With the resurgence of hippy-era “make love, not war” messages, I am surprised to see that certain artists are making weaponry seem, well, awesome. From mustached stuffed toys to mounted animals, two such creative minds are taking drastically different approaches. While Los Angeles-based artist Michelle Valigura is charming anti-violence activists with her cute Concealed Weapons Plush Line (check out the pirate grenade!), San Francisco’s Peter Gronquist is combining the world of hunting and ghetto bling with his incredible weapon sculptures (yes, they’re painted with real gold). I mean, I’m firmly against violence, but I find myself strangely drawn to the dark side with these designs.

Something I always wonder about when it comes to creativity is the quandary over when to do one’s work. I’ve always found that great work doesn’t necessarily mean hours of forced concentration. Sure, that has it’s place when you’re talking about delivering on a project, but more often than not I find creative pursuits to be more about catching a wave – a right place, right time kind of thing. When is that time for you? Do you fancy yourself an early morning lark, a night owl or just somewhere in between? And why do we always use birds for these metaphors anyways? It’s like either way we just want to tell people we’re fly.

I know I’m not a lark. I detest mornings and can’t understand why I’d need to talk to anyone before 9AM. Hit me up at 1:37AM and that’s cool though. Even if I establish a sleep pattern to be functional in the early morning, it never feels as good as starting the day a bit later. The thing I’ll readily admit is I enjoy aspiring to be a night person. There’s a certain sexiness that follows the label and I love how it feels to create something you believe is brilliant in the late hours. I’m about to sound like I’m just getting high every night, but it’s as if the daytime is gridlocked with interference from everyone going about their business. At night, my mind is free to breathe and use any transmission or channel I’d like. But enough about me. Who do you think is the most productive…creative…awesome?

Gluttony Trousers? Sons of Britches? King Smut’s Pants? While they may sound like the stuff great jokes are made of, these kooky-sounding clothes are actually part of a design company’s collections. Betabrand, based in San Francisco, is infamous for releasing a creative idea each week, and I always look forward to what these guys dream up next. They have a knack for creating a kick-ass product around a need that exists (expanding pants for when you want to stuff your face, for example), but sounds crazy when you say it out loud. Needless to say, I wasn’t surprised in the slightest when I discovered what they’re currently cooking up. This week they’re auctioning off a single pair of pants – Envy Pants, rightly named – golden trousers that the kids at Betabrand are advertising as “possessing libidinal forces more powerful than the mighty Nile.” The bidding starts at $7 and the auction ends August 27 (that’s this Friday). I may not be an expert on men’s fashion, but I highly doubt there’s anything sexier then shiny slacks… or a man with the confidence to pull them off.

Charles Bergquist has been hiding behind his camera for too long. The California filmmaker, designer and photographer is ready to bust loose. And for good reason. Charles might not have a resume but his portfolio leads me to believe he’s on the cusp of something truly amazing. You heard it here first, this guy is going places.

The selection of iPhone 4 cases is dismal at best but Incase is ready to change that. Today, they announced a special edition slider case in collaboration with Colette that features an awesome illustration by New York-based artist Craig Redman. It’s Darcel, Redman’s quirky, one-eyed glasses-wearing character of internet fame expressing his love for two fashion capitals of the world. The case is limited to 300 and available September 10th at Opening Ceremony in New York, Collete in Paris and online at goincase.com. Yeah to finally getting rid of this ugly bumper!

It’s the best advice – don’t forget to breathe. Whether you’re facing adversity or working up the courage to speak in public, take a few breaths. It’ll lower your blood pressure and look amazing on your bedroom wall. That’s of course, assuming you buy William Dohman’s sign, which is hand-cut from recycled aged plywood and available on his awesome Etsy store.

As you may have heard, Dave is leaving town after 12 years for his native New York. As such, we’re declaring today Dave Brown Day in San Diego. From managing Album Leaf and running Better Looking Records to owning an art gallery and founding Holiday Matinee, Dave has inspired and motivated so many of us in many different ways. For me he’s been a great friend who even in the worst times, didn’t let me dwell too long in negativity. His optimism is infectious and I’m a better person for having known him. While it won’t be the same no longer working beside him each day, I am excited for all the new opportunities he’ll have in NYC.

We’re going to do our best and celebrate Dave’s awesome 12 years here at Starlite Lounge tonight. We’d be absolutely stoked if you can come out and help us give him the send-off he deserves. So cancel your plans, break a few hearts and spend the night on the back patio at Starlite. The event starts at 8PM so let’s pack the place before Dave arrives. Tonight’s not a night to be fashionably late!