The $15 Million iPhone | IamJuanC

As if the iPhone wasn't already costly enough, an anonymous Hong Kong business commissioned exclusive and elite gadget company Stuart Hughes of Liverpool to create an iPhone valued at approximately $15 million USD. How did they manage to make it worth that much? First of all they embedded 600 flawless white diamonds inside a solid gold dressing (the Apple logo itself is made up from 53 diamonds), and then they topped it off with a home button made from a rare 26 carat black diamond which, by itself, is worth $14.5 million USD.

Is This How The iPad Mini 2 Will Look? | IamJuanC

Dutch website MobiLeaks have unveiled a render create to show what the Apple iPad Mini 2 will look like based on some leaked specifications. According to the anonymous source, the new version of the popular tablet device will have a similar screen size to the first version - 7.9 inches - but it will be a hi-res Retina display at 2048 x 1536 pixels (324ppi). It's also claimed the iPad Mini 2 will have an 8-megapixel camera on the rear and a 2-megapixel on the front and will be 0.3mm thicker than the current option. It's unlikely Apple will reveal the new tablet at WWDC in June, so we will have to wait until later in the year to find out if the rumours are true.

Yahoo Acquire Tumblr for $1.1 Billion | IamJuanC

Well, it's official (almost). Yahoo are about to acquire social blogging site Tumblr for an approved $1.1 billion USD cash deal. The news is expected to be officially announced tomorrow during the NYC media event and will be CEO Marissa Mayer's largest deal since taking the helm of Yahoo in July 2012. The founder of Tumblr - 26-year-old New Yorker David Karp - is expected to stay in his current role as chief executive.
Since they were founded in 2007 Tumblr have grown significantly and now boast over 700 million visitors each month. However, despite this huge audience they have struggled to make money, resisting traditional advertising methods in favour of other techniques which made just $13 million USD in 2012. In fact, staff at Tumblr were apparently told the company only had enough cash to last a few more months in business, but not to worry as they were soon going to be bought out.

Will Sky City in China Become the World’s Tallest Building? | IamJuanC

Though originally reported as being possibly completed over a course of just 90 days, it seems as if Sky City will finally break ground next month. Plans for the world’s tallest building have been circulating for a while now, with developers at Broad Sustainable Building Co. previously quoting a seemingly impossible work schedule. Despite all this, when completed, the 220-story, 838-meter building will be the tallest feat of architecture standing, beating out the similarly dizzying Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Set for construction in Hunan’s capital city – Changsha – Sky City will also boast enough space for 31,000 people, a 1,000-person luxury hotel, and a school able to accommodate 4,600 children. While it’s hard to avoid the implications of such ‘super-buildings,’ the prospect of building such an edifice is impressive, to say the least. Enjoy a preview of Sky City above, and be sure to comment with thoughts below.

fragment design x Bamford Watch Department Rolex Daytona & Submariner

Known for its incredibly stylish takes on classic timepieces, Bamford Watch Department has aligned with the godfather of streetwear himself for collaborative editions of Rolex‘s Daytona and Submariner watches. Marking Hiroshi Fujiwara‘s second collaboration with BWD under his fragment design label, both watches feature a predominately black look thanks to Bamford’s signature Military Grade Titanium coating – thus lending the designs a sleek, timeless sheen. Whereas the Submariner sees the make-up combined with a blacked-out dial and subtle red accents throughout, the Daytona features a black main dial alongside white sub-dials as striking blue accents further highlight the piece. Both the Daytona and Submariner are limited to just 15 pieces with availability beginning this Friday, May 24 exclusively through inquiry via Bamford Watch Department’s website.

The Adastra Superyacht by John Shuttleworth

Five years since shipping industry billionaire Anto Marden commissioned the construction of the Adastra Superyacht, the modern marvel has recently taken the crown for “Most Innovative Design” at the 2013 World Superyacht Awards. Designer John Shuttleworth chose a trimaran shape in which the boat features multiple hulls with a main hull in the middle and two smaller outrigger hulls at its side. This one just so happens to be the second largest of its kind, but the only that can be controlled by an iPad miles away from the actual vessel. Measurements taken during sea trials show that its fuel consumption at 10.5 knots can respectfully reach as low as 17 liters per hour when carrying 10% fuel and water. Its slender hulls and streamlined exterior allow the Adastra to travel faster in the open ocean. At 17 knots the Adastra has a 4,000-mile range to comfortably cross both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at high speeds. Furthermore, the deck and superstructure is constructed from carbon fiber with Nomex honeycomb core, while the hull is a glass/Kevlar foam sandwich as the interior offers lightweight oak cabinetry and honeycomb panels. To further reduce weight Shuttleworth specifically incorporated carbon fiber hatches, toilets, port lights and ladders. If you happen to be traveling by sea in or around Indonesia anytime soon, you may spot the Adastra Superyacht as Marden will likely be traveling between the pair of islands he owns in the region.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe | IamJuanC

