Foot Locker's Week Of Greatness Is Introduced By "All Is Right", A Hilarious TV Spot About Making Wrongs Right.

"I kept that in formaldehyde" says Mike Tyson of Evander Holyfield's ear, which Tyson partially bit off in a Championship fight 16 years ago, and now returns in a gift box to the former Heavyweight fighter.

Sound funny? It is. And it's just one of the brilliant moments in Foot Locker's new tv spot to promote the stores' Week Of Greatness and the premium shoe releases which begin on November 23rd.


above: Kyrie Irving's dream brings together some of the most eclectic stars past and present to proclaim once and for all that “All is Right” during Foot Locker's Week of Greatness.

The minute long television commercial by BBDO New York and directed by Jim Jenkins brings back NBA's Kyrie Irving as a spokesman, dreaming of righting the world's wrongs - which also include sending Dennis Rodman to North Korea permanently, seeing Brett Favre finally walk away, and Craig Sager's decision to finally change his wardrobe.



CREDITS
Client: Foot Locker
Spot: "All Is Right"
Agency: BBDO, New York
Chief Creative Officer: David Lubars
Senior Creative Directors: Chris Beresford-Hill, Dan Lucey
Senior Content Producer: Tricia Lentini
Creative Director, Copywriter: Alex Taylor
Creative Director, Art Director: Jason Stefanik
Executive Music Producer: Melissa Chester
Senior Account Director: Troy Tarwater
Account Director: Janelle Van Wonderen
Account Executive: Nick Robbins
Assistant Account Executive: Samuel Henderson
Production Company: O Positive Films
Director: Jim Jenkins
Executive Producer: Ralph Laucella
Executive Producer, Line Producer: Marc Grill
Director of Photography: Ramsay Niokell
Music House: South Music
Edit House: Mackenzie Cutler
Editor: Ian Mackenzie
Assistant Editor: Nick Divers
Visual Effects House: Schmigital
Sound Mix: Heard City
Sound Mixer: Keith Reynaud

Fenway Boots! LL Bean Gives Away 50 Made-To-Order Boots Created With Fenway Park Rain Tarp.

Outdoor retailer L.L.Bean has revealed the most innovative version of its signature product: the Fenway Bean Boot. Made of upcycled Fenway Park tarp from the 2012 season, the one-of-a-kind boots will be made-to-order for a select number of lucky Red Sox fans who engage with L.L.Bean on Facebook and other channels.




The opportunity to win has already begun. When fans can visit Facebook.com/llbean to share their favorite Red Sox moment, they are entered for a chance to own a piece of baseball history. Submissions will be received through Sunday, October 20, 2013.



Company founder Leon Leonwood (“L.L.”) Bean believed in the reuse of materials long before the concept of “upcycling” came into vogue. The one-of-a-kind Bean Boots put the rain delay tarp that covered the Fenway Park infield in 2012 – the 100th anniversary year for both Fenway Park and L.L.Bean – to great use as the upper material of the weatherproof rubber soled boots.



“This project brings together two of L.L.’s favorite things: Bean Boots and baseball,” said Steve Fuller, Chief Marketing Officer for L.L.Bean. “As a season ticket holder, L.L. loved the Red Sox and he would be delighted to see the Fenway tarp put to use in a way that fans can enjoy.”


above: The LL Bean logo is at the center of the tarp that protects the field at Fenway Park during its 100th season.


above: The 100th anniversary L.L.Bean rain tarp photo via @mdanubio4 on Twitter.

Originally named the Maine Hunting Shoe, the popular Bean Boot has seen a variety of style changes since its introduction in 1912, all remaining true to the original and still handcrafted in Maine. Early versions had a red brick sole, reintroduced for the 100th anniversary of L.L.Bean, and today’s collection includes an assortment of styles for women and men such as waxed canvas and shearling-lined leather.

Each of the 100 limited-edition Fenway Bean Boots will be custom made for lucky recipients at L.L.Bean’s manufacturing facility in Brunswick, ME.

“These unique boots are just one of the many ways L.L.Bean has demonstrated their innovative spirit throughout our partnership,” said Troup Parkinson, Red Sox Senior Vice President. “From the 100th anniversary tote bags, to The One Fund Boston Tote, to these Fenway Bean Boots, they continue to highlight new ways of bringing our two New England brands closer.”



Last month, L.L.Bean announced a contribution of $114,000 to The One Fund Boston following the sale of 3,500 limited edition totes also made from the 2012 Fenway Park tarp (shown above). The One Fund Boston totes sold out in just over a day with 100% percent of profits benefitting the cause.

Share your favorite Fenway Park moment with L.L. Bean to enter to win one of 50 pairs of made-to-order Fenway Bean Boots, handcrafted from the 2012 100th anniversary Fenway rain tarp.



Find out more about the contest and learn how L.L.Bean upcycled the Fenway Park infield rain tarp here

Fifty winners will be selected at random and notified on October 21. Additional ways to win – including on campus at select Northeast colleges – will be announced. Follow @LLBean for more details.

