When Korean-American muralist and graffiti artist, David Choe opted for shares over cash for painting murals on the walls of Facebook’s first office in Palo Alto, California, little did he know that a few years down the line this gamble would yield him some rich dividends. Among the many shareholders who are expected to profit from Facebook’s announcement of filing papers for an IPO, is 35-year old Choe. It is rumored that Choe could have received about 0.1 to 0.25 percent of the company.

His name is Rémi Gaillard and he’s a well-known French prankster.

Even though winters are on their way out from most parts of the world, holidaying in mountainous regions where the landscape is covered in snow is still very much a part of itinerary of vacationers. The common sport in that case is skiing, which like the others have now become the center of some high-end brands to display their creations with. We have earlier shown some options such as the Audi carbon skis and the Hublot Zai all-black series, but for those who have penchant for combinations of precious metal finishing, and exotic wood varieties like alpine, Volant skis are here for your ultimate experience of the slopes. The current range of skiis, have been created with 3 options for finishing and design. That would include the R Silver, The Copper, and the Loop models. The most technical of the lot is of course, the Silver R priced at $1,573 a pair. Due to the silver finishing of the ski, it gives an illusion of an arrow piercing through the snow, also because of the ultra-sleek design. The front end has been given a tip, which helps during the landing and maneuvering on uneven surfaces. The next in line would be the Copper edition, which is priced at $3,015 a pair. This is a special model which can guarantee the similar level of comfort and handling for all kinds of skiers. The reason for that is the ‘fits-all’ mechanism that can adapt to any kind of foot size.

Who would have thought that the secret to great-tasting grilled food was electricity? The Bob Grillson Wood Pellet Grill ($TBA) makes a convincing case, using traditional power to burn up wooden pellets that give your food a signature flavor without the need to build an actual fire. It also sports an oiled bamboo tray for chopping, prepping, and beer-holding, a delightfully modern design, large golf caddy wheels for easy mobility, cast-iron, porcelain enameled grates, an electronic temperature control, and an integrated thermometer. What else would you expect from the only grill that has a first and last name?

Sure, you can go to your local cycle shop and buy yourself a ride — but if you’re looking for something truly unique, you’d do better picking up this DP Customs Mele Motorcycle ($19,000). Built by hand, this one-of-a-kind whip sports a 1000cc Ironhead motor producing 75 hp — quite a lot considering its minuscule curb weight — as well as a stretched frame, clip-on handlebars, a custom x-pipe exhaust, powdercoated wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber, a three-piece rear wing, and an Uncrate-approved bright orange paint job.

If you’re in the position to enjoy the advantages of a fireplace or a wood-oven, then you’re also aware of the need to pile wood somewhere nearby. To blend with contemporary design needs, this shelf exhibits a Belgian-influenced aesthetic and holds up to 1.18m³ of wood. The Woodstock is available in a powder coated steel or galvanized steel variation inclusively a fitting stacking truck to comfortably move it around.

$900

The new project by GDS Architects can easily be dubbed as the 8th wonder of the world for its architectural excellence. It is a myth of an old magic trick made real with the aid of superlative technology. The world’s first invisible tower that is currently in its planning stage is somewhat a phallic crystalline tower emanating an angelic glow that uses optical technology to make the structures see-through as a curtain of mesh. The Eco Prism hosts an extensive program of cultural, sports, and ecological activities in invisibility. Unlike other entities that showcase themselves as the “Tallest or Most expensive towers”, the tower subtly demonstrates Korea’s rising position in the world by establishing its most powerful presence through diminishing its presence. Standing at 450 meters tall and spanning over 145,500 square meters, this magnificent structure is going to go far from unnoticed with a completion date set for 2014.

Converse celebrates the new Chinese year with a series of sneakers. Included in the capsule line are the classic Chuck Taylor, Chuck Taylor Workboot, the Jack Purcell and the One Star. Some more subtle than others, the collection is overall pretty strong, featuring premium materials, graphics and other nice details.

You can shop the full line-up, including two Converse.com exclusives now here.

Alfred Hitchcock and his long standing association with horror and suspense genre of movies need not be documented again. His status has reached legendary heights, and perhaps that’s the reason Montblanc has decided to create 2 limited edition series of writing instruments for him. After special editions like the Diamond Solitaire, and the Max Reinhardt anniversary pens, it’s the Alfred Hitchcock special editions series that shall be for the pen collectors around the world, especially those who are the fans of the British movie maker, and his genre of thriller motion pictures.

Limited edition 3000
Based on the movies ‘Psycho’ and ‘Vertigo’, which were packed with intriguing scenes, these pens (pictured above) have been designed on the sidelines of these movies with various elements from them used on the pens’ bodies. Available in limited editions of 3000 each, there are options such as fountain pens, or even the Roller ball with marathon refill, both of which come with 925 sterling silver rings. These rings have been engraved with several hatch marks which relate to the above mentioned movies and their year of release. The black lacquered bodies of the instruments have been given a special pattern which is reminiscent of the most iconic scenes of the ‘Psycho’ and ‘Vertigo’ movies.

