, and red for a concert.)

Emirates Stadium

"The Spirit of Highbury" shrine depicting every player to have played for Arsenal during its 93 year residence at Highbury. It's murals depicting 12 "Greatest Moments" in Arsenal history around the lower concourse. The ongoing installation of eight large murals on the exterior of the stadium, each depicting 4 Arsenal legends linking arms, such that the effect of the completed design will be 32 legends in a huddle embracing the stadium. Everything about Emirates Stadium, formally Ashburton Grove, screams Arsenal FC. The new fixtures and amenities found in Holloway would make even Wembley blush. The stadium has gone through a series of renovations that make it one of the most beautiful arenas around. The details put into everything make it the building that it is and from what it sounds like there will only be more to come for this growing stadium currently holding 60,355 fans. The naming rights deal with the airline Emirates was struck in October 2004 for £100m and will last for 15 years.

El Bernabéu

El Bernabéu, re-named in honor of their former chairman Santiago Bernabéu Yeste, is one of the world's most famous and prestigious football venues. It was inaugurated on 14 December 1947 and is owned by Real Madrid C.F. It has a current capacity of 80,354 spectators. Competing with the other powerhouse in Spain, Camp Nou, these two stadiums have more history than most buildings in the world. The stadium was announced the venue for the 2010 UEFA Champions League Final in a star-studded ceremony in Nyon in 2008. However, Real Madrid was eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2009-10 Champions League, while FC Barcelona had advanced to the semi-finals. Barça fans became obsessed with reaching the final and winning the tournament in their rival's home ground, being seen as the ultimate humiliation to Madrid. The finals for the 1982 World Cup have also been held at the Bernabéu. It is a relatively urban setting compared to the others on the list, plugged right downtown Madrid.

Stamford Bridge

'Stamford Bridge' is considered to be a corruption of 'Samfordesbrigge' meaning 'the bridge at the sandy ford'. Banners adorn the stadium tucked in West London. "The Only Place To Be Every Other Saturday", from the song Blue Day, is emblazoned at the arena as well as others paying homage to the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Peter Osgood. Under Roman Abramovich's control, the club has announced that it wants to extend Stamford Bridge to around 55,000 seats, from its current capacity of 42,450. Throughout the stadium the seats, like in other arenas, have been converted into make-shift banners, the side lines reading Chelsea, while the end caps read Adidas, the teams kit sponsor.  KSS Design Group (architects) designed the complete redevelopment of Stamford Bridge Stadium and its hotels, megastore, offices and residential buildings in 2003. And as of August 2010^[update], 19 out of the last 24 major domestic trophies have gone to either Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford. In the future the Blues hope that this number can become more skewed towards the former and not the latter. 

iPhone 4 Cases - The Cool, Crazy, and Different

Over the past couple weeks since getting the new iPhone I have been in search of a case that no one else has, something that will set me apart. Right now I'm settling for the standard, matte black Incase. It gets the job done, strong, light, not too over the top, but since purchasing it I have been looking for a new one, here's some I have found.

Japanese company Abee has released their first 100% aluminium case, designed to house the iPhone 4. As such the case has been dubbed “Type 01” and is an ultra thin case, measuring in at just 3mm. Equipped with a seat cushion that has a moderate repulsion soft texture, the case is shock absorbent and is anti-slip. The type 01 is now available in 6 different colors including: black, purple, gold, silver, blue and red.

Abee

  Leather specialists ROBERU will update their range of products and accessories with an all new iPhone 4 case. The design ensures that you have full access to all the ports such as the camera lenses, USB port, headset jack and of course the touchscreen. The back of the case is lined with a woven back. Four colors will release in black, brown, red and green starting in September.

ROBERU

Case-Mate has released several neat cases including this one that also holds a couple of credit cards. Very handy when not wanting to carry a wallet. They also have cases that look like a tire, treads and all, carbon-fiber, and leather. They make hip pouches as well as a number of other iPhone 4 products and cases that are sure to come in handy.

Case-Mate

Sweet Old School Look on Luggage

 In 1950, Rimowa presented the first-ever corrugated aluminum case, which quickly became the preferred case of the traveling elite, thanks to its lightweight, superior construction. Recreating those styles from yesteryear, the Cologne-based company now present its new vintage series. Limited to a production run of 1,950 pieces, the series is offered in six different sizes—small suitcases to large travel pieces. Each numbered case is made of aircraft aluminum (duraluminium) and lined in a deep blue moiré interior, staying true to the aesthetics of the original versions. The handles are carved from a single block of aluminum, the result of a complicated, painstaking construction process, and the “retro” style locks display the case’s count within the 1,950 piece series stamped into the aluminum. The vintage series will be available exclusively in Rimowa stores worldwide starting December 2010.

