LAB Report

coLAB culinary presents: sen5es

2011-11-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

Handmade chocolate bars are now available at Shop Cocoon! Flavours include Earl Grey Dark Chocolate, Salty Caramel Milk Chocolate, Spicy Dark Chocolate, and Ginger Dark Chocolate.

Heighten your sen5es with a twist!

coLAB Living - soaps and candles @ Shop Cocoon

2011-11-10T23:33:00.000-08:00

With Christmas just six weeks away, we've restocked Shop Cocoon with new soaps and candles!

New scents include Oatmeal, Milk & Honey; Tea Tree with Oatmeal; Spicy Almond; and Vanilla bean. Some returning favourites include Evergreen Forest and Sandalwood. A limited number of handmade soy candles include coconut + lemongrass, vanilla + lavender, citrus + lavender, and passion fruit + guava.

Hurry in this holiday season for the best selection!

coLAB Culinary - coming soon!

2011-10-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

We're in the Lab working on something sweet!

Scented Soy Candles

2011-07-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

In collaboration with Vance Family Soy Candles, we're proud to present: coLAB Living Scented Soy Candles! All candles are hand poured and made with renewable, low soot soy; organic essential oils and plant essences; and 100% cotton wick. Candles are also dye-free and contain no synthetic ingredients. Each candle is customized with artwork designed by coLAB Imagineer, Carolyn.

The following scents are now available exclusively at Shop Cocoon in Vancouver, BC:

coconut + lemongrass
vanilla + lavender
citrus + lavender
passion fruit + guava

New shipment of soaps

2011-05-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

New soaps will be arriving soon!

Also keep an eye out for a new collaboration that will surely light up a room with fragrance!

coLAB + Canadian Red Cross

2011-05-02T20:39:00.001-07:00

With the help from Shop Cocoon customers, coLAB was able to donate $50 to the Canadian Red Cross Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami fund! Thank you!

Smell Fresh for Spring!

2011-03-22T22:15:00.001-07:00

New soaps have arrived just in time for Spring at Shop Cocoon!

Eucalyptus Mint
Spiced Apple
Lavender Mint
Sweet Orange Lavender
Lavender Sage

For those with sensitive skin, we have an unscented and essential oil-free soap, Purely Unscented. Also everyone's favorite Coconut Lemongrass is back!

coLAB Cares

2011-03-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

From now until the end of March, we'll donate $5 from every coLAB t-shirt sold to the Canadian Red Cross Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami fund. Come by Shop Cocoon today for the best selection! Thanks in advance for your support!

New handmade soaps coming soon...

2010-10-23T09:25:00.001-07:00

New fragrances arriving soon to Shop Cocoon!

Fragrances include:

Sandalwood
Lavender Oatmeal
Bay Rum
Eucalyptus Mint
Northwest Forest

Plus holiday editions....

Chocolate Mint
Spiced Apple

Everyone's favourite Coconut Lemongrass will be making a return as well...don't miss out!

Reserve your favorites today before they hit the store shelves by emailing info@colabsquared.com!

Status update: On Facebook!

2010-09-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Add coLAB to your "likes" and get free shipping during the month of September!

coLAB web shop - buy online now!

2010-09-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

co + lab apparel web shop is now open for business - buy online any time, any where!

Look for us on Facebook (search for "co lab squared")!

coLAB Living presents...

2010-06-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

handmade soaps loaded with olive, palm kernel and coconut oils; and scented with pure essential oils or fine fragrance oils. All soaps are made entirely by hand, in small batches, using the best natural ingredients.

Available now at Shop Cocoon are the following scents: Coconut Lemongrass, Verbena, Sunny Citrus, and Pomegranate!

New Designs!

2010-06-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

We're welcoming the month of June with two new designs by Imagineer, Carolyn!

Happy As A Lark

Fly Me To The Moon

Both designs are now available exclusively at Shop Cocoon!

Coming soon...coLAB Living

2010-05-25T13:04:00.000-07:00

coLAB (squared) is excited to announce coLAB Living, a new lifestyle brand based on natural and stylish living. The first product under coLAB Living will be great for personal use and make wonderful gift ideas for both genders...stay tuned!

