I just bought the HP Photosmart C3180 All in One Printer/Scanner/Copier for around $80 because I uhhh… need a Printer / Scanner / Copier. I’m not into multi-function gadgets, since they seem to excel @ only one facet of their features list… but I figure that I’ll need to use all 3 anyway for casual use. The reviews look good for everyday operation, but photo / graphic design printing is somewhat lacking. I’m not concerned since I’ll be using it for quick recipe print outs, as well as random coupons & certificates that I get from the I’net anyway.

We all know what happens to naughty electronics (updated!). Anyone have horror stories about this product?

I hope not, for the printer’s sake.

~Spec

If you remember, I was in Minneapolis to bring in the New Year, and it was a lot of fun hangin’ out with many of the people who help create the Industry Minne-zine: Minneapolis’ premiere publication for allthingsMinneapolis! How did they start? A quick bio, taken from their myspace page, follows:

Industry Minne-zine started out as a city-informative magazine and in just one year has transformed itself into a catalyst for artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, fashionistas, and those seeking to be something other than ordinary. Industry Minne-zine enables those who strive to be justly noticed through a diversified and influential resource. Our goal is not just to expose but to drive the sources of creativity and the independent soul and culture of Minneapolis. Keeping the integrity of our mission and the integrity of all those involved in creating the publication always takes precedence. We provide something that is bold, innovative, empowering, and nothing less than revolutionary. Industry Minne-zine is the pioneer of true independent publishing in Minneapolis.

So, would YOU like it? I do. And if you stop by this website a lot, I’d like you’d like it too. Check out their target audience:

Leading the charge is a new generation of readers—well-informed, multi-cultural women and men aged 21 to 38. They’re the most educated, most relaxed, clued-up generation in history, with their own unique spin on the world. Flooded by media and wary of hype, they’re skeptical of everything they watch or read. Eclectic and irreverent, they’re rapidly transforming fashion, culture, and the media. Our readers have their own music, their own blogs, their own newspaper, and their own fashion, and their own Myspace profiles. They have almost everything, in fact. Except a magazine that really speaks to them…until now.

If you’re from Minneapolis and are looking for a connection back home, you can pick up a year’s subscription for under $20 from their website here. The entire operation is run by people that live and breathe the scene, and although it has local roots, it definitely has a global scope. Once again, thanks to Tony, Nate, Romeny and Odogg for really making Jorge, Boogie and I welcome in your neck of the woods.

~Spec

Wow. I can’t believe that I clicked on a web page advertisement. Someone please tell me that this is an adsite. Thanks(?) to MOCOLOCO for having the ad. There’s so much more going on here than just vodka.

Underground, Tokyo is boiling with creativity – subculture is part of culture. Some of the most colorful individuals of the alternative Japanese capital were captured when one of the world’s most renowned photographers came to town to perpetuate the outfits and models of ABSOLUT METROPOLIS.

Click here for the J-subpop experience. The site is super sticky and contains freakishly detailed wallpapers, personal space for artists, mp3 loops and streaming ‘behind-the-scenes’ video. Just another look at the Japanese underground.

And what an underground it is.

~Spec

Damn. Some people are blessed. This painting is entitled “Pepper Romance” by Stanley Lau

I’m a deviantART fan, but I don’t visit that often. For the most part, its because it depresses me into a “I wouldn’t even know where to start, but I’d love to create something such as this” mindset. The artist stated that he logged in 3.5 hours created the picture above using Painter. 3.5 Hours!?!? That’s ridiculously amazing. Here’s a brief bio:

Stanley Lau | Artgerm

Occupation: Currently working as the Head Art Director of Paprika Singapore, a design and advertising agency.
Current Residence: Singapore
Interests: Design and graphic stuffs
Operating System: PC all the way!
MP3 player of choice: iPod (with longer battery life)
Favourite game: Splinter Cell, bubble bobble
Favourite gaming platform: PC, PS2, Xbox
Personal Quote: What have u learnt today?
Tools of the Trade: Painter, PS, Freehand
Achievable dream: Publish the Pepper Project book that contains 100 pieces of Pepper artworks.

He also manages a cutesy clothing line website named Animal Square, which is equally impressive. I love his works and I’ll post if another picture catches my eye, but I’m sure this one will always be my favorite.

Here’s a link to his store. Check it out, and purchase something if it strikes your fancy. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it!

~Spec

I’ve written about how much I love The Postal Service before. Cool pic, huh? I found it @ kozyndan.com. Whoever or whatever this site represents I don’t know… it sure is trippy. Here’s the info:

Title: DC Sleeps Alone Tonight
Media: pencil, digital
What: Illustration for The Postal Service second single “DC Sleeps Alone Tonight” released by Sub Pop. We were pleased to again be asked to do the cover art for a Postal Service single. We used our friend Raina as the model for this sad little tale.

I wish it was @ a higher rez… I would surely love to make this my wallpaper. Click the picture to see it 779 x 400px.

~Spec