Friday, February 13, 2009

North Star Leather

Stephen Batson, owner of North Star Leather, a small leather company in rural South Carolina informed us of some interesting information regarding leather products. After 40 years in the business, “making quality leather goods in the USA since 1969,” Stephen Batson’s industry is under attack from foreign markets.

Why a & Buy American Clause is a Good Idea!! God damn it!

Last month, we noted that the steel industry was lobbying to make sure that a “Buy American” clause was included in the legislation for the stimulus package that we hope will turn the tide of the faltering U.S. economy. Although everyone is not in favor of such a clause, we can give you a few reasons why it is a good idea.

  • 1. It only makes sense for us to buy from our own companies, employ our own people and put some money back into our own coffers.
  • 2. “Buy American” clauses are not new. There is speculation that such a protectionist measure will ignite a trade war. Why is that when we have had such polices dating back decades into the last century. The idea of a nation trying to help its own industries is certainly no new.

3. If we continue to falter, we can be of no help to anyone else. There is a lot of concern that looking out for our own interests will anger other nations. Um…as we strengthen our own economy, we will be able to do more and buy more from around the world. There is a reason that the emergency instructions on a plane tell you to put your own mask on first. You are not good to anyone if you are passed out. And we cannot do much for other countries if our finances are out of order.

Although, as we mentioned. “Buy American”" requirement have existed for years, this latest “Buy American” language specifically applies to projects that are enacted as part of the stimulus bill. Plus, as the Associated Press just reported yesterday, there is threshold: there is a waiver of the “Buy American” provision when buying stateside would increase project expenses by more than 25 percent. So as you can see the “Buy American” clause does have its limits.

Perhaps the opponents of the clause have not fully grasped just how serious the situation is here. People in this country need jobs and they needed them yesterday. While we certainly do not want to upset anyone, no one will take care of America like America. The rest of the world certainly is not going to shy away from doing what is necessary to protect their economy. Why should we?

Spoonlidz - Just great idea!



Good idea of packaging designed by the company Spoonlidz today under license. This supplier for ice maker pot for children devised a lid that transforms into a small spoon to make a simple bending

New - Packaging method ! love this brand



At a time when brands attract more and more by the design of their packaging, maintenance products and are exposed with ambition in the living rooms of the house. The British brand Method just surfing on that trend by offering an elegant detergent bathroom with a space to store the sponge.

A different way to think about creative genius: Elizabeth Gilbert on TED.com

Futura x Clarks Originals - Wallabee - Black & Paint Splatters



Wanna look a bit fresher than Stash did at last month’s launch even for his collabo with Lacoste? Look no further than another project from the graffiti legend, this time in conjunction with another European power. As we showed you back in November, Stash has laid his personal touch upon another pair of Clarks Originals flagship model, the Wallabee. We mistakenly reported that these joints are canvas but have found that the traditional suede upper is actually in use atop the signature crepe rubber sole. Whatever the fabric, these joints are ready for you now: some sizes at STLESS, the whole slew to follow soon at Britain’s own SCHUH. Good look to SnkrFrkr on the UK drop.

Samurai Sword Handle Umbrella



Your dreams of becoming a samurai assassin might not come true, but you can always represent with this umbrella that has a samurai sword handle. Pick it up at ThinkGeek for $30.


DC Comics x New Era “Flash” New Era - for the Hiphop LT...