Spring Offer - 2 t-shirts for $45

2010-04-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

To qualify for this special offer, simply print the coupon below and bring it to Shop Cocoon before May 31st!

Sold out = Birds of a Feather

2010-04-07T10:49:00.001-07:00

We're sorry to announce that the Birds of a Feather design is now sold out!

Other designs close to selling out include Tommy Turbo Turtle (availabe in gold only), Chic-k Girl, and Perro (bulldog).

With the weather warming up, shop early for the best selection!

Bobby Lou in stock now!

2010-02-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

We have restocked a limited number of Bobby Lou in white along with a new distressed version in red. Hope you like it!

Both versions are now available at Shop Cocoon. Shop early for the best selection!

GO CANADA GO...gold is within reach!

Team Bobby Lou

2010-02-22T23:14:00.000-08:00

Bobby Lou t-shirts are now sold out!

A new run of limited t-shirts will be available at Shop Cocoon later this week. Keep checking here for updates!

GO CANADA GO!

Team Canada 2010 - Bobby Lou kids hockey t-shirt

2010-01-31T22:11:00.000-08:00

It's only two weeks away before the start of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Does your little one need something to show his/her support for Team Canada as they go for gold? If so, we have the right product for you!

Bobby Lou by Vancouver artist, Laura K, is for all those young Canadian hockey fans. She wanted to design something hockey-related to reminisce about her own childhood. She recalls reading the back of NHL-themed cereal boxes during breakfast and trying really hard to memorize all the team names logos.

Price: $26.25 plus applicable taxes

Pre-order before February 7th by emailing info@colabsquared.com and t-shirts will be ready for pick up within 7 business days. Quantities and sizes (12-18M, 2T, 3T, and 4T) are limited - first come, first served!

Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind design!

New Year sale - first time ever!

2010-01-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

25 % off

shop cocoon

(3345 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC)

Shop early for the best selection - sizes are running low!

Giggling Geisha = SOLD OUT!

2009-09-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

It's official, Giggling Geisha is now sold out!

Consider yourself lucky if you were able to get your hands on this cute design. Giggling Geisha is heading back to the LAB for some redesigning and will reappear in the near future refreshed, without notice! Keep checking here for updates.

Available @ Shop Cocoon!

2009-09-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

Bobby Lou:

Keiki:

Birds of a Feather:

Sale @ Shop Cocoon

2009-08-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

SALE

shop cocoon

(3345 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC)

Buy 1 t-shirt for $30

Buy 2 t-shirts for $28 each

Shop early for the best selection!

Paper Art

2009-08-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

Source: Yulia Brodskaya, Mike Mak

Gatorade Mosaic

2009-07-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

Made of 19,000+ bottles of Gatorade, including six limited Jordan bottles, in different flavors, this mosaic was created in honour of Michael Jordan's induction to the NBA Hall of Fame. A backlight platform permit light to shrine through each bottle, creating a “lite brite” effect on the mosaic. How cool is this?

Source: Freshness Mag

100 Most Creative People in Business

2009-06-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

Check out the list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business, complied by Fast Company.

Source: Fast Company

iPhone App - Brushes

2009-06-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

Who would've thought a masterpiece could be created with a $4.99 iPhone app?

Cover of The New Yorker by artist, Jorge Colombo.

Source: NY Times, Engadget

Heatwave Sale @ Shop Cocoon

2009-06-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Enjoy 15% off the regular price when you purchase one coLAB apparel or save 20% off when you purchase two items. If you're buying three or more, save 25% off each item!

Shop early for the best selection, offer only available in store at Shop Cocoon.

Cafe Serre

2009-05-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

Source: Kanye West, Denis Bouyer

Cardboard Shoes

2009-05-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Give Seattle artist Mike Leavitt some cardboard, glue and paint and look what he can create.

To view more of Mike's work, please visit Fuse Gallery.

Source: Freshness

Eye Clock

2009-04-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

This clock designed by Mike Mak makes telling time fun with a pair of black disks that resemble cartoon eyes. The left disk represents the hour while the right represents the minutes. It's functional, simple and creative.

Source: Kanye West, Mike Mak, technabob

The Simpsons Stamps

2009-04-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Simpsons' fans can now pre-order America's newest stamps, featuring Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, on-line at USPS.com. Stamps and other collectibles will be available starting May 7th!

