Yes this is the real stuff!

White dog poo.

What happened to it?

HALF the population will dismiss this story, but a study claims that the cleverest people are much more likely to be men than women.

Men are more intelligent than women by about five IQ points on average, making them better suited for “tasks of high complexity”, according to the authors of a paper due to be published in the British Journal of Psychology.

Genetic differences in intelligence between the sexes helped to explain why many more men than women won Nobel Prizes or became chess grandmasters, the study by Paul Irwing and Professor Richard Lynn concluded.

They showed that men outnumbered women in increasing numbers as intelligence levels rise. There were twice as many with IQ scores of 125, a level typical for people with first-class degrees.

When scores rose to 155, a level associated with genius, there were 5.5 men for every woman.

Dr Irwing, a senior lecturer in organisational psychology at Manchester University, said that he was uncomfortable with the findings. But he added that the evidence was clear despite the insistence of many academics that there were “no meaningful sex differences” in levels of intelligence.

“For personal reasons I would like to believe that men and women are equal, and broadly that’s true. But over a period of time the evidence in favour of biological factors has become stronger and stronger,” he said.

“I have been dragged in a direction that I don’t particularly like, but it would be sensible if the debate was based on what we pretty much know to be the case.”

The findings from the study involving 24,000 students will intensify a battle of the sexes that was triggered last week by Michael Buerk, the BBC newscaster, who complained that “life is now being lived according to women’s rules”. He said that men had been reduced to little more than sperm-donors because of the female domin- ance of society.

Professor Lynn, a Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Ulster, is no stranger to inflammatory conclusions as the author of a number of publications arguing that there are differences in intelligence between racial groups.

He published a controversial study in 2003 that identified a clear correlation between the levels of prosperity in 60 countries and the average IQ of their populations.

Professor Lynn argued in a letter to The Psychologist this month that the differences between the sexes were explained by a link between IQ and brain size. He said: “Men have larger brains than women by about 10 per cent and larger brains confer greater brain power, so men must necessarily be on average more intelligent than women.”

This is supposedly an actual question on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it.

Bonus Question: "Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?"

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.

One student, however, wrote the following:

"First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving.

As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell.
Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell.

With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities:

1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.

2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.

So which is it?

If we accept the postulate given to me by Amy Johnson during my Freshman year that, 'it will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you,' and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number 2 must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct...leaving only Heaven thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Amy Johnson kept shouting 'Oh my God.'"

This student received the only "A".

DJ Shadow and Obey's Shepard Fairey

This Thursday, from 6-8pm, DJ Shadow and Obey's Shepard Fairey will Reconstruct Kidrobot LA! Exclusive prints, T-shirts, and a super-limited box set will be available at their Public Works Opening . Kidrobot LA, the Kidrobot offices in NY, and the Obey/DJ Shadow folks have been fielding literally billions of calls and emails about this event – better get there early!

Goto www.kidrobot.com for more info

Hunter S. Thompson

Thompson's ashes, along with fireworks, head to Woody Creek

Hunter S. Thompson's cremated remains, mixed with fireworks and packed into 34 mortar tubes, were en route to Woody Creek Wednesday.

The unusual shipment from New Castle, Pa., via padlocked truck is one of the final steps towards a funeral Saturday expected to mix solemnity with pageantry.

"At that time, with the full moon rising over Woody Creek, it will be the most fantastic celebration happening on the planet," said Matt Moseley, spokesman for Owl Farm, the name given to Thompson's 42-acre Woody Creek property.

Thompson's only son, Juan Thompson, stresses the respectful tone he wants to strike, but acknowledges that his father's funeral wishes were unusual. Based on Hunter Thompson's comments in a 1978 BBC documentary, fireworks launchers will arc his ashes from a 153-foot structure capped by a double-thumbed, red Fiberglas fist.

The ashes wrapped in brown craft paper - similar to a supermarket bag but smoother - are set to fly at sunset, according to Marcy Zambelli, spokeswoman for the prominent fireworks company that bears her family name and will handle the display.

