Buddhist monk turned creator of things, Kenji Ekuan has had an influence on Japanese culture. He's designed for Yamaha and the Bullet Train, but maybe his most notable contribution is the Kikkoman soy sauce bottle. Its simple form can be found on almost every restaurant table around the world and even the Museum of Modern Art.
One of the best funk records ever recorded didn't come from Motown, King, Chess, or Stax. Edge of Daybreak's Eyes of Love was recorded in Powhatan Correctional Center in State Farm, Virginia, in less than five hours and one take for each song. Jamal Jahal Nubi, Harry Coleman, James Carrington, Cornelius Cade, McEvoy Robinson, and Willie Williamske made up the group and created an album that has stood the test of time for almost 40 years.
Channel your inner Ben Gates. Vollebak has teamed up with adventurers Jason Fox and Aldo Kane to create the ultimate treasure hunt. Up for grabs is a one-of-a-kind hand-carved Rosewood sculpture crafted by Saena Ku. The piece took her over three months to complete and is impossible to duplicate, so don't even try. It's currently hidden somewhere on planet Earth and the only clue you'll be given is this short film by Oscar-winning director Orlando von Einsiedel, documenting the trek to its undisclosed hideout. Whoever can uncover the card's whereabouts will earn themselves free Vollebak clothing for life.
Built for long days that start in the surf and end somewhere near the bar, Brixton's latest trunk lineup balances heritage styling with modern performance without leaning too hard into either. The Blitz Boardshort is the more aggressive option, a lightweight stretch trunk cut from quick-dry polyester and spandex with a water-repellent finish, invisible zip pocket, drainage eyelet, and bold graphic treatments that push beyond the standard washed-out beach palette. Available in both 19-inch and 21-inch outseams, it is engineered to move cleanly from paddle-outs to pool decks with minimal fuss. Countering it is the Classic Trunk 17", a stripped-back staple with clean lines, minimal branding, and an easy shorter cut that feels rooted in vintage surf culture while still delivering dependable quick-dry performance. Together, the collection hits the sweet spot between technical utility and everyday wearability, exactly where Brixton tends to do its best work.
Switching wireless carriers has traditionally involved enough friction to keep most people exactly where they are, but T-Mobile is trying to remove that excuse with a streamlined digital process designed to get customers through checkout in 15 minutes or less per line. The experience focuses on speed and simplicity, allowing users to switch online or through the T-Life app while keeping the device they already own. To further lower the barrier, T-Mobile's Keep & Switch program offers up to $800 via virtual prepaid card to help pay off eligible phones when customers make the move, creating a proposition that is equal parts convenience and cost savings.
First, there was 4K. Then it was 8K. Now, we've reached mind-blowing clarity with 12K. Just to put it into perspective, it's 48.5 times the resolution of HD 1080p. Filmmaker Phil Holland showcases the stunning resolution with a cinematic flyover of New York City.
National Geographic has a history of thought-provoking covers but their June issue was one of the most captivating in recent years. The now iconic iceberg made from a grocery bag has everyone talking about plastic. Formerly a natural product, the man-made material now accounts for 18 billion pounds of pollution in our oceans. In line with the launch of their "Planet or Plastic?" campaign, NatGeo has released this video covering the history of the product as well as ways to reduce its waste.
With sponsors like Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas, you know the Golden State sneaker closet is full of gems. Each season, players are sent their signature shoe in dozens of colorways and no one knows each pair better than equipment manager Eric Housen. During a tour of their Oakland practice facility, Housen shows off the lineup of shoes from players like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Nick Young while ranking a few of his favorites in the process.
In 1968, Hot Wheels made their debut with the Custom Camaro. The die-cast cars have been racing across bedroom floors ever since. In honor of their 50th anniversary, Donut Media put together this timeline featuring some of the toy brand's most iconic releases.
Augustinus Bader's The Retinol Serum rethinks traditional retinol treatments with a formula designed to deliver visible skin renewal without the irritation that often comes with high-performance vitamin A products. Powered by the brand's proprietary TFC8 technology alongside pure retinol, the lightweight serum targets fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation while supporting hydration and overall skin balance. The result is a more refined approach to retinol, one engineered to improve clarity, firmness, and smoothness without compromising the skin barrier in the process.
Bar soap rarely gets an upgrade, but the Duke Cannon Soap Puck rethinks the format with a compact, palm-sized design built for grip, portability, and longevity. Triple-milled for a denser, longer-lasting bar, it delivers a rich lather while holding up better than typical soaps, making it just as suited for daily showers as it is for gym bags and travel kits. Formulated with natural oils and free of phthalates, it cleans without overcomplicating things, while the rounded puck shape feels deliberate in hand. It's a small shift in form that turns a basic essential into something more considered and durable.
They say you can't judge a book by its cover — unless it's a work of science fiction with one of those excellent cover paintings that screams to be read. Sci-fi book covers are some of the best art you can get your hands on, with the added bonus of getting a book too — oftentimes for a dollar and change. The Nerdwriter dives into the history of the sci-fi cover and how it became one of the strangest, most accessible places for artwork in the world.
The I Heart NY symbol is almost as iconic as the city itself. Designed in 1977 by Milton Glaser, the symbol was first created as an advertising campaign for the city. The campaign turned into the state's trademark logo and can still be seen in every souvenir shop 40 years later. This short film sheds light on the man behind the design and shares how his own relationship with the city inspired his now infamous graphic.