Source: USPS

He Shoots, He Scores!

2009-04-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

With the NHL playoffs around the corner, Canucks fever has hit co + lab (squared) apparel!

We're excited to introduce another playful design by Imagineer Laura. She had been working alongside coLAB for the past year and her skills and imagination helps bring t-shirts to life!

With this new design, Laura incorporates Canada's two well-known symbols, the beaver and ice hockey, to create Bobby Lou. Laura's inspiration for Bobby Lou goes back to her childhood days reading NHL-themed cereal boxes and watching hockey with her family. The name of the design is derived from the team's MVP (local hockey fans know who he is!).

Available now at Shop Cocoon in Vancouver!

GO CANUCKS GO!

Spring '09 = New Designs

2009-03-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

The arrival of Spring means t-shirt weather and new designs! We're proud to bring back Imagineer, Laura and welcome to the team, Carolyn, from Canada!

"Keiki" by Laura.

"Birds of a Feather (flock together)" by Carolyn.

New designs are now available exclusively at Shop Cocoon! When you're there, check the print on the back of the shirts! Also, keep an eye out for new designs throughout the season, including one for hockey fanatics!

Spring Party @ Shop Cocoon

2009-03-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Come see some new Spring designs - available in-store only!

Washrooms with a View

2009-03-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hang onto your pants at this ski resort in Nagano, Japan, when you're in the washroom!

Source: Billionaire Boys Club

Wood Touch Up with Sharpie

2009-03-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Touching up your wood furniture is now easier with Sharpie's new Touch Up Marker. Markers are available in three different wood shades - light, medium, and dark.

Source: Sharpie

Crayon Art by Christan Faur

2009-03-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Artist Christian Faur's technique reminds me of photo mosaics, where many small images are placed strategically to create a bigger picture. Rather than using photos, Christan uses crayons, varying in shades and hues, to create a nice piece of work. A lot of detail goes into creating his work, plus patience - plotting the right colours in the right position. To view more of Christan's work, please visit christianfaur.com.

Source: Kanye West, Broccolicity

UP - new Pixar movie

2009-02-16T06:15:00.000-08:00

In theatres May 29th! Click here to view trailer.

Source: Disney - UP

Astro Boy...coming soon!

2009-02-13T07:36:00.000-08:00

Source: IGN Entertainment

RUN DC Obama

2009-01-23T05:37:00.000-08:00

Available at RUN DC 09 - $20US.

Source: Kanye West, RUN DC 09

LEGO x Obama

2009-01-20T20:59:00.000-08:00

A replica of today's Presidential inauguration interpreted with LEGO bricks.

You can see the Lego Presidential inauguration at Legoland California until Memorial Day.

Source: Gizmodo , YouTube

Inflatable Street Art

2009-01-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

Joshua Allen Harris takes street art to another level with inflatable art. All sculptures are made from plastic bags. Check it out:

Source: BBC Blog, YouTube

co + lab CARES!

2008-12-23T15:16:00.000-08:00

co + lab (squared) apparel would like to thank everyone who supported co + lab CARES during the month of December. With your help, we were able to donate $100 to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society! With its purchasing power, the society is able to purchase $300 worth of nutritious groceries. Thanks again for your support and making this holiday season brighter in the community.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Save $5 this weekend @ Shop Cocoon

2008-12-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

Mention this posting and save $5 on co + lab (squared) apparel at Shop Cocoon this Saturday (December 20th), from 2:30 pm to 6:00pm. It's the last weekend before Christmas!

Just a friendly reminder, each purchase comes with a holiday gift box and a portion of each sale goes back into the community!

So far so good...

2008-12-13T02:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks for supporting co + lab CARES, we still have a few more weeks until Christmas. Your support during this holiday season is really appreciated! Remember to pick up your gift box with every t-shirt purchase.

co + lab Christmas @ Shop Cocoon

2008-12-01T10:37:00.000-08:00

co + lab (squared) apparel ended November with a great start to co + lab CARES! We look forward to your continued support during the month of December. Let's make this holiday season a little brighter in the community!

