WE'RE SUPPORTING

I secretly want to inhabit the kind of hazy dream world, thrumming with softly vibrant colors and fantastical yet familiar flora, that artist Betsy Walton renders. The people there seem so calmly happy. I guess I’ll have to keep meditating and shedding my earthly concerns to get there. Read more

WE'RE THINKING

The people on Unhappy Hipsters sure do look lonely in their beautifully designed habitats, but I’m even more confused by what people mean when they use the term ‘hipster’ — do hipsters wear sandals and khaki shorts? I’m not sure hipsters can even afford Dwell-worthy homes, let alone maintain their minimalist decor. Read more

Heavy metal and hip-hop are perhaps the most popular forms of rebellion for kids the world over. In Malaysia, metal — particularly black metal — has taken such a strong hold that the Fatwa Council there banned it, fearing that the music would compel listeners to rebel against religion. Contrary to the council’s intentions, black metal is as popular as ever in Malaysia, and is a recognizable cultural touchstone there, as indicated by the above clip from the 2005 film Filem Rock.

WE'RE TRAVELLING TO

These fascinating mosaics of twenty-first century human habitation are proof that planned housing isn’t always dull and distasteful, for the bird’s-eye photographer at least. What may be endless rows of generic streets and blocks at ground level suddenly become giant patchwork quilts from the air, perhaps in a weird way proving that there is more to life than what meets the pedestrian’s eye. Read more

WE'RE READING

Clients From Hell documents the torture suffered by talented creatives at the hands of ignorant clients. It helps put things in perspective – if you’re having an awful day, a quick browse confirms there are others in similar positions who’ve been through worse than you have. Or maybe not. There’s some gold in the archives; some of our favourites are: Read more

WE'RE LISTENING TO

If you ever happen to find yourself riding across the mid-west on horseback with an iPod jangling about in your holster, be sure to let Calexico soundtrack the experience. They’re cleverly fusing a range of genres, mixing some good old country with US indie, a bit of jazz and even, in 2003’s Feast of Wire, some smatterings of electronica. Lead singer Joey Burns gives a healthy amount of cowboy twang and the soaring orchestral background and sweet country guitar licks add a real atmosphere to the music.

Listen to the Calexico song, Convict Pool.

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WE'RE WEARING

New York-based eco-line Loomstate create the coolest tees made of organic cotton. Each printed t-shirt not only celebrates nature but is stylishly crafted, with contrasting stitching coupled with signature twisted side seams for a sleek fit. My favourite is the Seabra design [pictured below]. And, boys, don’t fret because Loomstate cater for males, too. Read more