Bob Dylan’s Chronicles Volume One

Frommers’ 500 places to see before they die

In a twist on the top places to see before you die, guidebook giants Frommers have released the more ominous publication, 500 Places To See Before They Disappear. The point they are trying to drill home is that, such is the rapid pace of change in the world — whether environmental or due to urban growth — that there are established and recognised places that may well die before you do. What’s interesting is that, with climate change dominating headline news on an almost daily basis, a new market has opened up for eco-friendly or environmentally sympathetic products such as this which play on people’s concerns and their need to ‘do something’. It’s being seen on many fronts, from architecture to tourism, to domestic products.

C’est Bon Anthology

Whether you’re a sequential artist, fine artist, illustrator, or a fan, the Swedish anthology C’est Bon will definitely light a fire in any creative spirit in need of some inspiration. The latest issue, Vol. 5, exhibits amazing talents from around the world, talents that I am humbly honored to be rubbing elbows with. They include Andrea Bruno, Emeilie Ostergren, and Marko Turunen, to name a few.

George W. Bush coloring book

With President Bush’s exit from the White House just months away, commemorate our 43 head of state’s illustrious eight years in office with the George W. Bush coloring book! Yes. These books have memorable illustrations with quotes to remind you of all the notable remarks he made regarding race, international affairs, economics, religion, and more. No need to color in the lines, this is a great way to show your respect to the leader whose tenure produced the Iraq War and the Patriot Act. Illustrator Karen Ocker took pains to capture the look of courage under fire and sought out quotations to exemplify Bush’s legacy.

Peppermint Magazine

When we feel bad about buying Made in China, we buy it anyway. When the kids at Peppermint Mag feel the guilt, they buy American Apparel. These cats have shown that it’s easy to be cute and stylish while being environmentally conscious. Enviro-friendly is no longer the domain of long-haired hippies and tie-dyed shirts. Welcome to the era of reuse, recycle and the revision of our tomorrow, one little pom pom hat at a time.

Oscar Diaz Ink Calendar

Oscar Diaz’s Ink Calendar has taken the month by storm — one ink blot at a time. After its initial display at the Diseño con alma de agua (Design of Water with a Soul) exhibition at Madrid’s Círculo de Bellas Artes, the Ink Calendar’s unusual technique of using capillary action to ‘stain’ each day of the month has reignited the design world’s senses. That humidity may render the ‘calendar’ inaccurate, but this should be ignored since it’s brilliant and utterly beautiful.

Sydney’s Pocket Bar

The allusions are endless. Sydney’s Pocket Bar is tiny, bursting at the seams with people wanting to get at the never-ending supply of stuff (namely the tasty nibbles and a raft of fine vino) and we’re pretty sure that they would have an offering of rubber bands and string if you asked politely. While these are indeed defining attributes in any establishment, we feel that what really makes this inner city Sydney café bar more than just another inner city Sydney café bar is the fact that it offers savoury crepes after 6, wine by the half bottle and National Geographic magazines. Now that’s my idea of heaven. [photo via Anik In The Pacific]