Note: For your shopping convenience, Shop Cocoon is now open on Mondays during the month of December.

co + lab CARES = Help Us Help Others

2008-11-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

co + lab (squared) apparel is pleased to announce co + lab CARES, a fundraising initiative that gives back to the community. There's no better time to start co + lab CARES than right now, during the holiday season. So starting Sunday, November 30th until Christmas, partial proceeds from the sales of co + lab (squared) apparel (online and Shop Cocoon) will go to a local charity and/or community group. We're also rewarding each purchase with a $5 off coupon that can be used in 2009! Remember to shop early for the best selection, t-shirts are limited in design and size.

Together we can make a difference in our community this holiday season!

Design restock

2008-11-27T10:09:00.000-08:00

The following designs will be available this Sunday (Nov.30th) at Shop Cocoon. Quantities are limited, so hurry in for the best selection.

- Ronin on black

- Turbo Turtle on white

Gloji

2008-11-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

Kudos to the designers of the Gloji bottle! How brilliant is the light blub shaped bottle? Gloji not only looks good, they are packed with nutritious ingredients offering numerous health benefits. Drinks are available in two flavours, Gloji Gold (pure goji berries) and Gloji Mix (a mix of goji and pomegranate).

If you've tried this product, let us know your thoughts. Has anyone seen this product in Vancouver, BC? If so, where?

Source: Gloji

The Wood Co-op

2008-11-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for some quality handcrafted contemporary wood design furniture, check out The Wood Co-op in Vancouver, BC on Granville Island. The shop features furniture, artwork, sculptures, lighting designs, and other fine wood works created by BC artists.

The Wood Co-op makes it easy for everyone to get a piece of BC designed woodwork. The store ships worldwide; accepts online and phone orders; custom orders; and offers gift certificates and wedding registry services.

I have my eye on several items, but I'm not ready to move yet!

Address: 1592 Johnston Street (Granville Island), Vancouver, BC.

Source: The Wood Co-op

Chocolate Lamp

2008-11-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

Chocolate lovers here's something that will lighten up your day!

Source: Kanye West

Human Flipbook

2008-11-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

A clever video...what's old is new again!

Source: KRAAK & SMAAK - SQUEEZE ME (VIDEO)

LEGO Fashion show

2008-11-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

Taking fashion show to another level with LEGO!

Source: JCDC VS LEGO from Four H on Vimeo.

Customized Muppets

2008-10-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

Muppet fans be sure to check out The Muppet Whatnot Workshop. It's the only place where you can create your own Muppet. For $90, you're able to select from an assortment of bodies, eyes, noses, hairstyles, and outfits. The final product is a hand and rod puppet measuring 16 inches tall, just like the real Muppet.

If you're in the New York area, the Muppet Whatnot opens in the FAO Schwarz store on November 13th. On-line ordering is also available and be sure to check out the gift package too!

Source: To Darrin Hudson, FAO Schwarz

Jalen Testerman: 7 year old bboy

2008-10-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

So you think you can dance?

Well, sit back and watch this 7 year old breakdancer in action! Jalen Testerman, aka Jstyles, taught himself how to dance simply by watching "You Got Served".

Source: BBOYJALEN.com, Myspace.com, YouTube

Press: Fraser Magazine

2008-10-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Along with Shop Cocoon, co + lab (squared) apparel was featured in the September 2008 issue of Fraser Magazine!

English translation coming soon!

Source: Fraser Magazine

Coffee or Tea Made to Your Specs

2008-09-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

If someone else is making your cup of java or tea, you can simply tell them to match the brew with the specific colour indicated on the inside of the cup. How easy is that?

Now your cup of coffee and/or tea can be made to your specifications!

Source: SUCK UK, Fubiz

Charice x Celine Dion

2008-09-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

Let this video speak for itself...

Source: YouTube

John Mayer's Designer Backstage Pass

2008-09-17T05:18:00.000-07:00

This must be the coolest backstage pass in the industry, designed by KAWS for John Mayer.

Source: John Mayer, Freshness

Playful Japanese characters

2008-09-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

The Fontpark is an interactive site that allow users to play with Japanese characters and manipulate them to create interesting characters.

Visit the website to view and rate some completed creations.

Source: Fubiz, Fontpark

Colouring Books for Adults

2008-09-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

If you thought colouring books were only for kids, think again. Check out the colouring books for adults below.

