Cool Sh!t Chicago

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:58:00 -0400

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months, EDC NYC is this upcoming weekend and what better way to experience your favorite DJs and their infamous light shows than with a little enhancement? With a pair of EyeParty glasses your viewing experience will be taken to the extreme. These aren’t just any old pair of neon aviators, EyeParty glasses deliver a shot of visual adrenaline by enhancing the visual production at any festival, club, or performance space.

Formed in 2012, EyeParty is on a mission to alter the overall experience of music lovers, EDM in particular, at live shows. Dedicated EDM-lovers, the company founders sought out a way to safely enhance the visual aspect of partying, but without the illicit drug use, to create a safer and more harmonious EDM community. When our senses are amplified our overall experience is deeper and it is with this in mind that EyeParty went from the drawing board to reality. So how do they work? It’s magic and we’re not giving away any secrets. The shades magically alter any light source into a mesmerizing kaleidoscopic world without the nasty side effects that are known to accompany alternative ways of literally seeing through kaleidoscope eyes.

When we tried on our pair of EyePartys in the office, it was intense to say the least. Rainbows were everywhere—never a negative, obviously. Diffraction glasses are nothing new, chances are you had a monocle version growing up but EyeParty makes those look like exactly what they are, child’s play. By using a one-of-a-kind diffraction infused lense set, much stronger than what is generally sold on the market, EyePartys are some next level partying accessories. Plus you can customize your experience by flipping down the wayfarer-style flip frames for whenever you want to turn up the effects. The good partying-folk at EyeParty even tested out their product in some of the hardest party environments in the scene such as paint and foam parties, and of course out in the rain because what festival isn't complete without a flash thunderstorm?

EyeParty glasses are water and sweet proof and come in seven colors. Pairs go for $19.95 each (shipping rates not included) and come in a microfiber cleaning and storage bag.

Joonbug readers use the code “JOONBUG” for 20% off your purchase of EyeParty diffraction glasses!

To place your orders, head over to the EyeParty website and stay tuned for a full line up of neon hats, tanks and tees from EyeParty coming soon.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:06:29 -0400

With Mother's Day right around the corner it is clear that everyone is out scrambling for the perfect gift. Seriously, do you think mom wants flowers again? Splurge on something you know she'll love, like one of the perfect gifts below!

We love all jewelry made by Pono by Joan Goodman and best of all, mom will love it, too. Melt her heart with a very glamorous Byzantine Cuff ($595), appropriately made of mother of pearl.

Philip Stein is known for his gorgeous watches and now you can give mom the gift of sleep with the fashionable Philip Stein Sleep Bracelet ($395). The bracelet is completely comfortable, with perforated holes in the band to allow the skin to breathe and absorb the benefit of Natural Frequency Technology. This technology provides many health benefits, including improved sleep, increased focus, and overall well-being.

Francoise Elizee makes the most gorgeous and fashionable handbags using exotic skins, such as python and alligator. If you really want to splurge on ma dukes this year, we adore this Marie Python Clutch ($1290) in fun, bright fuschia. Can't afford it? Go all in with the siblings and get one nice, big gift.

Poppin has some super cute Mother's Day gift options for the busy mama. Customized mom notebooks come in multiple, bright colors and are a super fun surprise to give. We love the Mom Tattoo ($15) notebook, but other options include #1 Mom and World's Best Mom.

Maddyloo, the number one hair tie company, is doling out adorable (and fashionable) Mini Heart Boxes ($15), which include seven unique hair ties. What better way to say 'I love you' than with a heart full of fashion? The boxes are available in 14 different color themes, so no matter if your mom is more a pink or a yellow lady they've got you covered.

Something that mom will absolutely love this year is Susan Posnick's Colorduo ($24), a double-sided lip pencil that provides rich color and deep moisture, as well as a lip plumping agent. What's so great about this pencil is that it can take you from day to night, with two different, universally-flattering colors—nude and rouge. You can wear Colorduo under lipstick or on its own!

If chocolate is the key to mom's heart, we've got you covered. Armani/Dolci is offering amazing customizable options for Mother's Day—you can choose from a range of 24 chic chocolates, which will be adorned in pink packaging, ranging from $5 to $125. This is the perfect gift the the designer-toting mama.

