WW200: AND THEN THERE WERE THREE....

WOW!
So there are 200 times that I have 'extolled the virtue' of other people's cool stuff!
I have complained again and again about the HOURS of work each post consumes.......THAT is why I kinda stopped doing this post........which is kinda sad. So I think to make it easier - and to encourage more frequent posting - I am gonna could choose 1-5 things - INSTEAD of always having 5 different things each week!
So in that spirit, there are THREE things that I LOVE LOVE LOVE this week!

1.) KEYWAY.......HOLY CRAP!!!!! These are incredible cases....I cannot pick which one is the best!

Here is what they say......

Keyway Designs was born out of passion for elegant design, skilled crafting, and artistic simplicity. We built a partnership and put our complementary skills in art, design, manufacturing, and engineering to work. Our interests were quickly drawn to the stunning design of the iPhone product line. While clean, elegant and simple, we view the smooth, flat back design of the iPhone 4 and 5 as the perfect canvas. Indeed, we could paste vinyl stickers on it, or wrap silicon shells around the phone but why not try something a little different? We decided on a material that allows the customer to express them-self in a unique way, while keeping their phone safe.

We began brainstorming and explored some of the possible materials that could be used to uphold the iPhone’s original elegance while improving on customization and durability. Due to the wide variety of available wood species, it seemed to be an obvious starting point. Wood also has the inherent ability to provide individuality due to the unique grain of each sample.

Keyway Designs was formed in early 2012 in Toronto, Ontario. We are proud to say that our manufacturing is done in-house. This allows us to maintain the high level of quality and accuracy that we demand. Our production goals for Keyway don't stop at iPhone accessories; we have big plans for our future, so be sure to keep an eye on us!

- The Keyway Team

I feel that I may NEEEEED the Jaws case.......

YOU need to go check them out HERE:

http://www.keywaydesigns.com

and like them on the Book of Faces.......https://www.facebook.com/KeywayDesigns

and their follow their tweets.......https://twitter.com/KeywayDesigns

...and on Instagram.....https://instagram.com/p/5xkRNmCc1V/?taken-by=keyway_designs

FANTASTIC STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2.) Hey nerds.....what about this office building in China that looks like a certain starship........

The building forms the headquarters of game developers netdragon. The 260 meter length office structure took four years to construct, with American TV station CBS sanctioning the rights for the Chinese company to model their office after the USS enterprise ncc-1701-e.

Check out this drones eye view:

CRAY!!!!!

3.) FINALLY - I give you (Thanks to Cindy for this one) WHINE ABOUT IT.

http://whineaboutit.tumblr.com/post/125351119836/this-week-on-whine-about-it-reasons-why-clothes

Not sure if that embedded video worked......if not... GO HERE!!!

You must love this!!
Simple idea....but so good - Matt Bellassai gets drunk at work, and rants about all the things that we are all thinking...okay....maybe not ALL us are thinking it.....but I surely am!!
See his videos each week HERE 
and follow him  @MattBellassai 

WW193: STAR WARS BUDDAHS, INSIDE OUT, and daylight savings....

Guess what...I am away on vacation......but I still wanna share 5 things I love this week!
Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday!

1.) Okay nerds...check out this....you need one of these guys for your garden.....or your desk.......or wherever! Thanks to artist Chris Milnes. (Check out his Easy page here) you can enjoy your favourite 2"-6" Star Wars characters; Yoda, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Boba Fett, etc....Each one is  depicted as a big fat Buddha, seated cross-legged with big round bellies:

ADORBS!!

 

Go get one on his store!!!

Here is that link again!

(via If it's hip it's here!)

2.) Of all the things that I really need in The Spacing Store, (and there is SOOOOOOO much there that is spectacular) I really NEED this butter dish:

NEEED!!! THANKS A LOT SPACING STORE!

Go out and see them....for all your big city needs!
401 Richmond St., Toronto

3.) Inside Out. THIS Pixar movie looks great.......

(Or use this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HFv47QHWJU )

4.) NOM NOM NOM. Try this recipe......or better yet...make it....and then invite ME for dinner:

 Yes...it got it off Pinterest........

But go to http://simply-delicious-food.com/2013/07/16/baked-gnocchi-with-bacon-tomato-and-mozzarella/ to get the recipe!!!
NOM NOM NOM!

5.) FINALLY.......I think my body has probably adjusted to Daylight Savings time.......Thanks to Last week tonight with John Oliver for this stunning exposé:

(go here is this video doesn't show)

WW192: VOODOO CHILD, LEGO TRAILERS, and the skull key tool

HEY AGAIN!
It's Wonderful Wednesday!!!
Five more things that I want you to LOVE!!!!
Let's do it.......

1.) Let's start with art. I'm putting the ART in start......Tom Burckhardt created a cardboard full-scale replica of an artist's studio. Yup - all cardboard - and glue and black paint. True, "Full Stop" (cardboard studio) was created back in 2004 -- but it is new to me!!!