In Japan, colouring books for adults have become popular over the years to relieve stress and relax. Who knew colouring would help reduce stress? If you've tried, let me know if it helps!

Source: Selectism, PingMag

Architecture Pop-Up Book

2008-09-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

See buildings in 3-D rather than 2-D with this architecture pop-up book.

Source: Cool Hunting

Kit Kat: North America vs Japan

2008-09-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

In North America, Kit Kats are only available in milk chocolate. But in Japan, Kit Kats are available in milk, dark, and white chocolate. In addition, flavours are plentiful - apple, green tea, chestnut, cookies & cream, brandy & orange, kiwi, orange & chocolate, green bean, caramel, Japanese chestnut, melon, vanilla bean, and green tea with red bean and more...too many to list.

Here's something new, Little Kit Kat. Similar to Maltesers, but fruit flavoured.

If you're lucky enough to be in Richmond, BC, there are several stores that sell Kit Kat from Japan. But you have to be quick. You can also find sellers on eBay too - see new flavours! Check out the Flickr link below to view more flavours.

This is another reason why I like Japan!

Source: Flickr

Barcode Logos

2008-09-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some creative barcodes created by Design Barcode of Japan. Once again, the Japanese never fail to amaze me with their level of creativity.

Too bad barcodes on everyday products aren't this appealing.

Source: Design Barcode

Guerrilla Marketing

2008-09-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Located in the MTR station in Hong Kong, this is guerrilla marketing at its best...

Creators of this ad emphasizes DHL's service by placing images of DHL delivery trucks on the escalator handles. What a clever marketing idea!

Source: Fubiz

Kid DJ's

2008-08-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

Starting them young on the turntables...

Source: Hip-Hop.net, YouTube

Hot Toys presents: Batman Cosbaby

2008-08-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

With the recent box office success of "Batman: The Dark Knight", comes some really cool toys produced by Hot Toys, from Hong Kong. Each Cosbaby stands 3 inches/7 cm tall and available in seven designs: Batman (Modern version), Batman (Classic version), Robin, Joker, Two-Face, Cat Woman, and Batgirl, and one secret design. The expected release date is October 2008. Let me know if you find these on sale online!

Source: Hot Toys, Toys Evil

Tribute to Joker, aka Heath Ledger

2008-08-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

Contemporary street artist, Dave White, pays tribute to this year's summer hit "Batman: The Dark Knight" with this awesome portrait of Joker.

If you haven't watched the movie yet, you better go today! Heath Ledger does an awesome job and I wouldn't be surprised if he wins an Oscar.

Source: Freshness, Dave White

Kidrobot x The Simpsons

2008-08-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

In collaboration with Matt Groening, Kidrobot introduces 3-inch vinyl toys of The Simpsons! In stores starting today, for $7.95 US each - collect all 24 including 3 surprises! A must have for all Simpsons fans and toy collectors!

Source: Kidrobot

Wall Deco Art

2008-08-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

Move over wallpaper...check out Blik Surface Graphics. Blik creates oversized, self-adhesive, removable decals that allows anyone to quickly and easily create decorative patterns or custom wall murals for their home or office. I really like the removable aspect of this product because you can change the layout any time and make your walls look new again.

Source: Blik, Design Milk

Sneakart - Custom Skins for Sneakers

2008-08-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

You've seen skins for iPods, now you can get skins for your sneakers. Sneakskins from Sneakart come in three different forms - Pro-style, Easy Does It, and Design Your Own. Pro-style is a full pattern sticker sheet that can be applied to the entire panel of your sneaker. If you like to mix and match with different designs, Easy Does It is the way to go. And if no designs appeal to you, you can select Design Your Own. All Sneakskins are waterproof and stands up to regular use.

Source: Sneakart

Hot Dogs With A Twist

2008-08-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

If you're a hot dog lover, here are some new variations that may keep you coming back for more! These new hot dog creations can be found in Vancouver, BC, or Seoul, Korea.

Japa Dog is located in downtown Vancouver, on Burrard Street in front of the Sutton Place Hotel. What makes their hot dogs Japanese? They offer condiments like seaweed, dikon, teriyaki mayo, wasabi mayo, and miso mayo. The best one is the Terimayo hot dog, 100% beef wiener, served with seaweed, teriyaki mayo, and sauteed onions.

