Journal

A chronicle of people, places, happenings, and creations we admire.

Floating Piers (Project for Lake Iseo) by Christo

Installation art icon and interventionist Christo has touched down in northern Italy to create the "Floating Piers" project on Lake Iseo.  Over 200,000 fabricated floating polyethylene cubes wrapped in his now signature golden ochre fabric allow visitors to walk across the lake to various shorefronts and a remote island called Monte Isola.  This project has been a long-time vision devised by Christo and his late wife and collaborator, Jeanne-Claude, who passed away in 2009.  This latest installation rivals his Central Park based "Gates" project from 2005 in size and scale, but is not without controversy; an Italian consumer group has accused the Bulgarian artist and his supporters of wasting public money to execute the project.

The Floating Piers project is on now until July 3rd.

Monocle 24: The Big Interview

Photos ©Monocle / TAG Heuer

Photos ©Monocle / TAG Heuer

Monocle’s editor in chief Tyler Brûlé sits down with Tag Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver to discuss adapting to an ever-changing market, collaborating (and competing) and how the “connected watch” will foster the next generation of luxury-watch buyers.  Jean-Claude Biver is in our opinion (shadowing Tyler's) one of the most intuitive characters in the luxury watch sector, and for that matter, the luxury brand sector as a whole.  Head over to Monocle and take a listen.

Originally Aired on December 20, 2015

Duration: 30 Minutes


Nissan Heritage

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has launched an amazing website chronicling its illustrious 95-year history with stories, milestones, reference data and photography.  The various decades show clearly the evolution of the modern Japanese motorcar beginning officially in 1933 where Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd., predecessor of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., was established in Yokohama with paid-in capital of ¥10,000,000.  Head over and see early versions of the GT-R, Fairlady Z as well as domestic (Japan) passenger vehicles and electric cars as well.  With all the beautiful images and history to pore over, its definitely NSFW.

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James Bond 007: SPECTRE Trailer No.2

Watch the new trailer for SPECTRE. A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.

Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot.

As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.

Released in the UK on October 26, and in the US on November 6, 2015.

--MGM/Columbia Pictures

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Klein Tools 24" 5108.24 Deluxe Leather Bag

Klein Tools has been a stalwart in the professional tool business for almost 160 years.  Those who know the iconic canvas bags will want to upgrade to the full leather 24" Deluxe Bag.  This timeless piece of equipment is good to carry your gym stuff, makeup, chef's knives, camera lenses, drawings, maybe even your tin snips or monkey wrench.

Cat. No. 5108-24 (No. 5108-20 Pictured)

Price: $373.00

Product Features

  • Rugged tool bag made of extra-heavy leather.
  • Removable, padded shoulder strap.
  • Three-ply bottom with steel studs.
  • Retaining straps extend around bag for extra support.

CLIFF VAUGHS: THE STORY BEHIND THE "CAPTAIN AMERICA" CHOPPER

©1969 Columbia Pictures

©1969 Columbia Pictures

Cliff Vaughs, c. 1974

Cliff Vaughs, c. 1974

The "Captain America" chopper is arguably the most famous and recognizable motorcycle in the world, but the story behind its design and creation is little known to those outside of the motorcycle community.  Cliff Vaughs, a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, civil rights activist and film maker, met actor Peter Fonda as they both lived in West Hollywood in the 1960's. Fonda returned with Dennis Hopper to the backyard where Cliff was regularly found building his motorcycles to discuss early ideas of the iconic film "Easy Rider".  Vaughs, then well-known as a biker, builder and designer in the community, was given the task of building (as Associate Producer) the motorcycles and scenic concepts with mentor and builder Ben Hardy, a major pioneer of the SoCal bike scene himself.  He was also instrumental in hiring Director of Photography Baird Bryant (uncredited).  Legend has it that Vaughs actually missed the 1963 March on Washington because he was working on one of his motorcycles at the time.

The Design

Vaughs created the famous "Captain America" chopper with the inspiration of the Marvel comic book character of the same name.  The main characters "Capt. America and his sidekick "Bucky" led to naming the eponymous machine and the "Billy", steed of co-star and 'ER' film director Dennis Hopper.  There were a total of four motorcycles built for the film, based on 40's and 50's Harley Davidson police motorcycles which Vaughs had purchased at auction for $500.  With initial ideas given to him by Peter Fonda, Vaughs, with Hardy set forth to create the most iconic motorcycle ever captured on film.

harleyeasyriderchopper.jpg