my funny post-modern valentine

I happen to think Valentine's day is pretty much the cheesiest of all the cheesy born-of-religion-raised in-capitalism holidays. Then again I think red roses, heart shaped pendants and boxes of candy are pretty icky. If you must succumb to the notion of love = buying things, here are a few ideas that are at least a little more original.

Nothing says lovers in a dangerous time quite as much as these items - Tobias Wong's ballistic rose pin will take a bullet for you, while Sam & Jude's 3 gun vase is perfect for the NRA couple who believe that love means never having to say sorry (not even if you were to accidentally shoot each other).

If you are getting tired of hearing your beloved playing this song ad nauseam, the 2 carat cup by Yusuke Fujinuma is sure to get a reaction.










Though don't be surprised if the next song you hear is this one...

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For those who are too busy, too important (or just plain too turned off by PDAs) to actually hug their beloved, there's always the hug shirt by cute circuit. This gadget allows users to send and receive simulated human contact via blackberry. Now if that's not love . . .















And last but not least, for those out there who don't happen to have a Plus One on this magical day, there's always the Buddy Throw. Comes in a number of colours to match any decor, but none is more creepy than this chalk-outline version. (although who am I to judge? I suppose even necrophiliacs deserve a little nooky on VDay.)

don't run we are your friends

Yesterday marked the longest night (ie darkest day) of the year which means that so long as my SAD light continues to hold out for a few more months, I may just make it through til spring.

In these dark days, many of us in northern climes are preoccupied with light, or in my case, lighting. Here are a few random favourites:









Tobias Wong's sun jar - a solar powered lamp that sits on the window sill storing up sunlight to release when the darkness descends. Ours is pretty much useless this time of year but it is lovely in the between seasons. We gots ours at Reform School in LA.

















Designed by George Carwardine in 1933, the ubiquitous desk lamp got a cool re-design when Anglepoise (the original manufacturers) released this larger than life version on the 70th anniversary of its invention.


















One of my absolute favourites, the 85 Lamps Chandelier by Rodi Graumans of Droog Design (we just visited the flagship store in Amsterdam last month).













Last up for today is the Don't Run We Are Your Friends light from designer el ultimo grito. You can adjust the ambience of the light as you adjust the lamp up and down. Love this.