Instead of a soap dispenser or a tray, soap-on-a-rope type contraptions are the norm in public bathrooms in S. Korea. This bar of soap shaped like a hand is an especially clever if not eery take. Wash your hands more.

One of my favorite speakers at the 99% Conference was Scott Thomas, New Media Director for Obama For America and designer of whitehouse.gov. Have a look at the Cool Hunting Video above for the essence of his talk.

For the past several months a lot of my time has been devoted to curating, planning and organizing the 99% conference and it’s finally all happening this Thursday and Friday, 16 and 17 April.

A different approach to the conference scene, we joined forces with Behance, the organizational gurus of the creative class, to look at how the inspiring art, design and culture that Cool Hunting features comes to be. We’ve assembled a diverse cast of speakers to present on the successful execution of creative ideas. Each will attest to their own unique take on productivity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their process and how their ideas come to life.

As equally inspiring perhaps as the speakers and their ideas themselves, the two-day event will be held in Renzo Piano’s new stunning NY Times Center and we’ve got a few other surprises up our sleeve.

More info is available at The 99 Percent Conference site. We’re almost sold out!

The 99% Conference
16-17 April 2009
NYTimes Center
242 West 41st Street
New York, NY 10036 map

A few weeks back I met my childhood hero, his airness, Michael Jordan, for the launch of his Air Jordan 2009. Moving away from the roman numeral naming system, which fittingly stopped with the XX3, the Jordan Brand’s new naming convention will differentiate yearly releases—so next years will be the Air Jordan 2010.

A new innovation, Articulated Propulsion Technology (APT) is incorporated in the sole of the sneaker and is said to ensure a responsive feel on the court, while satin pleats and holograms add a very Jordan-like fashion statement. The world-wide release is marked for mid-February during the NBA All-Star Weekend. Purchase it for $190.

Last week I caught up with the Chicago-native and lead designer on the Air Jordan 2009, Jason Mayden (pictured above left). Starting as a design intern with the Jordan Brand, Mayden worked his way up the ranks and now proves to be a pivotal figure with the company going forward. A charismatic individual who works hard, keep an eye out for things to come from Mr. Mayden.

What was the inspiration for this shoe and how is it different than the past 23 varieties?
The way MJ played defense along with martial arts and fencing were the main inspirations for the shoe. I was also inspired by the luxury and sophistication of high fashion along with individuality and complexity of Chihuly blown-glass. I believe that the AIR JORDAN 2009 is the next chapter of the brand and a total embodiment of what we can do as a brand.

Why fencing?

Fencing is human chess–the ultimate defensive sport. It’s about positioning and moving your opponent so that you can overcome and defeat him. This is the way that MJ played defense. A lot has been made about his high-flying dunks and the 55 that he put on the Knicks in the Garden, but few people remember that he was an INCREDIBLE defensive player. He was on the all NBA Defensive First-Team nine times in his career.

How was it, as a Chicago native, to work with his Airness?
Being from Chicago, designing the AIR JORDAN 2009 is a dream come true.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
Creating a new Jordan is like rewriting the US Constitution with each shoe being a living museum. The challenge is that you have to give consumers what they cannot envision. People notice Jordans because they are looking for them.

What are your thoughts on the new Kobe low-top shoe?

Nike is always innovative and on the next level so it doesn’t come as a surprise. I don’t know about low-tops for the NBA, but his viral campaign for the shoe is off the chain. I laughed so hard that I cried when I saw him on top of that horse!

What’s next for you, the Jordan Brand and Jordan 2010?
You are going to have to wait and see. But the AIR JORDAN 2009 is the best thing that you will buy this year.

I’ve been looking for a bath mat for some time now and I think this might be the one. Designed by Nguyen La Chanh, the steam and water drippings that all bathrooms experience is enough to keep this piece of turf alive.

Soft and cushy when dry, if you can avoid it from getting too soggy I’m sure it would feel pretty good to step out on after a shower. Most likely one of the first forms of plant life to show up on earth, placing it in the modern day bathroom offers an interesting dichotomy.

A living and breathing addition to an otherwise stale room, the moss will also filter air keeping the room a bit more fresh. I’m sure you could use a bit of that.

via Yanko

Taking the candy necklace to the next level is this Gummy Bear Chandelier by YaYa Chou. Part of a series of works, check out his other Gummy Bear pieces on his site.

I hope they are made with the original Haribo Gummy Bears. Nothing matches Haribo’s freshness, taste and chewiness. Yum.

A while back I met with artist Anthony Burrill—check out the interview at Cool Hunting—and he gifted me one of his iconic prints. Simple and to the point, they are words to live by.

A creative who’s incredibly productive, Burrill is consistently involved in several projects. Check out his newest works at A.B.LOG which is updated daily.

Turkey sandwich anyone?