MINI WRC

MINI is re-entering the World Rally Championship fray with this new Countryman-based setup. Check more photos from the Paris Auto Show here.

A nice nod back to the original, Monte Carlo-winning flavor.

MINI Scooter E Concept

What the what?? Adrian van Hooydonk from the BMW Design Group introduces an awesome electric urban transport. MINI design cues galore!

Diablo vs. Kyle... Chandler, that is

This is a must-see interview for any FNL fan. I pre-apologize for some of the language—still, it's a fantastic clip. Thanks to Mike Arauz for posting this one.

Top 10 Favorite Seinfeld Episodes

10. The Soup Nazi - Season 7, Episode 6

"Jambalaya!" - Newman

9. The Comeback - Season 8, Episode 11

"Well, the jerk store called, and they're running outta you." - George

8. The Jimmy - Season 6, Episode 19

"George is getting upset!" - George

7. The Race - Season 6, Episode 10

"I choose not to run!" - Jerry

6. The Dinner Party - Season 5, Episode 13

"Look to the cookie, Elaine. Look to the cookie." - Jerry

5. The Pool Guy - Season 7, Episode 8

"Why don't you just tell me the name of the movie you've selected." - Kramer

4. The Chicken Roaster - Season 8, Episode 8

"Is someone there? Mr. Marbles?" - Jerry

3. The Puerto Rican Day Parade - Season 9, Episode 20

"This time, advantage Varnsen!" - Jerry

2. The Strike - Season 9, Episode 10

"No, please! Denim Vest! He's smoothing it!" - Elaine

1. The Little Jerry - Season 8, Episode 11

"It's chestnut with auburn highlights!" - Elaine

BMW Bobber

I'm totally digging this bobbed-version of a BMW R80. It's clean and modern, yet dirrty and retro all at once. Click here to enlarge.

Beach House Dining

Last Thursday, Mrs. Kyality and I made a last minute, snap decision to catch the Vampire Weekend show that night. They did a great job, but the opening act easily stole the show. I actually hadn't heard of Beach House prior to that night, but later that same night let's just say I snagged all their albums off iTunes.

Beach House is a genre-defying band, nearly unclassifiable. When you hear them for the first time, there's two relatively conflicting vibes happening all at once. You think to yourself, wow I've never anything like this. At the very same time, you can't help but think that they sound oddly familiar.

Nearly every song on their latest album, Teen Dream, is addictive in its own way. In fact, many of the songs start off one way and end completely different, like two songs squished into one. And both are awesome. The standout tracks of the night were Take Care and Walk In the Park—both of which prompted some amazing head-banging from Mademoiselle Legrand.

Listening to Beach House is like a fine dining experience. Each song is like a bite with tons of flavors to identify. Each flavor is a familiar vibe and it's fun to pick each of them out. For me, the ingredient list of Beach House is as follows: one cup of Nico, a teaspoon of Cowboy Junkies and a dash of The Beach Boys. Tasty.

I have beef. Let's fight.

Strangely enough, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World totally slipped under my radar until it was well into theaters. It even came out on my b-day and instead I let Mrs. Kyality convince me to see Eat, Pray, Love. But on Saturday, we were able to snag a sitter for The Kyality Kids for a couple of hours in the afternoon and caught it.

I'm a huge fan of George Michael Bluth, Hot Fuzz and graphic novel adaptations, so once I figured out what this show actually was I was stoked to see it. And it did not disappoint. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is the perfect combination of graphic novel meets video game meets anime meets teen angst flick. Not to mention the music rocks too.

Though I was generally a fan of the Wachowski's adaptation of Speed Racer—it seems like this flick's visual effects and motion graphics accomplished what the Wachowski's were attempting. The effects were just tight and the fight scenes were both clever and epic. I can totally imagine Andy and Larry (or is it Lana) watching Pilgrim and going—ahhh, crap.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is easily one of the coolest flicks of the year, so go check it out and get there early enough to catch the treatment of the Universal Pictures logo animation. Good stuff.

My Photo-A-Day Tumblr Experiment

I have a pretty substantial hobby collecting what I think are pretty cool pictures from online. And of late, I've become a fan of some sweet Tumblr photo-blogs. Some of my faves are ryjohnson, Convoy and Please Don't Shake Me. So with all that in mind, I've decided to start my own simple, little Tumblr photo-blog. I plan on posting a photo each day and in true Kyality fashion they'll be pics about music, movies, tv, cars and design. You can follow the imagery action at: kyality.tumblr.com

Enjoy!

Friday Inspiration

Digging this photo of the BL House by Studio Guilherme Torres. I could totally rock that car if I had that house. See more pics here.

In Keeping With Tradition...

In keeping with the tradition of posting the rad gifts I scored for my b-day, I've put together a quick list of this year's awesomeness. Mrs. Kyality got me "MINI Concept For The Future", which is the book that BMW put together commemorating the MINI Traveller Concept that the Clubman is based on.

The Kyality Kids (with help from mom) got me L.L. Bean Day Sailor Sweater, the Threadless 108 References to LOST tee, "The Office" Christmas Special (British version of course) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition). Click here to enlarge the images above.


