30 Pieces of Poignant and Uncensored Art by U.S. Veterans of War.

above: Autobiography (02) by Maurice Costello

In honor of Veteran's Day, I wanted to share with you some very personal and intimate art pieces from the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago. The National Veterans Art Museum inspires greater understanding of the real impact of war with a focus on Vietnam. The museum collects, preserves and exhibits art inspired by combat and created by veterans. The pieces express their experiences through photography, sculpture, paintings, drawings and mixed media.

Please note: The work in this museum- and shown here- was made by veterans of war and the depictions of their experience is poignant and uncensored.

Good Morning PTSD by Christopher Arendt:

Real Life Souvenirs by Jay Burnham-Kidwell:

Towers (1) by Victoria Bryers:

Exiles on Main Street by Elgin Carver:

Title Unknown by Ronald Doc Cook:

58,000 Plus by John Dell:

Angel In The Desert by Marcus Eriksen:

(un)clothed and in her right mind by Iris Feliciano:

Aftermath by Michael Gottschalk:

Orphan III by Bill Hackwell:

In the Jar of Mars by Michael Helbing:

Where the Publisher Meets the Writer by Jay Burton Hellwege:

Tourist Photographs from Iraq - This is How I Wanted to See Myself by Aaron Hughes:

Fascinating Vietnam by William Hoin:

Memory of a Conflict by Louis Janetta:

Blown Away by Richard Lindsay:

Seventeen Months, Twenty-Nine Days by Grady C. Myers:

Early Out by Scott Neistadt:

Morphene, Anyone by Neal Pollack:

Mending by Scott Rogers:

The Wall by Michael Rumery:

Anguish by Bruce A. Sommer:

Together Separately by Anthony Stetina:

They Also Serve (POW) by Gary Tillery:

Prayer Boots by John Turner:

Head by Gregory Van Maanen:

Diptych Self Portrait by Kimo Williams:

This is How You Died by Richard Yohnka:

Punji Trap Wound by Bernie Zawiki:

Autobiography Installation by Maurice Costello:

The above pieces only represent a few of the works within the museum. You can view the online collection here.

God Bless all the brave men and women who give of themselves for the rest of us and this country. Thank You.

all images courtesy of the NVAM Collection Online website © 2012 - National Veterans Art Museum

Illustrated Insoles by Remind. Art That Provides Support.

After years and years of skateboarding, snowboarding, and pain... Remind began as a collaboration of 30 plus years of research in bio-mechanics, bio-medicine, as a common sense solution for one simple goal: To live the dream less painfully.



Remind Insoles have succeeded in creating an aftermarket orthotic insole that has the quality and benefits of a medical, full custom, doctor prescribed orthotic, but made affordable to the average person. And in a bunch of fun and wacky designs reminiscent of R. Crumb, Rat Fink, Psychedelic 60s and Hippie Tie-dye.

The Cush Series


Chico:

Hippie foot:

Travis Rice:

Lizard King:

Eyes:


The Cush was the first self-forming orthotic insole to fill the void in the skateboarding and snowboarding industries pioneering the path for foot body health, longevity, and awareness. With it’s biomechanical and anatomical engineered design to correct the foot and body into proper alignment, the end result is: alleviated stress on the joints, better posture and circulation, enhanced strength and performance, and heightened balance and stability. The Cush is built with the highest quality of materials for heavy impact absorption and abuse. It’s self-forming capability makes it ready to go out of the box and and will mold to your specific foot and arch shape hassle free with no need for any type of molding process.
$29.95 each


The Medic Series


Skull Blast:

Big Foot:

Reflexology:


The Medic as a three layer foam impact rebound system covered from toe to heel with “BLUE MAGIC protection. The Medic is made up of the highest quality materials from fabric to the foams that will withstand the heaviest of abuse. You can now have the confidence to jump down anything with its enhanced construction to endure the heaviest impacts and shock blows. Biomechanically and anatomically designed to correct the foot and body into proper alignment, the end result is: alleviated stress on the joints, better posture and circulation, enhanced strength and performance, and heightened balance and stability. Anti-microbial fabric system that reduces hot spots and blistering, and keeps the feet cool, dry, and odorless.
$39.95 each

The Remedy Series


Hippie:

Textile:

Travis Rice:


Made in the USA The Remedy is our most foot structure supporting insole that offers an intricate arch support system consisting of a semi-rigid insert that is calculated to support and flex with the foots natural movements without ever losing its integrity. Equip with a Tri-foam deep heel seat construction that covers all the needs of self-molding, fast rebound, and high impact absorption and protection. Precise anatomical foot alignment to promote correct posture, stacking of bones and joints, enhanced strength, endurance, balance, and stability. Helps reduce pain from plantar fasciitis, flat feet, peroneal tendonitis, heel spurs, bunions, as well as other ankle and joint conditions where support is needed. Recommended for those who require high arch support.
$44.95 each

The bio-mechanics and scientific shape of Remind orthotic insoles is a result of 30 plus years of research and experience in the medical world. Remind is ritually used by the worlds greatest athletes and approved and recommended by renown doctors, physical therapists, and podiatrists worldwide.

Remind Insoles

Star Wars Imperial AT-AT Walker Bookends. And Other Star Wars Stuff For The Holidays.

Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back AT-AT Bookends
• Amazing high-quality bookends from Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
• The Imperial AT-AT Walker has been rendered and sculpted beautifully.
• Measures over 8 3/4-inches tall

Bring home the terrifying metal behemoths of Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back Cast in high-quality polystone and then hand-painted, each set of Star Wars AT-AT Bookends is numbered and comes complete with a matching limited edition certificate of authenticity. Whether they're holding up an assortment of media or on display proudly by themselves, these collectible bookends are sure to add enjoyment to any home or office.



above: Stills of the Imperial AT-AT Walkers in Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back

First seen on screen at the Battle of Hoth, the feared AT-AT is the primary assault vehicle of the Galactic Empire for large-scale ground warfare. Tasked with destroying the Rebel's shield generator, the Imperial AT-AT Walkers completed their objective with ruthless efficiency, laying waste to many Rebel soldiers, vehicles, and installations in the process.

Coming in June 2013
Pre-Order now here and they'll deliver in June 2013 (estimated date / subject to change).
Price: $224.99

Looking for Star Wars themed gifts for the holidays?  Here's a link to literally hundreds of items from slippers and robes to board games and piggy banks. Star wars collectibles, plush, miniatures, barware and co-branded items from Hasbro, Lego, Angry Birds and more:

Tons of Star Wars Stuff

Peugeot's Onyx Concept Supercar, Superbike and Superscooter Wrap Hybrid Technology and Beauty In Shiny Copper and Matte Black.

There was lots of buzz at the 2012 Paris Motor Show about Peugeot's Concept Supercar, the Onyx and it's no wonder. Aside from radiating beauty, elegance and state-of-art technology, the Onyx Concept Bike and Onyx Concept Scooter are its acclaimed variations. Here's a look at all three wicked machines.



above top: computer renderings and below: at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

The Car
The Peugeot Onyx Concept Supercar



The sporty, finely-honed, streamlined Onyx is a hybrid concept car that slices through the air with pure elegance. Expressing a century of research and innovation, the Onyx is the most accomplished car ever imagined by the Lion brand.



Inspired by passionate people, the Onyx offers its adorers a vision of tomorrow. Shaped using raw materials innovatively, this supercar was designed by enthusiasts who have drawn their inspiration from the world of racing.



Its ingenious bodywork captivates with its striking contrast of materials and colours. Its wings and doors were hand-carved by a master craftsman from a pure copper sheet. This mirror-polished metal is totally self-protecting and uses no tricks. Its aspect will change over time and create a patina effect.





above: as seen at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

Its mid-mounted V8 will take you beyond the limits of high performance. A showcase of technological excellence and craftsmanship, the Onyx Concept Car treasures a HYbrid4 engine under its copper sheet that recovers the kinetic energy from braking and restores it during acceleration.


above: Watch it slice through the air in pure elegance, with its vertical grille and full LED headlights beaming. Its wings and doors, hand-carved by a master craftsman from a pure, mirror-polished copper sheet, make the Onyx dazzle and shimmer.


above: Its tail-lights are designed with Peugeot's distinguishing luminous three-claw signature, a magnificently-exquisite finishing touch. The Onyx Concept Car also incorporates mini impellers which direct airflow and intensify aerodynamics.


above: Bathed in natural, dazzling roof-to-floor light, the Onyx's cab includes a felt-designed console and a revolutionary, new wooden dashboard: made of newspaper-wood. The cab itself is a one-piece pod, without seams, without joins and becomes one with the driver and passenger, embracing them in absolute comfort.

Other detals include Carbon Fiber wheels:

And a carbon Fiber cad rear bumper:


The Bike
Peugeot Onyx Concept Bike, an ultimately-efficient superbike


Drawing from Peugeot Cycles' experience in the field of competition, the teams returned to the brand's origins of speed and performance. Peugeot Cycles' designers drew their inspiration from the Onyx to create an ITT bike that propels the brand into the future with its state-of-the-art and high-performance style. The flexed and harmonious lines of the carbon unibody frame optimize the Onyx Concept Bike's aerodynamics.



Back to the brand's origins with this futuristic, revolutionary, time trial Onyx Concept Bike. The engineers' work in wind tunnels, the frame designed with carbon, the streamlined wheels and disc brakes are a tip of the hat to the brand's automobiles. This groundbreaking style propels it into the future and into a world of speed and high performance.


above: The flexed and harmonious lines of the carbon unibody frame optimize the Onyx Concept Bike's aerodynamics.



above: In keeping with the high-performance spirit, the cables, brakes and battery are perfectly concealed inside the handlebars. And the electronically-controlled gear-change is exceptionally intuitive.


above: As seen at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

The Scooter
Peugeot Onyx Concept Scooter, a hybrid supertrike


Cities are changing but mobility solutions are always one step ahead. Peugeot's Onyx Scooter Concept proposes an original, revolutionary, 3-wheel alternative that switches from scooter to motorbike, from urban-style to sporty-style, to fit the rider's needs and desires.



By combining a 400 cc heat engine with an electrical engine, it provides first-class acceleration and get-up-and-go totally in line with its ultra-sportive style. This scooter has an up-to-the-minute look shared only with the Onyx Concept Car and Concept Bike.


above: With its matt black coat, the Onyx Concept Scooter radiates pure elegance. And through its coppered details, you can catch a glimpse of its pioneering technology.



Integrating the stylistic codes of the brand's automobiles, this 2-in-1 supertrike displays an athletic silhouette with sculptural lines and an extra-large 200/50 R17 rear wheel that radiates the spirit of hypersport bikes.


above: In the city, the rider maintains a more classical position, with feed forward and head held high to snake through traffic easily. Highly-practical, this scooter offers exceptional storage space between the seat and front-end.


above: In sports mode, the rider tilts forward, with wrists used for support and feet in a backward position. Naturally aerodynamic, the Onyx Concept Scooter offers great seating comfort for a passenger without compromising on vivacity.


above: as seen at the Paris Motor Show

Images and information courtesy of Peugeot ; Paris Motor Show images courtesy of Autoblog