The next hot dog creation is the french fry coated hot dog, found in Seoul, Korea. You can attempt the french fry hot dog from the comfort of your own kitchen - recipe! If you have tried this before, let me know how it tasted.

Source: The Last Appetite, Japa Dog, Ho Yummy

LEGO Hong Kong Landmarks

2008-08-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

More LEGO creations from fans in Hong Kong. If you've been to Hong Kong, you`ve probably visited these tourist attractions.

Pretty good replicas of the real thing!

Source: HKLUG's Blog

Marvin the Martian

2008-08-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

My favourite Looney Tune character Marvin the Martian will be starting in his own featured film - blending live action and CGI. No word yet on the release date, but I'll keep you posted!

Source: Zap2it

World's Tallest LEGO Tower

2008-08-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

The tallest LEGO tower is now in Toronto, Canada, consisting of more than 465,000 LEGO pieces and towering 29.3 metres tall - 96.1 ft. The tower can be seen at the CNE fairgrounds.

Source: Kanye West

Beijing Opening Ceremony

2008-08-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

With the world watching, the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee planned and executed one of the most entertaining opening ceremony. It was amazing to see the number of performers and how well each segment was choreographed. As the inventors of gun powder, fireworks were plentiful. Overall, the opening ceremony lived up to expectations and much more! Here are some visual highlights:

Now the ball is in Vancouver's Olympic Organizing Committee's court to match or beat Beijing's level of entertainment and creativity. Come 2010, we'll see what Vancouver has in store for the viewers.

Source: Getty Images

Beijing 2006 - Part 2

2008-08-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

Here are the last set of photos...

Personal highlights include visiting the Great Wall and eating the best Peking duck!

Beijing 2006 - Part 1

2008-08-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

Highlights from my trip to Beijing in 2006...

888 - the luckiest day of year

2008-08-08T03:27:00.000-07:00

According to the Chinese calendar today is the luckiest day, hence the reason why the Beijing Olympics starts today, beginning at 8:08 local time. The number eight is considered lucky in the Chinese culture and in Mandarin because eight sounds like the word wealth. Perhaps try your luck on the lottery today or spend the day watching one of the most anticipated opening ceremonies ever. Expect lots of fireworks, dragons and lots more! Hopefully earlier reports of torrential rain for opening day doesn't happen.

The opening ceremonies can be viewed live starting at 4:00 am on the West coast. If you're reading this blog after 4 am, I'm sure the opening ceremony will be replayed throughout the day on various networks.

Michael Lau x Nike

2008-08-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite vinyl toy designer, Michael Lau, has once again teamed up with Nike to create something truly unique for the upcoming Olympics. He was asked to design the shoes and apparel for China's BMX team. And whenever Michael designs and releases a product, there's always a special limited release. So for this limited edition package along with the shoes, Michael has created a figurine and a really cool, one-of-a-kind box with mud tracks (see below).

This special package will be released in Hong Kong and China on August 8th. Only 500 sets are available across China and Hong Kong, so be prepared to line up well in advance of the release date!

So far my favourite toy design from Michael is the Mr. Shoe collection from 2005, since I'm a big Nike fan. Thanks again to my friend in Hong Kong for hooking me up! My friend was one of the lucky ones to get the "black" Mr. Shoe and have it signed by Michael!

Source: Crazytoyz: 0709

Team USA’s Olympic Uniforms

2008-08-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

Team USA's men's basketball team may have the coolest uniforms at the Beijing Olympics. Keep an eye out for the Nike uniforms designed by THUY3 and miQ willmOt of TWEEQiM, based on their "We The People" design.

You can also check out more of Nike's tattoo and Asian inspired Olympic gear at Nike.com.

Source: Vinyl Pulse

2008 Olympics x LEGO

2008-08-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

With only a few days away until the Beijing 2008 Olympics, I thought I'd post everything Olympic related this week. So here's the first Olympic post...