Zambelli said the fireworks will explode 300 feet in the air with a white flourish before Thompson's ashes fall to rest on the rustic property he called a "psychic anchor."

A fire ban that would have scuttled pyrotechnics was lifted last week because of wet weather, said Pitkin County Sheriff's Director of Investigations Joe DiSalvo. But he still expected a firetruck to be on hand.

Thompson's ashes equaled the size of a basketball when widow Anita Thompson delivered them to the fireworks company Aug. 9, said Zambelli. The ashes are expected to return to Thompson's home in their new form - depending on such worldly factors as traffic - by Friday.

Thompson, who some consider one of literature's most influential writers, killed himself with a gun blast in the head on Feb. 20 at his home. He was 67.

An unusual scene will greet Thompson's ashes upon arrival at Woody Creek.

In addition to the "fist cannon," workers are constructing a bar to comfortably accommodate up to 400, said Moseley, a senior associate with the Denver consulting firm -GBSM.

The wooden bar will have chandeliers, Thompson memorabilia, and a "lounge atmosphere."

"Think of Hunter's favorite place where he would love to entertain all his very best friends," Moseley added.

Actor Johnny Depp, a friend of Thompson's who portrayed the writer in a film, is footing the estimated $2 million cost of the send-off.

The Thompson family stresses that the gathering is a closed-door affair only for invited family and close friends.

But Moseley noted that interest in the event is "off the charts" and people from around the country are driving into town.

The funeral includes private security. DiSalvo said his office had no "intel" that hordes of uninvited - whom he referred to as pilgrims - would descend on the Aspen area.

"What we're basically gearing up for is any traffic, or any pilgrims who might be going up to the event," he said.

Sheriff's deputies will post "no stopping" signs in the area and increase their presence from a standard three or four officers in the Woody Creek area to about a dozen at least on Saturday, DiSalvo added.

"That's probably what our day is going to be filled with; shooing people off the shoulders (of the road), hopefully," he said, but added, "Any trespassing won't be tolerated."

George Stranahan, a friend and neighbor of Thompson's who has been invited to the funeral, said Wednesday there was private security here and there, but the neighborhood was "amazingly peaceful."

But he added, "I'm sure that will change."

Stranahan, co-founder of Flying Dog Brewery, said his one contingency plan, at the moment, is to have an extra case of beer at home in case traffic blocks the road.

Given the intense rivalry between Apple Computer and Microsoft, this recent revelation had a comedic tinge: Apple took too long to file a patent on part of its blockbuster iPod music players, so Microsoft beat Apple to it.

Bloggers and other tech pundits snickered at the prospect of Steve Jobs having to pay Bill Gates royalties on the beloved iPods, which account for more than one-third of Apple's revenue. One web columnist even dubbed the patent office the "iPod killer."

But that scenario is unlikely.

To be sure, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office last month did reject a request that Apple filed in October 2002 to patent technologies that support the iPod's rotational wheel interface. The reason for the rejection: Microsoft had apparently outraced Apple to the patent office with a similar request by five months.

Sounds bad, but that setback is hardly a knockout blow.

"It's still very early in the process," said John Ferrell, co-founder of Carr & Ferrell LLP and a leading Silicon Valley patent attorney. "Apple still has a lot of options. This is not like a Supreme Court decision."

Apple could file a declaration stating that it invented the technology before Microsoft filed its patent request -- as evidenced by all the iPods already on the market at the time. In such cases, a company can ask the patent office to launch an investigation to determine the inventor.

Apple also could alter its patent claims so they don't overlap with Microsoft's. As a result, a final answer on who owns the patent for iPod's interface may not be answered for at least another six months, Ferrell estimated.

Apple did not explain why the patent applications took so long. The Cupertino, California, based company said in a statement that it "has received many patents for inventions related to iPod, and has many more patents pending."

Microsoft released a statement saying only that it has a long-standing policy of licensing its patents to others.