Found Here: Rimowa

Jay-Z shows the Rest of the Forbes 400 How to Dress

The most delightful thing in the Forbes 400, our annual ranking of the 400 richest people in America? The photograph of dapper rapper Jay-Z and billionaire investor Warren Buffett (No. 2 on our list) drinking strawberry malts and chatting about business, success and philanthropy with Steve Forbes. Perhaps Jay-Z picked up some investing tips during the time he spent with Buffett, or maybe the Oracle of Omaha picked up some of the hip hop mogul’s sartorial savvy. Come to think of it, most of the billionaires on our list (ehem, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg) could learn a thing or two about dressing from Jay-Z–who really stepped up his game for his meeting with Buffett. Let’s take a look.

I want to point out that Jay-Z does not look at all trendy here. He is wearing a classic suit in a conservative color–navy blue–that is not cut too slim (as is the fashion now) but that fits him, a simple detail that manages to elude even the wealthiest businessmen. The first fashion lesson to glean from Jay-Z: Get a tailor.

Second, show some cuff. Notice the length of the jacket sleeve: he’s showing about an inch–perhaps a bit more–of his white shirt cuff underneath. I can’t tell if he’s wearing cufflinks, but if he is, extra points to him.

Third, wear a pocket square. I don’t know why more men don’t wear pocket squares: They can easily individualize and spruce up any old suit. And they’re so versatile–they can make you look polished and professional or dandy-ish and outrageous, depending on your preference. Jay-Z’s is a vibrant Dutch blue, like his tie, but not in the same pattern–ties and pocket squares should compliment, but not match, each other.

And last, I love the tie. It’s not what I would pick out for someone to wear, but it has a lot of personality without being overly loud. The fact that the tie is blue plaid and has some navy to tie it down to the navy suit helps. Again, Jay-Z shows that he doesn’t care so much about trends by opting for a wider tie. But the look is great on him, and it helps him stand out from the crowd.

So, billionaires, businessmen, aspiring media and entertainment moguls. Look at this photo of Jay-Z: study it, memorize it, tape it to your closet door, learn from it.

Courtesy of Forbes.com
Read the Whole Conversation: Here

K'naan - Wavin' Flag Live (World Cup Anthem)

In light of FIFA 11 being released in a couple days I had to post this video, K'naan live in South Africa performing his hit song Wavin' Flag for the World Cup. Anyone who has played 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa has heard this song, it's the song at the start of the game. This is a catchy tune with a great message, enjoy.

Nike: BOOM

Nike has just released a series of new commercials, Nike: BOOM. These ads have a wide variety of celebrities and athletes filling them. Everyone from Rick Ross to Bo Jackson find spots in these ads, also included, Tim Tebow, Robinson Cano, and Ndamukong Suh.These are pretty sweet commercials, fast action, quick cuts, and semi-entertaining. Look for more of these to be released in the near future. Also, there is a full-length, minute-or-so long video, that sort of encompasses all these together. Look for me to post that soon.

Ellis Island Records

I think everyone should do this to see into their past if they can. I went on to EllisIsland.org and punched in my last name, that's all it takes. After a few seconds it popped up with every person with my last name that came through there since it opened. It gave me three names, I have to figure with Edema not being too popular of a name that these have to be direct ancestors of mine in one way or another, especially since they all come Holland. It even allows you to look at the original ship manifest where each person signed back when they arrived. The way it looks, Bertus Jacob Edema was the first person from my family to at least come through Ellis Island, I don't know whether or not he was the first but quite possibly. After a little digging I found that he later died in Alabama of all places.

People Like This Make Me Sick

Following the Miami/Ohio State game apparently this guy felt it was right for him to voice his opinion to Jacory Harris, Miami's starter QB, and a fan of the program, his Twitter name is mrhsman, telling them how he felt about Miami and their performance. Lets just say that he had a few choice words for both of them that made him look like an idiot and complete racist. It's people like this who piss me off and lose all hope for society. You don't think Harris feels bad? You don't think he knows that he screwed up? And shoot, the other guy was just a FAN of the University of Miami. It's kind of ridiculous. The guys name is Douglas Diaz and his Twitter account is motown305, feel free to voice your unbiased and heartfelt opinions on his belligerent racism. As you can tell he's a very educated man, with his proper grammar and all. Shounds lik he tis allreedy from tha getho if u ask me, I dont no y he"s teling them 2 go their.