BlabDroid takes over Tribeca Film Festival's Storyscapes

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:04:00 -0400

On the seventh floor of an average building in the West Village is Dune Studios or better known for the rest of the weekend as the Bombay Sapphire House of Imagination. In this blue-lit, warehouse-like space is the inaugural installment of the Tribeca Film Festival’s newest free event, Storyscapes. On exhibit from April 19th through April 21st are five very unique films that bridge filmmaking and technology. The works chosen for TFF’s Storyscapes are all “multi-platform transmedia program[s] celebrat[ing] new trends in digital media and regular filmmakers and content creators who employ an interactive, web-based or cross-platform approach to story creation.”

Sure to steal your heart, the standout star of Storyscapes was a tiny cardboard robot with large doe eyes and a cute smile called a BlabDroid Filmmaker from the exhibit Robots in Residence. This pint-size robot looks like Wall-e’s kid brother and is an interactive filmmaking device. When you sign out a robot, the BlabDroid asks you intimate questions about yourself and your thoughts on human interaction and the universe. The creators of this adorable robot, Alexander Reben and Brent Hoff have set out to challenge Alfred Hitchcock’s claim that “in feature films the director is God; in documentary films God is the director” by using a theory called the “Eliza Effect.” Based on research that shows humans cannot resist revealing themselves to robots Reben and Hoff are aiming to create a one-of-a-kind, never been done before documentary. When you sign out a BlabDroid, the robot will walk around the floor and will ask you a series of questions while filming your reaction to the questions and recording your responses. Questions include What’s your biggest regret? Why do humans have children? What is one thing you’ve never told a stranger before? and many more. When the footage is completed, and BlabDroid gets the funding they need to proceed, BlabDroid’s documentary will be the world’s first documentary shot and directed entirely by robots.

During the last night of Storyscapes, Sunday, April 21st, Robots in Residence will be premiering a short film cut from the footage gathered by the robots during the weekend event. If you'd like to check out the event and participate in the BlabDroid project, walk-ins, 21 and over, are welcome. The Storyscapes address is 121 Varick Street, NYC with an entrance located on Dominick Street between Varick and Hudson Streets.

To learn more about BlabDroid and Robots in Residence Films visit their website and watch the video below!

Yup! This Just Happened: Tamagotchi L.I.F.E.

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:44:00 -0400

Remember Tamagotchis? The digital pet key chains of the late ‘90s that kids couldn’t get enough of? Chances are you had a lanyard with a dozen or more of these egg-shaped pets attached that you obsessed over and took everywhere. The all-consuming toy faded away, as most trendy toys do, but Bandai Co., the original manufacturer of the digital pet, just released a brand new app, Tamagotchi L.I.F.E. to celebrate Tamagotchi's Sweet 16!

Available for iPhone, iPad, and Android phones the free app is just as fun—and needy—as the original. The handheld app is based on the original toy and operates with its original 3 buttons that at first you’re likely to not remember how to use. The little creature is still pixelated and now with push alerts your pet is bound to live a little longer than they used to. You still feed, clean up after, play with, and give your pet medicine just as you did when you were in elementary school. The updated Tamagotchi features different shells and creatures that you’re able to unlock as you raise, and most importantly keep alive, more pets. The new app is also a lot more interactive and allows you to play games with your pet, different colored egg shells, take screenshots to show your Instagram followers just how mature you are, and other new features. Tamagotchi L.I.F.E. also allows you to play in the old school egg mode or the new updated app style.

Click here to download your own Tamagotchi L.I.F.E pet for iPhone and feel like your 10 year-old self again.

Born of Sound

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:36:00 -0400

Music is the soundtrack of our lives and for most music can transport us back to our favorite place or a particular time that had a long lasting impression us. Whether the music in question is to remember someone or just your most memorable time with friends there’s something unobtainable about sounds, in general, because we can't see them. A company in California, Born of Sound, allows you to take your most important sound bites and turn them into stunning art work as a way to memorialize important people, places, moments, and sounds in life.