At stake are the 21 million iPods that Apple has shipped -- that amounts to 75 percent of all MP3 players sold in the United States -- since launching the device in 2001. Coupled with revenue generated from the iTunes Web music store, iPod sales accounted for 38 percent of Apple's revenue last quarter.

Tim Bajarin, principal analyst for Creative Strategies, pointed out that Apple and Microsoft signed a five-year agreement in 1997 to share technology. When the deal expired in 2002, the music-player patents in question may have been covered, he said.

"If someone were taking bets," he said, "I would wager that Apple never pays Microsoft a cent."

Tony Hawk

Gary Hardwick set the fastest speed achieved on a skateboard during a race in Arizona in September 1998. Wearing an aerodynamic helmet and suit, he reached 63 mph.

Tony Hawk is the first and only skateboarder to have made the ‘900’ spin. Achieved on June 27 th 1999 at the X-games it took him 11 attempts.

Curtis Rivers completed the world’s highest bungee jump on 5th May 2002 in Spain. He leapt from the freezing atmosphere at 15,200 feet.

Danny Way set the longest skateboard jump in June 2002 by successfully clearing 65ft. The following day he set the world record for the highest air by reaching 18ft off the top of a quarter pipe.

Matt Hoffman set the BMX world high air record in March 2001. Using a 24ft vert quarter pipe, he cleared 26.5ft and catapulted more than 50ft off the ground.

The British Surf Team used 10 Litres of Banta Suncream while competing at the World Surfing Games in Durban in 2002.

Extreme Sports Channel sponsored BMX’er, Zach Shaw was the 1 st person to achieve the ‘360’ flip. The trick was later labelled ‘the Zakflip’.

The world’s longest parachute jump took place in February 2002 in Spain. Curtis Rivers leapt from 25,000ft in –40 degree temperatures and skydived for 45 minutes.

A professional surfer on average is sexually propositioned 5 times at each tour event. Of the single surfers generally 4 out of the 5 propositions are accepted.

The heaviest wave ever surfed is believed to have been by Laird Hamilton at Teahupoo on August 17 th 2000. One wrong move would undoubtedly have resulted in serious injury or death. The event was captured and turned into a film called To’ Day of Days.

Davo Karnicar was the 1 st person to achieve an uninterrupted descent from the peak of Mt Everest to base camp on skis on 7 th October 2000. During the descent he passed the body of an unknown mountaineer.

OK i'm a complete camo trainspotter and I also love my iPod so when I saw this little fella on turntablelab.com I just had to get one.

This fine quality iPod case hand-crafted in Japan and also comes in a brown finish. The craftsmanship on these cases is impeccable, the stiching and cut are fine tailored. The interior is lined with a soft, felt material, which also provides padding. When you put your iPod in here, it feels good for you and your pod. The case flips open for full access to controls. Backside features a belt loop and a small metal ring.

I had it in my head that I wanted a camo iPod case (I can't be the only one that does that!?) and thought there'd be loads out there. There's really not that many and even less quality ones. All for 49 American green ones it gets the thumbs up from me! Thanks turntablelab.com.

Rosco John

Already inviting favourable comparisons to the likes of Lemon Jelly, Avalanches and Handsome Boy Modelling School before putting out a record, Guy Martin and Andrew Phillips (aka Bombay Monkey) are prolific writer-producers who began working together in 2000 but have waited until 2005 to reveal the first fruits of their labours.

Alhough essentially a duo, they also work regularly with singer Rosco John (formerly appeared with Archive, pictured right) and DJ 1st Rate (an original Scratch Pervert who has also toured with Morcheeba and US3). Having recently launched lo-tek, a custom–built studio on a remote farm in Kent, Bombay Monkey are working on more new material and plan to release two further mini albums and a full length longplayer in 2006.

Guy Martin and Andrew Phillips (aka Bombay Monkey)

The Bombay Monkey boys describe their sound as being “not unlike alchemy. We are constantly searching for the perfect balance of numbers – high magic through high maths. We mix the past with the present and the organic with the chemical.” Disciplined enough to keep each of their compositions to around three minutes in length and with entire albums worth of guitar and string laden original vocal songs and tracks built around cannily chosen voice samples already archived.

