The beauty of the United States, and the reason it still stands as one of the great melting pots of the world, is that it promises to bring freedom for all. It promises to the huddled masses yearning to breathe free a place where we would all be enriched by the presence of others. Whatever you may think about how well those promises are being kept, America is still culturally rich....
Since we hoo-mans are cream puffs, the best way to stay alive is to hide away forever from the things that hunt in the night. To that end, here’s 19 of the most dangerous animals to keep away from so that you can live long enough to see your feeble children grow into sickly adults. Hippopotamus Though chubby and adorable as a plush toy, hippos are aggressive and territorial creatures who are built like tanks and don’t take any nonsense....
Our resistance to environmental factors alters, causing us ever more distress as what we eat, what we breathe, and what we drink erodes our system. So, you can anticipate ever worsening allergies to food, air pollution, pollen, and tactile irritants so long as you stay on this mortal coil. To help prevent these things from overwhelming you, it’s important to fight back by reducing allergens of all kinds in your environment....
One of the most prominent areas in which we’re seeing bionic technologies move forward involves the treatment of the physically disabled. Having grown up with a wheelchair-bound mother, I know firsthand some of the challenges they face, and it’s comforting to know that we’re working on making these challenges a non-issue. To that end, we’re seeing a whole range of tech being used; everything from bionic eyes to artificial limbs to brain-computer headsets....
While the western world has their crop circles, the rice paddies of Japan are graced with elaborate murals quite apparently made with human hands. These Japanese Rice Murals are a part of a Japanese tradition in two farming towns, Inakadate and Yonezawa, Japan. The paddy art in Inakadate, for example, spans 15,000 square meters and can only be seen from the air or atop a tower in the local castle....
That magnificent artist above is attempting to paint the entire Manhattan skyline– from memory. Artist Stephen Wiltshire has been gifted with an extra-human photographic memory, the ability to recreate a large scale, panoramic image from within his own mind. Wiltshire has also been diagnosed with Autism, but perhaps this condition has give this artist an unique perspective into the visual world. Either way, Mr. Wiltshire is a true genius with this artwork– an illustration we could never complete alone in this lifetime....
Bespoke footwear – known to most as “custom” or “made-to-order” footwear – is certainly a complicated arena in which to shop. The classical route is to find a custom shoemaker who understands your style, takes the time to get to know you, and then discusses in-depth what kind of shoes to make. This is true “bespoke” as it began in England. In recent years, however, bespoke has also come to mean companies which offer several pre-made styles, which they custom-craft to fit your foot, based on measurements you provide....
Audio sunglasses might sound like some kind of futuristic fashion statement, and the design’s aesthetic is certainly intended to be fashionable, but there’s actually a much more practical motivation behind the development of the sunglasses than one might think. Zungle Panther Sunglasses Doubling up as Headphones. In Style! The concept of Zungle’s Panther audio sunglasses was spurred by the desire to enjoy music while doing physical or outdoor activity without being hindered by cords and extra things to carry....
The wild, run-from-the-law lifestyle of Bonnie and Clyde is oft-romanticized in modern culture. While this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this theme used in a high-fashion photo editorial, photographer Peter Lindbergh has clearly mastered it– thanks to a bit of help by model du jour Anna Selezneva and actor Wes Bentley. View in gallery View in gallery View in gallery Bonnie and Clyde by Peter Lindbergh Gallery
Bugatti Veyron L’Or Blanc Gallery
The design of the home is open and contemporary, where public sections have no walls, just open access to the watery central courtyard. Private sections are hidden from view of guests and neighbors, but still provide easy access to the communal centers of the home. We’ve covered many homes like this on TheCoolist, and the Cluny House is a continuation of our passion for open, environmentally friendly living in contemporary design....
People who read quality fiction are less likely to be swayed by outlandish rhetoric, and their perspective is generally more rounded. Such readers are found to be more empathetic than the average Joe, and more compassionate. For emotional maturity, intellectual stimulation, and just general entertainment, pull these 32 brilliant books off the shelf. To Kill a Mockingbird To Kill a Mockingbird addresses compassion and racism in America told in the voice of a precocious tomboy....
UPDATE — LEGO has agreed to give away two sets of Frank Lloyd Wright LEGO Architecture for free to TheCoolist readers! Want to win one of your own? Head over to the Frank Lloyd Wright LEGO Architecture giveaway page for more info… The builders, designers and architects of today grew up with Legos yesterday. To celebrate this connection, Lego has released their Lego Architecture series, including kits of some of the world’s most famous works of architectural design....
The liquor landscape of today is very different, with the shelves lined top to bottom with craft brews bearing fun, punny names. There’s whole aisles dedicated to ciders and fruity concoctions, all of which are drank by men and women alike. They come with bright labels that entice the child in us as much as the heavy-drinking adult, and make the process of numbing out from our existence ever more cheery and flavorful....
Our own favorite accessory label Hard Graft has released a new set of wallets for the winter of 2012. These fine leather creations bend and fold to create designer coin, passport and iPhone wallets in a range of colors and styles. A thin-yet-durable design leaves room for all the essentials without bulky extras. Compact sizing just leaves room for the essentials of cards and cash. Pricing ranges between $76-$117 and are available in dark brown, light brown, black and gray....
Despite what some self-professed lady-killing pickup artists would have you believe, everyone doubts their sexual talents sometimes. But because there’s a stigma of being an inferior lover, many men stay quiet about their concerns. In truth, people like different things. So, while some women might like a certain move, the others might not enjoy it. And that can really throw you off when you’re in the moment. BAM! Your go-to move is suddenly a buzz kill....
Japanese-style soaking bathtubs are one of the latest trends in bathroom fixtures to offer luxurious Asian-inspired relaxing space, but they are not a new thing. These small, deep tubs have been used as an alternative way of bathing in Japan for generations. Suppose you’re interested in revamping your bathroom aesthetic with a new bathtub that is both functional and works as a centerpiece? You need to get yourself a Japanese soaking tub....
There’s nothing like the great outdoors, where you can commune with nature while building up your endurance and confidence. It is a place of adventure, friendships, and learning. However, the refreshing excitement of backpacking can quickly fade at the end of a long day, when you roll up to camp beat, wet, and exhausted. But you don’t have to completely miss out on the creature comforts of home! A portable hot water shower can help you soothe your tired muscles and keep the sink of the day’s exertion at bay....
The Ranco House by Elton+Leniz Architecture integrates its bold and noble design with its existing Southern Chile landscape. A glass walkway connects two distinct sectors of the home accommodating the surrounding natural greenery. Built upon uneven terrain, the home is constructed in multiple levels which work with its geometric nature to give the residence its contemporary aesthetic. Deep tones and colors create a camouflage with lush natural surroundings. The interior of the home provides spacious rooms for living with rustic wood beam ceilings and native Chilean accents....
The beauty of a good set of bookshelf speakers is they’re able to fit into whatever role is required. They can act as backup to your main event, provide room-filling sound on their own, work into an out of different system arrangements, or disappear into the background for ambience that never overwhelms. They’re the skeleton key of the speaker world, so long as you get the best for your budget....
