From Teddy Bears to Technology, The Top 50 Christmas Toys For The Past 100 Years

If a child of 1910 could glance at today’s toys, he or she would likely be confused by the endless games consoles, gadgets and TV-inspired toys. Back in the early twentieth century, the teddy bear was the most popular toy, followed by train sets and construction-themed toys. There was not an electronic device in sight!

However, you can see definite themes running through the popular toys of the past 100 years. For example, although the construction-based toys faded from fashion for a while, in the 1980s Lego became a must-have toy. And the board game shot to the top of wish-lists in the 1930s and 1940s, and experienced another surge in the 1970s – and even today, although replaced in many homes by the computer game, board games are still wheeled out when the family gets together for the festive season!

Dolls continue to be popular too, with the Bratz Dolls of 2000 following the success of the first Barbie in the 1950s. Similarly, boys still have action figures on their Christmas lists, perhaps changed in name from GI Joe to Power Rangers but fundamentally the same.

The computer marks the big change, though. From the first video game in the 1970s to nowadays, games consoles have soared in popularity. This Christmas, a console or handheld device is sure to be on most children’s wish-list.

source: cashgenerator

Thermochromic Table Lets You Make Your Mark. Temporarily.

The thermographic finish on this table and bench designed by Jay Watson of Oxfordshire reacts to heat by going clear temporarily to expose the wood beneath. It leaves an interesting ghostly print of either body parts or dinnerware for a brief amount of time. Makes for great dinner table conversation.








Handmade from solid european oak with a black thermochromic finish. In response to heat the surface temporarily goes clear to reveal the timber beneath. Suitable for heavy duty indoor use. Made in the UK.

Colors:
Black on solid European Oak.
Other colors & timbers available on request
Dimensions:
Table 200cm x 85cm x 73cm high
Seat 180cm x 30cm x 43cm high
Low table 120cm x 80cm x 42cm
Price:
£1 850.00 including VAT
(£1 541.67 excluding VAT)
Available:
6 - 8 weeks

Jay Watson Design

One Badass Briefcase. The $6000 Bulletproof Attaché by Tumi For Those Especially Rough Days At The Office.

Carrying top secret documents? Loose diamonds? Just want the illusion of importance? Then let me introduce you to the limited edition Tegra-Lite™ Bulletproof Attaché unique to Tumi.  At just under $6,000 USD it's trimmed in vachetta leather, features interior pockets for an iPad or other e-Reader, a file divider, accessory pockets, plus a false bottom to conceal valuables and a handcuff attachment for added security. The case weighs 12.3 lbs.



The demonstrates the proven strength and unparalleled performance of Tumi's exclusive TEGRA-LITE™ collection and is a reflection of the brand's heritage of innovation, advanced technology and precision craftsmanship.



Each of the bulletproof cases is individually numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity:


This case is specifically designed to protect items stored inside it; it is not intended to be used for personal safety or self-defense; it is not for official use by government agencies, the military or law enforcement personnel.



The cases are created using 65 layers of Tegris® to create an anti-ballistic material that meets NIJ Standard 0108.01, Threat Level 1:


Interior pocket for iPad, Kindle or Nook:


False Bottom to conceal valuables:


Combination lock closure:


A Handcuff Attachment:


Tegra-Lite™ is a breakthrough collection that combines the highest levels of durability and impact resistance with the ultimate in lightweight ease and maneuverability. Tegra-Lite™ is made from Tegris®, a revolutionary polypropylene thermoplastic composite material created by Milliken® for use in lifesaving armor, NASCAR race cars and protective gear for NFL players; it is exclusive to Tumi for travel and accessory products around the world.

Product Details
Monogramming Available: Yes
External Dimensions (including handle and wheels): 13.25" x 18.25" x 4.25"
Construction Material: Hardside

External Features:
• Leather top carry handle
• Combination lock closure
• Handcuff attachment
• ID tag
• Protective bottom feet
• Leather monogram patch

Internal Features:
• Hidden compartment
• File divider with leather strap closure
• Pocket for iPad
• Leather media pockets with leather closure
• Leather card pockets
• Leather pen loops

Price $5995.00
Buy it here.

Lado Alexi's Hauntingly Beautiful Amazones.

Russian-born and German-based fashion and beauty photographer Lado Alexi has many stunning images to his credit. His impressive clients include Vogue, Estee Lauder, Swarovski, YSL, Tush Beauty, Triumph Lingerie, HYPE and Icon Magazine to name a few. But his series of portraits titled Amazones II blends beauty with incredible makeup and styling for such hauntingly gothic portraits, I wanted to share them with you here.



Used on the cover and in a Fall 2011 editorial called Witchcraft in HYPE Magazine, the model is Yulia Petrova, with stunning make-up by Loni Baur, hair by Karim Amerchih and fabulously styled by Nadia Rath who frequently works with Alexi. Only 6 of the 7 images (all shown here) from the series were used in the publication.








In a brief interview with Art+Commerce, Lado answers a few key questions about his photography and inspiration:

What interested you about becoming a photographer?
– Strong interest in film and fashion. The fascination of capturing mechanically time and the visual power one single image can develop. As a son of actress and a doctor in Moscow photography was a good way to reflect the world around.

Where do you find inspiration to make your photographs?
– Mostly in cinema - but also art, music and daily observation. Sometimes also a certain mood, or thing that happen in the world.

What do you most like to photograph?
– Faces and people.

Who are your favorite photographers?
– Cecil Beaton, Irving Penn, Helmut Newton, Patrick Demarchelier, NIck Knight and many more.

See more of Lado Alexi's beautiful photography here.

Pets Rock. Takkoda's Cast of Characters and New Calendars for 2013.

The word "Takkoda" is derived from the Sioux word meaning ‘friend to all’. The company with the same name was created because of their love of animals and because they see pets as big personalities.

Takkoda is all about funny images of our favorite friends. They photograph real pets in their homes and capture their natural expressions in their natural state! Later they develop their characters by dressing them up digitally to bring out their iconic personalities. They don't dress them up for real silly!

For 2013, they've got both a PETS ROCK wall calendar and desk calendar available:

The 2013 PETS ROCK Wall Calendar:







The 2013 PETS ROCK Desk Calendar:






Here's their entire cast of characters, available on mugs, coasters, cards, homewares, clothing and more:






Shop for these and many other items here.