Rosco John Bombay Monkey’s brand of magic and science is channelled through an AKAI sampler and is at turns atmospheric, rhythmic, heady, melodic or just plain funny….and sometimes all five.

The intrepid duo have recently had some of their tracks played on XFM by Nick Luscombe on his Flomotion show, while their remix of Wasted by Mankato has been broadcast on Radio 1’s Blue Room. The title track of this debut mini-album was used on the Cybersonica04 cover mount of DJ magazine in November 2004.

For more info on Bombay Monkey including mp3 downloads go to http://www.lo-tek.co.uk/bombay%20monkey.htm

The Apple rumour mill has been cranking into overdrive over the weekend after Forbes reported that the company may be considering becoming a mobile phone operator.

With Apple already rumoured to be developing a hybrid iPod/cell phone with Motorola, the article claims that "the pieces are in place for it to happen later this summer", adding that companies like Virgin and Walt Disney have already proved that a new network model can allow all kinds of businesses to easily enter the mobile market."

Disney will be launching its family-centric 'Disney Mobile' wireless phone network sometime next year, aiming to serve up a family-friendly mobile service with custom handsets and premium phone content (i.e. irritating ringtones and Disney-based games).

Since all the calls will be routed through Sprint's national cellular network, Disney won't have any infrastructure investment costs, but will gain access to a dedicated, direct marketing channel to da KidZ, scooping up network revenue and gaining a new content outlet.

Forbes predicts that Apple's reputation for creating cool, user-friendly handheld gadgets could ease their transition into the mobile business.



In July last year, Apple announced its partnership with handset maker Motorola to create an iTunes-capable phone, but the product failed miserably to materialise at its scheduled CeBIT March 2005 launch.

However, a report in the Sunday Telegraph yesterday claimed that Motorola will finally "unveil the first fruits of its partnership with Apple next month with the launch of its iTunes mobile phone at the V Festival." The festival runs from 20th to 21st August 2005.

So far Apple is keeping Mum on the rumours about it entering the mobile market, although Steve Jobs has frothed enthusiastically about the cellular marketplace in the past:
"The mobile phone market...is a phenomenal opportunity to get iTunes in the hands of even more music lovers around the world."

Forbes.com concludes that Apple is not the only big company that might roll out a cellular service this year with analysts suggesting that uber-brands like Nike and Wal-Mart could be planning their own networks.

Oh My god! Apple have finally bought out a mouse with a scroll wheel - about time only took 20 years. Being both a PC and Mac user the scroll wheel on a mouse is the only thing that was missing from the Apple range which made browsing the internet more enjoyable on a PC. Obviously Apple had to go one step further and not just make it scrollable up and down but also left, right + 360 degrees it also has touch sensors. Below is what Apple has to say...



Meet the mouse that reinvented the wheel. The scroll wheel, that is. At just 35 (UK) / 55 (Ireland) including VAT, Mighty Mouse features the revolutionary Scroll Ball that lets you move anywhere inside a document, without lifting a finger. And with touch-sensitive technology concealed under the seamless top-shell, you get the programability of a four-button mouse in a single-button design. Click, roll, squeeze and scroll. This mouse just aced the maze.

Spry and Mighty
In the beginning, there was one button. Then there were two. Then there were clickable scroll wheels and programmable toggles and solid-state slides. But nobody made a mouse as easy to use as your Mac. Until now. Mighty Mouse combines the capability of a multibutton mouse with Apples signature top-shell design for the best of both form and function. Use it any way you work: stick with single-button simplicity or click with multibutton efficiency.

Get Around
Time is round. Space is curved. Why should your mouse be linear? Plenty of applications require you to do more than scroll up and down. Mighty Mouse offers 360-degree scrolling capability, thanks to its Scroll Ball, perfectly positioned to roll smoothly under just one finger. Explore the farthest reaches of your files pan images in iPhoto, view timelines in iMovie HD and Final Cut Pro, traverse bars in GarageBand and Logic Pro with one hand tied behind your back (or holding a cup of coffee or typing). Mighty Mouse gives you lots of room to roam.

