(18) Flying Lotus - Until The Quiet Comes #nowplaying

It's been a busy weekend rushing off to work, trying to spend quality time because it's finally starting to hit quite badly that it's officially going to be a month before I leave home. So many things are coming in place, and yet I feel this sense of relief with another level of tension and loss stuck like a ball of gum in my throat, I can't seem to really explain it.

Either way, this song seems to come in place and fit into my absolutely random mood well. Came across Flying Lotus randomly and I actually started to like it so I decided to put it up here.

In case you didn't know, Flying Lotus is the stage name of Steven Ellison, an experimental multi-genre music producer, laptop musician and rapper from LA, California. He also raps under another persona, Captain Murphy. His songs have this odd holding vibe which I really like, and very trippy as well. I'm sure most of you who have a few DJs you love can add this onto your list.

This one above is actually a short film for Until The Quiet Comes. I think this really relates with the life for people with more undesirable family backgrounds. It's seriously well-shot though and focuses also on how fragile life is, as well as some coverage on how rampant violence is.

You may check out more of Flying Lotus here and give a listen to all his four studio albums (definitely worth it) and let me know what you think of it!


Anyway before I go, a HUGE THANK YOU for joining and supporting this collaboration between POCKETTO and PLUS MINUS! Thanks for reading about the PLUS MINUS story and letting us know about how you love us, and areas for us to improve on. Winners of A WONDERFUL GIVEAWAY are now out!

Congratulations to:

Atiqah Zulkifli for winning yourself a copy of oh comely magazine (issue 12) and

Tasneem Petrova for winning yourself a POKETO x Furni watch!

Do drop me a PM on Facebook or an e-mail at astrylnaut@gmail.com to confirm your personal details.

Have a great week ahead!

Things: ECOSHOP + Scrapshop

Images grabbed from ECOSHOP

Am finally back from my holidays and I must say I had a lot of fun exploring the city of Bangkok. I didn't take a lot of pictures that were overly pretty so I'll spare out the details. But it was basically a lot of shopping (and probably a lack of motivation to take down some wonderful landscapes). All I could say is I don't get sick of being there because everything is awesome, from the food, to accommodation and even the people. Despite being there umpteen times, it was my first in Khao San and back in Chatuchak after a long while. Everything was great, except for the heat. Apart from the random information, I wanted to share about this interesting discovery that I came across during my trip, called ECOSHOP.

ECOSHOP was set up by local (Thai) television host, Top Pipat (who might have just scored a few more brownie points for a store like this because of his dashing looks hahah) in 2008. The store concept revolves around saving the Earth through sustainability and understanding how much further we can maximize resources. Other than merely just selling environmental-friendly products, Pipat's main aim is ultimately to help aspiring designers who have ideas that they want to develop by providing them a platform to showcase their work.

Ultimately, Pipat explains that the aim of the store is not just to make profit but to give people something to think about and consider saving the Earth more seriously than what we already know of it as. What can a plastic bag do for you then? What could paper achieve for us? 

Top Pipat (from the site on left, and a picture with his store on right; all images from site)

The idea to set up an environmental friendly store definitely isn't a new one, but this was pretty fresh to the people in Thailand. Plus, people were really warming up to the store quickly because of Pipat's consistent efforts in spreading the message he has always wanted to deliver. ECOSHOP was gaining ground and some interest and even managed to stock environmental-friendly and sustainable products designed by students from Thai universities as well.

Images grabbed from ECOSHOP

So as mentioned, I was browsing through the store (the one in Digital Gateway, Siam square area), and had a few of the products catch my eye (loving the tote on the left). Of which, was the ones by Scrapshop, designed and produced by the students of Kasetsart University Architecture. This was an eco-venture launched in 2010 and to help promote awareness on the environment through products made from reusable waste materials. The key idea is not only to motivate young designers to create just products, but for them to research on how discarded materials can be used effectively for functional, yet help create aesthetically pleasing designs.

It's interesting to see something grow so much and help make wonderful things happen. I admire Pipat's efforts, though not on an international level yet, he really tries to change mindsets instead of commercializing something and making it a fad. In order to prove his sincerity towards the cause, Pipat has been living a greener lifestyle as possible, giving talks, telling the story of how simple things we use can always be recycled for a greater cause.

Pipat keeps his belief in keeping prices low so this lifestyle may be accessible to many more and arouse people's curiosity. He also explains the key differences in reusing and recycling and how we can go about it. I think it's good to understand these terms so we don't abuse them too much.

