Month: August 2015

Kinetic Ambient Reflection Membrane

FLARE: Kinetic Ambient Reflection Membrane

FLARE is a pneumatic building facade system. The FLARE system consists of a number of tiltable metal flake bodies. An infinite array of flakes can be mounted on any building or wall surface in a modular system of multiplied 4×4 FLARE units.

Each stainless steel flake reflects the bright sky or sunlight when in vertical standby position. When the flake is tilted downwards by a computer controlled pneumatic piston, its face is shaded from the sky light and this way appears as a dark pixel. By reflecting ambient or direct sunlight the individual flakes of the FLARE system act like pixels formed by natural light.

The system is controlled by a computer to form any kind of surface animation. Sensor systems inside and outside the building communicate the buildings activity directly to the FLARE system which acts as the buildings lateral line. FLARE turns the building facade into a penetrable membrane, breaking with all conventions of the building surface as a static skin.

Very cool building facade treatment. Very interesting idea for residential use.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

The 2015 Zero SR Electric Motorcycle

The 2015 Zero SR Electric Motorcycle

150+ MI RANGE / 300,000+ MI LIFETIME
The 2015 Zero S and Zero SR feature advanced cell chemistry and battery management systems that provide greater capacity and range. Not only does the ZF12.5 power pack enable you to go beyond 150 miles, it is also designed to last the life of the motorcycle. The result of cutting edge research and development, each cell in the power pack is individually controlled and monitored to ensure maximum health. The highly efficient onboard charger minimizes charge time and can work in parallel with Zero’s scalable off-board charging systems.

Zero Motorcycles designed the Z-Force® motor from the ground up to be compact, efficient and powerful. It provides you with exhilarating acceleration to a top speed of 102 mph as configured in the Zero SR. Capable of doing 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds, the Zero SR offers spirited riders an edge in competitive riding. Completely air-cooled, the motor is designed to provide a fantastic riding experience minus the need for any regular maintenance. When slowing down, the motor generates electricity that is channeled back into the power pack to help extend ride times. The Zero SR motor uses higher temperature magnets to ensure better performance during extended durations at higher speeds.

Showa Suspension; Bosch Anti-Lock Brake System; Pirelli Tires; LCD Dash System with Sport, Eco and Custom Riding Modes; App Synchs via Bluetooth to iPhone and Android; Carbon Fiber Belt Direct Drive (No Shifting); Instant Torque at All Speeds; Recharges Through Any Standard Outlet; Equivalent Fuel Economy 462 MPGe (City) 236 MPGe (Highway); Typical Recharge Cost $1.40

Middle Class Rut, “Dead Eye”

Middle Class Rut, “Dead Eye”, from the Album “Pick Up Your Head”, Video Shot on Location in Alaska, October 2013

Middle Class Rut, also known as MC Rut, is an American alternative rock band duo consisting of vocalist/guitarist Zack Lopez and vocalist/drummer Sean Stockham. They were formed in Sacramento, California in December 2006. After several EP’s, in 2010 they released their first full-length LP, No Name No Color. Their second album Pick Up Your Head was released June 25, 2013.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

Dave Wachter

Dave Wachter, “Night of 1000 Wolves”, Ink Wash and Watercolors

Story by Bobby Curnow; Published by IDW

In the Dark Ages, the tranquil life of Harrick Benjyon and his family is shattered by unthinkable tragedy. Before they can react, the family find themselves under seige by hordes of wolves with one aim. Death. A race for survival becomes all the more impossible by the arrival of the supernatural… and the dark secrets that lie at the heart of the Benjyon family.

Eat With Me

Eat With Me: Directed by David Au

The award-winning Eat With Me, is a charming comedy-drama about a mother and her gay son who heal, connect and grow together as the son’s Chinese restaurant faces foreclosure. As gay chef Elliot (Teddy Chen Culver) tries to find new love with handsome blue-eyed Brit Ian (Aidan Bristow), perhaps his newly-separated mother (Sharon Omi) will find her way towards acceptance of her son as well. Eat With Me also features a terrific turn from Nicole Sullivan (TV’s ‘Family Guy’) as Elliot’s hilarious neighbor and a special appearance by George Takei (Star Trek).

I recommend this movie. First, I am a sucker for great “cooking” movies; second, I am a actually a fan of all the actors in this movie; and third, I like good comedy dramas of which this is one. This film won Best Feature film at the Florence Queer Film Fest, Italy.

Tomas Watson

Multi-Media Artwork by Tomas Watson

Tomas Watson was born in Sussex, England in 1971. He studied at Huddersfield College and Slade School of Art and graduated in 1994, having also completed a year’s course in Anatomy for Artists. He received two awards in 1994 and 1996 from the Greek Government and has since lived and worked in Greece. In 1998 Tomas Watson won the BP Portrait Prize and in June 1999 had his first solo exhibition in Britain at Jill George Gallery, which immediately sold out.

Huang Gang

Paintings by Huang Gang

Huang Gang, the well-known Chinese contemporary artist, was born in Beijing in 1961. He graduated from China Central Academy of Art and Design in 1984 and attained a Master Degree in 1991. Huang Gang creates art in a new approach with his unique style, He has achieved world-wide recognition and been praised in the highest terms by audiences from a variety of nations and cultural backgrounds.

Instead of plane visual hierarchy, Huang Gang’s paintings contain intrinsic logicality through massive stacking techniques. His creative process consists of deconstructing and then re-constructing the original elements, such as traditional Tibetan woodblocks, Sutra manuscripts, Tibetan trunks made of yak fur, and traditional Chinese lacquer, which conveys a rich cultural quality and emits great spiritual power.

Thanks to http://antonioedsoncadengue.tumblr.com for posting art by this artist. A good blog to follow.

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso, “Elergy of Ihpetonga”, Lithograph, 1954

This rare and exquisite lithograph was one of four ink wash drawings executed by Picasso on lithographic transfer paper and printed by Mourlot Freres. This is from the English edition of 64 published in New York by The Noonday Press in 1954 for “Elegy of Ihpetonga and Masks of Ashes” by Yvan Goll.

Ihpetonga was the name given by the Canarsie Indians to the part of Brooklyn now known as Columbia Heights. Printed on Arches wove paper with deckle edges, the sheet measures 13 x 9 7/8 inches (330 x 251 mm). The lithograph was issued by the publisher tipped (mounted at the top corners) onto a support sheet of black paper. Not signed.