Youll Really Click
Touch-sensitive technology under Mighty Mouses seamless top-shell detect where youre clicking, transforming your sleek, one-button mouse into a two-button wonder. But the innovation doesnt end there. Apple engineers added force-sensing buttons on either side of Mighty Mouse that let you squeeze the mouse between your thumb and finger, activating Mac OS X Tiger Dashboard, Expos or a whole host of other customisable features instantly.

The Mouse That Roared
Unlike any other mouse on the market, Mighty Mouse was designed specifically to work with Mac OS X Tiger. Up-to-the minute information on Dashboard is only a click away. Viewing, hiding and selecting your windows via Expos is just as simple. And because Mac OS X Tiger makes Mighty Mouse programmable, you choose where every click takes you.

As Wired News reported when Apple finally supported multi-button mice:

"In the world of the Mac zealot, this is huge. Apple's famous one-button mouse is as symbolic of the easy-to-use Macintosh interface as the icons and windows. But these days, it is often derided as a hopelessly outdated anachronism and the debate -- one button or two? -- has been raging in Mac circles for a while now.

Those who would do away with the one-button mouse say it prevents easy access to commands that in other operating systems are available with a simple "right click." Instead, Mac users risk their carpal tunnels by constantly scrawling across the screen to menu bars at the top.

Bruce Tognazzini, founder of Apple's famous Human Interface Group and a frequent interface critic, said the move to a two-button mouse is about time.

"The two-button mouse is seven or eight years overdue," he said. "There's no point of harming the efficiency and behavior of the system any more by having a one-button mouse." The one-button mouse, introduced in 1984 with the original Macintosh, was central to the Mac's ease-of-use philosophy.

The "father of the Macintosh," Jef Raskin, recalls fighting with other members of the Mac design team for a single-button mouse. Apple based its mouse on a three-button model developed at Xerox's famous PARC research center.

"It was faster and more efficient, and much easier to learn and remember how to use," Raskin wrote in a memoir. "I had observed that people (including myself) at PARC often made wrong-button errors in using the mouse, which was part of my impetus for doing better."

David Morgenstern, a Mac veteran and former editor of MacWeek, said Raskin didn't even want the mouse to "double-click" -- he wanted a one-button, one-click device.

"Mac users have always said Windows is so complicated you need another button to get to all the features," he said. "But 95 percent of the world uses a two-button mouse. It certainly is the natural evolution of the Mac's interface. People like the two-button mouse, so why should they be denied?"

Third-party developers have added "right click" functions to Mac software for some time. Users of most Web browsers can bring up "right click" menus by simply holding down the mouse button.

And mouse manufacturers like Kensington, which makes a line of popular multi-button mice for the Mac, have developed software that adds "right-click" functions.

Even Apple seems aware of the shortcomings of the one-button mouse.

In recent years, the company has added "contextual menus" to the Macintosh operating system. But to activate them, users must hold down the control key while pressing down the mouse button, which more or less defeats the purpose."

iDJ Mixing Console for iPod

Now I'm not a big fan of these new fangled digital CD mixers I prefer my old fashioned 1210 Technics turntables so this is on here more for comedy value.

The iDJ is a 2-channel mixer that enables mobile DJs and iPod enthusiasts to seamlessly integrate their portable music libraries with other music and sound reinforcement systems—transforming the iPod from a personal music player into a source playback device. With its compact form factor, comprehensive feature set, and a blue on white aesthetic appeal that blends perfectly with the iPod, the iDJ makes the music more accessible and the party better than ever.