Limited Edition 80

Similar in some ways to the blood curling scenes of Hitchcock movies (Psycho murder scene), this limited edition series of 80 pens carry much of the shocking variable of movies of this kind from the master British moviemaker. The special red enamel of the writing instruments while bringing to light the images of these scenes, also carry along the delicate craftsmanship of the 750 white gold decoration around the pen’s rear end, studded with diamonds. The same is the case with the nib, central crown, and even the cap’s clip, which also have the film negative patterns etched on them. In some ways, it reminds of what Hitchcock thought to be his strongest weapon of creativity, and is also a fitting tribute to the legacy of the director.

The difference between a good design and a great one is longevity — great design is timeless, but as such, it takes time to recognize. The OXO Anniversary Edition Uplift Tea Kettle ($70) was created to do exactly that — recognize ten years of the company’s classic kettle, with long-lasting stainless steel and zinc construction and handles made from natural cork. As an added bonus, you can pretty much guarantee it’ll look as cool in 2022 as it does today.

Get that ZZ Top look while speeding down the slopes with the Beardski ($35). Available in a variety of styles, each of these insulated ski masks features a foot-long synthetic beard attached to the front, as well as neoprene lining and woven thermal fleece to keep warm — in case the beard wasn’t doing a good enough job already.

These days technology seems to enhance almost every step of our daily routines. However, it’s still a pretty delicate issue to add a notch of usability to the modern city warrior’s attire, that’s when this cuff links come into consideration. Sterling silver with a flawless polish houses a 2GB USB piece plus the ability to turn into a mobile WiFi hotspot, if plugged into an appropriate machine.

$249

There is nothing that shouts sassy than a good pair of heels. How much cooler do you think it will be if your pumps shout out Sex from roof-tops. This new pair of patent leather pumps from Christian Louboutin does just that and we hope to think our wifes and girlfriends will be more than happy to wear them. These bold shoes feature three crystal studded letters, S, E and X that conjure up to the word sex. We’re just hoping to bump into some lady who’s all game to handle the attention that she would draw wearing these oomph-y pair of 5-inch pumps.

Okeanos Aquascaping, a New York based high-end aquarium and pond design firm, recently earned a spot on the Robb Report’s list of most exclusive holiday gifts with their backyard pool-and-aquarium complex. Starting at $11 million (yes, you read it right) the water complex design features a 30-foot-by-60-foot freshwater swimming pool that shares two of its walls with a massive glass saltwater aquarium. Thus with something like this, swimmer will be able to virtually swim alongside angelfish, eels and black-tip reef sharks. The best part here is one can even view the aquarium from outside the pool for it stretches from the floor of the pool to 15 feet above its surface. The aquarium is reported to be the Okeanos’ largest, and the pool will be the first undertaking of its kind by the company’s new division, Okeanos Swim.

If you’re as worried about the looks of your audio system as how it sounds, you should probably have your head examined, and you might just be in the market for some pieces from the Mark Levinson 40th Anniversary Collection ($6,000-$25,000). Created to celebrate the legendary audio brand’s 40th anniversary — surprise! — the lineup includes the No. 52 Reference Dual-Monaural Preamplifier, the No. 585 Integrated Amplifier, the No. 519 SACD Disc Player and the No. 560 Digital Audio Processor, all of which arrive with gorgeous, minimalist designs that would look as normal in a museum as they will in your home theater cabinet.

Street art by russian street artist Pavel Puhov.

Converse announces the debut of its Spring 2012 skateboarding footwear collection, including the new Form + Function Collection, and the latest collaborative shoes from Team Converse Skate Ambassadors, including the CONS Trapasso Pro, CONS Pappalardo Pro, and the KA-ONE. Available starting February 1, 2012.

Plan on being away from power for more than just the afternoon? The Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Pro ($100) packs enough USB-ready juice — 6,000mAh — to keep your gadgets running for days without needing a “real” recharge, and thanks to its rugged aluminum and steel construction, you won’t need to baby it when you’re out on the trail.

$100

Last year Volkswagen won The Super Bowl commercial battle with their little kid dressed like Darth Vader ad. This year they’re returning to the Star Wars theme as teased in this super cute commercial with a pup who appears to be Bones the AT-AT Dog we first showed you in October.

All we know about this ad, other than what we can ascertain by watching it, is the note saying it’ll somehow “all make sense” when you see the commercial.

Ok, you just had your share of bad taste with the Fiat 500 limo now will make up with some style.

Wine tasting is passé and the English have already perfected the High Tea, and nothing surpasses the Japanese tea ceremony. So what’s next? The creative minds at L’Hôtel de Vendôme in Paris set their eyes on “High Coffee.” They don’t call it that, but it certainly looks and feels like it.

Every afternoon, superior gourmet coffee varieties are served according to the expertise of France’s Best Roaster of 2011, Antoine Netien, and Tom Clark, owners of Paris’s high-profile Coutume Café, and importers and roasters of vintage coffees.

his culinary extravagance is served in the hotel’s deliciously prissy first-floor restaurant, 1 Place Vendôme with its magnificent views of the Place Vendôme. When the restaurant opened in 2009, it was Florence-based architect Michele Bönan’s first restaurant and hotel project in France.

Bönan created a completely customized, elegant setting in a couture-style theme with silver-studded black-and-white hounds’ tooth chairs, plush silk and velvet sofas, silver satin curtains, and cushions of pink silk satin with black and white ribbed motifs.
And to amplify the luxurious effect, all this is contained in a space with virgin-white walls, floors and ceilings. All furniture and fittings, including curtains, cushions and carpeting were custom-designed by Bönan and manufactured in Florence from fabrics by the Italian fabric house Dedar.