Long-known for gracefully combining luxury with performance, BMWs rarely disappoint, and the BMW Pinifarina Gran Lusso Coupe ($TBA) certainly doesn't. The Germans have joined forces with luxury Italian designers Pininfarina to make a one-off creation boasting exclusivity and roadworthiness. The exterior is distinctly BMW, with a set-back cockpit and stretched hood covering a massive V-12 (and of course the signature kidney-shaped grill). But the interior screams Italian opulence — fine Italian leather upholstery, plaid Italian wool headliner, and accents made of kauri wood aged 48,000 years. Carmakers could learn a thing or two from this impressive partnership.

Balmain Riders Jacket | IamJuanC

Constructing another luxurious iteration to a classic silhouette, Paris fashion house Balmain has released a Riders Jacket with tones of self-assertion. Made with meticulous detail, wrinkled lamb leather panels the sturdy black body, while frontal horizontal zips dramatize the jacket with added elegance, acting as both functional and modish designs on the grainy backdrop. The leather wrist fasteners are fetching additions to the jacket, allowing wind and weather resistance. Stylish and practical, Balmain reiterates timeless staples with innate charisma. The Balmain Riders Jacket is now available at RESIR for ￥462,000 JPY (approximately $4,500 USD).

Blender Agency x Prohunter Rolex Military Submariner | IamJuanC

 To celebrate their 10^th anniversary, Oslo-based fashion showroom Blender Agency commissioned a limited edition Rolex Military Submariner design from custom watch master, Prohunter. Agency owners and Rolex collectors Magnus Thorud and Kyrre Alver collaborated to create the watch, which features a sleek update to the original 1972 design. The 40mm case is coated in black carbon with special military ceramic inserts from Switzerland. Along with the Rolex crown, the custom black bezel insert includes white logos from Blender and Prohunter, surrounded by the full 60 minute markers. Finishing the works of art are the classic G10 straps, available in black, green or custom camouflage. Each watch back is engraved with the edition number, from 1 to 10, and “BLENDER AGENCY 10^th.” These treasures are available only by request to the Blender Agency.

MUJI Splash-Proof Smartphone Speaker | IamJuanC

Design-house MUJI presents its latest foray into the electronic world with the Splash-Proof Smartphone Speaker. Certainly no stranger to the world of practical audio equipment, this speaker is simply a plastic case that houses virtually any smartphone with an input plug that goes directly into the phone’s headphone port. The portable device maintains functionality of your smartphone with a transparent screen that works with all phones, even with wet hands. Do remember, this item is splash-proof not waterproof, so refrain from bringing it for a swim. MUJI’s Splash-Proof Smartphone Speak can be purchased in-store or online for $69.50 USD.

Couldn't walk a block....

Most couldn't walk a block in my shoes! 

'Heavy is the head that wears the crown'

-JuanC
 

Bill Cosby "I'm 83 and Tired" | IamJuanC

 This is a statement made by Bill Cosby a while back and I just wanted to share it with all.....

I've worked hard since I was 17. Except for when I was doing my National Service, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn't call in sick in nearly 40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as though retirement was a bad idea, and I'm tired. Very tired. 

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it. 

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers"; Muslims burning schools for girls; Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery"; Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.
 
I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries use our oil money to fund mosques and Madrasa Islamic schools to preach hate in Australia , New Zealand , UK, America and Canada , while no one from these countries are allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia or any other Arab country to teach love and tolerance..
I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate.
 
I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses or stick a needle in their arm while they tried to fight it off?
I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of all parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.
 
I'm really tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems.
 
I'm also tired and fed up with seeing young men and women in their teens and early 20's be-deck themselves in tattoos and face studs, thereby making themselves unemployable and claiming money from the Government.
 
Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 83.. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter and their children. Thank God I'm on the way out and not on the way in. There is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us sends it on! This is your chance to make a difference.
 
“I’m 83 and I'm tired. If you don't agree you are part of the problem!

Givenchy Black Leather Velcro-Strap Mid-Top Sneakers | IamJuanC

Givenchy continues its season of luxury-streetwear fusion releases with these Black Leather Velcro-Strap Mid-Tops. Decidedly more subdued than its more outspoken star-studded high-top cousins, the luxury factor of these sneakers nonetheless shines through with its premium leather upper. The black paneled upper features an angled cut-out collar and embossed Velcro strap as well as a perforated toe box for breathability. The sheen from the leather components are complemented and contrasted by the brass-colored eyelets. Available for $560, they can be ordered online through SSENSE.