Key Features and Benefits

• Two universal iPod docking stations will accept all model iPods with bottom connector and charge while connected
• Large iPod navigation controls
• 3-band EQ with gain control on both channels
• Dedicated microphone input with tone and level control
• Phono/line inputs for adding additional devices on both channels
• USB connectivity (PC and Mac) enables iDJ to function as a music-loading base
• iPod’s recording capabilities supported by iDJ for voice memos, etc.
• Turntable spindle receptacle enables placement of the iDJ on a turntable
• Zero tolerance precision switches/knobs for a tight, precise feel

Superstar 35 Leather Edition Book

The Superstar 35 book is an artistic approach of documenting and explaining what is known as sneaker culture. It incorporates interviews and art pieces from various artists and honours the 35th anniversary of the Superstar.

The book is available in limited quantity only.

Very limited leather bound Adidas Superstar 35 book has been put together by Lodown documenting the last 35 years of the legendary Adidas Superstar or 'Shelltoe' as it's become more commonly known as today.

Adidas Superstar 35 provides a unique artistic approach to sneaker culture and its journey over the last 40 years.

Features contributions and interviews from the following...

Artists/Photographers

Eric Quebral, Oliver Jackel, Rachel De Joode, Bill McMullen, Obey, Martha Cooper, Kieth Watts, NBS Crew, SCA Crew, Chris Glancy, Johannes Schroth, Lee Quinones, Jamel Shabazz, Ari Marcopoulos, Foley, Marok, Hecox, Michael Lau, Daniela Egar, Naoki Hanjyu, Nicolas Charavet and Shobu Tsuchiya.

Musicians

Underworld, Jam Master Jay from Run DMC, Jan Lamb, Missy Elliot, Ian Brown, The Beastie Boys and Daft Punk.

Stores/Labels

Bape, Footlocker, Undefeated, Foot Patrol, Sportie L.A. Store, Project Playground and Milk

Go buy it at www.addict.co.uk

Adidas Superstar 35th Anniversary – Model 35

Adidas Superstar 35th Anniversary – Model 35

Only 300 pairs made – not for sale anywhere! (Well maybe on eBay)

Model 35

The full upper of model 35 is made from vintage leather. This gives the shoe a kind of dress shoe look and feel. The same counts for the famous toe, where the rubber shell toe is now replaced with a leather toe with stitching lines, all following the origif1al design. The shoe is lined throughout with leather, including a leather sockliner with anniversary logo.

The rubber side wall has beer replaced with a leather side wall, this gives the shoe an absolute craftsmanship feel.

The outsole features a rubber edge with inserted Italian dress shoe leather, embossed with the iconic superstar tread pattern. The outsole also features a branded anniversary logo.

Design inspiration

Model 35 pays homage to the original shoe craftsman who lovingly created the first prototype shoe back in 1969.

The Box

Each pair of shoes will come in a specially designed leather shoe box. The box will also include various shoe care utensils such as polish, brush, shoe horn, duster and shoe trees.

The box also features a gold engraved plaque showcasing the collection and can only be opened by using a unique limited edition serial number.

For more info check: www.adidas.com/campaigns/superstar35/content/

 

Cryogenic Works of Art

...Is the best way to describe Nick Walker's new pieces, at his genre-mutating exhibition 'The Origin of the Species' which was on display at 17 Gallery from May 19th until the 27th.

The main body of work, as you will see from the pictures, are about taking small elements of life, especially in terms of graffiti tools and blowing them up. Nick described it as: "An ant's eye view, taking these tiny elements, and blowing them up to the largest size I could".

Helpful hand and top photographer Alan Russell enabled Nick to do this by shooting each piece from above on a ridiculously powerful camera.

When Nick was asked about the concept behind the artwork, he replied: "These things made themselves! Relating to the fact that he uses the same nozzle when he works, overtime the build-up of hundreds of colours caught his eye. Nick said: "It was the fact that one of the smallest components, and integral parts of a spray can could then become the art itself really interested me". He said: "It was role reversal, a little cog in the graphitti culture, became the centre piece?flipping the story over."

Nick is true innovator, always-trying different methods of using a spray can, either by modifying the can, nozzle, or even using the lid, spraying upside down, and probably employing even more bizarre techniques to achieve a unique effect.

