Russell Brand Quits BBC

Russel Brand apparently pulls the plug on his BBC radio show because of a prank call gone wrong. His official statement is just glorious!

"I have apologised to Andrew Sachs for the rude messages I left on October 18th and he has graciously accepted. As I only do the radio show to make people laugh I've decided that given the subsequent coverage I will stop doing the show. I've loved working for the BBC and am very proud of the shows myself, Matt Morgan, Nic Philps, Mr Gee and Noel Gallagher have made and I apologise to all of them for damaging their careers -except Noel, whose band are doing quite well. I got a bit caught up in the moment and forgot that at the core of the rude comments and silly songs were the real feelings of a beloved and brilliant comic actor and a very sweet and big hearted young woman. Apologies are also owed to the loyal listeners of the show who enjoyed its shambolic spirit and anarchy and will be upset that it cannot continue. I take complete responsibility and offer nothing but love and contrition and I hope that now Jonathan and the BBC will endure less forensic wrath. Hare Krishna".

Surface to Air

As a result of the traveling I do, I'm always on the lookout for stylish yet utilitarian pieces of luggage that can accompany me as I jump all over the US. These Surface 2 Air calf skin leather weekender bags fit the bill. Excellent construction, and excellent detailing throughout. Including the interior which is lined with navy, red and plaid lining. A perfect combo to keep my macbook cozy.

Vintage Motor-Bicycles

Ok, this is dope! Ridley Bikes has unveiled this beauty vintage motor-cycle. Great classic look and excellent utility, all for a well spent $2,000. Includes both pedals, and a 49-70cc motor.

Kidrobot

Kidrobot was founded by Paul Budnitz in 2002, and since then the company has grown into multiple flagship stores across America, and the brand has become a mainstay of modern street culture. Kidrobot may just be one of the world's greatest creators and retailors of limited art toys and apparel. Exhibit A: you that know when you're "Munny" do-it-yourself nylon toy makes it into the Museum of Modern Art, you're playing in the big leagues.

The toys in the collection vary greatly from the surreal to the humorous, and many of the pieces have gained global recognition as a result of collaborations with top international artists. These collabs bring influences from graffiti, fashion, music, industrial design, fine art, graphic design and illustration to the collector toy scene.

Kidrobot operates store-galleries in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami and at CiRCA nightclub in Toronto. I had a chance to stop into the New York store and it was definitely worth a visit.

A Good Ol' Shiner

Hello there! Today is a little different than usual. I'm blogging from the Red Carpet Club at the Denver International Airport, which I've been through probably 10 times this year. I'm on my way to Kansas City for a little business trip and now that I'm back in the US, I can formally introduce you to one of the greatest unknown beers to most Canadians.

Shiner Bock is hands-down my favorite brew from the US and it's taste can only be described as pure fulfillment. This amber ale is a dark German style beer made in Shiner, Texas and is one of the smoothest beers you'll come across.

Hey, if 7 time (soon to be 8) Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong makes it his beer of choice, you know it has champion written all over it. Next time you're visiting the US, keep an eye out for this gem.

Architectural Lighting

I'm really a big fan of the idea of architectural lighting. Sure pot lights have their uses, but why not use light in your home in unique forms. Lighting is fundamental in setting the tone in your living space and I'm really impressed what designers are coming up with these days.

This example shows how you can use lighting for form and function in a dramatic way. I love the geometric nature of these lights designed by Ricardo Garza Marcos, and they would sure be a focus piece in everyday living or at any bustling house party.

Cut Copy - Lights & Music

Keeping with the music theme for the time being, I've posted this smashing tune from Cut Copy called Lights & Music. When I first heard it, the first thing that came to mind was this crazy mix of Duran Duran vocals and Chromeo style synth beats. Pretty awesome stuff and I love the fact that indulgent 80s electro-pop is making a rebound. This track is just straight up fly.

Men.Style.Com - Most Stylish Bands

Franz Ferdinand

To paraphrase High Fidelity, these sharp-dressed Scots know that style ain't just about what you're like, but what you like—whether finely tailored suits, fine food (read singer Alex Kapranos' 2006 foodie travelogue, Sound Bites), or fine art. Their debut made an ideal soundtrack for the heady (and Hedi) days of early '04, and we expect the same from their next album, due in January. (Bonus fact: They're named after the most stylish assassinated archduke of the 1910s.)

Spoon

We suspect that singer Britt Daniel (front, center) wouldn't know Raf Simons from Gene Simmons, but the guy (and his Austin-based bandmates) knows a thing or two about clean, well-tailored style. Credit the group's fondness for upgrading the indie-rock basics: Think leather boots (not sneakers), well-cut trousers (not jeans), and shirts with collars (not T-shirts). In fact, that last one is such a sticking point that Daniel famously refuses to be photographed in a tee.