Born of Sound takes the vibrations we hear, but usually cannot see and creates customizable artwork. Their website allows you to upload any sound that you've recorded and then turns the vibrations into how they would appear if we could visualize them. Completely customizable, your sound becomes a physical embodiment that you can then hang up in your apartment or office. You choose the shape of the “sound-form,” either the misty Fluidicity or the more digital style Holi Smoke, a vibrant color, size and mounting style, as well as the type of substrate, photo-paper or canvas. Examples of Born of Sound artwork includes, the sound of a wine bottle being opened and poured (pictured), phrases of love, children giggling, a nostalgic materialization of a departed relative playing the fiddle, and lots more. Born of Sound's visual sound artwork pieces begin at around $250 and increase in accordance to size, mounting, and substrate selected.

What would you record to become your own personal sound artwork? Tell us in the comments below!

Get Fit with Basis

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:51:00 -0400

With spring here many of us have fitness on our minds! Joonbug heard about this ultra-cool fitness band called Basis and wanted to learn more! You wear Basis on your wrist and it helps you decipher which activities burn the most calories, tracks your heart rate, and gives you insight into your fitness routine and overall health.

This lightweight, sleek, and easy to use device can be taken anywhere! For the fashion-minded there are various color options including vibrant red, black, or white. Basis serves as a fitness watch, but really does so much more! For $199, it’s the first device that has the ability to tie your movement, calories burnt, sweat, and pulse together. You gain insight into which activities burn the most calories for you and how you can alter your fitness routine for maximum results. The device can actually save you time and money, because you can see which workouts work best for you (if you've invested in a gym membership). Basis also believes that a few key concepts can help you change your overall health and mood; adding walks, getting proper rest by setting, and sticking to, a reasonable bedtime, and that it's hard to manage what you can't measure. This device has changed all of that.

Both "techies" and fitness lovers are really digging this new wave of fitness gadgets.

Uniqbrow: Evolutionary Eyewear

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:27:00 -0400

The most visible and popular fashion accessory worn is something you wear every day—eyewear. Whether prescription or just a fashion statement, your eyewear usually stays the same every day until you either accidentally break them or until it’s time to go back to the eye doctor for a stronger pair. If you’ve gotten into the habit of buying cheap "designer" shades off the street you've probably sacraficed quality and space in your dresser, especially if you don't have an entire closet dedicated to sunglasses like Bono. With all of this in mind, a start-up company in Barcelona has created an innovative, customizable solution to our eyewear woes with Uniqbrow Sunglasses.

You’ll be able to compliment any outfit with eyewear by Uniqbrow. With 12 vibrant and neutral colors and 3 shapes you’ll be able to change your shades just as often as you change your shoes, coat, scarf, and any must-have fashion accessory of the season. For those of us who are indecisive that’s 36 different sunglass possibilities. The three styles are all Buddy Holly-esque with one style being more feminine with a slight cat-eye frame. The exterior is made of an innovative soft material that allows for additional comfort than traditional plastic frames do. The interior structure of all three style of glasses is identical with the same lens perimeter to ensure that the same lenses will fit into the three different shapes. The same dedication of quality also applies to the lenses. Uniqbrow uses sunglass lenses from Optics by Carl Zeiss Vision, the highest quality available in the optic market. Need prescription lenses in your shades? No worries! Just take your pair of Uniqbrows to your eye doctor to have your lenses measured to fit inside.

Uniqbrow is so new that they don’t even have an online store yet! But they’re in the process, so for now you can pre-order, here.

Help them launch their international business by investing, here .

How About We...

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:23:00 -0500

Living in a major city can be a constant flow of excitement. There’s amazing, inventive eateries, an endlessamount of bars that keep the cocktails flowing, and there’s enough culture to drown in. But sometimes it seems as though you’ve exhausted all of your options, especially if you’re in a relationship. We don’t mean with your paramour we mean you’re bored silly of going to the same six restaurants and the same bars every weekend. Take advantage of what your city has to offer with How About We…for Couples.

The How About We…For Couples dating site has taken all the hassle out of scoping out things to do with your beau (or sister or best friend, of course). Keep it under wraps and the person you bring along for the How About We… events will think you’re the most wonderfully thoughtful and spontaneous person with the best insider connections around! So how does it work?