Harvard Study Finds Teens Online Lack Ethics

Interesting article Mashable posted about how teens are lacking ethics in the decisions and choices they make online. I kind of thought this was a given seeing some of the stuff posted to Facebook and Twitter but now it is getting more light in the mainstream.

Harvard research director Carrie James took the stage at Mashable’s Social Good Summit earlier today to encourage us all to mentor young people on using social media for social good.
The online behaviors of youth and how to improve and correct them are part of how James feels new media can be used to address the world’s challenges. To further this mission, James has activity been working with Harvard colleagues on the GoodPlay Project, a study on the ethical sensibilities of digital youth. The study explores youth identity, privacy, ownership, authority, credibility and participation.
In their research, the team has found that most young people are devoid of ethical thinking or consideration for others when using the web. It’s a sobering reality that James hopes to change. James believes this is an untapped opportunity and suggests a number of actionable steps that we can take to change the way young people approach and use social technologies.
You can watch the presentation and learn more about this research in the video embedded below. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments.

Mashable.com: http://mashable.com/2010/09/21/ethical-consideration-online/

10 Inspring, Non-Traditional Workplaces

Today Mashable posted an article with pictures about some of the most unique and fun environments companies have created for their employees to work in. Thought it was very interesting and fun that some companies actually care enough about their employees to create this workplaces. I particularly like Raw Material's series of subway cars forming an office.

All the pictures here: http://mashable.com/2010/09/20/inspiring-offices-pics/

The Trip by TravelTeq

Luggage company TravelTeq release their anticipated “The Trip”, a design two years in the making. The Trip is a travel case small enough to be stored in the overhead compartment of a plane, yet big enough to create the highest amount of comfort. Comfort that starts with the possibility to easily transform the suitcase into a chair. Discover what it’s like to be able to relax and work in any situation, even in airports, subways, train stations and parks. The addition of a smart kangaroo compartment allows you to get to your laptop, papers and pencils with ease, without having to open the entire case. In addition, TravelTeq offer a version of the SOUND TRIP with a custom integrated sound system: top quality speakers that enable you to listen to your own music in the comfort of your hotel room. Further information and a closer look is available through the brand’s website.

I don't really travel much, but I plan to in the future, hopefully soon and this would be a perfect piece to bring along. The hefty price tag is a bit of a turn off though. This nifty piece of equipment comes in at a cool €600, which is almost $800, probably more once you ship it from England.

Knockoff Nikes and Much More...

This is an article posted in the New York Times I came across that shows the inside world of knockoff shoes. Yup, just like fake Rolex's and purses, people are making knockoff shoes. The scary thing is that it's hard to tell the different between some of them. Makes you think about where your shoes are coming from...

The the article can be read here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/magazine/22fake-t.html?_r=1

Once derided, University of Miami basks in now-lofty status

Miami, say hello to the new U.
After decades of fighting to shed its party-going, Club Med-type reputation, the University of Miami appears to have done exactly that. UM these days is a hotbed of research activity, as well as the favored destination for some of the nation's brightest high school seniors.
U.S. News & World Report magazine is the latest true believer in the ``new'' UM, as the magazine last week ranked UM 47th in the nation among all national research universities -- high enough to be Florida's top-ranked school.
UM, ranked 50th last year, has never held the state's No. 1 spot before. The longtime owner of that title, the University of Florida, dropped from 47th to 53rd this year.
``We obviously are in the top ranks of American universities now,'' UM President Donna Shalala said. ``The only way you move up in the rankings is by getting better.''
Just nine years ago, UM ranked 67th in U.S. News' annual tally. Jumping 20 spots in less than 10 years is a rare feat, and almost certainly makes UM the envy of many other schools.
The 2001 hiring of Shalala -- who served as secretary of Health and Human Services in the Clinton administration -- on its own served to bring a certain level of gravitas to UM's lushly-landscaped Coral Gables campus. In both 2004 and 2008, UM hosted a U.S. presidential debate, and Clinton himself was at UM in April after choosing the school as the site of his most-recent Clinton Global Initiative University forum. ...

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/21/1786663/once-derided-um-basks-in-now-lofty.html#ixzz0xY7nqBHo