*All contest entries are moderated and will appear in the gallery within 24 hours of submission*

Beautiful Handmade Slingshots From Split Fork Tree Branches by Adam Gray

Certain toys never go out of style, but instead simply get more stylish. This is what Adam Gray has done with the ol' classic slingshot. Adam, who graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and presently works at Bicycle Bolts, has become a new millenial favorite with his Hella Slingshots.



Handcrafting different slingshots from forked tree branches in San Francisco and carefully airbrushing them with acrylic paint, he has raised the classic toy to a level of functional art.



From higher-end versions made from polished woods to sporty colorful versions and even adorable folk-art animal versions, each is outfitted with a leather appointed projectile using natural latex tubing.





Featured on Fab.com and with Wired magazine choosing them as one of the best 20 gifts under $50, they are becoming a hip gift for adults and kids alike.


above: Hella Slingshots featured in Wired magazine

While I'm not encouraging people to knock out squirrels or worse, an eye, these can serve as the ultimate CEO desk accoutrement as well as a great stocking stuffer for the child (or juvenile adult) who wants to aim at inanimate objects.

Ammo (shown below) is available in felt, wood, iron, or eco-friendly seedbombs.



The Slingshots vary in price from $15 to $41 on his site and here on Scout Mob.


individual images courtesy of Adam Gray and Hella Slingshots, composite images by If t's Hip, It's Here.

Hermes Re-Opens On Rodeo Drive With A New Store and A $12,900 Basketball.

Slated to open on September 4th, after an 18 month renovation, French luxury brand Hermes will re-open the doors of their overhauled store located at 434 N. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.


above left: the old Hermes Store on Rodeo Drive and above right, a rendering of the new one

The new, 12,000 square foot Beverly Hills flagship was designed by Paris-based RDAI (Rena Dumas Architecture Interieure), who has designed most, if not all, of the Hermes Boutiques worldwide.

The original Rodeo Drive boutique opened in 1972 and fast became a celebrity favorite. According to the Los Angeles Times, Hermès already had a Hollywood following at that time, having outfitted movie star cowboy Tom Mix's horse, made Alfred Hitchcock's swim trunks and created a custom bag, the "Marlene," for Marlene Dietrich.

To commemorate the grand re-opening, Hermès has created a limited edition collection of special items including two luxe blue calfskin leather basketballs costing $12,900 each, made with the same leather and stitching as their famous Birkin Bag, and swimming pool-inspired silk scarves - both of which fit in with the brand's theme for 2013: "A Sporting Life."



above: a page from their 2013 summer catalog, A Sporting Life, with beautiful photos by Nathaniel Goldberg

"The Sporting Life" theme has generated other unique sport-related items from Hermes such as the silk-covered Boxing Gloves created for the launch of their 2013 Summer Collection event in Palm Beach:


above image courtesy of Palm Beach Post

A $12,900 basketball is too rich for your blood? Well, Hermes also makes a baseball bat in ash wood and gold swift calfskin selling for $1,850.00, a Petanque set in carbon steel and natural hunter cowhide selling for $1,150.00 and their $4650 Bicycle in lacquered stainless steel with frame, handles and saddle in Taurillon Clemence leather, all available at their online store.



You can also view a series of cute short videos here.

Hermes

A Hole In G. Ollie Willis Designs A Typographic Golf Course.

Leicester born London based Designer Ollie Willis challenges the precision, patience and frustration common in the game of golf with a mini golf course in the shape of the letters of the alphabet.By creating a typeface that uses the curves, 45º and 90º angles that are present in mini golf courses, the letters can be made into interactive structures pairing the processes of golf and design to become a 26 hole course.

30 Carved Wood Baseball Bats by Vincent Kohler in 'Turnaround.'

'Turnaround' is an artistic project by Vincent Kohler which focuses on the theme of the baseball bat. It consists of a collection of thirty baseball bats, turned on a lathe using different species of woods. Each bat is unique in form, and a book combining texts by various authors and photographs was specially done on the subject for this project.

New Cream Soda in "A Big Can for the Big Man." Introducing Soda Shaq.

AriZona Beverages has teamed up with Shaquille O'Neal to launch an all-natural cream soda line. SODA SHAQ, named for the basketball legend known for his personality, has hit the market in AriZona's signature single-serve 23.5oz. can from Rexam.

SODA SHAQ contains real vanilla from Madagascar, is sweetened with pure cane sugar and has just 90 calories per serving. Like all AriZona products, it is made with no artificial colors or preservatives and is available in Original Vanilla Cream, Orange Cream, Blueberry Cream and Strawberry Cream flavors.

"We are excited to expand our offerings to include a great carbonated beverage innovation based on a soda shop classic," said Don Vultaggio, Chairman of AriZona Beverages. "With nearly a third less calories than the competition, SODA SHAQ's great-tasting and all-natural cream sodas are perfect for consumers looking for variety. And through our continued partnership with Rexam, we are bringing them to market in another great version of our iconic big cans."