Find out more via his site by clicking here.

And, we can start with a good reusable, yes? I've got my trusty Baggu reusables to start with!

Baggu it! Via Mindful Momma

Anyway, more on Baggu in the near future. I'm sure you guys would probably already have known about these tough and long-lasting reusables.

Hope you're having a wonderful week! There's more to come and I'm working hard to get it all up! Holla over if you've got something (;

Film: A Clockwork Orange

Original cover of A Clockwork Orange published by Penguin Books

An epicly written novel by Anthony Burgess, that gets your mind twisted at the most unexpected intervals; I present to you, A Clockwork Orange. This novel was then directed into a movie by the extremely talented, Stanley Kubrick. His take on the film made it a hit, and has transcended through time. It has received critical acclaim time and time again and has generated controversy on the portrayal and "glorification" on sex and violence. This year, we celebrate A Clockwork Orange's 40th anniversary with limited edition releases and its debut on Facebook.

The band of droogs at the Korova Milk Bar, where the drinks are doped and described as knives (that dictate his mind like liquid courage) by Alex

I know this movie has been around for ages but I finally caught on it and realized how warped certain theories about the modern society were already formulated back in the older days, and how they actually turned out to be true. The protaganist, Alex Delarge is classified as an anti-hero, a wasted youth with ultra violent tendencies. I can't tell if it was supposed to be a mental illness or some sorts but either way, the story really has its ways of making karma look like it exists. 

Alex with his signature lower eyelash look

Alex goes to prison after getting sabotaged by his own "droogs" (aka friends/men) after a heated small discussion which looked like a rebellion of some sort so that he would step down as leader. I'm not going to go into detail of everything that happens but it's going to be messing with your mind for the two hours you're sitting in your sofa or bed trying to digest every bit of it. Themes of freedom, choice, the good vs evil and other somewhat vulgar acts of murder and rape are being portrayed throughout this film.

The story also shows his struggle to have an early release from prison by being subjected to tests that are about to mechanically alter his reactions to violence so he would not cause harm to society as he did before. Alex then gets rejected by the people in his life and find karma hitting him right in the face.

Alex is saved by a victim that he crippled two years ago, and the victim finally discovers his identity

Alex subjected to a demonstration of the anti-violent reaction test before his release

The usage of classical music definitely heightens the whole experience you're getting (Alex has an obsession with his dearest Ludwig Van, better known as Beethoven himself). It's seriously mindblowing how Kubrick made it look so convincing and together considering this film was produced in the early 70s when it was really hard to use computer graphics to sub for some of the somewhat disturbing scenes in the movie itself (especially when Alex was subjected to a test where his eyes were kept opened by metal lids that were definitely torturous).

I've tried reading the novel and only made it halfway because of Burgess' usage of the Nadsat (language) which was heavily influenced by the Russian language. I'm making an effort to re-read the book and hopefully re-evaluate what I think about it now that I've watched the film. Definitely something for you to catch on if you haven't because it's so crazy on realistic themes. It's amazing how this film has remained current despite its time of release.

Fun fact: the film did not finish up on the 21st chapter's ending of the book (the actual last chapter) as it was omitted in the American series so that it will end on a darker note. Burgess however, intended for it to be how good is able to prevail the evil with time and patience.

And before I go, here's a trailer of A Clockwork Orange if you will:

Enjoy and have a great week ahead!

(11) Cigarette Burns - Flunk #nowplaying

Came across Flunk thanks to a friend of mine. I love the uber light-heartedness of this and the slight chills it gives at some points. Either way, it's a great song and Anja (on the vocals) looks really old-skol perfect, which I also love.

Beginning as an instrumental and sampled vocal project, this Norwegian-based act has evolved to have the sound it has today. Flunk is a electronic band consisting of producer Ulf Nygaard, guitarist Jo Bakke, drummer Erik Ruud, and vocalist Anja Oyen Vister (I believe it's pronounced An-ya (?) but fine these are the names I can never pronounce). Hidden gem it is! Or maybe I'm just too slow to catch up with times.

I am feeling jelly today. Not jealous jelly, but a jelly-like state. I was driving with my eyes half-open during class today. The exams are over.

Weeks and weeks and weeks of mad studying and training has made me a lunatic (I think). Overloading on information that probably will not make a difference to my life in the future, one and half stacks of full skep, three pen ink refills, and getting distracted by the TV and the Internet. Taking runs and hitting the gym to (attempt to) reverse the severe consequences of an exam binge. Died at 9 pm. My pen ran out of ink halfway through a paper. I left twenty minutes earlier for another.

