Hansaware Metal Wallets | This is Your Grandfather’s Cigarette Case
I’ve never really liked leather wallets; the way they stretch to fit just about whatever you can shove in is a recipe for disaster. Over the years I’ve tried many alternatives, and compromised with a money clip until I came across these little gems from a German firm that truly makes things the way they used to. Hansaware offers an incredible range of nickel and brass cases, sized to hold anything from contact lenses through eyeglasses. Manufactured using the original tools dating to the 20′s and 30′s, their deco-cool retro look is the real deal. And best of all, a cigarette case perfectly sized for credit cards won’t expand… no matter how hard you try to pack in that extra Starbucks card, this is a wallet that forces you to carry just what you need and no more. A distinctive way to stash your cash and keep your pocket bulge-free, $25-35 depending on style and materials.
Posted in Art Deco, Cigarette Case, Credit Card Case, Hansaware, Metal Box, Wallet | Comments Off
Batman: The Complete Animated Series | Meet the Real Dark Knight
To say that Batman: The Animated Series redefined what a “cartoon” could be is an understatement; this is truly among the most influential works of animation ever made. Paul Dini and Bruce Timm’s vision portrayed the Dark Knight in his truest form ever, capturing the essence of Batman and distilling it into a slickly styled, witty package that will continue to win fans for generations to come… and blessedly purged our memories of the Adam West / Burt Ward travesty which shaped perception of this complex character for so long. As much adult fare as it will thrill kids (and there are some dark episodes that, frankly, are not appropriate for children), the show looks as fresh today as when it took the Fox Kids network by storm in 1992. Some great bonus material rounds out this beautifully designed set, about $150 from Amazon.
Posted in Animation, Batman, Batman Animated, Bruce Timm, Dark Knight, DC Comics, DVD Collection, Paul Dini | Comments Off
Sherlock Holmes: The Complete BBC Series | Boycott Robert Downey’s Version
Many people are surprised to hear that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic tales of the great Victorian detective are among the most widely read in the world, a close second only to the bible in terms of print copies (and, I’d venture, in the lead with respect to actual readership). What makes them so wonderful, why his characters have captured readers’ imaginations across every nationality and culture for the past 100+ years, is a subject better left to the numerous websites devoted to that subject. But I’d like to ensure – particularly before Robert Downey Jr. does irrevocable damage to the franchise in his upcoming action movie (loosely based on the stories) – that people have a chance to appreciate their true greatness in the form of Jeremy Brett’s definitive embodiment of Holmes, along with the two perfect Watsons who shared that role over the course of several seasons on the BBC. Whether you are new to the tales or already an avid fan, this remastered box set is one of those rare DVD collections that’s worth owning. About $185 from Amazon, watch out for inexpensive bootlegs from China that sell for much less.
Posted in Arthur Conan Doyle, BBC, DVD Collection, Granada, Jeremy Brett, Robert Downey Jr., Sherlock Holmes, Watson | Comments Off
Playsam Saab Concept 001 | The Essence of a Once Great Car Company
The recent bankruptcy of Saab, after years of mismanagement by its owner GM (what hasn’t General Motors mismanaged?) was a sad event for anyone who appreciates the brilliant and sometimes quirky designs the Swedish firm was known for. I’ll always be able to recall Saab’s best while caressing this gorgeous hardwood homage to Sixten Saxon’s 1949 concept 001, which evolved into the production model 92 that set the tone for all pre-GM Saabs to follow. Swedish toymaker Playsam lovingly crafts these executive gifts (at $140 it isn’t a toy for kids) and other Saab-inspired toys that I recommend to anyone with a bit of extra desk space. And for the record, Sixten Saxon is the coolest name. Ever.
Posted in Executive Gift, Playsam, Saab, Sixten Saxon, Toy Car, Wooden Toys | Comments Off
Stelton Oil Lamp + Ashtray | Perfection in Stainless Steel
I’ve always had a soft spot for pure geometry in my environment, and like many am a sucker for the cold touch of stainless steel. Stelton, the Danish firm known for excellence in both since 1960, has thus been my go-to brand for tabletop accessories and these two products exemplify why. The Revolving Ashtray by Arne Jacobsen and Oil Lamp by Erik Magnussen optimize the functional possibilities of cylinders in ways that look as contemporary today as when designed (1970 and 2001, respectively), and even if you don’t smoke that spinning dish (a perfect hemisphere floating inside a perfect circle) creates a relationship of forms you’ll never tire of playing with. Heirloom pieces your kids and grandkids will love, a steal at $100 each.