Oh yeah, and Upto12 also got me the LEGO Star Wars Mini Figures Magnet Set with Battle-damaged Darth Vader, Snowtrooper and Shadow Trooper.

Not a bad haul!

Not Awesome

So this is what happens when a really sneaky curb catches you (ironically) on the way to a MINI gathering. Thank goodness the doods at Wheelwerks open early.

Speed Weaponry

I'm totally digging this custom, hand-built track bike by Hunter. Especially loving the Zipp "Speed Weaponry" it's rolling on. (via Monoscope)

Telephoto + Concert = Megadork

So I brought my Rebel and telephoto lens to The Dodos and The New Pornographers to SLC's Twilight Concert Series last week. Fantastic bands. Fantastic show. So so shots that barely made the megadorkiness worth it. Nevertheless, here's the best of the bunch. Just click 'em to enlarge.

Meric Long shredding on his ultra-beat-up hollow-body electric.

Logan Kroeber keepin' the beat at a mind-bending tempo.

Keaton Snyder's got the easiest gig around. This is him bowing(?) a vibraphone just before he drooped himself over the fence and started scopin' for hoochies. Nice tee Buster.

On All Levels

Third time's a charm. Mrs. Kyality and I didn't think we'd have the opportunity to see Christopher Nolan's epic mind-bender opening weekend. But when the chance presented itself, it took last-minute phone calls to three sitters before we were jumping in the Clubman on the way to the theater.

Sure there's been some fantastic looking trailers and lots of Twitter hype around this one—but you have to wonder, in a summer of suck (other than TS3)—is this flick as great as they say? The answer is: Yes… on all levels.

Inception is Nolan at the top of his game. When you look at his filmography thus far, everything he's done up to this point has prepared him in some way to make this movie. He set the stage for himself with indie thrillers like Memento and ensemble-cast blockbusters like the Batman reboot. He's stayed true to his brand by growing it ever so slightly—one film at a time—unlike M.Knight who's obviously staggering as he strives to slip free from sleeper-hit stardom.

But Nolan nails it and the proof is in the details. Even though the cast is chock full of stars, he uses them like honed tools. Drawing on each of the actors' inherent baggage to round out his characters' backstories completely worked for him. For instance, when Ellen Page enters the screen, our minds automatically sprinkle a little bit of Juno's nobleness onto her character.

He goes as far as to use Edith Piaf's classic anthem "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" as a thread throughout the film. That's of course a song that was masterfully delivered by Marion Cotillard when she took home an Oscar for her portrayal of none other than Edith Piaf in the magnificent biopic La vie en rose. Again, choices such as this add degrees of depth and detail.

Finally, you can't talk about Inception without mentioning the effects. Sure, you've heard how awesome they are, but what you perhaps haven't heard is how essential they are to the story. Nolan takes no cheap shots with his use of visual effect, minimal CG and intricate action sequences. They are mandated by the story. Even his gratuitous use of beautiful slo-mo shots are technically being shown in real-time from the perspective of the characters. So get your movie fix filled with this smart, satisfying epic that nails it on all levels.

PS: I also loved the Hans Zimmer score and the awesome alpine siege sequence.

Gibersonian Wallpaper

So I just cropped this sweet photo by Leah Giberson of some of her latest work. It's set up as a 1400 x 900 wallpaper. Click here to enjoy!

Top 10 Favorite TV Cars

While developing my Top 10 Favorite Movie Cars list, I noticed that tons of movie cars started as TV cars, which inspired the list below. Enjoy!

10. "The Monkeemobile" 1966 GTO convertible - The MonkeesMy dad, Normality, always talks about seeing this one in person as a kid. That kinda thing sticks with you.

9. "Crockett's Ferrari" 1986 Ferrari Tesstarossa - Miami Vice
Growing up, I wasn't allowed to watch Miami Vice so this car always had some mystique surrounding it. Not to mention, it has a way cool rear view mirror.

8. "B.A. Baracus' Van" 1983 GMC G-Series - The A-Team
A kidnapper van never looked so cool.

7. The Jon Voight Car 1989 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible - Seinfeld
"Everybody's talkin' at me, Can't hear a word they're sayin' [George improvises] Just drivin' around in Jon Voight's car…"

6. "KITT" 1982 Pontiac Trans Am - Knight Rider
Now if this car woulda just shut up, it might have made my top 5.

5. "Mr. Bean's Mini" 1977 MK IV Mini 1000 - Mr. Bean
Yes, I want a padlock on my Clubman.

4. "The General Lee" 1969 Dodge Charger - The Dukes of Hazzard
Way cooler than Starsky's Tornio—I'm mean who needs doors that actually open?

3. "The Mach 5" - Speed Racer
Best Speed Racer quote: "If we crash The Mach 5, I can't win!"

2. 1983 Ferrari 308 GTS - Magnum, P.I.
You're only allowed to drive these things if you have a mustache.

1. "The Batmobile" 1955 Lincoln Futura concept - Batman
Holy mother of all TV cars Batman!