USBGeek AK-47 and Handgun USB Drives | IamJuanC

 Definitely more rebellious than your run-of-the-mill thumb drive, USBGeek has crafted USB drives based on your prototypical handgun and AK-47 assault rifle. Designed to work right out of the box for both Mac and PC, the high-speed USB 2.0 drives feature a molded silicone casing and range in capacity from 4GB to 32GB. The handgun and AK-47 designs are now available online for between $19 USD and $35 USD.

DQM x Vans 2013 Spring/Summer “I Love NY” Collection | IamJuanC

Adopted long ago as the post-modern signature of New York City, Milton Glaser’s iconic 1977 pop-art “I Love NY” logo is set to make its way to two of Vans‘ most beloved footwear silhouettes for a Spring/Summer 2013 collaboration with the Big Apple’s own DQM. The special edition release sees both the Authentic and Sk8-Hi with off-white canvas uppers, white rubber foxing, vulcanized gum rubber outsoles, and the trademarked tourism logo throughout. Finished with printed branding on the insoles, the DQM x Vans 2013 spring/summer “I Love NY” Collection is due to be available in-store and online from The Vans DQM General beginning April 19.

‘I’m Kid Rock, What’s Your Excuse?’ Book by Jeremy Deputat | IamJuanC

Not everyone gets to see the behind-the-scene debauchery-laden lifestyle that Kid Rock‘s renowned for, but now thanks to Detroit photographer Jeremy Deputat – and furthermore Kid Rock for allowing him the access-all-areas photo pass – we get a glimpse, a detailed one if you will, of the iconic rock star living up to his “born free” motto on the road. “Shoot everything, edit nothing, I’m not scared!” was what Rock told Deputat when asked upon photo restrictions. Deputat shot over 25,000 photographs during his summer 2011 tour, displaying the many facets of tour life, from sound-check to whiskey-fueled after parties and everything in between. The 176-page 12″ by 12″ hardcover tome also sees cameo features from Sean Penn, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, Gibby Haynes et al. Having shot an array of hip-hop figures such as 50 Cent, Eminem, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and The Game as well as Danny Brown, Mayer Hawthorne and Peanut Butter Wolf, this will be Deputat’s first published book. I’m Kid Rock, What’s Your Excuse? is now available from Jeremy Deputat’s online store.

SLASH x Ron English Bust Sculpture | IamJuanC

After working on the cover art of legendary musician SLASH‘s recent album “SLASH & Friends,” Ron English is once again working with the musician. This time around the artist’s rendition of the musician’s iconic skull and top hat has been made into a limited edition bust. Produced with the expertise of Hong Kong-based Garage Works, this fiberglass bust is built with incredible attention to detail. Just 10 of these busts will be released, each one signed by Ron English and SLASH, and will be available for $7,500 USD at Popaganda.

Ferrari California 30 Giappone | IamJuanC

Recently announced by Ferrari is a special Japanese release for the California 30, dubbed the California 30 Giappone. Set to make its debut at the Suzuka Circuit for the 2013 Ferrari Legend Days event from April 19 through April 21, the limited edition vehicle pays homage to the 25-year anniversary of the Italian manufacturer’s first Formula One Japanese Grand Prix victory – which also, fittingly, took place at the Suzuka Circuit. Sporting a matte white Bianco Italia paint scheme with a contrasting black roof, the vehicle is marked by a bold red leather interior. Furthermore, additional premium details include a 599 GTO-inspired front grill, diamond-finished aluminum alloy wheels, and carbon fiber hits to the front and rear spoilers, door handles, and fuel cap. Finally, the Japanese flag and a commemorative plate are mounted on the center console. Limited to just 10 production models, the Ferrari California 30 Giappone will be available following this year’s Legend Days event.

Rumor: Apple to Unveil its Long-Awaited Gaming Controller sometime this month | IamJuanC

With Apple‘s dominant array of technology devices, it’s not unfathomable to speculate on the brand’s foray into a previously untapped, though sizable niche: gaming. While Microsoft has a long-running, successful stake in the market, TechCrunch reports that Apple has been meeting with developers at this year’s Game Developers Conference to bring an Apple game controller to the market. While its existence is yet to be officially confirmed, beefed up patent submissions for D-pad controllers, Apple’s existing mediums for gameplay (i.e. iPhone, iPad and iPod), and a tip-off from AnandTech‘s editors all signal the controller’s existence. Apple is set to host an iPad-focused conference later in April, and the device is speculated to be a main talking point. Be on the lookout for more updates in the coming weeks.

