When Alexander Graham Bell invented a simple device called the telephone, he would have never thunk it that combined with modern technology the phone has since become a necessary part of life that these days extends further than a convenient tool for returning your mom’s calls. It’s a life-capture machine, a music player, a learning device…add your preferred method of use here. The second-ever Mobilefest, which started today in Sao Paulo and was the first to accept entries over SMS, MMS or WAP, gets a roster of academicians, artists, environmentalists and more — most notably among them editor of The Millennium Whole Earth Catalog Howard Rheingold and famous hacker Gabe Sawhney — rubbing shoulders for three busy days of lectures, roundtables and exhibits that seek to explore how mobile technology influences “democracy, culture, art, ecology, peace, education, health and the third sector.” Exhibits include a public-based interactive text exercise called SMS Graffiti and international short films made and produced on a cell phone. Check out the trailer for Mobilefest on the homepage to see what you’re missing out on.

Little Friends of Printmaking: Read JS Review | Buy It ($20 – $30; shown as 4)

As it turns out, the pair running Little Friends of Printmaking not only make a killer poster, they also seem to have a lot of friends themselves. This probably means that they’re very nice, and we’d rather support killer posters and niceness than (enter interchangeable presidential candidate here) any day.

Yee-Haw Industries: Read JS Review | Buy It (prices vary; shown as 1)

The antique letter-pressed prints of Yee-Haw industries have been grabbing the attention of PRINT and The Wall Street Journal for years. Even though I can’t guarantee that the people that come through my house read either of those publications (or read at all, now that I think about it), nothing short of a naked elf would draw more eyes than something by this Knoxville-based company.

Standard Motion: Read JS Review | Buy It ($16 – $150; shown as 3)

Jon Stetzen’s posters have been making us smile since 2005. These days, they might even make your baby smile. Life is sweet, no?

Richard Goodall Underground Shop: Read JS Review | Buy It (PRICE; shown as 2)

Yes, we mentioned this one in another Top 5 post. However; they stock every concert poster ever made. Or at least the pretty ones. It’s paradise.

Hero Design Studio: Read JS Review | Buy It ($30 up; shown as 5)

Hero Design Studio’s posters are softer, cleaner, and a bit more elegant than your classic concert memorabilia. That said, they’re all incredibly beautiful, and perfect for the more mature poster enthusiast in your posse. Heather’s got one and she’s way mature. [ed note: uh, three, actually, and one of them is an artist's proof. Evidence of my maturity is further demonstrated in my inclination towards snotty editorial sidenotes.]

All of us here are firm believers that decals aren't just for advertising soft drinks on stock cars, they can also be used as decadent decorations for your home or office. That's why back in July we informed you about the astonishing set of wall stickers by Tonky Designs, featuring engrossing images of everything from mundane objects to captivating creatures, as well as various other compelling designs. Well, nearly four months have passed and we're pleased to announce the return of Tonky to our good graces; not just to plug the same old designs, but to trumpet some new and absorbing adhesive art. Tonky's latest creations are based in barnyard and geared towards gadgets, respectively. Tonky’s Cow sticker and CamCorder (Exploded View) would be a welcome aesthetic addition to any personal space, whether in a frathouse or mansion.

Eric Hollings has been a busy little bee on the West Coast of late, mostly evident in his newly-rehauled portfolio site, FeatureThis. He’s kept the same kitschy, retro feel of his old site, but repackaged it up in clean, chocolatey, sophisticated Flash-based goodness — a perfect complement to his body of work. Go check it out for yourself.

The designers at Raumgestalt have created an unlikely pair. While their streamlined console table isn’t a new idea, it is well a designed and clean-looking piece. The unique point, however, is the pairing with a blackboard; we all need some place to take and leave messages for loved ones, and there’s only so many post-it notes that you can slap across your walls before it starts looking a little unruly. Of course, the fact that it reminds me of one of those old blackboards that kids used to carry to school makes it so much more fun — both because I like the subtle way-retro factor and because the thought of some kid walking uphill both ways in the snow carrying that blackboard makes me laugh. Raumgestalt also makes a table, a bench, and a stool that match the slat design of the console table. Unfortunately there’s not a direct link, but they’re under the “making space” heading on the product list, along with some other fun toys.