At this year’s General Conference of Weights and Measures, a collective of 60 countries voted to change the kilogram’s value. Up until this vote, the kilogram was based on a platinum and iridium fragment, called the “Le Grande K,” which is stored in a chamber in the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Sèvres, France. Over time, Big K seemed to be losing weight—or its replicas …
How and Why the Kilogram Value Changed
Marijuana Swimming Shorts
$292
High Times and Japanese brand Wacko Maria collaborated on a capsule collection that boldly celebrates cannabis culture. From it, these swim shorts are anything but subtle—emblazoned with the magazine’s various logos and marijuana leaves. With an elasticized drawstring waistband and plenty of pocket room, they’re a classic shape and fit, with a not-so-classic all-over print.
Link About It
Stories from around the web that we think you should read
Inside Japan’s KitKat Factory
From the carpark to the chocolate tank room, baking line, moulding queue and beyond, this series of videos takes viewers on a tour of the KitKat factory in Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture. Beginning with intense hygiene and cleaning rituals, the videos are “weird and wonderful” and entirely enthralling. See them all at Core77.
Tavares Strachan and SpaceX Send Art to Space
On Monday, 19 November, SpaceX will send its Falcon 9 rocket into space. But, this time the launch will be adorned with a Tavares Strachan sculpture of Robert Henry Lawrence Jr, the first African-American NASA-trained astronaut. Sadly, Lawrence Jr never made it to space (he died in a jet crash in 1967) but, thanks to this collaboration, a 24-karat gold bust of his likeness will …
Land Ark’s Mid-Century Modern-Inspired RV
Referred to as the “Draper,” Land Ark’s latest RV pairs mid-century angles and materials with sophisticated spatial management. From an exterior panel that drops into an elevated outdoor patio to a sleeping loft flooded with natural light, indoor and outdoor frequently engage. There’s a walk-in shower, convertible couch and large kitchen, too—but it’s the white-washed pine and elegant proportions that truly impress. See more photos and …
Gravity Images Reveal Lost Continents Under Antarctica
For four years, the European Space Agency’s Gravity field and Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite accumulated data on Earth’s gravitational field. Now, scientists are using that information to best understand what lies beneath Antarctica’s ice sheets. Here, they’re learning that East and West Antarctica bear fundamental differences, including lithosphere thickness. Underneath the former, there are actually several similarities to the continent’s closest neighbors. Read more at VICE.
An Adventure From Start to Finish, China’s Ao Yun Wine
Vineyards in the clouds to a 100% by hand approach
Buy Guide
The latest additions to our shoppable directory
Hamburger Eyes No. 36
$20
The latest from LA-based publisher Hamburger Eyes, No. 36: The Continuing Story of Life on Earth, is a 120-page perfect-bound collection of the beloved Boston Herald photographer Arthur Pollock’s work. Hamburger Eyes has been publishing—be it on Xeroxed paper or otherwise—for almost 18 years now.
Pixentu Street Photography Jacket
$250
Designed as a camera bag replacement, Leica’s Pixentu jacket comes packed with features. There’s built-in space for a tripod; waterproof, soft, lined pockets for lenses; and space for a camera—not to mention an especially long hood to protect you and your camera when shooting in wet weather. Available from size XS to XXL, it’s a wildly practical item made for people of all ages and genders.
Nilotica Goddess Glow
$42
Part moisturizer, part illuminator, Nilotica Goddess Glow feels soft and nourishing—neither caked-on and dry, nor greasy. The subtle hint of sparkle creates delicate radiance, while the rosy tint gives color. It’s free from synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, phenoxyethanol, sulfates, triclosan and gluten—and it’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Designer Room Cat House
$369
This minimal cat house—made from plywood and a black aluminum frame—is ideal for indoor or outdoor felines. Cozy but not claustrophobic, the house features a half-wall for entry/exit, as well as two windows—for views and ventilation. At 18 inches tall, it’s available in finished or unfinished wood.
A$AP Rocky: Sundress
Fresh off the buzz from his 2018 release, TESTING, comes A$AP Rocky’s Kevin Parker-infused and Danger Mouse-produced track titled “Sundress.” The song samples Tame Impala‘s “Why Won’t You Make Up Your Mind?” from the full-length debut Innerspeaker. The upbeat track is anchored by the sample, but its highest points are Rocky’s chorus and his heartbroken verse—which is reflected in the video’s choose-your-adventure-style love story directed by Frank Lebon.
serpentwithfeet: bless ur heart (acoustic)
Brooklyn-based artist serpentwithfeet (aka Josiah Wise) breathes new life into “bless ur heart” with a just-released acoustic rendition. From Wise’s LP soil, the original and highly theatrical track sheds its layers as Wise lets his delicate vocals rise in a tender, moving and transcendent way.
