Read more here.

Illustration by Paul Rogers

First, I think its awesome that this is a video from the article section on Playboy. Had no Idea they were stepping their content game up. Nice move! Second, I think this video is very telling of the modern street artist’s dogma and way of life. To me, it’s a HUGE fuckin joke to think that these people would serve any prison time let alone as much as they sometimes do. Time and time again, I hear stories about kids getting 5+ years for this stuff. Yeah, you can say they live in terrible places like Texas — where you get more time for writing your name on a wall than selling drugs — but I mean, seriously!? This is an odd custom, humans and it’s even more strange that you think throwing a person in jail will make them “learn their lesson” Nope, they just came out unable to participate in society and now they steal shit and sell drugs and beat old women for fun. I’m exaggerating to some minimal measure, but I think you get the point.

On a positive tip, this guy is getting after his “thing” with supreme dedication, like all of us should with whatever we do. That alone, is far more uplifting and inspiring than most of what I read on the electro-webs everyday. Maybe that’s my whole interest in graffiti to start? Self reliance and dedication equals responsibility. Sounds like a good thing to me. Food for thought.

(via @jedotlu )

More DICK CHICKEN here.

This video brings up a lot of interesting ideas for me… First, it’s amazing to see people come up with an entirely new way of doing something and potentially changing human habit forever in the process. Secondly, I just thought about how discovery methods have seemed to change entirely, even over the past 40 years. If you think about the concept of invention — which is a under-considered term today — it was more of a finite thing. Example: I want my bread to be warm and slightly baked but faster than an oven can do it. Alas, someone invents a toaster. A single solution with a finite use. Today invention and technology are definitely transitional. We make things on a whim, which leads to something that leads to something else etc. Example here being the cellphone. In its origination, the cellular phone was obviously considered a somewhat finite thing, but somehow we now have the iPhone. Which to me is nothing of a phone at all and when we stop thinking of it as a phone, it has the potential to become something greater. We now make things that might not be needed and have no real use, but under the pretense of them leading to something greater, we move forth.

Find out more about Laika here.

(Now if someone can just make a good font browser, we’ll all be ok)

I feel like there aren’t many rightfully outspoken people on this topic and within only a few more years, if not already, the topic of September 11th will become more or less, a religious holiday or a reason to feel proud. Nothing more. If anything, I feel as though I’m going against what I believe in, just speaking about it TODAY. It was a fucked up deal and a lot of people who shouldn’t have been, were affected. The thing that really bothers me is the obvious lack of effort to really talk about it with out “god blessing” anyone or “praying for families” etc. You would think more people would question their way of life and really take today as a reason to reflect on their lives and the things they do with it.

Not to belittle the point, but I also find it interesting that there are many worse things that people deal with every day and throughout every year that have a much more negative affect on us all, American or not. Why don’t we celebrate those moments we overcome and take a minute to reflect on those issues with the intent of growing from the lessons they provide. I guess we would need a specific day on the calendar or a statue to remember the value of these things. Something to buy or to hold?

Everyday I read about ground breaking research and factually relevant stories that affect millions of people. Why is it that these are only spoken about under the breath of a few? How is it that our world has become so concerned with feeling proud and worshiping things that we have forgotten what it takes to grow, learn and understand.

I don’t blame religion or capitalism. I don’t even blame political affiliation. I blame each and every person who fails to take charge of their own lives and realize that no matter what you believe or who you are, you are in charge of yourself. Get up and go do something, stop bitching about how unfair things are or how you are owed anything. Find what you want and grab it.

If anything, today is the day to seize opportunity and make something happen. Now do it.

Hop on over to the Brand New blog for a closer look at the project and additional info.

Clae – Russell (above)

Nike – Holiday 2009 Sweet Classic Low (above)

Creative Recreation – DiCoco in Black Patent (above)

Nike - Terminator Hi Jersey (above)

Nike – Summer 2009 Dunk Hi Splatter (above)

Nike – AM1 Hold Tight (above)

I find most of these gems on some super duper blogs such as Highsnobiety, Hypebeast or Sneaker Freaker. These sites cover a wide range of topics surrounding “urban” fashion, or streetwear. If you are in or around MPLS, check out VS Social Standard or Status. When I’m in Chicago, I usually hit up Saint Alfred or Leaders. When I roll through Denver, The 400 or Family Affair (Sorry if I left anyone out). These of course, aren’t the only places to read about or shop for sneakers but make me happy.

Soon, very soon.

Some good friends have broke off and started their own studio! This needs to happen more often in Denver, the community has grown quite stagnated over the past decade or so.

The Denver Infill Blog has had a lot of interesting announcements on metro development, including a lot of LEED certified projects. If this pace keeps up Denver will no doubt be a true central business hub in coming years.

The Shoppe has made a huge impression on the community and turned into something of an after work creative hub. High-Five Tran!

On that same note the Fabric Lab is getting a super fantastic face-lift as we speak! This sort of growth promotes local creativity and elevates the DIY mentality that Denver needs to embrace more often.

A handful of fancy boutiques, salons and restaurants have been popping up. Some of these include: Big Hairy Monster, 3 Little Birds, Speakeasy, Family Affair and The Shoppe.

The JE Crew set up one of the most ambitious local art projects (Soft&Furry) I’ve ever seen there. Not only did they help raise the bar for the artsy community and help move it into a new arena, they received international recognition and participation!

The MCA has been stepping it up with more events and lectures involving, wait, what?! Denver’s own talented creatives! Good job Ian for the great work on Applied Ideas! Hopefully more things of that caliber can start to pop up.

First of all, with all of this urban renewal going on, where the hell is the transit system?! This huge plan has been in the works forever! Why is no one getting out there and helping raise awareness? You people are artsy, get out and Obamatize that shit!

Where are all of the new small design studios? Part of what helped Denver’s creative community grow a couple decades back were all of the pissed off and under paid designers breaking off and starting their own thing. Get stepping kids, shit. Also, I know it’s not easy to go independent, but network, build bridges, stay focused, go present your shit! Which leads me into the next one.

All of you underpaying no job giving “ad agencies” and “local heroes,” start fucking sharing work! Stop acting like a secret sect of the Illuminati and hand off projects now and again. It’s obvious that your staff isn’t doing everything it can to help the biz/community grow, so get a fresh set of eyes on those accounts every so often. Also, what ever happening to following leads and getting new business? Are you all happy with CP+B being the only tyrannical big account holders in CO? Do something, call someone. Stop being so “perfect and comfortable.”

New businesses and local shops etc… Hand off design work to local creatives. Get them involved and help spread the word when you meet someone talented. Throw a party now and a again and meet some new faces. Your graffiti writing friend is not a designer and should not be doing your logo or website! This is just as much the young fresh designer’s fault for not being visible, but do your job as a business owner and support the local community.

What are the unemployed and unsatisfied designers out there doing to stay fresh and current? The market is saturated with designers of all types all looking for the same jobs. I know because I’ve seen the books, followed the links, talked to you on iChat and via email. In some regard, you are equally responsible for the quality of the community and the message it conveys. Take the time to read the blogs, buy the books and meet the people in your community. If you spend a little time establishing those connections with the places you have interest in, you’ll have a better shot at getting in. Shit you might even get a lead or two or maybe even a little advice as to what might help you land better gigs. You have to stay busy and amped on your mission. The 9-5ers will eventually weed themselves out. If you aren’t helping, you’re only hurting it.

With that all being said, some crying and others cheering, what do you think? What are the pros and cons, the positives and the negatives? How do you feel?