“This walk-through environment is full of the clutter and paraphernalia of the modern painter, toiling in romantic obscurity against the existential void. Except he/she doesn't seem to be succeeding. A basic lack of ideas has crippled production despite having all the right materials: tools, art supplies, art books, and postcards of the past masters' work at hand."

AH-MAH-ZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can you believe it? I sure wish my studio looked that good!!!!!!
Make sure you check out what Tom Burckhardt has been up to lately!
(via Junkculture)

2.) Hey brunchers........here is something I COULD NOT WAIT to tell you about. Voodoo Child Coffee and Cocktail Bar is located at 388 College Street in Toronto (west of Spadina).

We have enjoyed brunch there before.....but last week was exceptionally YUMMERS......I give you
Lemon meringue pie French toast:

OH MAH GAWD!

Things you need to know.....it's a busy place, and it is tiny.......so be prepared...you may need to wait. Also, there is a very limited menu, and it seems to change......so check out the menu before you go! But what they serve is VERY good.....so good that I turned to husband after brunch to say "WOW, that French toast was amazing.....right?" -- until I realized that I did not even offer ONE BITE of my to him......mmmmmmmmmmmy bad.

Go there!!!!
And give them a little like on the Book of Faces!

3.) 12 of the best movie trailers ever created in Lego......A MUST see.....for example...

AND THIS FRAME BY FRMAE COMPARISON:

COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!
SO GOOD!
(link via husband via empire online )

4.) Okay.....here are two things that I NEED for my keychain.......from Cool Material:
     The middle finger key.... 

I feel like it pretty well speaks for itself.......and the other thing I need for my keychain is:

The Skull Key Tool

 "...a simple, key-shaped tools that attach to your key ring, so it's always at hand when you need them. This product's clever design incorporates each of the following functions: a file, a #2 flat-head screwdriver, a scoring point (great as a box cutter and for easily opening clamshell packages), a serrated edge (to saw through twine and clothing tags), and, finally, a bottle opener. Made of durable stainless steel."

 COME ON!!!!!!! My birthday is in September, but YOU need one too!!!! ;-)

5.) I know I am late...but Happy Woman's Day........I give you this....

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pt1_VvVZVY -- if this didn't load for you!)

It made me laugh and laugh.......also go check out "Honest Trailers" and subscribe to Screen Junkies

WW190: BACON BRITTLE, ELLEN NOVEMBER, AND A GREMLIN SWEATER

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday!!
Here are the top 5 things that I want you to LOVE this week…….

1.) You know me….loyal readers….I am a fan of the Sweet+Salty….Admittedly….I started drooling at this…….

It's Bourbon Bacon Brittle!!!!!
OH
MAH
GAWD!
Thanks to bakingthegoods.com for posting this recipe for brittle!!!!
(for the full recipe check THIS link!!!!)
YUMMMMMMMMMERS!

2.) Some things are so UGLY that I cannot help but LOVE LOVE LOVE them. Like these sweaters from Mondo Tees:

OH MAN I WANT THAT GREMLINS SWEATER!!!!!!!!!!!!
So awful - and so fantastic!!!
Go to MONDO TEES for more nerdy stuff!

3.) Speaking of awesome fabric work……I give you the work of Ellen November from California. She has combined her skills in illustration, photography, graphic design and fiber art to creat some really lovely work!!! Like these:

Commission Ellen or inquire about the pricing and availability at ellen.november@gmail.com
http://www.ellennovember.com/

(thanks to www.ifitshipitshere.com)

4.) Hey train lovers…..yes…I know you are out there! I am one of you!!! The future is coming……well….for the Brits at least……check out these driverless underground trains….the 250 new trains are being built and will be capable of fully automatic operation:

The design reflects the contemporary culture and architectural landmarks of the city but also stays true to the british transport’s style heritage.

See this video….it's CRAZY…...


(link to the video)
ALSO GO TO DESIGNBOOM to see the interior of the train!!!

5.) Finally…..I give you this. It makes me laugh every year…Thanks Ellen:

WW189: RAPHAEL VERONA, TOMORROWLAND, and FRUIT NINJA!

Here are 5 things I want you to love this week….
OH….also….I want to ESPECIALLY thank husband for his continuing contributions to this weekly post (that I evidently do NOT credit him with enough).
THANKS DAVID! ;-)

1.) There is something hypnotic and stunning about Impossible Bottles…..a series of animated gifs by Berlin based illustrator/animator Rafael Varona….just look at these:

See more at https://www.behance.net/gallery/17932945/Impossible-Bottles
See more from Rafael at http://www.rafael-varona.com

(thanks to The Verge for being so cool!)

2.) Got some time to waste?? Well I give you…...Fruit Ninja….GHOSTBUSTERS SPECIAL EDITION!!!! I am SOOOOOO addicted to this right now……

(see this LINK if the link above doesn't play!!!)
Go download it….NOW!
F - U-- N!!!