For a membership fee of $22 per month, you will receive a new collection of How About We… Dates, all hand-picked, depending on your location, for their quality and originality, so that you and your loved one or partner in crime have an exceptional date or time together. The membership, which can be cancelled at any time, includes a selection of free dates each month, sold out tickets and members only events, early access to book new dates, up to 75% off every date in their collection (nonmembers pay a different fee), and couples reward points for other exclusive offers. It's like Birchbox for experiences instead of cosmetics.

In NYC, for example, couples can enjoy complimentary drinks for 2 at Bottino. Free mojitos, sangria, and Samba dancing at SOB’s. A live comedy show, with dessert and drinks included, at The Stand comedy club. A 3-course tasting menu and wine at Northern Spy Food Co.

Chef Eddie Huang Redefines the American Dream

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:22:00 -0500

If you’ve ever been to BaoHaus, the casual Taiwanese bun shop in New York’s East Village, you may have noticed Eddie Huang one of the chefs and co-owners, probably freestyling along to the music dressed in renegade street clothes. By looking at him though, you would never guess that this former stand-up comic turn celebrity chef actually practiced corporate law. Huang’s newest venture is his memoir, Fresh Off the Boat, published by Random House. The memoir, entitled the same as his hysterically fun food and travel show produced by Vice, touches on Eddie’s unique views on America, , the culinary world, Asian stereotypes, and basically Eddie’s critiques of everything and everyone he comes in contact with.

After growing up in Orlando with Taiwanese-immigrant parents, Eddie moved to New York City in 2005 to attend law school. When he was laid off from his lawn firm in 2009, he began doing stand-up comedy at the Laugh Lounge on the Lower East Side. Using the stage name 'Magic Dong Huang,' Eddie would tell jokes about everything from growing up Chinese in Orlando to jokes about bin Laden. Around the same time, Eddie, who always brought chicken wings and fried rice to the Laugh Lounge, was encouraged to try cooking out professionally. Wanting to reach a wider audience, Eddie decided to apply and later made it as a finalist on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show, the “Ultimate Recipe Showdown.” Eddie may have lost the competition but he gained the confidence needed to open up BaoHaus with his brother, Evan.

After such a whirlwind career, a successful restaurant, and a failed second restaurant endeavor when he wasn't completely focused on cooking, Eddie realized that “he had more to say as a writer than from behind a wok.” In Fresh Off the Boat, Eddie discusses his connection with African American culture due to the similarities between how his mother reprimanded him in comparison to the black kids in his neighborhood, his idolization of Tu-Pac, his obsession with football, and the physical abuse he suffered as a child. Eddie Huang and Fresh Off the Boat redefines the typical American Dream and creates one of his very own that tells the story of what it means to be first-generation American in 2013.

Want to read more about Eddie Huang and his point of view? You can buy his memoir, here.

Watch Fresh Off the Boat on Vice, here.

Couture for Your Cup: The Drink Hanky

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:32:00 -0500

Just when Joonbug thought we heard of it all—there's always something new and fun on the horizon! The Drink Hanky is an innovative creation for your beverage of choice from native New Yorker Amanda Bertoncini. The idea originated when Bertoncini (working in the fashion business in NYC) went for a weekend drive with her father to meet her grandparents in Queens, NY for Sunday dinner. They would always stop for coffee on the way. After receiving their drinks from Starbucks, she began to notice her iced coffee was leaking everywhere in her cup holder. The idea came to mind right at that moment! She needed to design a high-end Snuggie type creation for everyone's beverage. Voila, the Drink Hanky was born.

Joonbug had the opportunity to try the Drink Hanky and we like it! It's an affordable, fashionable item that all can utilize. The product reaches out to people of all ages. You literally can dress-up any bottle—a baby bottle, guys drinking beers at a hockey game, business people with their coffee in the morning, retired people soaking up the sun, or those who like to workout enjoy using their Drink Hanky at the gym.

Proudly made in the USA, we also admire young business women and men with creative ideas that are go-getters and making it happen. Cheers to Amanda and the Drink Hanky. You can be a part of the #drinkhankynation and join their Facebook page. They encourage fans to upload their stylin' photos to share how you matched your Drink Hanky to your latest ensemble.

Photos courtesy of: Street Image Photography