If you’ve ever seen his works before, you know that Astro’s intricate street paintings and wall murals were originally quite inspired by gorgeously looping calligraphy. He may not be actually creating artistic written word like calligraphy experts do, but his paintings are developed along the same curves and angles as the writings of traditional calligraphic penmanship. Calligraphic style and personality Like any good artist, however, Astro has developed and evolved his style over time....

This naked, grayscale street fighter has just been revealed to the world at the International Bike Show in Milan. The CR&S DUU Motorcycle Concept is the latest by this Italian bike manufacturer, a “a sporty European rolling chassis powered by a muscular American big-twin.” That muscle is provided by a 1.9L X-Wedge engine by S&S. But it’s not so much the power of this motorcycle concept that has us hot and bothered, it’s the intimidating design aesthetic and all of its metal-bound glory....

The Mexico Institute for Community Development isn’t the first to crowd-source an architectural project. In fact, this is an ancient building method shared by most world cultures. From Amish barn-raising to modern Habitat for Humanity, volunteer-built structures is a common tradition. This building for the IMDEC is the latest in this style, a collaboration between volunteers and architects who conceived this design. The building started as a reinforced concrete frame that stood empty on its Guadalajara plot....

The ER Motorcycles Voltron take on the 1964 BMW R69S is as exclusive as it gets. It’s a one-off build, crafted from the original with custom components and various BMW sources. It takes various parts from different BMW bikes to yield one complete motorcycle. It’s part R69, part R80, part R100– but 100% a vehicle of its own inspiration. What’s most remarkable is that each of these pieces is fit together perfectly, almost like these parts were intended to eventually complete something greater....

Veteran aviators will recognize the name Ernst Benz in a heartbeat. This famed Swiss company has been producing aircraft instrument displays for years, and even some for wrists as well. The new Ernst Benz Great Circle Chronograph Watch is an homage to the country’s history in aviation, and a step forward for modern watch design. This round-form watch comes in a black-and-white version or a black-and-maize version with either a matte or carbon finish....

The Figo Vengeance Fixed Gear Bike by Death Spray Custom is easily one of the coolest themed fixie customs we’ve ever seen. Sure, we’ve seen plenty of dapper vintage-style fixies and some simple, basic fixies, but nothing with a theme as well executed as this. The Figo Vengeance bike features a set of tied leather handlebars with a trailing feather, created from the materials and culture of Lakota heritage. The paint job on this bike’s frame continues that story, with Souix totem graphics on the back and the face of an old Sioux native above the fork....

The classic Hard Graft style is alive in this one, with a minimal feel and the sexy contrast of leather on felt. The All-In-One Laptop Folio is available now for 98 euros plus international shipping fees. Hard Graft All-In-One Laptop Folio Gallery

Hill House by Andrew Maynard Architects Gallery

There’s a seemingly unlimited array of hotels that lurk around Vegas; on, off, and around the strip. Add in the hostels, the motor lodges, the inns, and whatever AirBnB can cook up, and you have a daunting number of choices should you decide to spend some time in the neon jungle. Each one has a unique hook, be it low prices, amusement park-like atmosphere, a no-gambling policy, or a whole mall stuffed right into the same building....

It’s fair to say it isn’t the most straightforward procedure, but it soon becomes second nature once you get the hang of it. The Subtle Art of Tying a Bow Tie Getting a perfectly balanced bow tie can make all the difference when you want to stand out in the crowd. Having your bow tie too loose, too big, or lopsided will ruin your entire outfit. Clip-on or pre-tied bow ties are also available on the market, but there is nothing quite like tying the bow yourself....

Why A Sport Coat with Jeans is The Peak of Sartorial Style A sport coat, suit jacket, or blazer is the ultimate accessory for anyone. It broadens the shoulders, slims the waist, and enhances the pocket space for carrying more EDC gear without needing to add a day bag to your ensemble. It increases class of an outfit each and every time. One need only look at how many guys manage to make the exercise pants/blazer look work for them to see, it’s without peer....

Le Marche Villa in Treia, Italy Gallery View in galleryView in galleryView in galleryView in galleryView in galleryView in galleryView in galleryView in galleryView in galleryView in galleryView in galleryView in gallery

Wait, what? See, the thing about snowboarding is that it’s a fairly seasonal sport. During the summer months, there aren’t really any halfway-decent boarding locales to speak of, and in some regions of the world, the wait between summer and winter is a long one, indeed. The LEIF electric snowboard is designed to help snowboarding enthusiasts fill the void between seasons and vacations. In short, LEIF lets you take the mountain along with you....

They say women are the only ones who can appreciate getting a love note. But don’t get fooled by your man’s tough, all-masculine exterior. He wants to be cherished and loved by you – not just in actions but also in words. He might scoff at those sappy love quotes for him and your mushy sentiments, but he’s undoubtedly getting mushy on the inside! Related Reading: Best Love Quotes for Her...

The MB&F LM1 may take its visual inspiration from 100 years ago, but the engineering and production are very modern-day. It includes a three-dimensional horological movement, mechanically wound and sporting a 45 hour power reserve. The watch comprises 279 components and 23 jewels, including gold detailing and sapphire crystals. The display is surprisingly straightforward for the Büsser crew– hours are shown on a dial on the left, minutes on the right and the power reserve is shown in a vertical meter in the bottom center....

Modernist Church Photography by Fabrice Fouillet Gallery

Imagine visiting the ruins of Chichen Itza, the Mayan capitol, on the day the Mayan calendar ends. Imagine visiting Stonehenge on the Autumnal Equinox. These eight places of myth are deeply intriguing, destinations where a traveler can experience real legends firsthand. Chichen Itza Ruins The mystery surrounding the date of December 21st, 2012 is getting plenty of attention in the media. That date, also the winter solstice, marks the end of the Mayan long count calendar....

Beyond Ralph Lauren’s work as a visionary in fashion, the designer has maintained a remarkable collection of automotive artifacts. From the aforementioned Bugatti Type 57SC, which itself is worth about $40 million, to various Ferraris and Lamborghinis from different periods in automotive history. It was only a matter of time before Lauren’s passion for antique automobiles informed his work as a designer, and watchmaking became an obvious point of parallel....

View in gallery Scholars Library in the Forest | Gallery

Long have the murky depths that lurk at the bottom of the world been a challenge for shutterbugs. Bad lighting, strange atmosphere, added pressure, endless wet – to say nothing of the corrosive salt in the sea – all contribute to making underwater photography one of the most challenging mediums outside of underwater water colors. To even hope to do the job, you need to start with one of the 9 best underwater cameras, then take classes, discover that no one knows anything, throw out everything and start over again....