As for influences? The name keeps cropping up - 3D. Nick has known him for years as they are both Bristolians, and have worked together in the past. Nick said that even in the 80s 3D started to use stencils, and they were like: "How did that happen?" He also rates the illustrator Moebius, and new kids on the block She 1 and O2, in particular their 'Rock Group' work.

A stand out piece at the exhibition was the replica statue of ‘Christ The Redeemer' sprayed in many different colours - it was worth the visit just to see in the flesh.

On a more general tip - his favourite albums are: 'The Specials' by The Specials, 'Hello Nasty', by The Beastie Boys, and the sublime 'Shining' by Manasseh Meets The Equalizer. His favourite foods are Burritos, Curry, and the good old British Sunday Roast.

His signed, limited edition prints were superb, and at £25 each represented fantastic value for money - so check out Nick's website or the Scrawl Collective site for more of Nick's work.

Article from beinghunted.com

For more info goto the Scrawl Collective webite

Bethlehem

I don't want to become the Banksy fan blog even though I am a Banksy fan and this is a blog but I just received a Banksy Treasure Hunt update and everyone has a chance to win an original piece so I thought I'd share it with y'all!

Palestine/Israel

This months treasure hunt takes place in sunny Palestine/Israel.

Somewhere along the route of the segregation wall you’ll find this rat. At the foot of his shovel is a flat rock with a word written on the underside.

The first person to email that word into this site wins a hacked off piece of wall adorned with an original Banksy painting worth quite possibly tens of pounds.

Email: treasure@banksy.co.uk

For more info go to: www.banksy.co.uk/menu.html

Also check the 'Holiday Snaps' of the wall surrounding the occupied Palestinian territories.

Ramallah checkpoint

The nine paintings were created on the Palestinian side of the barrier. One depicts a hole in the wall with an idyllic beach, while another shows a mountain landscape on the other side. Banksy's spokeswoman Jo Brooks said: "The Israeli security forces did shoot in the air threateningly and there were quite a few guns pointed at him."

Another picture shows the head of a white horse appearing to poke through, while he has also painted a ladder going over the wall.

The 425-mile (680-kilometre) long barrier, made of concrete walls and razor-wire fences, is still being erected by Israeli authorities.

Israel says the structure is necessary to protect the country from suicide bombers, but the International Court of Justice has said it breaches international law.

"The wall is illegal under international law and essentially turns Palestine into the worlds largest open prison.

It also makes it the ultimate activity holiday destination for graffiti writers."

For the full photo story go to: www.banksy.co.uk/news

On Friday July the 22nd, the 95 Gallery opened it´s doors.

Run by Berlin’s dominant purveyors of contemporary pop, Simon, Marley and Marok. The Gallery will feature established and upcoming artists in it´s slick and minimalistic envoirment.

“We discovered an essential need in Berlin to provide both international visitors and the local public with the opportunity to meet one another in one common, easily accessible forum. The current Berlin art and cultural scene lacks this kind of space, one that welcomes the influx of influences from abroad and the establishment of cooperation with local artists and artists from other countries.

We believe that the art, as a unique universal language, can make a significant contribution to the discussion and understanding between various peoples and cultures.

Our aim is to cultivate an open and accessible space in Berlin linking the broader public with an alternative artscene and to facilitate a more fluid dialogue within the various fields of urban lifestyle and youth culture."

The gallery is open daily from 3pm to 8pm and hosts at the moment a variety of works by Marok (The creative fella behind Lodown Magazine)

The 95 Gallery Shop, has a wide range of goods, from books over t-shirts to sneakers, inspired by the lifestyle and art presented in the gallery.

Keep your eyes peeled on www.95gallery.com.

As I suffer from several OCDs (Obsesive Compulsive Disorders) I cannot let a day go by without making a post. Think about it - that lovely calendar to the right will be incomplete! There'll be a gap!! Aaaarghhh a gap!!! Anyway off to lock the front door 3 times, check that everything is aligned and wash my hands (again)