Posted in Ashtray, Oil Lamp, Stelton, Tabletop Accessories; Stainless Steel; Arne Jacobsen; Erik Magnussen | Comments Off
Honeywell Fresh Breeze Tower Fan | A Well Designed Breath of Fresh Air
Fans may seem a bit old fashioned when you have central air, but the recent heat wave in LA taught me that air conditioning isn’t always enough to keep cool. For my home office I’ve found Honeywell’s Fresh Breeze Tower packs the power of many larger rotary fans in a footprint that’s virtually invisible. What you do see is clean and efficient, and though the LCD display’s user interface could be better it’s easy to manage all of Honeywell’s useful features (including a built-in ionizer and a randomized speed option to simulate the gusts of a natural outdoor breeze.) At about $65 this whisper quiet air circulator is a great way to augment AC in the summer and keep air moving through the winter months ahead.
Posted in Air Conditioner, Fan, Honeywell, Ionizer, Tower Fan | 1 Comment »
TidyCat Breeze Litter System | This Litterbox Doesn’t Stink
With two very smelly cats, we’ve tried just about all the pseudo-solutions available which promise to minimize litter odor, and have been disappointed by all but one – TidyCat’s Breeze System. Its use of proprietary pelletized litter, through which liquid waste drains into a special absorbent pad in the base, seems almost too simple to work. But work it does, and you’ll never go back to an ordinary box (or exorbitantly priced “self cleaning” electric gadgets) once you try it. A bit more expensive than a basic box as the pads must be replaced weekly, but it will seriously change the quality of your olfactory life if you have indoor cats. Its easy-to-maintain functionality even lets me overlook the low rent design and color palette. About $30 for the starter set, pads go for $6/pack of 4.
Posted in Breeze Litter System, Cat Litter, Litter, Litter Box, Odor Control, TidyCat | Comments Off
IC Berlin Frames | Eyeglasses Evolved
Once in the rarest while an object comes along that represents the pinnacle of design for a particular category of product. For eyeglasses, that event occurred about 5 years ago when a small German firm hit the market with a revolutionary concept in materials and engineering. IC Berlin frames are laser cut from thin sheets of surgical stainless steel… an incredibly flexible, feather light metal that can withstand any abuse you throw at them. The unique qualities of the steel are harnessed in a magical hinge that has to be played with to understand its genius – no springs, screws, or additional parts whatsoever. Available in every shape and size imaginable (sunglass and prescription) at price points starting about $350 they’re not inexpensive. But instead of paying that kind of money for oversized “designer” logos that will be out of style next summer, IC Berlin makes glasses for those who prefer to wear brilliant design as all the logo they need.
Posted in Eyeglass Frames, Eyeglasses, German Design, IC Berlin, Sunglasses | Comments Off
Usher Audio S-520 Speakers | Big Sound for Small Spaces
At just 7″x10″x12″, I don’t blame you for being skeptical that these little boxes from can pump out sound rivaling speakers three times their size and price… check the audiophile reviews (as I did before buying) and you’ll be convinced. These multi-award winners bring a depth and richness to music that really needs to be heard to be believed, and their somewhat bland design comes to life with surprising presence through Usher’s obvious build quality and incredible attention to detail. If you need great sound in a compact space, at $400/pair the only hard choice will be selecting from Usher’s available palette of mirror finished laquers – everything from traditional piano black to Ferrari yellow.
Posted in Bookshelf Speakers, Compact Speakers, S-520, Usher Audio | Comments Off
Method Aroma Spray | Just Don’t Call it Air Freshener
Like most designers (and lots of other consumers) I’m a total sucker for Method’s home care products and soaps… regardless of whether I need it, their environmentally friendly ingredients in great looking packages always finds their way into my shopping cart at Target. So it was only a matter of time until I tried their Aroma Spray, and I’m sorry I waited so long. More a mist than a spray, Method has achieved a perfect balance of effective odor removal and subtlety, without any dangerous aerosol propellants or harsh chemicals (they’re made with natural essential oils rather than artificial scents). As for the can, that translucent halo inviting your fingertip says it all.
Posted in Aerosol, Air Freshener, Aroma Spray, Deodorizer, Fragrance, Method, Scent | Comments Off