Some say global warming is a real ecological travesty while others say it’s just the Lord’s way of rewarding us for getting rid of that pesky ozone layer that separated us from Heavens for far too long. Count the eco-conscious minds at HSBC in the former camp, as the banking stalwart recently commissioned the Mumbai-based branch of Ogilvy and Mather to help them increase awareness for this planetary problem. The result is a few stirring images of the New York City skyline underwater, created by the simple act of gluing an aerial photo of the city that never sleeps to the bottom of a swimming pool. The idea really brings the message home that no matter what your point of view, if the polar ice caps melt down too far, we’re sure to have tons of time to practice our breast stroke and develop gills in order to make our morning commute to work more efficient.

Via Neatorama

The relatively short-lived Miles Davis Quintet, which featured John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers and “Philly” Joe Jones had a few unforgettable sessions that led to releases respectively known as Workin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet, Relaxin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet, and Steamin’ With The Miles Davis Quintet. The recordings, which came out between 1957 and 1961, displayed an especially intricate side of the jazz legend. Out today is the three album set of this meticulous trio. A solid gift idea for anyone even mildy fascinated by the finest era of jazz.

The original Queen sound was more flamboyant, theatrical, and infectious than anything the early 70s era had heard before. Whether on record or on stage, the barber shop quartet meets rock ‘n’ roll recording of those few original singles still manages to give you goosebumps. There’s no better way to hear these singles than in their original form, which is why we are thankful for this set from the first six years, lifted truly from authentic vinyl and compliled in the first of four boxsets of Queen: The Singles Collection — cover art and all. Look out for the rest as they come out.

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Skateboard art just keeps getting better and better. Like graffiti, it’s made its way from street level with a flare for deliquency, to carrying content dope enough to warrant a gallery show. If you happen to be in Portland this week, be sure to check out Wood Pushers, a show curated by Monsieur T. It’s all happening at Hecklewood Gallery. Check out their site for a list of artists and some of the work to be featured. Contributing artists were given the choice of painting a blank deck, or creating a piece with a skating-related theme, which should make for some interesting eye candy.

OHSO Presto: Read JS Review | Buy It ($7-$9)
The world’s sexiest toothbrush gets a colorful remake in bright, see-through colors. It’s a good idea to give it to a girlfriend or regular couch-crasher who gets creeped out by your slimy toothpaste tube. The OHSO Presto comes out after the holidays, but their other equally brilliant brushes are on sale now.

Tom Bihn Checkpoint Flyer Briefcase: Read JS Review | Buy It ($220)
This Checkpoint Flyer Briefcase might possibly be the perfect laptop bag. It makes the airport security process a bit less painful with a removable, clear pocket for a laptop and a separate compartment for everything else.

Total Sao Paulo: A Guide to the Unexpected ($27)
From what you’ve read from my reports on JoshSpear.com about Sao Paulo, this fascinating city is becoming a hot South American destination. Total Sao Paulo: A Guide to the Unexpected (Unhinged Jaw Press) is a guidebook written by yours truly and presents the metropolis’ best gems, from hidden bars to a church full of wax skulls. It comes out April 2009 — a perfect raincheck present.

Modofly Moleskines: Read JS Review | Buy It ($36)
A Moleskine is a necessary part of any traveler’s tool kit. Modofly ups the ante with their neat, laser-etched Moleskine notebooks in multiple sizes with hot new cover art.

Urbane Nomads: Read JS Review | Buy It
For those who’ve traveled to every corner of the earth, Urbane Nomads promises to put together an itinerary that will blow away minds — from a safari in Burma to tasting cheesecake in a bakery owned by a Malaysian ex-premier. Hands down, there is no better gift than one of adventure … if you can afford it, that is.

Muji To Go @ JFK: Read JS Review | Buy It
So you just flew in on the international red eye and realized it’s Christmas Eve day. First, it’s probably time for a vacation. Second, there’s Japan’s favorite minimalist necessity store in Terminal 5 of JFK in New York. Now you can fill your son/daughter/nephew’s stocking without them being the wiser. But be prepared to answer questions about Japanese Santa.





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Japanese Bar Codes