I studied like my life depended on it (ok it actually does, for now).

Haven't really been able to focus on things I want to do on this space because I just haven't been able to. As they all say, the time and place has to be right. It is crucial. I'm just waiting on it. I want my own store. I want to share the joy of listening to and buying lovely music. I want to buy things I don't need. I want people to laugh. I want a confetti gun so I can pull the trigger on it every time I open the doors of my store. Is this happiness?

The rainy season is here. You may say hello to my wellies in due time.

November is ARTifact month. Keep your eyes peeled. We're going to start small. I'm going to try so hard to not disappoint (even though I'm not a great artist but I'll try).

Film: Moonrise Kingdom

I've been waiting for the release of this film for quite awhile! But I actually missed it so I guess I'll have to settle for a copy of the dvd or something. I love how it actually reminds me of Pierrot Le Fou. Wes Anderson has a way of working his charm on a film like that, but I suppose there was a lot of (awesome) references and music in place for this one. Young love is always the sweetest (and greatest). We all know it.

I caught a snippet of the film (I can't actually link it here because sharing was not enabled but check it out on Youtube here) and now I feel like I could actually do with a portable record player now to go hand-in-hand with my set of records collecting dust at Calvin's. This shall not be the end. I will work very hard (or I'd like to think so) to make things happen. Hopefully I will actually have a store and I wouldn't need a portable player but I'll have an insane selection of records and be a whizz at handling records.

Anyway, just so you know (for the girlies!), our affiliate, ModCloth is holding a little competition inspired by this wonderful film!

All you have to do is create a retro-adventurous outfit with the Polyvore mini editor loaded up with ModCloth's outdoorsy, 60s-inspired styles like those in the film and you can stand a chance to win a $100 ModCloth gift certificate and a blu-ray edition of the movie itself. Click away on the image or via here to the competition page.

* International readers are welcome to join this competition and be entitled to the gift certificates but only US-based participants may receive the blu-ray edition of the movie

I can't wait to watch Moonrise Kingdom after I'm done with this hoard of revision and papers to deal with. I think I'm about to be pushed into another long period of hiatus with nothing to write about (I don't have plenty on hand but I am trying to work on it) and I don't know if it's appropriate to say please forgive me? I don't think so though. But hey, thank you for reading this space if you do!

Louis Vuitton: The Art Of Packing

This really shows how looking good can definitely go beyond surfaces. Neat, smart, lovely, uber rich and luxurious. Just when you thought Louis Vuitton was going to stay the same for awhile... This really took me by surprise. I'm absolutely in love with the art direction and the video itself!

Gotta thank my classmate, Syimmy for this. Extremely captivated by the whole look of it!

Anyway I'm not sure if most of you are audiophiles (I'm guessing you probably insist on some quality music with no sound issues) and I know records are not the rage anymore but I'm having a fury of ideas churning in my mind like a washing machine... Maybe I'll find time to address them. Soon enough. But if you've got some (records or ideas I'm all in!), I'm definitely all ears (even if it's just music, or your homemade videos/music or just a simple idea)! Just holla over them over via comment or Facebook, I'll be glad to hear them out!

Things: For your home

Picture from Stickers and Stuff, shop item here via BHLDN

These are too cute to miss! We love these pencils for every moment you may have at home plus the lovely decor from BHLDN! Thumbs up to Stickers and Stuff for this!

Hovering Hot Air Balloon and Crinkle Fans from BHLDN via Stickers and Stuff

In case you were wondering, BHLDN actually means "to keep" in Dutch. Inspired by stories of wonderful weddings that were extraordinary to different people in life, BHLDN was set up so people "could keep" some of these memories with them. Stocked with decor and pretty stuff, as well as gowns for your wedding, BHLDN is definitely a true heaven if you love a tiny bit of subtlety and details (which I do!). Time to get ideas from their lovely lookbooks and share your dream (wedding or fashion) ideas with your other half!

But of course, you can definitely shop some of their evening dresses for functions and stock up some of these lovely decor to prep your space up for a party or just to make it look gorgeous! You can visit them here.

Till then, have a happy weekend!

On: The Olympics

I'm sure everyone's been caught up in the heat of the Olympics. Even if you're not the most avid fan of watching the games, I'm pretty sure you would at least have a gist of what the games are... We all know it happens once every four years and the cream of the crop comes to contest for the gold. And we all know Phelps and Usain Bolt's going to bag home some medals again... But what exactly is the Olympics about?

