Zipper Cup

The “zipper” on the Zipper Cup serves no real function. Its purpose is purely symbolic. The item is sold as a pair and although it functions no different from any other cup ,I do like the thought behind it. It might work well for people that use tea bags on a regular basis. The ceramic cups also come with matching coasters.

“A zipper is a unique device used around the world to typically join two sides of fabric, such as in clothing, bags and now…cups…well, not exactly. While the zipper cup does not function like an actual zipper, the zipper design is incorporated into another commonly used household product such as a cup. The intricate design mechanism of a zipper reflects the bonding and friendship of two people, which is why they are sold in pairs. Great for gifts to newly weds, friends, parents, anniversary etc.”

Buy the Zipper Cup from MollaSpace for $40.

Poster Series by Albert Exergian

Nothing beats simplicity. And simplicity is exactly what Albert Exergian (Art direction for print and RGB media) accomplished. These posters are just a a taste of Exergian’s re-imagining of some popular TV shows. He stripped these shows down to their bare essentials and created contemporary poster art. I chose to share the following three if only because the central images have to do with the art of drink. Be sure to check out the rest of the posters over at Exergian.com and at the Exergian Blog.

Colorless Coca-Cola Can

This eco-friendly colorless design is concept work done by New York based industrial designer, Ryan Harc. The idea was to create a can minus the spray painted color and featuring an embossed like surface instead. I actually like the minimalistic look of the can and can appreciate the thought behind it.

“A convex logo substitutes colorfully sprayed can. Naked can help to reduce air and water pollution occurred in its coloring process. It also reduces energy and effort to separate toxic color paint from aluminum in recycling process. Huge amount of energy and paint required to manufacture colored cans will be saved. Instead of toxic paint, manufacturers process aluminum with a pressing machine that indicates brand identity on surface.”

What do  you guys think? Is this something that you would like to see implemented? Do you prefer the classic red can? Or do you not care? 

Thirsty Spotlight: Costello’s Travel Caffe

Costello’s Travel Caffe has been serving up coffee and other delights to people in PDX for the last 5 years. The little euro style cafe was started by Chris Costello in 2004 out of his passion for travel and film. Stop by the Caffe during the week and be pleasantly surprised with live classical and jazz music, foreign language conversation nights, and travel trivia.

“In keeping with a passion of travel, Costello’s hosts weekly foreign conversation nights, foreign films, and international soccer. From the Soccer World Cup to the Tour de France, Costello’s has been a fixture for devoted fans to enjoy sporting events from each corner of the globe. Live music is played on Thursday and Friday night from 8-10pm, ranging from toe-tappin’ Gypsy jazz to Brazilian bossa nova. Foreign Film Night, Wednesday at 8pm, has been a longtime favorite as customers crowd the café to see some of the world’s best films.”

If you own an independent coffee shop, tea lounge, bar or know of one that you especially love then let us know about it so we can share it with the world!

Costello’s Travel Caffe
2222 Northeast Broadway
Portland, Oregon 97232
503.287.0270

Black Ass Coffee

First of all, I love the name of this brand – Black Ass Coffee. What’s not to love? They currently have 7 different blends available, including the seasonal fall blend, The Great Pumpkin. How could you resist wanting to brew a cup of Black Ass with names like Secret Agent (dark roast), Jacques Cousteau (French roast) and Rico Suave (medium roast)?

“Black Ass Coffee was formed by two serious coffee drinkers who were tired of overpriced, stale, burnt coffee. Who said “burnt” is “better” in the first place? And why pay a premium for “over-roasted” coffee? So, stubbornly, we started the hunt to find good “strong” coffee.”

Buy an 11oz. Bag of Black Ass Coffee (Ground or Whole Bean) for $9-$10.

AK Bullet Ice Cube Tray

Ice melts, but that’s okay because for the few moments that these AK Bullet Ice Cubes stay solid you’ll be sure to impress your friends. Now all they need to come up with is an ice mold for an actual AK-47. I wonder if these would have any effect on Batman nemesis, Mr. Freeze?