The new can designs (of which there are 8 for the flour flavors) include the tagline "A Big Can for the Big Man" and prominently feature Shaq's famous likeness.



Rich Grimley, president and CEO, Rexam BCNA, says, "As the industry leader in 24oz. 'big' can production, we continue to grow our relationship with AriZona Beverages, supporting this brand extension with an ideal packaging choice that delivers superior recycling and environmental benefits as well as filling and distribution economics."

SODA SHAQ is currently available at retailers nationwide at a suggested retail price of $.99 per can.

www.drinksodashaq.com

The Ravens Finally Get Their Bling. A Look At The 2013 NFL Championship Ring.

Earlier this month the Baltimore Ravens presented players and staff with their Super Bowl XLVII Championship Ravens Rings during a private ceremony today at The Under Armour Performance Center. Created by Jostens, the leading national custom jewelry designer and producer, the World Championship Ring commemorates the Ravens remarkable 2012 season and marks the second time the Ravens have brought the Lombardi Trophy to Baltimore.



"Emotions ran high as players, coaches and staff were presented with their rings, which symbolize the determination required to win the Super Bowl," said Ravens President, Dick Cass. "The rings are beautiful visual representations of what it means to be a Raven – physical, tough-minded, hardworking and resilient."




The truly one-of-a-kind ring pays tribute to the rich history and tradition of one of football’s most successful franchises. The design, hand-crafted by Jostens Championship Design team and led by Master Jeweler Miran Armutlu, is fashioned in white and yellow gold and with 243 round cut diamonds. In the center of the ring, the Baltimore Ravens logo is outlined with 40 round brilliant cut diamonds sitting atop a dazzling custom-cut amethyst stone. Behind the logo are two Vince Lombardi Trophies set with 32 round brilliant cut diamonds and two stunning marquise diamonds weighing approximately .75 carats, representing the team’s two World Championship titles.





"Jostens is proud to be a partner with the Baltimore Ravens and to collaborate with them on the creation of a ring that celebrates the team’s inclusive culture, winning traditions and their achieving professional football’s pinnacle triumph, the forty-seventh Super Bowl title," said Chris Poitras, Director, Sports Sales and Marketing, Jostens. "Every element of the ring was designed specifically to highlight the best qualities of each of the materials featured. It’s a singularly beautiful piece of fine jewelry that reflects the ultimate unity of the team."

To celebrate the enduring support of Ravens fans during this championship season, the team collaborated again with the Championship Design team at Jostens to create a custom selection of personalized jewelry and collectibles with designs inspired by the Super Bowl XLVII Championship Rings.


above: Josten's collection of Raven's jewelry inspired by the Super Bowl XLVII Championship Rings

The collection offers every Baltimore Ravens fan the chance to own a piece of Ravens history and, beginning June 7th, can be ordered online at Jostens. 

See and learn more about all the Super Bowl rings to date here

iPad Foosball. New Potato Tech Scores With This Fun Dock and App.

Classic foosball has been brought into the future with New Potato Tech's Classic Match Foosball for iPad accessory. Powered by the iPad, iPad 2 or iPad 3rd generation, you can work your pull, snake, bank and bread and butter shots, fake out your opponent and deliver the ball into the goal with a resounding "thunk", all on a table top foosball dock for your iPad. Just like real tournament tables, Classic Match Foosball brings the complete foosball experience to your iPad.



Complete with eight functional 2-axis control bars and real scoring markers at each end, this app enabled accessory immerses you in game play as good as a tournament grade table, allowing the most expert player to show off their well-oiled skills.

screen shots:






Gameplay features all the elements you can think of in a complete simulation, but unlike simple software-only foosball emulation apps, this accessory brings the real deal to your iPad with advanced peripheral-to-game dynamics for an incredible experience.



Just plug in your iPad, fire up the free Classic Match Foosball app, and start playing. All 8 of the 2-axis control bars will move your virtual players around the table, so up to four people can join in! And this ingenious dock even comes with little scoring markers at both ends.





The Lowdown
• Play classic foosball (table football) on your iPad
• 8 working 2-axis control bars with tactile elastomer handles
• Real scoring markers at each end of the table
• Removable legs for easy portability or storage
• 3D instant replay of every goal to recap the action
• Includes multiple Playfields and alternative foosman and layouts
• One, two, three, or four person play
• USB connector to charge and sync iPad while docked
• Classic Match Foosball application downloaded (FREE) from the iTunes App Store
• Powered by Apple 30 Pin Dock Connector

Gameplay Features
• Dazzlingly real foosball experience
• Classic foosball play fields and layouts
• Realistic game and crowd sounds
• Tournament Foosball rules
• Multiple layouts and play fields
• Customise your table and team colors and sponsors
• Unparalleled play and feel for iPad

Accessory Features
• Realistic foosball game table for your iPad
• Foos buttons on both sides to launch the ball into real play

System Requirements
• iPad, iPad 2nd Gen, iPad 3rd Gen running iOS 5.0 (or higher)



$99 USD, Buy Classic Match Foosball for the iPad here