Vampire Weekend

Let's face it: These guys' half-serious, half-jokey Graceland-inflected world pop would be pretty darn annoying if it weren't so well executed. Same goes for their clothes. While their sound is all anthro-class Soweto, their look is vintage St. Paul's: rep ties and shawl-collar sweaters, oxford-cloth button-downs, and beat-up Barbour coats. Not very rock 'n' roll, admittedly, but walk down any block in Williamsburg or Silver Lake, and you'll see they've struck a chord.

The Raconteurs

His other band's music may be better, but with these guys Jack White (second from right) at least dresses like a normal person—a normal person with a thing for well-tailored workwear, anyway. His bandmate Brendan Benson (kneeling), meanwhile, pairs the occasional contrast-collar shirt with smart blazers and jeans. As for bassist Jack Lawrence (far left) and Patrick Keeler (far right), when they're not telling sonic tales with the Raconteurs, they split their time with the equally stylish (and underrated) Ohio group the Greenhornes.

Kings of Leon

Given this band consists of one cousin and three brothers from the Followill clan of Tennessee, we can only draw one conclusion: Followill père must be the sharpest-dressed retired preacher in the South. The guys, who churn out old-school riffs while wearing smart suits, leather jackets, and the occasional trench, have shown signs of maturity by shedding their hirsute locks, but fear not: Their latest album still includes a Zep-worthy ode to good times called "Sex on Fire." (No word on what Rev. Followill has to say about that.)

Babyshambles

You've got to hand it to Pete Doherty for the way he exudes Keith Richards–style panache without the Keith Richards–worthy pirate uniform. (The Keith Richards–style drug intake is another matter.) As for the rest of the group, well, they've yet to catch the eye of Kate Moss, but they don't dress too shabbily, either—even when they're pulling faces.

The Cool Kids

A name like the Cool Kids tempts comeuppance, but Antoine Reed and Evan Ingersoll have enough swagger to make even cynics like us believe. Their sound recalls hip-hop's golden age (think Eric B. and Rakim or Run-DMC) without merely parroting, and their look does likewise. (Not that we're recommending anyone try this at home.)

Justice

Justice is meant to be blind, but there's little doubt that Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay spend more than a little time in front of a mirror. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) The duo's ever-present leather jackets inspired their frères at Surface2Air to have them codesign a capsule collection earlier this year. Kris Van Assche is also a fan, having tapped the pair to score his S/S 2009 show for Dior Homme. (Listen here.) But the Frenchmen appreciate the cheaper side of fashion, too. Case in point: The video for their anthem "D.A.N.C.E.," a worshipful tribute to the T-shirt.

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I came across this smashing feature from Men.Style.Com a few days ago and picked out a few choice picks from the article. Enjoy.

Voleurz Outdoor Education

I had the opportunity last night to hang out with some friends from Voleurz at the Calgary Premier of Outdoor Education, their latest ski/snowboard film. As usual, plenty of Coors Lite was consumed and good times were had by all. The film is loaded full of backcountry skiing and snowboarding, insane park tricks and the prerequisite spirit team adventures. Every year the Voleurz family seems to take it up another level. The film features plenty of sick riding and stunts by all, and is topped off with quality editing that I've grown to expect from this group of film makers and friends. Congrats to Voleurz on their third official film release! You can expect great things from them in the future.

Time to hit the slopes!

Check out the teaser for Outdoor Education and visit their website for all Canadian Film Premier dates:

Old NY Subway Cars

Took this photo on my recent trip to New York. Loved the idea that old subway cars are taken to the East River where they are loaded on barges, then taken out to sea where they become artificial reefs for marine life.

Dior Homme Duffle Coat

As the crisp air begins to hit Calgary, I realize that there's no time like now to upgrade your winter overcoat collection. This really nice piece for Dior Homme, the Garbardine Duffle Coat, brings a new sense of sophistication to the duffle coat scene with sharp tailoring, clean lines and a polished silhouette. Dior's offering for this season is very sleek and proves that winter is no time to slip into a fashion slump.

Olive Wood Collection

If there's one thing in life I can endorse, it's the Dolce Vita and all things Italian. Fortunately, Canadian-born, Italian-raised David Rocco feels the same way. If you've never seen his Dolce Vita series on the Food Network, you are missing out big time. A great Italian cooking and travel show that explores various regions and cuisines throughout Italy.

As a side venture, David Rocco has created this stunning set of olive wood kitchenware. I personally dig the cutting board, which can also be used for antipasti, crostinis, hor'dourves, or used as a cheese platter. A great entertaining piece. Check out more pieces from this collection here

Hey Mr. Dee-Jay

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts, and you may just want to start saving up for this one.