Lord Vader, Your MINI Awaits

MINI just announced a facelift and engine upgrade to the current Cooper line-up. Improvements include added horse-power, new vents, LED rear lights, new color schemes and more.

This JCW version is particularly Sith-like in nature, no?

Top 10 Favorite Movie Cars

Not long after I published my post on my top 10 fave car chases Mrs. Kyality challenged me to come up with my top 10 favorite movie cars. Here's what I've got, hope you like it. Top 10 favorite TV cars coming soon!10. "The Tumbler" – Batman Begins/The Dark Knight
Leave it to Christopher Nolan to create a believable series reboot where the origins of the Batmobile stem from a fa-reaking tank! Sure, many Batmobile purists were borderline offended that Bruce Wayne wasn't modifying some sports car—but there's still room for that in the third installment—remember this one sustained "catastrophic damage" and Batman ejected via the Batpod. The best part about this vehicle is that it works and is real. Nolan refused to rely on CG and therefore The Tumbler makes the cut.

9. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT – Ferris Bueller's Day Off
I was introduced to this movie unbeknownst to my parents at a fairly young age by family friends—you know—one of those defining childhood moments. And from that point on, I've ALWAYS wanted to steal a red convertible from my friend's parents' mid-century modern home. Seriously, who hasn't thought that after watching this flick? And no, running a car in reverse does NOT remove its miles.

8. 1932 Ford Coupe – American Graffiti
Before George Lucas' characters were piloting the Millennium Falcon, they were rollin' in a yellow Deuce Coupe. In his coming-of-age masterpiece he lays forth a language of roguish heros, unsuspecting protagonists and high-powered chases told through a series of vignettes, featuring a group of teenagers and their cars within a single night in August 1962. Here's some Lucas trivia for ya, the hot rod's license plate reads: THX 138. Nice little bit of intertextuality.

7. 1973 (Australian) Ford Falcon – Mad Max/The Road Warrior
As a teenager, I discovered the sci-fi section of the Video Bin, a video rental joint a mile or two from my home. I began combing through the classics, everything from Planet of the Apes to 2001: A Space Odyssey. I also came across the Australian series based around Mad Max and his pre- and post-apocalyptic adventures. This car has become the pinnacle of road rage rat rods and has been alluded to by many including filmmakers like Tarantino and the like.

6. "Eleanor" 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – Gone In Sixty Seconds
Okay. I admit it. This one might be the odd-ball out in this list. The remake of Gone in 60 Seconds kinda sucks. But there had to be a Mustang in the list and since I gave Bullitt the No. 1 spot in the car chase list, I felt that this car could effectively represent the pony-car segment. Plus, let's face it—it's a gorgeous car and ANY automotive enthusiast can instantly identify her by name.

5. "The Dragonfly-mobile" Modified 1968 Citroën DS – CQ
Roman Coppala's fun homage to pulpy late 60's sci-fi flicks like Barbarella and Danger: Diabolik features a sweet little chase scene with one of filmdom's lesser-known movie cars: The Dragonfly-mobile. The second I saw this flick, I noted this car as one of the greats. It's quick, it's European and no car has been better suited for an actress/model like Angela Lindvall to rally in.

4. 1964 Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger
My dad, Normality, had a die-cast model of this car sitting on his dresser throughout my entire childhood. And let's be brutally honest for a moment—no other vehicle within the longest movie franchise ever has even come close to its iconic image, barrage of gadgets or pure, classy cool factor. Not a one. This car will forever be THE definitive spy car, ejector seat and all.

3. "The Jaguar Hearse" 1971 Jaguar XK-E – Harold and Maude
Mrs. Kyality introduced me to this quirky flick in which Harold a morbid 19 year-old played by a young Bud Cort falls in love with a happy-go-lucky 79 year-old played by an old Ruth Gordon. In the film, Harold who drives a hearse for fun is given an amazing silver 1971 Jaguar XK-E as a gift to help him cheer up. He takes a look at the sports car and a look at the hearse and a few tools sounds later we have one of film's most beautiful and unique movie cars. This car has definitely influenced my tastes as two of my own cars have been described as being similar to it. Namely this one and this one. This movie also has an amazing soundtrack by Cat Stevens.

2. Tim Burton's "Batmobile" – Batman/Batman Returns
This one was a tough one to not put in the No. 1 slot. Even the classic Batman fans admit this is easily the most beautiful Batmobile to date. But is it my favorite movie car? That was the question. I was 12 years-old when Tim Burton re-imagined Batman for the masses. I saw it on opening night and I vividly remember Michael Keaton as Batman saying, "Get in the car" and Vicki Vale replying: "Which one?" The crowd went insane at the first glimpse of this vehicle and it's been one of the definitive Batmobiles ever since.

1. "Doc's Time Machine" 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 – Back to the Future
All I have to say is this: not only does this car's stainless steel construction make flux dispersal possible, if you're gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style? The DeLorean as a car was always trying way too hard to be cool. The DeLorean as a time machine on the other hand is as cool as cool gets. You don't even need to have seen the movie to know that this thing could easily set your tire tracks on fire and catapult you throughout the space/time continuum.