Paris Photo Fair 2018: Highlights
The focus of this year's event was firmly on talented women photographers
Now in its 22nd edition, Paris Photo remains the premier fair for photo-based art, where rare masterpieces are presented alongside the under-appreciated or the over-looked—and all under the majestic green iron curves of the Grand Palais. This year, fair organizers and exhibitors were noticeably influenced by the growing global request to do more to improve the recognition of women. At the invitation of the fair, …
Effective and Efficient Hydration with Liquid I.V.
Osmotic science allows for optimum hydration
Whether it’s after a long flight, workout, or big night, our bodies oftentimes need hydration. By enlisting the help of decades-old science led by the World Health Organization, Liquid I.V. hydrates (whether you’re active or sedentary) more effectively and efficiently than water alone. Their “hydration multiplier” comes in three flavors: açaí berry, lemon lime and—our favorite—passion fruit. The non-GMO electrolyte drink mix uses CTT (cellular transport technology) …
Studio Tour: Grain Surfboards Partners With Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky
In Maine, two brands unite for an exclusive collaborative product
Your Smith: The Spot (Young & Sick Remix)
Your Smith (aka LA-based singer/songwriter Caroline Smith) released her debut EP, Bad Habit, earlier this year and much of its thoughtful, playful ethos and sonic palette honestly remind one of Sheryl Crow’s debut Tuesday Night Music Club. Dutch artist Young & Sick took EP-standout and lead single “The Spot” and gave it a disco-driven, dance-worthy remix. It’s an uptempo cocktail party track that will have hips …
SG Lewis feat. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs: Dusk
London-based SG Lewis (aka Sam Lewis) has just released another enthralling track, this time teaming up with fellow British DJ/producer and vocalist Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs for “Again.” The song is from the second chapter of Lewis’ three-part concept album Dusk, Dark, Dawn and is a textured electronic track that’s a little heavier than the releases from Dusk. Still, it’s warm and rich—thanks in part to the tender …
Listen Up
From a transcendent acoustic rework to a dance-worthy remix and beyond, our weekly musical round-up
Link About It: This Week’s Picks
Inside Japan's KitKat factory, Hockney's $90 million painting, hidden continents and more
Dubai Design Week 2018: Highlights From the Global Grad Show
Exploring the theme "Belief in AI," many students approached their projects from a health and wellness perspective
Holiday Gift Guides 2018: Kids + Pets
Articles of distraction, instruments of creation and many more options for little loved ones
The Japanese Garden
$70
Across 300+ pages, garden designer Sophie Walker explores the magic of the Japanese Garden—from 800 years of history to the various aesthetics and philosophies incorporated. Undeniably, the Japanese garden is an art form of its own, and a living one. This book features 100 examples—with accompanying essays and notes by artists, architects and more.
MIT-Developed Atolla Personalized Skincare
Monthly tests and a proprietary algorithm result in fully customized products
Founded by Meghan Maupin and Sid Salvi, with Dr Ranella Hirsch, Atolla brings a scientific method to skincare—removing trial and error, and drastically reducing waste. By using machine learning and a proprietary algorithm, the team at Atolla creates serums that are crafted specifically for each user—tracking changes in skin’s moisture, oil and pH levels due to diet, weather, allergies and more. Currently funding on Kickstarter, the fledgling company is offering …
Hyacinth + Bamboo Candle
$55
With 60+ hours of burn time, this hyacinth and bamboo candle boasts fresh and clean floral notes. Made in Brooklyn, it’s crafted from natural soy wax, with a cotton wick and housed in a 100% recycled glass votive. Additionally, the Starling Project endeavors to help organizations like UNICEF offer solar power systems to communities in developing countries. They’ve raised over $250,000 so far.
“Music Keeps Me On Track” Print
$500
Unique thanks to Stephen “ESPO” Powers’ hand-drawn embellishments (aka all those little notes and sketches covering the piece), this print will resonate with art and music enthusiasts alike. With pencil-drawn cassettes, microphones and ESPO’s familiar sweet and sometimes sarcastic lettering, this four-color screen-print measures 24 by 24 inches.