Thue Numark iDJ2 is an extraordinary iPod mixing console that will turn your house party into the talk of the town. The mixing console gives you ultimate control of all the music on your iPod via real-time scratching from two jog wheels, advanced tempo controls and the prerequisite cross-fader. I don't usually like to post about technology, but the thing I particularly like about this setup compared to its predecessor is that you can mix two songs from the same iPod at the SAME TIME! The iDJ2 also incorporates a stunning color display and intuitive graphical interface that will let you pretend your a DJ without sifting through piles of vinyl.

Stylish Seating

Here are a two cool pieces of furniture that will set your living room apart from the rest of the (ikea) crowd.

1. The Flow Sofa by Xavier Lust for the Belgain furniture manufacturer Indera. The frame is constructed from a single piece of powder coated aluminum.

2. The Wiggle Chair by Frank Gehry, manufactured by Vitra $1500.

The Coolest Barn You'll Ever See

Wallpaper Magazine a while back did a feature on this homestead, and it's clear why. This may just be one of the best housing concepts that I've ever seen. I love the idea of taking something like a barn, something so common and unassuming and turning it into a contemporary living space. A true example of architecture providing a physical and emotional connection to the surrounding landscape. The clean, simple and defined lines of the exterior blend well with the cathedral style interior using floor to ceiling glass windows, modern furniture and a crisp color palette. Love the fact that you get so much natural light and feel so connected to the outdoors.

The Barn House is located in Belgium, and the architect is Rita Huys.

Undefeated Backpack

Just scoped out this nice looking backpack from Undefeated. Looks like it has durability, exceptional detailing and minimal branding, all making another great product from Undefeated.

Sukiyaki Western Django

Style Maverick: Pharrell

Pharrell means business when it comes to streetwear. I've always been a big fan of his music and style scene because he always seems to be doing something unorthodox. For example, waffle print loafers for his Ice Cream line. He sure likes to mix it up and redefine conventional rules. On a side note, I checked out his Ice Cream and Billionaire Boys Club flagship in New York and this is definitely a must-see shop to check out in Soho. This quote from Pharrell says it all:

"Wealth is of the heart and mind, not the pocket"

Varvatos Slim Ties

Some nice slim ties from Mr. Varvatos here. These will set you back about $100, but they're versatile enough to wear for both business and pleasure, so you can't go wrong. They come in a variety of prints including crests, skulls and cross bones and griffins.

Nike Lunaracer

The Nike Lunaracer could quite possibly be one of the lightest shoes ever made. They're like feathers for your feet!

These shoes incorporate the flywire technology Nike was promoting at the Beijing olympics, and they also feature a very unique lunarlite foam sole. They're extremely comfy and I know for a fact because I picked up the blue colorway seen in the picture on my latest venture to New York, and they saved my feet for the rest of the trip.

The green is the standard color, and the 4 other colorways are available exclusively at the brand new Nike Sportswear Store on 21 Mercer St in NY.

Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul

Oasis released their 7th studio album today and once again, they've delivered an epic masterpiece. Their signature pounding guitars and crunching drums is so refreshing to hear amidst the rest of weepy British rock music these days. With strong psychedelic influences on 'Dig Out Your Soul', it's apparent that the brother Gallagher's nod to the creativity of the Beatles is a strong influence on this album. I must say, after listening to the first few tracks, this album is set to impress.

Jeff Koons Yacht

Why not pull into Monaco on this fresh floating vessel! The "Guilty" by Jeff Koons is owned by art collector Dakis Joannou and definitely stands out from the crowd.

Jeff Koons is an American artist famously know for his 3 story puppy made out of flowers, and many other famous public works of art. Check out http://www.jeffkoons.com/ to see more of his work.

Creative Recreation - Italian Collection

Creative Recreation, purveyor of fine shoes, pushes their style factor to a new level with the Italiano Series launching this fall. They're applying a new aesthetic to some of the models from their classic collection incorporating upgraded craftsmanship, full leather uppers and a dash of Italian finishing. This black leather remodel of the Cesario is my pick of the bunch, but with upgraded quality comes an upgraded price, putting these fine shoes in the likes of Kris Van Assche, Lanvin and Raf Simons. No official word on a release date yet.

Contemporary Castle Home

Designed by Ellis Williams Architects, the award-winning Lymm Water Tower House is a project that converted a Water Tower Situated in the historic village of Lymm, into a contemporary family home. The basis for this opulent design – a 130-year-old water tower – rises five stories above Cheshire, England’s countryside, and offers 360-degree views of the world beyond its multitude of floor-to-ceiling windows.

From Freshome.com

BBlessing Fall 08

BBlessing drops their first men's ready to wear line this fall and they're doing it right with a great foundation of pieces. The "hushed forest textures and crisp breaks of the Pacific Northwest" act as the inspiration for this line they claim. What I like most about these styles is that you can be ruggedly casual, but still look good doing so.