NOCS NS2 Air Monitors | IamJuanC

Those tired of poor audio from built-in laptop or dock speakers need only look to NOCS. The Swedish brand’s NS2 Air Monitors are a set of Active speakers with AirPlay technology, allowing users to stream music wirelessly from MacBooks, PCs, iPod Touches, iPhones and iPads, and effectively eliminating the need for easily-tangled wires and cables. Deep and accurate bass is accompanied by well-balanced mid tones and soaring highs, all of which are contained in a durable package of hand-built rubber-coated cabinets, Kevlar reinforced woofers and silk dome tweeters. Most importantly, AirPlay wireless technology is fully integrated into the NS2 Monitors, allowing users to stream music from any room or location with Apple Lossless.

NOCS NS2 Air Monitors are available now in an array of great colors from our online store.

Justin Timberlake - "Mirrors" Official Video | IamJuanC

 Coinciding with his latest album “The 20/20 Experience,” hitting stores today, Justin Timberlake shares a narrative-heavy film to the poignant hit single “Mirrors.” Following a love story which outlasts the test of time through good and bad, the eight-minute video is a moving testament to his grandparents, William and Sadie who play strong characters in this short, ending with an appearance from JT himself who dances through a room of mirrors in high falsetto. The video reveals a number of personal references, including William’s failing health in preventing him from attending JT’s wedding, a scene captured by his grandparents’ wedding ring falling, only to be caught by JT. If the leaks of the LP and his performances on Jimmy Fallon haven’t caught your attention, then this latest dispatch will no doubt dispel any doubts that Justin Timberlake is back in a big way, and is here to stay.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

Hermés Atmos Clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre | IamJuanC

 The relationship between Hermés and Jaeger-LeCoultre dates back nearly a century, when the first Hermés timepieces were supplied with Jaeger movements. In the late ’70s, however, the iconic French fashion house began producing its own timekeeping products, effectively halting a decades-old partnership with the Swiss horologists. It was something of a revelation then when Jaeger-LeCoultre announced its latest collaborator as none other than Hermés, the result of which is a new iteration of the legendary Atmos Clock. Arguably the most celebrated line of desk clocks ever produced, the gas-fueled piece of horological history will also receive an update courtesy of a third party — Les Cristalleries de Saint-Louis. The glassblowing specialists created an air-blown, double-layer glass dome cut to create a dotted exterior – a breathtakingly beautiful shell that allows for a glimpse at the clock’s JLC-caliber 560a Atmos movement. In a limited quantity of 176, the Hermés Atmos Clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre will sell for a price of 30,000 euros (approximately $39,000 USD).

Cartier Apollo 11 Gold Replica | IamJuanC

Typically associated with luxurious accessories and timepieces, iconic Parisian jeweler Cartier created solid gold replicas of the Apollo 11 Lunar Excursion Module for astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. Created in honor of the 1969 “Space Race” mission that saw Armstrong and the Americans set foot on the moon for the very first time, the trio of miniature golden spacecrafts are the highlight of this year’s “Out of this World! Jewelry in the Space Age” exhibition at the Forbes Galleries in New York City’s Greenwich Village. The exhibit, opening this weekend, showcases artistic depictions of humans in space from ancient times to present and includes jewelry crafted from space materials, pieces flown in outer space by astronauts, and much more. “Out of this World! Jewelry in the Space Age” opened Saturday, March 16 at the Forbes Galleries’ dedicated Jewelry Gallery and will remain on display through September 7.

OriginalFake KAWS 2013 Astro Boy Companion Grey | IamJuanC

OriginalFake releases the Astro Boy Companion in Grey in collaboration with KAWS, who previously released his color interpretation of the iconic manga robot last year with both a figure and a T-shirt. Honoring the Osamu Tezuka-created character’s original 1952 black and white appearance, the Companion incorporates instantly recognizable elements from both characters, and was release at KAWSONE on March 15.

Mike Hill x Vans Syndicate Authentic Pro S Mint/Vanilla | IamJuanC

Vans Syndicate‘s increasingly deep relationship with Alien Workshop has produced numerous exciting products, the latest being a collaborative release with Mike Hill. Hill, the art director behind Alien Workshop’s aesthetic, outfitted a pair of Authentics into a clean offering for the upcoming season. The canvas upper is offered in a distinct mint (not to be confused with Tiffany Blue) color, playing off of the vanilla white of the sole. A hiking-style lacing option, custom footbed and ‘sovereign sect’ heel tab complete the shoe. Previously available via the UK’s Flatspot, the collaborative low-top will soon be available at additional Vans Syndicate accounts across the globe.