• Creates bullet shaped ice cubes that are perfect for that killer drink!
• Simply fill up one side of the tray with water, put together rand place in freezer
• The shape of 12, three dimensional, AK-47 bullets are created
• Each tray measures 22 cm x 7.5 cm x 2cm
• Mould makes ice bullets measuring approx 5.5 cm x 1.3 cm

Buy the AK Bullet Ice Cube Tray from Menkind for £6.99.

Mugen Beer Infinite Beer Can

OK so this product is definitely a novelty, but, you have to admit that it’s ingenious! The act of popping open a cold one, for one reason or another, is just as gratifying as drinking the actual product. It’s the sound, the act, the knowing that you’ll soon be sipping on a refreshing beverage that makes that first pop so good. Now you can relieve that moment over and over and over again. Pavlov would be be proud. If anything else, it makes for a great way to irritate the guy in the cubicle next to you at work.

“Of course, there isn’t any actually beer in there, but the feeling of popping it open will hold you over on Friday during work as you’re waiting for the weekend. When you do, you’ll get one of many sounds inside, from the classic opening crack, pouring, bubbles, or drinking sounds.”

Buy the Mugen Beer Infinite Beer Can from Japan Trend Shop for $30.

Contigo Autoseal Vacuum Insulated Mug

The Contigo Autoseal Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steal Travel Mug (say that 5x fast) is quite possibly the closest thing you’ll find to an Apple engineered cup. This Contigo mug features Autoseal Technology, this means liquid only comes out when you’re drinking from it. No more unnecessary dripping and accidental spills. Plus the vacuum insulated steel will keep beverages hot for 4 hours or cold for up to 12 hours.

Features:

• Patented AUTOSEAL® lid is 100% leak-proof and 100% spill-proof
• Drinking made easy! Press to sip. Release to seal. AUTOSEAL® automatically seals between sips to ensure no spills
• Vacuum-insulated technology keeps beverages hot for 4 hours, and cold for 12 hours
• Contoured body makes this mug easy to hold and easy on the eyes
• Will hold up to 16 oz. of your favorite beverage and fits most standard car cupholders
• Constructed with a double wall and stainless steel inside and out for maximum performance
• BPA free

Buy the Contigo Autoseal Stainless Steal Mug from Amazon for $19.99.

Guinness: World

Guinness: World is an excellent ad campaign for your favorite dry stout. The ad was done by UK based advertising agency AMV BBDO and was directed by Johnny Green.

“This November GUINNESS have created their own fireworks, bringing a world to life in an epic new ad which is part of the new ‘Bring it to Life’ marketing campaign created by AMV BBDO. In a move away from the iconic ‘Good Things Come to Those Who Wait’, the ‘World’ ad sees a group of guys come together to bring a world to life in a creative parallel to the famous surge and settle motion of a pint of GUINNESS and the way it comes alive in front of your eyes when poured at home or in a pub.”

Marketing Manager, Paul Cornell comments; ““To mark the start of the Bring it to Life era, we wanted to create a truly amazing campaign which will graphically illustrate the life, energy and passion of the brand, its drinkers and found within every great tasting pint of GUINNESS.”

Via Ads of the World.

The Moustache Mug by Peter Ibruegger

These english made ceramic mugs are made specifically for those who are hair deficient, especially above the upper lip. The Moustache Mug was designed by Peter Ibruegger and the perfect compliment to your morning cup of tea or coffee – no shaving required.

“Enjoy effortlessly masquerading behind a character moustache while drinking your favourite tea or coffee. Every mug has a different design on each side to explore your favourite masculine expression! Choose between feisty Fu-Magnum, ambigues Mustafa-Chaplin and cheeky Maurice-Poirot!”

Buy The Moustache Mug from Peter Ibruegger for £11.95.