
01. To Ease The Struggles Of Their Daily Lives, The Sapeurs Of Congo Look At Their Labels
“This vast central African nation is known for many things: the massive corruption of the late leopard-hat-wearing dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, grinding poverty, a devastating conflict in the east. But it is worth noting that Congo is also home to a formidable cult of high fashion, as demonstrated by the scene at a rickety, sheet-iron pool hall here one recent Sunday.” (washpost)
02. Win a 2010 United States Nike World Cup Jersey
“This jersey is mandatory for any and all US soccer fans this summer, and all you need to do to win one is leave a comment telling us why you want this jersey. Go get it!” (ogwinger)
03. Corona World Globe (above)
“Our beloved Japanese design agency Nendo brings us yet another gem: a set of globes called Corona. Rather than the common blue and green, the Corona globes have white oceans and black land masses. Furthermore, the globes show country names, but no borders. The purpose of this simplification was to: …create a new kind of globe that would be more emotional, rather than simply presenting information. I love how the designers reduced the amount of information – even though some African countries seem to be missing…?” (minimalissimo)
04. Hugo Chavez Sends Army to Change All Lights in Venezuela to CFLs
“Due to a bad drought that’s dried up the hydroelectric plants that supply more than two-thirds of its power, Venezuela has been suffering through its worst energy crisis in the last 50 years. President Hugo Chavez’s solution? Change all the light bulbs! Well, that might not be the only action the country is taking (they’ve also put electricity rationing into effect) but an army of Venezuelan soldiers has been given direct orders from the president to distribute thousands of Firefly energy-efficient CFL bulbs.” (inhabitant)