The Hong Kong LEGO User Group pays tribute to the summer games by constructing the game's main Olympic stadium and swimming arena entirely out of LEGO. In total, 300,000 bricks and 4,500 mini-figures were used. If you're in Hong Kong, the exhibit will be up until August 31st at the Grand Century Place. Further information is available at the HKLUG's blog.

Source: HKLUG`S Blog, Hypebeast

Summer Special @ Shop Cocoon

2008-08-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder, this is your last weekend (until August 3rd) to save on co + lab (squared) apparel at Shop Cocoon - 3345 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC. Hurry in, while supplies last!

Kidrobot Interview

2008-07-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of Kidrobot products like myself, here's your chance to get to know the man behind the business. To read the interview with the creator and owner of Kidrobot, Paul Budnitz, please click here.

Source: Format

Lupe Fiasco's Shades

2008-07-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

If you were lucky enough to catch Lupe on Kanye's Glow In The Dark Tour, you probably saw Lupe sporting these cool shades.

Designed exclusively for Lupe by Dita Legends, 5 pairs are now available to the general public. The Midnight Specials feature a red plated Titanium Frame, floating lenses with color monofilament, and UV protected for the price of $575 USD - sold online only. A regular version is available for $500 USD.

Source: Format, Dita Legends

Business Card Designs

2008-07-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

If you're looking to create a lasting impression with your business cards, here are some cool concepts:

It's amazing how creative some people are with limited space.

Source: Fubiz (click link to view more samples)

John Mayer's Designer Picks

2008-07-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

John Mayer has teamed up with KAWS to create some pretty unique guitar picks. These would be a nice collector's item for non-guitar players too!

Source: John Mayer, Freshness

Something Store...surprise!

2008-07-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Tired of giving gift certificates? If so, consider Something Store for your next surprise gift. For only $10 USD, the store will send you or the recipient something of value and fun. Some items may be more expensive than other items but it's your perception that will decide what your something is worth. Shipping is free within the US, $4.75 USD within Canada, and the rest of the world is $8.75 USD. If you've tried this service, let us know what was your surprise.

Source: Something Store, Trendcentral

Nike Free Hybrid Boot Premium

2008-07-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to this upcoming release this Fall...

If you know the official release date and where to buy them, please leave a comment!

Source: Hypebeast

Bubble Calendar

2008-07-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

Like popping bubble wrap? Now, you can do it every day with this bubble calendar.

Calendars are available for sale at Bubblecalendar.com for $29.95 or $49.95, stock up for 2009.

Source: Cool Hunting

Soda and Beer Bracelets

2008-07-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Soda and beer drinkers can now accessorize themselves with these unisex cuff-style bracelets. They're made with 100% sterling silver and real beer gold soda edges. The aluminum is secured to the bracelet with sterling rivets and protected from ramming by silver end-courses.

Source: Elseware

2009 Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

2008-07-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

I'll let the pictures speak for itself...

How sweet is this car?

Price: $300,000+

Source: Acquire

Magazine Cover Illustions

2008-07-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

Source: Fubiz

Pizza Fork

2008-07-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

This two-in -one pizza fork with slicer is a smart and convenient invention but dangerous at the same time with the rolling slicer. Why don't people just use their hands?

Source: Fubiz

Visual Communication

2008-07-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Source: To Darrin Hudson

Summer Special @ Shop Cocoon

2008-07-05T00:10:00.000-07:00

Starting today, co + lab (squared) apparel is specially priced at $30, only at Shop Cocoon (3345 Cambie, Vancouver, BC). Shop early for the best selection - sizes are limited per design!

Construction Paper Sculptures

2008-07-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

I remember creating simple patterns with construction paper in art class, but nothing like this...

To view more of Jen Stark's paper sculptures, please click here.

Source: Kayne West, Jen Stark

Flower Gum

2008-07-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Rather than spitting your gum straight into the trash and having it stick to the garbage can, make it fun with the following instructions:

This makes trashing your gum more pleasant for the passer-bys and the ones clearing out the garbage.

Source: Fubiz

Post-it Art

2008-06-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

What can one create with Post-it notes? Well, take a look...

Consider creating some Post-it art for your workspace. It doesn't have to be extreme like the ones above, but something creative enough to make your workspace interesting. Feel free to submit your Post-it art and I'll post it here for everyone to see.

Source: Zonka, Scary Ideas