Usain Bolt inching forward to create yet another world record.

The Olympic motto, "Citius, Altius, Fortius", is a Latin expression that translates to "Faster, Higher, Stronger". Most of us see the Olympics as a platform for glory. We know what it's like to strive for the best and have a taste of victory at some points in life (for example winning your school race or accomplishing something you've always wanted to do). We know these people are here to compete and put on a show, so on and so forth.

But what we (at times) do not realize is that the games represent something more... It is a contest for the strong-spirited who are willing to conquer endeavors, and congratulate one another despite the outcomes. On top of it all, it is a game that embodies "Friendship, Respect and Excellence".

Oscar Pistorius of South Africa realized his dream and became the first Paralympian to qualify in the 400m race event. He finished second in his heat with an astonishing timing of 45.44s.

Oscar Pistorius of South Africa and Kirani James of Grenada exchanging bibs after the 400m finals race. Despite finishing last, Pistorius was only two seconds behind James who won Gold in the event.

More importantly, the games are one of the major events that brings the world together, it helps unite everyone in a certain harmony that we cannot quite comprehend. It is a shared language we all understand without even having to try, one of the only ones next to music. A lot of us find ourselves glued to the television or wanting to know what happens in the action or at least just be in the know.

We hate it, we love it, we don't know about it then we ask questions - it all leads us to talking about the games and making people unite for a shared interest.

Great Britain's women's soccer team made an OT goal to have a place at the gold medal match and spurred a roaring reaction from the crowds.

Sometimes it is inevitable (afterall, there is only one gold medal for every event) that we face disappointments watching the ones we support lose out (huge support for Malaysian shuttler, Lee Chong Wei who was up against Lin Dan of China), but it's OK, because we know these people have given it their best shot.

"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." 
- Coubertin's ideals expressed in The Olympic Creed

And I think this is something many people fail to see; because it is not losing that is the real failure, it is the failure to be involved and to want to participate in something that makes you the real loser.

It's going to sound entirely cheesy but having experienced some of the Olympic magic during my short working stint at the Youth Olympic Games, my love for the games have been cast in stone. It was beyond awesome meeting new people and athletes from all over the world and on top of it all forging meaningful friendships in just 20 days (I get so emotional everytime I think about the amount of effort and fun they are going to put in and have throughout the games hahah). But if ever you have a chance to be a part of it, go for it!

Anyway, it has thus far been an amazing showdown between most of the athletes. Singapore's finally made new history by bagging two bronzes this games, and still rooting for #TeamUSA in the basketball mens and women's quarterfinals!

My apologies for the extremely lengthy post on this one hahah, but have a wonderful Tuesday!

Things: davidelfin

Who knew that pantone or CMYK blocks can look this fabulous? Extremely wowed over by davidelfin and their cutesy designs this spring/summer.

(Cute and quirky) things I love: Shirt s/s and Navy Short both from davidelfin

How cute is this! These happy color inspired clothing are extremely pleasing to the eye. Thanks Anabel for the heads up, I love it!

Anyway, quick bit about this Madrid-based label...

Davidelfin started as a plural medium for David himself and for a few of his friends as well. It was a platform for them to express themselves through mediums like fashion and photography, then morphing into a fashion label that made its debut in 2002.

The label has since been integrating their love for the various arts into wearable fashion. Expect well-cut, clean designs, with color or pattern blocking on their designs.

Shop and check out more on davidelfin right here!

Andddddddddd Monday's here again. But good day!

Inspiration: Outlier Clothing

Who doesn't love a pair of tailored pants or nice shirt that is crafted not only for aesthetics, but also for its durability, lightweight and waterproof material?

These are well-thought, carefully designed clothing and gear put together by Abe Burmeister and Tyler Clemens, the brains behind Outlier.

Outlier was created because Abe and Tyler recognized a problem - they wanted pants that could take anything, the weather, the sweat, wear and tear - and came together through the recommendation of their nearby coffeehouse barista after realizing they were both working on similar ideas, except that one of them were making shirts, and the other one, pants.

I came across Outlier and Abe's video via a friend of mine (thanks Kevin!) who showed me this video - of how someone, with zero prior experience in the fashion industry, made a label of his own. It's extremely real and inspiring; how could anyone have thought of that?

Interesting how a twist of events brought the two of them together to make quality products. Truly inspired now because you know anything can happen, at anytime if you make it work, really.

Now I really want a pair of these so I can make use of them with my future foldable bike.