We’re always wondering, what does the future hold for personal and home audio? What will consumer packaged music look like even just a few years from now? With the advent of perpendicular storage, NAS systems, cheap flash memory, and increasing political and legal issues regarding ownership and piracy, the answer is not simple. Alice Wang, a product design major and native of both Taipei and London, explains her vision in her latest project called Audio Sticks. Wang envisions a future where artists will release their albums on USB flash memory keys, each holding 70 MB of data. Due to their compact size, the Audio Sticks will be more portable than the compact discs we use today and there will much less materials wasted on packaging. The artist claims that mix tapes are no longer being produced and the portability of the Audio Sticks will convince friends and family from combining their music into a sort of primitive mix tape. This would all come together nicely if every home was equipped with a storage and playing device whose mock up looks like a slender and tall, wood paneled, giant USB hub. The concept of Audio Sticks is certainly intriguing and answers some questions about the future of audio interaction in our culture, while raising a few of its own. I think it’s time we see something like this in the market place!

Our trip to Asia wouldn’t have been possible without the generous and gracious sponsorship of Malaysia Airlines. We upgraded to first class in order to experience this airline which some rank as “best in Asia.” (It’s one of only a few airlines Skytrax gives a 5 star rating.) The seats were wide and comfortable with practically enough room around them in the front of the plane to play a decent game of frisbee. On the tech side of things, they actually have a system to send and receive text message to telephone numbers or emails on the ground—a great step on the way to a full service WiFi planned for the future. The cabin attendants were deeply respectful, gracious and attentive. On our 14 hour outbound flight (in their Golden Club Class) we were treated to nearly a dozen hot towels, keeping us constantly hydrated and refreshed. Our return in First Class was a treat that provided an overall tranquility when our eyelids got too heavy. Our only regret was that we didn’t get a chance to fly the reconfigured aircraft with the new seats and entertainment system. We look forward to an opportunity to review the new configuration and fly with you again soon!

We don’t usually post jokes here– but this one was too good to pass up on. Extortr is a spoof-site that makes blackmailing easy, or as they put it “the most efficient way to blackmail the world.” You upload a scandalous photo or video as evidence, set a price, then email an anonymous threat. If your demands aren’t paid your upload goes public. While the actual Extortr service doesn’t function, it’s a hilarious concept and I don’t think it would take much programming to make it a reality.

Who knew that garbage could be so…..cool? Justin, a NYC resident, thinks that it can be and judging by his results, it actually appears that he’s right! NYCgarbage.com is the website where Justin sells his 100% hand-picked garbage off the streets of New York and neatly packages it up in 4.5″ clear lucite containers for your viewing pleasure (and don’t worry, any smells won’t leak out). Each cube is hand-signed by Justin, numbered, and dated just like any other piece of art. Limited edition cubes are also available that contain artifacts from prominent NYC events such as the Republican National Convention, New Year’s Eve in Times Square, and the World Series at Yankee Stadium. Typical cubes contain items like subway passes, Broadway show tickets, cigarette boxes, coffee cups, matches, and just about anything else you can imagine. Justin has sold over 800 cubes to people in 41 states and 20 countries. Order your piece of NYC trash today!

Although I’m a year round flip flop kind of guy, the summer solstice is coming and the temperature is pushing 100 degrees here. We thought we would share some of our favorite sandals for summer time (or even all year round). There’s something in here for everyone, enjoy!

Have a pair of great sandals not featured here? Send us a tip!

Paul Smith Spinx Sandals

We’re huge fans of all the Paul Smith Beach Sandals– this being one of 3 different Chinese style patterns available. The self-taught designer literally “propelled himself to knighthood” with his life long philosophy “Expect the Unexpected”. Although a little expensive at $100, they’re seriously classy and sure to last a lifetime.

Keen Antiqua
The Keen Antigua is designed to be a little more versatile than your normal flip-flop– whether you’re kicking around town or want to actually log some distance on a rocky beach. Their signature toe cap allows you to venture around without stubbing your little piggys, and we’ve all done that before in cheap flip flops.
$40 Available Online

The Gravis Cartel

The Gravis Cartel isn't as tough as it sounds. Crafted from soft, premium, full grain leather, the Cartel is comfortable both on the street and at the country club. Their Summer Collection of sneakers is stellar also! $74 Available Online.

Havianas Sandals

Havianas‘ are probably the most popular all around flip flop in the world. They’ve been dominating the South American and European markets for decades, and were recently introduce to the USA a little over three years ago. Part of the appeal is their super-soft secret rubber formula–which we love, the other part is that they offer dozens upon dozens of styles to choose from for both guys and gals. No matter what your style, Havianas has you covered. Perfectly priced from as low as $5 and up to $60, they’re available at the Havianas website. Also, UrbanOutfitters has a buy 1 get 50% off the 2nd deal going right now!

Vibram Five Fingers

We covered the Vibram FiveFingers eons ago but more recently got a few pairs to run around in, and all though hesitant at first–now we’re believers. Designed by industrial designer Robert Fliri and created in collaboration with the superb craftsmanship of the Vibram brand, a truly ‘why didn’t I think of that first‘ design was born. They’re a little wacky– but surely will give you incredible protection for scrambling around rocks, racing your sail boat, or just raising eyebrows and turning heads as you walk down the street. We know they’re not exactly sandals or flip flops, but these were too good to not get a free pass into the feature. $70 Available Online.

Royal Elastics Chedal Mule

Ladies love them, men wish they could wear them. The Royal Elastics Mule is an extra-comfy, split toed (Japanese style) Royal speciality. They’re made with a combination of super soft full grain leather, mesh, and signature elastics. I’m a longtime fan of this design– also available in 7 different colorways. I’ve been nagging the Royal Elastic design team to get on a hot mens flip flop or sandal for a while! $65 Available Online.

Vans Anaheim II

These sandals from Vans incorporate the always stylish, classic checkerboard pattern. Available in black, white, and red earth checkerboard (shown here). Whether you’re lounging or long boarding Vans is keeping it old school for summer! $28.00 available Online

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aujCollections is a wonderful concept-clothing line out of Toronto with a truly awesome mission: Save the world in style. The t-shirts are made with fine details of sewn cashmere on the insides of the sleeve, light-washed printing and a slim fit. What makes the company so unique is that each piece of clothing in their line has a code inside the cashmere stitching which can be typed into a box on their website giving you access to a phone number for a mentor aujCollections’ staffes who can help you brainstorm a world-saving project. On the first phone call their staff talks to you about what you can do to save the world– anything from how to run a benefit concert, volunteer in Africa or get involved locally. The company is founded by 19 year old Aaron Aujila, this is his first season which he describes as “the Yacht Club Prepster with a nod to the Ivy League”. Great work and an inspiring idea.