3.) …and speaking of nerdy pursuits…….I CAN'T WAIT for Tomorrowland. Yes…..it is still MONTHS away….but I have been looking forward to this one….just look at this promotional material:

…and I have been salivating looking at the retro-sets that they have been "building":

and the ACTUAL future-y locations that they filmed (like"The city of the arts and the sciences". The filming will begin this afternoon in Spain):

And then…….just look at this teaser trailer:

Looking forward to this one!!!

4.) Jerk balloons. These are perfect!!!! Shauna Luedtke has created these wonderfully jerky latex balloons…….they come as a set of 25 with five different designs….featuring typefaces by Neil Summerour, Ale Paul, Stephen Rapp, and Mark Simonson. Fill them air or helium or with water -- for an extra treat! ;-)

Buy your set at
http://www.fairgoods.com/products/jerk-balloons

5.) Thanks John Oliver for this….it made me laugh…..and I am not a huge animal lover………it is really good…….If you are not watching Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - you are seriously missing out!!!!

go HERE for video - if it doesn't work!
(Extra thanks Cindy and Dale for this one!)

NERDY ORIGINAL ART!

BLERG!!!!!!!
Now it's only 4 sleeps until the Ottawa Art Expo!
(are you tired of hearing about this show yet?? ;-)
I hope not because here are 3 more of the 20 BRAND NEW painted pieces…
Last Friday the 3 pieces I showed you were pig themed…….and I told you about how doing these VERY affordable pieces helps to 'save my bacon' at art shows….as they often sell out…
So today's theme is nerd-centric!

"Firewall", Acrylic on board, 6" x 6"

"Firewall" is a sweet little piece. It is also only $50 bones.

Yes, FIFTY! Which, let's face it, is CHEAP!!!!!!!!

Original and affordable! C'MON!

Then…..

"Not Rocket Science", Acrylic on Board, 6" x 8"

"Not Rocket Science" is larger……a 6 x8.
It is also my FAVOURITE!!!!!!!!
It is priced at $100, and is priced TO GO!
Maybe to you??

"Reboot", Acrylic on Wood, 6" x 6"

"Reboot". Yes I have used this word play before….but I like it.
I want you to love this 6 x 6 inch little gem.
Truthfully, this will sell almost immediately, but remember, you can REQUEST your own….
Yes….just think…all you have to say is "Rob, can I have a 6x6 reboot. I like _____ boots….and I want it to be more red….."
and BAM -- I paint it JUST FOR YOU!!!!!!!
Or email me, and this little puppy can be yours!!!!
or BETTER YET…...join me at :

The Ottawa Art Expo opens with the Gala on Friday Oct 24th, then runs from
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25 and SUNDAY OCTOBER 26 from 10 am to 5pm at the ST. ELIAS CENTRE at 750 Ridgewood Avenue, Ottawa (Free Parking and Admission)

There you go folks!! More new work!
Whadda ya think??

WW184: THE VERB HOTEL, THE LAST 5 YEARS, and spider-dog!

Welcome friends new and old to "Wonderful Wednesday"!
Here are thew 5 things you gotta love this week…..

1.) Vintage lovers…..this is for you…...I am not a lover of the game of ball-of-bases…..but this hotel reno….near Fenway Park in Boston is AWESOME. LET'S GO!!!!!!!!!!!! GBH worked with boston property developers samuels and associates to create a something AWESOME! The Verb Hotel is a redevelopment of a 94 room, mid-century modern howard johnson motel, built in 1959. They stripped it down and re-sexy-fied it!!! Just look at these screen captures from their site…...

OH MAN. I really like it! 

 Even the stationery is SUPER COOL……

Now….go to THE VERB HOTEL site to see more photos.
You will be glad you did!!!! And let's make our reservations to GO!!!!!
or on Facebook  or the Twitter….

2.) My fellow theatre dorks……LOOK AT THIS -- A SNIPPET! It's Anna Kendrick (who I LOVE) and Jeremy Jordan (from Newsies and Smash) in Jason Robert Brown's cult-favorite musical "The Last Five Years"!! I love this musical, and am looking forward to the film version!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtG2DJnLBEk

(that link is for my iPhone friends)

3.) Hey nerdy peeps…..how about THESE…….if you like word-y things.….and Star Wars…….how about these cuff links?! New officially licensed Star Wars Cuff Links use a 60's rock poster typographic look…...The rhodium plated and enamel cuff links come in seven different typographic characters:

Prices start at $39.95 a pair
Shop for Star Wars Typography Cuff Links on Amazon

4.) MMMMMM……..two of my favourite things….TOGETHER…..shoes….and cake. Yes….I am a boy…so I probably won't be wearing these myself….I want YOU to!!! Please enjoy the creations from The Shoe Bakery……custom created by Chris Campbell! There are a bunch of deeelish styles and colours…

NOW…go to the WEBSITE…..

or give them some "like" on Facebook !

(thanks to If it's Hip it's Here for this one!!)

5.) This made me laugh….I LOVE the incidental music…..so funny!!! (thanks Jeff D)
Check out his YouTube channel…or on the facebook

    (link HERE!)