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.

Villa F by Hornung and Jacobi Architecture | Rhodes, Greece | IamJuanC

A curving road wraps the coast of rhodes, greece, flanked by the ocean on one side and a pre-existing retaining stone wall on the other. german practice hornung and jacobi architecture have proposed a single-family residence embedded into the fibers that make up the mediterranean context manifested as a contemporary vessel. the main entrance is the only object that interrupts the continuous rock barrier, a garage that resides underground ending in a winding staircase at the opposite end. the first level puts the user in the middle of the convergence of light, space, and views. the general form consists in a bent and faceted rectangular prism, lifted off the ground framing the ocean's horizon. the elevated exterior ground plane houses a swimming pool and ample yard space under the overhanging bedroom space, where parametric triangular apertures open sight lines from the private program to the water below. the living and dining rooms are next to the pool, in a semi-elevated level from the entry and kitchen area. the program also prompted for a guest house which was embedded into the landscape as a separate structure from the primary house, connected by a landscaped walkway that maintains a certain level of privacy for each party but retains a sense of unity as well.

Bowers & Wilkins Z2 AirPlay Speaker System | IamJuanC

Why choose between a wireless speaker or a docking system? With the Bowers & Wilkins Z2 AirPlay Speaker System ($400), you don't have to. A fresh take on the Zeppelin Mini, the Z2 features a top-mounted Lighting dock that fits iPhones and iPods, as well as built-in Wi-Fi for AirPlay support. Other features include class D amplifiers, custom 3.5-inch drivers with fiberglass cones, a glass-reinforced ABS enclosure, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and your choice of black or white bodies.

Philips DesignLine LED 3D TV | IamJuanC

When it’s turned off, it looks like a black-to-transparent gradient mirror in the living room. When it’s on, Philips‘ DesignLine LED 3D TV is a cutting-edge, razor-sharp, supermodel-thin entertainment hub. As television continues to evolve, Philips has taken an artistic, minimalist approach to how we consume media, creating their newest TV in the form of a glass sheet. The DesignLine can stand, hang, or lean on any wall (thanks to a newly developed mounting system) and seamlessly connects to home networks to access online content. As early as the second quarter of 2013, Philips’ DesignLine could be available to European and Russian markets in 46″ and 55″ options.

Samsung Galaxy S4 | IamJuanC

Samsung continues to vie with Apple for smartphone supremacy with the new Galaxy S4. Featuring a 5-inch AMOLED panel boasting 441 ppi for unparalleled clarity, the S4 aims to be the definitive multimedia smartphone. Ensuring that the crisp display doesn’t go to waste, the phone boasts a powerful 2GB RAM and will be running Android 4.2.2. Weighing at 130 grams, the S4 is 0.7 mm thinner and 3 grams lighter than its forerunner – impressive considering its larger screen and battery. Improving its camera with f/2.2 aperture and autofocus, the S4 gets a bump to 13 megapixels for the rear-facing camera and 2 megapixels for the front-facing camera – which ties into a dual video call mode which allows callers to see what you’re looking at during video calls. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is set to hit stores globally at the end of April, in black and white with other hues in later months. There’s currently no price tag for this flagship, but we’re sure it’ll be worth the asking price.

Me personally not a fan I'm #TeamiPhone all day but I guess cool phone. -JuanC

Christian Louboutin Dandy Pik Pik Flat Black Patent | IamJuanC

New from French footwear designer Christian Louboutin is the latest iteration of the Dandy Pik Pik. A slim loafer similar to the studded Louis Pik Pik, the Dandy Pik Pik comes in all-black with a patent leather upper, a variety of spike sizes throughout, and Louboutin’s signature bright red outsole. The contemporary loafer is now available online for $1,895 USD.

Depeche Mode x Hublot Big Bang for charity: water | IamJuanC

Legendary English alternative rock band Depeche Mode teamed up with renowned watchmaker Hublot for a special-edition timepiece. Limited to 250 pieces, the collaboration is an effort to benefit charity: water, an organization committed to providing clean drinking water to the approximately 800 million people living without it. The piece itself is a black chronograph with stud detailing around the bezel, finished with a matching leather band. The members of Depeche Mode habe notably committed themselves to fundraising over the years, teaming up with Hublot previously in 2010 to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust. More information is still in the works, but the exceptional piece looks to be for a great cause.

2013 LaFerrari Officially Revealed | Video | IamJuanC

 

 For years, many have looked to Ferrari as the definition of design and performance. The 2013 LaFerrari is very much that as it comes on the heels of its predecessor, the Enzo to create what the Italian company claims is “maximum expression” of what it represents as an automotive company. With a combination 6.3 liter V12 combining 789 horsepower with a further 160-hp electric engine, low-end torque propels the sports car to 62 mph (100 km/h) in under three seconds, as you reach 124 mph in impressive manner after seven seconds. The car also boasts a top speed of 205 mph. Positioned as the brand’s fastest ever — entirely expected given its position within the brand lineup — LaFerrari is on track to set some all new benchmarks for the automotive heavyweight.

Tudor Watches to Officially Return to U.S. Market | IamJuanC

Although many are familiar with Rolex, its subsidiary brand Tudor might fly under the radar for some as its models have been all but absent from the U.S. market for close to 10 years now. However, it was officially announced recently that Rolex has created a new subsidiary called Tudor Watch USA, LLC and promises to resume the availability of Tudor-branded timepieces in the U.S. as early as late summer this year.

While additional details on the reentry are soon to come, HODINKEE Executive Editor Benjamin Clymer and a few other loyal admirers of the brand are the first to welcome Tudor back to American shores in the video featured above.

Click here watch the official Welcome Back, Tudor Promo Video

Nigel Sylvester x Casio G-Shock “Black Out” | Video | IamJuanC

Queens-born pro BMXer Nigel Sylvester links up with Casio to present a gritty, surreal promo for his upcoming G-Shock, the second one he has designed for the watchmaker. A very localized interpretation of time and motion in the Big Apple, Sylvester gets a helping hand from fellow New Yorkers including Angie Martinez, Jadakiss, Styles P, Vashtie, Yaris Sanchez, Vado, DJ Clark Kent, “Hawaii” Mike, Jeny Romero, Sasha Del Valle, Russ Begtson, B-dot, Chad Gittens and Sam Sneed. As the title of the clip suggests, Sylvester’s latest G-Shock model features a “black out” color scheme with a reverse LCD display and white highlights. Look for the watch at select stockists later this month.